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8 October 2020
Four Assistant U.S. Attorneys named as elections officers for the Southern District of GeorgiaRead the Press Release
SAVANNAH, GA: Four Assistant U.S. Attorneys in the Southern District of Georgia have been appointed to serve as District Election Officers (DEOs) for the Nov. 3 General Election.
In consultation with the U.S. Department of Justice Headquarters in Washington, D.C., Assistant U.S. Attorneys (AUSAs) Jennifer Kirkland, Joshua S. Bearden, Channell Singh and Jason Blanchard will review any complaints of election fraud and voting rights abuses in the Southern District, said Bobby L. Christine, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Georgia.
“Led by these AUSAs, our office will act promptly and aggressively to protect the rights of our citizens to vote without interference or discrimination,” said U.S. Attorney Christine. “Each legally registered voter must be able to freely exercise his or her right to vote, and we will help ensure their votes aren’t stolen because of fraud.”
The Justice Department’s election day program furthers the long-standing goals of deterring election fraud and discrimination at the polls, and of ensuring public confidence in the integrity of the election process by providing local points of contact within the Department for the public to report possible voting rights violations while the polls are open on election day.
Federal law protects against such crimes as intimidating or bribing voters; buying and selling votes; impersonating voters; altering vote tallies; stuffing ballot boxes; and marking ballots for voters against their wishes or without their input. It also contains special protections for the rights of voters, and provides that they can vote free from acts that intimidate or harass them. For example, it may be a violation of federal voting rights law for individuals to attempt to interrupt or intimidate voters at polling places by questioning or challenging them, or by photographing or videotaping them, under the pretext that these are actions to uncover illegal voting. Further, federal law protects the right of voters to mark their own ballot or to be assisted by a person of their choice (where voters need assistance because of disability or illiteracy).
In order to respond to complaints of election fraud or voting rights abuses on Election Day, and to ensure that such complaints are directed to the appropriate authorities, a District Election Officer will be on call in the Southern District through election day and may be reached by calling 912-652-4422.
In addition, the FBI will have special agents available in each field office and resident agency throughout the country to receive allegations of election fraud and other election abuses on Election Day.
Complaints about possible violations of the federal voting rights laws can be made directly to the Civil Rights Division’s Voting Section in Washington, D.C., by phone at 1-800-253-3931, by email to [email protected], or by filling out a complaint form at https://civilrights.justice.gov/report/.
Fort Wayne Man Sentenced to over 10 Years in PrisonRead the Press Release
FORT WAYNE-Aric Starnes, age 47, of Fort Wayne, Indiana, was sentenced by United States District Judge Holly Brady after his plea of guilty to distribution of methamphetamine, announced U.S. Attorney Kirsch.
Starnes was sentenced to 130 months in prison followed by 5 years of supervised release.
According to documents in this case, Starnes entered a plea of guilty to distributing more than 50 grams actual methamphetamine, and in his plea agreement, he agreed to being involved in the distribution of at least 50 grams but less than 150 grams of “ice” or crystal methamphetamine. In August through September of 2019, Starnes brokered multiple drug deals between his supplier and another person for multiple ounces of methamphetamine.
“Keeping dangerous drugs off the streets reduces violence,” said United States Attorney Thomas L. Kirsch II. “We work in coordination with DEA and other law enforcement agencies to continue to fight drug distribution through enforcement.”
DEA Assistant Special Agent in Charge, Michael Gannon said, “The 10 plus year sentencing of Mr. Starnes was just and necessary. Individuals peddling poison into Fort Wayne and our surrounding communities must be held accountable for their actions. The DEA Fort Wayne Post of Duty is committed to working with the Allen County Drug Task Force and our other federal, state, and local partners to investigate and arrest these drug traffickers to keep our communities safe. The DEA appreciates the exceptional work, by all involved, to bring Mr. Starnes to justice.”
This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration with the assistance of the Indiana State Police, the Allen County Drug Task Force, the Allen County Sheriff’s Department, and the Fort Wayne Police Department. This case is being handled by Assistant United States Attorney Anthony W. Geller.
Former Southern University Band Director Pleads Guilty in Federal Court to Embezzlement ChargesRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Brandon J. Fremin announced today that Nathan Haymer, age 42, of Houston, Texas, pled guilty before U.S. District Judge Brian A. Jackson to federal program theft. As a result of his guilty plea, Haymer faces a significant term of imprisonment, fines, and a period of supervised release.
According to admissions made as part of his guilty plea, Haymer served as Director of Bands at Southern University A&M College (“Southern University”) and, in that role, was responsible for leading Southern University’s marching band, which performed at Southern University athletic events and a wide variety of other events both within Louisiana and across the United States. Haymer’s duties included making purchases and paying expenses during the band’s trips.
According to the Bill of Information containing the charges, from November 2016 through March 2018, Haymer intentionally misapplied more than $30,000 that Southern University had provided to him to be used for official band expenses. Specifically, according to the Bill, on more than a dozen occasions, Haymer submitted false documents, such as fictitious and forged invoices from purported vendors, knowing that he had not incurred the expenses reflected on the documents.
U.S. Attorney Fremin stated, “The actions of this defendant betrayed the trust of the taxpayers and tarnished the image of the Southern University Band, a beloved institution of our community. I want to thank the prosecutor, the Louisiana Legislative Auditor, the FBI, and the Louisiana State Police for their investigative efforts which resulted in this conviction.”
“Mr. Haymer’s greed was evident by stealing money that was intended for Southern University’s students who participate in their nationally acclaimed band program. His guilty plea today should be a deterrent to others who would attempt to defraud the taxpayers," said Bryan Vorndran, FBI New Orleans Special Agent in Charge.
Legislative Auditor Daryl Purpera stated, “It is good see justice was served.”
This matter is being investigated by the Louisiana Legislative Auditor, the Federal Bureau of Investigation and Louisiana State Police, and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Alan Stevens, who also serves as Senior Litigation Counsel.
Former Postal Employee Pleads Guilty to Disability Fraud after Failing to Disclose Side JobRead the Press Release
Heath D. Shelton of Smithton, Illinois, has pleaded guilty to a single-count information charging him with making a false statement to obtain federal disability compensation under the Federal
Employees’ Compensation Act.According to court documents, Shelton, 36, started receiving federal disability payments in 2012 after injuring his back as a letter carrier with the United States Postal Service. In late 2019, he began working on a part-time basis at Complete Family Chiropractic & Wellness, his fiancé’s clinic located in Freeburg, Illinois. Shelton’s disability forms required him to disclose this side job so that his earning potential and overall compensation could be adjusted. But, in an effort to avoid a reduction of his benefits, Shelton failed to disclose his work at the clinic and falsely reported that he had not worked or had any involvement in any business enterprise during the relevant time period. As a result of his plea, Shelton will lose all disability benefits going forward.
Special Agent-in-Charge Andre Martin, Great Lakes Area Field Office, U.S. Postal Service Office of
Inspector General said, “The U.S. Postal Service paid $1.3 billion in workers’ compensation costs in fiscal year 2020. The majority of postal employees who collect compensation benefits have legitimate claims due to on-the-job injuries and are truly unable to perform any postal jobs.
However, a small percent abuse the system and cost the Postal Service millions of dollars in fraudulent claims and enforcement costs. This guilty plea sends a clear message that workers’ compensation fraud is a federal crime, which carries serious consequences. The USPS OIG and the
U.S. Attorney’s Office remain committed to safeguarding the integrity of the workers’ compensation program and ensuring the accountability and integrity of U.S. Postal Service employees.”Sentencing will be held at the federal courthouse in East St. Louis, Illinois, on a date to be determined. In addition to losing his disability benefits, Shelton could also receive up to a year in prison and a fine of up to $100,000.
The investigation of this case was conducted by the United States Postal Service – Office of
Inspector General. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Luke J. Weissler.Former CEO of Houston-Based Seismic Data Acquisition Company Charged in Accounting Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
Audrey Strauss, Acting United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, and William F. Sweeney Jr., the Assistant Director-in-Charge of the New York Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (“FBI”), announced today the unsealing of an Indictment in Manhattan federal court charging JEFFREY HASTINGS, the former chief executive officer and chairman of the board of directors of SAExploration Holdings, Inc. (“SAEX” or the “Company”), a publicly traded seismic data company based in Houston, Texas, with securities fraud, wire fraud, and related offenses for his role in a scheme to fraudulently and materially inflate the publicly reported revenue of SAEX by tens of millions of dollars, in 2015 and 2016, and also for misappropriating millions of dollars from the Company. HASTINGS was arrested on September 11, 2020, in Anchorage, Alaska, on a complaint (the “Complaint”) and presented before a magistrate judge in the District of Alaska on September 15, 2020. The case is assigned to U.S. District Judge Gregory H. Woods.
Acting Manhattan U.S. Attorney Audrey Strauss said: “Jeffrey Hastings, the former CEO and chairman of the board of SAEX, and his co-conspirators, allegedly schemed to inflate the company’s revenue, thereby making the company appear more profitable than it was. Hastings and his co-conspirators then stole money from SAEX to line their own pockets. Thanks to the assistance of the FBI, Hastings’s trail of deceit has come to an end, and he now faces multiple fraud charges.”
FBI Assistant Director William F. Sweeney Jr. said: “As alleged, Hastings and his co-conspirators stole approximately $12 million from SAEX. They used a series of shell companies, and a company they claimed was independent from SAEX, to fraudulently inflate SAEX’s revenue, including by round-tripping millions of dollars stolen from SAEX. Hastings and his co-conspirators used the rest of the stolen money, approximately $5 million, to pad their own pockets. Today’s Indictment shows that illegal business dealings, even by a company’s highest executive, will be faced with intense scrutiny.”
According to the allegations contained in the Complaint and the Indictment:[1]
At all times relevant to the Indictment until August 2016, HASTINGS was the executive chairman of the board of directors of SAEX. After August 2016, HASTINGS served as both the chairman of the board of directors and the chief executive officer (“CEO”) of SAEX until he separated from the company in August 2019. SAEX was a publicly traded seismic data acquisition company headquartered in Houston, Texas, that traded under the symbol “SAEX” on the NASDAQ. SAEX provided land- and marine-based seismic acquisition services, including program design, planning, and permitting, camp services, survey, drilling, recording, and processing. Seismic data is used by oil and gas companies to identify and analyze drilling prospects and maximize successful drilling.
From at least in or about October 2015 through at least in or about May 2019, HASTINGS, together with the then chief financial officer and general counsel of SAEX (“CC-1”), the founder, and at various times the president, CEO, and chief operating officer of SAEX (“CC-2”), and the then executive vice president of operations at SAEX (“CC-3”), devised and carried out a scheme to defraud SAEX and the investing public by artificially and materially inflating SAEX’s reported revenue by making it appear that Alaskan Seismic Ventures, LLC (“ASV”) was an independent and reliable source of tens of millions of dollars of revenue.
In February 2015, HASTINGS and CC-1 discussed finding a way for SAEX to take advantage of certain tax credits offered by the State of Alaska to seismic data library companies, to offset the costs of exploring for oil and gas in Alaska (the “Alaska Tax Credits”). The board of SAEX was opposed to operating its own data library company because of concerns about the ability to ensure payment to SAEX for seismic data, including through the monetization of Alaska Tax Credits, among other reasons. To avoid the appearance that SAEX was operating a data library company that licensed data to third parties, HASTINGS and CC-1 set up ASV, to purport to operate as an independent customer purchasing seismic data from SAEX and licensing it to third parties. HASTINGS recruited an acquaintance to serve as the owner and sole employee of ASV. In truth and in fact, and as hidden from investors, ASV was not independent and could not pay SAEX for its seismic data.
After setting up ASV, HASTINGS and CC-1 created and caused to be created a number of shell companies (the “Shell Companies”) for the purpose of secretly transferring funds from SAEX into ASV. One of the Shell Companies, Global Equipment Solutions (“Global Equipment”), was purportedly an equipment rental company from which SAEX rented seismic acquisition equipment. In truth and in fact, and as HASTINGS and his co-conspirators well knew, SAEX did not rent any equipment from Global Equipment and did not owe Global Equipment any money. The co-conspirators took steps to make the payments from SAEX to Global Equipment appear legitimate to others at SAEX; for example, CC-1 drafted a lease agreement between SAEX and Global Equipment, and CC-3 caused fake purchase orders to be created that purported to show expenses incurred by SAEX as a result of renting equipment from Global Equipment.
By the end of 2015, SAEX had recorded on its books approximately $12 million in payables to Global Equipment. HASTINGS and his co-conspirators ultimately routed approximately $5.8 million of SAEX’s funds through Global Equipment, and the other Shell Companies, to ASV. That money then went from ASV back to SAEX to pay outstanding receivables. The fact that these funds originated with SAEX was not disclosed to investors. HASTINGS and his co-conspirators referred to this portion of the scheme as “round-tripping.” In addition, HASTINGS and CC-1 took more than $5 million of the funds that SAEX transferred to Global Equipment for their own use, including making payments to CC-2 and CC-3, among others.
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HASTINGS, 62, of Anchorage, Alaska, and British Columbia, Canada, is charged with one count of conspiracy to commit securities fraud and make false statements in annual and quarterly SEC reports, which carries a maximum sentence of five years in prison, one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, which carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison, one count of wire fraud, which carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison, and one count of securities fraud, which carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison. The maximum potential sentences in this case are prescribed by Congress and are provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the judge.
Ms. Strauss praised the investigative work of the FBI and also thanked the Securities and Exchange Commission, which has filed a civil enforcement action against the defendant, for its assistance in the investigation.
The case is being overseen by the Office’s Securities and Commodities Fraud Task Force. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Christine I. Magdo, Robert L. Boone, and Gina Castellano are in charge of the prosecution.
The charges contained in the Complaint and the Indictment are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
[1] As the introductory phrase signifies, the entirety of the text of the Complaint and the Indictment, and the description of the Complaint and the Indictment set forth herein, constitute only allegations, and every fact described should be treated as an allegation.
Former Assistant Director of Massac County EMA Charged with Mail and Wire FraudRead the Press Release
Benton, Ill. – The former assistant director of the Massac County Emergency Management Agency is facing federal fraud charges today after an East St. Louis grand jury returned an eight-count indictment against him. Christopher Thompson, 29, of Kevil, Kentucky, is accused of devising and participating in a scheme to defraud Massac County, Illinois, and private businesses to obtain money, credit, and property.
According to the indictment, Thompson operated his fraudulent scheme from November 2018 to
September 2019, in Massac County and elsewhere. Thompson is alleged to have obtained over $49,000 in money and property for himself using Massac County EMA’s existing accounts and by creating new accounts in its name. He allegedly used these accounts to charge personal expenses and kept the new accounts hidden from everyone else in Massac County government.An indictment is merely a formal charge against a defendant. Under the law, a defendant is presumed to be innocent of a charge until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt to the satisfaction of a jury.
Thompson is charged with one count of wire fraud and seven counts of mail fraud. Each count carries a maximum possible sentence of 20 years imprisonment and a $250,000 fine. Thompson is currently out on bond pending his jury trial, which is set for Nov. 30, 2020, in Benton, Illinois.
The investigation of this case was conducted by the FBI.Five Aliens Indicted on Illegal Reentry Charges, False Representation of a Social Security Account Number, False Claim to U.S. Citizenship, Use of Identification Document Not Lawfully Issued, Aggravated Identity Theft, and Assault on a Federal OfficerRead the Press Release
RALEIGH, N.C. – A federal grand jury returned indictments today charging Samuel Quirino-Carchure, age 42, of Mexico, Homero Garcia-Reynoso, age 31, of Mexico, and Jose Luis Lopez-Valdez, age 27, of Mexico, with illegal reentry charges.
Additionally, the grand jury returned a superseding indictment charging Estuardo Ariel Tajiboy-Velasquez, age 30, of Guatemala, with illegal reentry of an alien subsequent to a felony conviction, false representation of a social security number, use of an identification document not lawfully issued, false claim to U.S. citizenship, and aggravated identity theft.
The grand jury also returned a superseding indictment charging Arturo Villareal-Mendoza, age 39, of Mexico, with illegal reentry, false representation of a social security number, use of an identification document not lawfully issued, aggravated identity theft, and assault on a federal officer.
If convicted, Quirino-Carchure, previously deported twice and found in Brunswick County, would face a maximum imprisonment term of not more than two years, a $250,000 fine, and a term of supervised release following any term of imprisonment.
Garcia-Reynoso, previously deported and found in Wake County, is alleged to have been previously removed subsequent to a felony conviction (attempted trafficking in cocaine). Therefore, if convicted, he would face a maximum imprisonment term of not more than 20 years, a $250,000 fine, and a term of supervised release following any term of imprisonment.
Lopez-Valdez, previously deported and found in Wake County, is alleged to have been previously removed subsequent to a felony conviction (1st degree burglary). Therefore, if convicted, he would face a maximum imprisonment term of not more than 20 years, a $250,000 fine, and a term of supervised release following any term of imprisonment.
If convicted of illegal reentry of an alien subsequent to a felony conviction, false representation of a social security number, use of an identification document not lawfully issued, false claim to U.S. citizenship, and aggravated identity theft, Tajiboy-Velasquez, previously deported 4 times and found in Wake County, would face maximum penalties of 25 years imprisonment, a $250,000 fine per count, and a term of supervised release following any term of imprisonment.
Villareal-Mendoza, previously deported and found in Wake County, were charged with illegal reentry, false representation of a social security number, use of an identification document not lawfully issued, aggravated identity theft, and assault on a federal officer, would face maximum penalties of 22 years imprisonment, a $250,000 fine per count, and a term of supervised release following any term of imprisonment.
Robert J. Higdon, Jr., U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina made the announcement. ICE’s Enforcement and Removal Operations and Homeland Security Investigations are investigating the case.
A copy of this press release is located on our website.
