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15 September 2020
Sioux Falls Man Indicted for AssaultRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a Sioux Falls, South Dakota, man has been indicted by a federal grand jury for Assault by Strangulation and Suffocation.
Daniel James Farmer, age 24, was indicted on October 16, 2019. He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno on September 11, 2020, and pled not guilty to the Indictment.
The maximum penalty upon conviction is up to 10 years in federal prison and/or a $250,000 fine, 3 years of supervised release, and $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Restitution may also be ordered.
The Indictment alleges that on July 5, 2017, and again on December 10, 2017, in Todd County, South Dakota, Farmer unlawfully committed a domestic assault against his intimate partner by strangling and suffocating her.
The charges are merely accusations and Farmer is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
The investigation is being conducted by the Rosebud Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kirk Albertson is prosecuting the case.
Farmer was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service pending trial. A trial date has not been set.
Rosebud Women Indicted on Child Abuse ChargesRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that two Rosebud, South Dakota, women have been indicted by a federal grand jury for Child Abuse, and one of the women additionally charged for Assault With a Dangerous Weapon.
Samantha Taylor Jones, age 27, and Valarie Jean Crazy Bull, age 63, were both indicted on September 9, 2020. They both appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno on September 11, 2020, and pled not guilty to the Indictment.
The maximum penalty upon conviction for Child Abuse is up to 15 years in federal prison and/or a $250,000 fine, 3 years of supervised release, and $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Restitution may also be ordered.
The maximum penalty upon conviction for Assault With a Dangerous Weapon is up to 10 years in federal prison and/or a $250,000 fine, 3 years of supervised release, and $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Restitution may also be ordered.
The Indictment alleges that on August 11, 2019, Jones and Crazy Bull abused, exposed, tortured, tormented, and cruelly punished a child. The Indictment further alleges that Crazy Bull assaulted an individual with an umbrella with intent to due bodily harm.
The charges are merely accusations and Jones and Crazy Bull are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
The investigation is being conducted by the Rosebud Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services. Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael J. Elmore is prosecuting the case.
Jones and Crazy Bull were released on bond pending trial. A trial date has not been set.
Raytown Man Charged with Drug Trafficking, Illegal FirearmsRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, Mo. – A Raytown, Missouri, man has been charged in federal court with drug trafficking and illegally possessing a firearm after selling a stolen handgun to an undercover federal agent.
Antonio Johnson, 18, was charged in a two-count complaint filed under seal in the U.S. District Court in Kansas City, Mo., on Sept. 3, 2020. The complaint was unsealed and made public following Johnson’s arrest and initial court appearance on Friday, Sept. 11.
The federal criminal complaint charges Johnson with one count of distributing marijuana and one count of possessing a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking.
According to an affidavit filed in support of the federal criminal complaint, an undercover federal agent arranged four controlled purchases of marijuana from Johnson in July and August 2020. When Johnson met the undercover agent for the first transaction, he was armed with a pistol placed between the driver’s seat and center console of the vehicle he was driving, and a black rifle sitting on the lap of a passenger in the vehicle.
On Aug. 31, 2020, the undercover federal agent contacted Johnson and told him she wanted to purchase a pistol from him, and they agreed on a price of $450. On Sept. 1, 2020, Johnson allegedly met the undercover agent at his apartment and handed her a Glock 9mm semi-automatic handgun and a baggie that contained 29 grams of marijuana for which she paid a total of $680. Johnson allegedly agreed to get her more firearms. The pistol had been stolen from the personal vehicle of a Grain Valley, Missouri, police officer in August 2020.
The charges contained in this complaint are simply accusations, and not evidence of guilt. Evidence supporting the charges must be presented to a federal trial jury, whose duty is to determine guilt or innocence.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Trey Alford. It was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
Operation LeGend
Operation LeGend is a federal partnership with local law enforcement to address the increase in homicides and violent crime in Kansas City, Mo., in 2020. The operation honors the memory of four-year-old LeGend Taliferro, one of the youngest fatalities during a record-breaking year of homicides and shootings. Additional federal agents were assigned to the operation from the FBI, Drug Enforcement Administration, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the U.S. Marshals Service.RGV felons heading back to prison for possessing firearmRead the Press Release
McALLEN, Texas - Two men have been sentenced to federal prison following their convictions of being previously convicted felons in possession of a firearm, announced U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Patrick.
