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Wednesday 26 August 2020
Buffalo Woman Pleads Guilty to Assault for Spitting on Postal Employee and Claiming to Have the CoronavirusRead the Press Release
CONTACT: Barbara Burns
PHONE: (716) 843-5817
FAX #: (716) 551-3051BUFFALO, N.Y. - U.S. Attorney James P. Kennedy, Jr. announced today that Melissa C. Daniels-Johnson, 39, of Buffalo, NY, pleaded guilty before U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael J. Roemer to assaulting a federal officer. The charges carry a maximum penalty of one year in prison, and a $100,000 fine.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Paul E. Bonanno, who is handling the case, stated that on March 19, 2020, at approximately 6:50 p.m., the defendant drove her vehicle into the parking lot of the Cheektowaga Branch Post Office by traveling the wrong way through an exit driveway. A USPS Letter Carrier (Letter Carrier) collecting mail from the mailboxes in the parking lot advised Daniels-Johnson that she had entered the parking lot through the exit driveway. In response, the defendant shouted profanities at the Letter Carrier and threatened to cough on him to give him the Coronavirus. The manager of the Cheektowaga Branch Post Office came out to the parking lot and attempted to calm Daniels-Johnson down. The defendant subsequently drove her vehicle out of the parking lot, passing by the Letter Carrier, who had resumed collecting mail from the mailboxes. As she passed the Letter Carrier, Daniels-Johnson stopped her vehicle and told the Letter Carrier her husband was going to beat him up, and then spit on the Letter Carrier, hitting the Letter Carrier in the leg.
The Department of Justice remains vigilant in detecting, investigating, and prosecuting wrongdoing related to the COVID-19 pandemic. Under the leadership of Attorney General William Barr, U.S. Attorneys appointed Coronavirus Fraud Coordinators to work with federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement partners to protect the public from scammers who are attempting to prey upon fears. The Department is also committed to preventing hoarding and price gouging for critical supplies during this crisis. To address this, Attorney General Barr created the COVID-19 Hoarding and Price Gouging Task Force. If you think you are a victim of a scam or attempted fraud involving COVID-19, contact the National Center for Disaster Fraud Hotline at 866-720-5721 or via email at [email protected].
The plea is the result of an investigation by the United States Postal Inspection Service, under the direction of Inspector-in-Charge Joseph W. Cronin of the Boston Division, and the Cheektowaga Police Department, under the direction of Chief Michael Sliwinski.
Sentencing is scheduled for November 30, 2020, at 1:00 p.m. before Judge Roemer.
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Bosnian National Charged with Robbery and Firearms Offenses in Connection with Attack on New York City Police OfficersRead the Press Release
An indictment was returned today in federal court in Brooklyn charging Dzenan Camovic with robbery and firearms offenses for his June 3, 2020 knife and firearm attack on multiple New York City Police Department (NYPD) police officers in Brooklyn. As set forth in the court filings, the defendant, a Bosnian national in the United States illegally, was motivated to attack the officers because of his interest in and support for violent Islamist extremism. The defendant is currently in state custody and will be arraigned at a later date.
The indictment charges Camovic with Hobbs Act robbery, using and discharging a firearm during that robbery, theft of a firearm that moved in interstate commerce and unlawful possession of a firearm as an illegal alien.
William P. Barr, Attorney General; Seth D. DuCharme, Acting United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York; Christopher A. Wray, Director, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI); William F. Sweeney, Jr., Assistant Director-in-Charge, FBI, New York Field Office, and Dermot F. Shea, Commissioner, New York City Police Department (NYPD), announced the charges.
“Dzenan Camovic, an illegal alien and Bosnian national, is alleged to have used the cover of chaos during recent civil unrest in New York City to launch a premeditated and cowardly attack from behind against two New York City Police officers, brutally slashing one with a knife, stealing his weapon and opening fire, and injuring several responding officers,” stated Attorney General Barr. “We know that Camovic repeatedly yelled, ‘Allahu Akbar’ during his attack. We know that he possessed a significant volume of materials that demonstrates his interest in and support for violent Islamist extremism, including materials related to the Islamic State of Iraq and al-Sham (ISIS). But the defendant’s access to the dark web and his use of encrypted communication platforms has created evidentiary roadblocks to fully learning his plans and who he discussed them with. This is the second violent Islamist extremist attack on our land in the last nine months where the attacker used encrypted technology that can help cover his tracks and mask his communications. If not for the heroism and bravery of the responding NYPD officers who returned fire and took the assailant down early in the attack, untold additional officers and innocents could have been killed or injured.
“As we have alleged in the indictment and set forth in related filings, just before midnight on June 3, 2020, the defendant launched a surprise attack on police officers standing post on the streets of Brooklyn, nearly ending their lives. After stabbing a police officer in the neck, the defendant ripped a 9mm service pistol away from an officer and shot at the officers while perversely invoking religion,” stated Acting U.S. Attorney DuCharme. “Despite engaging in technical tradecraft that covered some of his tracks, this defendant cannot escape the reach of the investigators and prosecutors who are committed to making sure that he faces justice for his extremely serious crimes.” Mr. DuCharme expressed his grateful appreciation to the New York Joint Terrorism Task Force as well as the Kings County District Attorney’s Office for their outstanding work.
“Two New York City police officers, who swore an oath to protect and serve, were heinously ambushed in the line of duty at the hands of Dzenan Camovic as alleged in today’s indictment,” stated FBI Director Wray. “As fellow Americans were exercising their rights to demonstrate, these brave law enforcement officers were brutally attacked to further a violent agenda associated with ISIS and al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula. This case demonstrates that the FBI remains steadfast in our fight to protect the U.S. from extremists who wish to harm our citizens and fellow law enforcement officers.”
“Several days into protests that erupted in New York City and throughout the country, we allege Dzenan Camovic, motivated by ISIS-inspired ideology, ambushed three NYPD officers on the streets of Brooklyn and caused serious injury to those officers. As he commenced his attack, the NYPD officers were doing what the citizens of our city ask them to do every day - to stand watch and protect their fellow New Yorkers. Mr. Camovic's alleged behavior has no place in our community. His assault on the officers was an attack against the entire New York City community. Our society has never tolerated this type of behavior, and today's federal charges will ensure Mr. Camovic isn't a threat to society again,” stated FBI Assistant Director-in-Charge Sweeney.
“Dzenan Camovic, as outlined in the indictment, was a consumer of terrorist propaganda and calls for violence by groups like al-Qaida and ISIS. His premeditated ambush of two New York City police officers can never be accepted. As the investigation continues into his motives, these significant federal charges reinforce the notion that an attack against police officers is an attack against society,” stated NYPD Commissioner Shea.
On the evening of June 3, 2020, in the midst of a public health emergency and while New York City was under a nightly curfew order, the defendant allegedly carried out his attack on NYPD police officers who were assigned to an anti-looting post near the intersection of Flatbush and Church Avenues in Brooklyn, New York. At approximately 11:30 p.m., Camovic walked past two uniformed police officers on foot patrol and appeared to crouch for several minutes watching them. Security footage shows that Camovic then moved around the block in an apparent effort to approach the two police officers from behind.
At approximately 11:50 p.m., Camovic rounded the corner from Flatbush Avenue onto Church Avenue and stabbed one of the officers (“Officer 1”) in the neck with a knife. After stabbing the first officer (“Officer 1”), Camovic chased the second officer (“Officer 2”), lunging at him and attempting to stab him. Camovic then ran back to Officer 1, attacked him, forcibly took control of Officer 1’s firearm and fired multiple shots at Officer 2 and other officers who had responded to the scene. Responding officers ultimately shot Camovic and took him into custody. Several officers were wounded during Camovic’s attack and robbery, including Officer 2 who was shot in the hand.
During his attack on the police officers, Camovic repeatedly shouted “Allahu Akbar,” a common Arabic phrase meaning “God is the greatest,” that has been used by perpetrators of violent jihadist terror attacks during the commission of violent attacks. The government’s investigation has revealed that, prior to the attack, Camovic possessed a significant volume of radical jihadist propaganda.
The charges in the indictment are allegations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
If convicted, Camovic faces a maximum sentence of life in prison.
The government’s case is being handled by the Office’s National Security and Cybercrime Section. Assistant United States Attorneys Craig R. Heeren, Artie McConnell and Josh Hafetz are in charge of the prosecution.
The Defendant:
DZENAN CAMOVIC
Age: 20
Brooklyn, New YorkE.D.N.Y. Docket No. 20-CR-326 (RPK)
Bosnian National Charged with Robbery and Firearms Offenses in Connection with Attack on New York City Police OfficersRead the Press Release
An indictment was unsealed today in federal court in Brooklyn charging Dzenan Camovic with robbery and firearms offenses for his June 3, 2020, knife and firearm attack on multiple New York City Police Department (NYPD) police officers in Brooklyn. As set forth in the court filings, the defendant, a Bosnian national in the United States illegally, was motivated to attack the officers because of his interest in and support for violent Islamist extremism. The defendant is currently in state custody and is scheduled to be arraigned at a later date.
The indictment charges Camovic with Hobbs Act robbery, using and discharging a firearm during that robbery, theft of a firearm that moved in interstate commerce and unlawful possession of a firearm as an illegal alien.
William P. Barr, Attorney General; Seth D. DuCharme, Acting U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, Christopher A. Wray, Director, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI); William F. Sweeney, Jr., Assistant Director-in-Charge, FBI, New York Field Office, and Dermot F. Shea, Commissioner, New York City Police Department (NYPD), announced the charges.
“Dzenan Camovic, an illegal alien and Bosnian national, is alleged to have used the cover of chaos during recent civil unrest in New York City to launch a premeditated and cowardly ambush against two New York City Police officers, brutally slashing one with a knife, stealing his weapon and opening fire, and injuring several responding officers,” said William P. Barr, U.S. Attorney General. “We know that Camovic repeatedly yelled, ‘Allahu Akbar’ during his attack. We know that he possessed a significant volume of materials that demonstrates his interest in and support for violent Islamist extremism, including materials related to the Islamic State of Iraq and al-Sham (ISIS). But the defendant’s access to the dark web and his use of encrypted communication platforms have created evidentiary roadblocks to fully learning his plans and potential co-conspirators. This is the second violent Islamist extremist attack on our land in the last nine months where the attacker used encrypted technology that can help cover his tracks and mask his communications. If not for the heroism and bravery of the responding NYPD officers who returned fire and took the assailant down early in the attack, untold additional officers and innocents could have been killed or injured.”
“As we have alleged in the indictment and set forth in related filings, just before midnight on June 3, 2020, the defendant launched a surprise attack on police officers standing post on the streets of Brooklyn, nearly ending their lives. After stabbing a police officer in the neck, the defendant ripped a 9mm service pistol away from an officer and shot at the officers while perversely invoking religion,” stated Acting U.S. Attorney DuCharme. “Despite engaging in technical tradecraft that covered some of his tracks, this defendant cannot escape the reach of the investigators and prosecutors who are committed to making sure that he faces justice for his extremely serious crimes.” Mr. DuCharme expressed his grateful appreciation to the New York Joint Terrorism Task Force as well as the Kings County District Attorney’s Office for their outstanding work.
“Two New York City police officers, who swore an oath to protect and serve, were heinously ambushed in the line of duty at the hands of Dzenan Camovic as alleged in today’s indictment,” stated FBI Director Wray. “As fellow Americans were exercising their rights to demonstrate, these brave law enforcement officers were brutally attacked to further a violent agenda associated with ISIS and al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula. This case demonstrates that the FBI remains steadfast in our fight to protect the U.S. from extremists who wish to harm our citizens and fellow law enforcement officers.”
“Several days into protests that erupted in New York City and throughout the country, we allege Dzenan Camovic, motivated by ISIS-inspired ideology, ambushed three NYPD officers on the streets of Brooklyn and caused serious injury to those officers. As he commenced his attack, the NYPD officers were doing what the citizens of our city ask them to do every day - to stand watch and protect their fellow New Yorkers. Mr. Camovic's alleged behavior has no place in our community. His assault on the officers was an attack against the entire New York City community. Our society has never tolerated this type of behavior, and today's federal charges will ensure Mr. Camovic isn't a threat to society again,” stated FBI Assistant Director-in-Charge Sweeney.
“Dzenan Camovic, as outlined in the indictment, was a consumer of terrorist propaganda and calls for violence by groups like al-Qaida and ISIS. His premeditated ambush of two New York City police officers can never be accepted. As the investigation continues into his motives, these significant federal charges reinforce the notion that an attack against police officers is an attack against society,” stated NYPD Commissioner Shea.
On the evening of June 3, 2020, in the midst of a public health emergency and while New York City was under a nightly curfew order, the defendant allegedly carried out his attack on NYPD police officers who were assigned to an anti-looting post near the intersection of Flatbush and Church Avenues in Brooklyn, New York. At approximately 11:30 p.m., Camovic walked past two uniformed police officers on foot patrol and appeared to crouch for several minutes watching them. Security footage shows that Camovic then moved around the block in an apparent effort to approach the two police officers from behind.
At approximately 11:50 p.m., Camovic rounded the corner from Flatbush Avenue onto Church Avenue and stabbed one of the officers (Officer 1) in the neck with a knife. After stabbing the first officer (Officer 1), Camovic chased the second officer (Officer 2), lunging at him and attempting to stab him. Camovic then ran back to Officer 1, attacked him, forcibly took control of Officer 1’s firearm and fired multiple shots at Officer 2 and other officers who had responded to the scene. Responding officers ultimately shot Camovic and took him into custody. Several officers were wounded during Camovic’s attack and robbery, including Officer 2 who was shot in the hand.
During his attack on the police officers, Camovic repeatedly shouted “Allahu Akbar,” a common Arabic phrase meaning “God is the greatest,” that has been used by perpetrators of violent jihadist terror attacks during the commission of violent attacks. The government’s investigation has revealed that, prior to the attack, Camovic possessed a significant volume of radical jihadist propaganda.
The charges in the indictment are allegations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
If convicted, Camovic faces a maximum sentence of life in prison.
The government’s case is being handled by the Office’s National Security and Cybercrime Section. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Craig R. Heeren, Artie McConnell and Josh Hafetz are in charge of the prosecution.
Birmingham Man Indicted on Conspiracy and Fraud Charges for Making Unapproved Drug Products in His Kitchen and Warehouse and Marketing and Selling Them as a Cancer TreatmentRead the Press Release
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – A twenty-eight-count indictment filed today in U.S. District Court charges a Birmingham man with conspiracy and other fraud charges related to his purchase, manufacture, and distribution of drug products that had never been reviewed or approved by the FDA, but that he claimed were effective cancer treatments, announced U.S. Attorney Prim F. Escalona and FDA Office of Criminal Investigations, Miami Field Office Special Agent in Charge Justin C. Fielder.
PATRICK CHARLES BISHOP, 54, is charged with conspiracy, fraudulently introducing adulterated drugs into interstate commerce, and fraudulently introducing misbranded drugs into interstate commerce. Bishop is also charged with fraudulently obtaining pre-retail medical products, creating false documentation for those products, and knowingly possessing and trafficking in pre-retail medical products that he obtained by fraud.
