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24 September 2020
Arrested in Vacaville, Hayward Man Indicted for Being a Felon in Possession of FirearmsRead the Press Release
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — A federal grand jury returned an indictment today against Elisio Munoz, 40, of Hayward, charging him with being a felon in possession of a firearm, U.S. Attorney McGregor W. Scott announced.
According to court documents, on Aug. 2, Munoz was arrested by police and found to be in possession of firearms. Munoz possessed the guns after previously being convicted of multiple felonies, including: vehicle theft, felon in possession of a firearm, possession of a controlled substance for sale, possession of a controlled substance, and reckless evading of a peace officer.
This case is the product of an investigation by the Vacaville Police Department and the Solano County District Attorney’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jason Hitt is prosecuting the case.
If convicted, Munoz faces a maximum statutory penalty of 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. Any sentence, however, would be determined at the discretion of the court after consideration of any applicable statutory factors and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, which take into account a number of variables. The charges are only allegations; the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
Albany Felon Pleads Guilty to Unlawful Firearm PossessionRead the Press Release
ALBANY, NEW YORK – Zaiqua Acosta, age 21, of Albany, pled guilty today to being a felon in unlawful possession of a firearm.
The announcement was made by Acting United States Attorney Antoinette T. Bacon and John B. DeVito, Special Agent in Charge of the New York Field Division of the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF).
As part of his plea, Acosta admitted that, on May 5, 2020, in Albany, he possessed a Smith & Wesson .40 caliber pistol, loaded with nine rounds of .40 caliber ammunition. Law enforcement officers recovered the loaded pistol from Acosta’s front waistband on May 5. Acosta has been in custody since June 26, 2020.
Acosta is prohibited from possessing the firearm as a result of a May 6, 2016 conviction in Albany County Court for Criminal Possession of Stolen Property-Fourth Degree, a Class E Felony.
As a result of this conviction, Acosta faces up to 10 years in prison when he is sentenced by Senior United States District Judge Lawrence E. Kahn on January 21, 2021. A defendant’s sentence is imposed by a judge based on the particular statute the defendant is charged with violating, the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, and other factors.
This case was investigated by the ATF and Albany Police Department, and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Rachel Williams.
Albany County Man Arrested, Charged with Attempted Enticement of A MinorRead 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 Vernon Schermerhorn III, 51, of Coeymans Hollow, NY, was arrested and charged by criminal complaint with attempted enticement of a minor. The charge carries a mandatory minimum penalty of 15 years in prison, and a maximum of 30 years.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Kyle P. Rossi, who is handling the case, stated that according to the complaint, in September 2019, the defendant engaged in conversation on a teen chat website with a person he believed to be a 13 year old girl. The person was actually an undercover FBI Special Agent. As the conversation continued, the chat turned sexual in nature. “Brandon2901,” later identified as Schermerhorn, stated, “i am married but would like see u if u wanted and (expletive).” The Agent responded with, “that wud be cool.” While discussing what they would do together, the Agent said, “I don’t wanna get preggo!!” Schermerhorn responded, “its ok if u even did i got plan b pills or abortion i got a friend thats a doc.” The defendant also stated, “i got allot of cop friends to so we are cool.” Schermerhorn also asked the Agent multiple times to send naked photos.Subsequent investigation determined that the defendant is a registered sex offender, who was convicted in 2003 in New York State Court of disseminating indecent material to a minor via computer for sexual contact. Schermerhorn was sentenced to 10 years’ probation.
The complaint is the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Stephen Belongia, and the New York State Police, under the direction of Acting Major Barry Chase.
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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ATM Skimming Group Arrested on Federal ChargesRead the Press Release
Jacksonville, Florida – United States Attorney Maria Chapa Lopez announces the unsealing of an indictment charging Adrian Kiraly, a/k/a “Bighi,”Andrei Andrei, a/k/a “Tony,” Bogdan Ardei, Nelu Onica, Vergiu Corneliu Galbenu, a/k/a “Cornel,” Ovidiu Meczak, a/k/a “Ovi,” Nedal Al-Khomos, Ovidiu Gabriel Musteata, and Doru Maris with conspiracy to commit access device fraud. If convicted, each faces a maximum penalty of seven years and six months. The indictment also notifies the defendants that the United States is seeking a money judgment in the amount of $112,780, the proceeds of the offense.
According to the indictment, between March 2019 and June 2020, the defendants stole debit/credit card information and funds from victims by placing skimmers on ATMs. After they removed the skimmers, the defendants downloaded the stolen account numbers and PIN numbers and re-encoded that data onto blank cards, thereby creating counterfeit or unauthorized debit or credit cards. The conspirators installed skimming devices and/or conducted these “cash out” operations in Florida, Louisiana, Georgia, Mississippi, and New York.
An indictment is merely a formal charge that a defendant has committed one or more violations of federal criminal law, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless, and until, proven guilty.
This case was investigated by Federal Bureau of Investigation, with assistance from the United States Secret Service. It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Julie Hackenberry.
23 September 2020
Wichita Man Sentenced to 10 Years for Two Armed RobberiesRead the Press Release
WICHITA, KAN. – A Wichita man was sentenced today to 10 years in federal prison for committing two armed robberies at local hotels, U.S. Attorney Stephen McAllister said.
Darrell E. Black, 27, Wichita, Kan., pleaded guilty to two counts of commercial robbery. In his plea, he admitted that on May 27, 2017, he robbed the Extended Stay America at 9450 E. Corporate Hills, and on May 29, 2017, he robbed the Days Inn and Suites at 7321 E. Kellogg, both in Wichita.
In both robberies, he held a clerk at gunpoint while demanding money from the hotel cash drawer.
McAllister commended the Wichita Police Department, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and Assistant U.S. Attorney Lanny Welch for their work on the case.
West Virginia Man Indicted on Child Exploitation ChargesRead the Press Release
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. - A federal grand jury today indicted a West Virginia man on multiple charges of child exploitation announced, U.S. Attorney Prim F. Escalona and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Homeland Security Investigations Special Agent in Charge Robert Hammer.
A four-count indictment filed in U.S. District Court charges ANDREW DAVIS, 37, with traveling to engage in sexual conduct with a minor as well as child pornography and obscene material charges. Davis is charged with one-count of travelling from West Virginia to Madison County, Alabama with the intent to engage in illicit sexual conduct, and one-count of production of child pornography between November 2019 and January 2020. Davis is also charged with one-count of possessing child pornography in January 2020, and one-count of transferring obscene material to a minor between December 2019 and January 2020.
Each count of production of child pornography and travel with intent to engage in illicit sexual conduct carries a maximum penalty of 30 years in prison.
Each count of possession of child pornography and transfer of obscene material to a minor carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison.
Homeland Security Investigations in Huntsville investigated the case, along with Huntsville Police Department, and the Madison County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney R. Leann White is prosecuting the case.
An indictment contains only charges. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Wake County Man Sentenced to Ten Years in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
GREENSBORO, N.C. - A Cary man was sentenced today in federal court in Greensboro for distributing heroin to a Durham resident who later died of an overdose, announced United States Attorney Matthew G.T. Martin of the Middle District of North Carolina.
The Honorable William L. Osteen, Jr., sentenced Kane Conrad GRAVES, 30, of Cary, North Carolina, to a 120 month term of imprisonment on charges of distributing heroin. In addition, GRAVES was ordered to serve three years of supervised release after completing his sentence. GRAVES pleaded guilty in June 2020.
According to court documents, in August 2017, an overdose victim was found deceased in a Durham apartment. An autopsy was later performed and the Medical Examiner determined that the victim died of “acute heroin and alcohol intoxication.” Investigators reviewed surveillance footage from the apartment complex which showed the victim letting a male, later identified as GRAVES, into the building. Investigators also obtained text messages from the victim’s cell phone, which indicated the victim sent a Facebook message seeking “pills.” GRAVES responded that he could ask around for pills but he currently had “dog food on deck.” (“Dog food” is a street name for heroin). The text messages between the two continued up to the point that GRAVES arrived at the apartment. The text messages further show that victim arranged and paid for an Uber driver to pick up GRAVES in Apex and transport him to Durham.
GRAVES was later interviewed and admitted that the victim did contact him a few months before her death for the purpose of obtaining controlled substances. He further admitted to taking an Uber from Cary to the victim’s apartment on the night of the death, but claimed he did not bring any drugs.
U.S. Attorney Martin commends the work of the Durham County Sheriff’s Office and the Federal Bureau of Investigation, which investigated the case, Assistant Attorney General Benjamin Zellinger of the North Carolina Attorney General’s Office, and Assistant United States Attorney Michael A. DeFranco.
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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Violent Drug Trafficker Sentenced to 11 Years in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
Spokane – William D. Hyslop, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Washington, announced that Jesus Valencia-Morfin, age 31, of Yakima, Washington, was sentenced today after having pleaded guilty on February 19, 2020, to Possession with Intent to Distribute 500 Grams or More of Methamphetamine. Senior District Court Judge Wm. Fremming Nielsen sentenced Valencia-Morfin to an 11-year term of imprisonment, to be followed by a 5-year term of court supervision after he is released from federal prison.
According to information disclosed during court proceedings, Valencia-Morfin was identified through a long-term joint investigation led by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives (“ATF”) and the United States Drug Enforcement Administration (“DEA”) into drug and firearms trafficking in the Grant County, Washington, and surrounding areas. Through the investigation, which included a court-authorized wire-tap, Valencia-Morfin was identified as a drug trafficker who primarily worked as a transporter of multiple kilogram-quantities of methamphetamine to various customers throughout Eastern Washington.
In July 2019, search warrants were executed at multiple locations, including Valencia-Morfin’s residence in the Yakima, Washington area. During that search, multiple firearms were located in Valencia-Morfin’s bedroom, as well as a ballistic vest and user-amounts of methamphetamine. Approximately 6 pounds of methamphetamine was located in the trunk of the vehicle Valencia-Morfin owned and utilized to transport controlled substances.
One of the firearms, a Smith & Wesson SDS Model SD9VE 9mm semi-automatic handgun, seized from Valenica-Morfin’s residence was identified through ATF’s National Integrated Ballistics Network (“NIBIN”) as being the firearm utilized to shoot two victims on December 24, 2018, in Yakima County. One of the victims was hospitalized as a result of that shooting. Valencia-Morfin was also charged by the State of Washington for the conduct arising from the shootings and, as part of a global resolution with the federal drug trafficking case, pled guilty in Yakima County Superior Court (Case Number 2010032739) to two counts of Assault 2 with a Deadly Weapon Enhancement.
United States Attorney Hyslop said “This case highlights the use of an important and invaluable technology -- NIBIN. Through NIBIN, law enforcement can now link seemingly random cases to one firearm and bring the individual who used that firearm to justice. The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Washington and our federal, state, local and Tribal law enforcement partners will use every tool at our disposal to investigate and prosecute dangerous armed criminals.”
“The sentence handed down to Mr. Valencia-Morfin is a reflection of his blatant disregard for the rule of law,” said ATF Seattle Special Agent in Charge Jonathan T. McPherson. “Sentences such as this one removes a dangerous offender from our streets and will hopefully serve as a deterrent to others.”
This case was made possible by investigative leads generated from the ATF’s National Integrated Ballistic Information Network (“NIBIN”). NIBIN is the only national network that allows for the capture and comparison of ballistic evidence to aid in solving and preventing violent crimes involving firearms. NIBIN is a proven investigative and intelligence tool that can link firearms from multiple crime scenes, allowing law enforcement to quickly disrupt shooting cycles. For more information on NIBIN, visit https://www.atf.gov/firearms/national-integrated-ballistic-information-network-nibin.