Benny Guadalupe Garcia, 34, Weslaco, and Rodolfo Rodriguez Jr., 26, Edinburg, pleaded guilty Jan. 30, and Jan. 21, respectively.
Today, U.S. District Judge Randy Crane sentenced Garcia to 30 months in prison, while Rodriguez received a 70-month term. Both will also be ordered to serve three years of supervised release following their sentences. At the hearing, the court noted the serious nature of the offense given both men’s criminal histories. Specifically, Rodriguez has previous convictions for aggravated robbery stemming from two incidents in downtown McAllen as well as five vehicle burglary convictions, among others. Garcia was previously convicted of two burglaries of a habitation as well as multiple assaults and possession of controlled substances. In handing down the sentence, Judge Crane noted both men’s involvement in gang activity and the serious nature of possessing a firearm with an obliterated serial number.
“Removing guns from the hands of violent, multi-convicted felons remains the focus of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF),” said ATF Special Agent in Charge Fred Milanowski.
On Nov. 26, 2019, law enforcement conducting patrol near Edinburg had pulled a vehicle over for a traffic violation. Garcia was driving with Rodriguez as the front passenger. Upon searching the vehicle, authorities found a .45 caliber semi-automatic handgun with an obliterated serial number and hollow-tip ammunition in the console.
As both men have previous felony convictions, they are prohibited by federal law of possessing firearms or ammunition.
They ultimately admitted to being felons in possession of the firearm found in the vehicle.
Garcia and Rodriguez have been and will remain in custody pending transfer to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future.
ATF conducted the investigation with the assistance of the Edinburg Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew Redavid prosecuted the case.
Quantadyn Corporation and Owner Settle False Claims Act Allegations of Bribery to Obtain Government Contracts for SimulatorsRead the Press Release
The Department of Justice announced today that QuantaDyn Corporation (QuantaDyn), headquartered in Ashburn, Virginia, has agreed to resolve civil claims arising from allegations that it engaged in a bribery scheme to steer government contracts for training simulators to the company, as part of a broader settlement that includes a guilty plea by the company. As part of the plea agreement, QuantaDyn has agreed to pay $37,757,713.91 in restitution, which also will resolve the company’s civil False Claims Act liability for the scheme. William T. Dunn Jr., the majority owner, President, and Chief Executive Officer of QuantaDyn, has separately paid $500,000 to resolve his personal False Claims Act liability.
“When government contractors pay bribes to military contracting officials to obtain contracts, they prevent both our military and the American taxpayers from receiving products that are procured fairly and objectively and at a reasonable price,” said Acting Assistant Attorney General Jeffrey Bossert Clark for the Department of Justice’s Civil Division. “Today’s settlement demonstrates our continuing commitment to protecting the integrity of the government’s procurement process and ensuring that is untainted by fraud and corruption.”
“I am proud that our team and our law-enforcement partners were able to obtain justice for the American taxpayer in this case. We will not tolerate fraud against important federal programs,” stated U.S. Attorney John F. Bash for the Western District of Texas.
“The integrity of GSA’s contracting is vital to good government,” said U.S. General Services Administration (GSA) Inspector General Carol Ochoa. “Our special agents have been tireless in investigating corruption, and we will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to vigorously prosecute it wherever we find it.”
Founded in 2000, QuantaDyn is a privately held software engineering firm specializing in developing training simulation systems for Department of Defense agencies, including the Air Force and the Air National Guard, both as a prime contractor and a subcontractor.
The civil settlement announced today, which was based on the company and Dunn’s ability to pay, resolves allegations that QuantaDyn, during the time period when Dunn was President, engaged in a bribery scheme to steer the award of government contracts for training simulators to QuantaDyn. The United States alleged that while Dunn was QuantaDyn’s President, the company formed a corrupt partnership with an Air Force contracting official who provided procurement-sensitive information to QuantaDyn during the pre- and post-award phases of the contract in exchange for bribes. The United States contended that, as a result of this scheme, QuantaDyn caused a prime contractor to submit false invoices to the United States.