The charges in the indictment center on Bishop’s purchase, manufacture, labeling, marketing, sale, and distribution of drug products purportedly containing a peptide called PNC-27. PNC-27 has not been approved by the FDA for use in the United States as a drug to treat any disease, including cancer. Nor has PNC-27 undergone clinical trials in the United States on human beings to determine its efficacy, safety, or potential risks or side effects.
“The public must have confidence that the products they are receiving are safe and properly labeled,” Escalona said. “The U.S. Attorney’s Office will continue to investigate and prosecute those who jeopardize the health and safety of the public.”
“The FDA’s requirements are designed to ensure that patients receive safe and effective medical treatments. Evading the FDA process and distributing unapproved, adulterated, and misbranded drugs to vulnerable Americans will not be tolerated,” said Special Agent in Charge Justin C. Fielder, FDA Office of Criminal Investigations, Miami Field Office. “Today’s announcement serves as a reminder of FDA’s continued focus on protecting the public health of the nation.”
The indictment alleges that Bishop obtained the peptide from GL Biochem, a manufacturer based in China. He paid the manufacturer more than $600,000 in 2015 and 2016 for peptide product he received. According to the indictment, Bishop repeatedly assured that manufacturer that he would use the peptide solely for laboratory research purposes. In fact, he and others used the peptide to make homemade suppositories in his kitchen in Birmingham, and at a warehouse he rented in Pelham. The facilities were not sterile, and did not comply with current good manufacturing practices. Customers who purchased suppositories from Bishop reported finding pieces of hair in their suppository packs.
According to the indictment, Bishop and others marketed the PNC-27 drug products to alternative-medicine doctors, cancer patients, and others as an effective treatment for cancer. Bishop sold PNC-27 drug products to Hope4Cancer, a holistic cancer treatment center with clinics in Mexico. Bishop would ship the products to a location in California, and Hope4Cancer would use the products to treat patients at its Mexico clinics. Bishop also sold PNC-27 drug products to patients and others in the United States, and shipped those products directly to locations in the United States and elsewhere.
The indictment alleges that Bishop and others took steps to conceal these activities from the FDA and others. Bishop used the business name Best Peptide Supply, LLC, to buy PNC-27 from GL Biochem, and he used the business name Immuno Cellular Restoration Program, Inc., to sell PNC-27 products to others. He described his distribution of PNC-27 products as part of a research effort, and made false representations to FDA personnel and others to the same effect.
The maximum punishment for conspiracy is five years in prison and a $250,000 fine. The maximum punishment for the adulteration and misbranding charges is three years’ imprisonment for each count and a $250,000 fine. The maximum punishment for each count of pre-retail medical product fraud is fifteen years’ imprisonment and a $250,000 fine.
The FDA investigated the case, which Assistant U.S. Attorney J.B. Ward is prosecuting.
An indictment is merely an allegation and the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
Benton Man Sentenced to 12+ Years in Federal Prison for Possession of MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
SHREVEPORT, La. – Acting United States Attorney Alexander C. Van Hook announced that Willie Player, 40, of Benton, Louisiana, was sentenced today on a charge of Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine. United States District Judge Elizabeth E. Foote sentenced Player to spend 151 months (12 years, 7 months) in prison, followed by 3 years of supervised release.
While conducting a narcotics investigation in 2018, law enforcement agents set up surveillance of Willie Player and others who were known to be distributing large amounts of methamphetamine in the Shreveport/Bossier City area. Phone conversations between Player and other co-conspirators were intercepted and they were found to be arranging transactions to sell methamphetamine in various quantities. Between April and June 2018, law enforcement agents observed Player travelling from the Western District of Louisiana to Waskom, Texas to purchase various amounts of methamphetamine.
On June 13, 2018, after purchasing methamphetamine in Waskom, Texas, Player was travelling back to the Shreveport area. Caddo Parish Sheriff’s deputies attempted to stop the vehicle Player was driving near West 70th and Pines Road but rather than stopping, Player continued travelling at a high rate of speed. Player ran a red light and his vehicle was grazed on the rear passenger side by a truck travelling through the intersection. Player then lost control of the vehicle and struck utility poles before crashing into a fence surrounding an apartment complex. Law enforcement officers found methamphetamine in the vehicle with Player and he was arrested. Player pleaded guilty to the charge on November 14, 2019.
The DEA and Caddo Parish Sheriff’s Office conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Brandon B. Brown prosecuted the case.
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Bay Area Man Sentenced to Six Years in Prison for Attempted Receipt of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
OAKLAND – John Vicencio Vinoya was sentenced today to six years in prison, to be followed by twenty years of supervised release, for attempted receipt of child pornography, announced United States Attorney David L. Anderson and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Special Agent in Charge Tatum King. The sentence was handed down by the Honorable Haywood S. Gilliam, Jr.
Vinoya, 48, of Richmond, California, pled guilty to the charge on September 30, 2019. According to the plea agreement, Vinoya admitted that, in July 2018, when he was 46 years old, he texted a girl that he knew to be fourteen years old. When he learned that the minor was about to take a shower, he requested that she send him a “half body pic.” Vinoya admitted that he hoped and intended that the minor would send him a naked photograph that would have constituted child pornography.
Vinoya further admitted that, two weeks later, he sent sexually explicit text messages to the minor’s cell phone. He attempted to persuade and entice the minor to have sexual intercourse with him. On August 2, 2018, Vinoya drove to the minor’s home at a time when he believed that her parents were out of town. He brought condoms and lubricating oil with him to the meeting. He was stopped by law enforcement when he reached the minor’s home.
Vinoya was indicted by a federal grand jury on December 13, 2018. He was initially charged with online enticement of a minor, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 2422(b). He ultimately pled guilty to a violation of 18 U.S.C §§ 2252(a)(2) and (b), attempted receipt of child pornography. Vinoya has been in custody since his arrest by officers of the El Cerrito Police Department on August 2, 2018.
Katherine Lloyd-Lovett is the Assistant U.S. Attorney who is prosecuting the case with the assistance of Kay Konopaske. The prosecution is the result of the collaborative investigative efforts of the El Cerrito Police Department, the Silicon Valley Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, and Homeland Security Investigations HSI.
Baltimore Man Indicted on Federal Charges Related to Possessing A Handgun with an Extended Magazine in Furtherance of Drug TraffickingRead the Press Release
Baltimore, Maryland – A federal grand jury in Maryland returned an indictment yesterday charging Jimmie Martin, aka Doodles, of Baltimore City, Maryland, with possession of a firearm by a prohibited person; possession with the intent to distribute a controlled substance; and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.
The indictment 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; Commissioner Michael Harrison of the Baltimore Police Department; State’s Attorney Marilyn Mosby of the State’s Attorney’s Office for Baltimore City; and Maryland Attorney General Brian Frosh.
According to the three-count indictment, on March 6, 2020, Martin, who was previously convicted of a felony offense, knowingly possessed a handgun and an extended magazine with the capacity to hold 30 cartridges of ammunition, and 29 cartridges of ammunition. The firearm and ammunition were in and affecting interstate and foreign commerce. Martin also possessed cocaine with the intention to distribute.
If convicted, Martin faces a maximum sentence of life in federal prison for possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. Actual sentences for federal crimes are typically less than the maximum penalties. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after taking into account the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
An indictment is not a finding of guilt. An individual charged by indictment is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty at some later criminal proceedings.
This case 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.
This case is also part of Project Guardian, the Department of Justice’s signature initiative to reduce gun violence and enforce federal firearms laws. Initiated by the Attorney General in the fall of 2019, Project Guardian draws upon the Department’s past successful programs to reduce gun violence; enhances coordination of federal, state, local, and tribal authorities in investigating and prosecuting gun crimes; improves information-sharing; and ensures that federal resources are directed at the criminals posing the greatest threat to our communities. For more information about Project Guardian, please see: https://www.justice.gov/projectguardian.
United States Attorney Robert K. Hur commended the ATF, BPD, the Office of the State’s Attorney for Baltimore City, and the Maryland Attorney General’s Office for their work in this investigation. Mr. Hur thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney Daniel Loveland, Jr. and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Richard Gallena, who are prosecuting the case.
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Athens Convicted Felon Sentenced to Prison for Illegally Possessing A FirearmRead the Press Release
MACON, Ga. – A convicted felon living in Athens, Georgia was sentenced to serve more than nine years in prison for illegally possessing a firearm, said Charlie Peeler, the U.S. Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia.
Anthony Holloway, 28, of Athens was sentenced by U.S. District Judge C. Ashley Royal on Monday, August 24 to serve 110 months in prison after he pleaded guilty in June to one count possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. There is no parole in the federal system.
Police executed a search warrant at an Athens apartment in August 2019 for distribution of heroin and other drug trafficking. Holloway was inside the residence and had a loaded semi-automatic pistol. Police also found cocaine and other drug paraphernalia, as well as cash. Holloway, a convicted felon, admitted that the firearm belonged to him and that he knew it was illegal for him to possess the Ruger, model LCP, .380 semi-automatic pistol.
“It is illegal for convicted felons to possess firearms and the consequence is prison. Let me be very clear to those who are breaking this law: Our office will prosecute felons caught in possession of guns,” said Charlie Peeler, the U.S. Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia. “Removing firearms from the hands of convicted felons is part of a common sense strategy to reduce violent crime and make our communities safer. I want to thank the Athens-Clarke County Police Department and the Northeast Georgia Regional Drug Task Force for their work in this case.”
This gun cases are part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
The gun cases are also part of Project Guardian, the Department of Justice’s signature initiative to reduce gun violence and enforce federal firearms laws. Initiated by the Attorney General in the fall of 2019, Project Guardian draws upon the Department’s past successful programs to reduce gun violence; enhances coordination of federal, state, local, and tribal authorities in investigating and prosecuting gun crimes; improves information-sharing by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives when a prohibited individual attempts to purchase a firearm and is denied by the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS), to include taking appropriate actions when a prospective purchaser is denied by the NICS for mental health reasons; and ensures that federal resources are directed at the criminals posing the greatest threat to our communities. For more information about Project Guardian, please see https://www.justice.gov/archives/projectguardian.
This case was investigated by the Athens-Clarke County Police Department and the Northeast Georgia Regional Drug Task Force. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kimberly Easterling prosecuted 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.
Allen Woman Charged in MurderRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that an Allen, South Dakota, woman was charged in federal district court with First Degree Murder.
Jonnie Fineran, age 18, was charged on August 4, 2020. Fineran appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Daneta Wollmann on August 12, 2020, and pled not guilty to the charge.
The maximum penalty upon conviction is mandatory life in federal prison and a $250,000 fine, 5 years of supervised release, and $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Restitution may also be ordered.
The charge relates to Fineran killing a man by stabbing him on July 24, 2020, at Manderson. The charge is merely an accusation and Fineran is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
The investigation is being conducted by the Oglala Sioux Tribe Department of Public Safety and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Eric Kelderman is prosecuting the case.
Fineran was detained pending trial. A trial date has not been set.
Akron Man Sentenced to Prison for Transporting Methamphetamine into West VirginiaRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – An Akron man was sentenced to prison today for a federal drug offense, announced United States Attorney Mike Stuart. Sharief Rayshaun El-Amin, 25, was sentenced to 36 months in prison on a conviction for possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. Following his release from prison, El-Amin will serve five years of supervised release.
“Five pounds of meth and heroin, not to mention a gun. Too many poison peddlers have destroyed the lives of too many good West Virginians,” said United States Attorney Mike Stuart. “We are working closely with and building unprecedented cooperation among all federal, state and local law enforcement teams to aggressively protect our citizens from the peddlers of these deadly drugs. Our citizens are our focus. We have their backs. The results are unprecedented in the history of West Virginia.”
El-Amin previously admitted that on May 27, 2019, he was driving a vehicle when it was pulled over along Interstate 77 in Jackson County. During the traffic stop, officers smelled the odor of marijuana and El-Amin gave conflicting stories as to where he was heading. A police K-9 was deployed on the vehicle and provided a positive indication for the presence of controlled substances. Officers located more than five pounds of methamphetamine, approximately one ounce of heroin and a loaded semi-automatic pistol in the trunk of the vehicle. El-Amin admitted that he was being paid $400 to drive the vehicle to Charleston from Akron. Although El-Amin did not load the vehicle or otherwise know the precise nature of what he was transporting, he admitted that he knew it to be some quantity of controlled substances. The methamphetamine was sent to the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Mid-Atlantic Laboratory and found to be 96% pure.
The Jackson County Sheriff’s Office and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) conducted the investigation. United States District Judge Irene C. Berger imposed the sentence. Assistant United States Attorney Jeremy B. Wolfe and former Assistant United States Attorney Ryan A. Saunders handled the prosecution.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 2:19-cr-00210.
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Acting U.S. Attorney Announces Federal Charges and International Operation to Dismantle Online Piracy GroupRead the Press Release
Audrey Strauss, the Acting United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, Peter C. Fitzhugh, Special Agent-in-Charge of the New York Field Office of Homeland Security Investigations (“HSI”), and Philip R. Bartlett, Inspector-in-Charge of the New York Office of the United States Postal Inspection Service (“USPIS”), announced today the unsealing of indictments charging UMAR AHMAD a/k/a “Artist,” GEORGE BRIDI, and JONATAN CORREA, a/k/a “Raid,” with copyright infringement, and as to BRIDI, wire fraud, for their involvement in the Sparks Group, an international piracy group involved in illegally distributing movies and television shows on the Internet. BRIDI, a citizen of the United Kingdom, was arrested on Sunday in Cyprus on an INTERPOL Red Notice based on the U.S. criminal charges. The United States will seek BRIDI’s extradition to stand trial in the United States. CORREA was arrested yesterday in Olathe, Kansas, where he will be presented in federal court. AHMAD, a citizen of Norway, remains at large. The case is assigned to United States District Judge Richard M. Berman.
In coordination with law enforcement authorities in 18 other countries and supported by Eurojust and Europol, dozens of servers controlled by the Sparks Group were taken offline today around the world, including in North America, Europe, and Asia. The Sparks Group utilized these servers to illegally store and disseminate copyrighted content to members around the globe.
Acting U.S. Attorney Audrey Strauss said: “As alleged, the defendants were members of an international video piracy ring that was sophisticated and widespread. The group allegedly circumvented copyright protections on nearly every movie released by major production studios, as well as television shows, and distributed them by way of a worldwide network of servers. Thanks to the efforts of HSI, the Postal Inspection Service, Eurojust, Europol, and our law enforcement partners in 18 countries on three continents, key members of this group are in custody, and the servers that were the pipeline for wholesale theft of intellectual property are now out of service.”
HSI Special Agent-in-Charge Fitzhugh said: “As alleged, Sparks Group members reproduced and disseminated hundreds of movies and television shows prior to their retail release date, including nearly every movie released by major production studios, causing millions of dollars in losses to the film and television industry. This investigation shows – in high definition – that despite the online platform and international nature of this scheme, we are committed to stop those who use the cyber world for illicit gain. HSI New York’s El Dorado Task Force, in collaboration with the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, leveraged their global network of law enforcement partners to shut down this criminal organization’s cyber piracy network and arrest those allegedly responsible.”