This case was prosecuted under the Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) program. PSN is a federal, state, and local law enforcement collaboration to identify, investigate, and prosecute individuals responsible for violent crimes in our neighborhoods. The U.S. Attorney’s Office is partnering with federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement to specifically identify the criminals responsible for violent crime in the Eastern District of Washington and pursue criminal prosecution.
This case is also part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) investigation. The OCDETF program provides supplemental federal funding to the federal and state agencies involved in the investigation of drug-related crimes. This OCDETF investigation is being conducted by the DEA and ATF.
This case was investigated by the Spokane District Office of the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Spokane Office of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives, the Moses Lake Police Department, the Grant County Sheriff’s Office, the Ephrata Police Department, Yakima County Sheriff’s Office, the Union Gap Police Department, the Grandview Police Department, the Sunnyside Police Department, the Washington State Patrol, and the Northwest High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area. This case was prosecuted by Caitlin Baunsgard, an Assistant United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Washington.
Venice Man Sentenced to 13 Years in Federal Prison for Selling Fentanyl that Caused Victim’s Fatal Drug OverdoseRead the Press Release
LOS ANGELES – An admitted drug dealer was sentenced today to 156 months in federal prison for selling a fatal dose of the powerful opioid fentanyl to a 19-year-old man who had been residing at a sober living home.
Julian Miles Mayers-Johnson, 33, of Venice, was sentenced by United States District Judge Otis D. Wright II. Mayers-Johnson pleaded guilty in October 2019 to one count of possession with intent to distribute fentanyl.
On October 19, 2018, outside a McDonald’s restaurant in Venice, Mayers-Johnson sold one-half gram of fentanyl to the victim, who was residing at a sober living home in the Beverlywood neighborhood of Los Angeles. The victim suffered a fatal drug overdose the following day after ingesting the fentanyl that Mayers-Johnson supplied.
A search of the victim’s cell phone resulted in law enforcement determining that Mayers-Johnson sold the fatal dose of fentanyl to the victim.
In April 2019, Mayers-Johnson was arrested on a federal criminal complaint in this matter and has remained in federal custody since then.
“Less than two months after (the victim’s) death, (Mayers-Johnson) was still dealing drugs, including fentanyl,” prosecutors wrote in their sentencing memorandum. “(Mayers-Johnson’s) criminal history demonstrates his unwillingness to conform his behavior to the laws of his community – even after causing someone’s death.”
This matter was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) Opioid Response Team, which is tasked with investigating suspected opioid-related overdose deaths in Los Angeles County.
This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys J. Jamari Buxton of the Public Corruption and Civil Rights Section, and Ali Moghaddas of the General Crimes Section.
United States Attorney's Office District of Arizona August 2020 Immigration and Border Crimes ReportRead the Press Release
I. Illegal Reentry After Deportation (8 U.S.C. 1326)
301 individuals were charged in August with illegal reentry
A. 196 of those 301 individuals had previously been convicted of non-immigration criminal offenses in the U.S.
Of the 196 individuals with non-immigration criminal records:
1. 29 had violent crime convictions, including:
2 individuals had homicide convictions
4 individuals had sex offense convictions
9 individuals had domestic violence convictions2. 14 had property crime convictions
3. 44 had DUI convictions
4. 99 had drug crime convictions
B. 153 of those 196 individuals had been deported three or more times
II. Alien Smuggling (8 U.S.C. 1324)
24 individuals were charged in August with alien smuggling
III. Illegal Entry (Criminal Consequence Initiative) (8 U.S.C. 1325)
0 individuals were charged in August with illegal entry on the CCI calendar
Criminal conviction information is based on preliminary criminal history reports provided by the arresting agency.
These numbers represent United States Attorney's Office prosecutions only. These numbers do not include individuals apprehended by immigration enforcement officials and subjected solely to administrative process.
*The Department of Homeland Security instituted a policy in late March of expeditiously returning aliens who illegally enter the United States rather than detaining them. The decreased number of individuals presented to this Office for prosecution coincides with the implementation of that policy and other COVID-19 related border restrictions.
RELEASE NUMBER: 2020-074_August Immigration and Border Crimes Report
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For more information on the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/az/
Follow the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, on Twitter @USAO_AZ for the latest news.United States Attorney Lawrence Keefe Announces Almost $500,000 in Housing Assistance Grants for Victims of Human TraffickingRead the Press Release
TALLAHASSEE, FLORIDA – Lawrence Keefe, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida, announced that the Florida Center for Children and Youth, of Tallahassee, Florida, received $499,353 from the Department of Justice Office for Victims of Crime (OVC) Housing Assistance Grants for Victims of Human Trafficking Program. Nationally, the Department of Justice awarded nearly $101 million in funding to combat human trafficking and provide vital services to trafficking victims throughout the United States.
“I am pleased that the Florida Center for Children and Youth will be able to use this funding to provide housing assistance to victims of human trafficking,” said U.S. Attorney Keefe. “The U.S. Attorney’s Office is committed to working closely with our law enforcement partners to combat these horrendous crimes in Northern Florida, but victims’ struggles do not end when they break free of the criminals who exploit them. With the assistance of these grants, communities throughout our District can continue to provide them with the critical support that they need.”
The Department of Justice announced Monday that the Office for Victims of Crime (OVC) awarded over $97.4 million to state, local and tribal jurisdictions, service providers and task forces all over the country, while the department’s Office of Justice Program’s National Institute of Justice awarded the remaining $3.5 million to support research and evaluation on human trafficking.
The Housing Assistance Grants for Victims of Human Trafficking Program provides six to 24 months of transitional or short-term housing assistance for trafficking victims, including rental, utilities or related expenses, such as security deposits and relocation costs. The grants also provide funding to help victims locate permanent housing, secure employment and receive occupational training and counseling.
“Human trafficking is a massive global enterprise with roots in cities and communities here in America and across the world,” said OJP Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Katharine T. Sullivan. “The Office of Justice Programs is using all the resources at its disposal to help our state, local and tribal partners uncover and eradicate trafficking operations and help victims open the door to a new life.”
For a complete list of individual grant programs, award amounts, and jurisdictions that will receive funding, visit: https://www.ojp.gov/sites/g/files/xyckuh241/files/media/document/ovchumantraffickingfactsheet.pdf
More information about OJP and its components can be found at www.ojp.gov.
The United States Attorney's Office for the Northern District of Florida is one of 94 offices that serve as the nation’s principal litigators under the direction of the Attorney General. To access available public court documents online, please visit the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida website. For more information about the United States Attorney’s Office, Northern District of Florida, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/fln/index.html.
The year 2020 marks the 150th anniversary of the Department of Justice. Learn more about the history of our agency at www.Justice.gov/Celebrating150Years.
Press Release - Human Trafficking Grant AnnouncementUlster County Dentist Arrested for Illegally Dispensing OxycodoneRead the Press Release
ALBANY, NEW YORK – Vivian Letizia, age 62, of Stone Ridge, New York, was arrested yesterday on a criminal complaint charging her with illegally dispensing controlled substances outside the course of professional practice and for no legitimate medical purpose.
The announcement was made by Acting United States Attorney Antoinette T. Bacon; Special Agent in Charge Ray Donovan, U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), New York Division; and Joshua Vinciguerra, Director of the New York State Department of Health, Bureau of Narcotic Enforcement (BNE).
A criminal complaint alleges that Letizia, a dentist, wrote prescriptions for oxycodone for four individuals and filled those prescriptions herself at pharmacies in Ulster County, and also ordered oxycodone to her dental practice, all exclusively for her own personal consumption.
The charges in the complaint are merely accusations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Letizia appeared yesterday in Albany before United States Magistrate Judge Daniel J. Stewart, and was released with conditions.
If convicted, Letizia faces up to 20 years in prison, at least 3 years of post-imprisonment supervised release, and a maximum $1 million fine. A defendant’s sentence is imposed by a judge based on the particular statute the defendant is charged with violating, the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other factors.
This case is being investigated by the DEA Albany District Office’s Tactical Diversion Squad, and the New York State BNE, and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Ashlyn Miranda.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher Moran, of the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Civil Division, is assisting in the investigation.
U.S. Attorney’s Office Settles Lawsuit with Chicago Auto Dealership over Alleged Pollution in Chicago RiverRead the Press Release
CHICAGO — The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Illinois announced today that it reached a settlement with a Chicago auto dealership to resolve claims that it discharged pollutants into the Chicago River and created a hazardous obstruction to navigation.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office filed a lawsuit last year in U.S. District Court in Chicago on behalf of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, alleging that JOSEPH J. PERILLO and PERILLO BMW INC. violated the Rivers and Harbors Act and the Clean Water Act by unlawfully placing an obstruction in the North Branch of the Chicago River. The suit claimed that Perillo and his company allowed a steel river wall to collapse into the river in October 2018 and subsequently cut off the wall at the water level, leading to a discharge of pollutants into the river and creating a hazardous obstruction to navigation.
Under the terms of a consent decree, Perillo and his company denied liability but agreed to pay a civil penalty of $80,000 to the U.S. government. In addition, Perillo and his company agreed to remove the collapsed wall from the river and construct a safe replacement. The wall is located on land they own at the descending bank of the river, in the 1300 block of North Branch Street on Goose Island in Chicago.
The consent decree was announced by John R. Lausch, Jr., United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois. The investigation was led by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, with collaboration from the U.S. Coast Guard Marine Safety Unit Chicago; U.S. Coast Guard Investigative Service; U.S. Environmental Protection Agency; Illinois Department of Natural Resources; City of Chicago Transportation Department; City of Chicago Public Health Department; Chicago Police Department; and the North Cook County Soil and Water Conservation District.
The Corps of Engineers’ Regulatory Program is committed to protecting the nation’s aquatic resources and navigation capacity, while allowing reasonable development through fair and balanced decisions. Part of this mission includes bringing enforcement actions when regulated actions are taken without a permit, as occurred in this case. Alleged violators are given an opportunity to remedy these violations, and if that is not successful, the Corps of Engineers can bring an action to force restoration of the site and possible civil monetary and/or criminal penalties.
To learn more about the Corps’ Chicago District Regulatory Mission, log on to http://www.lrc.usace.army.mil/Missions/Regulatory.aspx.
Tyndall Man Sentenced for Firearm Charge and Failure to Register as Sex OffenderRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a Tyndall, South Dakota, man convicted of Felon in Possession of a Firearm and Failure to Register as a Sex Offender and was sentenced on September 21, 2020, by Chief Judge Roberto A. Lange, U.S. District Court.
Jose Eduardo Rodriguez, age 44, was sentenced to 52 months in federal prison for each charge, followed by 3 years of supervised release for the firearm charge and 5 years of supervised release for the failure to register as a sex offender charge, to run concurrently, forfeiture of the firearm and all ammunition found in his possession, and a special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund in the amount of $200.
Rodriguez was indicted on both charges by a federal grand jury on February 11, 2020. He pled guilty to both charges on June 30, 2020.
The convictions stem from an incident that occurred on December 26, 2019, during a traffic stop, Rodriguez was found with an unregistered firearm and multiple rounds of ammunition. Rodriguez, knowingly possessed a firearm made from a rifle, with a barrel of less than sixteen inches in length, which was not registered to him in the National Firearms Registration and Transfer Record. Further, Rodriguez was convicted of Fourth Degree Rape in July 1998. As a result of his conviction, he is required to register as a sex offender. Between August 18, 2019, and December 26, 2019, the date of the traffic stop, Rodriguez had failed to properly register as a sex offender and update his registration.
The firearm charge 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. The Department of Justice reinvigorated PSN in 2017 as part of its renewed focus on targeting violent criminals, directing all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to work in partnership with federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement and local communities to develop effective, locally-based strategies to reduce violent crime.