An indictment is merely an accusation. The defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty.
Fentanyl Dealer Sentenced to Seven Years in PrisonRead the Press Release
PROVIDENCE – A Pawtucket man who admitted to selling significant quantities of fentanyl on the streets of Pawtucket, his fourth conviction on drug trafficking charges, was sentenced today in U.S. District Court in Providence to seven years in federal prison.
Jessie Yanez, 34, was arrested by members of the Cranston Police Department on November 16, 2019, following an investigation by members of the Pawtucket Police Department and the FBI Safe Streets Task Force. The investigation included four controlled purchases of varying amounts of fentanyl and cocaine from Yanez.
According to information presented to the court, Yanez sold an individual 3.5 grams of fentanyl for $240 on October 28, 2019, 20 grams of fentanyl for $1,800 on November 1, 2019, 50 grams of fentanyl for $2,750 on November 6, 2019, and 50 grams of cocaine for $1,900 on November 14, 2019.
Yanez, who has been detained since his arrest, pleaded guilty on June 25, 2019, to two counts of distribution of less than 40 grams of fentanyl, one count of distribution of more than 40 grams of fentanyl, and one count of distribution of less than 500 grams of cocaine.
Today, U.S. District Court Chief Judge John J. McConnell, Jr., sentenced Yanez to 84 months incarceration to be followed by four years of supervised release, announced United States Attorney Aaron L. Weisman, Cranston Police Chief Colonel Michael J. Winquist, Pawtucket Police Chief Tina Goncalves, and Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Boston Division Joseph R. Bonavolonta.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney’s Stacey P. Veroni and Gerard B. Sullivan.
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Federal and Local Law Enforcement Agencies Conduct Round-Up of Defendants Indicted on Drug Trafficking Charges as Part of Ongoing Effort to Reduce Violent CrimeRead the Press Release
SHREVEPORT, La. – Acting United States Attorney Alexander C. Van Hook and United States Drug Enforcement Administration (“DEA”) Special Agent in Charge Brad L. Byerley announced today that 13 defendants have been arrested on federal charges and 27 defendants have been arrested on state charges following an investigation into drug trafficking activities in the Shreveport/Bossier City area that began in 2016.
This long-term investigation, dubbed Operation Hustle City, was conducted by the DEA’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (“OCDETF”) which is comprised of federal, state, and local law enforcement officers working jointly on drug trafficking cases in the Western District of Louisiana. The investigation has resulted in 4 separate indictments charging 13 individuals with federal drug charges. The prosecution of these defendants is also part of the Department of Justice’s ongoing effort to reduce violent crime in our community.
The indictments allege that these individuals conspired to distribute and possessed with intent to distribute methamphetamine and marijuana. The defendants named in the four separate indictments and their charges are as follows:
Defendant Name
Charges
Shamariay Duntae Locke, a/k/a “Shu,” a/k/a “Supa Shu,” 35, Haughton, LA
- Conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine and marijuana – one count
- Distribution of marijuana – two counts
- Distribution of 50 grams or more of methamphetamine – one count
Jeremy Rechard Francis, a/k/a “Casper,” 37, Shreveport, LA
- Conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine and marijuana – one count
- Distribution of marijuana – two counts
Rico Deangelo Lawrence, 34,
Shreveport, LA
- Conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine and marijuana – one count
- Distribution of marijuana – one count
- Distribution of 50 grams or more of methamphetamine – 4 counts
- Lawrence, who has a prior federal drug trafficking conviction, is also charged with a sentencing enhancement based on his criminal history
Robert Lynn Baulkman, a/k/a “Fridge,” 34, Shreveport, LA
- Conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine and marijuana – one count
- Distribution of marijuana – one count
- Distribution of 50 grams or more of methamphetamine – one count
Danny Glen Roy Welch, 45, Shreveport, LA
- Conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine and marijuana – one count
- Distribution of 50 grams or more of methamphetamine – one count
Frank Gilford Joshua, IV, a/k/a “Bubba,” 33, Shreveport, LA
- Conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine and marijuana – one count
- Distribution of 50 grams or more of methamphetamine – 4 counts
Keynon Letray Frazier, IV, a/k/a “Green Eyes, 25, Shreveport, LA
- Conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine and marijuana – one count
- Distribution of 50 grams or more of methamphetamine – 2 counts
Michael Shane Haynes, IV, 42,
Bossier City, LA
- Conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine and marijuana – one count
- Distribution of marijuana – one count
- Haynes also charged with a sentencing enhancement based upon his criminal history
Garrett Oshann Sudds, 38,
Bossier City, LA
- Conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine and marijuana – one count
- Distribution of 50 grams or more of methamphetamine – 1 count
Henry A. Wright, a/k/a “Tweety,” 41, Shreveport, LA
- Distribution of 50 grams or more of methamphetamine – 3 counts
Arnelius Danta Terrell, 32, Shreveport, LA
- Conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine and marijuana – one count
- Distribution of 50 grams or more of methamphetamine – 2 counts
Ladarrell Cortrell Washington, 39,
Shreveport, LA
- Conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine – one count
- Distribution of methamphetamine – 3 counts
Schyler Algernon Smith, 31, Shreveport, LA
- Conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine – one count
- Distribution of 50 grams or more of methamphetamine – 1 count
- Smith also charged with a sentencing enhancement based upon his criminal history
These defendants have been arraigned in federal court, with the exception of Schyler Algernon Smith, who is in custody and will be arraigned at a later date, and three men who are currently fugitives: Rico Deangelo Lawrence, Keynon Letray Frazier and Ladarrell Cortrell Washington.
Each of the defendant fugitives are aware that they are wanted and should be considered as armed and dangerous and should not be approached by non-law enforcement. Anyone with information concerning the whereabouts of any of these defendants, please contact Shreveport DEA Office at 571-362-4972 or the U.S. Marshal’s Service Violent Offender Task Force by using their online tip portal at: www.usmarshals.gov/tips.
In addition to the defendants who are facing federal charges, this joint law enforcement operation also resulted in the following individuals being arrested on state charges:
- Jeff Aldridge, 31, Many, LA;
- Williams Brooks, 58, Shreveport, LA;
- Deandre Brown, 24, Shreveport, LA;
- Timothy Colbert, 32, Dallas, TX;
- Marcus Davis, 41, Shreveport, LA;
- Mischa Early, 42, Shreveport, LA;
- Dallas Edwards, 18, Shreveport, LA;
- Jamarcus Edwards, age and city unknown;
- Chad Feazell, 42, Shreveport, LA;
- Eric Gilliam, age and city unknown;
- Robert Guyer, 22, Shreveport, LA;
- Ronnie Holden, age and city unknown;
- Dominique Jackson, 30, Bossier City, LA;
- Samyah James, 19, Las Vegas, NV;
- Ceazar Love, 27, Shreveport, LA;
- Tra Moore, 26, Houston, TX;
- Valerie Noble, 28, Wasco, CA;
- Corey Parker, 35, Bossier City, LA;
- Blake Perot, 32, Bossier City, LA;
- Toledo Prim, 52, Shreveport, LA;
- Kelvin Roberson, 37, Shreveport, LA;
- Iyana Rodgers, 23, Tomball, TX;
- Mykendrick Shandle, age and city unknown;
- Brandon Small, 36, Shreveport, LA;
- Jayson Smallwood, 22, Bossier City, LA;
- Brian Snider, 39, Haughton, LA; and
- Joey Steele, 44, Bossier City, LA.
“This operation serves as a model of what can be accomplished when federal, state, and local law enforcement join forces to target drug trafficking and other violent crime,” said Acting United States Attorney Alexander C. Van Hook. “This investigation is ongoing and anyone who may have additional information about these defendants or their associates are asked to contact the DEA immediately.”
DEA Special Agent in Charge Brad L. Byerley said, “Drug dealing and violent crime often go hand in hand and spread fear and destruction in our communities. These investigations and resulting arrests clearly demonstrate the combined strength that federal, state and local law enforcement agencies bring to bear in the battle against these drug traffickers and strike a significant blow to their drug trafficking organizations. We are leveraging our respective resources and expertise to achieve results that we could not accomplish on our own. Our combined, concentrated efforts are making communities safer by disrupting the flow of dangerous drugs to our neighborhoods.”
“We were happy to participate in this interdictive operation and look forward to further cooperative endeavors to make our community safer,” said Caddo Parish District Attorney James E. Stewart, Sr.
Shreveport Police Department Chief Ben Raymond added: “Local, state and federal law enforcement agencies are committed to reducing violence in our area. Operation Hustle City is but one example of our ongoing efforts to reduce the criminal element; an element that contributes to violent crime and affects all of our residents.”
“I appreciate and applaud the difficult and dangerous work performed by each deputy, officer, and agent. Their dedication is the story, not the actions of a bunch of thugs,“ said Caddo Parish Sheriff Steve Prator.
An indictment is merely an accusation and a defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
Federal agencies including DEA, Department of Homeland Security, ATF, FBI, U.S. Marshal’s Service and U.S. Postal Inspection Service, all are working jointly with the Louisiana State Police, Shreveport Police Department, Caddo Parish Sheriff’s Office, Bossier Parish Sheriff’s Office, Bossier City Police Department, Desoto Parish Sheriff’s Office, Lincoln Parish Sheriff’s Office, Ruston Police Department and Ouachita Parish Sheriff’s Office, in conducting this investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Brandon B. Brown is prosecuting the federal cases.
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Federal Grand Jury A Indictments AnnouncedRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Trent Shores today announced the results of the October 2020 Federal Grand Jury A. The grand jury returned 26 unsealed and 3 sealed indictments.
Because of the large volume of cases the Northern District of Oklahoma has been charging since the Supreme Court’s McGirt decision in July, a second Federal Grand Jury B will convene the week of Oct. 19-23, 2020.
The following individuals have been charged with violations of United States law in indictments returned by the Grand Jury. The return of an indictment is a method of informing a defendant of alleged violations of federal law, which must be proven in a court of law beyond a reasonable doubt to overcome a defendant’s presumption of innocence.
Joshua Aaron Attocknie (superseding). Possession of Stolen Vehicle in Indian Country; Endangering Others While Eluding Police Officer in Indian Country. (superseding) Attocknie, 38, of Tulsa, is charged with two counts of possession of a stolen vehicle. Attocknie unlawfully and knowingly possessed a 2016 black Audi A5 and a 2020 black Chevrolet Silverado previously stolen from a dealership and rental company by unknown parties. In the superseding indictment, Attocknie is also charged with attempting to elude officers on July 13, 2020, by rapidly accelerating and endangering others when police tried to pull him over. The FBI and Tulsa Police Department are the investigative agencies.
Scotty Lee Belcher. Possessing and Uttering Forged Security. Belcher, 31, of Talala, is charged with seven counts of possessing and trying to pass counterfeited checks with intent to deceive four motorcycle and car dealerships in August 2019. The checks were written in the amounts of $37,800, $31,800, $2,240, $21,050, $28,600, $21,500, and $16,500. The Tulsa Police Department, U.S. Secret Service, and FBI are the investigative agencies.
David Samuel Boggs Jr. Felon in Possession of a Firearm and Ammunition. Boggs Jr., 34, of Tulsa, is charged with possessing a FMK .9 mm pistol and associated ammunition after kidnapping and domestic abuse convictions. The FBI and Tulsa Police Department are the investigative agencies.
Matthew Scott Boll. Voluntary Manslaughter in Indian Country; Involuntary Manslaughter in Indian Country; Unlawful User of a Controlled Substance in Possession of a Firearm. Boll, 44, of Tulsa, is charged with killing Antonio Morencio Velasco using a firearm. He is further charged with involuntary manslaughter and with possessing a Springfield Armory .9 mm semi-automatic pistol while being an unlawful user of methamphetamine. The Tulsa Police Department and FBI are the investigative agencies.
Madelyn Abigail Brown. Assault With a Dangerous Weapon in Indian Country. Brown, 26, of Tulsa, is charged with assaulting a male with a dangerous weapon by repeatedly stabbing the victim with a knife. The Tulsa Police Department and FBI are the investigative agencies.
Ibanga Etuk, Teosha Etuk, Olusola Ojo. Ibanga Etuk, Teosha Etuk, Olusola Ojo. Bank Fraud Conspiracy (count 1); Bank Fraud (counts 2-6); Aggravated Identity Theft (counts 7-9); Unlawful Monetary Transaction (counts 10-17). (2nd superseding). Ibanga Etuk, 40, and Teosha Etuk, 32, both of Tulsa, and Ojo, 41, of Owasso, allegedly conspired together and with others to commit bank fraud from April 1, 2020 to August 4, 2020. The three defendants created 12 fictitious business entities that would fraudulently apply for Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans under false pretenses such as the number of employees, payroll expenditures, taxes paid during previous months, details of business ownership, and a false representation of their relationship with one another. During this time, Ibanga Etuk, Teosha Etuk, and Olusola Ojo submitted multiple applications for the same businesses to more than ten different banks, without disclosing to those banks that they were submitting duplicative applications. They conspired to obtain loans in the total approximate amount of $5,430,585 and actually obtained funding from banks in the total approximate amount of $995,385. The three defendants are also charged with various counts of bank fraud. Teosha Etuk, Ibanga Etuk, and Olusola Ojo are each further charged with counts of aggravated identity theft. Teosha Etuk and Ibanga Etuk are further charged with counts of unlawful monetary transactions. The Federal Reserve Board-Office of Inspector General (OIG); Small Business Administration-OIG, and FBI are the investigative agencies.
Matthew Alan Joseph. Felon in Possession of a Firearm. Joseph, 37, of Tulsa, is charged with possessing a Colt .45 pistol and associated ammunition after three domestic assault and battery convictions in 2008 and 2017. The Tulsa Police Department and FBI are the investigative agencies.
Johnathan David Kelley. Felon in Possession of Firearm and Ammunition; Unlawful User of a Controlled Substance in Possession of a Firearm; Attempt to Manufacture Methamphetamine. Kelley, 36, of Tulsa, is charged with possessing a Glock 9 mm semi-automatic pistol after previously being convicted for DUI and for possessing a controlled drug. The FBI and Broken Arrow and Tulsa Police Departments are the investigative agencies.
Jason Gordon Kinnear; Brittney Lynn Kinnear. Possession of Marijuana With Intent to Distribute; Possession of Methamphetamine With Intent to Distribute; Maintaining a Drug-Involved Premises; Possession of Firearms in Furtherance of Drug Trafficking Crimes; Possession of an Unregistered Rifle Having a Barrel of Less Than 16 Inches in Length. Jason Kinnear, 20, of Tulsa, is charged with possessing with intent to distribute marijuana and with possessing with intent to distribute methamphetamine. He is also charged with leasing a premises for the purpose of unlawfully manufacturing, storing, distributing and using controlled substances. He is further charged with possessing a Del-Ton .223 short-barrel rifle and a Glock 9 mm pistol in furtherance of his drug trafficking crimes. Finally, both Jason Kinnear and Brittney Kinnear, 22, of Tulsa, are charged with possessing a rifle having a barrel length of less than 16 inches and not registered to either of them in the National Firearms Registration and Transfer Record. The Tulsa Police Department, FBI, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives are the investigative agencies.
Sergio Lopez-Ramirez. Possession of a Firearm by an Alien Illegally in the United States; Unlawful Reentry of Removed Alien. Lopez-Ramirez is charged with being an alien illegally in the United States in possession of a Forjas Taurus 9 mm Luger and associated ammunition. He is further charged with reentry of a removed alien, having returned to the United States unlawfully after being deported Jan. 16, 2017, at or near Brownsville, Texas. The Rogers County Sheriff’s Office, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations (ICE-HSI), and ICE-Enforcement and Removal Operations (ICE-ERO) are the investigative agencies.
Tymalk Quane Love; Anthony Ward Irving; Casey Joe Eastwood. Drug Conspiracy (counts 1-2); Importation of a Controlled Substance- Fentanyl (count 3); Smuggling Goods Into the United States (count 4); Unlawful Use of a Communication Facility (counts 5-34); Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Drug Trafficking Crime (counts 35 and 36) (3rd superseding). From approximately January 2018 through February 2019, Love, 30, of Tulsa; Irving, 36, of Phoenix, Arizona; and Eastwood, 34, of Purdy, Missouri, conspired to distribute heroin and 500 grams or more of methamphetamine (count 1). According to the indictment, Love organized the conspiracy using contraband cell phones from inside the Oklahoma Department of Corrections where he was an inmate. Other members of the conspiracy allegedly included a “Facilitator” who purchased drugs from bulk distributors and sold the drugs to mid-level drug dealers; a “Broker,” defendant Irving, who helped connect Love and the Facilitator with bulk distributors in Arizona; and a “Distributor,” defendant Eastwood, who bought drugs from the facilitator. Love profited by selling drugs to mid-level drug dealers at higher prices than what Love had paid the wholesaler.
Love is further charged with conspiring to distribute fentanyl (count 2); importing/smuggling fentanyl into the United States (count 3 and 4); using a cell phone to direct his illicit drug operation (counts 5-27); and possessing a Taurus 9 mm pistol in furtherance of his drug trafficking crimes on Jan. 31, 2018 and Feb. 7, 2019 (Count 35-36). Finally, Eastwood is charged with using a cell phone as part of the drug conspiracy (counts 28-34). The Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics and Dangerous Drugs, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations, and Tulsa Police Department are the investigative agencies.
Ryan Glen McClain. Assault with a Dangerous Weapon in Indian Country; Assault by Striking, Beating, and Wounding in Indian Country. McClain, 37, of Tulsa, is charged with two counts of assault. On Sept. 10, 2020, McClain allegedly assaulted an intimate partner by striking and wounding her. The FBI and Tulsa Police Department are the investigative agencies.
