Latest Records
Newest first across public DOJ and U.S. Attorney press releases.
13 October 2020
Former Office Manager Sentenced to More Than 5 Years in Federal Prison for Stealing $790,600Read the Press Release
Orlando, Florida – U.S. District Judge Paul G. Byron has sentenced Richard Barrett Dale Walker (38, The Villages) to five years and five months in federal prison for wire fraud and bank fraud. Walker was also ordered to pay $790,600 in restitution and an $839,305.30 forfeiture order.
Walker had pleaded guilty on June 23, 2020.
According to court documents, Walker was the part-time office manager of a locally owned business where he worked 10 hours a week and was responsible for paying bills and managing the finances of the business. He was paid $500 per week. Walker also had two companies of his own: RBD Distributors LLC and Shotgun Shooting Supply LLC.
Walker’s scheme consisted of two parts. First, from January 2014 to July 3, 2018, Walker used the business’s bank account, without authorization, to write $751,824.29 in checks to himself and his two companies. In total, there were more than 500 checks, ranging from $145.89 to $16,981.03, each of which included the forged signature of the owner of the business.
The second part of the scheme occurred from March 19 to July 3, 2018. During that time period, Walker used the business’s personal and corporate credit cards to charge $301,328.65 in fraudulent/unauthorized credit card transactions that were paid to Walker’s company, RBD Distributors. Walker sometimes paid for those credit card transactions by writing a check or initiating a transfer from the business’s bank account.
Walker engaged in a series of actions to hide and cover up his fraudulent scheme including changing the address for the business’s credit card statements from the actual location of the business to the address of a relative of Walker (so that the owner of the business would no longer receive credit card statements); adding himself as “Treasurer” of the business by sending an annual report to the Florida Secretary of State that falsely represented that he had that position with the company; adding his email and phone number to an account for the business’s corporate card; and adding an email address to another of the business’s corporate cards.
After deducting the amounts returned by Walker during his scheme and the reversal of some of the unauthorized credit card charges, the total amount of restitution in the case is $790,600.
This case was investigated by the United States Postal Inspection Service and the United States Secret Service. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg.
Former Inmate Arrested in Scheme to Use Drones to Smuggle Contraband into Fort Dix Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
TRENTON, N.J. – A Hudson County, New Jersey, man was arrested for conspiring to use drones to smuggle contraband, including tobacco and cell phone chargers, into the federal correctional facility at Fort Dix, and for possessing with the intent to distribute narcotics, U.S. Attorney Craig Carpenito announced today.
Jason Arteaga Loayza, a/k/a “Juice,” 29, of Jersey City, New Jersey, was charged by complaint in November 2019 with one count of conspiring to smuggle contraband and to defraud the United States and one count of possessing with the intent to distribute a substance containing heroin and fentanyl. Arteaga was arrested on Oct. 12, 2020, in Vermont by federal marshals, and is scheduled to have his initial appearance on Oct. 14, 2020, before U.S. Magistrate John M. Conroy in Burlington, Vermont, federal court.
According to the documents filed in this case:
The U.S. Department of Justice, Office of Inspector General (DOJ-OIG), obtained evidence that Arteaga, an inmate at Fort Dix from June 2017 to September 2018, participated in multiple drone deliveries of contraband meant for inmates between October 2018 and April 2019.
On Oct. 30, 2018, Fort Dix officers observed a drone with a fishing line hovering above the rooftop of a housing unit. Underneath the hatch to the rooftop, which had the bolts removed, responding officers recovered a bag that contained tobacco, cell phone chargers, and USB charging cables. In the same area officers found a cell phone that was likely used to coordinate the drone drop, which was in frequent communication with Arteaga leading up to the drop. An inmate found near the rooftop hatch had wet knees, consistent with being on the wet rooftop to retrieve the contraband package. Arteaga’s iCloud account contained screenshots of google search results for “fort dix weather” in October 2018 and screenshots of live chats with CC-1 taken days before the drop in which the inmate appeared to be inside of Fort Dix and wearing a prison uniform.
A few days earlier, Jersey City police officers had encountered a man in the common area of Arteaga’s residence with multiple plastic bags containing numerous cell phones. The man told police that he came to the address to meet Juice.
During a search of Arteaga’s residence in June 2019, agents discovered a kitchen closet with packages of empty cell phone boxes, cell phone chargers, empty boxes of SIM cards, and several phones, including a box that had been shipped to Arteaga the day before the drop. The kitchen closet also contained a tobacco box consistent with the tobacco that had been recovered in drone drops. Each of the drone drops that followed the Oct. 30, 2018, drop contained cell phones or cell phone equipment, and one additional drone drop contained tobacco. Arteaga also had a suitcase in his bedroom that contained his driver’s license, 20 packets of Suboxone Sublingual Film, a prescription opiate, and a plastic bag containing over 21 grams of a substance containing heroin and fentanyl.
One of the cell phones obtained during the search of Arteaga’s residence contained communications with a contact saved as “Adogfy,” in which Arteaga and Adogfy likely coordinated drone drops on Fort Dix. For example, the phone showed communications and a call between Arteaga and Adogfy on April 15, 2019; the next morning, a package of contraband with a cord attached to it was found in Fort Dix. The package contained packets of Hydroxycut drink mix, vacuum-sealed bags of tobacco, cellphone batteries, reading glasses, and a cell phone. On April 22, 2019, Adogfy sent Arteaga a photo that appeared to be an aerial shot of Fort Dix. Approximately two minutes later, Arteaga sent back the same photo marked with two yellow lines, and a message: “Behind the buildind [sic] where the yellow is the long yellow line is a fence.” Approximately one minute later, Adogfy sent Arteaga another aerial photo that appeared to be Fort Dix, with orange target marks over several housing units. Arteaga responded with the same photo, marked with a black dot behind a particular housing unit, and a message stating, “Black dot.” Later that week, Arteaga sent Adogfy a message asking, “U think that u cud do something 2m.” Adogfy responded, “2m too windy 20 mph.”
Two other men, Adrian Goolcharran, a/k/a “Adrian Ahoda” and “Adrian Ajoda,” and Nicolo Denichilo, have also been charged with participating in the scheme to use drones to smuggle contraband into Fort Dix. They have been released on bail pending further proceedings.
The offenses charged in the complaint carry a maximum penalty of five years in prison and maximum fine of $250,000 for the conspiracy count and 20 years in prison and a $1 million fine for the narcotics count.
U.S. Attorney Carpenito credited agents of DOJ-OIG, New Jersey area office, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Guido Modano; the U.S. Air Force Office of Special Investigations, Detachment 307, under the direction of Superintendent Jonathan Jackson; and the U.S. Department of Transportation – Office of Inspector General, Northeast Region, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Douglas Shoemaker, with the investigation leading to the charges.
He also thanked Federal Bureau of Prisons personnel at Fort Dix, under the direction of Warden David Ortiz; agents of the FBI, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge George M. Crouch Jr.; investigating agents of the U.S. Attorney’s Office, under the direction of Supervisory Special Agent Thomas J. Mahoney; and officers with the Pemberton Borough Police Department, under the direction of Chief Edward Hunter; the Pemberton Township Police Department, under the direction of Chief David Jantas; and Chesterfield Township Police Department, under the direction of Chief Kyle Wilson, for their assistance.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Cari Fais and Jeffrey Manis of the Office’s Special Prosecutions Division in Newark.
The charges and allegations contained in the complaints are merely accusations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Forestville Man Sentenced to 20 Years in Prison Following Child Pornography ConvictionRead the Press Release
CONTACT: Barbara Burns
PHONE: (716) 843-5817
FAX #: (716) 551-3051BUFFALO, N.Y. - U.S. Attorney James P. Kennedy, Jr. announced today that Richard C. Miller, 53, of Forestville, NY, who was previously convicted of receipt and possession of child pornography, was sentenced to serve 20 years in prison and lifetime supervised release by U.S. District Judge Lawrence J. Vilardo.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Jonathan P. Cantil, who handled the case, stated that between 2006 and 2009, Miller produced child pornography by filming himself engaged in a sexual act with a minor. Between January 2016 and March 2017, Miller and co-defendant Joseph Harvey exchanged images of child pornography and engaged in illicit discussions regarding child pornography and pedophilia. In addition, a search of the residence shared by the defendants revealed multiple electronic devices that contained child pornography.
Joseph Harvey was previously convicted and sentenced to serve 96 months in prison.
The sentencing is the result of an investigation by Homeland Security Investigations, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Kevin Kelly.
# # # #
Felon Indicted on Drug and Gun ChargesRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, PA – A resident of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on charges of violating drug trafficking and federal firearms laws, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.
The six-count Indictment named Raymar McKenzie, age 32, as the sole defendant.
According to the Indictment, on or about August 12, August 19, September 15, and September 18, 2020, McKenzie possessed and distributed a quantity of cocaine base and fentanyl. The Indictment also alleges that on or about September 18, 2020, the defendant possessed a firearm and ammunition in furtherance of this drug trafficking crime. McKenzie, a convicted felon, is prohibited by Federal law from possessing a firearm.
The law provides for a maximum total sentence of not more than life imprisonment, a fine of $8,500,000 or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant United States Attorney Brendan J. McKenna is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The Allegheny County Police Narcotics conducted the investigation leading to the Indictment in this case.
This prosecution is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), 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.
An indictment is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Federal prison sentence strikes 'Loretta Lightningbolt' for witness-tamperingRead the Press Release
SAVANNAH, GA: A Bryan County woman who admitted to tampering with a witness in a child sexual coercion investigation has been sentenced to nearly six years in federal prison.
Lori Wilson, a/k/a “Loretta Lightningbolt,” 35, of Richmond Hill, Ga., was sentenced to 70 months in prison by U.S. District Court Judge William T. Moore Jr. after pleading guilty to Tampering with a Victim or Witness, said Bobby L. Christine, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Georgia. Wilson is required to pay $20,000 in restitution to the victim, and after completion of her sentence, she will be required to serve three years of supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system.
Wilson’s husband, Michael Wilson, 37, of Richmond Hill, Ga., pled guilty in U.S. District Court to Attempted Coercion of a Minor to Engage in Sexual Activity and is awaiting sentencing. Lori Wilson admitted that she tried to persuade Michael Wilson’s victim to recant the accusations that he attempted to coerce the minor to engage in illegal sexual activity from 2017 through early 2019. She also admitted withholding information from investigators.
“It takes tremendous bravery for a victim to come forward, particularly when that victim is a child,” said U.S. Attorney Christine. “Lori Wilson further victimized this child by attempting to persuade the victim that it had all been a dream, when Wilson knew she was compounding the child’s nightmarish victimization.”
Michael Wilson, an active duty member of the military, also is charged with seven violations of the Uniform Code of Military Justice, Article 120(b), Rape and Sexual Assault of a Child. These charges are pending and relate to multiple minor victims.
“It is unconscionable to think that two adults would team up against a defenseless child who showed incredible courage to come forward with allegations of sexual abuse,” said Chris Hacker, Special Agent in Charge of FBI Atlanta. “No matter how many years Lori Wilson spends in prison, it will never make up for the years of trauma suffered by the child she and her husband victimized.”
“We are very pleased with today’s sentencing,” said Chris Grey, spokesperson for the U.S. Army Criminal Investigation Command. “We take allegations of witness tampering and sexual abuse extremely seriously, especially in cases involving children. Working closely with our law enforcement partners, we will continue to root out this type of crime.”
The cases are being investigated by the FBI and by the U.S. Army Criminal Investigation Command, and prosecuted for the United States by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Katelyn Semales and Jennifer G. Solari.
Federal Grand Jury Returns Superseding Indictment Charging Cruise Ship Crew Member with Sexual Assault and Hate CrimeRead the Press Release
St. Thomas, USVI – On October 8, 2020, a federal Grand Jury in St. Thomas returned a two-count superseding indictment against Louie Ison Mangampat, 37, of the Philippines, charging him with one count of aggravated sexual abuse and one count of committing a hate crime, United States Attorney Gretchen Shappert announced.
The indictment stems from Mangampat allegedly sexually assaulting a crew member on board a Celebrity cruise ship in September of 2019. The superseding indictment adds the hate crime offense to the original Grand Jury indictment previously returned on November 7, 2019. Under federal law, Mangampat faces a maximum sentence of up to life in prison and a maximum $250,000 fine.
United States Attorney Shappert reminds the public that an indictment is merely a formal charging document and is not evidence of guilt. Every defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
This case is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of investigations and the Virgin Islands Police Department. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Everard E. Potter.
Fairview Heights Man Charged with Child Pornography PossessionRead the Press Release
Michael M. Rapa, 67, of Fairview Heights, Illinois, was arraigned yesterday in federal court on a three-count indictment charging him with possessing prepubescent child pornography (two counts) and possessing child pornography. According to the indictment, on Nov. 2 and Nov. 30, 2017, Rapa knowingly possessed computers that contained prepubescent child pornography. The indictment further alleges that, on Dec. 12, 2017, Rapa knowingly possessed a hard drive that contained child pornography. Rapa has pleaded not guilty to the charges.
An indictment is merely a formal charge against a defendant. Under the law, a defendant is presumed to be innocent of a charge beyond a reasonable doubt to the satisfaction of a jury.
If convicted of possessing prepubescent child pornography, Rapa faces a penalty of not more than 20 years imprisonment. For possession of child pornography, Rapa could receive as much as 10 years in prison. All three counts carry a maximum fine of $250,000 and supervised release from five years to life. Trial is presently scheduled for Dec. 17, 2020, in Benton, Illinois.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May
2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc.
For more information about internet safety education, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc and click on the tab “resources.”The case was investigated by the Fairview Heights Police Department and the Department of Homeland
Security, Homeland Security Investigations, and is being prosecuted by Assistant
U.S. Attorney Angela Scott.Dominican National Pleads Guilty to Fentanyl and Heroin TraffickingRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Dominican national pleaded guilty today in federal court in Boston to heroin and fentanyl possession and distribution charges.
Juan Santos Roque, 48, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute, and to possess with intent to distribute, one kilogram or more of heroin and 400 grams or more of fentanyl and one count of possession with intent to distribute one kilogram or more of heroin and 400 grams or more of fentanyl. U.S. District Judge Richard G. Stearns scheduled sentencing for Feb. 17, 2021. Santos Roque has been in federal custody since his arrest on Oct. 21, 2019.
According to court documents, Santos Roque’s co-defendant, James De La Cruz, arranged for the sale of 10 kilograms of fentanyl and six kilograms of heroin to a confidential informant for the government at a hotel in Peabody. De La Cruz and Santos Roque drove from New York and arrived separately at the meeting location. Santos Roque had stored 16 kilograms of heroin and fentanyl in a hidden compartment in his vehicle. When Santos Roque arrived at the hotel parking lot, he met with the confidential informant and handed over the 16 separate drug packages. Agents then took both men into custody.
The charges of conspiracy to distribute and possession with intent to distribute one kilogram or more of heroin and 400 grams or more of fentanyl carry a mandatory minimum sentence of ten years in prison, a maximum sentence of life imprisonment, a maximum fine of $10 million, and a term of supervised release of at least five years to follow the prison sentence. 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 Michael Shea, Acting Special Agent in Charge, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) in Boston, made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was provided by the Massachusetts State Police and the Peabody Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephen W. Hassink of Lelling’s Narcotics and Money Laundering Unit is prosecuting the case.
Department of Justice Forecasts an Increase in Counter Unmanned Aerial Systems (C-UAS) Protection Activities and Criminal Enforcement ActionsRead the Press Release
The Department of Justice (DOJ) today announced the protection activities undertaken by the FBI to counter the threat posed by Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) at certain National Special Security Events (NSSEs), Special Events Assessment Rating (SEAR) events, and select mass gatherings throughout the country over the past fiscal year. DOJ and the FBI are publicizing protection activities in an effort to deter careless and criminal UAS operators in light of an anticipated increase in enforcement activity in response to the misuse of UAS.
The Preventing Emerging Threats Act of 2018 (codified at 6 U.S.C. § 124n) provides DOJ a tailored grant of authority for authorized DOJ components such as the FBI to take appropriate and lawful action against unmanned aircraft or unmanned aircraft systems that threaten the safety and security of the public, covered facilities and assets, and DOJ missions, consistent with the Constitution, applicable federal laws and regulations, and department policy.
“Drones are an amazing technology that offer great commercial promise, but they also present a serious challenge to ensuring public safety,” said Deputy Attorney General Jeffrey A. Rosen. “As events return during and after this global pandemic, we will be out in force where needed, collaborating with our partners from the Federal Aviation Administration and the Department of Homeland Security, to protect the public from unsafe, careless, or malicious drone operators.”
From Oct. 1, 2019, to Sept. 30, 2020, the FBI has provided counter-UAS support at dozens of events, including national level sporting events such as Super Bowl LIV in Miami, the 2019 World Series, and the 2020 Rose Bowl Game, as well as at other major events that draw large crowds like Washington, D.C.’s A Capitol Fourth and New York City’s New Year’s celebration. During this period, the FBI has detected over 200 UAS unlawfully flying in national security airspace restricted by the Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration at such events, and has taken corrective action.
“The FBI is heavily invested in ensuring public safety at special events and we are engaged, with our federal, state, and local partners, to ensure UAS do not pose a threat to these events,” said FBI Executive Assistant Director Terry Wade. “The FBI remains committed to identifying, investigating, and disrupting the careless or criminal use of UAS.”
Operators who violate the national security-related flight restrictions put in place to protect these events risk facing criminal charges. This past fiscal year authorities arrested and charged drone operators with violating a national defense airspace Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR), in violation of 49 U.S.C. § 46307. For example, in the lead up to Super Bowl LIV, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Florida charged two drone operators with flying drones in national defense airspace.
In addition, the FBI has seized about a dozen UAS based on violations of flight restrictions at events during fiscal year 2020.
The department is particularly committed to preventing and prosecuting the increased use of drones for criminal purposes. Last October, Eric Lee Brown was sentenced to 48 months in federal prison after attempting to use a drone to deliver marijuana to a state prison in Georgia. In March of this year, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of New Jersey announced charges against two men for conspiring to smuggle contraband into a federal correctional facility using drones. These two cases illustrate the department’s effort to prevent, deter, and prosecute the use of drones to smuggle contraband into federal and state prisons.
The department is also committed to prosecuting drone operators who use unmanned aircraft to facilitate violence. The five-year prison sentence imposed last month on Jason Muzzicato, who used an unregistered drone to drop improvised explosive devices in the Eastern District of Pennsylvania, among other offenses, reflects this commitment.
On Sept. 28, 2020 the U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon announced that two individuals were charged with flying a drone within national defense airspace during civil disorder events in Portland, Oregon.
The department has expanded its use of counter-UAS technology and anticipates that, if violations still occur, its prosecutions will continue to increase. As UAS become more common in our everyday lives, and offer many potential benefits, the need to operate UAS responsibly is paramount.
Department of Justice Charges More Than 14,200 Defendants with Firearms-Related Crimes in FY20Read the Press Release
TALLAHASSEE, FLORIDA – Today, the Department of Justice announced it has charged more than 14,200 defendants with firearms-related crimes during Fiscal Year (FY) 2020, despite the challenges of COVID 19 and its impact on the criminal justice process. These cases have been a Department priority since November 2019 when Attorney General William P. Barr announced his commitment to investigating, prosecuting, and combatting gun crimes as a critical part of the Department’s anti-violent crime strategy. These firearms-related charges are the result of the critical law enforcement partnership between United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, led by Acting Director Regina Lombardo, who has made firearms-related investigations a priority.
The 14,200 cases charged include a number of significant cases presented throughout the Northern District of Florida, announced United States Attorney Lawrence Keefe.