Contemporaneous with the civil settlement, U.S. Attorney John F. Bash for the Western District of Texas announced that the United States and QuantaDyn have entered into a plea agreement to resolve criminal allegations related to the bribery scheme. On Jan. 15, 2020, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Texas unsealed indictments against QuantaDyn, the former Air Force contracting official, and other individuals. Under the plea agreement, QuantaDyn has agreed to plead guilty to conspiracy to commit wire fraud, serve a five-year term of probation and to take certain remedial measures, and pay $37,757,713.91 in restitution, a criminal penalty of $6,300,000, and forfeiture of $7,099,863.77.
This civil settlement was the result of a coordinated effort among the Civil Division’s Commercial Litigation Branch; the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Texas; the GSA Office of Inspector General (OIG), Greater Southwest and Rocky Mountain Investigations Division; the Defense Criminal Investigative Service (DCIS), Southwest Field Office; the U.S. Air Force Office of Special Investigations (AFOSI), Procurement Fraud Detachment 3 in San Antonio; the U.S. Army Criminal Investigation Command, Major Procurement Fraud Unit (CID/MPFU), Southwestern Fraud Field Office; the Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI); and the Defense Contract Audit Agency (DCAA), Headquarters, Operations Investigative Support Division (OIS).
Except as admitted in the plea agreement, the claims resolved by the civil settlement are allegations only and there has been no determination of liability.
Prince George's County Serial Bank Robber Sentenced to More Than Seven Years in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
Greenbelt, Maryland – U.S. District Judge Theodore D. Chuang today sentenced Marquis Von Clemons, age 38, of Langley Park, Maryland, to 92 months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release, for bank robbery. Judge Chuang also entered an order requiring Clemons to forfeit and to pay restitution in the amount of $5,080.
The sentence was announced by United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Robert K. Hur; Special Agent in Charge Jennifer C. Boone of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Baltimore Field Office; and Interim Chief Hector Velez of the Prince George’s County Police Department.
According to Clemons’ plea agreement, on February 13, 2019, Clemons entered a bank in Hyattsville, approached the teller and passed the teller a note stating, “I have a gun, do not say anything.” Fearing for her safety, the teller gave Clemons cash from the teller drawer. Clemons then fled the bank with the money and note. Surveillance cameras captured a masked Clemons in the bank, as well as his flight from the bank, during which Clemons discarded his mask and some of the distinctive clothes worn during the robbery. Law enforcement recovered the clothing a short time later.
One week later, on February 19, 2019, Clemons entered the same bank wearing a mask and gloves. The bank security guard, who was hired after the February 13th robbery, confronted Clemons and ordered him to remove the mask. When Clemons did not remove his mask and instead attempted to reach into his pockets, the security guard, believing that Clemons was about to rob the bank, detained Clemons until law enforcement arrived. When officers arrived at the bank, they searched Clemons and found a note in his pocket stating that he had a gun and demanding money. When law enforcement questioned him, Clemons provided a fake name and social security number. Law enforcement subsequently confirmed his true identity through his fingerprints.
A search warrant was subsequently executed at Clemons’ residence and law enforcement recovered the distinctive hat and shoes worn during the robbery on February 13th. In addition, law enforcement subsequently recovered Clemons’ DNA from the clothing Clemons discarded during his flight from the February 13th bank robbery, as well as the distinctive hat and shoes recovered from Clemons’ residence.
Less than seven months before the robbery Clemons had been released from prison after serving a four year sentence for robbing the same bank.
United States Attorney Robert K. Hur praised the FBI and the Prince George’s Police Department for their work in the investigation. Mr. Hur thanked Assistant U.S. Attorneys Rajeev R. Raghavan and Dana J. Brusca, who prosecuted the case.
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President of Defunct New Jersey Marble and Granite Company Admits Role in $17 Million Bank FraudRead the Press Release
NEWARK, N.J. – The president of a now-defunct New Jersey-based marble and granite wholesaler today admitted his role in orchestrating and carrying out a scheme to defraud a bank in connection with a $17 million secured line of credit, U.S. Attorney Craig Carpenito announced.