The firearm charge is also part of Project Guardian, the Department of Justice’s signature initiative to reduce gun violence and enforce federal firearms laws. Initiated by the Attorney General in the fall of 2019, Project Guardian draws upon the Department’s past successful programs to reduce gun violence; enhances coordination of federal, state, local, and tribal authorities in investigating and prosecuting gun crimes; improves information-sharing by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives when a prohibited individual attempts to purchase a firearm and is denied by the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS), to include taking appropriate actions when a prospective purchaser is denied by the NICS for mental health reasons; and ensures that federal resources are directed at the criminals posing the greatest threat to our communities. For more information about Project Guardian, please see: https://www.justice.gov/projectguardian.
These cases were investigated by the Murdo Police Department, the Lyman County Sheriff’s Office, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the U.S. Marshals Service. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kirk Albertson prosecuted the case.
Rodriguez was immediately turned over to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Two Charged with Arson During Civil Unrest in MadisonRead the Press Release
MADISON, WIS. – United States Attorney Scott C. Blader announced today that two individuals have been charged with attempting to damage and destroy by means of fire two commercial buildings during the civil unrest that occurred in Madison, Wisconsin on August 25, 2020. Anessa Fierro, 27, and Willie Johnson, 45, both of Madison, are charged in two-count complaints filed in U.S. District Court this week.
The complaints allege that Fierro and Johnson broke glass windows and doors in two commercial buildings, poured liquid from a gasoline container into the buildings, and attempted to ignite the fluid. The complaint alleges that Fierro and Johnson successfully started a fire at one building and were attempting to ignite the liquid poured into the second building when Madison police officers arrived on scene. According to the complaint, the second building contained residential apartments, some of which were occupied at the time of the attempted arson. Fierro and Johnson were identified through video surveillance recovered as part of the investigation.
Fierro and Johnson were arrested in Madison today by ATF agents and Madison police officers. Their initial appearances in U.S. District Court in Madison have not been scheduled.
“Arson is not protest, it is a crime that places the entire community at extreme risk,” said U.S. Attorney Blader. “Those who attempt to terrorize the community through such violent crimes will be vigorously prosecuted by the United States Department of Justice.”
“Arson is a phenomenally violent crime,” said ATF Special Agent in Charge Terry Henderson, of the St. Paul Field Division. “A fire can ravage buildings in mere minutes, putting every occupant or passerby at risk of serious injury or death. Arsonists must be held accountable for their actions.”
If convicted, Fierro and Johnson face a mandatory minimum penalty of five years and a maximum of 20 years in federal prison on each count. The charges against them are the result of an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Madison Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Chadwick M. Elgersma is handling the prosecution.
You are advised that a charge is merely an accusation and that a defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
Two Box Elder Men Indicted on Multiple Fraud ChargesRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that two Box Elder, South Dakota, men has been indicted by a federal grand jury for Conspiracy to Commit Wire Fraud, Wire Fraud, and Unauthorized Access to a Protected Computer to Defraud.
Jacob Sheldon LaFlash, age 25, and Bryan Bernhold, age 25, were indicted on January 22, 2020. LaFlash appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Daneta L. Wollman on January 24, 2020, and pled not guilty to the Indictment. Bernhold appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Daneta L. Wollman on September 18, 2020, and also pled not guilty to the Indictment.
The maximum penalty upon conviction is up to 20 years in federal prison and/or a $250,000 fine, 3 years of supervised release, and up to $900 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Restitution may also be ordered.
Count 1 of the Indictment alleges that beginning on or about October 5, 2017, through on or about May 1, 2018, both LaFlash and Bernhold knowingly and intentionally conspired with each other, to commit wire fraud.
Counts 2 through 8 allege individual counts of wire fraud, and Count 9 alleges unauthorized access to a computer for the purpose of fraud.
The charges are merely accusations and LaFlash and Bernhold are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
The investigation is being conducted by the Department of Homeland Security. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeffrey C. Clapper is prosecuting the case.
LaFlash and Bernhold were released on bond pending trial. LaFlash’s trial date has been set for May 31, 2021.
Troutville Man Pleads Guilty to Selling Stolen Night Vision Goggle ComponentsRead the Press Release
ROANOKE, Va. – Steven Rosine, a former employee at a production facility in Roanoke, Virginia that manufactures night vision devices used by the U.S. military, pleaded guilty yesterday in U.S. District Court in Roanoke to stealing night vision devices and other component parts, and selling them over the internet. Acting United States Attorney Daniel P. Bubar and Special Agent in Charge Raymond Villanueva for the Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Washington, D.C. field office, made the announcement today.
“This defendant used his position with a trusted government contractor to steal critical defense products and parts to sell for his own profit,” Acting United States Attorney Daniel P. Bubar said today. “I am grateful for the hard work of Homeland Security Investigations, the Roanoke County Police and our prosecution team for investigating Rosine’s thefts and bringing him to justice today.”
“Rosine chose to steal regulated defense materials used to make military equipment and sell it out on the open market to make himself a profit without regard for who may end up receiving the materials on the other end or for what purpose they may be used,” said Special Agent in Charge Raymond Villanueva for the Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Washington, D.C. field office. “Homeland Security Investigations is dedicated to protecting our national security by investigating those who seek to divert sensitive materials for personal gain.”
Rosine, 47, waived his right to be indicted and pleaded guilty yesterday to a one count Information charging him with interstate transportation of stolen property. At sentencing, Rosine faces a maximum statutory penalty of up to 10 years in prison and/or a fine of up to $250,000.
According to court documents, from 1996 to 2019, Rosine was employed as a production engineer at Harris Corporation’s night vision manufacturing facility in Roanoke, Va. During his employment Rosine had access to night vision devices and various components used in device manufacturing.
Between approximately 2010 and 2014, Rosine stole approximately 66 pounds of a soft metal, indium, a crucial element used in the night vision manufacturing process. He sold the stolen indium on the Internet to a company in California for his own personal financial gain, yielding a profit of $51,622.
Beginning in 2012 and continuing through 2018, Rosine stole various image intensifier tubes, night vision systems, and component parts from Harris Corporation. Rosine listed these items for sale on an Internet website. Rosine maintained a dedicated PayPal account, into which he deposited more than $119,000 in proceeds from his illicit sale of night vision devices.
A majority of the night vision devices sold by Rosine are classified as third generation image intensifier tubes and were manufactured using classified production data. They are categorized by the Department of State, Directorate of Defense Trade Controls (DDTC) as “Defense Articles,” which are subject to control under the International Trafficking in Arms Regulations (ITAR) and the jurisdiction of the Department of State.
The investigation of the case was conducted by Homeland Security Investigation and the Roanoke County Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Kristin B. Johnson prosecuted the case for the United States, in coordination with William Mackie, Counterintelligence & Export Control Section, National Security Division, U.S. Department of Justice.
Trio Charged with Sex Trafficking of a MinorRead the Press Release
Three defendants made initial appearances in federal court Tuesday after being charged with the sex trafficking of children, announced U.S. Attorney Trent Shores.
Dominique Laron Morgan, 25, of Tulsa; Rontaysha Leann Cox, 26, of Wichita, Kansas; and Treveon Marquise Cato, 22, of Tulsa, were charged in an August indictment, which was unsealed yesterday after their initial appearances.
The trio allegedly recruited, enticed, harbored, and advertised a minor to participate in sexual activity, profiting from her exploitation. Advertisements for the teenager were discovered on a website promoting prostitution and soliciting sex acts in exchange for money.
“The targeted trafficking and exploitation of minors is despicable. I am dismayed that our community continues to see child sex trafficking ventures in operation, and I am sickened that there is a customer-base for such a venture to even exist. We must target the supply and demand,” said U.S. Attorney Trent Shores. “My office will do everything we can to protect our children from harm and exploitation. We will do so in partnership with agencies like the Tulsa Police Department and Homeland Security Investigations, who are indispensable in these types of investigations.”
Two of the defendants face additional charges. Morgan is further charged with possession of marijuana with intent to distribute, possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition, and coercion and enticement of a minor to engage in sexual activity. Cox is also charged with coercion and enticement of a minor to engage in sexual activity and possession of material involving the sexual exploitation of minors.
The Tulsa Police Department Vice-Human Trafficking Unit, Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives are the investigative agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorney Edward Snow is prosecuting the case.
The Justice Department Unveils Proposed Section 230 LegislationRead the Press Release
Today, on behalf of the Trump Administration, the Department of Justice sent draft legislation to Congress to reform Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act. The draft legislative text implements reforms that the Department of Justice deemed necessary in its June Recommendations and follows a yearlong review of the outdated statute. The legislation also executes President Trump’s directive from the Executive Order on Preventing Online Censorship.
“For too long Section 230 has provided a shield for online platforms to operate with impunity,” said Attorney General William P. Barr. “Ensuring that the internet is a safe, but also vibrant, open and competitive environment is vitally important to America. We therefore urge Congress to make these necessary reforms to Section 230 and begin to hold online platforms accountable both when they unlawfully censor speech and when they knowingly facilitate criminal activity online.”
“The Department’s proposal is an important step in reforming Section 230 to further its original goal: providing liability protection to encourage good behavior online,” said Deputy Attorney General Jeffrey A. Rosen. “The proposal makes clear that, when interactive computer services willfully distribute illegal material or moderate content in bad faith, Section 230 should not shield them from the consequences of their actions.”
The Department of Justice is grateful to all the experts, victims’ groups, academics, businesses, and other stakeholders that have and continue to engage closely with the department during this process. The draft legislation reflects important and helpful feedback received thus far. The department is also grateful to our colleagues in Congress for their support on Section 230 reform and looks forward to continued engagement moving forward.
The Department of Justice’s draft legislation focuses on two areas of reform, both of which are, at minimum, necessary to recalibrate the outdated immunity of Section 230.
Promoting Transparency and Open Discourse
First, the draft legislation has a series of reforms to promote transparency and open discourse and ensure that platforms are fairer to the public when removing lawful speech from their services.
The current interpretations of Section 230 have enabled online platforms to hide behind the immunity to censor lawful speech in bad faith and is inconsistent with their own terms of service. To remedy this, the department’s legislative proposal revises and clarifies the existing language of Section 230 and replaces vague terms that may be used to shield arbitrary content moderation decisions with more concrete language that gives greater guidance to platforms, users, and courts.
The legislative proposal also adds language to the definition of “information content provider” to clarify when platforms should be responsible for speech that they affirmatively and substantively contribute to or modify.
Addressing Illicit Activity Online
The second category of amendments is aimed at incentivizing platforms to address the growing amount of illicit content online, while preserving the core of Section 230’s immunity for defamation claims.
Section 230 immunity is meant to incentivize and protect online Good Samaritans. Platforms that purposely solicit and facilitate harmful criminal activity — in effect, online Bad Samaritans — should not receive the benefit of this immunity. Nor should a platform receive blanket immunity for continuing to host known criminal content on its services, despite repeated pleas from victims to take action.
The department also proposes to more clearly carve out federal civil enforcement actions from Section 230. Although federal criminal prosecutions have always been outside the scope of Section 230 immunity, online crime is a serious and growing problem, and there is no justification for blocking the federal government from civil enforcement on behalf of American citizens.
Finally, the department proposes carving out certain categories of civil claims that are far outside Section 230’s core objective, including offenses involving child sexual abuse, terrorism, and cyberstalking. These amendments, working together, will be critical first steps in enabling victims to seek redress for the most serious of online crimes.
The Justice Department’s proposals are available here.