“Combatting gun violence continues to be a priority throughout the Northern Florida District,” said U.S. Attorney Keefe. “From Pensacola, through Tallahassee and down to Gainesville, we are partnering with our local, state and federal law enforcement partners to protect our communities by prosecuting criminals who contribute to the epidemic of gun violence. It’s important to understand that we aren’t just focusing on those that pull the triggers. If you buy, sell or even possess a firearm illegally, we are coming after you, too.”
Under federal law, it is illegal to possess a firearm if you fall into one of nine prohibited categories including being a felon, illegal alien, or unlawful user of a controlled substance. Further, it is unlawful to possess a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking offense or violent crime. It is also illegal to purchase – or even to attempt to illegally purchase - firearms if the buyer is a prohibited person or illegally purchasing a firearm on behalf of others. Lying on ATF Form 4473, which is used to lawfully purchase a firearm, is also a federal offense.
“The number one priority of government is to keep its citizens safe,” said Attorney General Barr. “By preventing firearms from falling into the hands of individuals who are prohibited from having them, we can stop violent crime before it happens. Violating federal firearms laws is a serious crime and offenders face serious consequences. The Department of Justice is committed to investigating and prosecuting individuals who illegally buy, sell, use, or possess firearms. Reducing gun violence requires a coordinated effort, and we could not have charged more than 14,000 individuals with firearms-related crimes without the hard work of the dedicated law enforcement professionals at the ATF, our U.S. Attorneys’ Offices across the country, and especially all of our state and local law enforcement partners.”
“Protecting the public from violent crime involving firearms is at the core of ATF’s mission,” commented ATF Acting Director Regina Lombardo. “Every day the men and women of ATF pursue and investigate those who use firearms to commit violent crimes in our communities, many of whom are prohibited from possessing firearms from previous convictions. ATF, in collaboration with the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices across the nation, is committed to bringing these offenders to justice for their egregious and violent criminal acts.”
The Department is committed to prosecuting these firearms offenses as well as using all modern technologies available to law enforcement such as the National Integrated Ballistic Information Network, known as NIBIN, to promote gun crime intelligence. Keeping illegal firearms out of the hands of violent criminals will continue to be a priority of the Department of Justice and we will use all appropriate, available means to keep the law abiding people of this country safe from gun crime.
For more information on the lawful purchasing of firearms, please see: https://www.atf.gov/qa-category/atf-form-4473.
The United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida is one of 94 offices that serve as the nation’s principal litigators under the direction of the Attorney General. To access public court documents online, please visit the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida website. For more information about the United States Attorney’s Office, Northern District of Florida, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/fln/index.html.
Press Release - Gun ViolenceDOJ charges more than 14,200 defendants with firearms-related crimes in FY20Read the Press Release
ATLANTA – The Department of Justice announced it has charged more than 14,200 defendants with firearms-related crimes during Fiscal Year (FY) 2020, despite the challenges of COVID 19 and its impact on the criminal justice process. These cases have been a Department priority since November 2019 when Attorney General William P. Barr announced his commitment to investigating, prosecuting, and combatting gun crimes as a critical part of the Department’s anti-violent crime strategy. These firearms-related charges are the result of the critical law enforcement partnership between United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
“The number one priority of government is to keep its citizens safe,” said Attorney General Barr. “By preventing firearms from falling into the hands of individuals who are prohibited from having them, we can stop violent crime before it happens. Violating federal firearms laws is a serious crime and offenders face serious consequences. The Department of Justice is committed to investigating and prosecuting individuals, who illegally buy, sell, use, or possess firearms. Reducing gun violence requires a coordinated effort, and we could not have charged more than 14,000 individuals with firearms-related crimes without the hard work of the dedicated law enforcement professionals at the ATF, our U.S. Attorneys’ Offices across the country, and especially all of our state and local law enforcement partners.”
“Our office is committed to combating gun crimes by leveraging federal, state, local law enforcement and community partnerships to comprehensively target these offenses,” said U.S. Attorney Byung J. “BJay” Pak. “In the Northern District of Georgia, we are especially focused on efforts to address domestic violence offenses involving firearms, given the alarming increase in domestic violence since the pandemic began.”
“Protecting the public from violent crime involving firearms is at the core of ATF’s mission,” commented ATF Acting Director Regina Lombardo. “Every day the men and women of ATF pursue and investigate those who use firearms to commit violent crimes in our communities, many of whom are prohibited from possessing firearms from previous convictions. ATF, in collaboration with the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices across the nation, is committed to bringing these offenders to justice for their egregious and violent criminal acts.”
Of the more than 14,200 cases charged, 336 cases have been brought by the Northern District of Georgia, announced U.S. Attorney Pak.
Under federal law, it is illegal to possess a firearm if you fall into one of nine prohibited categories including being a felon, illegal alien, or unlawful user of a controlled substance. Further, it is unlawful to possess a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking offense or violent crime. It is also illegal to purchase – or even to attempt to illegally purchase - firearms if the buyer is a prohibited person or illegally purchasing a firearm on behalf of others. Lying on ATF Form 4473, which is used to lawfully purchase a firearm, is also a federal offense.
The Department is committed to prosecuting these firearms offenses as well as using all modern technologies available to law enforcement such as the National Integrated Ballistic Information Network, known as NIBIN, to promote gun crime intelligence. Keeping illegal firearms out of the hands of violent criminals will continue to be a priority of the Department of Justice and we will use all appropriate, available means to keep the law abiding people of this country safe from gun crime.
For more information on the lawful purchasing of firearms, please see: https://www.atf.gov/qa-category/atf-form-4473.
For further information please contact the U.S. Attorney’s Public Affairs Office at [email protected] or (404) 581-6016. The Internet address for the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Georgia is http://www.justice.gov/usao-ndga.
DOJ charges more than 14,200 defendants with firearms related crimes in FY20Read the Press Release
Seattle–Today, the Department of Justice announced it has charged more than 14,200 defendants with firearms-related crimes during Fiscal Year (FY) 2020, despite the challenges of COVID-19 and its impact on the criminal justice process. These cases have been a Department priority since November 2019 when Attorney General William P. Barr announced his commitment to investigating, prosecuting, and combatting gun crimes as a critical part of the Department’s anti-violent crime strategy. These firearms-related charges are the result of the critical law enforcement partnership between United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, led by Acting Director Regina Lombardo, who has made firearms-related investigations a priority.
“The number one priority of government is to keep its citizens safe,” said Attorney General Barr. “By preventing firearms from falling into the hands of individuals who are prohibited from having them, we can stop violent crime before it happens. Violating federal firearms laws is a serious crime, and offenders face serious consequences. The Department of Justice is committed to investigating and prosecuting individuals who illegally buy, sell, use, or possess firearms. Reducing gun violence requires a coordinated effort, and we could not have charged more than 14,000 individuals with firearms-related crimes without the hard work of the dedicated law enforcement professionals at the ATF, our U.S. Attorneys’ Offices across the country, and especially all of our state and local law enforcement partners.”
“Protecting the public from violent crime involving firearms is at the core of ATF’s mission,” commented ATF Acting Director Regina Lombardo. “Every day the men and women of ATF pursue and investigate those who use firearms to commit violent crimes in our communities, many of whom are prohibited from possessing firearms from previous convictions. ATF, in collaboration with the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices across the nation, is committed to bringing these offenders to justice for their egregious and violent criminal acts.”
“In addition to cases involving illegal firearms possession, our office has also placed a priority on prosecuting those who attempt to purchase guns illegally, such as ‘lie and buy’ cases, those who try to import silencers from overseas, and those who illegally manufacture machine guns and untraceable ‘ghost guns,’” said U.S Attorney Moran. “Our work relies on our partnerships with federal agencies as well as local law enforcement working together to defeat gun violence.”
Of the more than 14,200 cases charged, 73 cases have been brought by the Western District of Washington announced U.S. Attorney Moran.
Under federal law, it is illegal to possess a firearm if you fall into one of nine prohibited categories including being a felon, illegal alien, or unlawful user of a controlled substance. Further, it is unlawful to possess a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking offense or violent crime. It is also illegal to purchase--or even to attempt to purchase illegally--firearms if the buyer is a prohibited person or illegally purchasing a firearm on behalf of others. Lying on ATF Form 4473, which is used to purchase a firearm lawfully, is also a federal offense. The Department is committed to prosecuting these firearms offenses, as well as using all modern technologies available to law enforcement, such as the National Integrated Ballistic Information Network, known as NIBIN, to promote gun crime intelligence. Keeping illegal firearms out of the hands of violent criminals will continue to be a priority of the Department of Justice, and we will use all appropriate, available means to keep the law abiding people of this country safe from gun crime.
For more information on the lawful purchasing of firearms, please see: https://www.atf.gov/qa-category/atf-form-4473.
DOJ charges more than 14,200 defendants with federal firearms-related crimes in FY20Read the Press Release
Today, the Department of Justice announced that it has charged more than 14,200 defendants with federal firearms-related crimes during Fiscal Year (FY) 2020, despite the challenges of COVID-19 and its impact on the criminal justice process. Federal firearms cases have been a Department priority since November 2019 when Attorney General William P. Barr announced his commitment to investigating, prosecuting, and combatting gun crimes as a critical part of the Department’s anti-violent crime strategy.
“The number one priority of government is to keep its citizens safe,” said Attorney General Barr. “By preventing firearms from falling into the hands of individuals who are prohibited from having them, we can stop violent crime before it happens. Violating federal firearms laws is a serious crime and offenders face serious consequences. The Justice Department is committed to investigating and prosecuting individuals who illegally buy, sell, use, or possess firearms. Reducing gun violence requires a coordinated effort, and we could not have charged more than 14,000 individuals with firearms-related crimes without the hard work of the dedicated law enforcement professionals at the ATF, our U.S. Attorneys’ Offices across the country, and especially all of our state and local law enforcement partners.”
In the Northern District of Ohio, 328 defendants have been charged by federal prosecutors in FY 2020, announced U.S. Attorney Justin Herdman.
“Each and every illegal firearm we can remove from the hands of a criminal helps to reduce violent crime and makes our communities throughout Northern Ohio safer,” said U.S. Attorney Justin Herdman. “Thanks to the tireless work of law enforcement and our federal partners, and initiatives such as Operation Legend, we are able to hold accountable those who illegally possess or purchase a firearm.”
Under federal law, it is illegal to possess a firearm if you fall into one of nine prohibited categories including, being a felon, illegal alien, or unlawful user of a controlled substance. Further, it is unlawful to possess a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking offense or violent crime.
It is also illegal to purchase – or even to attempt to illegally purchase - firearms if the buyer is a prohibited person or illegally purchasing a firearm on behalf of others. Lying on ATF Form 4473, which is used to lawfully purchase a firearm, is also a federal offense.
“Protecting the public from violent crime involving firearms is at the core of ATF’s mission,” commented ATF Acting Director Regina Lombardo. “Every day the men and women of ATF pursue and investigate those who use firearms to commit violent crimes in our communities, many of whom are prohibited from possessing firearms from previous convictions. ATF, in collaboration with the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices across the nation, is committed to bringing these offenders to justice for their egregious and violent criminal acts.”
The Department is committed to prosecuting these firearms offenses as well as using all modern technologies available to law enforcement such as the National Integrated Ballistic Information Network, known as NIBIN, to promote gun crime intelligence. Keeping illegal firearms out of the hands of violent criminals will continue to be a priority and the Department will use all appropriate, available means to keep law-abiding people safe from gun crime.
Notable federal firearms prosecutions from the past fiscal year include:
Sydney Mullens, age 37, of Conneaut. Mullens pleaded guilty to one count of felon in possession of a firearm in July of 2020 and was sentenced before Judge James S. Gwin to 100 months imprisonment. During a search of the vehicle that Mullens was operating, police officers found in her possession a semiautomatic shotgun and three lever-action rifles. Mullens was prohibited from possessing a firearm due to a previous felony conviction of burglary in 2008. Mullens had also previously been convicted of burglary and assault of a Peace Officer.
Jaquar Keyshoure Latimer, age 43, of Akron. Latimer was found guilty during a jury trial of possession with intent to distribute cocaine and possession of firearms as a convicted felon on August 23, 2020 and was sentenced before Judge Sara Lioi to 199 months imprisonment. Latimer, while on supervised release from federal prison after serving a sentence for a conviction of felon in possession of a firearm, was found in possession of several firearms and drugs. Latimer was prohibited from possessing a firearm due to previous convictions of being a felon in possession of a firearm, sexual battery, aggravated assault, and drug possession.
Tyrone Hoskins, age 30, of Toledo. Hoskins pleaded guilty to one count of felon in possession of a firearm in November of 2019 and was sentenced before Judge James G. Carr to 63 months imprisonment. Hoskins, a leader of a street gang in Toledo, was found in possession of a .50 caliber rifle and silencer. Hoskins was prohibited from possessing a firearm due to a previous felony conviction of reckless homicide.
In Cleveland, in response to the rise in violent crime involving drug and firearms offenses, Operation Legend was announced on July 29, 2020.
Elsewhere, Operation Red-Zone was launched in various cities in the Northern District over the Labor Day holiday weekend to help prevent and prosecute violent crime involving firearms.
For more information on the lawful purchasing of firearms, please see: https://www.atf.gov/qa-category/atf-form-4473.
DOJ Charges over 14,200 Defendants with Firearms-Related Crimes in FY20Read the Press Release
ALEXANDRIA, Va. – Today the Department of Justice announced it has charged more than 14,200 defendants with firearms-related crimes during Fiscal Year (FY) 2020, despite the challenges of COVID-19 and its impact on the criminal justice process.
These cases have been a Department priority since November 2019 when Attorney General William P. Barr announced his commitment to investigating, prosecuting, and combatting gun crimes as a critical part of the Department’s anti-violent crime strategy. These firearms-related charges are the result of the critical law enforcement partnership between U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), led by Acting Director Regina Lombardo, who has made firearms-related investigations a priority.
“The number one priority of government is to keep its citizens safe,” said Attorney General Barr. “By preventing firearms from falling into the hands of individuals who are prohibited from having them, we can stop violent crime before it happens. Violating federal firearms laws is a serious crime and offenders face serious consequences. The Department of Justice is committed to investigating and prosecuting individuals who illegally buy, sell, use, or possess firearms. Reducing gun violence requires a coordinated effort, and we could not have charged more than 14,000 individuals with firearms-related crimes without the hard work of the dedicated law enforcement professionals at the ATF, our U.S. Attorneys’ Offices across the country, and especially all of our state and local law enforcement partners.”
“Protecting the public from violent crime involving firearms is at the core of ATF’s mission,” commented ATF Acting Director Regina Lombardo. “Every day the men and women of ATF pursue and investigate those who use firearms to commit violent crimes in our communities, many of whom are prohibited from possessing firearms from previous convictions. ATF, in collaboration with the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices across the nation, is committed to bringing these offenders to justice for their egregious and violent criminal acts.”
“Combatting violent crime has been a top priority for the Eastern District of Virginia,” said United States Attorney, G. Zachary Terwilliger. “With the critical support of our federal, state, and local law enforcement partners, we have surged resources to those areas hardest hit by firearms violence: Richmond, Petersburg, and the Peninsula. A critical part of this work has been prioritizing cases for federal prosecution such as the straw purchasing of firearms, felons in possession of firearms, and use of a firearm during a drug trafficking or violent crime offense. We will remain steadfast in this work until all of the Eastern District’s communities can walk out their front doors without constant fear of criminal crossfire.”
Of the more than 14,200 cases charged, over 200 defendants have been charged here in the Eastern District of Virginia.
Under federal law, it is illegal to possess a firearm if you fall into one of nine prohibited categories including being a felon, illegal alien, or unlawful user of a controlled substance. Further, it is unlawful to possess a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking offense or violent crime. It is also illegal to purchase – or even to attempt to illegally purchase - firearms if the buyer is a prohibited person or illegally purchasing a firearm on behalf of others. Lying on ATF Form 4473, which is used to lawfully purchase a firearm, is also a federal offense. The Department is committed to prosecuting these firearms offenses as well as using all modern technologies available to law enforcement such as the National Integrated Ballistic Information Network, known as NIBIN, to promote gun crime intelligence. Keeping illegal firearms out of the hands of violent criminals will continue to be a priority of the Department of Justice and we will use all appropriate, available means to keep the law abiding people of this country safe from gun crime.
For more information on the lawful purchasing of firearms, please see: https://www.atf.gov/qa-category/atf-form-4473.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia.
DOJ Charges More Than 14,200 Defendants with Firearms-Related Crimes in Fy20Read the Press Release
Montgomery, Alabama – Today, the Department of Justice announced it has charged more than 14,200 defendants with firearms-related crimes during Fiscal Year (FY) 2020, despite the challenges of COVID 19 and its impact on the criminal justice process. These cases have been a Department priority since November 2019 when Attorney General William P. Barr announced his commitment to investigating, prosecuting, and combatting gun crimes as a critical part of the Department’s anti-violent crime strategy. These firearms-related charges are the result of the critical law enforcement partnership between United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, led by Acting Director Regina Lombardo, who has made firearms-related investigations a priority.
Of the cases charged nationwide, the Middle District of Alabama has brought 78 cases, announced United States Attorney Louis V. Franklin, Sr. In a recent example, a convicted felon from Florida was prosecuted for threatening a Montgomery, Alabama hotel worker with a gun following a dispute between the two. As the defendant was leaving the hotel, she leaned across the passenger seat, where her young child was sitting and crying hysterically, pointed a gun at the clerk through the passenger window and threatened to shoot her in the face. The defendant was sentenced to 33 months in federal prison.
“My office places an emphasis on prosecuting firearms cases for one simple reason, it saves lives.” stated U.S. Attorney Franklin. “The reality is that most of the violent crime in our communities is committed by repeat offenders. By holding felons and drug traffickers accountable for using firearms, we are attacking the problem head on while removing dangerous individuals from the streets. We will continue to work with our federal, state, and local partners to identify and prosecute the most serious threats to our communities.”
“The number one priority of government is to keep its citizens safe,” said Attorney General Barr. “By preventing firearms from falling into the hands of individuals who are prohibited from having them, we can stop violent crime before it happens. Violating federal firearms laws is a serious crime and offenders face serious consequences. The Department of Justice is committed to investigating and prosecuting individuals who illegally buy, sell, use, or possess firearms. Reducing gun violence requires a coordinated effort, and we could not have charged more than 14,000 individuals with firearms-related crimes without the hard work of the dedicated law enforcement professionals at the ATF, our U.S. Attorneys’ Offices across the country, and especially all of our state and local law enforcement partners.”
“Protecting the public from violent crime involving firearms is at the core of ATF’s mission,” commented ATF Acting Director Regina Lombardo. “Every day the men and women of ATF pursue and investigate those who use firearms to commit violent crimes in our communities, many of whom are prohibited from possessing firearms from previous convictions. ATF, in collaboration with the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices across the nation, is committed to bringing these offenders to justice for their egregious and violent criminal acts.”
Under federal law, it is illegal to possess a firearm if you fall into one of nine prohibited categories including being a felon, illegal alien or unlawful user of a controlled substance. Further, it is unlawful to possess a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking offense or violent crime. It is also illegal to purchase – or even to attempt to illegally purchase - firearms if the buyer is a prohibited person or illegally purchasing a firearm on behalf of others. Lying on ATF Form 4473, which is used to lawfully purchase a firearm, is also a federal offense. The Department is committed to prosecuting these firearms offenses as well as using all modern technologies available to law enforcement such as the National Integrated Ballistic Information Network, known as NIBIN, to promote gun crime intelligence. Keeping illegal firearms out of the hands of violent criminals will continue to be a priority of the Department of Justice and we will use all appropriate, available means to keep the law abiding people of this country safe from gun crime.
For more information on the lawful purchasing of firearms, please see: https://www.atf.gov/qa-category/atf-form-4473.