USPIS Inspector-in-Charge Philip R. Bartlett said: “Copyright criminals have come a long way from bootlegging movies in local theaters and selling inferior quality videos and DVD’s on the streets of New York City for $5.00. The movies and TV shows allegedly stolen by these defendants not only represent a body of work ripped off from those who spent years developing their craft and working their way to stardom, but deprives the studios and actors of the fruits of their labor.”
Ladislav Hamran, President of Eurojust, said: “This case is an excellent example of what can be achieved if we work together across borders and continents. Thanks to the long-standing partnership between the U.S. and the European authorities, we managed to deal a significant blow to online piracy. My sincere congratulations go out to all countries involved in yesterday’s joint action day.”
According to the allegations contained in the Indictments[[1]] unsealed yesterday in Manhattan federal court:
Between 2011 and the present, UMAR AHMAD a/k/a “Artist,” GEORGE BRIDI, JONATAN CORREA, a/k/a “Raid,” and others known and unknown were members of the Sparks Group, a criminal organization that disseminated on the Internet movies and television shows prior to their retail release date, including nearly every movie released by major production studios, after compromising the content’s copyright protections.
In furtherance of its scheme, the Sparks Group fraudulently obtained copyrighted DVDs and Blu-Ray discs from wholesale distributors in advance of their retail release date by, among other things, making various misrepresentations to the wholesale distributors concerning the reasons that they were obtaining the discs prior to the retail release date.
Sparks Group members then used computers with specialized software to compromise the copyright protections on the discs, a process referred to as “cracking” or “ripping,” and to reproduce and encode the content in a format that could be easily copied and disseminated over the Internet. They thereafter uploaded copies of the copyrighted content onto servers controlled by the Sparks Group, where other members further reproduced and disseminated the content on streaming websites, peer-to-peer networks, torrent networks, and other servers accessible to the public. The Sparks Group identified its reproductions by encoding the filenames of reproduced copyrighted content with distinctive tags, and also uploaded photographs of the discs in their original packaging to demonstrate that the reproduced content originated from authentic DVDs and Blu-Ray discs.
AHMAD and BRIDI arranged for discs to be picked up, mailed, or delivered from distributors located in Manhattan, Brooklyn, and New Jersey to other members of the Sparks Group, including CORREA, prior to their official release date. AHMAD, BRIDI, and CORREA then reproduced, and aided and abetted the reproduction of, these discs by using computer software that circumvented copyright protections on the discs and reproducing the copyrighted content for further distribution on the Internet.
The Sparks Group has caused tens of millions of dollars in losses to film production studios.
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AHMAD, 39, BRIDI, 50, and CORREA, 36, are each charged with copyright infringement conspiracy, which carries a maximum penalty of five years in prison. BRIDI is also charged with wire fraud conspiracy, which carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison, and conspiracy to transport stolen property interstate, which carries a maximum penalty of five 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 defendants will be determined by the judge.
Ms. Strauss praised the outstanding work of HSI and USPIS. She also thanked Europol and Eurojust as well as law enforcement authorities in the following countries for their assistance in the investigation: Canada, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, France, Germany, Italy, Republic of Korea, Latvia, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom.
The case is being prosecuted by the Office’s Violent and Organized Crime Unit. Assistant United States Attorneys Andrew K. Chan, Mollie Bracewell, and Christy Slavik are in charge of the prosecution. The U.S. Department Justice’s Office of International Affairs (OIA) of the Department’s Criminal Division provided significant and ongoing assistance with facilitating the execution of dozens of mutual legal assistance requests in 18 different countries necessary for taking down servers and gathering evidence. OIA also provided critical support in working with Eurojust and Europol in planning the coordinated operation yesterday.
The charges contained in the Indictments are merely accusations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
[1] As the introductory phrase signifies, the entirety of the texts of the Indictments and the description of the Indictments set forth herein constitute only allegations and every fact described should be treated as an allegation.
Acting U.S. Attorney Announces Extradition of Ghanaian National for Multimillion-Dollar Fraud Scheme Involving Business Email Compromises and Romance Scams Targeting ElderlyRead the Press Release
Audrey Strauss, the Acting United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, William F. Sweeney Jr., Assistant Director-in-Charge of the New York Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (“FBI”), and Jonathan D. Larsen, Special Agent in Charge of the New York Field Office of the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation (“IRS-CI”), announced that DEBORAH MENSAH, a Ghanaian citizen, was extradited from the Republic of Ghana (“Ghana”) to the United States on August 21, 2020. MENSAH was arrested on January 16, 2020, in Accra, Ghana for charges in connection with a fraud conspiracy based in Ghana involving the theft of over $10 million through business email compromises and romance scams that targeted the elderly from at least in or about 2014 through in or about 2018. MENSAH is the eighth defendant charged in the case. MENSAH was presented this morning in Manhattan federal court before U.S. Magistrate Judge Debra Freeman. MENSAH’s case is assigned to U.S. District Judge Denise L. Cote.
Acting Manhattan U.S. Attorney Audrey Strauss said: “Deborah Mensah is alleged to have been a participant in a conspiracy that resulted in the theft of millions of dollars from businesses and vulnerable individuals across the United States, and the laundering of that money through a network of bank accounts in the Bronx to co-conspirators in Ghana. Now she is in the United States and facing charges under U.S. law.”
FBI Assistant Director William F. Sweeney Jr. said: “Ms. Mensah may have believed hiding in Ghana protected her from facing justice for her alleged role in this scheme. She now knows the FBI’s reach is global through our formidable network of law enforcement partners. Others should take heed – we won’t go away simply because it may take time to go get you. If you break our laws, you will pay the price.”
IRS-CI Special Agent in Charge Jonathan D. Larsen said: “As alleged in the criminal complaint, Ms. Mensah’s desire for money drove her to prey upon the vulnerable in our society. Thanks to the financial expertise of IRS-CI special agents working side-by-side with our law enforcement partners, the long arm of the law caught up to Ms. Mensah in Ghana, and she will now face the consequences of her alleged actions.”
According to allegations in the Complaint and the Indictment and other filings in the case[1]:
From at least in or about 2014 through in or about 2018, MENSAH was a member of a criminal enterprise (the “Enterprise”) based in Ghana that committed a series of business email compromises and romance scams against individuals and businesses located across the United States, including in the Southern District of New York.
The objective of the Enterprise’s business email compromise fraud scheme was to trick and deceive businesses into wiring funds into accounts controlled by the Enterprise. First, members of the Enterprise created email accounts with slight variations of email accounts used by employees of a victim company or third parties engaged in business with a company to “spoof” or impersonate those employees or third parties. These fake email accounts were specifically designed to trick other employees of the company with access to the company’s finances into thinking the fake email accounts were authentic. The fake email accounts were used to send instructions to wire money to certain bank accounts and also included fake authorization letters for the wire transfers that contained forged signatures of company employees. By using this method of deception, the Enterprise sought to trick the victims into transferring hundreds of thousands of dollars to bank accounts the victims believed were under the control of legitimate recipients of the funds as part of normal business operations, when in fact the bank accounts were under the control of members of the Enterprise, including MENSAH.
The Enterprise conducted the romance scams by using electronic messages sent via email, text messaging, or online dating websites that deluded the victims, many of whom were vulnerable older men and women who lived alone, into believing the victim was in a romantic relationship with a fake identity assumed by members of the Enterprise. Once members of the Enterprise had gained the trust of the victims using the fake identity, they used false pretenses, such as a shipment of gold or receiving a portion of an investment, to cause the victims to wire money to bank accounts the victims believed were controlled by their romantic interests, when in fact the bank accounts were controlled by members of the Enterprise. At times, the members of the Enterprise also used false pretenses to cause the victims to receive funds into the victims’ bank accounts, which, unbeknownst to the victims, were fraud proceeds, and to transfer those funds to accounts under the control of members of the Enterprise. The members of the Enterprise, posing as the romantic interest of the victims, also introduced the victims to other individuals purporting to be, for example, consultants or lawyers, who then used false pretenses to cause the victims to wire money to bank accounts controlled by members of the Enterprise.
MENSAH and her co-conspirators received or otherwise directed the receipt of over $10 million in fraud proceeds from victims of the Enterprise in bank accounts that she and other members of the Enterprise controlled in the Bronx, New York. Some of these bank accounts were opened using fake names, stolen identities, or shell companies in order to avoid detection and hide the true identities of the members of the Enterprise controlling those accounts. Once MENSAH received the fraud proceeds in bank accounts under her control, she withdrew, transported, and laundered those fraud proceeds to other members of the Enterprise, including those located in Ghana. MENSAH also used the name and identity of another person to withdraw or otherwise direct the withdrawal of stolen funds.
* * *
MENSAH, 33, a citizen of Ghana, is charged with one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, one count of wire fraud, and one count of conspiracy to commit money laundering, which each carry a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison; one count of receipt of stolen money, which carries a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison; one count of conspiracy to receive stolen money, which carries a maximum sentence of five years in prison; and one count of aggravated identity theft, which carries a mandatory sentence of two years in prison to be served consecutively to any other sentence imposed. 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.
Other defendants in this case who have been sentenced include Muftau Adamu, a/k/a “Muftau Adams,” a/k/a “Muftau Iddrissu,” 32, of the Bronx, New York, who was sentenced to 51 months in prison on June 7, 2019; Prince Nana Aggrey, 45, of the Bronx, New York, who was sentenced to 30 months in prison on May 10, 2019; and Assana Traore, 41, of the Bronx, New York, who was sentenced to 15 months in prison on October 8, 2019. Adamu and Aggrey each pled guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, and Traore pled guilty to one count of conspiracy to receive stolen money. Each of the defendants was sentenced by Judge Cote.
Any businesses or individuals who believe they may have been the victim of a business email compromise or a romance scam or have information regarding such crimes should file a complaint with the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (“IC3”) at https://www.ic3.gov or contact their local FBI office.
Ms. Strauss praised the outstanding investigative work of the FBI and IRS-CI. Ms. Strauss also thanked the United States Marshals Service, the FBI Legal Attaché in Accra, Ghana, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, the Office of the Attorney-General & Ministry of Justice of Ghana, and Ghana’s Economic and Organised Crime Office, for their assistance in this case. The U.S. Department of Justice’s Office of International Affairs of the Department’s Criminal Division provided significant assistance in securing the defendant’s extradition from Ghana.
The prosecution of this case is being handled by the Office’s Complex Frauds and Cybercrime Unit. Assistant United States Attorneys Sagar K. Ravi and Mitzi Steiner 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 Complaint and Indictment and the descriptions of the Complaint and Indictment set forth herein constitute only allegations, and every fact described should be treated as an allegation.
Tuesday 25 August 2020
Wheeling man admits to child pornography chargeRead the Press Release
WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Jeremy Crinkey, of Wheeling, West Virginia, has admitted to having child pornography, U.S. Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Crinkey, 43, pled guilty to one count of “Possession of Child Pornography – Previous Conviction.” Crinkey, having previously been convicted of possession of child pornography in the United States District Court for the Northern District of West Virginia in 2012, admitted to having images of child pornography in his possession in March 2020 in Ohio County.
Crinkey faces at least 10 and up to 20 years of incarceration and a fine of up to $250,000. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed will be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant U.S. Attorney David J. Perri is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The U.S. Probation Office and the FBI investigated.
This case is prosecuted as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative designed to protect children from online exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys’ Offices, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit http://www.justice.gov/psc/.
U.S. Magistrate Judge James P. Mazzone presided.
Washington County Man Possessed Sexually Explicit Videos and Images of MinorsRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH - A resident of Washington, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of possession of material depicting the sexual exploitation of a minor, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.
Jon DeTemple, age 32, of Washington, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty to one count before United States District Judge Stephanie L. Haines.
In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that on October 23, 2019, DeTemple possessed videos and images in computer graphic and digital files, the production of which involved the use of minors engaging in sexually explicit conduct.
Judge Haines scheduled sentencing for December 16, 2020 at 10:00AM. The law provides for a total sentence of not more than 10 years in prison, a fine of $250,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant United States Attorney Heidi M. Grogan is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of DeTemple.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals, who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
Union City Man Sentenced to 20 Years in Federal Prison for Meth Distribution and Firearm PossessionRead the Press Release
Jackson, TN – Daniel Nunez, 31, of Union City, Tennessee, has been sentenced to 248 months in federal prison for conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and carrying a firearm during and in relation to a drug trafficking crime. U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant announced the sentence today.
According to information presented in court, on August 1, 2018, law enforcement began an investigation into a drug trafficking organization (DTO) involving members distributing methamphetamine in the Northwest Tennessee region. Law enforcement agents executed a search warrant at a member’s residence which resulted in the seizure of a small quantity of methamphetamine. This led to the arrest of a total of six members of the DTO in August 2018.
Law enforcement arrested Nunez after several recorded phone calls from cooperating sources to purchase a kilogram of methamphetamine. When Nunez arrived at the location in Dyersburg, Tennessee, a camera system inside the residence captured the actions of Nunez. Nunez was seen in possession of a backpack and walking up the driveway of the residence carrying a handgun, which was visible in his waistband. The firearm was a fully loaded Sig Sauer .22 caliber pistol. Investigators recovered approximately 1 kilogram of methamphetamine from the cooperator’s mailbox. After taking Nunez into custody, he waived his Miranda rights and admitted to distributing approximately 20 kilograms of actual methamphetamine (ice).
On June 17, 2019, a federal grand jury sitting in the Western District of Tennessee, Eastern Division returned a four-count superseding indictment against Nunez and other members of the DTO: Ryan Decker, John Paul Henry, Kwantrez Pitts, Nelson Urias and Jimmy Goodman. Count 1 charged Nunez with conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute and distribution of more than 50 grams of actual methamphetamine, in violation of 21 U.S.C. §§ 841(a)(1) and 846. Count 4 charged Nunez with carrying a firearm during and in relation to a drug trafficking crime, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 924(c). On January 21, 2020, Nunez pled guilty to counts 1 and 4 of the four-count superseding indictment.
On August 24, 2020, U.S. District Court Chief Judge Thomas Anderson found that Nunez was responsible for the distribution of a total of 15.2 kilograms of actual methamphetamine in furtherance of the conspiracy, and sentenced Nunez to 248 months imprisonment in federal prison followed by 5 years supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system.
U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant said, "Methamphetamine continues to destroy individuals, families, and communities in West Tennessee. This defendant’s selfish and reckless criminal behavior includes distribution of large quantities of meth, possession of a firearm, and participation in a drug trafficking organization. This is exactly the type of armed drug dealer that deserves a 20-year sentence, and we are happy to hold him accountable. Nunez has sowed addiction and pain into the rural Northwest Tennessee community, and now he will reap the consequence of a long prison sentence."