Texarkana Rapper “Band Aid” and Partner “Too Tall” Sentenced for Drug Crimes, Sing the BluesRead the Press Release
TEXARKANA, Texas – Two Bowie County, Texas, men have been sentenced for drug trafficking crimes in the Eastern District of Texas, announced U.S. Attorney Stephen J. Cox today.
Justin Rashad Young, a 31-year-old rapper and club promotor known as “Band Aid,” was found guilty on June 25, 2020, of conspiring with Joshea Cardwell to traffic methamphetamine and marijuana in Texarkana following a four-day jury trial before U.S. District Judge Robert W. Schroeder, III. Judge Schroeder sentenced Young to 140 months in federal prison.
Cardwell, a 30-year-old known as “Too Tall,” pleaded guilty on June 4, 2020, to conspiring with Young and to possessing a firearm in furtherance of their drug conspiracy. Judge Schroeder sentenced Cardwell to 130 months in federal prison.
According to information presented in court, on June 28, 2017, police found Young and Cardwell in the Magnuson Hotel near North State Line Avenue in Texarkana, Texas, with more than 400 grams of methamphetamine, 1.6 kilograms of marijuana, drug distribution materials, and a Taurus 9 mm pistol. Young had previously been shot at a drug house of his on Waterman Street in Texarkana, and on another occasion, was found in possession of marijuana after he left another drug house. Evidence recovered from Young’s cell phones and Facebook account revealed that Young regularly possessed firearms in connection with his drug business. At trial, a cooperating witness described how Cardwell and Young had been working together for months to sell methamphetamine and marijuana, which Cardwell was buying from California.
Young and Cardwell were indicted by a federal grand jury on Nov. 14, 2018, and again on July 24, 2019.
This case is a 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 un violence; enhances coordination of federal, state, local, and tribal authorities in investigating and prosecuting gun crimes; improves information-sharing by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives when a prohibited individual attempts to purchase a firearm and is denied by the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS), to include taking appropriate actions when a prospective purchaser is denied by the NICS for mental health reasons; and ensures that federal resources are directed at the criminals posing the greatest threat to our communities. The United States Attorney’s Office is prosecuting this case with support from the following Project Guardian partners: Special Operations Division of the Texarkana Texas Police Department, the Texarkana office of the Texas Department of Public Safety, Criminal Investigation Division, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jonathan R. Hornok and Lucas R. Machicek.
More information about Project Guardian can be found at https://www.justice.gov/projectguardian.
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Tampa Felon Sentenced to More Than Six Years for Possession of A FirearmRead the Press Release
Tampa, Florida – U.S. District Judge Mary S. Scriven today sentenced Floyd C. Rivers (34, Tampa) to six years and five months in federal prison for possessing a firearm and ammunition as a convicted felon. The court also ordered Rivers to forfeit the firearm and ammunition used in the offense.
Rivers had pleaded guilty on June 25, 2020.
According to court documents, on October 22, 2018, officers with the Tampa Police Department were looking for Rivers in West Tampa to take him into custody on outstanding warrants. When the officers located and approached Rivers, he fled, throwing a bag over a nearby fence as he ran. The officers eventually apprehended Rivers and recovered a loaded pistol from the discarded bag.
Rivers has multiple prior convictions for narcotics-related felonies and is therefore prohibited from possessing a firearm or ammunition. He has a previous conviction for possessing a firearm as a convicted felon.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Tampa Police Department. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Callan Albritton.
This case is part of Project Guardian, the Department of Justice’s signature initiative to reduce gun violence and enforce federal firearms laws. Initiated by the Attorney General in the fall of 2019, Project Guardian draws upon the Department’s past successful programs to reduce gun violence and enhances coordination of federal, state, local, and tribal authorities in investigating and prosecuting gun crimes. For more information on Project Guardian visit www.justice.gov/projectguardian.
St Louis Man Who Stole over $100,000 from Catholic School in Smithton Pleads Guilty in Federal CourtRead the Press Release
A former Illinois elementary school principal who embezzled over $100,000 from his own school has been convicted of a federal felony. Roy Joseph Monti, 54, of St. Louis, Missouri, entered a guilty plea this morning to a single count of transporting stolen money across state lines.
According to court documents, Monti previously worked as the principal of St. John the Baptist
Elementary School in Smithton, Illinois. In a stipulation filed with the court, Monti admitted stealing $113,061.87 from the school between March 2017 and November 2019. During that time, Monti repeatedly withdrew cash from the school’s bank account for his own personal use. On many of the withdrawal slips, Monti wrote a purportedly valid purpose for the withdrawal, but these explanations turned out to be false and fraudulent. Instead, Monti simply kept the money for himself. Because he lived in Missouri while working in Illinois, Monti often carried large amounts of stolen cash across state lines.Sentencing is scheduled for Jan. 7, 2021 at 2:30 p.m. at the federal courthouse in East St. Louis, Illinois. Monti’s sentence will be informed by the federal sentencing guidelines and federal law.
He could receive as much as ten years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000.This case resulted from a referral and investigation by the FBI, with significant assistance from the Smithton Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States
Attorney Peter T. Reed.Spring Hill Man Pleads Guilty to Theft of Government FundsRead the Press Release
Tampa, Florida – David Naylor (58, Spring Hill) has pleaded guilty to theft of government funds. He faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in federal prison. A sentencing date has not yet been set.
According to the plea agreement, Naylor engaged in a scheme to defraud the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). In order to deceive and steal from the VA, Naylor made false representations regarding his physical limitations in connection with his application for VA Disability Compensation. Based on these false representations, the VA found that Naylor was entitled to Disability Compensation and other related benefits. In total, Naylor received $549,426.23 in VA benefits to which he was not entitled. Naylor also received $181,135.50 in Social Security Disability Insurance Benefits.
This case was investigated by the Department of Veterans Affairs, Office of Inspector General and the Social Security Administration, Office of the Inspector General. It is being prosecuted by Special Assistant United States Attorney Suzanne Huyler.
South Carolina Man Sentenced for Making a Bomb Threat to a Clinic and Lying to the FBIRead the Press Release
Jacksonville, FL - Rodney Allen, 43, of Beaufort, South Carolina, was sentenced today in federal court in Jacksonville, Florida, to 24 months in prison. Allen previously pleaded guilty to one count of intimidating and interfering with the employees of an abortion clinic by making a bomb threat and one count of making false statements to a Special Agent with the FBI.
“The Department of Justice will prosecute anyone who threatens to blow up people and places to the fullest extent of the law,” said Assistant Attorney General Eric Dreiband. “These kinds of ghastly criminal threats unlawfully and unjustly injure innocent people. Violence and threats of violence have no place in this country.”
“Threats of violence to healthcare facilities or their employees are serious matters,” said U.S. Attorney Maria Chapa Lopez for the Middle District of Florida. “Thanks to the quick response and diligence by our local and federal law enforcement partners, this case was investigated thoroughly and brought to a successful conclusion.”
According to court documents, on Aug. 29, 2019, Allen called the clinic in Jacksonville, Florida, and said that someone was coming to blow it up. Allen made several other calls to the clinic that day in an attempt to interfere with its ability to provide services. Employees recognized Allen’s voice and were concerned that he would do something desperate, so they enlisted the help of a Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office officer to search the property. The FBI obtained toll records and subscriber information for the number used to make the bomb threat to the clinic and positively identified Allen as the caller. In a voluntary and surreptitiously recorded interview with the FBI, Allen falsely denied calling the clinic and stating that someone was coming to blow it up.
This case was investigated by the FBI’s Columbia and Jacksonville Divisions. Assistant U.S. Attorney Ashley Washington of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Florida and Trial Attorneys Sanjay Patel and Anna Gotfryd of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division prosecuted the case.
South Carolina Man Sentenced for Making a Bomb Threat to a Clinic and Lying to the FBIRead the Press Release
Rodney Allen, 43, of Beaufort, South Carolina, was sentenced today in federal court in Jacksonville, Florida, to 24 months in prison. Allen previously pleaded guilty to one count of intimidating and interfering with the employees of an abortion clinic by making a bomb threat and one count of making false statements to a Special Agent with the FBI.
“The Department of Justice will prosecute anyone who threatens to blow up people and places to the fullest extent of the law,” said Assistant Attorney General Eric Dreiband. “These kinds of ghastly criminal threats unlawfully and unjustly injure innocent people. Violence and threats of violence have no place in this country.”
“Threats of violence to healthcare facilities or their employees are serious matters,” said U.S. Attorney Maria Chapa Lopez for the Middle District of Florida. “Thanks to the quick response and diligence by our local and federal law enforcement partners, this case was investigated thoroughly and brought to a successful conclusion.”
According to court documents, on Aug. 29, 2019, Allen called the clinic in Jacksonville, Florida, and said that someone was coming to blow it up. Allen made several other calls to the clinic that day in an attempt to interfere with its ability to provide services. Employees recognized Allen’s voice and were concerned that he would do something desperate, so they enlisted the help of a Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office officer to search the property. The FBI obtained toll records and subscriber information for the number used to make the bomb threat to the clinic and positively identified Allen as the caller. In a voluntary and surreptitiously recorded interview with the FBI, Allen falsely denied calling the clinic and stating that someone was coming to blow it up.
This case was investigated by the FBI’s Columbia and Jacksonville Divisions. Assistant U.S. Attorney Ashley Washington of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Florida and Trial Attorneys Sanjay Patel and Anna Gotfryd of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division prosecuted the case.
Smith County Man Sentenced in Counterfeit Immigration Documents ConspiracyRead the Press Release
TYLER, Texas –A 54-year-old Tyler, Texas man has been sentenced to federal prison for violations in the Eastern District of Texas, announced U.S. Attorney Stephen J. Cox today.
Jose Luis Marquez Rodriguez pleaded guilty on Oct. 1, 2019 to conspiracy to produce, transfer, and forge false identification documents and was sentenced to 30 months in federal prison today by U.S. District Judge Jeremy D. Kernodle. Marquez Rodriguez also forfeited five firearms and ammunition; a computer and three printers; approximately $30,000 in cash; and two pieces of real property in Flint, Texas. Marquez Rodriguez also agreed to a money judgment in the amount of $308,961.09, which represents the proceeds from his criminal conduct.
According to information presented in court, beginning in April 2009, Marquez Rodriguez was involved in a conspiracy to produce and sell fictitious U.S. identification documents to others. The false documents included U.S. Social Security cards and Permanent Residence cards. Marquez Rodriguez admitted to being personally responsible for the transfer of over 100 false identification documents as part of this conspiracy. Marquez Rodriguez was indicted by a federal grand jury on April 23, 2019.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Smith County Sheriff’s Office, U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, and Texas Department of Public Safety. This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Alan R. Jackson.
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San Marino Man Accused of Truck Attack on Pasadena Protesters Arrested on Charge of Illegally Obtaining and Transporting FirearmsRead the Press Release
LOS ANGELES – A San Gabriel Valley man who allegedly drove his truck into a crowd of peaceful demonstrators on May 31 in Pasadena was arrested today on a federal criminal complaint charging him with conspiring to violate firearms laws.
Benjamin Jong Ren Hung, 28, of San Marino, is charged with one count of conspiracy to transport firearms across state lines and to make a false statement in acquisition of firearms.
At his initial appearance this afternoon in United States District Court, Hung was ordered detained pending a Monday hearing to determine his bail status. Hung’s arraignment is scheduled for October 15.
According to an affidavit filed with the complaint, Pasadena Police officers arrested Hung on May 31 after he intentionally drove his pickup truck into a crowd of protesters demonstrating in Old Town Pasadena. The crowd scattered as the truck approached, and no injuries were reported in the incident, the affidavit states.