DOJ Charges More Than 14,200 Defendants with Firearms-Related Crimes in FY20; Southern District of California Charged 107 DefendantsRead the Press Release
Assistant U. S. Attorneys Andrew R. Haden (619) 546-6961 and Timothy D. Coughlin (619) 546-6768
NEWS RELEASE SUMMARY – October 13, 2020
SAN DIEGO – The Department of Justice announced today it has charged more than 14,200 defendants with firearms-related crimes during Fiscal Year (FY) 2020, despite the challenges of COVID 19 and its impact on the criminal justice process.
These cases have been a Department priority since November 2019 when Attorney General William P. Barr announced his commitment to investigating, prosecuting, and combatting gun crimes as a critical part of the Department’s anti-violent crime strategy. These firearms-related charges are the result of the critical law enforcement partnership between United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, led by Acting Director Regina Lombardo, who has made firearms-related investigations a priority.
“The number one priority of government is to keep its citizens safe,” said Attorney General Barr. “By preventing firearms from falling into the hands of individuals who are prohibited from having them, we can stop violent crime before it happens. Violating federal firearms laws is a serious crime and offenders face serious consequences. The Department of Justice is committed to investigating and prosecuting individuals who illegally buy, sell, use, or possess firearms. Reducing gun violence requires a coordinated effort, and we could not have charged more than 14,000 individuals with firearms-related crimes without the hard work of the dedicated law enforcement professionals at the ATF, our U.S. Attorneys’ Offices across the country, and especially all of our state and local law enforcement partners.”
“Protecting the public from violent crime involving firearms is at the core of ATF’s mission,” commented ATF Acting Director Regina Lombardo. “Every day the men and women of ATF pursue and investigate those who use firearms to commit violent crimes in our communities, many of whom are prohibited from possessing firearms from previous convictions. ATF, in collaboration with the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices across the nation, is committed to bringing these offenders to justice for their egregious and violent criminal acts.”
“Each violent crime committed with a gun has a ripple effect that causes an entire community to feel vulnerable and fearful. For that reason, reducing gun violence and enforcing federal firearms laws remain top priorities in this district,” said U.S. Attorney Robert Brewer. “We are determined to make our communities safer by aggressively pursuing any individual who has acquired, possessed, or used a firearm in violation of federal law.”
Of the more than 14,200 defendants charged, 107 were prosecuted for federal firearms violations by the U.S. Attorney’s Office in the Southern District of California.
Under federal law, it is illegal to possess a firearm if you fall into one of nine prohibited categories including being a felon, illegal alien, or unlawful user of a controlled substance. Further, it is unlawful to possess a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking offense or violent crime. It is also illegal to purchase – or even to attempt to illegally purchase - firearms if the buyer is a prohibited person or illegally purchasing a firearm on behalf of others. Lying on ATF Form 4473, which is used to lawfully purchase a firearm, is also a federal offense.
In the Southern District of California, the majority of firearms cases were brought against felons who unlawfully possessed firearms. In the last year, however, there was also an increased effort to prosecute individuals who were in possession of firearms in violation of a domestic violence restraining order.
For example, in October 2019, a San Diego Superior Court judge imposed a domestic violence restraining order upon Daniel Anthony Fischbeck. According to the criminal complaint, the restraining order explicitly prohibited Fischbeck from possessing firearms. On January 1, 2020, Fischbeck was arrested after violating the restraining order for the second time. At the time of Fischbeck’s arrest, a Springfield XD .45 caliber handgun was found in his car. He was then charged federally for several federal firearms offenses. Fischbeck recently pleaded guilty in federal court to being a methamphetamine addict while in possession of the Springfield handgun, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 922(g)(3). Fischbeck is set to be sentenced in federal court on November 2, 2020. U.S. v. Fischbeck, 20-CR-479-LAB.
The focus on domestic violence and firearms is supported by recent crime data. In September, a report by the San Diego Association of Governments, also known as SANDAG, revealed that the San Diego region saw a 3 percent increase in domestic violence in the first half of 2020 over the same period last year. SANDAG’s data shows more notable increases in domestic violence in certain local communities: Santee (18 percent); El Cajon (18 percent); and National City (74 percent). Meanwhile, statistics cited by the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence indicate that one in three female murder victims are killed by intimate partners and that an abuser’s access to a firearm increases the risk of femicide by at least 400 percent.
The Department of Justice is committed to prosecuting these firearms offenses as well as using all modern technologies available to law enforcement such as the National Integrated Ballistic Information Network, known as NIBIN, to promote gun crime intelligence. Keeping illegal firearms out of the hands of violent criminals will continue to be a priority of the Department of Justice and we will use all appropriate, available means to keep the law abiding people of this country safe from gun crime.
For more information on the lawful purchasing of firearms, please see: https://www.atf.gov/qa-category/atf-form-4473.
DOJ Charges More Than 14,200 Defendants with Firearms-Related Crimes in FY2020Read the Press Release
Today, the Department of Justice and U.S. Attorney Trent Shores announced charges against more than 14,200 defendants with firearms-related crimes during Fiscal Year (FY) 2020, despite the challenges of COVID 19 and its impact on the criminal justice process. These cases have been a Department priority since November 2019 when Attorney General William P. Barr announced his commitment to investigating, prosecuting, and combatting gun crimes as a critical part of the Department’s anti-violent crime strategy. These firearms-related charges are the result of the critical law enforcement partnership between United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, led by Acting Director Regina Lombardo, who has made firearms-related investigations a priority.
“The number one priority of government is to keep its citizens safe,” said Attorney General Barr. “By preventing firearms from falling into the hands of individuals who are prohibited from having them, we can stop violent crime before it happens. Violating federal firearms laws is a serious crime and offenders face serious consequences. The Department of Justice is committed to investigating and prosecuting individuals who illegally buy, sell, use, or possess firearms. Reducing gun violence requires a coordinated effort, and we could not have charged more than 14,000 individuals with firearms-related crimes without the hard work of the dedicated law enforcement professionals at the ATF, our U.S. Attorneys’ Offices across the country, and especially all of our state and local law enforcement partners.”
“When we prosecute a person for illegally possessing a gun, we are often preventing a violent crime from occurring. That’s a victory for every Oklahoman and our business community,” said U.S. Attorney Trent Shores. “This past year my prosecutors charged over 100 defendants with firearms-related crimes in the Northern District of Oklahoma. These defendants included felons, domestic abusers, unlawful immigrants, and drug abusers who illegally possessed firearms and ammo. Moving forward, as part of our 2150 Initiative, we are focusing our efforts on criminals who use guns during crimes, individuals who lie on firearms transaction forms, and straw purchasers who acquire firearms for prohibited persons.”
Persons illegally possessing firearms not only threaten the public safety, but also threaten the officers who encounter them. At a press conference in September, U.S. Attorney Shores, ATF Assistant Director of Field Operations Thomas Chittum, Tulsa Police Chief Wendell Franklin, and Tulsa Mayor G.T. Bynum announced the 2150 Initiative, which aims to hold accountable prohibited persons who possess firearms and those who help them acquire firearms. The initiative was named in honor of Tulsa Police Sergeant Craig Johnson, who was shot and killed during a traffic stop by a multi-convicted felon who possessed a handgun. Also critically wounded in the June traffic stop was Officer Aurash Zarkeshan, who continues to recover from his injuries. At the press conference, U.S. Attorney Shores also announced charges filed against defendant Jakob Garland who allegedly traded the gun to the shooter in exchange for heroin.
In a separate case, defendant Jonathan David Kelley was charged in September with being a felon in possession of a firearm and with being a drug user (methamphetamine) in possession of a firearm. The charges stemmed from an incident where Broken Arrow Police Officers encountered the defendant allegedly disoriented and waving around a gun in public. The defendant also allegedly pointed the gun at two civilians earlier in the day. According to the affidavit, Kelley refused the officers’ commands to drop the firearm and continued walking away, cycling the firearm and telling officers he “had a round in the chamber.” Kelley also pointed his gun in the direction of an officer who arrived during the incident. Officers were eventually able to apprehend and arrest the defendant safely and collect the Glock 17 pistol with a round in the chamber. In a separate incident involving Kelley and the Tulsa Police Department, officers answered a domestic violence call on Aug. 29, 2020, where the defendant allegedly made threats through the door to officers and walked around with a gun, working the slide to unload and load rounds.
In FY2021, the U.S. Attorney’s Office continues to charge defendants with firearms-related crimes. So far, 11 additional defendants have been charged. A second grand jury will convene the week of Oct. 19-23.
“Protecting the public from violent crime involving firearms is at the core of ATF’s mission,” commented ATF Acting Director Regina Lombardo. “Every day the men and women of ATF pursue and investigate those who use firearms to commit violent crimes in our communities, many of whom are prohibited from possessing firearms from previous convictions. ATF, in collaboration with the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices across the nation, is committed to bringing these offenders to justice for their egregious and violent criminal acts.”
Under federal law, it is illegal to possess a firearm if you fall into one of nine prohibited categories, including being a felon, illegal alien, or unlawful user of a controlled substance. Further, it is unlawful to possess a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking offense or violent crime. It is also illegal to purchase – or even to attempt to illegally purchase - firearms if the buyer is a prohibited person or illegally purchasing a firearm on behalf of others. Lying on ATF Form 4473, which is used to lawfully purchase a firearm, is also a federal offense. The Department is committed to prosecuting these firearms offenses as well as using all modern technologies available to law enforcement such as the National Integrated Ballistic Information Network, known as NIBIN, to promote gun crime intelligence. Keeping illegal firearms out of the hands of violent criminals will continue to be a priority of the Department of Justice and we will use all appropriate, available means to keep the law abiding people of this country safe from gun crime.
For more information on the lawful purchasing of firearms, please see: https://www.atf.gov/qa-category/atf-form-4473
DOJ Charges More Than 14,200 Defendants with Firearms-Related Crimes in FY20Read the Press Release
SACRAMENTO, Calif. – Today, the Department of Justice announced it has charged more than 14,200 defendants with firearms-related crimes during Fiscal Year (FY) 2020, despite the challenges of COVID 19 and its impact on the criminal justice process. These cases have been a Department priority since November 2019 when Attorney General William P. Barr announced his commitment to investigating, prosecuting, and combatting gun crimes as a critical part of the Department’s anti-violent crime strategy. These firearms-related charges are the result of the critical law enforcement partnership between United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, led by Acting Director Regina Lombardo, who has made firearms-related investigations a priority.
“The number one priority of government is to keep its citizens safe,” said Attorney General Barr. “By preventing firearms from falling into the hands of individuals who are prohibited from having them, we can stop violent crime before it happens. Violating federal firearms laws is a serious crime and offenders face serious consequences. The Department of Justice is committed to investigating and prosecuting individuals, who illegally buy, sell, use, or possess firearms. Reducing gun violence requires a coordinated effort, and we could not have charged more than 14,000 individuals with firearms-related crimes without the hard work of the dedicated law enforcement professionals at the ATF, our U.S. Attorneys’ Offices across the country, and especially all of our state and local law enforcement partners.”
“Protecting the public from violent crime involving firearms is at the core of ATF’s mission,” commented ATF Acting Director Regina Lombardo. “Every day the men and women of ATF pursue and investigate those who use firearms to commit violent crimes in our communities, many of whom are prohibited from possessing firearms from previous convictions. ATF, in collaboration with the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices across the nation, is committed to bringing these offenders to justice for their egregious and violent criminal acts.”
“Our office has a strong track record of working with our federal, state and local partners to prosecute cases aimed at reducing violent crime in our cities and counties,” said U.S. Attorney McGregor W. Scott. “We have developed a model that targets the most violent offenders and gangs plaguing counties in our district, and we have focused on stemming the tide of illegal firearms flowing into our communities, prosecuting those who manufacture, distribute, and possess those weapons.”
Of the more than 14,200 cases charged, 94 cases have been brought by the Eastern District of California, announced U.S. Attorney Scott.
Under federal law, it is illegal to possess a firearm if you fall into one of nine prohibited categories including being a felon, illegal alien, or unlawful user of a controlled substance. Further, it is unlawful to possess a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking offense or violent crime. It is also illegal to purchase – or even to attempt to illegally purchase - firearms if the buyer is a prohibited person or illegally purchasing a firearm on behalf of others. Lying on ATF Form 4473, which is used to lawfully purchase a firearm, is also a federal offense. The Department is committed to prosecuting these firearms offenses as well as using all modern technologies available to law enforcement such as the National Integrated Ballistic Information Network, known as NIBIN, to promote gun crime intelligence. Keeping illegal firearms out of the hands of violent criminals will continue to be a priority of the Department of Justice and we will use all appropriate, available means to keep the law abiding people of this country safe from gun crime.
For more information on the lawful purchasing of firearms, please see: https://www.atf.gov/qa-category/atf-form-4473.
DOJ Charges More Than 14,200 Defendants with Firearms-Related Crimes in FY20Read the Press Release
LEXINGTON, Ky. - The Department of Justice announced on Monday that it has charged more than 14,200 defendants nationally with firearms-related crimes during Fiscal Year (FY) 2020, despite the challenges of COVID 19 and its impact on the criminal justice process.
These cases have been a Department priority since November 2019 when Attorney General William P. Barr announced his commitment to investigating, prosecuting, and combatting gun crimes as a critical part of the Department’s anti-violent crime strategy. These firearms-related charges are the result of the critical law enforcement partnership between United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, led by Acting Director Regina Lombardo, who has made firearms-related investigations a priority.
“The number one priority of government is to keep its citizens safe,” said Attorney General Barr. “By preventing firearms from falling into the hands of individuals who are prohibited from having them, we can stop violent crime before it happens. Violating federal firearms laws is a serious crime and offenders face serious consequences. The Department of Justice is committed to investigating and prosecuting individuals who illegally buy, sell, use, or possess firearms. Reducing gun violence requires a coordinated effort, and we could not have charged more than 14,000 individuals with firearms-related crimes without the hard work of the dedicated law enforcement professionals at the ATF, our U.S. Attorneys’ Offices across the country, and especially all of our state and local law enforcement partners.”
“Protecting the public from violent crime involving firearms is at the core of ATF’s mission,” commented ATF Acting Director Regina Lombardo. “Every day the men and women of ATF pursue and investigate those who use firearms to commit violent crimes in our communities, many of whom are prohibited from possessing firearms from previous convictions. ATF, in collaboration with the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices across the nation, is committed to bringing these offenders to justice for their egregious and violent criminal acts.”
Of the more than 14,200 defendants charged, 184 defendants have been brought by Eastern District of Kentucky, announced U.S. Attorney Robert M. Duncan Jr.
“Combatting violent crime remains a fundamental priority for our Office,” said U.S Attorney Duncan. “Strong partnerships between federal, state, and local law enforcement have resulted in numerous violent offenders being removed from our communities, making us all safer. While we certainly recognize there is more work to be done, we are resolute in our commitment to protecting the public through enforcement and prosecution of federal firearms violations and violent crime.”
Under federal law, it is illegal to possess a firearm if you fall into one of nine prohibited categories, including being a convicted felon, illegal alien, or unlawful user of a controlled substance. Further, it is unlawful to possess a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking offense or violent crime. It is also illegal to purchase – or even to attempt to illegally purchase – firearms, if the buyer is a prohibited person or is illegally purchasing a firearm on behalf of others. Lying on ATF Form 4473, which is used to lawfully purchase a firearm, is also a federal offense. The Department is committed to prosecuting these firearms offenses as well as using all modern technologies available to law enforcement such as the National Integrated Ballistic Information Network, known as NIBIN, to promote gun crime intelligence. Keeping illegal firearms out of the hands of violent criminals will continue to be a priority of the Department of Justice and we will use all appropriate, available means to keep the people of this country safe from gun crime.
For more information on the lawful purchasing of firearms, please see: https://www.atf.gov/qa-category/atf-form-4473.
— END —
DOJ Charges More Than 14,200 Defendants with Firearms-Related Crimes in FY20Read the Press Release
GREENSBORO, N.C. – Today, the Department of Justice announced it has charged more than 14,200 defendants with firearms-related crimes during Fiscal Year (FY) 2020, despite the challenges of COVID 19 and its impact on the criminal justice process. These cases have been a Department priority since November 2019 when Attorney General William P. Barr announced his commitment to investigating, prosecuting, and combatting gun crimes as a critical part of the Department’s anti-violent crime strategy. These firearms-related charges are the result of the critical law enforcement partnership between United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, led by Acting Director Regina Lombardo, who has made firearms-related investigations a priority.
“The number one priority of government is to keep its citizens safe,” said Attorney General Barr. “By preventing firearms from falling into the hands of individuals who are prohibited from having them, we can stop violent crime before it happens. Violating federal firearms laws is a serious crime and offenders face serious consequences. The Department of Justice is committed to investigating and prosecuting individuals who illegally buy, sell, use, or possess firearms. Reducing gun violence requires a coordinated effort, and we could not have charged more than 14,000 individuals with firearms-related crimes without the hard work of the dedicated law enforcement professionals at the ATF, our U.S. Attorneys’ Offices across the country, and especially all of our state and local law enforcement partners.”
“Protecting the public from violent crime involving firearms is at the core of ATF’s mission,” commented ATF Acting Director Regina Lombardo. “Every day the men and women of ATF pursue and investigate those who use firearms to commit violent crimes in our communities, many of whom are prohibited from possessing firearms from previous convictions. ATF, in collaboration with the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices across the nation, is committed to bringing these offenders to justice for their egregious and violent criminal acts.”
“We are committed to combatting violent crime and increasing the safety of the citizens in every neighborhood of the Middle District,” said United States Attorney
Martin. “Our office prosecuted 258 firearm cases in the last 12 months. These cases involve ‘impact’ defendants, many of whom have a history of violent crime or affiliation with a violent group. Our violent crime partnership with local law enforcement through Project Safe Neighborhoods and Project Guardian is strong. The message is simple: break federal gun laws in this district, and you will get federal time.”
Under federal law, it is illegal to possess a firearm if you fall into one of nine prohibited categories including being a felon, illegal alien, or unlawful user of a controlled substance. Further, it is unlawful to possess a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking offense or violent crime. It is also illegal to purchase – or even to attempt to illegally purchase - firearms if the buyer is a prohibited person or illegally purchasing a firearm on behalf of others. Lying on ATF Form 4473, which is used to lawfully purchase a firearm, is also a federal offense. The Department is committed to prosecuting these firearms offenses as well as using all modern technologies available to law enforcement such as the National Integrated Ballistic Information Network, known as NIBIN, to promote gun crime intelligence. Keeping illegal firearms out of the hands of violent criminals will continue to be a priority of the Department of Justice and we will use all appropriate, available means to keep the law abiding people of this country safe from gun crime.
For more information on the lawful purchasing of firearms, please see: https://www.atf.gov/qa-category/atf-form-4473.
###
DOJ Charges More Than 14,200 Defendants with Firearms-Related Crimes in FY20Read the Press Release
CEDAR RAPIDS, IA – Today, the Department of Justice announced it has charged more than 14,200 defendants with firearms-related crimes during Fiscal Year (FY) 2020, despite the challenges of COVID 19 and its impact on the criminal justice process. These cases have been a Department priority since November 2019 when Attorney General William P. Barr announced his commitment to investigating, prosecuting, and combatting gun crimes as a critical part of the Department’s anti-violent crime strategy. These firearms-related charges are the result of the critical law enforcement partnership between United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, led by Acting Director Regina Lombardo, who has made firearms-related investigations a priority.