The Weakley County Sheriff’s Department, the 27th Judicial District Drug Task Force, the Union City Police Department, the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation, Dyer County Sheriff’s Department, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) investigated this case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Jerry Kitchen prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
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Two Charged in $1.8 million Unemployment Insurance ScamRead the Press Release
An employee of the State of Michigan’s Unemployment Insurance Agency and a Detroit Woman were charged in a criminal complaint for their alleged role in a $1.8 million unemployment insurance fraud scheme aimed at defrauding the State of Michigan and the U.S. Government of funds earmarked for unemployment assistance during the COVID19 pandemic, announced United States Attorney Matthew Schneider.
Joining in the announcement were Irene Lindow, Special Agent-in-Charge, Chicago Region, U.S. Department of Labor Office of Inspector General, Special Agent in Charge Douglas J. Zloto, US Secret Service and Jeffrey Frost, Special Fraud Advisor, Unemployment Insurance Agency, Michigan Dept. of Labor and Economic Opportunity.
Charged are Jermaine Rose, 41, and Serenity Poynter 36.
According to the complaint, Jermaine Rose was a Lead Claims Examiner for the State of Michigan Unemployment Insurance Agency. His duties included reviewing, processing and verifying the legitimacy of unemployment insurance claims.
Beginning in May, 2020, it is alleged that Rose used his insider access to release payment on hundreds of fraudulent claims. Specifically, Rose is alleged to have used his network credentials to override “fraud stops” on unemployment insurance claims that the State computer system had identified as potentially fraudulent. Rose’s actions resulted in the fraudulent disbursement of over $1.1 million of federal and state funds intended for unemployment assistance during the pandemic. Rose attempted to override another $761,000 in fraudulent unemployment claims, but the State was able to prevent payment on those additional claims.
Rose is alleged to have worked with outside co-conspirators as part of his fraud scheme. One of those alleged co-conspirators is Detroit resident Serenity Poynter. Poynter, an associate of Rose’s, is alleged to have filed at least 25 fraudulent claims seeking over $350,000 in unearned unemployment insurance benefits. Poynter allegedly used variations of her own name and bogus social security numbers to support these fraudulent claims. The State’s automated system identified many of those claims as potentially fraudulent, but Rose is alleged to have overridden many of those fraud-stops, leading to approval of numerous fake unemployment insurance claims.
“At a time when thousands of people in Michigan are out of work because of the pandemic, the defendants are charged with stealing unemployment benefits that should have gone to Michiganders trying to feed their families. Anyone who steals unemployment funds steals from the people of Michigan,” stated United States Attorney Matthew Schneider.
“An important mission of the Office of Inspector General is to investigate allegations relating to unemployment insurance fraud. We will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to investigate these types of allegations,” stated Irene Lindow, Special Agent-in-Charge, Chicago Region, U.S. Department of Labor Office of Inspector General.”“The defendants in this case took advantage of the good will and generosity of the American people. Out of greed and blatant disregard for those suffering during this pandemic, the perpetrators manipulated the Michigan Unemployment Insurance Agency system for personal gain. We will continue to work with our law enforcement partners throughout Michigan to bring these criminals to justice,” said Douglas J. Zloto, Special Agent in Charge, U.S. Secret Service, Detroit Field Office.
“It’s disheartening that a public servant would abuse the trust of Michiganders because of their own greed, especially during a time when workers need this financial assistance the most. We thank the US Attorney’s office and our other state and federal law enforcement partners for their efforts to protect workers and the integrity of the unemployment system,” stated Jeffrey Frost, Special Fraud Advisor, Unemployment Insurance Agency, Michigan Dept. of Labor and Economic Opportunity.
This is the third unemployment insurance fraud scheme charged by the United States Attorney’s Office in just over a month. On July 17, 2020, State of Michigan contract employee Bandi Hawkins was charged with participating in scheme to defraud the State of Michigan out of approximately $2 million in unemployment insurance funds. Last week, Southfield resident Samuel George Baker was similarly charged with offenses arising out of an unemployment insurance scheme allegedly targeting the States of Michigan and Pennsylvania. Those cases remain pending.
A complaint is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt. Trial cannot be held on felony charges in a complaint. When the investigation is completed a determination will be made whether to seek a felony indictment.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney John K. Neal. The investigation is being conducted jointly by the Department of Labor, Office of Inspector General, the United States Secret Service, and the Unemployment Insurance Agency, Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity
Topeka Drug Trafficker Sentenced to More than 7 YearsRead the Press Release
TOPEKA, KAN. – A Topeka man was sentenced today to 94 months in federal prison for dealing drugs, U.S. Attorney Stephen McAllister said.
Anthony Lee Hunter, 51, Topeka, Kan., pleaded guilty to one count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. In his plea, he admitted that when investigators searched his residence in the 700 block of northeast Emmett Street they turned up more than 30 grams of methamphetamine and more than 11 grams of heroin. Hunter told investigators that earlier that week he spent more than $30,000 buying drugs in Kansas City and the drugs they seized were all he had left.
McAllister commended the FBI, the Lawrence Police Department and Assistant U.S. Attorney Jared Maag for their work on the case.
Stamford Man Sentenced to 8 Years for Distributing Images of Child Sexual Abuse, Other OffensesRead the Press Release
John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that ALEXANDER OLIVEIRA, 32, of Stamford, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Jeffrey A. Meyer in New Haven to 96 months of imprisonment, followed by five years of supervised release, for child exploitation offenses.
According to court documents and statements made in court, an FBI special agent working in an undercover capacity communicated with Oliveira on an internet message board and through email. During those conversations, Oliveira discussed his interest in child pornography. On one occasion, Oliveira told the undercover agent that he possessed a “ton of pics & vids of kids ages 4-12,” and then proceeded to send multiple pornographic images of children in that age range to the undercover agent. Oliveira also stated that he would provide the undercover agent with his entire “collection” of child-sex-abuse images in exchange for in-person access to a child.
Oliveira was arrested on March 5, 2019. A search of computer media seized at the time of his arrest revealed approximately 2000 images and videos depicting the sexual abuse of children, including more than 600 images of children who have been identified during the course of this and numerous other child pornography investigations.
The investigation also revealed that, in approximately 2016, Oliveira enticed a 16-year-old girl to send him sexually explicit photos of herself, and then he traveled to New York several times to have sexual intercourse with the same girl. The age of consent in New York is 17.
On October 2, 2019, Oliveira pleaded guilty to one count of distribution of child pornography.
Oliveira, who is released on a $100,000 bond, is required to report to prison on September 24, 2020.
This matter was investigated by FBI Child Exploitation Task Force in New Haven, with the assistance of the Stamford Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Joseph Vizcarrondo.
This prosecution is part of the U.S. Department of Justice’s Project Safe Childhood Initiative, which is aimed at protecting children from sexual abuse and exploitation. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
To report cases of child exploitation, please visit www.cybertipline.com.
St. Helens Man Sentenced to 13 Years in Federal Prison for Sexually Assaulting MinorRead the Press Release
PORTLAND, Ore.—Gerald Ryan Davis, 37, of St. Helens, Oregon, was sentenced today to 13 years in federal prison and a life term of supervised release for travelling across state lines to repeatedly sexually assault a 14-year-old victim.
According to court documents, Davis used social media to find his victim and, beginning in December 2014, repeatedly traveled across state lines to meet in person and engage in criminal sexual conduct. Davis gave the victim alcohol during these encounters.
Davis, who was 33 years old at the time, had previously been convicted in 2011 of sexually abusing a 17-year-old and was sentenced to probation. While on probation, he repeatedly violated his release conditions by contacting minor victims and was ordered to serve two years in prison. He was released in July 2014, five months prior to sexually assaulting the minor victim in this case.
On January 31, 2017, local police officers arrested Davis after executing a search warrant at his St. Helens home. While in custody, he admitted to sexually assaulting the minor. On March 1, 2019, he waived indictment and pleaded guilty to one count of traveling with intent to engage in criminal sexual conduct with a minor.
This case was investigated by the FBI with assistance from the St. Helens Police Department. It was prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Oregon.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
Anyone who has information about the physical or online exploitation of children are encouraged to call the FBI at (503) 224-4181 or submit a tip online at https://tips.fbi.gov.
Silver Spring Man Sentenced to 7 Years in Federal Prison for Two Armed RobberiesRead the Press Release
Greenbelt, Maryland – U.S. District Judge Paul W. Grimm today sentenced William Thompson, age 27, of Silver Spring, Maryland, to seven years, and one day in federal prison, followed by four years of supervised release, for interference with interstate commerce by robbery, and using, carrying, and brandishing a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence. Judge Grimm also ordered Thompson to pay restitution of $498.
The sentence was announced by United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Robert K. Hur; Special Agent in Charge Jennifer C. Boone of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Baltimore Field Office; and Chief Marcus Jones of the Montgomery County Police Department
According to his guilty plea, on August 9, 2019, Thompson robbed a convenience store in Silver Spring, Maryland, wearing a black mask, distinctive glasses, a jacket, and light colored gloves. Throughout the robbery, which was captured on video surveillance, Thompson brandished a semi-automatic rifle. Thompson pointed the rifle at a store employee and demanded money. Out of fear for his life, the employee gave Thompson approximately $98 of store funds.
The next day, August 10, 2019, Thompson used the same rifle to rob a market located in Silver Spring, Maryland. Thompson pointed the rifle at the two store employees present and demanded money from the cash register. In fear for their lives, the victims gave Thompson approximately $400 of store funds. Thompson then fled the store in a blue four-door Subaru sedan.
A little over three hours later, Thompson was involved in a traffic accident in the Subaru in Rockville, Maryland. A search of the passenger compartment of Thompson’s vehicle led to the discovery of the black mask and gloves that Thompson had used in the robberies, as well a loaded black and gray handgun, in the center console. A search of Thompson’s trunk uncovered the loaded semi-automatic rifle that Thompson had used in the robberies. In addition, numerous additional magazines and hundreds of rounds ammunition were also located in Thompson’s vehicle.
A search warrant executed at Thompson’s residence uncovered more guns and ammunition, along with the jacket and shoes that the Defendant wore during the robberies.
United States Attorney Robert K. Hur commended FBI and Montgomery County Police Department for their work in the investigation. Mr. Hur thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney Burden H. Walker, who prosecuted the case.
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Shreveport Man Attempting to Sell Sexually Explicit Images Through Social Media Platform Sentenced in Federal CourtRead the Press Release
SHREVEPORT, La. – Acting United States Attorney Alexander C. Van Hook announced that Ryan Joel Shilling, 27, of Shreveport, was sentenced today for Distribution of Child Pornography. United States District Judge S. Maurice Hicks, Jr. sentenced Shilling to spend 168 months (14 years) in prison, followed by 3 years of supervised release. Shilling was also ordered to pay $3,000 in restitution.
According to information presented in court, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security-Homeland Security Investigations received information in July 2019 from an unnamed source that an individual sent him a message using Facebook Messenger offering to sell pictures of a nude girl and sent what appeared to be a selfie image of a nude girl. Law enforcement officers began their investigation into the allegations and learned that Ryan Joel Shilling was the individual who sent the message and sexually explicit image.
Shilling had been arrested by Shreveport Police Department officers on an unrelated matter in July 2019. Officers obtained a state search warrant for the defendant’s cell phone. During their investigation, officers found text messages between Shilling and a girl, who was later determined to be a minor, asking her to take sexually explicit images and send them to him. Shilling offered to pay her for them via CashApp. Federal and local law enforcement officers worked together and confirmed that the image Shilling had sent to the unnamed source through Facebook Messenger was in fact the image of the minor girl he was sending text messages. Shilling pled guilty to the charge in United States District Court on December 12, 2019.
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security-Homeland Security Investigations and the Shreveport Police Department conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Earl M. Campbell prosecuted the case.
This case is part of Project Safe Childhood, a U.S. Department of Justice nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood combines 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.
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security and U.S. Immigration & Customs Enforcement (ICE) also encourage the public to report suspected child predators and any suspicious activity through its toll-free hotline at (866) 347-2423. Investigators are available at all hours to answer hotline calls. Tips or other information can also be submitted to ICE online by visiting their website at www.ice.gov/exec/forms/hsi-tips/tips.asp or through the Operation Predator smartphone application www.ice.gov/predator/smartphone-app. Tips may be submitted anonymously.
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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.
Seventh Generic Drug Manufacturer Is Charged in Ongoing Criminal Antitrust InvestigationRead the Press Release
Teva Pharmaceuticals USA Inc. (Teva) has been charged with conspiring to fix prices, rig bids, and allocate customers for generic drugs, the Department of Justice announced today.
According to a superseding indictment filed today in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania, the company participated in three conspiracies from at least as early as May 2013 until at least in or around Dec. 2015.
“Today’s charge reaffirms that no company is too big to be prosecuted for its role in conspiracies that led to substantially higher prices for generic drugs relied on by millions of Americans,” said Assistant Attorney General Makan Delrahim of the Department of Justice’s Antitrust Division. “The division will continue to work closely with our law enforcement partners to ensure that companies that blatantly cheat consumers of the benefits of free markets are prosecuted to the full extent of the law.”
Count one charges Teva for its role in a conspiracy that included Glenmark Pharmaceuticals Inc., USA (Glenmark), Apotex Corp. (Apotex), and others. On May 7, Apotex admitted to its role in this conspiracy and agreed to pay a $24.1 million penalty. On July 14, a grand jury returned an indictment against Glenmark for its role in the same conspiracy, which today’s indictment supersedes. According to the charge, Teva, Glenmark, Apotex, and unnamed co-conspirators agreed to increase prices for pravastatin and other generic drugs. Pravastatin is a commonly prescribed cholesterol medication that lowers the risk of heart disease and stroke.
Count two charges Teva for its role in a conspiracy with Taro Pharmaceuticals U.S.A., Inc. (Taro U.S.A.), its former executive Ara Aprahamian, and others. On July 23, Taro U.S.A. admitted to its role in this conspiracy and agreed to pay a $205.7 million penalty to resolve that charge as well as its role in a separate antitrust conspiracy. Aprahamian was indicted in February 2020 for his role in the conspiracy with Teva, among other charges, and is awaiting trial. According to the charge, Teva and its co-conspirators agreed to increase prices, rig bids, and allocate customers for generic drugs including, but not limited to, drugs used to treat and manage arthritis, seizures, pain, skin conditions, and blood clots.
Count three charges Teva for its role in a conspiracy with Sandoz Inc. and others. In March 2020, Sandoz admitted to its role in this conspiracy, as well as in conspiracies with other generic drug manufacturers, and agreed to pay a $195 million penalty. According to the charge, Teva and its co-conspirators agreed to increase prices, rig bids, and allocate customers for generic drugs including, but not limited to, drugs used to treat brain cancer, cystic fibrosis, arthritis, and hypertension.
“During these difficult times, it is absolutely essential that our pharmaceutical companies conduct business with the well-being of the consumer in mind,” said Acting Special Agent in Charge Steven Stuller, U.S. Postal Service Office of Inspector General. “When generic drug companies conspire to artificially increase prices, they do so to the detriment of many who depend on these medications to maintain good health. Along with the Department of Justice Antitrust Division and our partners at the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the USPS Office of Inspector General remains committed to investigating those who would engage in this type of harmful conduct.”