Fernando Moreno. Possession of Cocaine With Intent to Distribute; Possession of Methamphetamine With Intent to Distribute; Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of Drug Trafficking Crimes; Possession of a Firearm by Alien Illegally in the United States. Moreno, age unknown, of Tulsa, is charged with two counts of possession with intent to distribute, one for cocaine and the second for methamphetamine. Moreno is also charged with being an illegal alien unlawfully possessing an Anderson AR-15, .223 caliber semi-automatic rifle and using that rifle during his drug trafficking crimes. The Drug Enforcement Administration, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations (ICE-HSI), ICE-Entry and Removal Operations (ICE-ERO), and the Tulsa Police Department are the investigative agencies.
Michael Eugene Patterson. Burglary in the First Degree in Indian Country. Patterson, 35, of Tulsa, on Jan. 11, 2020, broke into a home by breaking the door down with the intent to commit burglary. The FBI and Tulsa Police Department are the investigative agencies.
Robert William Perry II. Aggravated Sexual Abuse of a Child in Indian Country; Abusive Sexual Contact of a Child in Indian Country. Perry, 30, of Tulsa, is charged with two counts of child sexual abuse. From May 6, 2017 to May 15, 2018, Perry knowingly engaged in sexual acts and sexual contact with a child under the age of 12. The FBI and Tulsa Police Department are the investigative agencies.
Zachary Thomas Price. Stalking in Indian Country. Price, 20, of Tulsa, from April 1, 2020 to Aug. 23, 2020 engaged in behavior intended to injure, harass, intimidate, and cause substantial emotional threat to two other males and their family members. The FBI and Tulsa Police Department are the investigative agencies.
Timothy Alfred Reed Jr. Involuntary Manslaughter in Indian Country. Reed, 49, of Mounds, on November 6, 2018, killed another male by striking him with a vehicle while allegedly under the influence of methamphetamine. The FBI and Oklahoma Highway Patrol are the investigative agencies.
Cain Reyes-Cruz. Unlawful Reentry of Removed Alien. Cruz, 42, an alien, was found in the United States after having been deported on March 14, 2013, near Laredo, Texas. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Entry and Removal Operations is the investigative agency.
Darryl Lamont Sanders. Kidnapping in Indian Country; Aggravated Sexual Abuse in Indian Country. Sanders, 54, allegedly kidnapped a female victim on Jan. 30, 2020. Sanders then allegedly proceeded to rape the victim and threaten her with serious bodily injury or death. The FBI and Tulsa Police Department are the investigative agencies.
Lakota Ray Scott. Domestic Assault by Strangulation in Indian Country; Assault With a Dangerous Weapon in Indian Country. Scott, 33, of Tulsa, is charged with assaulting her girlfriend by strangling and suffocating the victim and then assaulting her with a television on March 16, 2016.
Robbery in Indian Country; Larceny of a Motor Vehicle in Indian Country. In a separate indictment, Scott is also charged with using violence and intimidation to steal a pick-up truck on Jan. 31, 2019. The Tulsa Police Department and FBI are the investigative agencies in both indictments.
Devin Charles Staller (superseding indictment). Felon in Possession of a Firearm; Assault With a Dangerous Weapon in Indian Country; Burglary in the Second Degree in Indian Country; Burglary in the First Degree in Indian Country. Staller, 23, of Tulsa, is charged with being a felon in possession of a Montgomery Ward Savage 16 gauge pump-action shotgun. Staller is an 8-time convicted felon. Further, Staller is charged with assaulting a female victim by cutting her with a knife. Staller is also charged with two counts of burglary. He allegedly broke into two homes, one where no one was present and the other when the home owner was present and Staller was armed with a knife. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives is the investigative agency.
Ernie Wayne Standing Soldier Jr. (written as Standingsoldier in the indictment). Assault of an Intimate Partner and Dating Partner by Strangling and Attempting to Strangle or Suffocate in Indian Country; Burglary in the First Degree in Indian Country; Assault Resulting in Substantial Bodily Injury to an Intimate Partner and Dating Partner in Indian Country. Standing Soldier Jr., 35, of Tulsa, is charged with assaulting an intimate partner and by strangulation on Feb. 20, 2020. He is also charged with breaking into the victim’s home with intent to commit a crime. Finally on March 16, 2020, Standing Soldier Jr. is alleged to have punched the victim in the face and attempted to strangle her. The Tulsa Police Department and FBI are the investigative agencies.
Jeremy Ryan Wetch (superseding indictment). Stalking; Unlawful User of a Controlled Substance in Possession of Firearms and Ammunition. Wetch, 33, of Akron, Colorado, traveled to Tulsa on Oct. 12, 2018, with the intent to harass and intimidate another individual, causing substantial emotional stress. Wetch is further charged with unlawfully using marijuana and knowingly possessing a Smith & Wesson .44 Magnum caliber revolver, a Beretta .22LR caliber pistol, a Beretta .45 Auto caliber pistol, and various types of ammunition. The FBI and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives are the investigative agencies.
Shane McClearan Wright. Attempted Possession of Heroin With Intent to Distribute; Possession of Heroin With Intent to Distribute; Possession of Fentanyl With Intent to Distribute; Possession of Methamphetamine With Intent to Distribute; Maintaining a Drug-Involved Premises. Wright, 44, of Tulsa, is charged with possession of heroin, fentanyl, and methamphetamine with the intent to distribute. Further, Wright is charged with knowingly maintaining a residence for the purpose of manufacturing and distributing heroin, fentanyl, and methamphetamine. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations (ICE-HSI), the Drug Enforcement Administration, Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics and Dangerous Drugs, Tulsa County Sheriff’s Office, and Tulsa Police Department are the investigative agencies.
Damion Lamons Zachery. Conspiracy to Commit Robbery and Burglary in Indian Country; Robbery in Indian Country; First Degree Burglary in Indian Country; Brandishing a Firearm During and in Relation to a Crime of Violence; Felon in Possession of a Firearm and Ammunition. (superseding indictment) Zachary, 28, of Tulsa, and others, collectively referred to as “the conspirators,” agreed to commit the following crimes. On March 31, 2020, they allegedly broke into the home of an individual, threatened the occupants with a firearm, and demanded property and money from those residing in the home. The conspirators allegedly used gang affiliation to intimidate the occupants and force them to comply. During this time, one of the conspirators put a firearm to the head of a female juvenile present in the home. They proceeded to steal the occupants’ personal property, including but not limited to a wallet containing identification, money and credit cards as well as a PlayStation console and controllers. When a neighbor arrived at the home, he was threatened and chased from the residence by the conspirators. After committing these alleged crimes, the conspirators fled together in a black SUV. Zachary is also charged with being a felon in possession of a Zastava Arms 7.62x39mm caliber, semi-automatic pistol and various kinds of ammunition. The FBI is the investigative agency.
Eighteen Charged in Project Safe Neighborhoods Drug and Firearms InvestigationsRead the Press Release
PROVIDENCE, RI – Eighteen individuals, fifteen of whom were previously convicted of felony drug and/or firearm charges, and thirteen of whom are currently serving terms of state or federal probation, have been charged in federal court in Providence with trafficking drugs and/or firearms, the result of a series of FBI Safe Streets Task Force Project Safe Neighborhoods investigations.
“Operation River Fork,” launched by the Safe Streets Task Force in Woonsocket in January, expanded over the past ten months to include investigations in Providence, Warwick and Cranston. The investigations identified three separate alleged drug and/or firearms trafficking conspiracies involving a total of nine individuals, and eight individuals who have been charged based on their alleged independent drug and/or firearm trafficking activities.
Leading up to eight arrests and the execution of two court-authorized search warrants on Wednesday, and seven arrests today, forty-seven controlled drug and firearm transactions monitored by members of the Safe Street Task Force resulted in the seizure of three loaded firearms, approximately one kilogram of crack cocaine, and forty grams of fentanyl.
As a result of the arrests and search warrants executed on Wednesday and Thursday, three loaded firearms, approximately 350 grams of crack cocaine, 130 grams of fentanyl, 120 grams of powder cocaine, and $122,000 in cash were seized by law enforcement.
If convicted as charged in criminal complaints filed with the court, thirteen of the nineteen individuals face mandatory minimum sentences of five years in federal prison.
United States Attorney Aaron L. Weisman noted, “It is unfortunate, and really distressing, that Defendants with previous criminal histories would remain undeterred from continuing to deal in drugs, and, in some instances, even firearms. Thanks to the exemplary, and truly heroic, work of our federal, state, and local law enforcement partners, these alleged bad actors – who endanger our neighborhoods and threaten our families with gun and drug violence – now face the prospect of significant incarceration in federal prison.”
“These arrests and seizures show our relentless determination to mitigate the drug-fueled violence plaguing our communities at the hands of previously convicted felons who continue to demonstrate why they are a serious threat to public safety,” said Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Boston Division. “The hard-working citizens of Rhode Island should not be handcuffed by fear of leaving their homes and getting caught in the crosshairs of a drug deal. Let it be clear, the rule of law is not optional, and our Safe Streets Task Force will continue to do everything it can to stop the flow of illegal narcotics and firearms onto our streets.”
Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) is the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
A criminal complaint is merely an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.
These Project Safe Neighborhood cases are being prosecuted by a team of prosecutors to include Assistant United States Attorneys Stacey P. Veroni, Gerard B. Sullivan, Ly T. Chin, Christine D. Lowell, and Ronald R. Gendron.
The FBI’s Safe Streets Task Force is comprised of agents and law enforcement officers from the FBI, Rhode Island State Police, the Providence, Cranston, Woonsocket, Pawtucket, West Warwick, and Central Falls Police Departments, the Rhode Island National Guard, and the U.S. Marshals Service.
Arrested Wednesday
Anthony Medeiros, 29, Woonsocket
- Three counts of the Distribution of 28 grams or More of Cocaine Base
- Two counts of Distribution of Cocaine Base
- One count of Conspiracy to distribute a Controlled Substance
Bradley Dewalt. 28, Woonsocket
- One count of the Distribution of Cocaine Base
- One count of Conspiracy to distribute a Controlled Substance
Michael Fernandes, 27, Woonsocket
- Two counts of the Distribution of 28 grams or More of Cocaine Base
- One count of Distribution of Cocaine Base
- One count of Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance
Mariah Raymond, 26, Woonsocket
- One count of the Distribution of 28 grams or More of Cocaine Base
- One count of Conspiracy to distribute a Controlled Substance
Josue Gomez Sanchez, 26, Woonsocket
- Distribution of 28 Grams or More of Cocaine Base
- Distribution of Cocaine Base
Jose Perez, 27, Woonsocket
- Two counts of Distribution of 28 grams of More of Cocaine Base
- One count of Distribution of Cocaine Base
Michael Wilkerson, 36, Woonsocket
- One count of Distribution of 28 Grams or More of Cocaine Base
- One count of Distribution of Cocaine Base
Bruce Perez Gonzalez, 25, Woonsocket
- Distribution of 28 grams of More of Cocaine Base
- Distribution of Cocaine Base
Arrested Thursday
Joel Figueroa, 24, Providence
- Two counts of Distribution of less than 28 grams of Cocaine Base
- One count of Conspiracy to Distribute of Cocaine Base
- One count of Being a Felon in Possession of a Firearm
Ricardo Pierre, 41, Warwick
- Five counts of Distribution of 28 grams of More of Cocaine Base
Ronnie Smith, 32, Cranston
- One count of Distribution of 28 grams of More of Cocaine Base
- One count of Distribution of Cocaine Base
Michael Rodriguez, 25, Providence
- One count of Distribution of 28 grams of More of Cocaine Base
- Two counts of Distribution of Cocaine Base
Angel Aviles, 22, Cranston
- Conspiracy to distribute cocaine base, heroin and fentanyl and distribution of cocaine base, heroin and fentanyl
Juan Batista, 35, Woonsocket
- Conspiracy to distribute cocaine base, heroin and fentanyl and distribution of cocaine base, heroin and fentanyl
Natalie Cassidy, 26, Woonsocket
- Conspiracy to distribute cocaine base, heroin and fentanyl and distribution of cocaine base, heroin and fentanyl
Detained at the ACI on Unrelated Charges
Brady Robinson, 26, Woonsocket
- Felon in Possession of a Firearm
Alfonso Merced, 35, Woonsocket
- Felon in Possession of a Firearm
Josimar Pereira, 24, Woonsocket
- Two counts of the offense of distribution of a controlled substance, cocaine base; and
- Six counts of distribution of a controlled substance, cocaine base and fentanyl
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Ecuadorian Man Admits Conspiring to Import Cocaine into United StatesRead the Press Release
NEWARK, N.J. – An Ecuadorian man today admitted his role in a conspiracy to import several kilograms of cocaine from Ecuador into the United States, U.S. Attorney Craig Carpenito announced.
Jorge Giklin Arauz Velasquez, 45, of Ecuador, pleaded guilty by videoconference before U.S. District Judge Katharine S. Hayden to one count of an indictment charging him with conspiracy to import five kilograms or more of cocaine into the United States.
According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:
From March 2018 through January 2019, Velasquez worked with members of a drug trafficking organization operating out of Ecuador to import cocaine from Ecuador throughout the United States. For several months, Velasquez discussed the possibility of importing kilogram quantities of cocaine into the United States into the New Jersey area. In November 2018, Velasquez told another individual that he could smuggle cocaine onto a flight leaving Ecuador and arriving in Florida.
In December 2018, Velasquez and another associate discussed that several kilograms of cocaine could be shipped on a plane leaving Guayaquil, Ecuador, and arriving in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. The cocaine would be contained in luggage on the flight. Later, Velasquez sent a message containing the flight number where the cocaine shipment would be located, along with a description of the luggage tag for the luggage that would contain the cocaine. Law enforcement in Florida located the luggage from the identified flight, which contained approximately 10 kilograms of cocaine.
The count to which Velasquez pleaded guilty carries a mandatory minimum penalty of 10 years in prison, a maximum penalty of life in prison, and a $10 million fine. Sentencing is scheduled for Feb. 10, 2021.
U.S. Attorney Carpenito credited specials agents of the FBI, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge George M. Crouch Jr. in Newark; Colombian National Police DIJIN-GESIN; the Ecuadorian National Police; Immigration and Customs Enforcement – Enforcement and Removal Operations, under the direction of Field Office Director John Tsoukaris; officers of the Newark Police Department, under the direction of Public Safety Director Anthony Ambrose; and the New Jersey National Guard Counter Drug Task Force, under the direction of Col. Paul Rumberger, with the investigation. U.S. Attorney Carpenito also thanked the U.S. Department of Justice’s Office of International Affairs for their assistance with the case.
This case was conducted under the auspices of the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF), a partnership between federal, state and local law enforcement agencies dedicated to identifying and dismantling the most serious drug trafficking, weapons trafficking and money laundering organizations.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jamie L. Hoxie of the U.S. Attorney’s Office Criminal Division in Newark.
Douglas County Felon Sentenced for Possessing Firearms and AmmunitionRead the Press Release
MADISON, WIS. - Scott C. Blader, United States Attorney for the Western District of Wisconsin, announced that Patrick Staton, 30, Town of Maple, Wisconsin, was sentenced today by Chief U.S. District Judge James D. Peterson to 72 months in federal prison for possessing three firearms and ammunition as a felon. This prison term will be followed by three years of supervised release.
The investigation in this case stems from a confrontation initiated by Staton outside of his home in Maple on September 1, 2019. During that confrontation, Staton armed himself with a firearm and was subsequently shot by another individual in self-defense. Officers executed a search warrant at Staton’s residence on September 2, 2019, at which time they located three firearms and ammunition, including an AR-15 style rifle with seven additional magazines. All three guns had previously been reported stolen in Minnesota. Staton is prohibited from possessing any firearms or ammunition as a result of several Wisconsin felony convictions.
At sentencing, Judge Peterson recognized that Staton represents a threat to the public given his “hot head” nature. Judge Peterson also noted that this was not the first time Staton had been shot, and that incident as well as his prior felonies failed to deter him from possessing firearms. Judge Peterson also considered the injuries Staton sustained as a result of his conduct in this case, which included brain damage and the limited use of his right hand for the rest of his life.
The charge against Staton was the result of an investigation conducted by the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office; Superior Police Department; Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources; St. Louis County (Minnesota) Sheriff’s Office; Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; and Federal Bureau of Investigation. The prosecution of the case has been handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Taylor L. Kraus.
Don’t Be A Victim: Join Us October 15 for a Free Senior Outreach Event on Protecting Yourself from Financial Fraud and Potential ScamsRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH - On October 15, 2020, at 10:00 a.m., the United States Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Pennsylvania, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Pittsburgh Division are holding a virtual town hall event focused on protecting seniors from financial fraud and potential scams during the COVID-19 pandemic, U.S. Attorney Scott W. Brady announced.
One of the best ways to protect yourself or a loved one from financial fraud is to remain informed. The U.S. Attorney’s Office, the SEC, and the FBI have partnered to raise awareness and educate seniors in Pennsylvania about the latest financial scams.
The free virtual town hall will be live on the SEC’s website, www.sec.gov, between 9:30 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, October 15, 2020 ET. Attendees are also able to call in using the dial-in: 415-527-5035 or 929-251-9612, with the event ID 199 951 7027.
Participants may submit questions for the speakers in advance to: [email protected]. Attendees can also register in advance at [email protected]. Registration is encouraged but not required.
The DOJ Elder Justice Initiative aims to combat elder financial exploitation by expanding efforts to investigate and prosecute financial scams that target seniors; educating older adults on how to identify scams; and promoting greater coordination with law enforcement partners. The DOJ provides a variety of resources relating to elder fraud victimization through its Office of Victims of Crime at www.ovc.gov. Additional elder justice resources, training, and outreach materials can be found at the Elder Justice Website at www.elderjustice.gov. Elder fraud complaints may be sent to the U.S. Attorney’s Office at [email protected] or to the IC3 at www.ic3.gov.