Rajendra Kankariya, 61, of Tenafly, New Jersey, pleaded guilty by videoconference before U.S. District Judge Susan D. Wigenton to an information charging him with one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud affecting a financial institution.
According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:
From March 2016 through March 2018, Kankariya, the president and part owner of Lotus Exim International Inc. (LEI), conspired with other LEI employees to obtain from the victim bank a $17 million line of credit by fraudulent means. The victim bank extended LEI the line of credit, believing it to have been secured in part by LEI’s accounts receivable. In reality, Kankariya and his conspirators had fabricated or inflated many of the accounts receivable, ultimately leading to LEI defaulting on the line of credit.
In order to conceal the lack of sufficient collateral, LEI employees, with the knowledge and approval of Kankariya, created fake email addresses on behalf of LEI’s customers so they could pose as those customers and answer the victim bank’s and outside auditor’s inquiries about the accounts receivable. The scheme involved numerous fraudulent accounts receivable where the outstanding balances were either inflated or entirely fabricated. The scheme caused the victim bank losses of approximately $17 million.
The count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud affecting a financial institution to which Kankariya pleaded guilty carries a maximum potential penalty of 30 years in prison and a fine of $1 million. Kankariya is scheduled to be sentenced on Jan. 18, 2021.
U.S. Attorney Carpenito credited special agents of the FBI, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge George M. Crouch Jr. in Newark, with the investigation leading to today’s guilty plea.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Sammi Malek of the U.S. Attorney’s Office National Security Unit in Newark.
Possession of Firearm Leads to Time in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
SHREVEPORT, La. – Acting United States Attorney Alexander C. Van Hook announced that Kelvin Broadway, 26, of Shreveport, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Donald E. Walter for Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon. Broadway was sentenced to 57 months (4 years, 9 months) in prison, followed by 3 years of supervised release. Broadway pleaded guilty to the charge on April 24, 2020.
On January 6, 2019, Shreveport Police Department officers conducted a traffic stop on the vehicle in which Broadway was a front-seat passenger. Law enforcement officers found two loaded handguns inside a shopping bag that Broadway had possessed between his feet. Under federal law, it is illegal for anyone who has been convicted of a felony to be in possession of a firearm or ammunition.
Broadway has prior felony convictions in Caddo Parish, Louisiana, for felony theft (2011), possession of a controlled substance (2012), and illegally carrying of weapons while in possession of a controlled substance (2013).
The ATF and Shreveport Police Department conducted the investigation and Assistant United States Attorneys Mike Shannon and Tennille Gilreath prosecuted the case.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program that has been historically successful in bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make neighborhoods safer for everyone. To learn more about Project Safe Neighborhoods, go to www.justice.gov/psn.
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The year 2020 marks the 150th anniversary of the Department of Justice. Learn more about the history of our agency at www.Justice.gov/Celebrating150Years.
Porcupine Man Sentenced to 10 Years in Federal Prison for ManslaughterRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a Porcupine, South Dakota, man convicted of Voluntary Manslaughter was sentenced by Jeffrey L. Viken, U.S. District Judge.
Lawrence Pourier, a/k/a Larry Pourier, age 52, was sentenced on September 4, 2020, to 10 years in federal prison, followed by 3 years of supervised release, and was ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.
The conviction stems from Pourier repeatedly striking another man in the head with a pipe-like object, causing his death, in January 2020 near Porcupine.
The investigation was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Oglala Sioux Tribe Department of Public Safety. Assistant U.S. Attorney Benjamin Patterson prosecuted the case.
Pourier was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service to being serving his sentence.
Pittsburgh Siblings Charged with Conspiring to Steal Firearms from Federal Firearms LicenseesRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, PA – Three residents of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, have been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on a charge of conspiracy, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.
The three-count Indictment named brothers Jerwahn Atkins, age 23, Jerquay Atkins, age 25, and Jamir Atkins, age 21, all of Pittsburgh, PA 15212, as defendants.
According to the indictment, on or about May 30, 2020 and continuing until on or about May 31, 2020, Jerwahn, Jerquay and Jamir Atkins conspired to steal or unlawfully take from the premises of a person who is licensed to engage in the business of importing, manufacturing, or dealing in firearms any firearm in the licensee’s business inventory that has been shipped or transported in interstate or foreign commerce. According to the indictment, members of the conspiracy used a crowbar in an attempt to gain entry to Allegheny Arms, located on Library Road, in Bethel Park, PA and National Armory, located on Broadhead Road, in Moon Township, PA, using a getaway driver as a means to flee.