“Today’s charges, the latest in a series of law enforcement actions taken against large drug companies, confirm that this kind of criminal behavior in the generic pharmaceutical industry will not be tolerated,” said James A. Dawson, Acting Assistant Director in Charge of the FBI’s Washington Field Office. “Price fixing and bid rigging is a crime, and the American people—who rely on these drugs to treat serious ailments—are the ones who pay the price when companies like Teva conspire to raise their costs. The FBI remains committed to holding companies accountable for their illegal and reprehensible activity.”
“Today’s superseding indictment against Teva is another important step in this ongoing criminal investigation, which has already recovered hundreds of millions of dollars,” said U.S. Attorney William M. McSwain for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania. “Along with our partners at the Antitrust Division, we remain heavily focused on illegal price fixing and market allocation in generic drugs and on addressing the impact those practices have on federal healthcare programs like Medicare and Medicaid.”
Teva is the seventh company to be charged for its participation in conspiracies to fix prices, rig bids, and allocate customers for generic drugs. Five previous corporate cases were resolved by deferred prosecution agreements, and Teva’s co-conspirator Glenmark is awaiting trial. Four executives have also been charged; three have entered guilty pleas, and one is awaiting trial.
A criminal charge merely alleges that crimes have been committed. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
Each of the charged offenses carry a statutory maximum penalty of $100 million for companies. The maximum fine may be increased to twice the gain derived from the crime or twice the loss suffered by the victims of the crime if either amount is greater than $100 million.
This case is the result of an ongoing federal antitrust investigation into price fixing, market allocation, bid rigging, and other anticompetitive conduct in the generic pharmaceutical industry, which is being conducted by the Antitrust Division with the assistance of the United States Postal Service Office of Inspector General, the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Washington and Philadelphia Field Offices, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania. Anyone with information on market allocation, price fixing, bid rigging, or other anticompetitive conduct related to the generic pharmaceutical industry should contact the Antitrust Division’s Citizen Complaint Center at 1-888-647-3258 or visit www.justice.gov/atr/contact/newcase.html.
Santa Maria Man Charged with Fatally Shooting Elephant SealRead the Press Release
LOS ANGELES – A Santa Barbara County man was charged today with fatally shooting a northern elephant seal on a beach near San Simeon.
Jordan Gerbich, 30, of Santa Maria, is charged in an information with one count of taking a marine mammal.
Northern elephant seals are a protected species under the Marine Mammal Protection Act. They live up and down North America’s Pacific coast and haul out on land in areas called rookeries. These rookeries are typically populated with elephant seals year-round, but populations vary throughout the year based on breeding and molting cycles.
In September 2019, the corpse of a northern elephant seal was found on a beach near San Simeon close to a popular viewing area along California Highway 1 where visitors can observe elephant seals. The animal had been shot in the head. Gerbich is charged with fatally shooting the mammal on September 28, 2019.
An information contains allegations that a defendant has committed a crime. Every defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
If convicted of the misdemeanor offense alleged in the information, Gerbich would face a statutory maximum sentence of one year in federal prison.
This matter was investigated by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Office of Law Enforcement with substantial assistance provided by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Heather C. Gorman of the Environmental and Community Safety Crimes Section.
Russian National Arrested for Conspiracy to Introduce Malware into a Nevada Company's Computer NetworkRead the Press Release
A Russian national made his initial appearance in federal court Monday for his role in a conspiracy to recruit an employee of a company to introduce malicious software into the company’s computer network, extract data from the network, and extort ransom money from the company.
Acting Assistant Attorney General Brian C. Rabbitt of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, U.S. Attorney Nicholas A. Trutanich of the District of Nevada and Special Agent in Charge Aaron C. Rouse of the FBI’s Las Vegas Field Office made the announcement.
Egor Igorevich Kriuchkov, 27, a citizen of Russia, was charged in a complaint with one count of conspiracy to intentionally cause damage to a protected computer. He was arrested on Aug. 22, 2020, in Los Angeles and had his initial appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge Alexander F. MacKinnon in U.S. District Court in Los Angeles, California, who ordered Kriuchkov detained pending trial.
According to the complaint and statements made in court, from about July 15, 2020 to about Aug. 22, 2020, Kriuchkov conspired with associates to recruit an employee of a company to introduce malware – i.e., malicious software programs designed to damage or do other unwanted actions on a computer system – into the company’s computer network. The malware would supposedly provide Kriuchkov and his co-conspirators with access to the company’s system. After the malware was introduced, Kriuchkov and his co-conspirators would extract data from the network and then threaten to make the information public, unless the company paid their ransom demand.
Kriuchkov entered the United States using his Russian passport and a tourist visa. He contacted and met with the employee numerous times to discuss the conspiracy. Kriuchkov promised to pay the employee $1 million after the malware was introduced. In furtherance of the conspiracy, Kriuchkov provided the employee with a burner phone, and instructed him to leave the burner phone in airplane mode until after the money was transferred.
After being contacted by the FBI, Kriuchkov drove overnight from Reno, Nevada, to Los Angeles. Kriuchkov asked an acquaintance to purchase an airline ticket for him in an attempt to fly out of the country.
The charges and allegations contained in a complaint are merely accusations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
The investigation was led by the FBI’s Las Vegas Field Office with assistance from the FBI’s Los Angeles Field Office; the FBI’s Sacramento Field Office; the Washoe County Sheriff’s Office; and the Criminal Division’s Computer Crime and Intellectual Property Section (CCIPS). Assistant U.S. Attorney Richard Casper and C.S. Heath, Senior Counsel of CCIPS, are prosecuting the case.
The year 2020 marks the 150th anniversary of the Department of Justice. Learn more about the history of our agency at www.Justice.gov/Celebrating150Years.
Russian National Arrested for Conspiracy to Introduce Malware into A Nevada Company's Computer NetworkRead the Press Release
RENO, Nev. — A Russian national made his initial appearance in federal court yesterday for his role in a conspiracy to recruit an employee of a company to introduce malicious software into the company’s computer network, extract data from the network, and extort ransom money from the company, announced U.S. Attorney Nicholas A. Trutanich of the District of Nevada and Special Agent in Charge Aaron C. Rouse of the FBI.
“As Nevada’s economy diversifies and evolves into a center for technological innovation, our office will continue to prioritize protecting trade secrets and other confidential information belonging to U.S. businesses,” said U.S. Attorney Trutanich. “Working with our law enforcement partners, we are committed to holding accountable anyone who plots to use malicious cyber tactics to harm American consumers and companies.”
“In this matter, the FBI was once again able to intervene before any damage could occur,” said Special Agent in Charge Rouse. “We will continue to aggressively pursue any person or entity that attempts to inflict damage to American business or enterprise, no matter who or where.”
Egor Igorevich Kriuchkov, 27, a citizen of Russia, was charged in a
complaint with one count of conspiracy to intentionally cause damage to a protected computer. He was arrested on August 22, 2020, in Los Angeles and had his initial appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge Alexander F. MacKinnon in U.S. District Court in Los Angeles, who ordered Kriuchkov detained pending trial.According to the complaint and statements made in court, from about July 15, 2020 to about August 22, 2020, Kriuchkov conspired with associates to recruit an employee of a company to introduce malware — i.e., malicious software programs designed to damage or do other unwanted actions on a computer system — into the company’s computer network. The malware would supposedly provide Kriuchkov and his co-conspirators with access to the company’s system. After the malware was introduced, Kriuchkov and his co-conspirators would extract data from the network and then threaten to make the information public, unless the company paid their ransom demand.
Kriuchkov entered the United States using his Russian passport and a tourist visa. He contacted and met with the employee numerous times to discuss the conspiracy. Kriuchkov promised to pay the employee $1 million dollars after the malware was introduced. In furtherance of the conspiracy, Kriuchkov provided the employee with a burner phone, and instructed him to leave the burner phone in airplane mode until after the money was transferred.
After being contacted by the FBI, Kriuchkov drove overnight from Reno to Los Angeles. Kriuchkov asked an acquaintance to purchase an airline ticket for him in an attempt to fly out of the country.
Kriuchkov faces a statutory maximum sentence of five years in prison and a $250,000 fine. The maximum statutory sentence is prescribed by Congress and is provided here for informational purposes only.
A criminal complaint is a formal accusation of criminal conduct for purposes of establishing probable cause, not evidence of guilt. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
The investigation was led by the FBI’s Las Vegas Field Office with assistance by the FBI Los Angeles Field Office; the FBI Sacramento Field Office; the Washoe County Sheriff’s Office; and the Criminal Division’s Computer Crimes and Intellectual Property Section (CCIPS). Assistant U.S. Attorney Richard Casper and Candina Heath, Senior Counsel of CCIPS, are prosecuting the case.
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Rochester Man Going to Prison for His Role in A Series of Bank Robberies by GunpointRead the Press Release
CONTACT: Barbara Burns
PHONE: (716) 843-5817
FAX #: (716) 551-3051ROCHESTER, N.Y. - U.S. Attorney James P. Kennedy, Jr. announced today that Terrance Rainey, 35, of Rochester, NY, who was convicted of bank robbery by use of a dangerous weapon, was sentenced to serve 240 months in prison by U.S. District Judge David G. Larimer. The defendant was also ordered to pay $30,208.00 in restitution.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Katelyn M. Hartford, who handled the case, stated that on May 25, 2016, Rainey and co-defendant Latrell Parson robbed the First Niagara Bank on Winton Road in Henrietta, NY. The two men entered the bank, and Parson approached the teller, pointed an air pistol that appeared to be a semi-automatic handgun at her, handed her a bag and ordered her to fill it with money. At the same time, Rainey held the other bank employees at gunpoint with an air pistol that appeared to be a semi-automatic handgun. The teller complied with Parson’s demand, and Parson and the defendant then exited the bank and drove away in a vehicle. They then set fire to that car in the back parking lot of a bowling alley on Jefferson Road in Rochester.
On July 14, 2016, Rainey and Parson robbed the Chase Bank on State Route 31 in Macedon, NY. The defendant and Parson entered the bank wearing hooded sweatshirts, masks, and gloves, each brandishing a semi-automatic pistol, and ordered bank employees to get on the floor. Parson handed a bag to a teller and demanded that money be placed in the bag. The teller complied and Parson and the defendant then fled the bank in a SUV. Parson and Rainey then abandoned that vehicle behind a plaza adjacent to the bank.
On October 18, 2016, Rainey and Parson robbed the M&T Bank located on Oak Orchard Road in Elba. The two men entered the bank wearing hooded sweatshirts with face coverings and gloves, and pointed handguns at the employees. Parson threw a bag to one of the bank employees, ordering her to fill it with cash. The teller complied, and Parson and the defendant took the money and fled the bank, got into a car, and drove away. They then pulled into a vacant lot, switched vehicles, and left the area.
Latrell Parson was previously convicted and sentenced to serve 141 months in prison.The sentencing is the result of an investigation by the New York State police, under the direction of Acting Major Barry Chase; the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office, under the direction of Sheriff Todd Baxter; the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office, under the direction of Sheriff William A. Sheron, Jr.; the Macedon Police Department, under the direction of Chief John P. Colella; and the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Stephen Belongia.
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Registered Sex Offender Detained on Solicitation, Child Pornography ChargesRead the Press Release
PROVIDENCE – A registered sex offender previously convicted in Rhode Island state court for indecent solicitation of a child was arraigned today on new federal charges of enticement of a minor to engage in sexual conduct, and possessing and distributing child pornography.
According to court documents, in January 2020, members of the Rhode Island State Police Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force received information from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children that an individual uploaded an image of child pornography from an IP address in Rhode Island. An investigation by members of the ICAC determined that the IP address belonged to an Internet subscriber in West Warwick.
Further investigation by members of the ICAC determined that Robert H. King, 35, of Cranston, who was staying with a friend in West Warwick, allegedly sent several messages on social media platforms, contacting juveniles and sending them sexual messages. Among the alleged online conversations was a sexually explicit conversation King had with a girl who allegedly informed him that she was twelve years old. It is alleged that King solicited the pre-teen to engage in sexual activity.
On March 26, 2020, members of the ICAC Task Force executed a court-authorized search of the West Warwick residence where King was staying and took possession of his cell phone. A forensic audit of King’s cell phone allegedly revealed approximately 135 images of child pornography.
King, charged previously in Rhode Island state court in this matter, appeared today before U.S. District Court Magistrate Judge Lincoln D. Almond and was ordered detained in federal custody on a federal criminal complaint charging him with coercion/enticement of a minor to engage in sexual conduct, possession of child pornography, and distribution of child pornography, announced United States Attorney Aaron L. Weisman, Rhode Island State Police Superintendent Colonel James M. Manni, and Homeland Security Investigations Acting Special Agent in Charge Michael S. Shea.
A federal criminal complaint is merely an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Ronald R. Gendron.
United States Attorney Aaron L. Weisman thanks the Rhode Island Department of the Attorney General for their assistance in the preparation of this matter for prosecution in federal court.
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Portland Man Charged with Intimidating a Federal Employee Near Hatfield Federal CourthouseRead the Press Release
PORTLAND, Ore.—Dakota Kurtis Means, 20, a resident of Portland, has been charged by criminal information with forcibly assaulting, impeding, and intimidating a federal employee near the Mark O. Hatfield U.S. Courthouse on August 24, 2020, announced U.S. Attorney Billy J. Williams.
According to court documents and information shared in court, at approximately 5:30am on August 24, 2020, an employee was walking to work at the Hatfield Federal Courthouse when Means allegedly began following the employee, yelling obscenities. Means was carrying a black colored paintball rifle and yelled “it’s a paintball gun now, but it’s going to be an AR later,” seemingly referring to an AR-15 assault rifle. Means was arrested a short time later near the courthouse by U.S. Marshals Service deputies.
Means made his initial appearance in federal court on August 24, 2020 before a U.S. Magistrate Judge. He pleaded not guilty and was ordered released to a residential re-entry center pending a one-day jury trial scheduled to begin on October 27, 2020.
Forcibly assaulting, impeding, and intimidating a federal employee while engaged in or on account of the performance of their official duties, a Class A misdemeanor, is punishable by up to one year in federal prison.
The case was investigated by the U.S. Marshals Service and Federal Protective Service. It is being prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Oregon.
A criminal information is only an accusation of a crime, and a defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Pittsford Man Pleads Guilty to Production of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
CONTACT: Barbara Burns
PHONE: (716) 843-5817
FAX #: (716) 551-3051ROCHESTER, N.Y. - U.S. Attorney James P. Kennedy, Jr. announced today that Luke Vuittonet, 19, of Pittsford, NY, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Charles J. Siragusa to production of child pornography. The charge carries carry a mandatory minimum penalty of 15 years in prison, a maximum penalty of 30 years in prison, and a $250,000.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Melissa M. Marangola, who is handling the case, stated that between August 6 and August 12, 2019, the defendant produced digital photographs depicting a 13-year-old minor victim engaged in prohibited sexual conduct. The images were produced on Vuittonet’s cellular telephone.