During a search of Hung’s truck on May 31, police found a loaded semiautomatic handgun, multiple high-capacity magazines loaded with ammunition, an 18-inch machete, $3,200 in cash, a long metal pipe, and a megaphone, according to the affidavit.
Hung allegedly acquired the firearm from a friend who purchased it for him in Oregon and then transported it to California. When the friend purchased the firearm, he falsely represented that he was the actual transferee of the gun, rather than Hung, the affidavit states. Hung and his friend then allegedly conspired to transport the firearm to California, where Hung kept the firearm at his San Marino home prior to bringing it to the May 31 demonstration.
The affidavit further alleges that in March Hung purchased at least three additional firearms in Oregon and then transported them to California. He also allegedly amassed other firearms and tactical equipment from suppliers throughout the United States and used his family’s vineyard in Lodi, California as a training camp to prepare to engage in civil disorders.
A complaint 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, Hung would face a statutory maximum sentence of five years in federal prison.
This matter was investigated by the FBI’s Los Angeles Joint Terrorism Task Force and Civil Rights squads and the Pasadena Police Department.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Frances S. Lewis of the Public Corruption and Civil Rights Section, and David T. Ryan of the Terrorism and Export Crimes Section.
Romanian National Sentenced to 33 Months in Prison for Role in ATM Skimming ConspiracyRead the Press Release
TRENTON, N.J. – A Romanian national was sentenced today to 33 months in prison for his role in a conspiracy to steal bank account information from thousands of customers by installing secret card-reading devices and pinhole cameras on ATMs throughout New Jersey and elsewhere, U.S. Attorney Craig Carpenito announced.
Lucian Burulea, 34, previously pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit bank fraud. U.S. District Judge Peter G. Sheridan imposed the sentence this afternoon in Trenton federal court.
According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:
Burulea admitted he was part of an ATM skimming scheme that stole bank account information by installing hidden card-reading devices on ATMs throughout northern and central New Jersey. Burulea previously acknowledged that he and his conspirators created bank cards using the fraudulently obtained account information, which they used to unlawfully withdraw large amounts of cash from various ATMs. The scheme, which involved actual and attempted losses of more than $1.5 million dollars, affected over 1,000 bank customers.
In addition to the prison term, Judge Sheridan sentenced Burulea to three years of supervised release and ordered him to pay $265,957 in restitution.
U.S. Attorney Carpenito credited special agents of the FBI, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge George M. Crouch Jr.; detectives with the Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office, under the direction of Prosecutor Yolanda Ciccone; and detectives with the Woodbridge Police Department, under the direction of Police Director Robert Hubner, with the investigation.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Shawn Barnes of the U.S. Attorney’s Office OCDETF/Narcotics Unit in Newark.
Rochester Man Pleads Guilty to Selling Fentanyl and Crack CocaineRead 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 Brandon Blackshear, 37, of Rochester, NY, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Richard J. Arcara, to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute, and to distribute, acetyl fentanyl, fentanyl, and crack cocaine. The charges carry a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison, a $1,000,000 fine, or both.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Joshua A. Violanti, who is handling the case, stated that on January 2, 2019, members of the Southern Tier Regional Drug Task Force made a controlled purchase of crack cocaine from the defendant and co-defendant Tracy Griffin. Then, on January 22, 2019, members of the task force made a controlled purchase of crack cocaine and heroin from the defendant Blackshear and Griffin.
Tracy Griffin was previously convicted and is awaiting sentencing.
The plea is the result of an investigation by the Bureau of Indian Affairs, under the direction of Jason Thompson, Associate Director of the Office of Justice Services; the Southern Regional Drug Task Force, under the direction of the Cattaraugus County Sheriff’s Office and Sheriff Timothy Whitcomb; and the Drug Enforcement Administration, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Ray Donovan, New York Field Division.
Sentencing is scheduled for October 29, 2020, at 12:30 p.m. before Judge Arcara.
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Rochester Man Going to Prison for Possession 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 Vincent Colunga, 28, of Rochester, NY, who was convicted of possession of child pornography, including prepubescent images, was 24 months in prison by Chief U.S. District Judge Frank P. Geraci, Jr.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Melissa M. Marangola, who handled the case, stated that between September 25 and October 24, 2018, the defendant utilized a peer-to-peer file sharing network to obtain and share images of child pornography. On October 24, 2018, investigators executed a search at his residence and seized numerous electronic devices, which contained at least eight videos and several images of child pornography, including images of prepubescent children and violence.The sentencing is the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Stephen Belongia.
# # # #Restaurant Owners Charged with Tax Offenses and Other CrimesRead the Press Release
CAMDEN, N.J. – The owners of several South Jersey restaurants have been charged with harboring illegal aliens, tax offenses, making false statements to investigators and conspiracy, U.S. Attorney Craig Carpenito announced.
Ali Sher Khan, 51, of Haddon Township, New Jersey, and Ali Khan, 48, of Clementon, New Jersey, are charged in an indictment that was unsealed today.
Ali Sher Khan is charged with one count of conspiracy to evade income taxes; 20 counts of failing to collect, account for, and pay over payroll taxes for corporate entities of two Crown Fried Chicken restaurants; three counts of income tax evasions for years 2014 through 2016; one count of harboring illegal aliens; one count of unlawful employment of aliens; and one count of making false statements to the IRS and FBI. He made his initial appearance today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Joel Schneider and was released on $250,000 unsecured bond.
Ali Khan is charged with one count of conspiracy to evade income taxes; 10 counts of failing to collect, account for, and pay over payroll taxes for corporate entities of two Crown Fried Chicken restaurants; three counts of income tax evasion for the years 2014 through 2016; one count of harboring illegal aliens; and one count of unlawful employment of aliens. He will make his initial appearance at a future date.
According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:
Ali Sher Khan and Ali Khan, along with others, operated two Crown Fried Chicken restaurants in Camden. Ali Sher Khan and other individuals also operated a Crown Fried Chicken restaurant in Burlington Township, New Jersey.
Ali Sher Khan, Ali Khan and their conspirators allegedly employed illegal aliens at the restaurants. Those employees were paid in cash, and Ali Sher Khan and Ali Khan failed to deduct payroll taxes from the employees’ pay, as required by law. When Ali Sher Khan and Ali Khan caused payroll tax forms to be filed with the IRS, those forms did not accurately reflect the number of employees working the restaurant. Ali Sher Khan and Ali Khan failed to pay over to the IRS the correct amount of payroll taxes. They under-reported $1,055,498 in payroll taxes for the two Camden restaurants and $648,837 in payroll taxes for the Burlington restaurant, causing a tax loss to the government of $308,742. Ali Sher Khan and one of his other business partners allowed the illegal alien employees to live in residences that they owned, and they did not report the rent paid by the employees on their business or personal income tax returns.
From 2013 to 2016, Ali Sher Khan and Ali Khan took substantial amounts of cash out of the businesses and did not report it on their income tax returns. Ali Sher Khan did not disclose to the IRS on his personal tax return $831,517 in income from the Crown Fried Chicken restaurants, causing a tax loss of $252,131. Ali Khan did not report or otherwise disclose to the IRS on his personal tax return $394,894 in income from the Crown Fried Chicken restaurants, causing a tax loss of $113,836.
When Ali Sher Khan was questioned by special agents of the IRS and the FBI, he falsely denied operating the Crown Fried Chicken businesses, hiring or firing the employees at these businesses, and signing any tax documents related to the businesses. He also falsely stated that he never supplied information to the businesses’ account for the tax returns.
The conspiracy count, tax evasion counts, failing to collect, account for, and pay over payroll taxes count, and false statements count each carry a maximum penalty of five years in prison and a $250,000 fine, or twice the gross gain or loss from the offense. The harboring illegal aliens count carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine, or twice the gross gain or loss from the offense. The unlawful employment of aliens count carries a maximum penalty of six months in prison and a $3,000 fine.
U.S. Attorney Carpenito credited special agents of the IRS - Criminal Investigation under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Michael Montanez; special agents of the FBI Cherry Hill Resident Agency under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Michael J. Driscoll in Philadelphia; and special agents of the Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations, Cherry Hill, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Jason J. Molina in Newark, with the investigation leading to the charges. He also thanked officers of the New York City Police Department, for its assistance with the investigation.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jason M. Richardson and Sara Aliabadi of the U.S. Attorney=s Office Criminal Division in Camden.
The charges and allegations contained in the indictment are merely accusations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Repeat Sex Offender Sentenced to 25 Years in PrisonRead the Press Release
HAMMOND-Denny Minix, 32, of Lafayette, Indiana, was sentenced by Judge Philip P. Simon following his guilty plea to a charge that he produced child sexual abuse images of a 16 to 17 year-old minor female, announced U.S. Attorney Kirsch.
Minix was sentenced to 300 months (25 years) in prison followed by a lifetime term of supervised release.
Minix’s sentence was increased as a result of his earlier conviction for possessing child sexual abuse material here in the Northern District of Indiana in 2010. In that earlier case, Minix had received a 97-month prison sentence followed by a 20-year term of supervised release.
After being released from prison on that offense, and while on supervised release and registered as a sex offender, Minix posed as a gay woman on various social media platforms and offered to and did distribute depictions of minors being sexually abused and exploited. Following an investigation, Minix was found with over 6300 such images and videos, some of which he had made himself while engaging in sexual acts with the 16 to 17 year-old victim. As part of his plea agreement in the case, Minix agreed to have no future contact with the victim and to pay $10,000 toward her future therapy and lost income expenses.
“Not long after being released from prison on his first child pornography offense, Minix found it impossible to resist committing other, more serious child exploitation offenses. My office is committed to prosecuting repeat sex offenders like Mr. Minix to the fullest extent of the law,” said United States Attorney Thomas L. Kirsch II. “This case also serves as a good reminder to parents to please monitor the websites your children are visiting, and the people with whom they are communicating online.”
“This lengthy sentence clearly illustrates the FBI’s commitment to protect the most vulnerable members of our community from those who would exploit them in this heinous manner,” said FBI Indianapolis Special Agent in Charge Paul Keenan. “The FBI and our law enforcement partners will continue to work diligently to identify and hold accountable these abusers who prey on innocent children for their own gratification.”
This case is the result of the investigative efforts of the Federal Bureau of Investigation with assistance from the Tippecanoe County, Indiana Prosecutor’s Office and the Purdue University Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jill R. Koster.
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Project Guardian: Morgantown Man Pleads Guilty to Federal Gun CrimesRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A Morgantown man pled guilty today to federal gun crimes, announced United States Attorney Mike Stuart. Robert William Moats, 34, pled guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm and possession of a firearm with a removed serial number.
Moats admitted that while in Charleston on March 21, 2018, he was in possession of a Phoenix Arms, Raven, .25 caliber semi-automatic pistol that had an obliterated serial number. Moats also admitted that he knew he was a convicted felon and that he was prohibited from possessing a firearm because of a 2003 felony conviction in Monongalia County Circuit Court for second degree murder.
Moats faces up to 15 years in prison when sentenced on December 22, 2020.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the Charleston Police Department conducted the investigation. Senior United States District Judge John T. Copenhaver, Jr., presided over the hearing. Assistant United States Attorney Courtney Cremeans is handling the prosecution.
This case is part of Project Guardian, the Department of Justice’s signature initiative to reduce gun violence and enforce federal firearms laws. Initiated by the Attorney General in the fall of 2019, Project Guardian draws upon the Department’s past successful programs to reduce gun violence; enhances coordination of federal, state, local, and tribal authorities in investigating and prosecuting gun crimes; improves information-sharing by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives when a prohibited individual attempts to purchase a firearm and is denied by the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS), to include taking appropriate actions when a prospective purchaser is denied by the NICS for mental health reasons; and ensures that federal resources are directed at the criminals posing the greatest threat to our communities. The United States Attorney’s Office has prosecuted this case with support from the Project Guardian partners listed above. For more information about Project Guardian, please see: https://www.justice.gov/projectguardian.