The law provides for a maximum total sentence of not more than five years in prison, a fine of $250,000 or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant United States Attorney Brendan J. McKenna is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The Federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives conducted the investigation leading to the Indictment in this case.
An indictment is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Pittsburgh Man Subject to Protection from Abuse Order Arrested in Oregon following Federal Indictment on Gun ChargeRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, PA - A resident of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on a federal firearms violation, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.
The one-count Indictment, which was filed on July 8, 2020 and unsealed today, named Joseph Plasan, 32, as the sole defendant. The U.S. Marshals Service arrested Plasan yesterday in Portland, Oregon.
According to the Indictment, on or about May 5, 2020 the defendant possessed a firearm and ammunition even though he knew that he was subject to a domestic violence protection order. A PFA in Pennsylvania provides that a person shall not "abuse, harass, stalk, threaten, or attempt or threaten to use physical force against" the persons protected by the order, including intimate partners and children. Federal law prohibits anyone who is subject to a PFA and anyone who has been convicted by crimes punishable by a year or more in prison from lawfully possessing a firearm or ammunition.
"We are committed to protecting victims and survivors of domestic violence," said U.S. Attorney Brady, who has been a member of Attorney General William Barr’s Domestic Violence Working Group since June of 2019. "Abusers with guns are five times more likely to kill their victims, so prosecuting those abusers and taking them off the streets is one of our top priorities. These are serious federal felony charges that, if proven, come with jail time and no possibility of parole."
The law provides for a maximum total sentence of 10 years in prison, a fine of $250,000 or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant. The defendant will be detained pending the resolution of the case.
Assistant United States Attorney Nicole Vasquez Schmitt, who serves as the office’s Domestic Violence Coordinator, is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives conducted the investigation leading to the Indictment in this case.
An indictment is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Pittsburgh Man Sentenced to 3½ Years for Conspiring to Distribute Crack CocaineRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH - A resident of Pittsburgh, PA, has been sentenced in federal court to 42 months’ imprisonment on his conviction of conspiracy to distribute and possession with intent to distribute crack cocaine, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.
Senior United States District Judge Arthur J. Schwab imposed the sentence on Cecil Howard, age 48.
According to information presented to the court, in 2017, the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Drug Enforcement Administration initiated a wiretap investigation, primarily targeting the GBK street gang and drug trafficking in and around an area known as the Greenway Projects, located in the West End of the City of Pittsburgh. The wiretap investigation revealed that from in and around November 2017 through in and around June 2018, Cecil Howard conspired to distribute over 28 grams of crack cocaine.
Prior to imposing sentence, Senior Judge Schwab stated that the sentence was sufficient but not greater than necessary to achieve the goals of sentencing.
Assistant United States Attorneys Tonya Sulia Goodman and Yvonne M. Saadi prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
United States Attorney Brady commended the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Drug Enforcement Administration jointly with the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police, Allegheny County Sheriff’s Office, Pennsylvania State Police, Robinson Township Police Department, Stowe Township Police Department, Pennsylvania Attorney General’s Office, Wilkinsburg Borough Police Department, and the McKees Rocks Police Department, for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Howard.
This case is part of the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force program, known as OCDETF. OCDETF was established in 1982 to support comprehensive investigations and prosecutions of major drug trafficking and money laundering organizations. It is the keystone of the drug reduction strategy of the Department of Justice. By combining the resources and expertise of federal agencies and their state and local law enforcement partners, OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the most serious drug trafficking, money laundering, and transnational criminal organizations.
Pine Ridge Man Charged with Aggravated Sexual Abuse of a MinorRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a Pine Ridge, South Dakota, man has been indicted by a federal grand jury for Aggravated Sexual Abuse, Sexual Abuse, and Sexual Abuse of a Minor.
Carl Francis Martin, a/k/a Roy Martin, age 20, appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Daneta Wollmann and pleaded not guilty to the Indictment.