“The number one priority of government is to keep its citizens safe,” said Attorney General Barr. “By preventing firearms from falling into the hands of individuals who are prohibited from having them, we can stop violent crime before it happens. Violating federal firearms laws is a serious crime and offenders face serious consequences. The Department of Justice is committed to investigating and prosecuting individuals who illegally buy, sell, use, or possess firearms. Reducing gun violence requires a coordinated effort, and we could not have charged more than 14,000 individuals with firearms-related crimes without the hard work of the dedicated law enforcement professionals at the ATF, our U.S. Attorneys’ Offices across the country, and especially all of our state and local law enforcement partners.”
“Protecting the public from violent crime involving firearms is at the core of ATF’s mission,” commented ATF Acting Director Regina Lombardo. “Every day the men and women of ATF pursue and investigate those who use firearms to commit violent crimes in our communities, many of whom are prohibited from possessing firearms from previous convictions. ATF, in collaboration with the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices across the nation, is committed to bringing these offenders to justice for their egregious and violent criminal acts.”
“Unlawful gun possession leads to violence. And our office’s top priority is the safety of Iowa’s citizens,” said United States Attorney Peter Deegan. “Our goal is to prevent gun violence by prosecuting those who unlawfully possess guns and ammunition -- including felons, drug users and domestic abusers. We will also hold accountable anyone who knowingly buys a gun for someone who cannot lawfully possess one.”
Of the more than 14,200 cases charged, 164 cases have been brought by the Northern District of Iowa, announced U.S. Attorney Peter Deegan.
Under federal law, it is illegal to possess a firearm if you fall into one of nine prohibited categories including being a felon, illegal alien, or unlawful user of a controlled substance. Further, it is unlawful to possess a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking offense or violent crime. It is also illegal to purchase – or even to attempt to illegally purchase - firearms if the buyer is a prohibited person or illegally purchasing a firearm on behalf of others. Lying on ATF Form 4473, which is used to lawfully purchase a firearm, is also a federal offense. The Department is committed to prosecuting these firearms offenses as well as using all modern technologies available to law enforcement such as the National Integrated Ballistic Information Network, known as NIBIN, to promote gun crime intelligence. Keeping illegal firearms out of the hands of violent criminals will continue to be a priority of the Department of Justice and we will use all appropriate, available means to keep the law abiding people of this country safe from gun crime.
For more information on the lawful purchasing of firearms, please see: https://www.atf.gov/qa-category/atf-form-4473.
DOJ Charges More Than 14,200 Defendants with Firearms-Related Crimes in FY20Read the Press Release
RALEIGH– Today, the Department of Justice announced it has charged more than 14,200 defendants with firearms-related crimes during Fiscal Year (FY) 2020, despite the challenges of COVID 19 and its impact on the criminal justice process. These cases have been a Department priority since November 2019 when Attorney General William P. Barr announced his commitment to investigating, prosecuting, and combatting gun crimes as a critical part of the Department’s anti-violent crime strategy. These firearms-related charges are the result of the critical law enforcement partnership between United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, led by Acting Director Regina Lombardo, who has made firearms-related investigations a priority.
“The number one priority of government is to keep its citizens safe,” said Attorney General Barr. “By preventing firearms from falling into the hands of individuals who are prohibited from having them, we can stop violent crime before it happens. Violating federal firearms laws is a serious crime and offenders face serious consequences. The Department of Justice is committed to investigating and prosecuting individuals who illegally buy, sell, use, or possess firearms. Reducing gun violence requires a coordinated effort, and we could not have charged more than 14,000 individuals with firearms-related crimes without the hard work of the dedicated law enforcement professionals at the ATF, our U.S. Attorneys’ Offices across the country, and especially all of our state and local law enforcement partners.”
“Protecting the public from violent crime involving firearms is at the core of ATF’s mission,” commented ATF Acting Director Regina Lombardo. “Every day the men and women of ATF pursue and investigate those who use firearms to commit violent crimes in our communities, many of whom are prohibited from possessing firearms from previous convictions. ATF, in collaboration with the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices across the nation, is committed to bringing these offenders to justice for their egregious and violent criminal acts.”
“Over the last three years, prosecutions here in the Eastern District of North Carolina, through our ‘Take Back North Carolina’ initiative have been partnering with our elected District Attorneys and with federal, state and local law enforcement to remove violent offenders and those illegally possessing and using firearms in order to make our communities safer.”, noted Robert J. Higdon, Jr., United Sates Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina. “And they are safer because of this coordinated and sustained effort.”
Of the more than 14,200 cases charged, 421 cases have been brought by the Eastern District of North Carolina, announced U.S. Attorney Higdon.
Under federal law, it is illegal to possess a firearm if you fall into one of nine prohibited categories including being a felon, illegal alien, or unlawful user of a controlled substance. Further, it is unlawful to possess a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking offense or violent crime. It is also illegal to purchase – or even to attempt to illegally purchase - firearms if the buyer is a prohibited person or illegally purchasing a firearm on behalf of others. Lying on ATF Form 4473, which is used to lawfully purchase a firearm, is also a federal offense. The Department is committed to prosecuting these firearms offenses as well as using all modern technologies available to law enforcement such as the National Integrated Ballistic Information Network, known as NIBIN, to promote gun crime intelligence. Keeping illegal firearms out of the hands of violent criminals will continue to be a priority of the Department of Justice and we will use all appropriate, available means to keep the law abiding people of this country safe from gun crime.
For more information on the lawful purchasing of firearms, please see: https://www.atf.gov/qa-category/atf-form-4473.
###
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.
DOJ Charges More Than 14,200 Defendants with Firearms-Related Crimes in FY20Read the Press Release
ROANOKE, Virginia – Today, the Department of Justice announced it has charged more than 14,200 defendants with firearms-related crimes during Fiscal Year (FY) 2020, despite the challenges of COVID 19 and its impact on the criminal justice process. These cases have been a Department priority since November 2019 when Attorney General William P. Barr announced his commitment to investigating, prosecuting, and combatting gun crimes as a critical part of the Department’s anti-violent crime strategy. These firearms-related charges are the result of the critical law enforcement partnership between United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, led by Acting Director Regina Lombardo, who has made firearms-related investigations a priority.
“The number one priority of government is to keep its citizens safe,” said Attorney General Barr. “By preventing firearms from falling into the hands of individuals who are prohibited from having them, we can stop violent crime before it happens. Violating federal firearms laws is a serious crime and offenders face serious consequences. The Department of Justice is committed to investigating and prosecuting individuals who illegally buy, sell, use, or possess firearms. Reducing gun violence requires a coordinated effort, and we could not have charged more than 14,000 individuals with firearms-related crimes without the hard work of the dedicated law enforcement professionals at the ATF, our U.S. Attorneys’ Offices across the country, and especially all of our state and local law enforcement partners.”
“Protecting the public from violent crime involving firearms is at the core of ATF’s mission,” commented ATF Acting Director Regina Lombardo. “Every day the men and women of ATF pursue and investigate those who use firearms to commit violent crimes in our communities, many of whom are prohibited from possessing firearms from previous convictions. ATF, in collaboration with the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices across the nation, is committed to bringing these offenders to justice for their egregious and violent criminal acts.”
“Across the district we strive daily to bring impactful firearm cases and reduce violence in our communities. Recently we have redoubled our efforts to partner with the Roanoke City Police Department and federal law enforcement to share intelligence and adopt firearms cases, when possible, in the Roanoke Valley,” Acting United States Attorney Daniel P. Bubar said today. “In far Southwest Virginia, we are partnering with the Virginia State Police and ATF to target those individuals engaging in the business of selling firearms without a license. These important cases remove individuals who directly cause violence or put guns in the hands of those that do. We could not bring these cases without the close partnership of federal, state and local law enforcement, but we particularly recognize the good work of ATF, who are at the forefront of this fight.”
Of the more than 14,200 cases charged, 79 defendants have been charged in the Western District of Virginia, announced Acting United States Attorney Bubar.
Notable cases recently prosecuted in the Western District of Virginia include a number of prosecutions of felons illegally possessing firearms, straw purchases, and selling stolen firearms.
In August 2020, Luis Castano was sentenced to 96 months in prison after being convicted of illegal possession of a firearm by convicted felon. Castano, who was arrested after being pulled over for driving erratically, was found to be in possession of a Bushmaster, AR-style rifle. The rifle had a loaded, large capacity magazine containing 61 rounds of ammunition, with one round in the chamber.
In July 2020, John Webb was sentenced to 42 months in prison after being convicted of selling stolen firearms. Webb, a convicted felon, admitted to breaking into the home of a neighbor and stealing two shotguns, two rifles, and cash. Webb then took the stolen guns to Wytheville, Virginia where he sold them at a pawnshop.
In July 2020, Robert Joseph and Harold Gaines were sentenced for their roles in a conspiracy to illegally possess firearms. Joseph was sentenced to 27 months in federal prison. Gaines received a 48-month sentence.
According to court documents, Gaines paid Joseph to supply him with particular firearms and Joseph, in turn recruited, and directed, straw purchasers to obtain firearms from gun stores in the Western District of Virginia. Joseph then delivered the weapons to Gaines in Northern Virginia, Washington D.C., and Maryland. Gaines subsequently sold those weapons to others. Joseph obtained approximately 40 firearms for Gaines during the course of the conspiracy. Both Joseph and Gaines are convicted felons and are prohibited from legally possessing firearms
Under federal law, it is illegal to possess a firearm if you fall into one of nine prohibited categories including being a felon, illegal alien, or unlawful user of a controlled substance. Further, it is unlawful to possess a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking offense or violent crime. It is also illegal to purchase – or even to attempt to illegally purchase - firearms if the buyer is a prohibited person or illegally purchasing a firearm on behalf of others. Lying on ATF Form 4473, which is used to lawfully purchase a firearm, is also a federal offense. The Department is committed to prosecuting these firearms offenses as well as using all modern technologies available to law enforcement such as the National Integrated Ballistic Information Network, known as NIBIN, to promote gun crime intelligence. Keeping illegal firearms out of the hands of violent criminals will continue to be a priority of the Department of Justice and we will use all appropriate, available means to keep the law abiding people of this country safe from gun crime.
For more information on the lawful purchasing of firearms, please see: https://www.atf.gov/qa-category/atf-form-4473 .
DOJ Charges More Than 14,200 Defendants with Firearms-Related Crimes in FY20Read the Press Release
October 13, 2020– Today, the Department of Justice announced it has charged more than 14,200 defendants with firearms-related crimes during Fiscal Year (FY) 2020, despite the challenges of COVID-19 and its impact on the criminal justice process. These cases have been a Department priority since November 2019 when Attorney General William P. Barr announced his commitment to investigating, prosecuting, and combatting gun crimes as a critical part of the Department’s anti-violent crime strategy. These firearms-related charges are the result of the critical law enforcement partnership between United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, led by Acting Director Regina Lombardo, who has made firearms-related investigations a priority.
“The number one priority of government is to keep its citizens safe,” said Attorney General Barr. “By preventing firearms from falling into the hands of individuals who are prohibited from having them, we can stop violent crime before it happens. Violating federal firearms laws is a serious crime and offenders face serious consequences. The Department of Justice is committed to investigating and prosecuting individuals who illegally buy, sell, use, or possess firearms. Reducing gun violence requires a coordinated effort, and we could not have charged more than 14,000 individuals with firearms-related crimes without the hard work of the dedicated law enforcement professionals at the ATF, our U.S. Attorneys’ Offices across the country, and especially all of our state and local law enforcement partners.”
“Protecting the public from violent crime involving firearms is at the core of ATF’s mission,” commented ATF Acting Director Regina Lombardo. “Every day the men and women of ATF pursue and investigate those who use firearms to commit violent crimes in our communities, many of whom are prohibited from possessing firearms from previous convictions. ATF, in collaboration with the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices across the nation, is committed to bringing these offenders to justice for their egregious and violent criminal acts.”
United States Attorney Christina E. Nolan noted that, of the more than 14,200 cases charged nationally, the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Vermont, one of the smallest in the country, brought at least 27 firearms-related prosecutions in FY 2020, representing nearly 25% of the office’s criminal case load, notwithstanding the challenges of the pandemic. U.S. Attorney Nolan emphasized that ten of these firearms prosecutions involved a nexus to domestic violence. “Whether the defendant was an individual subject to a restraining order, an individual with a misdemeanor domestic violence conviction, a person whose prohibited status resulted from a domestic violence-related felony conviction, or an individual who attempted to obtain a firearm illegally while under indictment for a crime of domestic violence, over the past year my Office has aggressively applied the federal firearms laws to combat domestic violence in our communities. Working with our local, state, and federal law enforcement partners, we will continue to investigate and prosecute gun crimes as part of our continuing effort to reduce violent crime in Vermont.”
Of the U.S. Attorney’s Office’s gun prosecutions in FY 2020, six related to firearms possession by convicted felons; six involved possession of firearms by unlawful users of controlled substances; four involved possession of firearms by individuals subject to a restraining order; two involved possession of firearms by individuals convicted of a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence; and one involved possession of a firearm with an obliterated serial number. In addition, five defendants were charged with making false statements in connection with the acquisition or attempted acquisition of a firearm from a federally licensed firearm dealer.Eight defendants were charged with firearms offenses stemming from their possession of firearms in furtherance of drug trafficking. These cases include the prosecutions of individuals alleged to have been involved in the April 16, 2019 shooting death of Benzel Hampton in Burlington’s Old North End, as well as individuals alleged to have been involved in the October 14, 2018 shooting death of Michael Pimental near Concord, Vermont.
Under federal law, it is illegal to possess a firearm if you fall into one of nine prohibited categories including being a felon, illegal alien, or unlawful user of a controlled substance. Further, it is unlawful to possess a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking offense or violent crime. It is also illegal to purchase – or even to attempt to illegally purchase - firearms if the buyer is a prohibited person or illegally purchasing a firearm on behalf of others. Lying on an ATF Form 4473, which is used to lawfully purchase a firearm, is also a federal offense. The Department is committed to prosecuting these firearms offenses as well as using all modern technologies available to law enforcement such as the National Integrated Ballistic Information Network, known as NIBIN, to promote gun crime intelligence. Keeping illegal firearms out of the hands of violent criminals will continue to be a priority of the Department of Justice and we will use all appropriate, available means to keep the law abiding people of this country safe from gun crime.
This effort is part of Project Guardian, the Department of Justice’s signature initiative to reduce gun violence and enforce federal firearms laws. Initiated by the Attorney General in the fall of 2019, Project Guardian enhances coordination of federal, state, local, and tribal authorities in investigating and prosecuting firearm use and possession crimes; prioritizes prosecuting persons who make false statements when attempting to obtain firearms; improves information-sharing by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives concerning persons who attempt to obtain firearms illegally; coordinates responses to persons prevented from obtaining firearms for mental health reasons; and ensures the use of modern intelligence tools and technology to focus on the criminals posing the greatest threat to our communities.
For more information on the lawful purchasing of firearms, please see: https://www.atf.gov/qa-category/atf-form-4473.
DOJ Charges More Than 14,200 Defendants with Firearms-Related Crimes in FY20Read the Press Release
86 Defendants Charged in Southern District of West Virginia
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Today, the Department of Justice announced it has charged more than 14,200 defendants with firearms-related crimes during Fiscal Year (FY) 2020, despite the challenges of COVID 19 and its impact on the criminal justice process. These cases have been a Department priority since November 2019 when Attorney General William P. Barr announced his commitment to investigating, prosecuting, and combatting gun crimes as a critical part of the Department’s anti-violent crime strategy. These firearms-related charges are the result of the critical law enforcement partnership between United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), led by Acting Director Regina Lombardo, who has made firearms-related investigations a priority.
“The number one priority of government is to keep its citizens safe,” said Attorney General Barr. “By preventing firearms from falling into the hands of individuals who are prohibited from having them, we can stop violent crime before it happens. Violating federal firearms laws is a serious crime and offenders face serious consequences. The Department of Justice is committed to investigating and prosecuting individuals who illegally buy, sell, use, or possess firearms. Reducing gun violence requires a coordinated effort, and we could not have charged more than 14,000 individuals with firearms-related crimes without the hard work of the dedicated law enforcement professionals at the ATF, our U.S. Attorneys’ Offices across the country, and especially all of our state and local law enforcement partners.”
“Protecting the public from violent crime involving firearms is at the core of ATF’s mission,” commented ATF Acting Director Regina Lombardo. “Every day the men and women of ATF pursue and investigate those who use firearms to commit violent crimes in our communities, many of whom are prohibited from possessing firearms from previous convictions. ATF, in collaboration with the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices across the nation, is committed to bringing these offenders to justice for their egregious and violent criminal acts.”
“The right to bear arms pursuant to the 2nd Amendment is a critically important Constitutional right but we best protect the 2nd Amendment by enforcing federal gun laws to prevent dangerous felons and trigger pullers from causing havoc and chaos in our communities. There is truly “no better partner” than ATF when it comes to removing dangerous trigger pullers from our communities,” said United States Attorney Mike Stuart. “West Virginians are safer because of the concerted efforts of federal, state and local law enforcement to keep guns out of the hands of prohibited persons and hold violent offenders accountable for their crimes through federal prosecution.”
“Violent crime in West Virginia is often tied to the possession and use of firearms by convicted felons and those intent on committing illegal activities,” stated Special Agent in Charge R. Shawn Morrow of ATF’s Louisville Field Division which includes West Virginia. “Through task forces, which bring together local and state law enforcement, ATF is making significant strides in dismantling violent criminal organizations, reducing firearms trafficking, and stopping illegal possession of firearms from Huntington to Charleston. This is our ongoing commitment to the safety and well-being of West Virginia’s citizens.”
Of the more than 14,200 defendants charged, 86 defendants have been charged in the Southern District of West Virginia, according to U.S. Attorney Mike Stuart. Below are just a few examples of cases prosecuted in the District that have taken “trigger pullers” off of the streets. The investigative leads generated by the National Integrated Ballistic Information Network, known as NIBIN, have proven to be an invaluable resource in firearms-related prosecutions.
- John Miller, 23, of Charleston, was sentenced to 25 months in prison for making a false statement during the purchase of a firearm, possession of a firearm by a prohibited person, possession of a firearm in a school zone, and discharge of a firearm in a school zone. On April 7, 2019, Miller went to Cabela’s in Charleston, which is a licensed firearm dealer, and purchased a Taurus G2C 9 mm pistol. Prior to purchasing the firearm, he checked “no” in response to a question on the DOJ ATF Firearms Transaction Record Form 4473 indicating he was not an unlawful user of and addicted to a controlled substance, although he knew that to be a false statement as he was an unlawful user of and addicted to marijuana. Shortly after purchasing the firearm, he took it within a distance of 1,000 feet of Mary C. Snow West Side Elementary School and discharged it during a drug deal. The Charleston Police Department and the ATF conducted the investigation.
- Frankie D. McNeal, 25, was charged with and pled guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm. McNeal admitted that on October 14, 2019, he went to The Empty Glass bar in Charleston with a Glock 19 9mm pistol. While at the bar, McNeal got into an altercation with a female patron. He then went outside and discharged a round from the Glock pistol through the windshield of the female’s car. Surveillance video, DNA evidence and ballistics information from NIBIN linked McNeal and the firearm. Police responding to the incident located McNeal in a nearby alley and recovered the Glock pistol from a dumpster next to where McNeal was standing. McNeal was prohibited from possessing a firearm as a result of his September 2012 conviction of first degree robbery in Kanawha County Circuit Court. McNeal faces up to 10 years in prison when sentenced on December 2, 2020. The Charleston Police Department and the ATF conducted the investigation.
- Jordan Kinney, 23, of Charleston, was charged with and pled guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm. Kinney admitted that on June 14, 2019, he was present at the Go-Mart on Washington Street West in Charleston, and possessed a loaded Taurus 9mm caliber handgun, which he used to shoot approximately six times at another individual. He then fled the location and discarded the handgun in the front yard of a residence a few blocks away. The following day officers with the Charleston Police Department responded to the residence and recovered the same handgun. Ballistics information provided by NIBIN was critical to the success of the prosecution. Kinney was not allowed to possess the firearm because he had previously been convicted of robbery in the second degree. Kinney faces up to 10 years in prison when sentenced on October 19, 2020. The Charleston Police Department and the ATF conducted the investigation.