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. 2:20-cr-00008.
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Prince William Man Pleads Guilty to Conspiracy to Distribute FentanylRead the Press Release
ALEXANDRIA, Va. – A Prince William County man pleaded guilty today to selling fentanyl.
According to court documents, between February 2019 and May 2019, Keith Issiah Slade, 46, and a co-defendant, sold fentanyl in and around the Eastern District of Virginia. The defendants would obtain the fentanyl in Baltimore and traffic it into Virginia. One of their customers was Individual 1, to whom they sold at least 55 capsules containing heroin/fentanyl. In May 2019, Individual 1 consumed fentanyl provided to her by Slade and the co-defendant. Individual 1 was later found deceased, and the cause of death was ruled to be mixed drug intoxication. Individual 1 had numerous substances in her system, including fentanyl.
Slade pleaded guilty to the conspiracy to distribute fentanyl and the distribution of fentanyl. He faces a maximum of 20 years in prison when sentenced on December 9. 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; Mark Herring, Attorney General for Virginia; and Colonel Edwin C. Roessler Jr., Fairfax County Chief of Police, made the announcement after U.S. District Judge Rossie D. Alston, Jr. accepted the plea. Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Karolina Klyuchnikova and Assistant U.S. Attorney Bibeane Metsch are prosecuting the case.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. Related court documents and information are located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 1:20-cr-224.
Prince George’s County Man Pleads Guilty in Federal Court in Maryland to Bank RobberyRead the Press Release
Greenbelt, Maryland -- Saleem Abdul Muhammad, age 55, of Prince George’s County, Maryland pleaded guilty today to bank robbery.
The guilty plea 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 Interim Chief Hector Velez of the Prince George’s County Police Department.
According to the statement of facts in the Government’s Plea Memorandum, on July, 15, 2019, Muhammad entered a bank in Oxon Hill, Maryland, approached the teller’s window, and stated “Give me my money.” The victim advised Muhammad that he needed to provide his identification and debit card to withdraw money. Muhammad became agitated and stated, “Give me the money, this is a robbery, I will shoot everyone out here.” Fearing for her safety, the victim complied and provided Muhammad with $202 in U.S. currency with a GPS tracking device hidden inside. Muhammad fled on foot.
The GPS tracker led officers to a Burger King located in the same shopping center as the bank. The officers apprehended Muhammad, and, after a review of surveillance footage showing Muhammad throwing something in the trash, a search of the trashcan revealed the GPS tracking device. The $202 in cash was found on Muhammad’s person. Muhammad was transported to the police station where he was interviewed by a detective. In response to a question regarding why he threatened to shoot the people in the bank, Muhammad responded, because the victim “was acting like she wasn’t going to give me [the money].”
Muhammad faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison for bank robbery. 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. U.S. District Judge Theodore D. Chuang has scheduled sentencing for November 24, 2020, at 10:00 a.m.
United States Attorney Robert K. Hur commended the FBI and the Prince George’s County Police for its work in the investigation. Mr. Hur thanked Assistant U.S. Attorneys Michael Morgan, and Burden Walker, who are prosecuting the case.
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Previous sex offender sent to prison again after recording minor during oral sexRead the Press Release
HOUSTON - A 45-year-old Southwest Houston man has been ordered to federal prison following his conviction of sexual exploitation of a child otherwise known as production of child pornography, announced U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Patrick
Reginald Desean Love aka Tru pleaded guilty Jan. 28, admitting he had recorded a video of a minor female performing oral sex on him.
Today, U.S. District Judge Sim Lake ordered Love to serve 300 months in federal prison. In handing down the sentence, the court referred to his history of violence against women as reflected in his criminal record. Following his prison sentence, Love will serve the rest of his life on supervised release during which time the court can impose a number of special conditions designed to protect children and prohibit the use of the internet. He is expected again to register as a sex offender.
The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) works tirelessly to protect our youth from those who seek to exploit them,” said DPS Regional Director Jason Taylor. “In this case, DPS special agents—along with our partnership with the United States Attorney’s Office through Project Safe Childhood—were integral in ensuring this repeat offender no longer harmed the children he was preying upon for financial gain.”
In September 2017, a 15-year-old girl contacted authorities and gave them a cell phone that contained the video Love made depicting the sex act. Law enforcement conducted a search on two rooms at a local Motel 6 where they discovered another juvenile girl performing oral sex on an adult male.
Love was previously convicted in 2010 of felony indecency with a 14-year-old girl. As part of his sentence, he was ordered to register as a sex offender.
Love has been and will remain in custody pending transfer to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future.
DPS conducted the investigation.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Carrie Wirsing and Jill J. Stotts are prosecuting the case, which was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood (PSC), a nationwide initiative the Department of Justice (DOJ) launched in May 2006 to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. U.S. Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section leads PSC, which marshals federal, state and local resources to locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children and identifies and rescues victims. For more information about PSC, please visit DOJ’s PSC page. For more information about internet safety education, please visit the resources tab on that page.
Ponchatoula Man Pleads Guilty to Distribution of Child Sexual Abuse MaterialRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS – U.S. Attorney Peter G. Strasser announced that JASON BOYET, age 42, a resident of Ponchatoula, Louisiana, pleaded guilty today before United States District Judge Sarah Vance to a one-count Bill of Information charging him with distribution of images depicting the sexual exploitation of children, including children as young as three (3) years old, in violation of 18 U.S.C. ' 2252(a)(2).
According to court documents, in about February 2020, a special agent with the Federal Bureau of Investigation operating in an undercover capacity (Agent 1) in the State of Texas accessed a chat room within an instant messaging mobile application known to be a haven for purveyors of digital files depicting the sexual victimization of children. Agent 1 was introduced to an individual, subsequently determined to be BOYET, who distributed to him sexually suggestive and sexually explicit photographs of minors, including a prepubescent female (Victim 1), over whom BOYET claimed to have custody and control.
On February 12, 2020, special agents with the Federal Bureau of Investigation executed a federal search warrant at BOYET’s residence. Based on a voluntarily interview with BOYET and a review of digital evidence seized during the execution of the search warrant, law enforcement authorities confirmed that BOYET took sexually explicit images of Victim 1 at his residence using his Apple iPhone XR on at least three dates between December 19, 2019, and February 11, 2020, some of which he distributed to third parties as described above. Agents also confirmed that BOYET accessed a link to an online file storage account containing numerous videos depicting the sexual victimization of children and, further, received at least 151 images and 195 videos depicting children as young as approximately one (1) year old engaging in sexually explicit conduct.
BOYET faces a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of five (5) years and a maximum term of imprisonment of twenty (20) years, followed by up to a lifetime of supervised release, and a $250,000 fine. He can also be required to register as a sex offender. Sentencing before Judge Vance has been scheduled for January 20, 2021 at 10:30 am.
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 United States Attorney’s= 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.
U.S. Attorney Strasser praised the work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation in investigating this matter. Assistant United States Attorney Jordan Ginsberg is in charge of the prosecution.
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Plano Man Convicted of Enticing a 12-Year-Old GirlRead the Press Release
A Plano man has been convicted at trial of attempting to entice a 12-year-old girl at Sheppard Air Force Base, announced U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Texas Erin Nealy Cox.
Following a day-long trial, a federal jury in Wichita Falls found Tzu Fan Chen, 54, guilty of one count of attempted enticement of a child. The jury deliberated for just six minutes to reach its verdict.
According to evidence presented at trial, on June 16, 2020, an Air Force Office of Special Investigations agent acting in an undercover capacity placed an online advertisement on a popular social media website entitled, “Daughter & I seeking new friends.”
Mr. Chen responded to the ad and stated he was interested in getting to know the undercover agent and his daughter. During communications with law enforcement, Mr. Chen arranged to have a sexual encounter with the 12-year-old girl in Wichita Falls. Mr. Chen also asked the agent if his daughter was “trained,” how she responded to sexual contact, and stated “we must hush hush about our lifestyle.”
On June 18, Mr. Chen drove from Plano to Sheppard Air Force Base in Wichita Falls with the intention of meeting a dad who was offering up his 12-year-old daughter for sex. When Mr. Chen arrived at the address provided by undercover officers, he was intercepted by law enforcement and taken into custody.
Mr. Chen now faces up to life in federal prison. His sentencing is set for February 12, 2021 before U.S. District Judge Reed O’Connor in Wichita Falls.
This case was investigated by the Air Force Office of Special Investigations and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Brandie Wade and A. Saleem tried the case.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a Justice Department initiative designed to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse nationwide. The initiative pools 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.
Philadelphia man admits to firearms traffickingRead the Press Release
MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Marcellos Carey Edens, of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, has admitted to an illegal firearms distribution operation, U.S. Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Edens, also known as “Camo,” 35, pled guilty to one count of “Conspiracy” involving the illegal purchase and transfer of firearms from Berkeley County to Pennsylvania in December 2019. Edens admitted to having others purchase firearms in Berkeley County, West Virginia, and then transport the firearms across state lines to him in Philadelphia.
Edens faces up to five years of incarceration and a fine of up to $250,000 for the conspiracy. 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.
The government is also seeking the forfeiture of several firearms and ammunition connected to this case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Lara Omps-Botteicher is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The Bureau for Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives and the Eastern Panhandle Drug & Violent Crimes Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, investigated.
These charges are the result of investigations supported by the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF). OCDETF was established in 1982 to conduct comprehensive, multilevel attacks on major drug trafficking and money laundering organizations and is the keystone of the Department of Justice’s drug reduction strategy. Today, OCDETF combines the resources and expertise of its member federal agencies in cooperation with state and local law enforcement. The principal mission of the OCDETF program is to identify, disrupt, and dismantle the most serious drug trafficking organizations, transnational criminal organizations, and money laundering organizations that present a significant threat to the public safety, economic, or national security of the United States.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Robert W. Trumble presided.
Passaic County Man Admits Participating in Heroin ConspiracyRead the Press Release
NEWARK, N.J. – A Passaic County, New Jersey, man today admitted conspiring to distribute heroin and to distributing a quantity of fentanyl, U.S. Attorney Craig Carpenito announced.
Cequan Wharton, 26, of Paterson, New Jersey, pleaded guilty by videoconference before U.S. District Judge Brian R. Martinotti to an information charging him with conspiracy to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute heroin and knowingly and intentionally distributing fentanyl.
According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:
Wharton and his conspirators are members and associates of the 230 Boys street gang, which operates primarily around Rosa Parks Boulevard and Godwin Avenue in Paterson. Through numerous controlled purchases of narcotics, consensually recorded telephone calls and text messages, physical surveillance, and the analysis of telephone call detail records, law enforcement determined that from at least September 2018 through Oct. 1, 2019, Wharton and his conspirators conspired to distribute narcotics, including heroin and fentanyl.
Each count of the information carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a fine of $1 million. Sentencing is scheduled for Feb. 4, 2021.
This case is being conducted under the auspices of the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF). The principal mission of the OCDETF program is to identify, disrupt and dismantle the most serious drug trafficking, weapons trafficking and money laundering organizations, and those primarily responsible for the nation’s illegal drug supply.