Dominican National Convicted of Heroin and Fentanyl TraffickingRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Dominican national was convicted yesterday by a federal jury in Boston in relation to the seizure of over 10 kilograms of fentanyl and heroin in December 2018.
Carlos Soto-Villar, 34, a Dominican national formerly residing in Lawrence, was convicted by a jury of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute one kilogram or more of heroin and 400 grams or more of fentanyl. U.S. District Court Judge Patti B. Saris scheduled sentencing for Jan. 27, 2021.
According to the trial testimony, on Dec. 6, 2018, Soto-Villar supplied a kilogram of fentanyl to co-defendant Ana Caraballo. The kilogram of fentanyl was later seized by police on Dec. 7, 2018. A search at the Methuen apartment used by Soto-Villar and co-defendant Angel Valdez as a drug stash house, resulted in the seizure of over nine kilograms of fentanyl and heroin and drug processing equipment. Soto-Villar fled from the apartment and was apprehended a short distance away.
The operation was conducted by a multi-agency task force through the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF), a partnership between federal, state and local law enforcement agencies. The principal mission of the OCDETF program is to identify, disrupt and dismantle the most serious drug trafficking, weapons trafficking and money laundering organizations, and those primarily responsible for the nation’s illegal drug supply. More information on the OCDETF program is available here: https://www.justice.gov/ocdetf/about-ocdetf.
Soto-Villar faces a sentence of at least 10 years and up to life in prison, at least five years and up to a lifetime of supervised release and a fine of up to $10,000,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based on the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
U.S. Attorney Lelling and Brian D. Boyle, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration New England Field Division made the announcement. Assistance was also provided by the Massachusetts State Police and the Methuen Police Department. AUSA Linda M. Ricci, Chief of Lelling’s Narcotics and Money Laundering Unit, and Katherine Ferguson, Deputy Chief of the Narcotics and Money Laundering Unit, are prosecuting the case.
District Woman Sentenced to Prison Tern for Financial Exploitation of a Vulnerable Adult and TheftRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Jasmine Renee Worthy, 54, of Washington, D.C. was sentenced on September 25, 2020 by the Honorable Judge Robert A. Salerno of the Superior Court for the District of Columbia to 60 days incarceration to be followed by five years of supervised release, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Michael R. Sherwin, Peter Newsham, Chief of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD), and Karl Racine, Attorney General for the District of Columbia. Worthy pled guilty in December 2019 to one count of Financial Exploitation of a Vulnerable Adult or Elderly Person and five counts of Theft related to money that she wrongfully obtained from five additional victims. Worthy was also ordered at sentencing to pay a combined restitution amount of $58,465 to victims of the offense.
According to the factual proffer, over the course of nine months, between 2018 and 2019, Worthy exploited a blind adult woman who had inherited a sum of money from a deceased family member. Specifically, Worthy’s scheme involved holding herself out as someone who specialized in finding homes for people who had been denied housing in the past, were poor or who had poor or no credit. Worthy led the victim to believe that she would use the funds provided by the victim to locate a suitable home for the victim and her two minor children to live. During the course of the scheme, Worthy often went with the victim to the bank to obtain cash from the victim’s account. Worthy exploited the victim, completely depleting the victim’s bank account of approximately $40,200.
From March to April 2019, Worthy obtained $2,400 from another victim who had been denied housing and had been referred to Worthy’s company, Second Chance Housing. The victim, who was pregnant at the time, met with Worthy, along with her minor child, in a parking lot in Southeast DC. The victim explained the urgency of her living situation and that she would be homeless if unable to find a place to live. Worthy took the victim’s money and shortly thereafter stopped communications with her. As was revealed at sentencing, following the theft of her money, the victim was forced to move with her minor child to a shelter.
In March 2018, another victim gave Worthy $3,900 for DC housing vouchers and furnishings which Worthy told the victim that she would secure. After numerous attempts by the victim to either get the defendant to provide the services and merchandise or return the money, Worthy ceased communications with the victim. Worthy similarly promised another victim that she would locate a home for the victim. This victim gave Worthy $4,800. Worthy never applied the money to a home or furnishings for the victim and stopped communications after repeated demands by the victim for return of her funds. Another couple in search of an apartment for rent met with Worthy, explained that their credit was bad and gave Worthy $2,665. The couple was never shown any apartments and Worthy cut off communications with them.
The final victim hired Worthy as a property manager for her DC home when the victim had to leave the DC area in order to care for an ill relative who resided out of state. Worthy convinced the victim that she needed to provide $4,500 to Worthy so that Worthy could have an escrow account set up and held by the Department of Consumer & Regulatory Affairs (DCRA). No escrow account was established. Worthy stopped communications with the victim after repeated requests by the victim for return of her funds.
At sentencing, the prosecution team appeared remotely due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic alongside victims and their families and argued before the court that notwithstanding the ongoing pandemic, the defendant’s actions, lack of remorse, and the significant harm caused to DC residents in need of housing warranted time in prison.
In announcing the sentence, Acting U.S. Attorney Michael R. Sherwin, and MPD Chief Newsham commended the work of the Metropolitan Police Department Financial and Cyber Crimes Unit, which investigated the case alongside investigators from the Office of the Attorney General. They also cited the efforts of Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephanie G Miller and Special Assistant United States Attorney Jennifer C. Mika, on detail from the Office of the Attorney General to handle financial crimes cases involving elderly victims, who investigated and prosecuted the cases from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia with support from Paralegal Specialists Sabrina Turner and Chad D. Byron.
This prosecution is part of the Office’s wider efforts to combat crimes against seniors. In 2018, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia and the Office of the Attorney General for the District of Columbia simultaneously launched initiatives to address the abuse and exploitation of older adults. The Elder Abuse and Financial Exploitation Initiative at the U.S. Attorney’s Office expanded its response to criminal and civil violations targeting older adults. The initiative has enabled the U.S. Attorney’s Office and the Office of the Attorney General for the District of Columbia to develop and coordinate further the prosecution of these cases and enhance overall support of older or vulnerable victims in the District of Columbia. The team consists of experienced prosecutors and victim advocates from across these two Offices, to include the Superior Court, Criminal, and Civil Divisions, as well as the Victim Witness Assistance Unit. This prosecution is indicative of the continued collaboration between the U.S. Attorney’s Office and the Office of the Attorney General to prosecute cases of this kind.
Dippin Donuts Owners and Adult Son Indicted for $1 Million Tax Evasion SchemeRead the Press Release
SYRACUSE, NEW YORK – A federal grand jury returned an indictment yesterday charging John Zourdos, age 67, Helen Zourdos, age 63, and Dimitrios Zourdos, age 37, all of Rome, New York, with felony counts of conspiracy to defraud the IRS, tax evasion, and aiding and assisting in the filing of false tax returns. The indictment was announced by Acting United States Attorney Antoinette T. Bacon, Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Richard E. Zuckerman of the Justice Department’s Tax Division, and Jonathan D. Larsen, Special Agent in Charge of the New York Field Office of Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation (“IRS-CI”).
The indictment alleges that John and Helen Zourdos own three Dippin Donuts stores in Central New York—two in Rome and one in New Hartford—and that they operate these stores with the assistance of their son, Dimitrios Zourdos. The indictment further alleges that between 2013 and 2017, John, Helen, and Dimitrios concealed more than $1 million in cash sales from the IRS by depositing cash directly into their personal bank accounts instead of their business bank accounts and by providing incomplete information to their accountant and causing the accountant to file false individual and corporate tax returns with the IRS. The indictment further alleges that the defendants committed employment tax fraud by paying employees some of their wages “off the books” in cash.
If convicted, the defendants face a maximum sentence of five years in prison for the conspiracy charge and each count of tax evasion, and three years in prison for each false return charge. The defendants also face up to three years of supervised release after conviction, as well as monetary penalties including restitution.
The charges in the indictment are merely accusations. The defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
This case is being investigated by IRS-CI, and it is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael F. Perry along with Assistant Chief John Kane and Trial Attorney Kimberly Ang of the Department of Justice Tax Division.
Department of Justice Revises Policy Governing Grants Associated with Foreign-Made Unmanned Aircraft SystemsRead the Press Release
The Department of Justice today announced that its Office of Justice Programs (OJP) has issued a revised policy governing the award of grants for the purchase and operation of foreign-made Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS). The new policy requires grant recipients to utilize OJP funds to procure and operate UAS only in a manner that promotes public safety, protects individuals’ privacy and civil liberties, and mitigates the risks of cyber intrusion and foreign influence.
“We take seriously concerns about the use of foreign-made UAS and the potential for related data compromise,” said Deputy Attorney General Jeffrey A. Rosen. “It is paramount that funding recipients take effective measures to safeguard sensitive information and the public’s privacy and civil liberties while operating these systems in a safe and secure manner.”
The new OJP Policy has two primary mechanisms to address potential cybersecurity and data privacy concerns. First, the Policy prevents OJP funds from being used to purchase or operate UAS manufactured or assembled by an entity that DOJ leadership has determined is subject or vulnerable to extrajudicial direction from a foreign government. “This policy change helps ensure that our partners can use these valuable tools to support their law enforcement and public safety missions, without compromising information technology systems or sensitive law enforcement or privacy information,” said OJP Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Katharine T. Sullivan.
Second, the chief executive officer of the applicant’s jurisdiction seeking funds for purchase or operation of UAS must now certify in writing that, among other things, the applicant and recipient can mitigate the risks posed by malware or unauthorized collection of user information, data theft, or electronic hijacking, can secure communications and protect the security of stored information collected with UAS, and has a plan to address civil liberties-related complaints regarding use of UAS. Applicants must be prepared to provide these policies and procedures to DOJ as a condition for receiving a grant for UAS. Together, these and other provisions of the Policy will help foster a secure and robust UAS supply-chain for our nation’s public safety partners.
The revised policy can be found here.
Department of Justice Grants $1.2 Million to Help Western District of Oklahoma Track Sex Offenders and Protect Young AthletesRead the Press Release
OKLAHOMA CITY – The Department of Justice has issued grant awards of $1,199,047 to develop and improve systems to register and track sex offenders in the Western District of Oklahoma, announced U.S. Attorney Timothy J. Downing. Awarded by the Department’s Office of Justice Programs, these grants help states, U.S. territories and tribal communities register and track sex offenders and enable them to meet the requirements of the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act (SORNA). Funds also help maintain the Dru Sjodin National Sex Offender Public Website.
"Citizens are better protected from sexual violence when jurisdictions follow SORNA’s standards," said OJP Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Katharine T. Sullivan. "The Office of Justice Programs is committed to giving state, territory and tribal officials the resources they need to register and track sex offenders and prevent known threats in one community from posing new dangers to others."
OJP’s Office of Sex Offender Sentencing, Monitoring, Apprehending, Registering and Tracking (SMART Office) is awarding approximately $16 million to jurisdictions across the country to develop and enhance programs designed to implement the provisions of SORNA. The SMART Office is awarding almost $800,000 to provide training and technical assistance to jurisdictions implementing SORNA standards. The U.S. Center for SafeSport will receive the $2.3 million Keep Young Athletes Safe grant to continue developing a comprehensive training and prevention program to prevent abuse in the athletic programs of the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Committee and related sports organizations. The SMART Office will award nearly $1 million to the Institute for Intergovernmental Research to support maintenance, operations and technological improvements for the Dru Sjodin National Sex Offender Public Website, NSOPW.gov, which links state, territorial and tribal public registry websites and allows the public to search for registered sex offenders on a national scale.
"The grants provided by the Department of Justice are invaluable in the defense against sexual predators," said U.S. Attorney Downing. "Our pursuit of justice is fueled by the resourcefulness and dedication of our national, state, local and tribal partnerships. We are honored to work alongside the dedicated members of law enforcement to continue to uphold and protect our communities from sex offenders."
"Our mission at the SMART Office is to help our state, tribal and territorial partners register and provide notification to the public of sex offenders within their jurisdictions," said Kendel Ehrlich, Director of the SMART Office. "We will continue to provide both law enforcement and the public with the tools they need to better inform and protect their communities and themselves."
The following WDOK organization and Tribes received funding:
- Cheyenne and Arapaho Tribes ($400,000)
- Oklahoma Department of Corrections ($399,047)
- Absentee Shawnee Tribe of Oklahoma ($400,000)
More information about OJP and its components can be found at www.ojp.gov. To download a photo of U.S. Attorney Downing, click here.
DeRuyter Man Pleads Guilty to Failing to Register as a Sex OffenderRead the Press Release
SYRACUSE, NEW YORK – Matthew Lamb, age 48, of DeRuyter, New York, pled guilty yesterday to two felony counts of failing to register and update a registration as a sex offender after it was discovered that he had two e-mail addresses that he did not disclose to the New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services as required by the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act (“SORNA”), announced Acting United States Attorney Antoinette T. Bacon and United States Marshal David L. McNulty.
As part of his guilty plea, Lamb admitted that from May 3, 2016 through May 13, 2019, he failed to register a Yahoo! e-mail address that he created on December 10, 2001, as required by SORNA. Further, Lamb admitted that from April 27, 2018 through May 13, 2019, he failed to register and failed to update his registration to disclose a google e-mail address that he created on April 16, 2019, as required by SORNA.
Sentencing is scheduled for February 10, 2021 before Chief Judge Glenn T. Suddaby. Lamb faces a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000.00, and a term of supervised release of at least 5 years and up to life. A defendant’s sentence is imposed by a judge based on the particular statute the defendant is charged with violating, the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other factors.
This case was investigated by the United States Marshal Service and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Tamara Thomson.
DOJ Charges 500+ Domestic Violence-Related Firearm Cases in FY20Read the Press Release
PORTLAND, Maine: The Department of Justice announced that it has charged more than 500 domestic violence cases involving firearms during Fiscal Year (FY) 2020. A Department priority since 2019 when Attorney General William P. Barr created the Department of Justice’s first ever-Domestic Violence Working Group, these 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 domestic violence firearms-related investigations a priority.
“Keeping firearms out of the hands of dangerous criminal offenders is one of the Department of Justice’s top priorities,” said Attorney General Barr. “This is especially important when it comes to individuals with prior domestic violence convictions. The statistics are clear that when domestic violence offenders have access to guns, their partners and their families are at much greater risk of falling victim to gun violence. In fact, in some communities across America, roughly half of the homicides are related to domestic violence. The Department of Justice is committed to keeping guns out of the hands of those who are prohibited from having them, and we will continue investigating and prosecuting all domestic violence firearms related crimes.”
“The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Maine has always prioritized prosecuting firearms crimes related to domestic violence, and will continue to do so,” said U.S. Attorney Halsey Frank. “October is National Domestic Violence Awareness month, and it is a good time to reaffirm our commitment to having zero tolerance for the possession of firearms by those who have committed acts of domestic violence.”
“According to the CDC, data suggests that about one in six homicide victims are killed by an intimate partner,” said ATF Acting Director Lombardo. “Nearly half of female homicide victims in the U.S. are killed by a current or former male intimate partner. ATF is committed to aggressively pursuing prohibited possession of firearms due to domestic violence convictions and certain protective orders. It is another way we prevent violent gun crime within our communities.”
Under federal law, individuals with domestic violence misdemeanor and felony convictions, as well as individuals subject to domestic violence protective orders, are prohibited from possessing firearms. The data shows that offenders with domestic violence in their past pose a high risk of homicide. In fact, domestic violence abusers with a gun in the home are five times more likely to kill their partners.
The Working Group, chaired by U.S. Attorney Erin Nealy Cox of the Northern District of Texas, disseminates legal guidance on keeping guns out of the hands of domestic violence abusers using three federal statutes:
- 18 U.S.C. § 922(g)(1) — possession of a firearm by a convicted felon
- 18 U.S.C. § 922(g)(8) — possession of a firearm by a person subject to a domestic violence protective order
- 18 U.S.C. § 922(g)(9) — possession of a firearm by a person convicted of a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence
Based on the Working Group’s guidance, in FY 2020, U.S. Attorneys’ Offices nationwide brought 337 domestic violence-related charges under § 922(g)(1), 54 charges under § 922(g)(8), and 142 charges under § 922(g)(9).
For more information on domestic violence or to get help, visit the National Domestic Violence Hotline website or call 1-800-799-SAFE (7233).
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 500+ Domestic Violence-Related Firearm Case in FY20Read the Press Release
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – Today, the Department of Justice announced it has charged more than 500 domestic violence cases involving firearms during Fiscal Year (FY) 2020. A Department priority since 2019 when Attorney General William P. Barr created the Department of Justice’s first ever-Domestic Violence Working Group, these 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 domestic violence firearms-related investigations a priority.
“Keeping firearms out of the hands of dangerous criminal offenders is one of the Department of Justice’s top priorities,” said Attorney General Barr. “This is especially important when it comes to individuals with prior domestic violence convictions. The statistics are clear that when domestic violence offenders have access to guns, their partners and their families are at much greater risk of falling victim to gun violence. In fact, in some communities across America, roughly half of the homicides are related to domestic violence. The Department of Justice is committed to keeping guns out of the hands of those who are prohibited from having them, and we will continue investigating and prosecuting all domestic violence firearms related crimes.”
“According to the CDC, data suggests that about one in six homicide victims are killed by an intimate partner,” said ATF Acting Director Lombardo. “Nearly half of female homicide victims in the U.S. are killed by a current or former male intimate partner. ATF is committed to aggressively pursuing prohibited possession of firearms due to domestic violence convictions and certain protective orders. It is another way we prevent violent gun crime within our communities.”
“The U.S. Attorney’s office for the Eastern Tennessee is a staunch advocate of national domestic violence awareness month. Domestic violence consists of depraved persons forcing their victims, under threat of pain, suffering, or death, to commit unthinkable acts. Talking about what happened to them and how they suffered can be one of the most difficult things for the victims of domestic violence, and those who care for and support them, to talk about. Nonetheless, we encourage everyone to find their voice and speak up against domestic violence. We must work together to break the silence and end the violence,” said U. S. Attorney J. Douglas Overbey.