- Kymoni Davis, also known as “Money,” 31, of Detroit, Michigan, was indicted by a federal grand jury in January 2020 and remained a fugitive until August when law enforcement authorities apprehended him in Detroit. He was subsequently charged by superseding indictment in September 2020 with being a felon in possession of a firearm. Davis also faces state felony charges in Cabell County, in connection with a New Year’s Day shooting in Huntington at the Kulture Hookah Bar where seven people were injured. Davis has three prior felony convictions in state court in Michigan. Davis is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. If convicted, Davis faces up to 10 years in prison. The Huntington Police Department and the ATF are conducting the investigation.
Under federal law, it is illegal to possess a firearm if you fall into one of nine prohibited categories including being a felon, illegal alien, or unlawful user of a controlled substance. Further, it is unlawful to possess a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking offense or violent crime. It is also illegal to purchase – or even to attempt to illegally purchase - firearms if the buyer is a prohibited person or illegally purchasing a firearm on behalf of others. Lying on ATF Form 4473, which is used to lawfully purchase a firearm, is also a federal offense. The Department is committed to prosecuting these firearms offenses as well as using all modern technologies available to law enforcement, such as NIBIN, to promote gun crime intelligence. Keeping illegal firearms out of the hands of violent criminals will continue to be a priority of the Department of Justice and we will use all appropriate, available means to keep the law abiding people of this country safe from gun crime.
For more information on the lawful purchasing of firearms, please see: https://www.atf.gov/qa-category/atf-form-4473.
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.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia.
Follow us on Twitter: SDWVNews and USAttyStuart
# # #
DOJ Charges More Than 14,200 Defendants with Firearms-Related Crimes in Fiscal Year 2020Read the Press Release
HAMMOND – Today, the Department of Justice announced it has charged more than 14,200 defendants with firearms-related crimes during Fiscal Year (FY) 2020, despite the challenges of COVID 19 and its impact on the criminal justice process. These cases have been a Department priority since November 2019 when Attorney General William P. Barr announced his commitment to investigating, prosecuting, and combatting gun crimes as a critical part of the Department’s anti-violent crime strategy. These firearms-related charges are the result of the critical law enforcement partnership between United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, led by Acting Director Regina Lombardo, who has made firearms-related investigations a priority.
“The number one priority of government is to keep its citizens safe,” said Attorney General Barr. “By preventing firearms from falling into the hands of individuals who are prohibited from having them, we can stop violent crime before it happens. Violating federal firearms laws is a serious crime and offenders face serious consequences. The Department of Justice is committed to investigating and prosecuting individuals who illegally buy, sell, use, or possess firearms. Reducing gun violence requires a coordinated effort, and we could not have charged more than 14,000 individuals with firearms-related crimes without the hard work of the dedicated law enforcement professionals at the ATF, our U.S. Attorneys’ Offices across the country, and especially all of our state and local law enforcement partners.”
“Protecting the public from violent crime involving firearms is at the core of ATF’s mission,” commented ATF Acting Director Regina Lombardo. “Every day the men and women of ATF pursue and investigate those who use firearms to commit violent crimes in our communities, many of whom are prohibited from possessing firearms from previous convictions. ATF, in collaboration with the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices across the nation, is committed to bringing these offenders to justice for their egregious and violent criminal acts.”
“My Office has historically charged a large number of defendants with illegal firearms offenses,” said United States Attorney Thomas L. Kirsch II. “This year is no different. Despite the coronavirus pandemic, my Office has charged more defendants with firearm offenses this year than we charged during the last fiscal year. We work in coordination with our partners at the ATF, FBI and DEA, and will continue to focus on these type of crimes. Aggressively prosecuting illegal firearms offenses has a direct effect on reducing violent crime.”
Of the more than 14,200 cases charged, 208 defendants have been charged by the Northern District of Indiana, announced U.S. Attorney United States Attorney Thomas L. Kirsch II.
Under federal law, it is illegal to possess a firearm if you fall into one of nine prohibited categories including being a felon, illegal alien, or unlawful user of a controlled substance. Further, it is unlawful to possess a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking offense or violent crime. It is also illegal to purchase – or even to attempt to illegally purchase - firearms if the buyer is a prohibited person or illegally purchasing a firearm on behalf of others. Lying on ATF Form 4473, which is used to lawfully purchase a firearm, is also a federal offense. The Department is committed to prosecuting these firearms offenses as well as using all modern technologies available to law enforcement such as the National Integrated Ballistic Information Network, known as NIBIN, to promote gun crime intelligence. Keeping illegal firearms out of the hands of violent criminals will continue to be a priority of the Department of Justice and we will use all appropriate, available means to keep the law abiding people of this country safe from gun crime.
For more information on the lawful purchasing of firearms, please see: https://www.atf.gov/qa-category/atf-form-4473.
###
DOJ Charges More Than 14,200 Defendants with Firearms-Related Crimes in FY20Read the Press Release
DETROIT – Today, the Department of Justice announced it has charged more than 14,200 defendants with firearms-related crimes during Fiscal Year (FY) 2020, despite the challenges of COVID 19 and its impact on the criminal justice process. These cases have been a Department priority since November 2019 when Attorney General William P. Barr announced his commitment to investigating, prosecuting, and combatting gun crimes as a critical part of the Department’s anti-violent crime strategy. These firearms-related charges are the result of the critical law enforcement partnership between United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, led by Acting Director Regina Lombardo, who has made firearms-related investigations a priority.
“The number one priority of government is to keep its citizens safe,” said Attorney General Barr. “By preventing firearms from falling into the hands of individuals who are prohibited from having them, we can stop violent crime before it happens. Violating federal firearms laws is a serious crime and offenders face serious consequences. The Department of Justice is committed to investigating and prosecuting individuals who illegally buy, sell, use, or possess firearms. Reducing gun violence requires a coordinated effort, and we could not have charged more than 14,000 individuals with firearms-related crimes without the hard work of the dedicated law enforcement professionals at the ATF, our U.S. Attorneys’ Offices across the country, and especially all of our state and local law enforcement partners.”
“Protecting the public from violent crime involving firearms is at the core of ATF’s mission,” commented ATF Acting Director Regina Lombardo. “Every day the men and women of ATF pursue and investigate those who use firearms to commit violent crimes in our communities, many of whom are prohibited from possessing firearms from previous convictions. ATF, in collaboration with the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices across the nation, is committed to bringing these offenders to justice for their egregious and violent criminal acts.”
“Our mission is to get these illegal guns off the street before they cause even more damage in our neighborhoods, stated United States Attorney Matthew Schneider. “Despite the enormous challenges of the pandemic, our law enforcement partnership rose to the challenge and we actually filed more illegal gun cases this year than we did last year.”
Of the more than 14,200 cases charged, 189 cases have been brought by the Eastern District of Michigan, announced U.S. Attorney Matthew Schneider.
Under federal law, it is illegal to possess a firearm if you fall into one of nine prohibited categories including being a felon, illegal alien, or unlawful user of a controlled substance. Further, it is unlawful to possess a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking offense or violent crime. It is also illegal to purchase – or even to attempt to illegally purchase - firearms if the buyer is a prohibited person or illegally purchasing a firearm on behalf of others. Lying on ATF Form 4473, which is used to lawfully purchase a firearm, is also a federal offense. The Department is committed to prosecuting these firearms offenses as well as using all modern technologies available to law enforcement such as the National Integrated Ballistic Information Network, known as NIBIN, to promote gun crime intelligence. Keeping illegal firearms out of the hands of violent criminals will continue to be a priority of the Department of Justice and we will use all appropriate, available means to keep the law abiding people of this country safe from gun crime.
For more information on the lawful purchasing of firearms, please see: https://www.atf.gov/qa-category/atf-form-4473.
###
DOJ Charges More Than 14,200 Defendants with Firearms-Related Crimes in FY20Read the Press Release
Today, the Department of Justice announced it has charged more than 14,200 defendants with firearms-related crimes during Fiscal Year (FY) 2020, despite the challenges of COVID 19 and its impact on the criminal justice process. These cases have been a Department priority since November 2019 when Attorney General William P. Barr announced his commitment to investigating, prosecuting, and combatting gun crimes as a critical part of the Department’s anti-violent crime strategy. These firearms-related charges are the result of the critical law enforcement partnership between United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, led by Acting Director Regina Lombardo, who has made firearms-related investigations a priority.
“Here in the District of Minnesota, the U.S. Attorney’s Office is working with our law enforcement partners to focus resources on keeping our communities safe by reducing gun violence. This past year we have seen a 34 percent increase in the number of defendants charged with federal firearms violations over last year,” said U.S. Attorney Erica H. MacDonald. “Prosecuting violent offenders who carry guns and those who supply guns to criminals are just some of the strategies we use to help us achieve our mission of keeping Minnesotans safe.”
“The number one priority of government is to keep its citizens safe,” said Attorney General Barr. “By preventing firearms from falling into the hands of individuals who are prohibited from having them, we can stop violent crime before it happens. Violating federal firearms laws is a serious crime and offenders face serious consequences. The Department of Justice is committed to investigating and prosecuting individuals who illegally buy, sell, use, or possess firearms. Reducing gun violence requires a coordinated effort, and we could not have charged more than 14,000 individuals with firearms-related crimes without the hard work of the dedicated law enforcement professionals at the ATF, our U.S. Attorneys’ Offices across the country, and especially all of our state and local law enforcement partners.”
“Protecting the public from violent crime involving firearms is at the core of ATF’s mission,” commented ATF Acting Director Regina Lombardo. “Every day the men and women of ATF pursue and investigate those who use firearms to commit violent crimes in our communities, many of whom are prohibited from possessing firearms from previous convictions. ATF, in collaboration with the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices across the nation, is committed to bringing these offenders to justice for their egregious and violent criminal acts.”
Under federal law, it is illegal to possess a firearm if you fall into one of nine prohibited categories including being a felon, domestic abuser, illegal alien, or unlawful user of a controlled substance. Further, it is unlawful to possess a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking offense or violent crime. It is also illegal to purchase – or even to attempt to illegally purchase - firearms if the buyer is a prohibited person or illegally purchasing a firearm on behalf of others. Lying on ATF Form 4473, which is used to lawfully purchase a firearm, is also a federal offense. The Department is committed to prosecuting these firearms offenses as well as using all modern technologies available to law enforcement such as the National Integrated Ballistic Information Network, known as NIBIN, to promote gun crime intelligence. Keeping illegal firearms out of the hands of violent criminals will continue to be a priority of the Department of Justice and we will use all appropriate, available means to keep the law abiding people of this country safe from gun crime.
For more information on the lawful purchasing of firearms, please see: https://www.atf.gov/qa-category/atf-form-4473.
###
Additional news available on our website.
Follow us on Twitter and Facebook.
United States Attorney’s Office, District of Minnesota: (612) 664-5600
DOJ Charges More Than 14,200 Defendants with Firearms-Related Crimes in FY20Read the Press Release
Oxford, MS – Today, the Department of Justice announced it has charged more than 14,200 defendants with firearms-related crimes during Fiscal Year (FY) 2020, despite the challenges of COVID 19 and its impact on the criminal justice process. These cases have been a Department priority since November 2019 when Attorney General William P. Barr announced his commitment to investigating, prosecuting, and combatting gun crimes as a critical part of the Department’s anti-violent crime strategy. These firearms-related charges are the result of the critical law enforcement partnership between United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, led by Acting Director Regina Lombardo, who has made firearms-related investigations a priority.
“The number one priority of government is to keep its citizens safe,” said Attorney General Barr. “By preventing firearms from falling into the hands of individuals who are prohibited from having them, we can stop violent crime before it happens. Violating federal firearms laws is a serious crime and offenders face serious consequences. The Department of Justice is committed to investigating and prosecuting individuals who illegally buy, sell, use, or possess firearms. Reducing gun violence requires a coordinated effort, and we could not have charged more than 14,000 individuals with firearms-related crimes without the hard work of the dedicated law enforcement professionals at the ATF, our U.S. Attorneys’ Offices across the country, and especially all of our state and local law enforcement partners.”
“Protecting the public from violent crime involving firearms is at the core of ATF’s mission,” commented ATF Acting Director Regina Lombardo. “Every day the men and women of ATF pursue and investigate those who use firearms to commit violent crimes in our communities, many of whom are prohibited from possessing firearms from previous convictions. ATF, in collaboration with the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices across the nation, is committed to bringing these offenders to justice for their egregious and violent criminal acts.”
“The U.S. Attorney’s Office in the Northern District of Mississippi has a long history of aggressively prosecuting gun crimes and we will continue to work alongside our local, state and federal law enforcement partners to hold accountable those who illegally possess or transfer firearms,” stated U.S. Attorney Chad Lamar. “The partnerships that exist as a part of the Project Safe Neighborhoods and Project Guardian initiatives allow us to combine our resources and efforts in order to prevent and reduce violent gun crime and to make all of our neighborhoods safer.”
“Reducing gun violence and enforcing federal firearms laws are among our highest priorities for ensuring public safety in communities in the Northern District of Mississippi,” said ATF Oxford Field Office Resident Agent in Charge Stephen Bridgmon. “ATF has a long history of strong partnerships in the community to get crime guns off of our streets. ATF and the U.S. Attorney’s office will leverage these partnerships to cut the pipeline of crime guns possessed by those violent individuals who seek to terrorize our communities.”
Under federal law, it is illegal to possess a firearm if you fall into one of nine prohibited categories including being a felon, illegal alien, or unlawful user of a controlled substance. Further, it is unlawful to possess a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking offense or violent crime. It is also illegal to purchase – or even to attempt to illegally purchase - firearms if the buyer is a prohibited person or illegally purchasing a firearm on behalf of others. Lying on ATF Form 4473, which is used to lawfully purchase a firearm, is also a federal offense. The Department is committed to prosecuting these firearms offenses as well as using all modern technologies available to law enforcement such as the National Integrated Ballistic Information Network, known as NIBIN, to promote gun crime intelligence. Keeping illegal firearms out of the hands of violent criminals will continue to be a priority of the Department of Justice and we will use all appropriate, available means to keep the law abiding people of this country safe from gun crime.
For more information on the lawful purchasing of firearms, please see: https://www.atf.gov/qa-category/atf-form-4473.
DOJ Charges More Than 14,200 Defendants with Firearms-Related Crimes in FY20Read the Press Release
CHARLOTTE, N.C. – Today, the Department of Justice announced it has charged more than 14,200 defendants with firearms-related crimes during Fiscal Year 2020 (FY20), despite the challenges of COVID 19 and its impact on the criminal justice process. These cases have been a Department priority since November 2019 when Attorney General William P. Barr announced his commitment to investigating, prosecuting, and combatting gun crimes as a critical part of the Department’s anti-violent crime strategy. These firearms-related charges are the result of the critical law enforcement partnership between United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, led by Acting Director Regina Lombardo, who has made firearms-related investigations a priority.
“The number one priority of government is to keep its citizens safe,” said Attorney General Barr. “By preventing firearms from falling into the hands of individuals who are prohibited from having them, we can stop violent crime before it happens. Violating federal firearms laws is a serious crime and offenders face serious consequences. The Department of Justice is committed to investigating and prosecuting individuals who illegally buy, sell, use, or possess firearms. Reducing gun violence requires a coordinated effort, and we could not have charged more than 14,000 individuals with firearms-related crimes without the hard work of the dedicated law enforcement professionals at the ATF, our U.S. Attorneys’ Offices across the country, and especially all of our state and local law enforcement partners.”
“Protecting the public from violent crime involving firearms is at the core of ATF’s mission,” commented ATF Acting Director Regina Lombardo. “Every day the men and women of ATF pursue and investigate those who use firearms to commit violent crimes in our communities, many of whom are prohibited from possessing firearms from previous convictions. ATF, in collaboration with the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices across the nation, is committed to bringing these offenders to justice for their egregious and violent criminal acts.”
Of the more than 14,200 individuals charged in FY20, 267 defendants were charged in the Western District of North Carolina.
“Gun crimes are often committed by people prohibited from having guns in the first place,” said U.S. Attorney Murray. “Together with our law enforcement partners, we are committed to protecting our communities by keeping guns out of the wrong hands, taking violent criminals off our streets, and prosecuting those who violate federal gun laws.”
Under federal law, it is illegal to possess a firearm if you fall into one of nine prohibited categories including being a felon, illegal alien, or unlawful user of a controlled substance. Further, it is unlawful to possess a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking offense or violent crime. It is also illegal to purchase – or even to attempt to illegally purchase - firearms if the buyer is a prohibited person or illegally purchasing a firearm on behalf of others. Lying on ATF Form 4473, which is used to lawfully purchase a firearm, is also a federal offense. The Department is committed to prosecuting these firearms offenses as well as using all modern technologies available to law enforcement such as the National Integrated Ballistic Information Network, known as NIBIN, to promote gun crime intelligence. Keeping illegal firearms out of the hands of violent criminals will continue to be a priority of the Department of Justice and we will use all appropriate, available means to keep the law abiding people of this country safe from gun crime.
For more information on the lawful purchasing of firearms, please see: https://www.atf.gov/qa-category/atf-form-4473.
DOJ Charges More Than 14,200 Defendants with Firearms-Related Crimes in FY20Read the Press Release
HARRISBURG – U.S. Attorney David J. Freed joined the Department of Justice in announcing the charging of more than 14,200 defendants with firearms-related crimes during Fiscal Year (FY) 2020, despite the challenges of COVID 19 and its impact on the criminal justice process. These cases have been a Department priority since November 2019 when Attorney General William P. Barr announced his commitment to investigating, prosecuting, and combatting gun crimes as a critical part of the Department’s anti-violent crime strategy. These firearms-related charges are the result of the critical law enforcement partnership between United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, led by Acting Director Regina Lombardo, who has made firearms-related investigations a priority.
“Working together with our state and local partners, we are laser-focused on reducing violence in our communities,” said U.S. Attorney Freed. “Violent crime in the Middle District of Pennsylvania invariably involves firearms – firearms that are illegally obtained and possessed. Violent crime is about power. When we concentrate on investigating, prosecuting and combatting gun crimes we directly impact the power that violent criminals hold over their victims. Those victims, law abiding citizens, are the reason that we will continue to concentrate our efforts on firearm related violent crime.”
“The number one priority of government is to keep its citizens safe,” said Attorney General Barr. “By preventing firearms from falling into the hands of individuals who are prohibited from having them, we can stop violent crime before it happens. Violating federal firearms laws is a serious crime and offenders face serious consequences. The Department of Justice is committed to investigating and prosecuting individuals who illegally buy, sell, use, or possess firearms. Reducing gun violence requires a coordinated effort, and we could not have charged more than 14,000 individuals with firearms-related crimes without the hard work of the dedicated law enforcement professionals at the ATF, our U.S. Attorneys’ Offices across the country, and especially all of our state and local law enforcement partners.”
“Protecting the public from violent crime involving firearms is at the core of ATF’s mission,” commented ATF Acting Director Regina Lombardo. “Every day the men and women of ATF pursue and investigate those who use firearms to commit violent crimes in our communities, many of whom are prohibited from possessing firearms from previous convictions. ATF, in collaboration with the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices across the nation, is committed to bringing these offenders to justice for their egregious and violent criminal acts.”
Of the more than 14,200 cases charged, 64 cases have been brought by the Middle District of Pennsylvania in 2020, announced U.S. Attorney Freed. Below are four cases recently charged on October 13, 2020:
- Tyrick Friday, age 23, of Scranton, Pennsylvania, was indicted for unlawfully possessing a loaded firearm as a convicted felon.