The maximum penalty upon conviction is any term of imprisonment up to life in a federal prison and/or a $250,000 fine, up to life of supervised release, and $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Restitution may also be ordered.
The charges relate to Martin sexually abusing a female by force and at a time when she was incapable of declining participation in a sexual act, in January 2020 near Pine Ridge. Martin also sexually abused a minor, who was between the ages of 12 and 16, in September 2019 near Pine Ridge.
The charges are merely accusations and Martin is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
The investigation is being conducted by the Oglala Sioux Tribe Department of Public Safety and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Heather Sazama is prosecuting the case.
Martin was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service pending trial. A trial date has been set for November 10, 2020.
Peoria Man Sentenced to 20 Years in Prison for Heroin, Fentanyl Conspiracy, Possession with Intent to DistributeRead the Press Release
PEORIA, Ill. – A Peoria, Ill., man, David D. Major, 51, of the 1400 block of East Forrest Hill, has been sentenced to the maximum 20-year sentence for conspiracy to distribute heroin and fentanyl and with possession of heroin and fentanyl with the intent to distribute.
At Major’s sentencing hearing, on Sept. 14, 2020, U.S. District Judge James E. Shadid found that Major obstructed justice when he attempted to tamper with a witness prior to sentencing. Judge Shadid also determined that Major is a career offender with prior convictions including aggravated kidnapping and unlawful delivery of heroin.
At the sentencing hearing, the government presented evidence that an overdose death that occurred in Pekin, Ill, in December 2018, was connected to Major’s distribution of heroin and fentanyl. Evidence further established that Major purchased the heroin and fentanyl in Chicago and transported it to Peoria where he distributed it to customers. According to evidence presented, during February and March 2019, Major transferred nearly $10,000 to his drug supplier for the purchase of drugs.
On Oct. 11, 2019, Major pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute heroin in February and March 2019, and two counts of distribution of heroin in February 2019, in Tazewell and Peoria county.
The Drug Enforcement Administration and the Pekin Police Department investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Katherine G. Legge represented the government in the prosecution.
Operation Legend: Case of the DayRead the Press Release
Each weekday, the Department of Justice will highlight a case that has resulted from Operation Legend. Today’s case is out of the District of New Mexico. Operation Legend launched in Albuquerque on July 22, 2020, in response to the city facing increased homicide and non-fatal shooting rates.
United States vs. Eugene Samuel Ouzts III
“This case illustrates the need for our persistence and vigilance in the pursuit of justice,” said U.S. Attorney John Anderson for the District of New Mexico. “The perpetrators of dangerous crimes in Albuquerque and across the country have shown that they will take advantage of any crack they perceive in the system. We cannot and will not let down our guard.”
Eugene Samuel Ouzts III was charged in federal court in New Mexico on Sept. 1, 2020, with possession with intent to distribute 100 grams and more of heroin; possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking; and being a felon in possession of a firearm.
According to the charging document, on Aug. 23, 2020, local law enforcement conducted a traffic stop of a vehicle allegedly connected to an aggravated assault. Ouzts was identified as the driver of the vehicle, and upon being stopped, admitted to law enforcement that there was a firearm in the vehicle and that he was a convicted felon. Ouzts’ vehicle was then impounded pending a search warrant.
On Aug. 30, during a search of Ouzts’ vehicle, law enforcement seized a loaded silver Taurus PT 145 Pro pistol with one cartridge in the chamber and three clear baggies containing more than 169 grams of heroin.
It is alleged that while Ouzts’ vehicle was impounded between Aug. 23 and Aug. 30, Ouzts attempted to break into his vehicle at the impound lot and attempted to bribe employees in an attempt to get into his vehicle to retrieve the illicit drugs and firearm.
Because of a previous felony conviction punishable by more than one year in prison, Ouzts is prohibited from possessing firearms.
The details contained in the charging document are allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Background on Operation Legend
President Trump promised to assist America’s cities that have been plagued by violence. In July, Attorney General William P. Barr announced the launch of Operation Legend, a sustained, systematic and coordinated law enforcement initiative across all federal law enforcement agencies working in conjunction with state and local law enforcement officials to fight violent crime in cities across America that were experiencing an uptick in violence. Operation Legend is named after four-year-old LeGend Taliferro, who was shot and killed on June 29th in Kansas City, Missouri, while asleep in his home.Since its inception, Operation Legend has yielded more than 2000 local, state, and federal arrests, with more than 592 defendants charged with federal crimes.