Under federal law, individuals with domestic violence misdemeanor and felony convictions, as well as individuals subject to domestic violence protective orders, are prohibited from possessing firearms. The data shows that offenders with domestic violence in their past pose a high risk of homicide. In fact, domestic violence abusers with a gun in the home are five times more likely to kill their partners.
The Working Group, chaired by U.S. Attorney Erin Nealy Cox, of the Northern District of Texas, disseminates legal guidance on keeping guns out of the hands of domestic violence abusers using three federal statutes:
- 18 USC § 922 (g)(1), felon in possession of a firearm
- 18 USC § 922 (g)(9), possession of a firearm by a prohibited person (misdemeanor crime of domestic violence)
- 18 USC § 922 (g)(8), possession of a firearm while subject to a domestic violence protective order
Based on the Working Group’s guidance, in FY 2020, U.S. Attorneys’ Offices nationwide brought 337 domestic violence felon-in-possession charges, 54 possession while subject to a protective order charges, and 142 possession by a prohibited person charges.
For more information on domestic violence or to get help, visit the National Domestic Violence Hotline website or call 1-800-799-SAFE (7233).
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DEA & LMPD Lawmen Honored with U.S. Attorney’s Award for Excellence in Law Enforcement for Combatting Drug Overdose DeathsRead the Press Release
LOUISVILLE, Ky. – United States Attorney Russell Coleman is pleased to announce the latest recipients of the U.S. Attorney’s Law Enforcement Award are Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) Special Agent Nate Mills and Sergeant Tom Schardein, now retired from Louisville Metro Police Department.
“Special Agent Mills and Sergeant Schardein are a case study in how law enforcement should work, tirelessly and collaboratively, without being limited by each agency’s badge, all with the goal of saving lives and preventing further overdose deaths,” said U.S. Attorney Russell Coleman.
The Award commendation presented by U.S. Attorney Coleman to Special Agent Mills and Sergeant (Retired) Schardein recognizes the recipients’ extraordinary service on behalf of the citizens of the Western District of Kentucky for their unwavering determination to save lives. Special Agent Mills and Sergeant (Retired) Schardein exemplify what it means to be public servants as demonstrated by their investigative prowess and outreach to families who have lost loved ones to drug overdoses. In addition, they have attended countless meetings and seminars working with law enforcement professionals, physicians, social workers, medical examiners, prosecutors, and community members in an effort to raise awareness and ensure the successful prosecution of those that push poison like heroin and fentanyl throughout Western Kentucky communities.
The United States Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Kentucky is honoring the extraordinary efforts of its federal, state, and local law enforcement partners across the District. Additional awards will be presented during the coming months.
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Chippewa County Man Sentenced to 10 Years for Drug & Gun CrimesRead the Press Release
MADISON, WIS. - Scott C. Blader, United States Attorney for the Western District of Wisconsin, announced that Joshua Stein, 30, Cornell, Wisconsin was sentenced yesterday by U.S. District Judge William M. Conley to 10 years in federal prison for possessing more than 50 grams of methamphetamine for distribution, and for possessing a firearm in connection with his drug trafficking. Each of these crimes carries a five-year minimum mandatory sentence, which Judge Conley ordered to run consecutive to one another. Stein pleaded guilty to these charges on July 14, 2020.
The charges originated from the execution of a search warrant at Stein’s home in Cornell on April 8, 2019 by investigators with the West Central Drug Task Force. Investigators found over 84 grams of methamphetamine, scales and packaging material, as well as a number of handguns and ammunition. Police had been investigating Stein in the previous months and made a number of undercover purchases of methamphetamine from him during that time, which enabled them to ultimately obtain the search warrant.
The charges against Stein were the result of an investigation conducted by the West Central Drug Task Force. The prosecution of the case has been handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert Anderson.
Champaign County Woman Indicted for Alleged Embezzlement of More Than $600,000 from Former Employer; Filing False Tax ReturnsRead the Press Release
URBANA, Ill. – A grand jury has indicted the former office manager of a Champaign, Ill., contractor supply company on charges that she allegedly embezzled more than $600,000 from her employer over five years and filed false income tax returns. The indictment, returned Oct. 7, charges Joan L. Chenoweth, 57, of Tolono, Ill., with embezzling money from Illini Contractor Supply from May 2013 to February 2018.
The indictment alleges that Chenoweth, who had control of the business’s financial records as well as control and access to the business’s credit cards and bank account, wrote unauthorized vendor checks to herself or to cash payable from Illini Contractor Supply’s bank account; wrote unauthorized payroll checks to herself that exceeded her salary; and, used the business’s credit cards to make payments to her personal credit cards. She allegedly used her position as office manager to avoid detection by making false entries in the business’s financial records and omitted true and correct entries. As a result of the alleged scheme, the business suffered a loss of approximately $624,152.
In addition to the fraud charges, Chenoweth is charged with four counts of filing false income tax returns for calendar years 2014-2017.
The charges are the result of investigation by the Champaign Police Department and the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation Division. Supervisory Assistant U.S. Attorney Eugene L. Miller is representing the government in the case prosecution.
If convicted, the statutory penalty for each count of wire fraud (five counts) is up to 20 years in prison; for each count of filing a false federal income tax return (four counts), the penalty is up to three years in prison.
Members of the public are reminded that an indictment is merely an accusation; the defendant is presumed innocent unless proven guilty.
Cary Man Charged in Shooting of the John H. Baker Public Safety Center in RaleighRead the Press Release
RALEIGH, N.C. – A Cary man was arrested on the federal charge of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. Late yesterday, the United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of North Carolina filed the charge by federal Criminal Complaint.
According to court documents, Willie Lee Hayes, Jr., 49, was arrested on October 6, 2020 on state criminal charges. As alleged in the publicly filed affidavit attached to the Criminal Complaint – on that day, officers with the Raleigh Police Department were dispatched to the John H. Baker Public Safety Center in downtown Raleigh to investigate reports of a man who fired several rounds into the front door and windows of the building. According to Wake County Sheriff’s Deputies at the scene, a vehicle stopped in front of the Safety Center and a man in the passenger seat started firing with a handgun. Officers were able to track the vehicle and Wake County Sheriff Deputies, Wake County ABC Police, and Cary Police responded to an address in Cary where the suspect was located and taken into custody.
Hayes is charged with violating 18 U.S.C. §§ 922(g) (1) and 924, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. He faces a maximum penalty of 120 months in prison if convicted. His initial appearance in federal court is scheduled for October 9, 2020 before United States Magistrate Court Judge James E. Gates.
A criminal complaint is merely an accusation. The defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty.
United States Attorney Robert J. Higdon, Jr. said the following, “We are grateful for the swift action taken by our dedicated law enforcement officers and the Wake County District Attorney’s Office, who responded immediately to identify and arrest Mr. Hayes – the individual alleged to have fired multiple 9mm rounds into the Public Safety Center on Monday afternoon. This is an example of the critical role that law enforcement plays in protecting us every day. This crime took place in downtown Raleigh in the middle of the afternoon when the building was occupied by law enforcement, state employees, and members of the public. Miraculously, no one was hit by the discharged rounds. We look forward to presenting our case before the Court in the Eastern District of North Carolina, and will continue to closely coordinate with District Attorney Lorrin Freeman.”
“Our law enforcement officers acted swiftly and with great bravery to minimize the risk to our community in the face this threat,” stated District Attorney Lorrin Freeman. “We are grateful to our federal partners for their commitment to ensuring that we stand firmly in seeking justice.”
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives (ATF), Raleigh Police Department, Wake County Sheriff’s Office, Wake County ABC Police and Cary Police Departments are investigating the case. Assistant United States Attorney Daniel Smith is prosecuting the case for the government.
A copy of this press release is located on our website.
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The year 2020 marks the 150th anniversary of the Department of Justice. Learn more about the history of our agency at www.Justice.gov/Celebrating150Years.
CEO of Local Financial Firm Pleads Guilty to Multi-Million Dollar Securities and Tax Fraud Scheme,Read the Press Release
For Further Information, Contact:
Assistant U.S. Attorney Daniel C. Silva (619) 546-9713 and DOJ Trial Attorney Kevin LowellSAN DIEGO – A La Jolla-based CEO pleaded guilty today to multiple felonies relating to the operation of his financial firm, Surf Financial Group, LLC, including conspiring to defraud shareholders of publicly traded companies, transmitting millions of dollars through an unlicensed money transmitting business, and falsifying multiple years of federal tax returns.
David John Nava, 62, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit securities fraud, one count of operating an unlicensed money transmitting business (an "MTB"), and one count of tax fraud before U.S. Magistrate Judge Karen S. Crawford of the Southern District of California. Nava further agreed to forfeit more than $3.1 million for his crimes.
According to the plea agreement filed today, Nava managed Surf Financial Group, LLC despite federal securities regulators permanently banning and censuring him in 1994 from participating in the industry. Despite the ban, Nava admitted that he and other co-conspirators, including a licensed attorney, converted the debt of various publicly traded companies under materially false and fraudulent pretenses into unrestricted stock and then sold the stock for profit. Nava further admitted that he and his co-conspirators carried out their fraudulent scheme by entering into agreements where Nava sold shares of various entities’ stock on public exchanges after fraudulently claiming an exemption from the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission’s ("SEC") registration requirements for selling securities in the public marketplace.
To conceal his involvement in the securities fraud scheme, Nava admitted using various nominees to ensure that, as Nava described it, he was a "ghost" in the transactions. Brokerage firms relied on the purported truth and accuracy of the attorney opinion letters in evaluating whether to clear the sale of shares of the restricted stocks on public markets. After the stocks were cleared for sale as a result of the false attorney opinion letters, Nava and his co-conspirators sold millions of shares of these stocks to the investing public.
"The defendant flagrantly engaged in an egregious fraud scheme on multiple levels—with securities for publicly traded companies; through the operation of an underground and unlicensed money transmitting business; and by misrepresenting his income for these schemes to the IRS," said U.S. Attorney Robert S. Brewer, Jr. "Law enforcement will vigorously pursue both the individuals and entities who commit fraud and operate outside the conventional financial system to carry out that fraud." U.S. Attorney Brewer commended Homeland Security Investigations, IRS Criminal Investigation, the Financial Investigations and Border Crimes Task Force, and the Department of Justice Criminal Division’s Fraud Section for their work on this case.
Nava further admitted that, from approximately 2017 to 2018, he operated an unlicensed MTB as a means to transmit financial proceeds from foreign locations, including Hong Kong and the Bahamas, as a way to disguise the source, origin, and control of the proceeds. As stated in his plea agreement, in 2017 Nava entered into a business partnership with at least one person who resided in Mexico and delivered dairy products for a living. To conceal Nava’s control over the MTB, Nava directed the Mexican resident to open a bank account at a financial institution in San Diego, and to transmit millions of dollars in funds as directed by Nava. Nava failed to register his MTB with the U.S. Treasury Department’s Financial Crimes Enforcement Network, or FinCEN, as required under federal law.
"This investigation is an excellent example of the work Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) continues to do in its fight against transnational criminal enterprises that seek to exploit the global financial system," said Cardell T. Morant, Special Agent in Charge of HSI in San Diego. "No matter how creative or sophisticated the scheme; HSI and our partners at IRS-CI will continue to work tirelessly to stamp out fraud and the illicit movement of money, even in these trying times."
"Twenty years after David John Nava was censured and permanently barred from the securities industry, he orchestrated a multimillion-dollar scheme and fabricated documents to circumvent SEC requirements in order to sell fraudulent securities and victimize innocent shareholders," said IRS Criminal Investigation Special Agent in Charge Ryan L. Korner. "Nava failed to report nearly $2.8 million in gross receipts from his scheme, thereby stealing over $609,000 in tax revenue from the United States. Today’s guilty plea evidences the hard work of our Special Agents and IRS Criminal Investigation’s commitment to working with our law enforcement partners to bring to justice fraudsters who repeatedly corrupt our securities exchanges and banking systems, while victimizing innocent Americans to feed their greed."
This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations, IRS Criminal Investigation, the Financial Investigations and Border Crimes Task Force, and the Department of Justice Criminal Division’s Fraud Section. Trial Attorney Kevin Lowell of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Daniel Silva of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of California are prosecuting the case.
Sentencing is scheduled to occur on January 8, 2021 before U.S. District Court Judge Dana Sabraw.
DEFENDANTS Case Number: 20-cr-03085-DMSDavid John Nava La Jolla, CA Age: 62
SUMMARY OF CHARGES*Conspiracy to Commit Securities Fraud – Title 18, U.S.C., Section 371
Maximum penalty: Five years in prison, restitution, and $250,000 fine
Operation of Unlicensed Money Transmitting Business – Title 18, U.S.C., Section 1960
Maximum penalty: Five years in prison, forfeiture, and $250,000 fine
Tax Fraud – Title 26 U.S.C. Section 7206(1)
Maximum Penalty: Three years in prison, and $100,000 fine
AGENCIES
Homeland Security Investigations
IRS Criminal Investigation – Financial Investigations and Border Crimes Task Force
*The charges and allegations contained in an indictment or information are merely accusations, and the defendants are considered innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Brooklyn Man Charged with Covid-19 Related FraudRead the Press Release
A criminal complaint has been filed in federal court in Brooklyn charging Jeremy Trapp with wire fraud in connection with the Economic Injury Disaster Loan program. Trapp is in federal custody on other charges, and made his initial appearance on the new charge yesterday before United States Magistrate Judge Vera M. Scanlon. The defendant remains detained pending trial.
Seth D. DuCharme, Acting United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, and William F. Sweeney, Jr., Assistant Director-in-Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation, New York Field Office (FBI), announced the charge.
“As alleged, Trapp filed an application containing outright lies in order to steal government funds intended to help small businesses and their employees survive the economic fallout of the COVID-19 pandemic,” stated Acting United States Attorney DuCharme. “The Department of Justice will ensure that taxpayer and pandemic relief funds are not misappropriated, but are used for their intended purpose and deserving recipients.”
"While small business owners around the country were scrambling to make ends meet and find ways to compensate their employees during the COVID-19 pandemic, Trapp blatantly lied on an application for economic stimulus, as alleged today,” stated FBI Assistant Director-in-Charge Sweeney. “Without a legitimate business to claim or any employees to pay, he wasn’t at all eligible for the funding he eventually received. Stealing federal aid reserved for those suffering from the pandemic's economic fallout is an easy way to rack up criminal charges. As a result, the one thing Trapp is now eligible for is the chance of spending a significant amount of time behind bars.”
The Economic Injury Disaster Loan program (EIDL) provides qualifying small businesses with low-interest loans. The Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act expanded EIDL to provide economic support to help offset the temporary loss of revenue experienced by businesses due to the COVID-19 pandemic. As alleged in the complaint and other court documents, Trapp applied for an EIDL loan and grant in June 2020. In the application, Trapp claimed that he was the sole proprietor of a car wash business located at his home address in Brooklyn, a multi-unit residential building. Trapp further represented that he employed ten individuals and that his gross revenue for the 12 months prior to the COVID-19 pandemic was $150,000. Based on Trapp’s false representations, the Small Business Administration approved a $42,500 loan and $10,000 grant to Trapp, and these funds were deposited into Trapp’s bank account. On July 13, 2020, Trapp withdrew approximately $9,000 in cash from the bank account.
The government’s investigation revealed that Trapp did not operate a commercial car wash business, did not employ anyone and had no gross revenue from the purported business.
The charge in the complaint is an allegation, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. If convicted, Trapp faces up to 20 years’ imprisonment on the fraud charge.
The government’s case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Francisco J. Navarro.
The Defendant:
JEREMY TRAPP
Age: 24
Brooklyn, New YorkE.D.N.Y. Docket No. 20-MJ-915
Brentwood Man Sentenced to 31 Months for Purchasing Military Hand GrenadesRead the Press Release
CONCORD – Daniel Musso, 56, of Brentwood, was sentenced to 31 months in federal prison for unlawfully possessing fragmentation grenades and explosive material, U.S. Attorney Scott W. Murray announced today. He was further ordered to pay a $7,500 fine.
At a week-long jury trial in August, Musso was found guilty of four counts of receiving and possessing unregistered firearms (fragmentation grenades) and one count of receiving explosive material.
According to the evidence presented during the trial, beginning in the summer of 2015, Musso engaged in a series of efforts to obtain ammunition and military weapons and explosives, including military hand grenades. After Musso told a firearms dealer about his desire to obtain these items, the FBI arranged for Musso to be introduced to an undercover agent who told Musso that he could obtain illegal hand grenades. During two meetings with the undercover agent in January 2016, Musso reiterated his desire to obtain hand grenades and other illegal military weapons and explosives. Musso explained that he was part of a group that was seeking to bring forth the “original constitution” and that he and his associates were seeking to obtain military weapons and explosives to “take our country back.” Musso was arrested on January 27, 2016, after he purchased four military hand grenades from the undercover agent in Seabrook.
Hand grenades are destructive devices that are unlawful to possess unless they are registered under the National Firearms Act. Musso previously argued that the grenades were not destructive devices because the FBI had made their fuses inoperable for safety purposes in the undercover operation. Although a district judge initially agreed with Musso, the United States Court of Appeals for the First Circuit reversed that decision, clearing the way for this matter to be tried by a jury.
“The defendant’s troubling scheme to obtain hand grenades could have resulted in a horrifying act of violence,” said U.S. Attorney Murray. “Thanks to the extraordinary efforts of the FBI supported by the ATF and Seabrook Police Department, Mr. Musso was stopped before he could take any action that would cause harm. This case highlights the need for law enforcement as well as citizens to remain alert to emerging threats. We will continue to work closely with the Joint Terrorism Task Force to prevent acts of violence that could jeopardize the lives of the people of New Hampshire.”