- Cory O’Connor, age 32, of Scranton, Pennsylvania, was indicted for drug trafficking and possessing a firearm with an obliterated serial number in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.
- Edwin Smith, age 26, of Scranton, Pennsylvania, was indicted for arranging for straw purchasers to make false statements to several Lackawanna County federally licensed firearms dealers in order to purchase a total of 10 firearms.
- Lakeem Hunter-Knight, age 20, of Tobyhanna, Pennsylvania, was indicted for armed robbery of the Pickerel Inn General Store and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence.
Under federal law, it is illegal to possess a firearm if you fall into one of nine prohibited categories including being a felon, illegal alien, or unlawful user of a controlled substance. Further, it is unlawful to possess a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking offense or violent crime. It is also illegal to purchase – or even to attempt to illegally purchase - firearms if the buyer is a prohibited person or illegally purchasing a firearm on behalf of others. Lying on ATF Form 4473, which is used to lawfully purchase a firearm, is also a federal offense. The Department is committed to prosecuting these firearms offenses as well as using all modern technologies available to law enforcement such as the National Integrated Ballistic Information Network, known as NIBIN, to promote gun crime intelligence. Keeping illegal firearms out of the hands of violent criminals will continue to be a priority of the Department of Justice and we will use all appropriate, available means to keep the law abiding people of this country safe from gun crime.
For more information on the lawful purchasing of firearms, please see: https://www.atf.gov/qa-category/atf-form-4473.
# # #
DOJ Charges 14,200+ Defendants with Firearms-related Crimes in FY20Read the Press Release
MACON, Ga. – Today, the Department of Justice announced it has charged more than 14,200 defendants with firearms-related crimes during Fiscal Year (FY) 2020, despite the challenges of COVID 19 and its impact on the criminal justice process, announced Charlie Peeler, the U.S. Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia.
These cases have been a Department priority since November 2019 when Attorney General William P. Barr announced his commitment to investigating, prosecuting and combatting gun crimes as a critical part of the Department’s anti-violent crime strategy. These firearms-related charges are the result of the critical law enforcement partnership between United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, led by Acting Director Regina Lombardo, who has made firearms-related investigations a priority.
“The number one priority of government is to keep its citizens safe,” said Attorney General Barr. “By preventing firearms from falling into the hands of individuals who are prohibited from having them, we can stop violent crime before it happens. Violating federal firearms laws is a serious crime and offenders face serious consequences. The Department of Justice is committed to investigating and prosecuting individuals who illegally buy, sell, use, or possess firearms. Reducing gun violence requires a coordinated effort, and we could not have charged more than 14,000 individuals with firearms-related crimes without the hard work of the dedicated law enforcement professionals at the ATF, our U.S. Attorneys’ Offices across the country, and especially all of our state and local law enforcement partners.”
“Protecting the public from violent crime involving firearms is at the core of ATF’s mission,” commented ATF Acting Director Regina Lombardo. “Every day the men and women of ATF pursue and investigate those who use firearms to commit violent crimes in our communities, many of whom are prohibited from possessing firearms from previous convictions. ATF, in collaboration with the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices across the nation, is committed to bringing these offenders to justice for their egregious and violent criminal acts.”
“If you illegally carry a gun, there will be severe consequences in the Middle District of Georgia. It is illegal for a prohibited person to carry firearms, and it is illegal to purchase a firearm for a prohibited person. These are crimes punishable by federal prison, without parole,” said U.S. Attorney Charlie Peeler. “I want to thank the outstanding work demonstrated daily by our ATF partners, who are committed to protecting people from gun crimes and making our communities safer.”
In FY2020 (data through the end of September 2020), 165 defendants were charged with federal gun crimes in the Middle District of Georgia, an increase of 37.2% over the prior four-year average (FY2016-FY2019). Under federal law, it is illegal to possess a firearm if you fall into one of nine prohibited categories including being a felon, illegal alien, or unlawful user of a controlled substance. Further, it is unlawful to possess a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking offense or violent crime. It is also illegal to purchase – or even to attempt to illegally purchase - firearms if the buyer is a prohibited person or illegally purchasing a firearm on behalf of others. Lying on ATF Form 4473, which is used to lawfully purchase a firearm, is also a federal offense. The Department is committed to prosecuting these firearms offenses as well as using all modern technologies available to law enforcement such as the National Integrated Ballistic Information Network, known as NIBIN, to promote gun crime intelligence. Keeping illegal firearms out of the hands of violent criminals will continue to be a priority of the Department of Justice and we will use all appropriate, available means to keep the law abiding people of this country safe from gun crime.
For more information on the lawful purchasing of firearms, please see: https://www.atf.gov/qa-category/atf-form-4473. Questions can be directed to Pamela Lightsey, Public Information Officer, United States Attorney’s Office, at (478) 621-2603 or Melissa Hodges, Public Affairs Director (Contractor), United States Attorney’s Office, at (478) 765-2362.
DOJ Charges More Than 14,200 Defendants with Firearms-Related Crimes in Fy20Read the Press Release
Eastern District of Wisconsin Charged 115 Defendants
U.S. Attorney Matthew D. Krueger joined the Department of Justice in announcing that it has charged more than 14,200 defendants with firearms-related crimes during Fiscal Year (FY) 2020, despite the challenges of COVID 19 and its impact on the criminal justice process. These cases have been a Department priority since November 2019 when Attorney General William P. Barr announced his commitment to investigating, prosecuting, and combatting gun crimes as a critical part of the Department’s anti-violent crime strategy. These firearms-related charges are the result of the critical law enforcement partnership between United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, led by Acting Director Regina Lombardo, who has made firearms-related investigations a priority.
“The number one priority of government is to keep its citizens safe,” said Attorney General Barr. “By preventing firearms from falling into the hands of individuals who are prohibited from having them, we can stop violent crime before it happens. Violating federal firearms laws is a serious crime and offenders face serious consequences. The Department of Justice is committed to investigating and prosecuting individuals who illegally buy, sell, use, or possess firearms. Reducing gun violence requires a coordinated effort, and we could not have charged more than 14,000 individuals with firearms-related crimes without the hard work of the dedicated law enforcement professionals at the ATF, our U.S. Attorneys’ Offices across the country, and especially all of our state and local law enforcement partners.”
“Central to our strategy for reducing violent crime is prosecuting firearms offenses,” said U.S. Attorney Krueger. “By working closely with ATF and our local law enforcement partners, we are sending a clear message that illegal firearm possession results in serious punishment.”
“Protecting the public from violent crime involving firearms is at the core of ATF’s mission,” commented ATF Acting Director Regina Lombardo. “Every day the men and women of ATF pursue and investigate those who use firearms to commit violent crimes in our communities, many of whom are prohibited from possessing firearms from previous convictions. ATF, in collaboration with the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices across the nation, is committed to bringing these offenders to justice for their egregious and violent criminal acts.”
Of the more than 14,200 defendants charged, 115 defendants have been charged by the Eastern District of Wisconsin, announced U.S. Attorney Krueger. This includes defendants who were prohibited from firearm possession because of prior felony convictions, domestic violence misdemeanor convictions, and unlawful controlled substances use. Prosecutions also included individuals who possessed firearms in furtherance of drug trafficking and violent crime.
Under federal law, it is illegal to possess a firearm if you fall into one of nine prohibited categories including being a felon, illegal alien, or unlawful user of a controlled substance. Further, it is unlawful to possess a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking offense or violent crime. It is also illegal to purchase—or even to attempt to illegally purchase—firearms if the buyer is a prohibited person or illegally purchasing a firearm on behalf of others. Lying on ATF Form 4473, which is used to lawfully purchase a firearm, is also a federal offense. The Department is committed to prosecuting these firearms offenses as well as using all modern technologies available to law enforcement such as the National Integrated Ballistic Information Network, known as NIBIN, to promote gun crime intelligence. Keeping illegal firearms out of the hands of violent criminals will continue to be a priority of the Department of Justice and we will use all appropriate, available means to keep the law abiding people of this country safe from gun crime.
For more information on the lawful purchasing of firearms, please see: https://www.atf.gov/qa-category/atf-form-4473.
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.
# # # #
Cross Lanes Man Sentenced to 14 Years in Federal Prison for Trafficking FentanylRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – United States Attorney Mike Stuart announced that Joseph Lee Harper, 35, was sentenced today on two federal drug trafficking charges. Harper was sentenced to 168 months – 14 years – in federal prison on each charge, to run currently, for possession of fentanyl with intent to distribute and distribution of fentanyl. At sentencing, the Court found that Harper was a career offender under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, given his prior criminal history of drug trafficking. Upon completion of his prison sentence, the defendant will serve a term of three years of supervised release.
“120 grams of fentanyl. It’s fentanyl dealers like Harper that have devastated families and communities throughout West Virginia. The number of lives lost to fentanyl-related overdose deaths is staggering,” said United States Attorney Mike Stuart. “Dealers like Harper will not be let off the hook lightly for their crimes.”
Harper previously pled guilty and admitted that on June 10, 2019, he sold over four grams of fentanyl to a confidential informant in return for $700. The sale occurred at the Speedway in Cross Lanes. Harper also admitted that on June 12, 2019, he had approximately 26 grams of fentanyl concealed behind an air duct in his Cross Lanes residence. Officers executing a search warrant located the fentanyl when they searched Harper’s residence. Inside Harper’s residence, officers also located the United States currency tied to the earlier controlled drug sale conducted by Harper. In a post-arrest interview, Harper ultimately admitted to trafficking 120 grams of fentanyl from Huntington to the Cross Lanes area.
The Metropolitan Drug Enforcement Network Team (MDENT) conducted the investigation. Senior United States District Judge David A. Faber imposed the sentence. Assistant United States Attorney Kristin F. Scott handled the prosecution.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 2:19-cr-00300.
Follow us on Twitter: SDWVNews and USAttyStuart
# # #
Convicted Fraudster Pleads Guilty to New Fraud Scheme, Plea Agreement Includes Stipulated 10-Year SentenceRead the Press Release
SALT LAKE CITY – Christopher D. Hales, 39, of Lehi pleaded guilty to wire fraud conspiracy and money laundering conspiracy in connection with a financial fraud scheme he and other co-conspirators devised while Hales was in a halfway house serving a sentence for another federal fraud case. The scheme resulted in a loss to investors of at least $7 million.
The plea agreement includes a stipulated 10-year sentence, subject to the Court’s approval. Federal prosecutors asked for detention following the change of plea. Hales did not contest detention at this time. U.S. Magistrate Judge Daphne A. Oberg presided over the hearing last week.
“Utah has an outsized fraud problem, and these allegations illustrate the conduct of a serial schemer. Utahns must diligently consider investment pitches and their risks before parting with hard-earned savings,” U.S. Attorney John W. Huber said today.
“A judge once told Christopher Hales he was addicted to defrauding people,” said Special Agent in Charge Paul Haertel of the Salt Lake City FBI. “The reality is that most fraudsters have no remorse or conscience, and they often reoffend. That's why it's so important for the public to do their due diligence when looking to invest and immediately report fraud to police or the FBI.”
“Hales is a bad apple that has continuously fed his greed and preyed on others too many times,” said IRS-Criminal Investigation Special Agent in Charge Tara Sullivan, “IRS-Criminal Investigation is proud to work with our partners to help protect Utah residents from scammers like Hales. Please remember, if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.”
Hales was convicted of bank fraud in April 2011 as a part of a mortgage fraud case. He was sentenced to 90 months in federal prison and ordered to pay $12,719,236 in restitution. He violated terms of his supervised release in 2016 and he was sentenced to another 30 months in federal prison.
According to a Felony Information filed in the current case, Hales was released from federal prison on Feb. 8, 2018, and resided at a halfway house in Salt Lake City until around Aug. 8, 2018. Nevada Secretary of State records show Sindakit Software LLC was formed on Aug. 6, 2018, by a co-conspirator (CC1) known to federal prosecutors. CC1 was listed as the sole officer. CC1 was listed on the Sindakit Software bank account as the manager and was the only authorized signor.
The Information alleges Hales and CC1 conspired to defraud investors and potential investors by inducing them to purchase investments in a sports betting software. Hales purported to own a sports betting software that “beat the house” to convince investors to give him money to place sports bets. In furtherance of the conspiracy, the indictment alleges Hales made a variety of false statements of material facts to investors and potential investors, including representing that 100 percent of investor funds would be used to place sports bets when, in fact, Hales diverted nearly all investor funds received to his and CC1’s personal use, and to make payments to other investors.
Hales also told them he was Chris Christian, when in fact, he was Christopher Hales, a convicted felon on supervised release. Investors were also told Hales would match all investor funds, when in reality he would take out a line of credit with the sports betting website and use the line of credit to hedge bets. Hales also told investors that the sports betting was producing a rate of return for investors of around 10 percent a week – an amount made up by Hales to entice investors to provide funds. He also represented that there were potential buyers willing to purchase the software he developed for tens of millions of dollars, when there were actually no buyers, according to the Felony Information.
In furtherance of the conspiracy, Hales failed to disclose to investors that they did not actually own an algorithm or a sports betting software and that they were laundering investor funds through transfers in and out of the Sindakit Software account. Sports betting account statements provided to investors were false and were inflated based on Hales’ line of credit and his ability to manipulate the statements. They also did not disclose that part of the investors’ money was used to pay commissions to those introducing investors to Sindakit or that they were using investment money from newer investors to pay promised winnings to earlier investors in what is commonly recognized as a Ponzi scheme.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys in the Utah U.S. Attorney’s Office are prosecuting the case. Special agents of IRS Criminal Investigation and the FBI are conducting the investigation.
Collaborative law enforcement strategy continues success in fighting illegal firearmsRead the Press Release
SAVANNAH, GA: Twelve men and women face federal felony charges related to illegal firearms possession, indicted in U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Georgia.
The charges include multiple convicted felons, many of them on state probation for previous weapons or drug charges. The cases are under the umbrella of Project Guardian, the Department of Justice initiative targeting illegal firearms, and in coordination with the Bureau of Alcohol, Firearms, Tobacco and Explosives (ATF).
“A vital part of protecting our communities is in enforcing laws that keep weapons out of the hands of criminals,” said U.S. Attorney Bobby L. Christine. “Under Project Guardian, we will continue to collaborate with our local law enforcement partners and the ATF to lock up gun-carrying criminals.”
In the past year, at least 168 defendants have been federally charged in the Southern District of Georgia for illegal firearms offenses – most often for carrying a firearm after having been convicted of a previous felony. The charge carries a penalty upon conviction of up to 10 years in prison, and there is no parole in the federal system. Nationwide, more than 14,200 defendants have been charged with federal firearms violations in the past fiscal year.
“Gun violence has negatively impacted the lives of far too many people in the Southern District of Georgia,” said Beau Kolodka, Assistant Special Agent in Charge of the Atlanta Field Division of the ATF. “This type of violence is more likely to happen when guns are in the hands of individuals willing to obtain and/or use them illegally. This inter-agency collaboration and the resulting indictments goes a long way towards addressing gun violence by removing from our streets firearms and those willing to obtain them illegally and potentially use them.”
Those named in federal indictments from the October term of the U.S. District Court grand jury include:
- Jonah Robert Schafner, 32, of Grovetown, Ga., charged with two counts of Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon. Schafner was arrested July 27 when Columbia County Sheriff’s deputies responding to a report of a burglary in progress found Schafner inside a man’s residence in the Ivey Falls neighborhood where multiple firearms had been gathered, including one in his possession that had been reported stolen in a vehicle break-in. One of the charges also relates to a firearm Schafner is alleged to have sold to a pawn shop.
- Terrence Latroy Brown, 30, of North Charleston, S.C., charged with Possession of Methamphetamine and Eutylone (bath salts), and Possession of a Firearm by a Drug User. Brown was arrested by Richmond County Sheriff’s deputies after a traffic stop in which drugs and an AK-47 rifle and ammunition were found in his vehicle.
- Evan Vashard Smith, 33, of Augusta, charged with Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon. Smith was arrested Nov. 16, 2019, after running from a stopped vehicle and dropping a pistol while being chased by Richmond County Sheriff’s investigators.
- Dennis O’Keefe Harris, 40, of Savannah, charged with Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon. Harris was arrested Jan. 1, 2019, by Savannah Police officers who found a pistol in his waistband after he ran during a traffic stop.
- Cary Dewayne Cranford, 48, of Thomson, Ga., charged with Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon. Cranford was arrested July 1 by Thomson Police officers responding to a report of a man firing a shotgun at a motorist.
- Tona Nikia Wright, 47, of Augusta, charged the Possession of Firearm by a Drug User; Possession of Marijuana; Driving Under the Influence on an Area in Federal Jurisdiction; and for entering a military installation with an unauthorized firearm. Wright was arrested April 30 after running through the gate at Fort Gordon. After her vehicle was stopped, U.S. Army CID officers found a pistol and drugs in her car.
- Chavar Alec Harrison, 44, of Augusta, charged with Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon. Harrison was arrested April 17 during a traffic stop when Richmond County Sheriff’s deputies found a pistol in his vehicle.
- Tyshaun Richey, 24, of Savannah, charged with Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon. Richey was arrested Oct. 7, 2019, by Savannah Police officers after running from a traffic stop and dropping a pistol. The firearm had been reported stolen.
- Alisha Nicole Howard, 34, of Augusta, Ga., charged with Transfer of an Illegal Firearm (Sawed-Off Shotgun); three counts of Possession of a Firearm by a Prohibited Person; and two counts of Distribution of Methamphetamine, Fentanyl and Heroin. Howard was prohibited from possessing firearms because of previous state convictions for domestic violence.
- Frank Mitchell, 40, of Savannah, charged with Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon. Mitchel was arrested Nov. 21, 2019 when Savannah Police officers investigating a domestic disturbance briefly chased his pickup truck before it ran in a ditch and Mitchel fled. After he was apprehended, officers found a pistol on the front seat along with an unharmed and unrestrained 4-month-old baby.
- Joseph Brandon Melton, 29, of Jesup, charged with Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon. Melton was arrested Jan. 23 by Ware County deputies who found a pistol in his pocket during a traffic stop.
- Ashley Pitts, 30, of Hinesville, Ga., charged with Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon, and Possession of a Firearm by a Drug User. Pitts was arrested Jan. 24, 2019, when Liberty County Sheriff’s deputies responded to her home to investigate a complaint about a man brandishing a firearm. Accompanied by an officer from the Georgia Department of Community Supervision, the deputies checked to see if firearms were present in Pitts’ home and found a pistol, two shotguns and four rifles in her residence.
Criminal indictments contain only charges; defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Two additional defendants have been sentenced to federal prison terms for crimes including illegal firearms possession.
- Akeem Kirksey, 31, of Brunswick, was sentenced to 37 months in federal prison after pleading guilty to Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon. Kirksey, who was on federal supervised release, was arrested April 24, 2019, after a U.S. Probation officer saw Kirksey in possession of a pistol. Kirksey will be required to serve three years of supervised release after completion of his prison term.
- Damian Kareim Barton, 40, of Augusta, was sentenced to 110 months in federal prison, fined $1,500 and ordered to serve three years of supervised release upon completion of his prison sentence after pleading guilty to Possession with Intent to Distribute Marijuana, and Possession of a Stolen Firearm. Barton was arrested in Richmond County Feb. 12, 2019, after a traffic stop by the Georgia State Patrol in which marijuana and THC vaping cartridges were found, along with a pistol that had been reported stolen.
In addition to Project Guardian, the cases are investigated under the Prosecutor to Prosecutor Program (P3), in which federal and state prosecutors collaborate to determine the most appropriate venue for prosecuting crimes.