The plea is the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Stephen Belongia, and the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office, under the direction of Sheriff Todd Baxter.
Sentencing is scheduled for December 1, 2020, at 9:30 a.m. before Judge Siragusa.
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Pittsburgh Man Pleads Guilty to Child Sexual Exploitation ChargesRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH - A resident of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of Receipt and Attempted Receipt of Material Depicting the Sexual Exploitation of a Minor, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.
Michael Riley, age 34, of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty to one count before United States District Judge Marilyn J. Horan.
In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that from January 2, 2020 through March 3, 2020, Riley knowingly received and attempted to receive visual depictions of minors engaging in sexually explicit conduct, namely videos.
Judge Horan scheduled sentencing for October 20, 2020 at 9:30AM. The law provides for a total sentence of not less than five years and not more than 20 years in prison, a fine of $250,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant United States Attorney Heidi M. Grogan is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Riley.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals, who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
Pain doctor pays to settle allegations of deceptive Medicare billingRead the Press Release
HOUSTON – A 52-year-old pain management physician from Houston has paid $530,000 to resolve allegations he falsely billed Medicare for the use of electro-acupuncture devices, announced U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Patrick.
From March 1, 2019, to Oct. 31, 2019, Dr. Syed Nasir billed Medicare for the implantation of neurostimulator electrodes–a surgical procedure that usually requires use of an operating room. Medicare pays thousands of dollars for this procedure.
However, Nasir did not perform these surgeries. Instead, he applied a device used for electro-acupuncture. This procedure involves inserting needles into patients’ ears with the neurostimulator taped behind them with an adhesive.
Medicare does not reimburse for electro-acupuncture devices as implantable neurostimulators.
This is the second settlement of its kind involving electro-acupuncture billing the Southern District of Texas has resolved.
The Department of Health and Human Services – Office of Inspector General and the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services conducted the investigation with the assistance of Qlarant, the Unified Program Integrity Contractor for Medicare. Assistant U.S. Attorney Brad Gray handled the matter.
The claims resolved by this agreement are allegations only, and there has been no determination of liability.
North Hornell Man Indicted on Federal Tax ChargesRead the Press Release
CONTACT: Barbara Burns
PHONE: (716) 843-5817
FAX #: (716) 551-3051ROCHESTER, N.Y. - U.S. Attorney James P. Kennedy, Jr. announced today that a federal grand jury has returned a five-count indictment charging Justin Terwilliger, 40, of North Hornell, NY, with filing false tax returns. The charges carry a maximum penalty of three years in prison, and a $250,000.
Assistant U.S. Attorney John J. Field, who is handling the case, stated that according to the indictment, for calendar years 2013 through 2017, the defendant prepared and filed false tax returns with the Internal Revenue Service. These returns falsely reported that Terwilliger had little or no taxable income, even though in fact he had substantial taxable income of approximately $125,000 in 2013, $190,000 in 2014, $201,000 in 2015, $185,000 in 2016, and $249,000 in 2017.
The defendant was arraigned before U.S. Magistrate Judge Marian W. Payson. Terwilliger is presently in custody serving an unrelated state sentence.
The indictment is the result of an investigation by the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation Division, under the direction of Jonathan D. Larsen, Special Agent-in-Charge, New York Field Office.
The fact that a defendant has been charged with a crime is merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
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North Carolina Man Charged with COVID-19 Relief FraudRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – A North Carolina man was charged by criminal complaint unsealed today for fraudulently seeking more than $414,000 in COVID-19 relief guaranteed by the Small Business Administration (SBA) through the Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program and the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act.
Acting Assistant Attorney General Brian Rabbitt of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, U.S. Attorney Matthew G.T. Martin of the Middle District of North Carolina, Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration (TIGTA) J. Russell George, Inspector General Jay N. Lerner of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, Officer of Inspector General (FDIC OIG), and Special Agent in Charge Michael J. De Palma of the IRS Criminal Investigation (CI) Miami Field Office made the announcement.
David Christopher Redfern, 31, of Trinity, North Carolina, was charged by criminal complaint filed in the Middle District of North Carolina with one count of wire fraud and one count of bank fraud. Redfern was arrested this morning and made his initial appearance this afternoon before U.S. Magistrate Judge L. Patrick Auld of the Middle District of North Carolina.
The complaint alleges that Redfern, through a company called Wilder Effects LLC (Wilder Effects) that he formed in January 2020, fraudulently applied for two EIDLs and a PPP loan between April and June of this year. The PPP loan application was supported by falsified documents. The false documentation included a fake IRS filing that purported to be Wilder Effects’ Employer’s Quarterly Federal Tax Return for the first quarter of 2020, showing that the company paid wages to 20 employees, when in reality the IRS has no record of such a filing. The complaint further alleges that EIDL and PPP loan proceeds were withdrawn in cash or transferred to Redfern’s personal bank account. As a result of suspected fraud alerts, Wilder Effects’ bank account was frozen and approximately $402,000 of the over $414,000 in EIDL and PPP loan proceeds were recovered.
The CARES Act is a federal law enacted on March 29, 2020, designed to provide emergency financial assistance to the millions of Americans who are suffering the economic effects caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. One source of relief provided by the CARES Act was the authorization of up to $349 billion in forgivable loans to small businesses for job retention and certain other expenses, through the PPP. In April 2020, Congress authorized over $300 billion in additional PPP funding.
The PPP allows qualifying small-businesses and other organizations to receive loans with a maturity of two years and an interest rate of 1 percent. PPP loan proceeds must be used by businesses on payroll costs, interest on mortgages, rent, and utilities. The PPP allows the interest and principal on the PPP loan to be forgiven if businesses spend the proceeds on these expenses within a set time period and use at least a certain percentage of the loan towards payroll expenses.
The EIDL program is designed to provide economic relief to small businesses that are currently experiencing a temporary loss of revenue. EIDL proceeds can be used to cover a wide array of working capital and normal operating expenses, such as continuation of health care benefits, rent, utilities and fixed debt payments. If an applicant also obtains a loan under the PPP, the EIDL funds cannot be used as the same purpose as the PPP funds.
A criminal complaint is merely an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
This case was investigated by TIGTA, FDIC OIG, and IRS CI. Trial Attorney Jessee Alexander-Hoeppner of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Meredith Ruggles for the Middle District of North Carolina are prosecuting the case. The Justice Department thanks the SBA OIG for their support and assistance.
Anyone with information about allegations of attempted fraud involving COVID-19 can report it by calling the Department of Justice’s National Center for Disaster Fraud (BCDF) hotline by phone (1-866-720-5721 or via an online reporting form available at https://www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form.
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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North Carolina Man Charged with COVID-19 Relief FraudRead the Press Release
A North Carolina man was charged by criminal complaint unsealed today for fraudulently seeking more than $414,000 in COVID-19 relief guaranteed by the Small Business Administration (SBA) through the Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program and the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act.
Acting Assistant Attorney General Brian Rabbitt of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, U.S. Attorney Matthew G.T. Martin of the Middle District of North Carolina, Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration (TIGTA) J. Russell George, Inspector General Jay N. Lerner of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, Officer of Inspector General (FDIC OIG), and Special Agent in Charge Michael J. De Palma of the IRS Criminal Investigation (CI) Miami Field Office made the announcement.
David Christopher Redfern, 31, of Trinity, North Carolina, was charged by criminal complaint filed in the Middle District of North Carolina with one count of wire fraud and one count of bank fraud. Redfern was arrested this morning and made his initial appearance this afternoon before U.S. Magistrate Judge L. Patrick Auld of the Middle District of North Carolina.
The complaint alleges that Redfern, through a company called Wilder Effects LLC (Wilder Effects) that he formed in January 2020, fraudulently applied for two EIDLs and a PPP loan between April and June of this year. The PPP loan application was supported by falsified documents. The false documentation included a fake IRS filing that purported to be Wilder Effects’ Employer’s Quarterly Federal Tax Return for the first quarter of 2020, showing that the company paid wages to 20 employees, when in reality the IRS has no record of such a filing. The complaint further alleges that EIDL and PPP loan proceeds were withdrawn in cash or transferred to Redfern’s personal bank account. As a result of suspected fraud alerts, Wilder Effects’ bank account was frozen and approximately $402,000 of the over $414,000 in EIDL and PPP loan proceeds were recovered.
The CARES Act is a federal law enacted on March 29, 2020, designed to provide emergency financial assistance to the millions of Americans who are suffering the economic effects caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. One source of relief provided by the CARES Act was the authorization of up to $349 billion in forgivable loans to small businesses for job retention and certain other expenses, through the PPP. In April 2020, Congress authorized over $300 billion in additional PPP funding.
The PPP allows qualifying small-businesses and other organizations to receive loans with a maturity of two years and an interest rate of 1 percent. PPP loan proceeds must be used by businesses on payroll costs, interest on mortgages, rent, and utilities. The PPP allows the interest and principal on the PPP loan to be forgiven if businesses spend the proceeds on these expenses within a set time period and use at least a certain percentage of the loan towards payroll expenses.
The EIDL program is designed to provide economic relief to small businesses that are currently experiencing a temporary loss of revenue. EIDL proceeds can be used to cover a wide array of working capital and normal operating expenses, such as continuation of health care benefits, rent, utilities and fixed debt payments. If an applicant also obtains a loan under the PPP, the EIDL funds cannot be used as the same purpose as the PPP funds.
A criminal complaint is merely an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
This case was investigated by TIGTA, FDIC OIG, and IRS CI. Trial Attorney Jessee Alexander-Hoeppner of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Meredith Ruggles for the Middle District of North Carolina are prosecuting the case. The Justice Department thanks the SBA OIG for their support and assistance.
Anyone with information about allegations of attempted fraud involving COVID-19 can report it by calling the Department of Justice’s National Center for Disaster Fraud (BCDF) hotline by phone (1-866-720-5721 or via an online reporting form available at https://www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form.
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.
New Haven Man Sentenced to 3 Years in Federal Prison for Selling Drugs While on Supervised ReleaseRead the Press Release
John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that JOEY FULLER, 31, of New Haven, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Vanessa L. Bryant in Hartford to 36 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for violating the conditions of his federal supervised release.
According to court documents and statements made in court, in June 2017, the FBI’s New Haven Safe Streets/Gang Task Force initiated an investigation into a New Haven drug trafficking organization headed by Jermayne Butler. Fuller purchased distribution quantities of crack cocaine from Butler and then sold the drug in smaller quantities to his own customers. Fuller pleaded guilty and, on November 20, 2019, Judge Bryant sentenced him to approximately 21 months of imprisonment, time already served, and four years of supervised release.
On January 14, 2020, less than two months after Fuller was release from prison, New Haven police conducted a controlled purchase of marijuana from Fuller. Investigators then arranged to purchase a quantity of heroin from Fuller. Fuller was arrested on January 31, 2020, after he arrived at a location to conduct the transaction. At the time of his arrest, Fuller possessed approximately 22 bags of heroin that he had agreed to sell.
Fuller has been detained since his arrest, and his state charges are pending.
On August 10, 2020, Butler was sentenced to 78 months of imprisonment.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Patrick F. Caruso and David C. Nelson.
Middlesboro Man Sentenced to 188 Months for Attempted Production of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
LONDON, Ky.— Jordan Ryan Turner, 32, of Middlesboro, Kentucky, was sentenced to 188 months in federal prison on Tuesday, by United States District Judge Claria Horn Boom, after pleading guilty to using the internet to attempt to persuade, induce, or entice a minor to engage in sexual activity.
According to Turner’s plea agreement, he admitted to using Facebook Messenger and Kik Messenger to persuade and induce minors to produce sexually explicit videos and still images. Turner further admitted that, in March 2018, while employed as a teacher at Bell County High School, he used Facebook Messenger to attempt to convince a minor to send him a sexually explicit photo.
Turner pleaded guilty to the charges in March 2019.
Under federal law, Turner must serve 85 percent of his prison sentence and will be under the supervision of the U.S. Probation Office for 10 years after his release.
Robert M. Duncan, Jr., United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky; James Robert Brown, Jr., Special Agent in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation; and Commissioner Rodney Brewer, Kentucky State Police, jointly announced the sentence.
The investigation was conducted by the KSP and FBI. The United States was represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Gregory Rosenberg.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
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Metairie Man Pleads Guilty to Embezzling over $7 Million from His Employer and Filing False Tax ReturnsRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS – U.S. Attorney Peter G. Strasser announced that DEEPAK “JACK” JAGTIANI, age 60, a resident of Metairie, pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Judge Jay C. Zainey. JAGTIANI admitted his guilt to both counts of the indictment that was filed against him in December 2019, which charged him with wire fraud and making false statements on a federal income tax return.
According to the court documents, from 2007 to 2019, JAGTIANI served as the comptroller of Dan-Gulf Shipping, Inc., a Metairie-based freight forwarding company. In that capacity, JAGTIANI had the authority to manage the payroll and other accounts for Dan-Gulf. JAGTIANI admitted that he used his authority to pay himself excessive salaries and benefits from 2009 through early 2019. In total, JAGTIANI defrauded Dan-Gulf and its business partners of over $7,000,000.00.
JAGTIANI also admitted to filing false personal tax returns. According to court documents, for tax years 2014 to 2017, JAGTIANI claimed business losses through a fake catering business. In total, he claimed enough business losses to offset most of his income for which he would be required to pay federal income tax. In truth and in fact, neither JAGTIANI nor his spouse operated any catering business. In total, JAGTIANI avoided paying a total of $1,232,267.00 in federal income taxes.
As to Count 1, wire fraud, JAGTIANI faces a maximum of 20 years in prison, a $250,000.00 fine, and up to three years of supervised release. As to Count 2, filing false tax returns, JAGTIANI faces a maximum of three years of imprisonment, a $250,000.00 fine, and up to one year of supervised release. Judge Zainey scheduled the sentencing hearing for November 17, 2020.
U.S. Attorney Strasser praised the agencies that contributed to this indictment, including the U.S. Secret Service, the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigations, and the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office. U.S. Attorney Strasser also extended his thanks to the Jefferson Parish District Attorney’s Office for their assistance in this matter. This case is an example of the coordinated effort of the federal and state law enforcement authorities within the Louisiana Financial Crimes Task Force, which includes representatives from the U.S. Secret Service, the Internal Revenue Service, the Louisiana Attorney General’s Office, Louisiana State Police, Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office, New Orleans Police Department, Covington Police Department, Hammond Police Department, Kenner Police Department, Mandeville Police Department, Slidell Police Department, St. Bernard Parish Sheriff’s Office, St. John the Baptist Sheriff’s Office, St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office, Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff’s Office, St. Tammany Parish District Attorney’s Office, Homeland Security Investigations, U.S. State Department, U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Social Security Administration-Office of Inspector General, and the Defense Criminal Investigative Service. Assistant United States Attorney Matthew R. Payne is in charge of the prosecution.