“Because of a tip from a concerned citizen, our Joint Terrorism Task Force began a year-long investigation that thwarted Daniel Musso’s frightening plan to use violence to defend his version of what our government should be. Now, with today’s sentence, he has finally been held accountable for his crimes,” said Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Boston Division. “However, this case should serve as a stark reminder of the challenges we face in stopping extreme acts of violence while underscoring the critical need for people with knowledge about plots like this to come forward before it’s too late.”
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, with assistance from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Seabrook Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys John S. Davis and Matthew T. Hunter.
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Bowie County Sex Offender Guilty of Again Possessing Child PornographyRead the Press Release
TEXARKANA, Texas – A 60-year-old Bowie County man has pleaded guilty to possessing child pornography in the Eastern District of Texas, announced U.S. Attorney Stephen J. Cox today.
William Johnson Springer pleaded guilty to possessing child pornography before U.S. Magistrate Judge Caroline M. Craven on Oct. 5, 2020. In his plea agreement, Springer agreed to pay restitution to his victims, to register as a sex offender, and to be sentenced to a life term of supervised release following his imprisonment.
According to information presented in court, Springer possessed a cell phone, which he used to download and collect images and videos containing child pornography. His collection of more than 600 images included depictions of prepubescent minors, sadistic or masochistic abuse or violence, and sexual abuse and exploitation of infants and toddlers.
Springer was previously convicted of possession of child pornography in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Oklahoma. On February 9, 2009, he was sentenced to 67 months of imprisonment and five years of supervised release as a result of that conviction. Springer also has pending charges for failure to comply with registration requirements in the 202nd District Court in Bowie County.
Under federal statutes, Springer faces a minimum of 10 years and up to 20 years in federal prison at sentencing. The statutory sentence prescribed by Congress is provided here for information purposes, as the sentencing will be determined by the court based on the advisory sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors. A sentencing hearing will be scheduled after the completion of a presentence investigation by the U.S. Probation Office.
This case is being brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
This case is being investigated by the Texarkana Resident Agency of the Dallas Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jonathan R. Hornok.
Billings man admits meth trafficking crimesRead the Press Release
BILLINGS – A Billings man admitted methamphetamine trafficking crimes today after law enforcement officers seized about eight pounds of the drug and three handguns from his vehicle, U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme said.
Tyler James Fleming, 38, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute meth and to possession with intent to distribute meth. Fleming faces a mandatory minimum 10 years to life in prison, a $10 million fine and at least five years of supervised release.
Fleming has pleaded not guilty to a count charging him with possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, and that charge is pending.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Timothy J. Cavan presided. Fleming was detained. A sentencing date has not yet been set.
Court documents filed by the prosecution said that in 2019, drug task force officers received information from sources that Fleming was trafficking drugs in the Billings area. In December 2019, investigators learned Fleming had traveled to Arizona and returned two days later. Officers conducted a traffic stop of Fleming's vehicle outside of Miles City and obtained a search warrant for the vehicle. Officers found about 3,700 grams of meth, which is 8.15 pounds and the equivalent of approximately 29,600 doses, drug paraphernalia and three handguns.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Julie Patten is prosecuting the case, which was investigated by the Eastern Montana High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Task Force.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods, a U.S. Department of Justice initiative to reduce violent crime. According to the FBI’s Uniform Crime Reports, violent crime in Montana increased by 36% from 2013 to 2018. Through PSN, federal, tribal, state and local law enforcement partners in Montana focus on violent crime driven by methamphetamine trafficking, armed robbers, firearms offenses and violent offenders with outstanding warrants.
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Beltsville Pimp Sentenced to 25 Years in Federal Prison for Sex Trafficking and Narcotics Conspiracies, Witness Tampering, and Related ChargesRead the Press Release
Greenbelt, Maryland – U.S. District Judge Peter J. Messitte sentenced Kenneth Wayne Hart, a/k/a Redds, Wayne Hawkins, Hawk, Big Daddy, Billy Reds, and Bill Red Hart, age 59, of Beltsville, Maryland, yesterday to 25 years in federal prison, followed by 20 years of supervised release, on federal charges of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute narcotics; a sex trafficking conspiracy; two counts of sex trafficking by force, fraud, and coercion; and witness tampering. Hart was convicted of those charges on March 12, 2020, after a seven-day jury trial.
The sentence was announced by United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Robert K. Hur; Special Agent in Charge Timothy Jones of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) Baltimore Field Division; Special Agent in Charge Jennifer C. Boone of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Baltimore Field Office; and Interim Chief Hector Velez of the Prince George’s County Police Department.
“As this case demonstrates, sex trafficking is a cruel business—often using violence and threats to control victims,” said U.S. Attorney Robert K. Hur. “Working to end human trafficking is a priority for the Maryland U.S. Attorney’s Office and we are proud to be one of the founding members of the Maryland Human Trafficking Task Force, which brings together law enforcement, victim service providers and survivor advocates to help human trafficking victims and bring the traffickers to justice.”
According to the evidence presented at his seven-day trial, beginning in December 2016 and continuing until April 2017, Hart conspired with a co-conspirator to run a prostitution business using force, threats, fraud, and coercion to cause women to engage in commercial sex acts. Hart and his co-conspirator also distributed narcotics, including to the women he recruited to work in the prostitution business. The evidence proved that Hart recruited women to engage in commercial sex acts in Maryland and Washington, D.C. Hart transported, photographed, and advertised the victims for commercial sex on websites set up for that purpose. According to trial testimony, Hart also supplied the victims with heroin and crack cocaine on a daily basis and threatened to withhold—and did withhold—the narcotics if the victims displayed any sign of disobedience or tried to leave the locations where the commercial sex acts occurred. According to trial evidence, in order to maintain control over the women he recruited to prostitute, Hart demanded that the women surrender to him their personal belongings, including identification cards, credit cards, cash, clothing, and cellular phones, and confiscated their earnings from the commercial sex acts. As detailed in trial testimony, Hart installed a padlock on the bedroom door of a condominium Hart used for the prostitution business, and locked the victims in the room for hours or days at a time, using a daily combination of heroin and crack cocaine to control and coerce the victims. Hart also used physical force, threatened physical force, and verbally abused the victims to force them to engage in prostitution against their will. Even if the door to the bedroom was left open, the victims feared leaving the room and the condominium because they believed that Hart would find them no matter where they went, and that Hart would punish them for trying to leave him.
The jury also found that the evidence proved that Hart used physical force and threatened physical force to prevent an individual from communicating to a law enforcement officer information related to the commission or possible commission of a federal offense.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) is the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
The sex trafficking charges were investigated by the FBI-led Maryland Child Exploitation Task Force (MCETF), created in 2010 to combat child prostitution, with members from10 state and federal law enforcement agencies. The Task Force coordinates with the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children and the Maryland State Police Child Recovery Unit to identify missing children being advertised online for prostitution.
MCETF partners with the Maryland Human Trafficking Task Force, formed in 2007 to discover and rescue victims of human trafficking while identifying and prosecuting offenders. Members include federal, state and local law enforcement, as well as victim service providers and local community members. For more information about the Maryland Human Trafficking Task Force, please visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/md/priorities_human.html.
United States Attorney Robert K. Hur commended the ATF, FBI, and the Prince George’s County Police Department for their work in the investigation. Mr. Hur thanked Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jennifer R. Sykes and Daniel C. Gardner, who prosecuted the case.
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Aurora Residents Charged with Child Labor TraffickingRead the Press Release
CHICAGO — A couple from Aurora has been charged in federal court with child labor trafficking for allegedly forcing an undocumented Guatemalan teenager to work and keeping her earnings.
SANTOS TEODORO AC-SALAZAR, 23, and OLGA CHOC LAJ, 30, are charged with forcing labor through force, threats of force, and the threatened abuse of the law and legal process. The pair is in law enforcement custody and have made initial appearances in federal court in Chicago. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for Oct. 15, 2020, at 9:00 a.m., before U.S. Magistrate Judge Jeffrey Cole.
The charges were announced by John R. Lausch, Jr., United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois; James M. Gibbons, Special Agent-in-Charge of the Chicago office of the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations; and Irene Lindow, Special Agent-in-Charge of the U.S. Department of Labor Office of Inspector General in Chicago. Substantial assistance in the investigation was provided by the Aurora Police Department and the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services. The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Prashant Kolluri.
According to the charges, Choc Laj accompanied the teenage victim into the United States from Guatemala and gave false identifications to U.S. immigration authorities. Once in the U.S., Choc Laj harbored the victim in a residence in Aurora and forced the victim to provide labor and services for Choc Laj’s financial gain, the complaint states. Ac-Salazar later joined Choc Laj in the Aurora residence and participated in the labor trafficking by, among other things, forcing the victim to perform household chores, including taking care of the defendants’ infant child, the complaint states.
The public is reminded that a complaint is not evidence of guilt. The defendants are presumed innocent and entitled to a fair trial at which the government has the burden of proving guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. The charge in the complaint is punishable by up to 20 years in federal prison. If convicted, the Court must impose a reasonable sentence under federal statutes and the advisory U.S. Sentencing Guidelines.
Attorney General William P. Barr Announces Publication of Cryptocurrency Enforcement FrameworkRead the Press Release
Attorney General William P. Barr announced today the release of “Cryptocurrency: An Enforcement Framework,” a publication produced by the Attorney General’s Cyber-Digital Task Force. The Framework provides a comprehensive overview of the emerging threats and enforcement challenges associated with the increasing prevalence and use of cryptocurrency; details the important relationships that the Department of Justice has built with regulatory and enforcement partners both within the United States government and around the world; and outlines the Department’s response strategies.
“Cryptocurrency is a technology that could fundamentally transform how human beings interact, and how we organize society. Ensuring that use of this technology is safe, and does not imperil our public safety or our national security, is vitally important to America and its allies,” said Attorney General Barr. “I am grateful to the Cyber-Digital Task Force for producing this detailed report, which provides a cohesive, first-of-its kind framework for those seeking to understand federal enforcement priorities in this growing space.”
“At the FBI, we see first-hand the dangers posed when criminals bend the important technological promise of cryptocurrency to illicit ends," said FBI Director Christopher Wray. “As this Enforcement Framework describes, we see criminals using cryptocurrency to try to prevent us from 'following the money’ across a wide range of investigations, as well as to trade in illicit goods like criminal tools on the dark web. For example, the cyber criminals behind ransomware attacks often use cryptocurrency to try to hide their true identities when acquiring malware and infrastructure, and receiving ransom payments. The men and women of the FBI are constantly innovating to keep pace with the evolution of criminals' use of cryptocurrency."
“The United States has been enormously successful blocking terrorists, rogue regimes, and their supporters from funding their activity using traditional currencies,” said Task Force member John C. Demers, Assistant Attorney General for the National Security Division. “As the Cryptocurrency Enforcement Framework explains, we will adapt our strategy and tools to 21st century financing, including to combat the use of cryptocurrencies to evade enforcement and harm our national security.”
“Cryptocurrencies and distributed ledger technology present tremendous promise for the future, but it is critical that these important innovations follow the law. The Cryptocurrency Enforcement Framework provides the public with important information intended to help them understand and comply with their obligations under the legal regimes that govern these new and fast-developing technologies,” said Task Force member Brian C. Rabbitt, the acting Assistant Attorney General for the Criminal Division. “While the Department of Justice and its partners are committed to supporting the advancement of legitimate cryptocurrency technologies and uses, we will not hesitate to enforce the laws that govern these technologies when necessary to protect the public.”
Task Force member Beth A. Williams, who serves as Assistant Attorney General for the Office of Legal Policy, lauded the release of the Cryptocurrency Enforcement Framework: “The Department of Justice is committed to protecting the public from current and emerging cyber threats, including those involving cryptocurrency and related technologies. This Framework reflects the Department’s extensive cooperation with domestic and international partners in ensuring that we are adequately addressing these challenges, to the benefit of lawful cryptocurrency users and the public at large.”
The Enforcement Framework opens with an introductory essay authored by the Task Force’s chair, Associate Deputy Attorney General Sujit Raman.
Then, in Part I, the Framework provides a detailed threat overview, cataloging the three categories into which most illicit uses of cryptocurrency typically fall: (1) financial transactions associated with the commission of crimes; (2) money laundering and the shielding of legitimate activity from tax, reporting, or other legal requirements; and (3) crimes, such as theft, directly implicating the cryptocurrency marketplace itself.
Part II explores the various legal and regulatory tools at the government’s disposal to confront the threats posed by cryptocurrency’s illicit uses, and highlights the strong and growing partnership between the Department of Justice and the Securities and Exchange Commission, the Commodity Futures Commission, and agencies within the Department of the Treasury, among others, to enforce federal law in the cryptocurrency space.
Finally, the Enforcement Framework concludes in Part III with a discussion of the ongoing challenges the government faces in cryptocurrency enforcement—particularly with respect to business models (employed by certain cryptocurrency exchanges, platforms, kiosks, and casinos), and to activity (like “mixing” and “tumbling,” “chain hopping,” and certain instances of jurisdictional arbitrage) that may facilitate criminal activity.
The Cryptocurrency Enforcement Framework is the second detailed report issued by the Attorney General’s Cyber-Digital Task Force, which was established in February 2018 to answer two basic questions: How is the Department of Justice responding to global cyber threats? And how can federal law enforcement accomplish its mission in this area more effectively? An earlier Task Force report, published in July 2018, canvassed a wide spectrum of cyber threats, ranging from transnational criminal enterprises’ sophisticated cyber-enabled schemes, to malign foreign influence operations, to efforts to compromise our nation’s critical infrastructure, and articulated the Department’s priorities in detecting, deterring, and disrupting cyber threats.
Additional Cyber-Digital Task Force members include Andrew E. Lelling, United States Attorney for the District of Massachusetts, and two senior FBI executives. Components from across the Department contributed to the Cryptocurrency Enforcement Framework’s drafting.
The Cryptocurrency Enforcement Framework can be downloaded here.
Alleged Narcotics Trafficker Extradited to the United States to Face International Cocaine Distribution ChargesRead the Press Release
Uldarico Narvaez Ansazoy will be arraigned this afternoon before United States Magistrate Judge Vera M. Scanlon at the federal courthouse in Brooklyn on an indictment charging him with participating in an international cocaine distribution conspiracy headed by his brother Roman Narvaez Ansazoy. The defendant was arrested in Colombia pursuant to a request for his extradition, and extradited yesterday to the United States. Roman Narvaez Ansazoy was arrested in September 2019 on charges of leading a continuing criminal enterprise and is awaiting trial in the Eastern District of New York.
Seth D. DuCharme, Acting United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, and Ray Donovan, Special Agent-in-Charge, Drug Enforcement Administration, New York Division (DEA), Dermot F. Shea, Commissioner, New York City Police Department (NYPD), and Keith M. Corlett, Superintendent, New York State Police (NYSP), announced the extradition and charges.
“As alleged in the indictment, the defendant and his brother operated a substantial Colombian drug-trafficking enterprise that imported multiple tons of cocaine into the United States each month,” stated Acting United States Attorney DuCharme. “The United States stands committed to working with our international partners to dismantle the drug-trafficking organizations responsible for flooding our communities with poison and bringing the individuals who run these operations to justice.” Mr. DuCharme extended his grateful appreciation to the DEA’s offices in Bogota, the United States Marshals Service, the United States Department of State, the Department of Justice’s Office of International Affairs, the Colombian National Police, the Judicial Attaché’s office in Bogota and the Government of Colombia.
“This extradition leads to an unpleasant reunion between brothers, Roman and Uldarico Narvaez Ansazoy, who both have been brought to New York to face U.S. rule of law,” stated DEA Special Agent-in-Charge Donovan. “The Narvaez trafficking organization threatened American lives by sending multi-ton quantities of cocaine from the jungles of Colombia to the United States, with assistance from a designated foreign terrorist organization, the FARC. This justice is long overdue, but this investigation is evident of law enforcement’s dedication to the safety and health of the American public.”
“I applaud our law enforcement officials at all levels for their strong police work in this case and for their continued dedication to preventing the trafficking of cocaine and other harmful narcotics within our communities. This indictment and the disruption of this international illegal drug trafficking operation sends a clear message that we will find and punish the people who are responsible for producing and transporting these illegal substances to our streets,” stated NYSP Superintendent Corlett.
According to the indictment, Narvaez and his brother were founders and principal leaders of the Narvaez drug trafficking organization responsible for producing multi-ton quantities of cocaine on a monthly basis in jungle laboratories in the Cauca region of Colombia. At its peak, the organization was one of the top producers of cocaine in Colombia. The cocaine was transported to Colombian port cities on the Pacific Ocean through jungle area routes protected by paramilitary groups paid by the Narvaez for safe passage. One of the paramilitary groups was the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC), a designated Foreign Terrorist Organization. The vast majority of the cocaine the organization delivered was destined for the United States.
The extradition of Narvaez is the result of an ongoing Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigation led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of New York and the DEA. The principal mission of the OCDETF program is to identify, disrupt and dismantle the most serious drug trafficking, weapons trafficking and money laundering organizations and those primarily responsible for the nation’s illegal drug supply.
The charges in the indictment are allegations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
The government’s case is being handled by the Office’s International Narcotics and Money Laundering Section. Assistant United States Attorney Francisco J. Navarro is in charge of the prosecution. The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs handled the extradition in this case.
The Defendant:
ULDARICO NARVAEZ ANSAZOY
Age: 41
Antioquia, ColombiaDefendant Previously Indicted:
ROMAN NARVAEZ ANSAZOY
Age: 45
Antioquia, ColombiaE.D.N.Y. Docket No. 14-CR-048 (S-1) (BMC)
Alleged Bank Robbery Crew Member Arrested and Indicted for Bank Robbery in Carson CityRead the Press Release
RENO, Nev. — An alleged member of a bank robbery crew, who was wanted by law enforcement for a bank robbery in Carson City, made his initial appearance yesterday in Reno federal court, announced U.S. Attorney Nicholas A. Trutanich for the District of Nevada.