Agencies involved in investigation of the cases include the ATF; the U.S. Army Criminal Investigations Command; the U.S. Probation Service; the Georgia Department of Community Supervision; the Georgia State Patrol; the Savannah Police Department; the Richmond County Sheriff’s Office; the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office; the Ware County Sheriff’s Office; the Liberty County Sheriff’s Office; the Pooler Police Department; and the Thomson Police Department.
The cases are being investigated for the United States by Southern District U.S. Attorney’s Office Assistant U.S. Attorneys, including Project Guardian Coordinator Henry W. Syms; Patricia G. Rhodes; Jennifer Stanley; Jennifer Kirkland; John P. Harper III; and Special Assistant U.S. Attorneys Edwin Caban and Darron Hubbard.
Under federal law, it is illegal to possess a firearm if you fall into one of nine prohibited categories including being a felon; illegal alien; or unlawful user of a controlled substance. Further, it is unlawful to possess a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking offense or violent crime. It is also illegal to purchase – or even to attempt to illegally purchase – firearms if the buyer is a prohibited person or illegally purchasing a firearm on behalf of others. Lying on ATF Form 4473, which is used to lawfully purchase a firearm, also is a federal offense.
For more information on the lawful purchasing of firearms, please see: https://www.atf.gov/qa-category/atf-form-4473.
California Woman Pleads Guilty to Large Scale Multistate Credit Card "Bust-Out" Conspiracy that Funded Marijuana BusinessRead the Press Release
EUGENE, Ore.—A California woman pleaded guilty today to participating in a complex multistate credit card “bust- out” conspiracy that funded an illicit Interstate Marijuana Operation, and defrauded banks for over a $1,500,000, announced U.S. Attorney Billy J. Williams.
Mariam Gevorkova pleaded guilty today to Conspiracy to Commit Bank Fraud, Aggravated Identity Theft, and a Drug Trafficking Conspiracy.
“The defendant and her co-conspirators built a house of credit cards fueled by a bottomless pit of greed.” said U.S. Attorney Billy J. Williams, “The sheer scale and amount of the fraud exposed by the dedicated and determined law enforcement investigators on this case is astounding and took years to unravel. This prosecution signals the end of the line for this criminal enterprise and all those involved”
“This fraud funded a lavish lifestyle of luxury goods and vacations while also supporting an illegal marijuana grow operation that was not licensed in Oregon and sent pot out of the state," said Renn Cannon, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI in Oregon. "While Gevorkova and her co-conspirators used the Corvallis Cannabis Club as a legal front they cost the victim banks hundreds of thousands of dollars in losses."
“Gevorkova and her co-conspirators took advantage of the U.S. Mail to commit bank fraud and identity theft in furtherance of the distribution of illegal narcotics while acting under the guise of a legitimate business. This abuse of the U.S. Postal Service allowed them to finance a lavish lifestyle at the expense of honest Oregonians. The Postal Inspection Service works tirelessly to hold criminals who misuse the U.S. Mail accountable.” said Tony Galetti, Inspector in Charge, Seattle Division, U.S. Postal Inspection Service (USPIS).
According to court documents, in December 2016, USPIS and the FBI initiated an investigation concerning a credit card “bust-out” fraud perpetrated by individuals residing in the Corvallis, Oregon area. As the investigation expanded, it included the Drug Enforcement Administration. Gevorkova and her co-conspirators opened credit card accounts using stolen and fictitious identities, using the funds on expensive jewelry, clothing, gambling, vacations, as well as establishing and operating at least two large marijuana grows and covering the operating expenses of Corvallis Cannabis Club, a state-licensed marijuana retail sales business in Corvallis.
Gevorkova obtained numerous credit cards, working with co-conspirators to create fake or altered identification information, such as fake Oregon ID cards. Gevorkova recruited others into the conspiracy, including enticing workers at Corvallis Cannabis Club to engage in the fraud for a monetary kickback.
After numerous purchases and payments on the fraudulent credit cards, the co-conspirators reported to their financial institution that the payments made to the cards were not authorized. The banks obtained reimbursement from the card company, which resulted in losses in excess of $1,500,000 in amounts substantially greater than the card’s credit limit.
As part of the conspiracy, Gevorkova and her co-conspirators used the proceeds of the conspiracy to establish and operate marijuana grows and Corvallis Cannabis Club. The investigation uncovered two active marijuana grows, both of which were not licensed by the State of Oregon. One marijuana grow was located in a warehouse one block away from Corvallis Cannabis Club. Gevorkova and her codefendants established the marijuana grow and paid for expenses, such as rent, utilities, and growing supplies, utilizing credit cards from the fraud conspiracy. On June 12, 2018, agents seized over 1,200 marijuana plants from the warehouse and another 200 plants from another illegal grow site in Philomath.
Marijuana from the warehouse grow was also sold at Corvallis Cannabis Club. Gevorkova and her co-conspirators purchased marijuana from state-licensed marijuana distributors, which it then entered into Oregon’s Cannabis Tracking System. The product purchased would be very cheap. Gevorkova and her co-conspirators would replace this cheap product with marijuana grown at the illegal marijuana grow sites, raise the price, and sell to consumers at a substantial profit. Gevorkova and her co-conspirators would then sell the state-licensed and tracked marijuana illegally to others, including to out-of-state purchasers.
Gevorkova faces maximum penalties of 30 years imprisonment for the Bank Fraud Conspiracy, 20 years imprisonment for the Drug Trafficking Conspiracy, and a mandatory two years imprisonment for Aggravated Identity Theft, a $2,250,000 fine and five years of supervised release. She will be sentenced on March 11, 2021 before U.S. District Court Judge Michael J. McShane.
As part of the plea agreement, Gevorkova has agreed to pay restitution to the victim financial institutions.
The FBI, USPIS, and DEA investigated this case, assisted by the Oregon State Police, Corvallis Police Department and Philomath Police Department. It is being prosecuted by Gavin W. Bruce, Assistant U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon.
CEO Charged with Fraud in Connection with Construction of Military and Humanitarian Projects in AfricaRead the Press Release
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Mark W. Pletcher (619) 546-9714 and Andrew J. Galvin (619) 546-9721
NEWS RELEASE SUMMARY – October 13, 2020
SAN DIEGO – Micheline Pollock was indicted by a federal grand jury for participating in a scheme to defraud the United States Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) and the U.S. Navy Facilities Engineering Command (NAVFAC) in connection with construction contracts for military and humanitarian projects across Africa.
According to the 98-count indictment, Pollock was the chief executive officer of Dover Vantage, a U.S. construction firm that specialized in expeditionary projects in Africa. Between 2011 and 2018, Dover Vantage competed for and won construction contracts for various USACE and NAVFAC projects in Africa, including a maternity ward and a school for the deaf in Togo, and a military aircraft hangar in Niger.
These USACE projects were undertaken in support of the United States Africa Command (AFRICOM), one of 10 combatant commands within the U.S. Department of Defense. AFRICOM’s mission is to support diplomacy and development with partner governments and militaries, to apply pressure to various violent extremist organizations, to increase security and U.S. influence, and to protect U.S. government personnel and property. To this end, AFRICOM spends billions of dollars in contracts, grants, and other funding for African militaries to increase their capabilities in fighting violent extremists such as Boko Haram, Al-Shabbab and ISIS. AFRICOM also funds humanitarian assistance projects to benefit populations in areas of Africa where violent extremist groups recruit membership
During the tenure of these contracts, Pollock and other individuals at Dover Vantage submitted fraudulent quality control plans with résumés of fictitious employees; fabricated quality control checklists, certifying quality control work that was never performed; fraudulent concrete strength test results; and fraudulent claims for construction that was never performed or that did not adhere to specification. As a result of the fraudulent conduct, many of the structures constructed by Dover Vantage were so poorly constructed that they collapsed, including the aircraft hangar in Niger and a training facility in Senegal. Most of the other structures constructed by Dover Vantage are now unusable. Pollock’s conduct has required USACE to reissue contracts, repair damaged buildings, and reduce operating capacity.
This case is the first arising from the Africa Strike Force initiative out of the Southern District of California, developed to combat fraud and corruption as the United States expends resources across Africa.
“To protect the American and coalition warfighter, vigilance does not end at our borders,” said U.S. Attorney Robert Brewer. “Where our military goes, we go, whether to support and defend military construction dollars or those dollars spent to improve the lives of the communities we assist. To combat fraud, waste, and abuse, we’ve toiled in Iraq, Afghanistan, and Asia-Pacific, and now, through our participation in the Africa Strike Force, we turn our substantial attention to Africa. Corrupt fraudsters in Africa beware, the bright light of justice now shines directly on you.” Brewer praised Assistant U.S. Attorneys Mark W. Pletcher and Andrew J. Galvin and agents from Defense Criminal Investigative Service and Department of the Army, Criminal Investigative Command, for their excellent work on this case.
“Those who seek to blatantly defraud the American taxpayer and jeopardize the safety of the American warfighter and then hide behind an elaborate web of lies will be held accountable” said Stanley A. Newell of Defense Criminal Investigative Service, Transnational Operations Field Office. “Even in the most distant points on the globe, DCIS works tirelessly with our investigative partners of the U.S. Army Criminal Investigative Command and the United States Attorney’s Office to ferret out this type of egregious fraud and to protect the integrity of the Department of Defense procurement system.”
Pollock was arrested on September 22, 2020 in Tbilisi, Georgia by Georgian authorities based on a provisional arrest warrant issued at the request of the United States. She is currently in custody in Georgia and awaiting extradition proceedings.
This case is being investigated by the Defense Criminal Investigative Service, European Post of Duty in Germany, and the US Army Criminal Investigation Command, Major Procurement Fraud Unit, European Fraud Resident Agency. Additional investigative assistance was rendered domestically and internationally by the Naval Criminal Investigative Service. Substantial ongoing assistance in prosecuting this case has been provided by the Department of Justice’s Office of International Affairs.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of California specially acknowledges the assistance provided by our international partners in Georgia, including the Office of the Prosecutor General of Georgia, Georgia Border Police, Isani Police Department, and the Isani Prosecutor’s Office.
DEFENDANT: Case Number 20-CR-3167-DMS
Micheline Pollock Age: 50 Dubai, United Arab Emirates
SUMMARY OF CHARGES
Count 1 -- Conspiracy to Defraud the United States – Title 18, U.S.C., Section 371
Counts 2-35 -- Wire Fraud – Title 18, U.S.C., Section 1343
Counts 36-98 -- Aggravated Identity Theft – Title 18, U.S.C., Section 1028A
AGENCY
Department of Defense, Defense Criminal Investigative Service
Department of the Army, Criminal Investigative Command
*The charges and allegations contained in an indictment or complaint are merely accusations, and the defendants are considered innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Augusta man charged with fraud in purchase of downtown Augusta apartment complexRead the Press Release
AUGUSTA, GA: An Augusta man who borrowed nearly $3 million to purchase an Augusta apartment complex, and then filed for bankruptcy protection when facing foreclosure, has been indicted on federal fraud charges.
Jerome Walter Kiggundu, 36, the registered agent and managing member of Nakaddu LLC, a/k/a Kiggun Properties LLC, is charged with Bank Fraud, Bankruptcy Fraud, and False Statements Under Oath, said Bobby L. Christine, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Georgia. If convicted, Kiggundu faces a sentence of up to 30 years in prison and substantial fines and restitution, followed by a period of supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system.
“Financial fraud robs communities of legitimate opportunities for growth and development by siphoning off funds that otherwise could have been used for productive purposes,” said U.S. Attorney Christine. “Along with our law enforcement partners, we will aggressively pursue those who would illegally enrich themselves at the expense of their communities.”
According to the indictment, in March 2019, Kiggundu borrowed $2,831,250 from Red Oak Capital Fund II LLC “by means of materially false and fraudulent pretenses” and submitted, as part of a loan application, “altered Wells Fargo bank statements for the months of October 2018 to December 2018 … which falsely reflected an average monthly operating balance for Nakaddu LLC of approximately $100,000, when in fact the monthly average was $500 or less during this time.”
As collateral to secure the loan, Kiggundu pledged an 80-unit apartment complex located at 405 Hale Street in Augusta, and “falsely listed an ownership interest in 1726 Leona Mitchell Blvd., Enid, Oklahoma, and reported $2,150,000 in equity.”
Kiggundu then, according to the indictment, filed for bankruptcy protection under Chapter 11 “with the intention of avoiding foreclosure by Red Oak on 405 Hale Street and to conceal the fraudulent actions of the defendant.” The indictment further alleges that Kiggundu again used falsified bank statements in his filing for bankruptcy protection.
“Any fraud in connection with banks or bankruptcy is an erosion of the integrity of the system, and ultimately entire communities are hurt,” said Chris Hacker, Special Agent in Charge of FBI Atlanta. “The FBI will continue to work aggressively to make sure only those who honestly seek help in times of need are protected and deserving of that help.”
Criminal indictments contain only charges; defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
The case is being investigated by the FBI and prosecuted for the United States by Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Edwin Caban.
American Contractor Pleads Guilty to Conspiracy to Steal Government Equipment from U.S. Military Base in AfghanistanRead the Press Release
An American military contractor pleaded guilty today to her role in a theft ring on a military installation in Kandahar, Afghanistan.
Acting Assistant Attorney General Brian Rabbit of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, U.S. Attorney G. Zachary Terwilliger of the Eastern District of Virginia, and Special Inspector General for Afghanistan Reconstruction (SIGAR) John F. Sopko made the announcement.
Varita V. Quincy, 35, of Snellville, Georgia pleaded guilty before U.S. Magistrate Judge Douglas E. Miller to one count of conspiracy to defraud the United States and one count of making false official statements. Sentencing is set for Feb. 23, 2021 before Judge Rebecca Beach Smith.
Quincy admitted that, between April 2015 and July 2015, she, Larry J. Green of Chesapeake, Virginia, and others conspired to steal, and did steal, equipment and property of value to the United States while working for a government contractor operating on Kandahar Airfield, in Kandahar, Afghanistan. Kandahar Airfield was used by U.S. military forces to support U.S. military missions throughout Afghanistan.
Quincy was a supervisor in the office that issued security badges required for the movement of personnel and property on and off Kandahar Airfield. Quincy admitted that as part of the conspiracy, Green identified items of value to steal, such as vehicles, generators, refrigerators, and other equipment. Green negotiated the sale of those items with persons outside of the installation. Quincy then facilitated the thefts by creating false official documents, or instructing those she supervised to prepare such documents, to facilitate the entry of unknown and unvetted Afghan nationals and their vehicles on to the military installation to remove the stolen property. Quincy shared in the profits from this scheme. The false documents she created, or directed others to create, were used to deceive security officers and gate guards and thereby compromised the security and safety of the military installation.
Quincy’s co-conspirator Green pleaded guilty on July 8, 2020, to one count of conspiracy to defraud the United States and commit theft of property of value to the United States worth over $300,000, one count of theft of property of value to the United States; and one count of aiding and abetting the submission of false statements. His sentencing is scheduled for Nov. 19, 2020.
SIGAR investigated the case with help from Army Criminal Investigation Command (CID) and the 939th Military Police Detachment of the Indiana Army National Guard. Trial Attorneys Sasha N. Rutizer of the Criminal Division’s Human Rights and Special Prosecutions Section, Rosaleen O’Gara of the Criminal Division’s Public Integrity Section, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Joseph Kosky of the Eastern District of Virginia are prosecuting the case.
12 October 2020
U.S. Attorney Wrigley Announces the Arrest of a Michigan Man for Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance (Fentanyl)Read the Press Release
BISMARCK - United States Attorney Drew Wrigley announced that a federal grand jury has indicted Donald Eugene Green, age 53, Southfield, MI, for Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance. The Indictment was unsealed today, alleging that on July 24, 2020, Donald Green traveled via a one-day round-trip ticket on an Amtrak Train from Chicago, IL, to Minot, ND. After arriving in Minot, Donald Green, carrying a duffle bag, went to the Minot Airport, rented a vehicle, departed, and later returned to the airport. After returning to the airport, the Ward County Narcotics Task Force effected a search of Green’s vehicle and discovered a duffle bag containing 500 grams of Fentanyl.
"We remain in the torrent of the opioid and synthetic opioid epidemic, and this defendant is alleged to have been playing a significant role in helping to funnel this poison into our state," said United States Attorney Drew Wrigley, "we look forward to placing our evidence before a jury in this case, and continuing our battle against the organizations that have targeted North Dakota."
Grand jury indictments are allegations and are not evidence of guilt. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until he is proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt at trial.
This case is being investigated by the Ward County Narcotics Task Force and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), and the case is being prosecuted by the United
States Attorney’s office, with Special Assistant United States Attorney Jeremy Ensrud assigned to the case.
######
Fort Worth Man Sentenced to 30 Years for Sexual Exploitation of InfantRead the Press Release
A Fort Worth man who videotaped the sexual assault of an infant was sentenced to 30 years in federal prison, the statutory maximum, announced U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Texas Erin Nealy Cox.
Chester Devin Leban, 34, pleaded guilty in January to sexual exploitation of a child. He was sentenced last Tuesday before Senior U.S. District Judge Terry R. Means.
In July 2018, the Fort Worth Police Department was dispatched to a domestic disturbance call where officers met with Mr. Leban’s estranged wife. She notified law enforcement of the presence of child pornography on Mr. Leban’s cell phone.
When questioned by detectives, Mr. Leban admitted to using his cell phone to record a sexually explicit encounter between an adult female, Emily Conner, and a 5-month-old infant.
Ms. Conner pleaded guilty in January and was sentenced to 15 years in federal prison in connection with this case. Following their sentences, both defendants are ordered to serve a lifetime of supervised release.
The Fort Worth Police Department conducted the investigation with the assistance of the U.S. Secret Service. This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney A. Saleem.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a Justice Department initiative designed to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse nationwide. The initiative organizes 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.
Faith and Blue Weekend Helps to Build Bridges Between Local Police and Their CommunityRead the Press Release
GRAND RAPIDS, MICHIGAN — The Grand Rapids Police Department and local neighborhood groups took part in a National Faith and Blue Weekend aimed at connecting law enforcement officers with people in the community. On Saturday October 10, 2020, more than 30 volunteers from GRPD, Walker Police Department, the U.S. Department of Justice, and local community organizations took part in a volunteer event in the West Grand neighborhood. Police officers, members of the West Grand community, and local business leaders came together to help clean up Indian Mill Creek. The volunteers were then treated to a lunch at Long Road Distillers on Leonard Street, sponsored by the West Grand Neighborhood Organization.
U.S. Attorney Andrew Birge and Project Safe Neighborhoods Coordinator Erin Lane welcomed attendees, including those from his office. The Walker Police Department Chaplain Tom Bradley, said a prayer before lunch and talked about the importance of strong community and police relationships. He told the volunteers that “faith people and law enforcement have more in common than I ever thought. In our own ways, we both strive to make our community a better place for everyone that lives here.” GRPD Deputy Chief Scott Rifenberg also addressed the crowd, acknowledging that law enforcement is “a calling” to protect and serve. He expressed appreciation for the opportunity to volunteer alongside members of the community that he and his officers serve.
The National Faith and Blue Weekend (October 10-12) is a collaborative initiative that builds bridges and breaks down biases through activities and outreach amongst law enforcement professionals and the communities that they serves. Steepletown Neighborhood Services, the West Grand Neighborhood Organization, the Lower Grand River Organization of Watersheds, and the Grand Rapids Police Department sponsored the October 10 event.
###
11 October 2020
International Statement: End-To-End Encryption and Public SafetyRead the Press Release
We, the undersigned, support strong encryption, which plays a crucial role in protecting personal data, privacy, intellectual property, trade secrets and cyber security. It also serves a vital purpose in repressive states to protect journalists, human rights defenders and other vulnerable people, as stated in the 2017 resolution of the UN Human Rights Council[1]. Encryption is an existential anchor of trust in the digital world and we do not support counter-productive and dangerous approaches that would materially weaken or limit security systems.