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Men Admit to Smuggling Disaster that Resulted in Tragic Deaths of Three SistersRead the Press Release
Assistant U. S. Attorney Charlotte E. Kaiser (619) 546-7282
NEWS RELEASE SUMMARY – August 25, 2020
SAN DIEGO – Two brothers from Chihuahua, Mexico, pleaded guilty in federal court today, admitting that they smuggled three sisters across the U.S.-Mexico border in an ill-fated trek across treacherous terrain that resulted in the tragic deaths of the young women. One of the victims was the mother of a young child.
Cecilio and Ricardo Rios-Quinones pleaded guilty to Transportation of Aliens Resulting in Death, Bringing in Aliens for Financial Gain and Conspiracy. The brothers are scheduled to be sentenced on November 13, 2020 at 9 a.m. before U.S. District Judge Cathy Ann Bencivengo. The defendants also agreed to provide restitution to the sisters’ families.
As part of their plea agreements, the defendants admitted that they conspired with others to serve as foot guides in order to smuggle individuals illegally into the United States, and that they were ill-prepared when they guided the three sisters - Juana Santos Arce, Margarita Santos Arce and Paula Santos Arce of Oaxaca, Mexico - through a remote, mountainous region during a snow storm. The youngest sister was the mother of a young child.
According to the plea agreements, the defendants guided the three sisters - ages 35, 32 and 29 respectively - across the border from Mexico through the boundary fence in a remote area within the Southern District of California. They encountered cold, windy and rainy weather. It then began to snow. They lacked proper clothing, shoes, shelter, and other food and equipment to remain or hike in this cold, remote, mountainous environment.
According to the plea agreements, agents from the Border Patrol, Search, Trauma and Rescue (BORSTAR) unit initiated a rescue operation due to a distress call in the Boulevard Border Patrol Station’s area of operation on February 10, 2020, at approximately 1:50 p.m. The call concerned five undocumented aliens who were lost and experiencing hypothermia. BORSTAR agents initially encountered the two defendants in the snow in an area approximately 20.5 miles east of the Tecate, California port of entry and approximately 12 miles north of the border. The defendants pointed agents to the direction of the three sisters. Agents subsequently found the three sisters lying on the ground near a large boulder on a ridge.
Two of the women were already dead; one was responsive but suffering severely from hypothermia. She later died despite gallant efforts of members of BORSTAR, Border Patrol Agents from the Campo/Boulevard area and ASTREA, the aviation unit from the San Diego Sheriff’s Department, who placed their own lives at risk while trying to keep the distressed woman alive as temperatures dropped and winds accelerated. Autopsies confirmed the three sisters died due to environmental hypothermia.
“These three young women lost their lives in horrible circumstances, despite the heroic efforts of many who tried to save them,” said U.S. Attorney Robert Brewer. “This is a tragedy that never should have happened. Unfortunately, migrant deaths are not uncommon because selfish smugglers don’t hesitate to place vulnerable victims in grave danger to make money. We will deliver justice to these callous smugglers who value their pay day over human lives.” Brewer commended the hard work of prosecutor Charlotte Kaiser and federal agents from Homeland Security Investigations to achieve justice in this case, and the heroism of many Border Patrol agents and Sheriff’s deputies in this heartbreaking case.
“Human smugglers are driven by greed, prey on the desperate, and demonstrate a blatant disregard for human life, as demonstrated by this senseless tragedy,” said Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Special Agent in Charge Cardell T. Morant. “HSI and our partners remain committed to pursuing and convicting the criminal networks that exploit migrants for profit and undermine our nation’s immigration laws.”
“Justice has been served with these guilty pleas. Unfortunately, the families of those lost in this tragedy will never be whole. These young woman suffered and died at the hands of smugglers who never saw them as people, but only as commodities that could be exploited,” said San Diego Sector Chief Patrol Agent Aaron Heitke. “Border Patrol agents frequently risk their own lives to save others. The actions exhibited in this event represent the highest values of the Border Patrol.”
DEFENDANT Case Number 20cr0868-CAB
Cecilio Rios-Quinones Age: 37 Chihuahua, Mexico
Ricardo Rios-Quinones Age: 22 Chihuahua, Mexico
SUMMARY OF CHARGES
Transportation of Aliens Resulting in Death – Title 8, U.S.C., Section 1324(a)(1)(A)(i) and (B)(iv)
Maximum penalty: Life in prison or death and $250,000 fine
Bringing in Aliens for Financial Gain – Title 8, U.S.C., Section 1324(a)(2)(B)(ii)
Maximum penalty: Three years mandatory minimum in prison, 10 years maximum, and $250,000 fine
Conspiracy – Title 18, U.S.C., Section 371
Maximum Penalty: Five years in prison and $250,000 fine
AGENCIES
Homeland Security Investigations
U.S. Border Patrol, Intelligence Unit
Memphis Woman Pleads Guilty in $2 million Healthcare Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
Memphis, TN – Princess Terry, 27, has pleaded guilty to healthcare fraud and aggravated identity theft. D. Michael Dunavant, U.S. Attorney announced the guilty plea today.
According to information presented in Court, Princess Terry owned and operated Caring Hearts Memphis, a home healthcare services business, which purported to provide healthcare services to mostly elderly patients, including home health aides, skilled nursing, and physical and occupational therapy. Between approximately January 1, 2016 and June 27, 2019, Terry submitted over $2 million in fraudulent billing to Humana, a private health insurance provider, for services that were not actually rendered.
Terry's fraudulent billing practices included numerous instances of billing for home health services on days when patients were actually hospitalized, billing for services in excess of 24 hours in a given day for the same patient, and billing for services purportedly rendered after the patient was deceased.
In executing this scheme, Terry also committed aggravated identity theft by forging patients' signatures without their knowledge or permission on consent-for-services forms and progress notes containing fraudulent misrepresentations about services not actually performed.
The defendant pled guilty on August 25, 2020, before U.S. District Court Judge Thomas L. Parker. A sentencing hearing is scheduled on November 6, 2020, where Terry faces a mandatory minimum sentence of two years and up to ten years.
U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant said: "This case represents our commitment to expose healthcare fraudulent schemes, protect the integrity of the health insurance system, hold offenders accountable for their dishonest criminal conduct, and to recover ill-gotten proceeds on behalf of victims. The U.S. Attorney’s Office is willing and able to go to any lengths in our pursuit of justice in healthcare fraud cases, and we commend the great investigative work of the FBI in this significant fraud case."
The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) investigated this case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher Cotten is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
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Member of Southeastern Connecticut Drug Ring Sentenced to 10 Years in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that RAMEL GENERAL, also known as “Ra,” 38, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Vanessa L. Bryant in Hartford to 120 months of imprisonment, followed by four years of supervised release, for his role in a southeastern Connecticut drug trafficking ring.
This matter stems from an investigation led by the Drug Enforcement Administration, Connecticut Statewide Narcotics Taskforce East, Connecticut Department of Correction and the New London, Waterford, City of Groton and Stonington Police Departments, into the distribution of narcotics and illegal possession of firearms in southeastern Connecticut. The investigation included court-authorized wiretaps and controlled purchases and seizures of heroin, cocaine and crack cocaine, and firearms. General worked closely with an identified leader of a drug trafficking network, distributing cocaine on behalf of the organization and assisting in maintaining an apartment in New London that served as the organization’s primary narcotics distribution location. On February 21, 2019, in association with the arrests of several of General’s co-conspirators, a search of the New London apartment revealed more than 1.5 kilograms of cocaine, more than 350 grams of heroin, and 10 firearms.
General was arrested on February 26, 2019. On March 5, 2019, a grand jury in Hartford returned an indictment charging General and 23 other individuals with various offenses.
On May 27, 2019, General, who was released on bond, was arrested by New London Police and charged with multiple offenses stemming from his alleged assault of a woman with whom he was romantically involved. General’s federal bond was revoked on June 4, 2019.
On March 6, 2020, General pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute and possession with the intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine.
The state charges against General related to the May 27, 2019, incident are pending
This investigation is being conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, U.S. Marshals Service, Homeland Security Investigations, Connecticut Statewide Narcotics Taskforce East, Connecticut Department of Correction and the New London, Waterford, City of Groton, Stonington, Norwich, Old Saybrook and UConn Police Departments. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Natasha M. Freismuth.
Media Advisory: United States Attorney Mike Stuart to Hold Press Conference TomorrowRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Mike Stuart, United States Attorney for the Southern District of West Virginia, joined by federal, state and local law enforcement officials, will hold a press conference on Wednesday, August 26, 2020, at 3 p.m., regarding law enforcement actions.
Where: Robert C. Byrd United States Courthouse
Third Floor, Room 3600
300 Virginia Street East
Charleston, WV 25301When: Wednesday, August 26, 2020 at 3 p.m.
*Note: Please wear masks.
Follow us on Twitter: SDWVNews and USAttyStuart
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Marrero Man Sentenced After Pleading Guilty to Cocaine ConspiracyRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS –U.S. Attorney Peter G. Strasser announced that, on August 20, 2020, U.S. District Mary Ann Vial Lemmon sentenced DERRIS HELTON, age 37, of Marrero, Louisiana, to seventy-two (72) months’ imprisonment and (4) four years’ supervised release after pleading guilty to a one-count superseding bill of information charging him with conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute (500) five hundred grams or more of cocaine hydrochloride and twenty-eight grams or more of cocaine base (“crack”).
According to court documents, in 2016, agents of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) New Orleans identified HELTON as a cocaine trafficker in the New Orleans area. Using a confidential source, agents made two controlled purchases of crack from HELTON totaling more than one hundred grams. Through telephone wiretaps, agents identified HELTON’S co-conspirators, including HELTON’S brother, Phillip, and Robert Gaines. During a monitored telephone call in July 2017, HELTON and his brother Phillip discussed having Gaines supply an individual with a quantity of drugs.
On August 1, 2017, agents learned through monitored telephone calls between HELTON and Gaines that HELTON was travelling from Houston, Texas to New Orleans via bus with a large quantity of cocaine. DEA agents and Louisiana State Police troopers stationed themselves at the Greyhound terminal in New Orleans awaiting HELTON’S arrival. When HELTON arrived at the terminal and exited the bus, agents and troopers approached HELTON. After HELTON consented to a search of his bag, agents found approximately 500 grams of cocaine hydrochloride in his bag.
U.S. Attorney Strasser praised the work of the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office, and the Louisiana State Police in investigating this matter. Assistant United States Attorney André Jones in was charge of the prosecution.
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Man sentenced to 41 months for trafficking at least 320 firearmsRead the Press Release
Indianapolis – United States Attorney Josh J. Minkler announced today, William Beard, 58, Columbus, Ind., was sentenced to 41 months in federal prison for Unlicensed Firearms Dealing and Falsification of Records in Bankruptcy.
“Beard’s illegal activities introduced hundreds of firearms into the underground gun economy,” said Minkler. “At least twenty three of those guns were recovered from crime scenes in Indianapolis neighborhoods. This office will continue to investigate, arrest and prosecute those who illegally put guns on the streets of our district. Mr. Beard found that out today”
Starting in early 2013 and continuing through October 2017, Beard engaged in systematic unlicensed firearms dealing that resulted in the illegal sale or transfer of over 320 guns. Beard profited significantly from those illegal sales.
On numerous occasions, Beard engaged in “multiple sale” transactions in which he bought multiple firearms on the same day or within several days of one another. Through his pattern of unlicensed firearms dealing, Beard sold, traded, or otherwise disposed of all but a handful of the 320-plus firearms that he purchased between 2013 and 2017. He would sell the guns at various locations, including numerous gun and/or trade shows throughout Indiana. In not one instance did Beard conduct a background check or complete the required ATF paperwork that is required if he were a legally operating Federal Firearms Licensee.
Approximately 23 firearms that Beard purchased and or sold have been recovered from crime scenes. The circumstances of the firearm recoveries ranged from armed robberies to drug search warrants.
On June 18, 2018, Beard filed a Chapter 13 bankruptcy petition in the Southern District of Indiana. He failed to disclose income made from selling and trading firearms. He also did not disclose the facts that he had been criminally indicted, thus willfully obstructing the administration of justice, namely, the proper administration of a bankruptcy proceeding.
This case was the result of an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives.
“Selling firearms illegally is just as much a crime as using them illegally,” stated Roland Herndon, Special Agent in Charge of ATF’s Columbus Field Division. “William Beard bought hundreds of firearms, and then sold them without a license. Several of those firearms later showed up in crimes. By diverting firearms from legal to illegal commerce, by helping certain individuals avoid records and background checks, Beard is responsible for fueling violence in our community. Now he will not be able to purchase firearms, and his role in feeding the violence is at an end.”
According to Assistant United States Attorneys Kendra Klump and Amanda Kester, who prosecuted this case for the government, Beard must also serve 2 years of supervised release following his sentence.
In October 2017, United States Attorney Josh J. Minkler announced a Strategic Plan designed to shape and strengthen the District’s response to its most significant public safety challenges. This prosecution sentencing demonstrates the office’s firm commitment to target, investigate, and prosecute defendants committing violent crimes involving firearms trafficking, robbery, and carjacking. (See United States Attorney’s Office, Southern District of Indiana Strategic Plan Section 2.3)
Man Pleads Guilty to COVID-19 Fraud Involving Paycheck Protection ProgramRead the Press Release
ALEXANDRIA, Va. – An Ashburn man pleaded guilty today to defrauding the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP), a federal initiative designed to help businesses pay their employees and meet their basic expenses during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“During a time of national crisis, the federal government set aside money to help struggling businesses pay their hardworking employees and keep their doors open,” said G. Zachary Terwilliger, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia. “Tarik Jaafar planned and executed a scheme to steal money from this essential program and use it for his own personal benefit. This office will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to make sure that federal economic assistance provides relief for beleaguered businesses and not profits for devious criminals.”
According to court documents, Tarik Jaafar, 42, conspired with his wife, Monika Magdalena Jaworska, to create four shell companies. These companies conducted no legitimate business and existed solely as a means to execute the scheme to defraud. From April 13 to May 6, Jaafar and Jaworska applied for 18 separate PPP loans in the names of the four shell companies valued at approximately $6.6 million, falsely claiming, among other things, that the businesses had employees and they needed the loans to pay their employees’ salaries. Jaafar and Jaworska fraudulently induced banks to distribute approximately $1.4 million in loans which they intended to use for their personal benefit.
“The Paycheck Protection Program was developed to aide small businesses during these challenging times,” said Hannibal “Mike” Ware, Inspector General of the Small Business Administration. “Our office will remain relentless in the pursuit of bad actors who seek to exploit SBA’s vital economic programs. I want to thank the U.S. Attorney’s Office and our law enforcement partners for their dedication and commitment to seeing justice served.”
“Tarik Jaafar pleaded guilty to defrauding the Paycheck Protection Program while millions of Americans are suffering, physically and financially, and using the money to his own benefit,” said Robert E. Bornstein, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Washington Field Office Criminal Division. “The FBI will not tolerate anyone who schemes and steals government funds designed to provide much-needed relief to American business owners. The FBI is committed to tackling COVID-related fraud head on with our local and federal partners.”
On June 20, Jaafar and Jaworska were arrested at John F. Kennedy International Airport as they attempted to flee to Poland. The majority of the funds were recovered by the banks and by law enforcement.