Antron Dwayne Mouton, 29, of Houston, Texas, is alleged to be a member of a bank robbery crew that traveled to Nevada to rob ATMs. He was indicted by a grand jury in June 2020, with one count of conspiracy to commit bank robbery and one count of bank robbery. Mouton absconded from authorities and remained a fugitive until his arrest on July 31, 2020 in Sealy, Texas, by the FBI’s Criminal Apprehension Team.
According to the indictment, on July 29, 2019, Mouton and two co-conspirators drove behind a worker who was servicing an ATM in Carson City. They intimidated and ordered the worker to move away from the ATM. Mouton and his co-conspirators then stole the money in the ATM and drove away.
Mouton faces a statutory maximum sentence of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. He also faces a period of supervised release and restitution.
An indictment merely alleges that crimes have been committed. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
This case is the product of an investigation by the FBI and Carson City Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Megan Rachow is prosecuting the case.
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Albany Man Indicted on Charges of Supplemental Security Income FraudRead the Press Release
ALBANY, NEW YORK – Jorge Ortiz, Jr., age 59, of Albany, was arraigned today on an indictment charging him with concealing his assets and resources, and making false statements, in connection with obtaining Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits for a relative.
The announcement was made by Acting United States Attorney Antoinette T. Bacon and John F. Grasso, Special Agent in Charge of the Social Security Administration (SSA), Office of the Inspector General, New York Field Office.
The indictment alleges that Ortiz failed to disclose his assets and resources to the SSA from November 2008 through February 2016, and that as a result a relative in his care was able to receive SSI benefit payments that he was not otherwise eligible to receive. SSI is a needs-based program, available to elderly, blind, and disabled individuals, that provides money to pay for living expenses. The charges in the indictment are merely accusations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Ortiz was arraigned today in Albany before United States Magistrate Judge Christian F. Hummel, and ordered released pending trial.
The charges against Ortiz carry a maximum sentence of 5 years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000, and a term of supervised release of up to 3 years. A defendant’s sentence is imposed by a judge based on the particular statute the defendant is charged with violating, the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other factors.
This case is being investigated by the SSA Office of the Inspector General and is being prosecuted by Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Adrian S. LaRochelle.
Agents Arrest 15 People in Multi-State Drug Trafficking Ring Involving Fentanyl, Heroin, Methamphetamine and FirearmsRead the Press Release
ST. LOUIS – This week the Drug Enforcement Administration, United States Marshals Service, Federal Bureau of Investigation, and St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department arrested 15 people in several states linked to an organized multi-state drug trafficking conspiracy.
According to the previously sealed indictment, returned on September 16, 2020, this was a long-running drug distribution conspiracy operating throughout the Eastern District of Missouri, the Southern District of Illinois, the Western District of Missouri, and the District of Kansas. The court record reflects that during the investigation, law enforcement officers seized evidence that included approximately: (1) 1.7 kilograms of fentanyl; (2) 250 grams of fentanyl analogues; (3) 8 kilograms of heroin; (4) 13 kilograms of methamphetamine (ice); (5) $157,551.00 in United States currency; and (6) 15 firearms.
“Anytime we are able to dismantle an organization dealing in fentanyl, heroin and cocaine, it’s a big deal,” stated Special Agent in Charge William J. Callahan, who oversees the Drug Enforcement Administration St. Louis Division, which includes Missouri, Kansas and Southern Illinois. “DEA is out on the streets every day combating drug traffickers, bringing our significant investigative resources to target the command and control of drug trafficking organizations. The number of defendants in this indictment shows that we will find those who traffic drugs into the St. Louis area wherever they are.”
All of the below mentioned defendants are charged in the drug trafficking conspiracy. The indictment further charges Lee Garth, Jr. and Lee Garth, Sr. with possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.
The indicted defendants include:
JORGE LOPEZ-QUEZADA, 31, of Mexico;
YALITZA E. CALDERON-OLIVAS, 24, of Kansas City, KS;
BENIGNO MONTENEGRO, 36, of Kansas City, MO;
LEE P. GARTH JR., 35, of East St. Louis, IL;
LEE P. GARTH SR., 52, of Kansas City, KS;
TYDARRYL GRIFFIN, 45, of St. Louis, MO;
WILLIE GRIFFIN, 51, of St. Louis, MO;
JERMAINE J. JOHNSON, 48, of St. Louis, MO;
DEVAUGHN M. LEE, 41, of St. Louis, MO;
RON D. HILL, 40, of St. Louis, MO;
BARNARD REED, 50, of St. Louis, MO;
KEYSHIA S. HARRIS, 46, of St. Louis, MO;
FAITH FITZPATRICK, 22, of Kansas City, KS;
CASSIDY GARTH, 26, of Belleville, IL;
TERESA SMITH, 49, of Kansas City, KS.
The Drug Enforcement Administration, Federal Bureau of Investigation, St. Charles County Police Department, St. Louis County Police Department, St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department, and the United States Marshals Service are investigating this case. The Office of the United States Attorney’s Organized Crime and Drug Enforcement Task Force is handling the case.
This investigation is part of Operation LeGend which is a federal partnership with local law enforcement to address the increase in homicides and violent crime in St. Louis in 2020. The operation honors the memory of four-year-old LeGend Taliferro, one of the youngest fatalities during a record-breaking year of homicides and shootings. As part of Operation Legend, Attorney General Barr has directed federal agents from the FBI, U.S. Marshals Service, DEA and ATF to surge resources to these cities to help state and local officials fighting violent crime. The Department of Homeland Security is also contributing agents to these efforts in St. Louis.
This prosecution was also brought as a part of the Department of Justice’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) Co-located Strike Forces Initiative, which provides for the establishment of permanent multi-agency task force teams that work side-by-side in the same location. This co-located model enables agents from different agencies to collaborate on intelligence-driven, multi-jurisdictional operations against a continuum of priority targets and their affiliate illicit financial networks. These prosecutor-led co-located Strike Forces capitalize on the synergy created through the long-term relationships that can be forged by agents, analysts, and prosecutors who remain together over time, and they epitomize the model that has proven most effective in combating organized crime.
As is always the case, charges set forth in the indictment are merely accusations and do not constitute proof of guilt. Every defendant is presumed to be innocent unless and until proven guilty.
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20-year Prison Sentence for Defendant Involved in Major SWGA Meth Distribution RingRead the Press Release
ALBANY, Ga. – Additional defendants linked to a major methamphetamine ring based out of southwest Georgia and distributing large quantities of methamphetamine across the southeast have been sentenced to prison for their crimes, said Charlie Peeler, the U.S. Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia.
Willie Clayton, aka Pimp, aka Pootsie, of Moultrie, Georgia, was sentenced on Wednesday, October 7 by U.S. District Judge Leslie Gardner to 240 months imprisonment to be followed by five years of supervised release. Clayton previously pleaded guilty to one count conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine. Kurt Jones, of Moultrie, was sentenced on September 30 by Judge Gardner to 160 months in prison after pleading guilty to one count conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine. Keyerra Green, of Moultrie, was sentenced on October 2 by Judge Gardner to five years of probation after pleading guilty to one count use of a communication facility in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. All three defendants are co-conspirators in the 2016 Borris Fuller methamphetamine distribution case. There is no parole in the federal system.
“I can’t underscore enough the impressive coordination demonstrated by numerous law enforcement partners engaged in investigating and ultimately bringing down a major methamphetamine distribution ring which was trafficking massive amounts of this deadly drug across Georgia and the southeast,” said U.S. Attorney Charlie Peeler. “Our office stands with our federal, state and local law enforcement partners in our unified work to dismantle meth distribution efforts and bring offenders to justice.”
Between May 17, 2016 and August 2, 2016, state and federal search warrants were obtained authorizing investigators to obtain text messages and other electronic content from relevant cell phones. A review of these communications revealed that the known leader of the methamphetamine distribution ring, Borris Fuller, 42, of Moultrie, and his co-conspirators were distributing approximately four pounds of methamphetamine a week to customers in Georgia, Florida, Kentucky and South Carolina. These communications further showed that Fuller controlled a network of couriers that were traveling to Atlanta to acquire bulk quantities of methamphetamine. For his crime, Fuller was sentenced to serve 30 years in a federal prison, to be followed by ten years of supervised release on October 26, 2018 by Judge Gardner after pleading guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine. Authorities estimate that an organization of 35 individuals regulated by Fuller was responsible for the distribution of more than 20 kilograms of methamphetamine in and around Moultrie from May until November 2016. The names of the additional defendants previously sentenced to prison for their involvement in the Fuller methamphetamine distribution case are listed in earlier press releases on the USAO Middle District of Georgia website. You can find them by visiting www.justice.gov/usao-mdga.
The case was investigated by the DEA, GBI, Georgia Department of Corrections, Georgia Department of Community Supervision, Mid-South Narcotics Task Force, Colquitt County Sheriff’s Office, Crisp County Sheriff’s Office, Tift County Sheriff’s Office, Henry County Sheriff’s Office, Grady County Sheriff’s Office, Berrien County Sheriff’s Office, Cook County Sheriff’s Office, Leon County Florida Sheriff’s Office, Volusia County Florida Bureau of Investigation and Moultrie Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Leah E. McEwen is prosecuting the case for the Government. 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.
7 October 2020
Wichita Woman Sentenced for Giving Gun to Man Convicted in KillingsRead the Press Release
WICHITA, KAN. – A Wichita woman was sentenced Tuesday to six years in federal prison for providing a gun to a man who later was convicted of killing three people, U.S. Attorney Stephen McAllister said.
Myrta Rangel, 35, Wichita, Kan., pleaded guilty to one count of giving a gun to a person she knew would use it in a drug trafficking crime and one count of giving a gun to a person she knew was a previously convicted felon.
In her plea, Rangel admitted she took part in a drug trafficking conspiracy including Jereme Nelson and others. She gave Nelson a handgun and he carried it to a meeting in rural Harvey Count to collect a drug debt. At that meeting, Nelson shot and killed three people: Travis Street, Angela Graevs and Richard Prouty. After the killing, Rangel and Nelson fled to Mexico. Eventually, Mexican authorities returned them to the United States for prosecution.
McAllister commended the Kansas Bureau of Investigation, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and Assistant U.S. Attorney Matt Treaster for their work on the case.
West Monroe Man Sentenced for Stealing FirearmsRead the Press Release
MONROE, La. – Acting United States Attorney Alexander C. Van Hook announced that Ashton A’qumartez Thomas, 21, of West Monroe, Louisiana, was sentenced today. United States District Judge Terry A. Doughty sentenced Thomas to 30 months in prison followed by 3 years of supervised release for possession of stolen firearms. He was also ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $14,306.89. Thomas pled guilty on June 15, 2020.
According to information presented to the court, Thomas was involved in a burglary at TP Outdoors in West Monroe, Louisiana on August 27, 2018. The burglary committed on that date happened in the same fashion as a burglary at the same store on August 29, 2017. This led law enforcement agents to investigate Thomas, as he was the prime suspect in the 2017 burglary. Agents went to the residence of Thomas’ mother where he lived, and which is in close proximity to TP Outdoors. Upon arrival at the residence, officers learned that Thomas was not present but were given consent to search the residence. Agents recovered a hammer and pry bar from under Thomas’ bed. While searching the backyard of the residence, agents found a fresh pile of dirt, sticks and leaves. That portion of the yard was excavated and five of the stolen firearms from the 2018 burglary of TP Outdoors were recovered.
The ATF, West Monroe Police Department and the Ouachita Parish Sheriff’s Office conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Brandon B. Brown prosecuted the case.
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The year 2020 marks the 150th anniversary of the Department of Justice. Learn more about the history of our agency at www.Justice.gov/Celebrating150Years.
Utah Receiving $994,943 in Department of Justice Funding to Enhance State Victim Assistance ProgramsRead the Press Release
SALT LAKE CITY – U.S. Attorney John W. Huber announced Wednesday morning that Utah is receiving almost $1 million in Department of Justice grant awards to support crime victims in Utah. The grants, awarded by the Department’s Office of Justice Programs, are part of more than $144 million distributed nationwide to enhance the response to victims of crime throughout the United States.
“The Department of Justice is steadfast in its commitment to protecting public safety and bringing justice to those who have been victimized,” said Attorney General William P. Barr. “The investments we are making today will support service providers as they work to secure the legal rights of victims and put survivors of criminal acts on the road to recovery.”
“The Department of Justice underscores its commitment to victim rights by dedicating resources like those announced today. These awards will help shore up gaps that may exist in the state, and provide substantial assistance to better serve Utah communities,” Huber said today.
Utah State University in Logan, Utah, will receive $196,335 as a part of the Law Enforcement-Based Victim Specialist program. This funding allows recipients to better support victims of crime through the criminal justice process.
The Utah Office for Victims of Crime is receiving two awards.
The Utah office is one of seven states to receive funding under the Crime Victim Compensation Assessment Program. The $348,608 award will support the states in assessing victims’ access to compensation programs and implementing recommendations to increase the number of victims aware of this resource.
The Utah Office for Victims of Crime is also one of 10 states receiving $450,000 through the State Victim Liaison Project to place one or more experienced crime victim liaisons within selected Victims of Crimes Act state administrating agencies to act as a bridge between state and other state-based nongovernmental organizations to identify gaps in victim services and improve access to resources for crime victims in rural and tribal areas, older victims of crime, and victims of violent crime.
Update: US v. Alexanda Amon Kotey and El Shafee ElsheikhRead the Press Release
ALEXANDRIA, Va. – Two militant fighters for the Islamic State of Iraq and al-Sham (ISIS), a foreign terrorist organization, arrived here today in FBI custody on charges related to their alleged participation in a brutal hostage-taking scheme that resulted in the deaths of four American citizens, as well as the deaths of British and Japanese nationals, in Syria.
Former British citizens Alexanda Amon Kotey, 36, and El Shafee Elsheikh, 32, made their initial appearances here in federal court this evening in front of U.S. Magistrate Judge Theresa C. Buchanan.
The defendants were informed of the charges against them, provided court-appointed defense counsel, and remanded into the custody of the U.S. Marshals and held pending their next hearing.
The defendants are next scheduled to appear in federal court in Alexandria on Friday. They are each scheduled for a detention hearing at 11 a.m., and an arraignment at 2 p.m.
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.
United States Seizes Domain Names Used by Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard CorpsRead the Press Release
SAN FRANCISCO – The United States has seized 92 domain names that were unlawfully used by Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) to engage in a global disinformation campaign, announced United States Attorney for the Northern District of California, David L. Anderson; Assistant Attorney General for National Security John C. Demers; and the Special Agent in Charge of the FBI, San Francisco Division, John F. Bennett. According to the seizure documents, four of the domains purported to be genuine news outlets but were actually controlled by the IRGC and targeted the United States for the spread of Iranian propaganda to influence United States domestic and foreign policy in violation of the Foreign Agents Registration Act (FARA), and the remainder spread Iranian propaganda to other parts of the world. In addition, the seizure documents describe how all 92 domains were being used in violation of U.S. sanctions targeting both the Government of Iran and the IRGC.
“Today we are 92 domains closer to shutting down Iran’s worldwide disinformation campaign,” said U.S. Attorney Anderson. “This important work will continue. Iran cannot be allowed to hide behind fake news sites. If Iran wants to be heard using U.S. facilities, it must reveal its true colors.”
“We will continue to use all of our tools to stop the Iranian Government from misusing U.S. companies and social media to spread propaganda covertly, to attempt to influence the American public secretly, and to sow discord,” said Assistant Attorney General Demers. “Fake news organizations have become a new outlet for disinformation spread by authoritarian countries as they continue to try to undermine our democracy. Today’s actions show that we can use a variety of laws to vindicate the value of transparency.”
“Today, we successfully seized 92 domains involved in a disinformation campaign conducted by Iran-based actors to promote pro-Iranian propaganda. This investigation, initiated by intelligence we received from Google, was a collaborative effort between the FBI and social media companies Google, Facebook, and Twitter,” said FBI Special Agent in Charge Bennett. “This case is a perfect example of why the FBI San Francisco Division prioritizes maintaining an ongoing relationship with a variety of social media and technology companies.
These relationships enable a quick exchange of information to better protect against threats to the nation’s security and our democratic processes. The FBI also urges the public to remain vigilant about the information they find and share on social media. Every citizen must do their part to use a critical eye and look for trusted sources of information. We all have a role to play in protecting the American democratic system from foreign adversaries.”
Pursuant to the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA), unauthorized exports of goods, technology or services to Iran, directly or indirectly from the United States or by a United States person are prohibited. Pursuant to the IEEPA, the Secretary of the Treasury promulgated the Iranian Transactions and Sanctions Regulations (ITSR) that prohibit the provision of services to the Government of Iran without a license. The Department of Treasury may issue a license through its Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC). Further, the United States has found that the IRGC has provided material support to a number of terrorist groups, including Hizballah, Hamas, and the Taliban and, on April 15, 2019, the IRGC was designated as a Foreign Terrorist Organization by the United States Government.
In this case, the United States seized 92 domain names on October 7, 2020, pursuant to a seizure warrant. The seizure documents describe how the 92 seized domain names were being operated in violation of federal law.
Four of the domain names, “newsstand7.com,” “usjournal.net,” “usjournal.us,” and “twtoday.net,” were seized pursuant to FARA. FARA establishes a registration, reporting, and disclosure regime for agents of foreign principals (which includes foreign non-government individuals and entities) so that the U.S. government and the people of the United States are informed of the source of information and the identity of persons attempting to influence U.S. public opinion, policy, and law. FARA requires, among other things, that persons subject to its requirements submit periodic registration statements containing truthful information about their activities and the income earned from them.