U.S. Attorney Carpenito credited special agents and task force officers with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Newark Division, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Charlie J. Patterson; special agents of the Drug Enforcement Administration, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Susan A. Gibson in Newark; officers of the N.J. State Police, under the direction of Col. Patrick J. Callahan; officers of the Paterson Police Department, under the direction of Director Jerry Speziale and Police Chief Ibrahim Baycora; detectives of the Passaic County Prosecutor’s Office, under the direction of Prosecutor Camelia Valdes; and the Passaic County Sheriff's Office, under the direction of Sheriff Richard H. Berdnik, with the investigation leading to the charges. He also thanked the U.S. Marshals Service, the Bergen County Sheriff's Office and the Belleville and Livingston police departments for their assistance with the case.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Francesca Liquori, of the Organized Crime and Gangs Unit.
Owner of Pharmacies Sentenced to 30 Months in Prison for Conspiracy to Defraud IRSRead the Press Release
TRENTON, N.J. – The owner of several retail pharmacies, including a pharmacy in Piscataway, New Jersey, was sentenced today to 30 months of prison for conspiring to defraud the IRS, U.S. Attorney Craig Carpenito announced.
Rao Desu, 53, of Warren, New Jersey, was previously convicted on all counts of the indictment against him: two counts of conspiracy to defraud the IRS and four counts of aiding and assisting in subscribing to false tax returns, following a two-week trial before U.S. District Judge Michael A. Shipp in Trenton federal court. Judge Shipp imposed the sentence today in Trenton federal court.
According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:
Desu was a 50 percent owner in DVS Pharma Inc., (d/b/a Heights Pharmacy), a retail pharmacy in Piscataway. Darshna Desai was the other 50 percent owner and worked as the lead pharmacist. From April 2004 through November 2013, Desu conspired with Desai to conceal from the IRS the cash income that was earned by the pharmacy as part of a cash-skimming scheme. In particular, Desu’s relative, who assisted at times in the operation of several of Desu’s businesses, instructed Desai to separate the cash earned by Heights Pharmacy from other income received, remove a portion of the cash that was paid to Desai as cash salary, and then split the remainder in two, with one portion given to Desu and the other portion given to Desai.
Desu was also a 50 percent owner of Manvihar Pharmacy (d/b/a Arthur Avenue Pharmacy) in Bronx, New York. The other 50 percent owner in Arthur Avenue Pharmacy worked at Arthur Avenue Pharmacy as the lead pharmacist. From June 2005 through November 2013, Desu conspired with the co-owner to conceal from the IRS the cash income that was earned by the pharmacy as part of a separate cash-skimming scheme. Specifically, Desu instructed the co-owner to separate the cash earned by Arthur Avenue Pharmacy from other income received, and to split the cash in two, giving half to Desu and giving half to the co-owner.
For tax years 2004 through 2012 Desu and Desai filed false corporate income tax returns, IRS Forms 1120S, for Heights Pharmacy, which failed to disclose the cash that Desai received in salary and that was split between Desu and Desai. From tax year 2005 through 2012, Desu and the co-owner filed false IRS Forms 1120S for Arthur Avenue Pharmacy, which failed to disclose the cash that was split between Desu and co-owner. For tax years 2004 through 2012, Desu filed false personal income tax returns, IRS Forms 1040, which failed to disclose the cash that Desu received from both Heights Pharmacy and Arthur Avenue Pharmacy.
Desai pleaded guilty to conspiracy to defraud the IRS in 2014 and is awaiting sentencing.
In addition to the prison term, Judge Shipp sentenced Desu to two years of supervised release, fined him $15,000 and ordered restitution of $459,075.
U.S. Attorney Carpenito credited special agents of IRS-Criminal Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Michael Montanez, with the investigation leading to today’s sentencing. He also thanked special agents of the U.S. Department of Justice, Office of Inspector General, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Guido Modano, New York Field Office, for their role in the investigation.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Elaine K. Lou of the Special Prosecutions Division.
Operation X-Nation Update: Pennsylvania Man Sentenced to Prison for Federal Drug CrimeRead the Press Release
BLUEFIELD, W.Va. – A Pennsylvania man was sentenced to federal prison for his participation in a drug trafficking organization (DTO) operating in Mercer County, announced United States Attorney Mike Stuart. Alonzo Wooden, 44, of Macungie, Pennsylvania, was sentenced to 12 months in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release, for conspiring to distribute cocaine and oxymorphone. Wooden was charged as a result of a long-term, multi-state investigation known as Operation X-Nation.
“The takedown of this DTO snared drug traffickers from Pennsylvania, New York and West Virginia,” said United States Attorney Mike Stuart. “All drug traffickers are treated the same in my district. If we catch you peddling your poisons, putting West Virginia children and families in danger, you will be prosecuted.”
Wooden previously admitted at a plea hearing in June of this year, that between August 2017 and August 31, 2019, he participated in a DTO operating in Mercer County. During this time period, Wooden worked with other members of the DTO to distribute prescription pills and cocaine in and around Mercer County. More specifically, Wooden admitted to selling oxymorphone pills and cocaine to individuals he now knows were working as confidential informants. Wooden admitted that the informants would call another member of the DTO who would then direct the informants to meet Wooden or other members of the DTO at a specific location. The locations were different trailer parks in Princeton where the other member owned several trailers. When the informants arrived, Wooden sold cocaine on at least one occasion and oxymorphone on three separate occasions.
The investigation was conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and the Southern Regional Drug and Violent Crime Task Force, which is composed of officers from the West Virginia State Police, the Mercer County Sheriff’s Department, the Princeton Police Department and the Bluefield Police Department.
Senior United States District Judge David A. Faber imposed the sentence. Assistant United States Attorney Timothy D. Boggess 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. 1:19-cr-00307.
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Op Wu Block Defendants Sentenced to Prison for Distributing MethRead the Press Release
MACON – Three defendants guilty of distributing methamphetamine in the Northeast Georgia region, arrested during the large-scale “Operation Wu Block” investigation, were sentenced to federal prison Tuesday, said Charlie Peeler, the U.S. Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia.
U.S. District Judge C. Ashley Royal sentenced Jennifer Gee, 33, of Athens-Clarke County to 120 months in prison and three years of supervised release; Latasha Bishop, 33, of Athens-Clarke County to 27 months in prison and three years of supervised release; and Angela Fain, 48, of Franklin County, Georgia to 24 months of prison and three years supervised release. All three defendants previously entered guilty pleas in separate cases to one count possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. There is no parole in the federal system.
“Criminals caught pushing methamphetamine in our communities are facing the possibility of federal prosecution and federal prison, where there is no parole,” said U.S. Attorney Charlie Peeler. “I want to commend our law enforcement partners who make up the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force for working relentlessly to unravel meth distribution enterprises in the Middle District of Georgia.”
“Operation Wu Block” is a multi-year Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) investigation conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Macon Resident Office, FBI Middle Georgia Safe Streets Gang Task Force, Athens-Clarke County Police Department, Clarke County Sheriff’s Office, Hart County Sheriff’s Office, Madison County Sheriff’s Office, Oconee County Sheriff’s Office, Oglethorpe County Sheriff’s Office, Georgia Department of Corrections and Northeast Regional Drug Task Force in partnership with the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Georgia. “Operation Wu Block” resulted in the seizure of more than 58 kilograms of methamphetamine, more than two kilograms of heroin, 31 firearms and $56,000.
“Operation Wu Block” is part of the larger “Operation Crystal Shield,” a national DEA operation first announced on February 20, 2020 during a press conference in Atlanta. The investigation is focused on eight main methamphetamine trafficking transportation hubs across the nation, including Atlanta. Both are on-going operations. Assistant U.S. Attorney Tamara Jarrett is prosecuting cases arising from this investigation 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.
Omaha Woman Sentenced to 96 Months for Drug and Money Laundering ConspiraciesRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Joe Kelly announced that Autumn Lynn Vanosdol, 52, of Omaha, Nebraska, was sentenced today by United States District Judge Brian C. Buescher for conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine and for conspiracy to launder the proceeds from the drug conspiracy. Vanosdol received a sentence of 96 months with a five-year term of supervised release to follow. There is no parole in the federal system.
In mid-2017, a Drug Enforcement Administration led task force initiated Operation Dog Pound, which was a drug interdiction effort focused on an Omaha drug trafficking organization. Court-authorized phone and text messaging intercepts established that Vanosdol, who was living in California at the time, sent multi-pound packages containing methamphetamine through the mail to the head of the organization, Keevan Dean. During the course of the investigation, several of the packages were intercepted by law enforcement. Vanosdol was held accountable for sending a total of 26 pounds of methamphetamine to Dean.
Vanosdol was also intercepted on her phone making arrangements with Dean to have money wired or deposited into various accounts in an attempt to conceal the proceeds of the drug transactions.
Dean was convicted of drug and money laundering conspiracies and is set for sentencing on November 18, 2020.
This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, Nebraska State Patrol, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Omaha Police Department, Bellevue Police Department, U.S. Postal Inspection Service, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
Ohio Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Fentanyl TraffickingRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – An Ohio man was sentenced to federal prison today, announced United States Attorney Mike Stuart. Robert Lamar Bates-Porter, 33, of Columbus, Ohio, was sentenced to 154 months in prison, followed by five years of supervised release after pleading guilty to possession with intent to distribute more than 400 grams of fentanyl.
“The package received by Bates-Porter contained a kilogram of deadly fentanyl. If not seized by law enforcement, this amount of fentanyl could have killed up to 500,000 people,” said United States Attorney Mike Stuart. “Bates-Porter is a repeat offender that had returned to drug trafficking while still on supervised release from a prior conviction. My team worked closely with West Virginia and Ohio law enforcement authorities to ensure this dangerous drug trafficker would no longer wreak havoc in our communities.”
During the late summer of 2019, the Washington County, Ohio Major Crimes Task Force (MCTF) was investigating a drug trafficking organization (DTO) that was bringing fentanyl and heroin from Columbus, Ohio to be distributed in and around Marietta, Ohio and Parkersburg, West Virginia. MCTF joined forces with the Parkersburg Narcotics Task Force (PNTF) to investigate the organization. Investigators identified Bates-Porter as a key member of the organization. In September 2019, Bates-Porter ordered a package of drugs to be delivered to a residence on Roselynne Avenue in Parkersburg. The package was delivered on September 12, 2019. Bates-Porter drove from Columbus to Parkersburg and arrived at Roselynne Avenue after midnight on September 13, 2019. Shortly thereafter, PNTF personnel executed a search warrant at the residence where they found Bates-Porter in the basement preparing to open the drug package. Officers seized the package which contained a kilogram of fentanyl. Later the same day, police in Columbus, Ohio executed a search warrant at Bates-Porter’s residence where they seized approximately 260 grams of heroin, 94 grams of cocaine, and a small quantity of a mixture of heroin and fentanyl.
At the time of his arrest, Bates-Porter was on federal supervised release for a 2014 conviction in the Southern District of West Virginia for possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking. At the plea hearing, he admitted that he took possession of the package and intended to distribute the drugs inside which he claimed to believe was heroin.
The Washington County Major Crimes Task Force, the Parkersburg Narcotics Task Force, the United States Postal Inspection Service, and the Columbus, Ohio Police Department conducted the investigation. Senior United States District Judge John T. Copenhaver, Jr. imposed the sentence. Assistant United States Attorney Joshua C. Hanks 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 Nos. 2:20-cr-00080 and 2:14-cr-00052.
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Ohio Man Indicted for Failure to Register as Sex OffenderRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a Dayton, Ohio, man was charged in federal district court with Failure to Register as a Sex Offender.
Shawn Kerns, age 41, was indicted on September 9, 2020. Kerns appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Daneta Wollmann on September 16, 2020, and pleaded not guilty to the Indictment. The maximum penalty upon conviction is up to 10 years in federal prison and/or a $250,000 fine, 5 years of supervised release, and $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Restitution may also be ordered.