Jaafar pleaded guilty to conspiracy to defraud the United States, and faces a maximum penalty of five years in prison when sentenced on November 13. Actual sentences for federal crimes are typically less than the maximum penalties. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after taking into account the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
G. Zachary Terwilliger, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia; Hannibal “Mike” Ware, Inspector General of the Small Business Administration (SBA); and Robert E. Bornstein, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Washington Field Office Criminal Division, made the announcement after Senior U.S. District Judge Claude M. Hilton accepted the plea. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kimberly Shartar and William Fitzpatrick are prosecuting the case.
This investigation was conducted by the FBI Washington Field Office’s Financial Institution Fraud squad and the Small Business Administration Office of Inspector General, who work identify, investigate, and prosecute egregious misuses of the Payroll Protection Plan. Tips regarding financial and government fraud schemes can be reported to the FBI at tips.fbi.gov.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. 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-185.
Lobbyist Agrees to Plead Guilty in City Hall Bribery Scheme in Which City Councilman Jose Huizar Supported Developer in Exchange for PAC DonationsRead the Press Release
LOS ANGELES – Federal prosecutors today filed a criminal information charging a longtime Los Angeles City Hall lobbyist and close associate of City Councilman Jose Huizar with participating in a bribery scheme in which he brokered deals where a developer client agreed to make $50,000 in political donations in exchange for Huizar’s official actions for the developer’s benefit.
Morris Roland Goldman, a.k.a. “Morrie,” 57, of Porter Ranch, was charged today with one count of conspiring to commit bribery and honest services mail fraud.
In a plea agreement also filed today in United States District Court, Goldman agreed to plead guilty to the felony offense and cooperate in the government’s ongoing investigation.
According to the court documents, Goldman was a lobbyist for “Company M,” which had a pending development project in the city’s Arts District. Goldman was one of several people who established two political action committees, one of which purportedly supported a variety of causes, but actually was created to primarily benefit the City Council campaign of Huizar’s relative, known in court papers as “Relative A-1.” If elected, Relative A-1 would help Huizar and his associates “maintain a political stronghold in the city,” according to court documents.
In his plea agreement, Goldman admits that in September 2018 he agreed with Huizar and a Company M executive that the developer would contribute $50,000 to a PAC established to support Relative A-1’s political campaign. In exchange, Huizar would vote against a union appeal of Company M’s project in the Planning and Land Use Management Committee, which he chaired at the time.
Court documents also outline how Goldman secured commitments from Company M to contribute to PACs at Huizar’s request prior to September 2018. Between November 2016 and March 2017, Company M contributed a total of $50,000 to a PAC used to benefit Huizar’s political causes. In June 2018, Goldman secured a $25,000 contribution to the PAC designed to elect Relative A-1, as well as a commitment for an additional $25,000 contribution. Company M’s project ultimately received significant benefits in the city approval process. For example, the City Council’s approval of Company M’s request to reduce the project’s availability of low-income housing – despite its proximity to Skid Row – netted the company approximately $14 million in savings, court papers state.
Out of the $150,000 in donations agreed to by the developer, $75,000 was actually paid, with the final payments being derailed by an FBI search of Huizar’s home and offices in November 2018.
Goldman is now the sixth defendant to be charged as a result of Operation “Casino Loyale,” an FBI investigation into corruption at Los Angeles City Hall. Four defendants, including former Los Angeles City Councilman Mitchell Englander, have pleaded guilty and await sentencing.
On August 3, Huizar pleaded not guilty to charges in a 34-count racketeering indictment that alleges he led a criminal enterprise designed to enrich himself and his associates, give favorable treatment to developers involved in the payment of bribes, and elect his relative to preserve the enterprise’s power when his term expired at the end of this year. Huizar’s trial is scheduled for June 22, 2021.
Goldman has agreed to surrender in this case and make his first court appearance on September 23. Once he pleads guilty to the conspiracy count, Goldman will face a statutory maximum penalty of five years in federal prison.
The cases against Goldman, Huizar and the other defendants are being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Mack E. Jenkins, Chief of the Public Corruption and Civil Rights Section, and Assistant United States Attorneys Veronica Dragalin and Melissa J. Mills, also of the Public Corruption and Civil Rights Section.
Any member of the public who has information related to this or any other public corruption matter in the City of Los Angeles is encouraged to send information to the FBI’s tip line at tips.fbi.gov or to contact the FBI’s Los Angeles Field Office at (310) 477-6565.
Leader of Rochester Drug Trafficking Conspiracy Going to Prison for 10 YearsRead the Press Release
CONTACT: Barbara Burns
PHONE: (716) 843-5817
FAX #: (716) 551-3051ROCHESTER, N.Y. - U.S. Attorney James P. Kennedy, Jr. announced today that Jose Casado, 32, of Rochester, NY, who was convicted of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute, and to distribute, fentanyl, heroin, cocaine, and crack cocaine, was sentenced to serve 121 months in prison by Chief U.S. District Court Judge Frank P. Geraci, Jr.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew T. McGrath, who handled the case, stated that the defendant was the leader of a Rochester-based drug trafficking conspiracy. Between December 2017 and May 15, 2019, Casado conspired with multiple co-defendants to sell fentanyl, heroin, cocaine, and crack cocaine out of drug houses located on Clifford Avenue and Treyer Street in Rochester. The defendant obtained bulk quantities of the drugs from various suppliers, which he and other members of the conspiracy would then repackage for individual sale. During the course of the conspiracy, the Drug Enforcement Administration made 13 controlled purchases from the defendant or a co-defendant.
On March 14, 2019, a search warrant was executed at 467 Clifford Avenue. Investigators recovered 19 bags of fentanyl, nine bags of powder cocaine, nine bags of crack cocaine, materials used to package controlled substances for distribution, 1,800 rounds of .22 caliber ammunition, and 50 shotgun shells. On May 15, 2019, a second search warrant was executed at 467 Clifford Avenue. During that search, investigators recovered a .22 caliber pistol. Also on May 15, 2019, a search warrant was executed at 125 William Warfield Drive in Rochester, and investigators found and seized $3,970.00 in cash hidden in a heating duct.
The sentencing is the result of an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Ray Donovan, New York Field Division, and the Rochester Police Department, under the direction of Chief La’Ron Singletary.
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Las Vegas Man Sentenced to Prison for Distributing FentanylRead the Press Release
LAS VEGAS, Nev. — Tanoo Senethavilay, 37, of Las Vegas, Nevada was sentenced today by Chief U.S. District Judge Miranda Du to four years and nine months in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release, for conspiracy to distribute fentanyl — a powerful synthetic opioid — in Las Vegas, announced U.S. Attorney Nicholas A. Trutanich of the District of Nevada and Special Agent in Charge Aaron C. Rouse of the FBI.
Senethavilay pleaded guilty on December 18, 2019, to conspiracy to distribute a controlled substance. Following today’s hearing, Senethavilay was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
According to court documents, from August 2017 to September 2017, Senethavilay conspired to and did distribute 208 grams (approximately a half-pound) of fentanyl in exchange for cash. He has prior convictions for robbery, felon in possession of a firearm, attempted grand larceny, unlawful carry of a concealed weapon, and driving under the influence of alcohol.
Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid that is 80-100 times stronger than morphine, and is commonly added to heroin to increase its potency. Street names include “China Girl,” “King Ivory,” and “Murder 8.” Fentanyl poses a high risk of death not only to users, but also to law enforcement since the drug may be ingested, inhaled, or absorbed through the skin. A few milligrams, which is equivalent to a few grains of table salt, may be deadly. Users may believe that they are purchasing heroin without knowing that they are actually purchasing fentanyl – which often results in overdose deaths.
The charges resulted from a joint investigation by the FBI, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the Nevada Gaming Control Board.
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Lancaster County Business Owner Sentenced to One Year in Prison for Filing False Liens Against IRS AgentRead the Press Release
PHILADELPHIA – United States Attorney William M. McSwain announced that Dorothy Recarde, 68, of Kirkwood, PA, was sentenced to one year in prison, one year of supervised release and ordered to pay a $25,000 fine by United States District Judge Paul S. Diamond for filing false and fraudulent liens worth $15,000,000 against an employee of the Internal Revenue Service.
In December 2019, the defendant pleaded guilty to corruptly endeavoring to obstruct or impede the due administration of the Internal Revenue Service. After an IRS revenue officer initiated levy actions to satisfy an outstanding federal tax obligation of approximately $24,000 incurred by Recarde’s company, Summerbeam Woodworking, Recarde retaliated by filing two fraudulent liens in Chester County against the officer.
According to court documents, Recarde initially responded to repeated attempts by the revenue officer to collect the outstanding tax obligation by mailing notarized letters to the IRS that espoused sovereign citizen ideology, an anti-government movement that, among other things, denies the government’s authority to impose taxes. She further claimed that correspondence she had mailed to IRS officials and the United States Treasury had gone unanswered, thus nullifying her outstanding debts. Bogus and illegal liens, such as those filed by the defendant, are a common tactic used by supporters of the sovereign citizen movement against perceived opponents or enemies.
“The sovereign citizen movement is nonsense and will be treated as such,” said U.S. Attorney McSwain. “And if you use it as an excuse to harass and retaliate against an IRS agent, you’re going to jail. Then you’ll have plenty of free time to think about the consequences of flouting the law.”
“TIGTA’s statutory mission includes investigating individuals who interfere with Federal tax administration,” said J. Russell George, Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration. “Attempts to intimidate or retaliate against Internal Revenue Service employees engaged in the performance of their official duties will not be tolerated. We appreciate the efforts of the U.S. Attorney’s Office in this investigation.”
The case was investigated by the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration (TIGTA), and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Frank R. Costello, Jr.
Justice Department Files Statement of Interest in Massachusetts Absentee Voting Rights CaseRead the Press Release
Yesterday, the Department of Justice filed a Statement of Interest in the Supreme Judicial Court in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts to help ensure that uniformed service members serving their country away from home, their family members absent with them, and American citizens living overseas have the opportunity to participate fully in Massachusetts’s 2020 federal general election. The brief is part of the Department of Justice’s continued efforts to enforce the Uniformed and Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting Act (UOCAVA).
“Our filing reflects the Justice Department’s unwavering commitment to ensuring that military and overseas voters are afforded a meaningful opportunity to participate in federal elections,” said Assistant Attorney General Eric Dreiband for the Civil Rights Division. “We will continue to ensure that the ability of our brave men and women serving in the military and our citizens residing overseas to participate fully in all federal elections is not infringed.”
“We are committed to protecting the rights of Massachusetts men and women serving our country and our citizens living overseas, including ensuring that their votes are counted and so their voices heard,” said Andrew E. Lelling, U.S. Attorney for the District of Massachusetts.
The lawsuit in question, filed by private plaintiffs, involves a challenge to the absentee ballot receipt deadline for Massachusetts’s upcoming federal primary election on Sept. 1. The plaintiffs have asked the court to extend the ballot receipt deadline until Sept. 11.
The department’s brief explains that UOCAVA requires states to transmit absentee ballots to military and overseas voters who have requested them at least 45 days before any federal election. Massachusetts needs sufficient time after the Sept. 1, primary election to certify and finalize the ballots so that the local election clerks will be able to send the military and overseas absentee ballots by Sept. 19, which is UOCAVA’s 45-day deadline for the Nov. 3, federal general election. The brief does not take a position on whether the court should adjust the ballot receipt deadline, nor does it take a position on the merits of plaintiffs’ claims. But the brief notes that any adjustment to the ballot receipt deadline should allow Massachusetts time to comply with UOCAVA to avoid the real possibility of disenfranchising military and overseas voters for the Nov. 3, 2020 election.
UOCAVA requires states to allow uniformed service voters serving away from home (those serving both overseas and within the United States) and their families who are absent with them, and American citizens residing overseas, to register to vote and to vote absentee for all elections for federal office. In 2009, Congress enacted the MOVE Act, which made significant amendments to UOCAVA. Among those changes was a requirement that states transmit absentee ballots to UOCAVA voters who have timely requested ballots, by mail or electronically at the voter’s option, no later than 45 days before federal elections.
More information about UOCAVA and other federal voting rights laws is available on the Department of Justice website at https://www.justice.gov/crt/voting-section. Complaints about possible violations of the federal voting rights laws may be reported to the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division at 1-800-253-3931.
Statement of Interest
Justice Department Files Statement of Interest in Massachusetts Absentee Voting CaseRead the Press Release
BOSTON – The Department of Justice filed a Statement of Interest yesterday in the Supreme Judicial Court in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts to help ensure that uniformed service members serving their country away from home, their family members absent with them and American citizens living overseas have the opportunity to participate fully in Massachusetts’s 2020 federal general election. The brief is part of the Department of Justice’s continued efforts to enforce the Uniformed and Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting Act (UOCAVA).
“We are committed to protecting the rights of Massachusetts men and women serving our country and our citizens living overseas, including ensuring that their votes are counted and so their voices heard,” said Andrew E. Lelling, United States Attorney for the District of Massachusetts.
“Our filing today reflects the Justice Department’s unwavering commitment to ensuring that military and overseas voters are afforded a meaningful opportunity to participate in federal elections,” said Assistant Attorney General Eric Dreiband for the Civil Rights Division. “We will continue to ensure that the ability of our brave men and women serving in the military and our citizens residing overseas to participate fully in all federal elections is not infringed.”
The lawsuit in question, filed by private plaintiffs, involves a challenge to the absentee ballot receipt deadline for Massachusetts’s upcoming federal primary election on Sept. 1, 2020. The plaintiffs have asked the court to extend the ballot receipt deadline until Sept. 11, 2020.
The brief explains that UOCAVA requires states to transmit absentee ballots to military and overseas voters who have requested them at least 45 days before any federal election. Massachusetts needs sufficient time after the September 1 primary election to certify and finalize the ballots so that the local election clerks will be able to send the military and overseas absentee ballots by Sept. 19, 2020, which is UOCAVA’s 45-day deadline for the Nov. 3, 2020 federal general election. The brief does not take a position on whether the court should adjust the ballot receipt deadline, nor does it take a position on the merits of plaintiffs’ claims. But the brief notes that any adjustment to the ballot receipt deadline should allow Massachusetts time to comply with UOCAVA to avoid the real possibility of disenfranchising military and overseas voters for the Nov. 3, 2020 election.
UOCAVA requires states to allow uniformed service voters serving away from home (those serving both overseas and within the United States) and their families who are absent with them and American citizens residing overseas to register to vote and to vote absentee for all elections for federal office. In 2009, Congress enacted the MOVE Act, which made significant amendments to UOCAVA. Among those changes was a requirement that states transmit absentee ballots to UOCAVA voters who have timely requested ballots, by mail or electronically at the voter’s option, no later than 45 days before federal elections.
More information about UOCAVA and other federal voting rights laws is available on the Department of Justice website at https://www.justice.gov/crt/voting-section. Complaints about possible violations of the federal voting rights laws may be reported to the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division at 1-800-253-3931.
This matter is being handled by Torey B. Cummings of Lelling’s Civil Rights Unit.