Particular implementations of encryption technology, however, pose significant challenges to public safety, including to highly vulnerable members of our societies like sexually exploited children. We urge industry to address our serious concerns where encryption is applied in a way that wholly precludes any legal access to content. We call on technology companies to work with governments to take the following steps, focused on reasonable, technically feasible solutions:
- Embed the safety of the public in system designs, thereby enabling companies to act against illegal content and activity effectively with no reduction to safety, and facilitating the investigation and prosecution of offences and safeguarding the vulnerable;
- Enable law enforcement access to content in a readable and usable format where an authorisation is lawfully issued, is necessary and proportionate, and is subject to strong safeguards and oversight; and
- Engage in consultation with governments and other stakeholders to facilitate legal access in a way that is substantive and genuinely influences design decisions.
IMPACT ON PUBLIC SAFETY
Law enforcement has a responsibility to protect citizens by investigating and prosecuting crime and safeguarding the vulnerable. Technology companies also have responsibilities and put in place terms of service for their users that provide them authority to act to protect the public. End-to-end encryption that precludes lawful access to the content of communications in any circumstances directly impacts these responsibilities, creating severe risks to public safety in two ways:
- By severely undermining a company’s own ability to identify and respond to violations of their terms of service. This includes responding to the most serious illegal content and activity on its platform, including child sexual exploitation and abuse, violent crime, terrorist propaganda and attack planning; and
- By precluding the ability of law enforcement agencies to access content in limited circumstances where necessary and proportionate to investigate serious crimes and protect national security, where there is lawful authority to do so.
Concern about these risks has been brought into sharp focus by proposals to apply end-to-end encryption across major messaging services. UNICEF estimates that one in three internet users is a child. The WePROTECT Global Alliance – a coalition of 98 countries, 39 of the largest companies in the global technology industry, and 41 leading civil society organisations – set out clearly the severity of the risks posed to children online by inaccessible encrypted services in its 2019 Global Threat Assessment: “Publicly-accessible social media and communications platforms remain the most common methods for meeting and grooming children online. In 2018, Facebook Messenger was responsible for nearly 12 million of the 18.4 million worldwide reports of CSAM [child sexual abuse material to the US National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC)]. These reports risk disappearing if end-to-end encryption is implemented by default, since current tools used to detect CSAM [child sexual abuse material] do not work in end-to-end encrypted environments.”[2] On 3 October 2019 NCMEC published a statement on this issue, stating that: “If end-to-end encryption is implemented without a solution in place to safeguard children, NCMEC estimates that more than half of its CyberTipline reports will vanish.”[3] And on 11 December 2019, the United States and European Union (EU) issued a joint statement making clear that while encryption is important for protecting cyber security and privacy: “the use of warrant-proof encryption by terrorists and other criminals – including those who engage in online child sexual exploitation – compromises the ability of law enforcement agencies to protect victims and the public at large.”[4]
RESPONSE
In light of these threats, there is increasing consensus across governments and international institutions that action must be taken: while encryption is vital and privacy and cyber security must be protected, that should not come at the expense of wholly precluding law enforcement, and the tech industry itself, from being able to act against the most serious illegal content and activity online.
In July 2019, the governments of the United Kingdom, United States, Australia, New Zealand and Canada issued a communique, concluding that: “tech companies should include mechanisms in the design of their encrypted products and services whereby governments, acting with appropriate legal authority, can gain access to data in a readable and usable format. Those companies should also embed the safety of their users in their system designs, enabling them to take action against illegal content.”[5] On 8 October 2019, the Council of the EU adopted its conclusions on combating child sexual abuse, stating: “The Council urges the industry to ensure lawful access for law enforcement and other competent authorities to digital evidence, including when encrypted or hosted on IT servers located abroad, without prohibiting or weakening encryption and in full respect of privacy and fair trial guarantees consistent with applicable law.”[6]
The WePROTECT Global Alliance, NCMEC and a coalition of more than 100 child protection organisations and experts from around the world have all called for action to ensure that measures to increase privacy – including end-to-end encryption – should not come at the expense of children’s safety[7].
CONCLUSION
We are committed to working with industry to develop reasonable proposals that will allow technology companies and governments to protect the public and their privacy, defend cyber security and human rights and support technological innovation. While this statement focuses on the challenges posed by end-to-end encryption, that commitment applies across the range of encrypted services available, including device encryption, custom encrypted applications and encryption across integrated platforms. We reiterate that data protection, respect for privacy and the importance of encryption as technology changes and global Internet standards are developed remain at the forefront of each state’s legal framework. However, we challenge the assertion that public safety cannot be protected without compromising privacy or cyber security. We strongly believe that approaches protecting each of these important values are possible and strive to work with industry to collaborate on mutually agreeable solutions.
SIGNATORIES
Rt Hon Priti Patel MP, United Kingdom Secretary of State for the Home Department
William P. Barr, Attorney General of the United States
The Hon Peter Dutton MP, Australian Minister for Home Affairs
Hon Andrew Little MP, Minister of Justice, Minister Responsible for the GCSB, Minister Responsible for the NZSIS
The Honourable Bill Blair, Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness
India
Japan
11 October 2020
[1] https://documents-dds-ny.un.org/doc/UNDOC/LTD/G17/073/06/PDF/G1707306.pdf?OpenElement
[2] WePROTECT Global Alliance, 2019 Global Threat Assessment, available online at: <https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5630f48de4b00a75476ecf0a/t/5deecb0fc4c5ef23016423cf/1575930642519/FINAL+-+Global+Threat+Assessment.pdf>,
[3] http://www.missingkids.org/blog/2019/post-update/end-to-end-encryption
[4] https://www.consilium.europa.eu/en/press/press-releases/2019/12/11/joint-eu-us-statement-following-the-eu-us-justice-and-home-affairs-ministerial-meeting/
[5] https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/822818/Joint_Meeting_of_FCM_and_Quintet_of_Attorneys_FINAL.pdf
[6] https://data.consilium.europa.eu/doc/document/ST-12862-2019-INIT/en/pdf
[7] http://www2.paconsulting.com/rs/526-HZE-833/images/WePROTECT%202019%20Global%20Threat%20Assessment%20%28FINAL%29.pdf?_ga=2.109176709.1865852339.1591953966-1877278557.1591953966, http://www.missingkids.org/blog/2019/post-update/end-to-end-encryption, https://www.nspcc.org.uk/globalassets/documents/policy/letter-to-mark-zuckerberg-february-2020.pdf
10 October 2020
Statement from Assistant Attorney General Eric Dreiband and Acting U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia Michael Sherwin on Legal Victory Protecting Religious Worship in the Nation’s CapitalRead the Press Release
Assistant Attorney General for Civil Rights Eric Dreiband and Acting U.S. Attorney Michael Sherwin for the District of Columbia issued the following statements:
“Yesterday, in the heart of our nation’s capital, Washington, D.C., a federal district court ruled that the fundamental right of all Americans to worship endures during our COVID-19 response,” said Assistant Attorney General Eric Dreiband of the Civil Rights Division. “Last night’s decision is a victory for religious liberty and the rule of law. In an overwhelming vote, Congress passed the Religious Freedom Restoration Act in order to guarantee our nation’s first freedom is always upheld. The Department of Justice is grateful the court ruled preliminarily with this in mind and is grateful that members of Capitol Hill Baptist Church will be able to worship together on Sunday.”
“I am gratified that the court upheld the right of worshipers in the District of Columbia to exercise their First Freedom of religious exercise, in a safe manner,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Michael Sherwin for the District of Columbia.
Background
On Oct. 2, 2020, the Justice Department filed a statement of interest in federal district court in Washington D.C., arguing that the Religious Freedom Restoration Act (RFRA) — a 1993 federal law signed by President Clinton — and the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution made the District of Columbia’s restrictions on Capitol Hill Baptist church illegal.
On Oct. 9, 2020, the federal court — after hearing oral argument and “review[ing] the statement of interest submitted by the United States” —
granted a preliminary injunction motion . In issuing its injunction, the court held that Capitol Hill Baptist “Church has shown that it is likely to succeed in proving that the District’s actions impose a substantial burden on its exercise of religion. For its part, the District has not shown that it is likely to prove a compelling interest in prohibiting the Church from holding outdoor worship services with appropriate precautions, or that its restrictions are the least restrictive means available to achieve its public health objectives.”The Justice Department’s statement of interest was filed in Capitol Hill Baptist Church v. Bowser, a case challenging the District of Columbia’s refusal to allow outdoor worship because of the city’s COVID-19 restrictions. The suit challenges the permit denial under the Free Speech and Free Exercise Clause of the First Amendment, and the Religious Freedom Restoration Act (RFRA). The suit alleges that while places of worship are limited to 100 people at outdoor worship services, these limits do not apply to, among other things, outdoor protests and rallies accommodating thousands.
The statement of interest is part of Attorney General William P. Barr's initiative, announced April 27, directing Assistant Attorney General for Civil Rights, Eric Dreiband, and the U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Michigan, Matthew Schneider, to review governmental policies around the country to ensure that civil liberties are protected during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Capitol Hill Baptist Church is a church of more than 850 members with a strong religious conviction that it should meet in person as a complete body for worship each Sunday. It therefore sought a permit to hold worship outdoors in excess of the 100-person limit, which the city denied.
The United States’ statement of interest explained that there is no constitutional or statutory basis for allowing protests and rallies attended by thousands of people, while at the same time silencing religious worship. The brief also explained that the District of Columbia bears a high burden of proof to justify its actions under the First Amendment and RFRA because its actions impose a “substantial burden” on religious exercise, as the church has shown here.
Though seeking to prohibit the Church’s socially-distanced outdoor worship, the District of Columbia nonetheless denied that the protests it had encouraged this past summer caused infection. The Court observed: “In fact, the District’s brief explains that the protests did not trigger any spike in COVID-19 ‘outbreaks,’ undermining the notion that large gatherings are always exceptionally dangerous.”
On Sept. 22, 2020, the Justice Department marked the 20th Anniversary of another federal law enacted to protect religious liberty, the Religious Land Use and Institutionalized Persons Act (RLUIPA)—a law enforced by the department’s Civil Rights Division, by releasing a comprehensive report detailing how RLUIPA has helped preserve the religious liberty rights of thousands of individuals and institutions. https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/department-justice-marks-20th-anniversary-religious-land-use-and-institutionalized-persons
In July 2018, the Department of Justice announced the formation of the Religious Liberty Task Force. The Task Force brings together department components to coordinate their work on religious liberty litigation and policy, and to implement the Attorney General’s 2017 Religious Liberty Guidance.
More information about the Department of Justice’s efforts to protect religious exercise, including its Place to Worship Initiative is available at www.justice.gov/crt/placetoworship.
Mexican Citizen Arrested for SmugglingRead the Press Release
PLATTSBURGH, NEW YORK – Rey David Jimenez-Lopez, age 20, and a citizen of Mexico, was arrested on October 3 and charged by criminal complaint with alien smuggling in connection with a failed smuggling event.
The announcement was made by Acting United States Attorney Antoinette T. Bacon and Robert N. Garcia, Chief Patrol Agent, United States Border Patrol, Swanton Sector.
The criminal complaint alleges that Jimenez-Lopez was arrested while transporting six illegal aliens, five of whom had illegally crossed into the United States through the woods near Churubusco, New York. Border Patrol Agents from the Burke Station stopped the vehicle that was being operated by Jimenez-Lopez and detained the occupants.
The charges in the complaint are merely accusations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Jimenez-Lopez appeared before United Magistrate Judge Gary L. Favro on October 6 and was detained.
If convicted, Jimenez-Lopez faces up to 5 years in prison. A defendant’s sentence is imposed by a judge based on the particular statute the defendant is charged with violating, the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other factors.
The six occupants of the vehicle were found to be citizens of Guatemala and Mexico, and illegally present in the United States. Five occupants were expelled to Canada and one was detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement, and is subject to deportation.
This case is being investigated by United States Border Patrol and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeffrey Stitt.
9 October 2020
Wichita Falls Drug Dealer Sentenced to 7 Years in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
A Wichita Falls drug dealer has been sentenced to seven years in federal prison, announced U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Texas Erin Nealy Cox.
Dustin Keith Weaver, 31, was indicted in July 2019 for conspiring to distribute marijuana along with six codefendants. He pleaded guilty to in May to conspiracy to contribute a controlled substances and was sentenced Friday by U.S. District Judge Reed C. O’Connor.
In his factual resume, Mr. Weaver admitted to coordinating shipments of marijuana through the U.S. Mail, typically using fictitious sender and recipient names to minimize likelihood of detection. Over an 18-month period (March 2015 to September 2016), he and his coconspirators shipped 443 packages, each containing an average of two to three pounds of marijuana, from Oregon to Wichita Falls. The packages were typically shipped in flat-rate Priority Mail boxes for easy tracking, and upon receipt, the drugs were repacked and resold in Texas, Mr. Weaver admitted.
Mr. Weaver further admitted that he recruited a number of coconspirators, including a grower, into the scheme. He also coordinated payments, directing coconspirators to deposit money into certain bank accounts, or, in at least one instance, directing them to make car payments on behalf of others.
Five of Mr. Weaver’s codefendants – Randall Dizon, Jonathan Michael Fernandez, Jarrett Devon Grant, Ronald Vance Latimer, and Justin Kent Reed – also pleaded guilty. The sixth, Chad Anthony Ray, was convicted at trial in November 2019 and sentenced to 50 months in federal prison.
The case was investigated by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, the Wichita Falls Police Department, and the Texas Department of Public Safety. Assistant U.S. Attorney Mary Walters and Joseph Magliolo prosecuted the case.
Update: US v. Alexanda Amon Kotey and El Shafee ElsheikhRead the Press Release
ALEXANDRIA, Va. – Defendants Alexanda Amon Kotey, 36, and El Shafee Elsheikh, 32, two militant fighters for the Islamic State of Iraq and al-Sham (ISIS) charged for their alleged participation in a brutal hostage-taking scheme that resulted in the deaths of four American citizens, today made multiple appearances here in federal court.
At 11:30 a.m. EST, both defendants appeared separately via video link for their respective detention hearings before U.S. Magistrate Judge Theresa C. Buchanan. Both defendants waived their detention hearing, and were remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals.
At 2:00 p.m. EST, both defendants appeared separately via video link for their respective arraignment hearings before Senior U.S. District Judge T.S. Ellis III. Both defendants waived formal readings of the indictment, pleaded not guilty, and requested a trial by jury.
Judge Ellis found that the case is unusual and complex, will require a considerable amount of discovery, and may include classified information. As such, Judge Ellis found that the ends of justice outweigh the interests of the public and the defendants in proceeding to trial within the 70-day deadline established by the Speedy Trial Act.
The next court appearance for both defendants is a status conference scheduled for Jan. 15, 2021.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. Related court documents and information are located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 1:20-cr-239.
U.S. Attorney's Office Announces Grant of Nearly $500,000 to Assist Offenders Returning to Communities in NevadaRead the Press Release
LAS VEGAS, Nev. – U.S. Attorney Nicholas A. Trutanich today announced a Department of Justice grant of nearly $500,000 to reduce recidivism among adults and juvenile offenders returning to their communities in Nevada after confinement. The grant, awarded by the Department’s Office of Justice Programs, is part of more than $92 million in funding to support reentry efforts throughout the United States.
This award represents the President’s and the Department of Justice’s commitment to assisting people in America’s prisons and detention facilities who have earned the opportunity to take their places back in society.
“Former offenders are ultimately responsible for their own successes and failures, but our criminal and juvenile justice systems have an important role to play in preparing them for the obstacles that lie before them,” said OJP Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Katharine T. Sullivan. “I’m very pleased to make these resources available to help them get back on their feet and contribute to the prosperity of their communities and the betterment of our nation.”
“This grant will help offenders successfully reenter our Nevada communities,” said U.S. Attorney Trutanich. “We appreciate the Department’s Office of Justice Programs’ commitment to reducing recidivism and helping individuals break out of the cycle of repeated offenses, both in Nevada and across the country.”
The reentry and recidivism reduction grants awarded will help communities develop and implement comprehensive strategies to address the challenges posed by reentry and recidivism; support reentry services for detained juveniles and incarcerated parents with children under the age of 18; and support research and evaluation programs to advance understanding about reoffending.
Through the Bureau of Justice Assistance’s Adult Reentry and Employment Strategic Planning Program, more than $4.7 million has been awarded to 11 recipients to develop a strategic plan for integrating correctional and employment programming. In Nevada, the Department of Corrections received $499,835 in grant funds.
For a complete list of individual grant programs, award amounts, and jurisdictions that will receive funding, visit: https://www.ojp.gov/sites/g/files/xyckuh241/files/media/document/reentryfactsheet.pdf. More information about OJP and its components can be found at www.ojp.gov.
###
U.S. Attorney Trent Shores Announces $598,792 in Grant Funding to Support Mentoring, Protect Children in Rogers CountyRead the Press Release
U.S. Attorney Trent Shores today announced that Volunteers for Youth in Roger’s County is being awarded $598,792 in Department of Justice funding to support mentoring services for youth in rural areas hit hard by the opioid epidemic. The awards were made by the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention and the Office for Victims of Crime, part of the Justice Department’s Office of Justice Programs.
“Protecting the next generation is key to ensuring the prosperity of our nation and its citizens. This is the goal of Volunteers for Youth. They are committed to helping vulnerable at-risk youth impacted by opioid addiction in our community,” said U.S. Attorney Trent Shores. “I applaud their efforts to reach out to children in schools, and I am proud to announce they will be receiving $598,792 to aid in their mission. This grant will help fund impactful mentoring strategies that will set Roger’s County youth up for success.”
“Volunteers for Youth is looking forward to working with all of our schools and local law enforcement agencies in Claremore and Rogers County to make a positive impact on the youth in these communities,” said Art Turpel, Executive Director for Volunteers for Youth. “Our primary focus for this funding will be countering the negative impacts of misused opioids and prescription drugs.”
Today’s award in Rogers County is part of more than $261 million going to organizations and agencies across the country. Grants from OJP’s Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention will allow national, state and local organizations to provide mentoring to youth who are at risk of juvenile delinquency, victimization and juvenile justice system involvement. Mentoring programs supported by OJJDP help youth make connections with leaders and respected members of their communities, including law enforcement officers. Police and sheriffs’ departments have formed close and lasting bonds with young citizens, leading to greater trust and respect between law enforcement professionals and community members.“Young people in America face an array of challenges, from social and academic pressures to dangerous predators and lethal drugs. They are better equipped to meet those challenges with a model of care and compassion to guide them along,” said Sullivan. “These awards will support outstanding youth-serving organizations like the Cal Ripken Sr. Foundation, Big Brothers Big Sisters, Boys and Girls Clubs and their local affiliates across the country as they help youth discover their talents, find their purpose and realize their full potential. We are incredibly grateful to our mentorship programs, both nationally and locally. Badges in Blue and Badges for Baseball are great examples of successful community partnerships through law enforcement and mentoring.”
In addition, more than 100 sites are receiving grants from OJJDP and OVC to help find missing children, investigate and prosecute child exploitation cases, serve abused and neglected children, and assist minor victims of human trafficking.
For a complete list of individual grant programs, amounts to be awarded and the jurisdictions that will receive funding, visit here and here.
Additional information about Fiscal Year 2020 grant awards made by the Office of Justice Programs can be found online at the OJP Awards Data webpage.
More information about OJP and its components can be found at www.ojp.gov.The year 2020 marks the 150th anniversary of the Department of Justice. Learn more about the history of our agency at www.Justice.gov/Celebrating150Years.