Disclosure of the required information allows the federal government and the American people to evaluate the statements and activities of such persons in light of their function as foreign agents. Here, the four domains purported to be independent news outlets, but were actually operated by or on behalf of the IRGC to target the United States with pro-Iranian propaganda in an attempt to influence the American people to change United States foreign and domestic policy toward Iran and the Middle East. These domains targeted a United States audience without proper registration pursuant to FARA and without notifying the American public with a conspicuous notice that the content of the domains was being published on behalf of the IRGC and the Government of Iran.
In addition, the remaining 88 domains targeted audiences in Western Europe, the Middle East, and South East Asia and masqueraded as genuine news outlets while actually being operated by the IRGC to spread pro-Iranian disinformation around the globe to the benefit of the Government of Iran. The Government of Iran and the IRGC utilized website and domain services in the United States without a license from OFAC. All 92 domains are owned and operated by United States companies. Neither the IRGC nor the Government of Iran obtained a license from the Office of Foreign Assets Control prior to utilizing the domain names. A list of the 92 seized domain names is available here.
Visitors to the sites received the following message:
This seizure was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
The Special Prosecutions Section and Asset Forfeiture Unit of the United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of California, and the Counterespionage Section of the Department of Justice’s National Security Division, are prosecuting the seizure.United States Seizes Domain Names Used by Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard CorpsRead the Press Release
The United States has seized 92 domain names that were unlawfully used by Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) to engage in a global disinformation campaign, announced the Department of Justice.
According to the seizure documents, four of the domains purported to be genuine news outlets but were actually controlled by the IRGC and targeted the United States for the spread of Iranian propaganda to influence United States domestic and foreign policy in violation of the Foreign Agents Registration Act (FARA), and the remainder spread Iranian propaganda to other parts of the world. In addition, the seizure documents describe how all 92 domains were being used in violation of U.S. sanctions targeting both the Government of Iran and the IRGC.
“We will continue to use all of our tools to stop the Iranian Government from misusing U.S. companies and social media to spread propaganda covertly, to attempt to influence the American public secretly, and to sow discord,” said Assistant Attorney General for National Security John C. Demers. “Fake news organizations have become a new outlet for disinformation spread by authoritarian countries as they continue to try to undermine our democracy. Today’s actions show that we can use a variety of laws to vindicate the value of transparency.”
“Today we are 92 domains closer to shutting down Iran’s worldwide disinformation campaign,” said U.S. Attorney David L. Anderson for the Northern District of California. “This important work will continue. Iran cannot be allowed to hide behind fake news sites. If Iran wants to be heard using U.S. facilities, it must reveal its true colors.”
“Today, we successfully seized 92 domains involved in a disinformation campaign conducted by Iran-based actors to promote pro-Iranian propaganda. This investigation, initiated by intelligence we received from Google, was a collaborative effort between the FBI and social media companies Google, Facebook, and Twitter,” said FBI Special Agent in Charge Bennett. “This case is a perfect example of why the FBI San Francisco Division prioritizes maintaining an ongoing relationship with a variety of social media and technology companies. These relationships enable a quick exchange of information to better protect against threats to the nation’s security and our democratic processes. The FBI also urges the public to remain vigilant about the information they find and share on social media. Every citizen must do their part to use a critical eye and look for trusted sources of information. We all have a role to play in protecting the American democratic system from foreign adversaries.”
Pursuant to the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA), unauthorized exports of goods, technology or services to Iran, directly or indirectly from the United States or by a United States person are prohibited. Pursuant to the IEEPA, the Secretary of the Treasury promulgated the Iranian Transactions and Sanctions Regulations (ITSR) that prohibit the provision of services to the Government of Iran without a license. The Department of Treasury may issue a license through its Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC). Further, the United States has found that the IRGC has provided material support to a number of terrorist groups, including Hizballah, Hamas, and the Taliban and, on April 15, 2019, the IRGC was designated as a Foreign Terrorist Organization by the United States Government.
In this case, the United States seized 92 domain names on Oct. 7, 2020, pursuant to a seizure warrant. The seizure documents describe how the 92 seized domain names were being operated in violation of federal law.
Four of the domain names, “newsstand7.com,” “usjournal.net,” “usjournal.us,” and “twtoday.net,” were seized pursuant to FARA. FARA establishes a registration, reporting, and disclosure regime for agents of foreign principals (which includes foreign non-government individuals and entities) so that the U.S. government and the people of the United States are informed of the source of information and the identity of persons attempting to influence U.S. public opinion, policy, and law. FARA requires, among other things, that persons subject to its requirements submit periodic registration statements containing truthful information about their activities and the income earned from them. Disclosure of the required information allows the federal government and the American people to evaluate the statements and activities of such persons in light of their function as foreign agents. Here, the four domains purported to be independent news outlets, but were actually operated by or on behalf of the IRGC to target the United States with pro-Iranian propaganda in an attempt to influence the American people to change United States foreign and domestic policy toward Iran and the Middle East. These domains targeted a United States audience without proper registration pursuant to FARA and without notifying the American public with a conspicuous notice that the content of the domains was being published on behalf of the IRGC and the Government of Iran.
In addition, the remaining 88 domains targeted audiences in Western Europe, the Middle East, and South East Asia and masqueraded as genuine news outlets while actually being operated by the IRGC to spread pro-Iranian disinformation around the globe to the benefit of the Government of Iran. The Government of Iran and the IRGC utilized website and domain services in the United States without a license from OFAC. All 92 domains are owned and operated by United States companies. Neither the IRGC nor the Government of Iran obtained a license from the Office of Foreign Assets Control prior to utilizing the domain names. A list of the 92 seized domain names is available here.
Visitors to the sites received the following message:
This seizure was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
The Special Prosecutions Section and Asset Forfeiture Unit of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of California, and the Counterintelligence and Export Control Section of the Department of Justice’s National Security Division, are prosecuting the seizure.
Download List of Domain Names (PDF)
United States Attorney William D. Hyslop Announces $400,000 Grant to Assist Victims of Crime Awarded to the Confederated Tribes and Bands of the Yakama Nation in the Eastern District of WashingtonRead the Press Release
Spokane – William D. Hyslop, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Washington, today announced $400,000 in a Department of Justice grant to assist crime victims in Eastern Washington. The grant, awarded by the Department’s Office of Justice Programs, is part of almost 1.8 billion distributed to state victim assistance and compensation programs to fund thousands of local victim assistance programs across the country and to provide millions in compensation to victims of crime.
The Office for Victims of Crime, a component of the Department’s Office of Justice Programs, flagship formula grant program is supported by the Crime Victims Fund (the Fund), which was established under The Victims of Crime Act (VOCA). The Fund supports a broad array of programs and services that focus on helping victims in the immediate aftermath of crime and continuing to support them as they rebuild their lives. In FY 2019 alone, VOCA grants served over seven million victims and paid more than $399 million in compensation claims.
“Advocates, service providers, and law enforcement agencies from around the country stand ready to help crime victims exercise their legal rights and reclaim their lives,” said Attorney General William P. Barr. “These new funding resources continue this administration’s unprecedented commitment to providing the support necessary for victims of crimes to be able to heal and recover.”
The award of $400,000 being made to the Confederated Tribes and Bands of the Yakama Nation will support local direct victim service programs, including children’s advocacy centers, domestic violence shelters, rape crisis centers, human trafficking and elder abuse programs, civil legal services, crime victims’ rights enforcement, as well as victim assistance positions in prosecutors’ offices and law enforcement departments.
United States Attorney Hyslop said, “This grant will provide much needed resources to help victims of crime at the Yakama Nation. Convicted criminals are sent to jail, but their victims often suffer financial loss and long-lasting emotional scars. Supporting and helping the victims of crime is a top priority of the United States Department of Justice.”
State victim compensation programs will receive over $133 million to supplement the state funds that offset victims’ financial burdens resulting from crime. This compensation is often extremely vital to victims who face enormous financial setbacks from medical fees, lost income, dependent care, funeral expenses and other costs.
“The services made available by this funding represent a lifeline for tens of thousands of survivors each month, many of whom otherwise would have no place to turn in a moment of profound crisis,” said Katharine T. Sullivan, Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General of the Office of Justice Programs. “These awards will help service providers, as well as law enforcement agencies and prosecutors’ offices respond to the many emotional and material challenges that crime victims in our country face every day.”
The Fund is financed by fines and penalties paid by convicted federal offenders and does not include tax dollars. More information about OJP and its components can be found at www.ojp.gov.
U.S. Attorney W. Stephen Muldrow Announces $900,000 to Support Offenders Returning to Communities in Puerto RicoRead the Press Release
SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico – U.S. Attorney W. Stephen Muldrow today announced $900,000 in Department of Justice grants to reduce recidivism among adults and juvenile offenders returning to their communities in Puerto Rico after confinement. The grants, awarded by the Department’s Office of Justice Programs, are part of more than $92 million in funding to support reentry efforts throughout the United States.
These awards represent President Trump’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.”
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.
“The Department of Justice is committed to giving justice-involved individuals the tools they need to become productive members of society,” said U.S. Attorney Muldrow. “Providing meaningful support through prevention programs and other critical services is vital to our ongoing efforts to reduce recidivism, promote public safety, and foster positive results in communities across the island.”
The Mental Health and Anti-Addiction Services Administration (ASSMCA, for its acronym in Spanish) received $900,000 in funding from the Bureau of Justice Assistance for its Improving Reentry for Adults with Substance Use Disorders Program. The funding supports establishing, expanding, and improving treatment for people with substance use disorders during their incarceration and reentry into the community.
For a complete list of individual grant programs, amounts to be awarded, and the 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.
The year 2020 marks the 150th anniversary of the Department of Justice. Learn more about the history of our agency at www.Justice.gov/Celebrating150Years
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U.S. Attorney Trent Shores Announces $1.6 Million in Grants to Improve Services for Crime Victims in Northern District of OklahomaRead the Press Release
U.S. Attorney Trent Shores today announced more than $1.6 million in Department of Justice grants are being awarded to improve services for crime victims in the Northern District of Oklahoma. The grants, awarded by the Department’s Office of Justice Programs, are part of $144 million distributed throughout the United States to enhance the response to victims of crime.
“The Department of Justice is steadfast in its commitment to protecting public safety and bringing justice to those who have been victimized,” said Attorney General William P. Barr. “The investments we are making today will support service providers as they work to secure the legal rights of victims and put survivors of criminal acts on the road to recovery.”
The awards made to organizations in the Northern District of Oklahoma will advance the use of technology, improve community preparedness and law enforcement training and provide emergency and transitional shelter to assist victims of crime. Programs will also support victims of child abuse and fund research projects related to perpetrators and victims of elder abuse. Approximately $64.3 million was awarded under Office for Victims of Crime grant programs; over $54.1 million was awarded under Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention programs; over $19.9 million was awarded under Office of Sex Offender Sentencing, Monitoring, Apprehending, Registering, and Tracking grant programs; and nearly $5.7 million was awarded under two National Institute of Justice grant programs.
“My hope is that these grants will support and enable our law enforcement partners and victim advocates to fulfill their public safety mission. The collective work they do is critical for crime victims and their families,” said U.S. Attorney Trent Shores. “These grants will provide restorative resources for victims of crime and their families so that they may begin the healing process and reclaim their lives. Funding is also being awarded to strengthen sex offender registration programs.”
“As lockdowns and lawlessness fuel crime in America’s homes and communities, more people are vulnerable to victimization and those who have been victimized face new hurdles,” said OJP Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Katharine T. Sullivan. “The Office of Justice Programs is committed to giving our victim service partners the tools they need to better serve their clients and protect victims’ rights.”
The following organizations in the Northern District of Oklahoma received funding to enhance their responses to victims of crime:
Receiving grants for emergency shelter and transitional housing for victims of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault or stalking and their companion animals is:
- Delaware Tribe of Indians: $399,989
The Adam Walsh Act program provides funding to assist jurisdictions with developing or enhancing programs designed to implement the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act. SORNA was enacted to provide a comprehensive set of minimum standards for sex offender registration and notification in the United States. In the Northern District of Oklahoma, the following entities are receiving funding for this program:
- Muscogee (Creek) Nation: $399,985
- Miami Tribe of Oklahoma: $213,755
- Oklahoma Department of Corrections: $399,047
Finally, the Modoc Tribe of Oklahoma received $250,000 in continuation funding to provide services to Tribal children and youth who are victimized as the result of the opioid crisis.
Other Oklahoma entities receiving grant funding are the Cheyenne and Arapaho Tribes, Absentee Shawnee Tribe of Oklahoma, and Oklahoma City.
For a complete list of individual grant programs, amounts to be awarded and the jurisdictions that will receive funding, visit: https://www.ojp.gov/sites/g/files/xyckuh241/files/media/document/ovcvictimsfactsheet.pdf.
In addition to the grants listed above, OJP awarded nearly $101 million in funding to combat human trafficking and provide vital services to trafficking victims throughout the United States. For a complete list of individual grant programs, award amounts and jurisdictions that will receive this funding, visit: https://www.ojp.gov/sites/g/files/xyckuh241/files/media/document/ovchumantraffickingfactsheet.pdf.
More information about OJP and its components can be found at www.ojp.gov.
U.S. Attorney Peter G. Strasser Announces the Grant of over $120,000 to Improve Services for Crime Victims in the Eastern District of LouisianaRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS – U.S. Attorney Strasser today announced a $129,202 grant provided by the U.S. Department of Justice to improve services for crime victims in the Eastern District of Louisiana. The grant, awarded by the Department’s Office of Justice Programs, is a part of over $144 million distributed nationwide to enhance the district's response to victims of crime.
“The Department of Justice is steadfast in its commitment to protecting public safety and bringing justice to those who have been victimized,” said Attorney General William P. Barr. “The investments we are making today will support service providers as they work to secure the legal rights of victims and put survivors of criminal acts on the road to recovery.”
The awards made to organizations in the Eastern District of Louisiana will advance the use of technology, improve community preparedness and law enforcement training and provide emergency and transitional shelter to assist victims of crime. Programs will also support victims of child abuse and fund research projects related to perpetrators and victims of elder abuse. Approximately $64.3 million was awarded under Office for Victims of Crime grant programs; over $54.1 million was awarded under Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention programs; over $19.9 million was awarded under Office of Sex Offender Sentencing, Monitoring, Apprehending, Registering, and Tracking grant programs; and nearly $5.7 million was awarded under two National Institute of Justice grant programs.
U.S. Attorney Strasser stated, “The announcement of Louisiana’s awards highlights the commitment from the Department of Justice to afford law enforcement the opportunity to develop and enhance programs designed to implement the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act (SORNA) and to provide training and technical assistance to jurisdictions implementing SORNA standards. This training will provide law enforcement with an invaluable tool to protect victims and the community from predators.”
“As lockdowns and lawlessness fuel crime in America’s homes and communities, more people are vulnerable to victimization and those who have been victimized face new hurdles,” said OJP Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Katharine T. Sullivan. “The Office of Justice Programs is committed to giving our victim service partners the tools they need to better serve their clients and protect victims’ rights.”
The following organization received funding:
- St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office: $129,202
More information about OJP and its components can be found at www.ojp.gov.
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- St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office: $129,202
U.S. Attorney Mike Stuart Announces More Than $9.3 Million to Assist Victims in West VirginiaRead the Press Release
Award Part of Over $1.8 Billion in Justice Department Funding Announced by Attorney General Barr
CHARLESTON, W.Va. -- U.S. Attorney Mike Stuart announced $9,362,969 in a Department of Justice grant to assist victims in West Virginia. The grant, awarded by the Office for Victims of Crime (OVC), a component of the Department’s Office of Justice Programs (OJP), is part of almost 1.8 billion distributed to state victim assistance and compensation programs to fund thousands of local victim assistance programs across the country and to provide millions in compensation to victims of crime.
The OVC’s flagship formula grant program is supported by the Crime Victims Fund (the Fund), which was established under the Victims of Crime Act (VOCA). The Fund supports a broad array of programs and services that focus on helping victims in the immediate aftermath of crime and continuing to support them as they rebuild their lives. In FY 2019 alone, VOCA grants served over seven million victims and paid more than $399 million in compensation claims.
“Advocates, service providers, and law enforcement agencies from around the country stand ready to help crime victims exercise their legal rights and reclaim their lives,” said Attorney General William P. Barr. “These new funding resources continue this administration’s unprecedented commitment to providing the support necessary for victims of crimes to be able to heal and recover.”
The awards made to organizations in West Virginia will support local direct victim service programs, including children’s advocacy centers, domestic violence shelters, rape crisis centers, human trafficking and elder abuse programs, civil legal services, crime victims’ rights enforcement, as well as victim assistance positions in prosecutors’ offices and law enforcement departments.
“During my tenure as U.S. Attorney, I have met many strong, courageous and inspirational victims of crime,” said United States Attorney Mike Stuart. “Our state has a phenomenal network of victim service providers that work tirelessly for these victims each and every day. This funding will help ensure that West Virginia crime victims get the critical assistance and support they need and deserve.”
State victim compensation programs will receive over $133 million to supplement the state funds that offset victims’ financial burdens resulting from crime. This compensation is often extremely vital to victims who face enormous financial setbacks from medical fees, lost income, dependent care, funeral expenses and other costs.
“The services made available by this funding represent a lifeline for tens of thousands of survivors each month, many of whom otherwise would have no place to turn in a moment of profound crisis,” said Katharine T. Sullivan, Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General of the Office of Justice Programs. “These awards will help service providers, as well as law enforcement agencies and prosecutors’ offices respond to the many emotional and material challenges that crime victims in our country face every day.”
The Fund is financed by fines and penalties paid by convicted federal offenders and does not include tax dollars. More information about OJP and its components can be found at www.ojp.gov.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia.
Follow us on Twitter: SDWVNews and USAttyStuart
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