Kerns was convicted of Gross Sexual Imposition in July 2012. As a result of the conviction, he is required to register as a sex offender for life. The Indictment alleges between November 11, 2019, and continuing through the date of Indictment, Kerns failed to properly register as a sex offender and update his registration. The charge is merely an accusation and Kerns is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
The investigation is being conducted by the U.S. Marshals Service, the Rapid City Police Department, the Pennington County Sheriff’s Office, and the Oglala Sioux Tribe Department of Public Safety. Assistant U.S. Attorney Eric Kelderman is prosecuting the case.
Kerns was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service pending trial. A trial date has not been set.
Nigerian Man Sentenced to Three Years in Prison for Computer Hacking Scheme that Targeted Government EmployeesRead the Press Release
NEWARK, N.J. – A Nigerian national was sentenced today to 36 months in prison for his role in a computer hacking and identity theft scheme that defrauded vendors of nearly $1 million of office products after “phishing” e-mail login information from government employees, U.S. Attorney Craig Carpenito announced.
Olumide Ogunremi, a/k/a “Tony Williams,” 43, previously pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Susan B. Wigenton in Newark federal court to an indictment charging him with one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud. Judge Wigenton imposed the sentence today by video conference.
According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:
From at least July 2013 through December 2013, Ogunremi and others perpetrated a computer hacking and theft scheme on U.S. government agencies’ email systems and General Services Administration vendors. The ring employed “phishing” attacks, which used fraudulent e-mails and websites that mimicked the legitimate e-mails and web pages of U.S. government agencies including the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Unwitting employees of the agencies visited the fake web pages and provided their e-mail account usernames and passwords.
Ogunremi and his conspirators used these stolen credentials to access the employees’ e-mail accounts in order to place fraudulent orders for office products, typically printer toner cartridges, in the employees’ names from vendors who were authorized to do business with U.S. government agencies. Ogunremi and his conspirators directed the vendors to ship the fraudulent orders to individuals located in New Jersey and elsewhere to be repackaged and ultimately shipped to overseas locations, which were controlled by Ogunremi and his conspirators. Once the orders were received in Nigeria, Ogunremi and his conspirators sold the toner cartridges to another individual on the black market for profit.
Ogunremi had been scheduled to enter a guilty plea to an information charging him with conspiracy to commit wire fraud in March 2018, but fled to Canada. He was extradited from Canada to New Jersey on Sept. 26, 2019.
On June 10, 2014, Abiodun Adejohn, a/k/a “James Williams,” 36, of Nigeria, pleaded guilty to one count of wire fraud conspiracy and was sentenced in 2015 to three years in prison.
In addition to the prison term, Judge Wigenton sentenced Ogunremi to two years of supervised release and ordered him to pay restitution of $68,618.
U.S. Attorney Carpenito praised special agents of the Environmental Protection Agency – Office of Inspector General, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Christopher Gaffney; General Services Administration – Office of Inspector General, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Jamie Willemin; Department of Commerce – Office of Inspector General, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Duane Townsend; Department of Defense Cyber Field Office, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Jeffery Thorpe; and the FBI, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge George M. Crouch Jr. in Newark, with the investigation leading to Ogunremi’s sentencing.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Sophie E. Reiter, of the U.S. Attorney’s Office Violent Crimes Unit in Newark.
New York Man Charged with Attempted Illegal Sexual Conduct with a MinorRead the Press Release
TRENTON, N.J. – A New York man was arrested today after travelling from New York to New Jersey to meet an individual, whom he believed was a 13-year old girl, for sex, U.S Attorney Craig Carpenito announced.
Eduardo Silva, 42, of Bronx, New York, is charged in a three-count complaint with enticing a minor to engage in sexual activity, travelling from New York to New Jersey for the purpose of engaging in unlawful sexual conduct, and sending obscene materials over the Internet. He appeared today by videoconference before U.S. Magistrate Judge Zahid N. Quraishi and was detained.
According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:
On Sept. 5, 2020, Silva, while using an online social media application, sent a message to an individual he believed was an underage girl, but who was actually an undercover federal agent. Silva asked whether the minor was “into older guys” and over the course of the next several days sent a series of online communications and text messages, discussing his intent to travel and engage in sexual activity. He also sent sexually explicit images of his genitals to the individual, whom he believed was a minor. On Sept. 23, 2020, Silva was arrested when he travelled to a motel in Bordentown, New Jersey, intending to meet a 13-year-old girl for sex.
The charge of using a facility of interstate commerce to entice a minor to engage in sexual activity carries a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years in prison and a maximum sentence of life in prison; the charge of travel with the intent to engage in illicit sexual conduct with a minor carries a maximum sentence of 30 years in prison; and the charge of using the internet to transfer obscene matters to an individual who had not attained the age of 16 carries a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison. The charges also each carry a maximum fine of $250,000 per count.
U.S. Attorney Carpenito credited special agents of the Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations, Cherry Hill, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Jason J. Molina, with the investigation that led to Silva’s arrest. U.S. Attorney Carpenito also thanked the Burlington County Prosecutor’s Office and the Bordentown Township Police Department for their assistance in the investigation.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Ray Mateo of the U.S. Attorney’s Office Criminal Division in Trenton.
If you have information regarding the pending prosecution, or you believe you or someone you know may have been victimized by the defendant, the Department of Homeland Security requests that you contact them at 1-866-347-2423. Identified victims may be eligible for certain services and rights under federal and state law.
The charges and allegations contained in the complaint are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
New York Couple Pleads Guilty to Federal Charges in $4 Million Extortion SchemeRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Archie Kaslov, 54, and Candy Evans, 51, of New York, N.Y., pled guilty today to federal charges related to their roles in a wide-ranging fraud, extortion, and money laundering scheme, which involved one of their sons pretending to be a New York mobster in order to get a Maryland man to embezzle more than $4 million from his employer in Washington, D.C. The announcement was made by Acting U.S. Attorney Michael R. Sherwin and Robert E. Bornstein, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Washington Field Office Criminal Division.
In April 2018, a federal grand jury indicted Kaslov; Candy Evans; their sons Tony John Evans, Corry Blue Evans, and Robert Evans; and Robert Evans’ common-law ex-wife Gina Russell on various charges related to the extortion scheme.
As part of the scheme, a New York woman conspired with Kaslov, Candy Evans, Tony John Evans, Corry Blue Evans, Robert Evans, and Russell to extort money and gold bars from the Maryland man, which caused the Maryland man to embezzle funds from his employer between January 2017 and March 2017, and which he converted to cash and gold bars. The Maryland man delivered the money and gold bars to New York drop-off locations, including a hotel room, believing the funds were going to mobsters to whom the New York woman owed money. In reality, all of the funds he embezzled and delivered to New York went to members of the Evans-Kaslov family.
Kaslov pled guilty to conspiracy to commit wire fraud, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 371. As part of his guilty plea, he admitted that he drove members of his family around New York with cash obtained from the scheme. On one such occasion, he drove to the New York diamond district on 47th Street where he and family members spent tens of thousands of dollars in criminal proceeds from the scheme on watches, including Rolexes. Kaslov also admitted that, after the Maryland man delivered approximately $2 million in gold bars to Tony John Evans and other individuals, Kaslov and others turned around and sold the gold bars for cash. Kaslov also traveled to Texas in May 2017 with a family member, where the two paid more than $300,000 in cash, the majority of which was proceeds from the scheme, to purchase a Rolls Royce Phantom Drophead from a car dealer. In January 2020, Kaslov and Candy Evans sold that Rolls Royce in New Jersey for $120,000.
Candy Evans pled guilty to tampering with a witness by corrupt persuasion or misleading conduct, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 1512(b)(3). As part of her guilty plea, she admitted that once the FBI launched its investigation, she counseled the New York woman whom the Maryland man met on Backpage to lie to people, including the FBI. In April 2017, Candy Evans, believing that married individuals could not be compelled to testify against each other, advised the New York woman and Russell to get married to prevent such testimony about the scheme in Court. The New York woman and Russell married at City Hall in New York. Candy Evans further panicked and wanted a letter that would exonerate her, Kaslov, and their three sons from any involvement in the scheme to get money from the Maryland man. Thus, she directed Russell and the New York woman to sign a handwritten, notarized confession attempting to fully implicate themselves and to exonerate Candy Evans, Kaslov, and their sons. Later that month, when the New York woman was scheduled to meet with the FBI, Candy Evans counseled the woman to lie by telling the FBI that there actually never had been an extortion scheme and that the Maryland man had invented the entire thing about mobsters to justify why he embezzled money from his employer. In October 2017, two days after the FBI executed search warrants at various Evans-Kaslov family members’ residences, Candy Evans called an FBI special agent who was investigating the case and told him that Kaslov and two of her other sons had not done anything illegal, which she acknowledged was false, and that it was just Tony John Evans, Russell, and the New York woman who had committed the crimes. In November 2017, prior to Russell’s interview with the FBI, Candy Evans also instructed Russell to lie to the FBI.
The maximum sentence for Kaslov’s charge, conspiracy to commit wire fraud, is five years in prison. The maximum sentence for tampering with a witness is twenty years in prison. Under federal sentencing guidelines, however, the likely recommended sentence for Kaslov is 30 to 37 months in prison. Candy Evans’ likely recommended sentence is 12 to 18 months’ imprisonment. As part of his plea agreement, Kaslov agreed to forfeit certain property that was seized as part of the government’s investigation. Candy Evans also agreed not to challenge the forfeiture of certain items of property seized by the government.
In September 2018, Tony John Evans pled guilty to interference with interstate commerce by extortion. The Honorable Emmet G. Sullivan, the District Court judge presiding over the case, sentenced him to five years in prison. In July 2019, Russell pled guilty to that same offense. She awaits sentencing. Charges remain outstanding against Robert Evans and Corry Blue Evans.
In announcing the guilty pleas, Acting U.S. Attorney Sherwin and Acting Special Agent in Charge Bornstein commended the work of those who investigated the case from the FBI’s Washington Field Office Criminal Division. They expressed appreciation for assistance provided by the U.S. Department of Justice Office of the Inspector General. They also acknowledged the efforts of those who worked on the case from the U.S. Attorney’s Office, including Assistant U.S. Attorneys Diane Lucas and Arvind Lal, who are assisting with forfeiture issues, Paralegal Specialist Stephanie Frijas, former Paralegal Specialists Brittany Phillips, Joshua Fein, Jessica Mundi, and Kristy Penny, and Forensic Accountant Bryan Snitselaar.
Finally, they commended the work of Assistant U.S. Attorneys David Kent and Kondi Kleinman, who investigated and are prosecuting the case.
New Haven Man Sentenced to 5 Years in Prison for Federal Gun Possession OffenseRead the Press Release
John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that SHANNON WICKER, also known as “Bishop,” 34, of New Haven, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Jeffrey A. Meyer in New Haven to 60 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for possessing a firearm in association with his drug trafficking activity.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on October 16, 2019, law enforcement in New Haven conducted a court-authorized search of a Chapel Street apartment and found a loaded .45 caliber semi-automatic pistol; quantities of heroin, cocaine, crack cocaine and marijuana; items used to process and package narcotics for street sale, and other items. Wicker, who was present during the search, was arrested on related state charges at that time.
Wicker’s criminal history includes multiple state felony convictions, including convictions for weapon in a motor vehicle, sale of illegal hallucinogens or narcotics, sale of a controlled substance, possession of narcotics, tampering with evidence, and failure to appear.
Wicker has been detained since his federal arrest on November 6, 2019. On January 15, 2020, he pleaded guilty to one count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking offense.
This matter was investigated by the New Haven Police Department, Connecticut State Police, Connecticut Department of Correction, and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Margaret M. Donovan.
This prosecution 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 neighborhoods safer for everyone.