Operation Legend was launched in Kansas City, Mo., on July 8, 2020, and expanded to Chicago and Albuquerque on July 22, 2020, to Cleveland, Detroit, and Milwaukee on July 29, 2020, to St. Louis and Memphis on Aug. 6, 2020, and to Indianapolis on Aug. 14, 2020. As part of Operation Legend, Attorney General Barr has directed federal agents from the FBI, U.S. Marshals Service, DEA and ATF to surge resources to these cities to help state and local officials fighting violent crime. The Department of Homeland Security is also contributing agents to these efforts in St. Louis.
Operation 'Black Phoenix' Leads to Federal Charges Against 25 Who Allegedly Engaged in Illegal Narcotics and Firearms SalesRead the Press Release
LOS ANGELES – Members of an FBI-led task force this morning arrested 18 individuals named in a series of federal indictments that allege narcotics trafficking and firearms offenses, including the illegal sale of five AR-15-style “ghost guns.”
Operation “Black Phoenix” resulted in seven indictments that were issued earlier this year by a federal grand jury. The indictments charge a total of 25 defendants, 18 of whom were arrested this morning, and four of whom were already in custody. Authorities continue their attempts to arrest the remaining three defendants.
During the course of the investigation, authorities seized approximately 28 pounds of methamphetamine, about a quarter-pound of cocaine and crack cocaine, and 16 firearms. Six of the indictments allege at least one transaction involving pound-quantities of methamphetamine. One of the indictments alleges a series of methamphetamine sales that include two one-pound deals and four two-pound transactions.
Two indictments allege illegal gun sales. Defendants Dau Quay Duong, 53, of Ontario, and Christopher Nguyen, 47, also of Ontario, are charged with illegal firearm sales for allegedly selling a total of five ghost guns, specifically five AR-15-type rifles with no make, model or serial number. In another indictment, defendant Jonathan Domingo Go, 47, of Torrance, is charged will illegally selling three firearms – two .40-caliber pistols and 5.56-caliber assault pistol that is described as a ghost gun with no manufacturing mark and no serial number.
An indictment contains allegations that a defendant has committed a crime. Every defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
The indictments carry a variety of charges, including conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute narcotics and substantive narcotics trafficking offenses such as distribution of methamphetamine. If they are convicted, most of the defendants will face mandatory minimum sentences of 10 years in federal prison, and some will face decades in federal prison because of their extensive criminal histories.
The cases announced today are the result of an investigation conducted by the FBI, the Los Angeles Police Department and the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department. Substantial assistance was provided by the Monterey Park Police Department, the Drug Enforcement Administration and Homeland Security Investigations.
These cases are being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Shawn T. Andrews of the Violent and Organized Crime Section.
Omaha Postal Employee Sentenced for Stealing Money from Greeting Cards in MailRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Joe Kelly announced that Annette Eubanks, 62, of Omaha, Nebraska was sentenced today in federal court in Omaha for Theft from the Mail. Senior United States District Court Judge Laurie Smith Camp sentenced Eubanks to a 2-year term of probation. Eubanks was also ordered to pay $1,456 in restitution to 44 victims that were identified in the investigation.
Eubanks was an employee of the United States Postal Service working in the postal sorting facility in Omaha. Between December 31, 2018 and July of 2019, Eubanks would knowingly open greeting cards that had been sent in the United States mail. Eubanks would identify these cards typically by the colored envelopes. During this approximate seven-month time period, Eubanks stole a total of more than $1,400 from more than 50 envelopes. Eubanks was caught in the act of opening envelopes by the United States Postal Service Office of the Inspector General.
Acting Special Agent-in-Charge Jeffery Krafels said, “The public served by the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) places enormous trust in the men and women of the USPS who honorably fulfill their duties daily. However, when that trust is betrayed, the public can rest assured the USPS Office of Inspector General (USPS OIG), and its law enforcement partners, will be vigilant in their pursuit of accountability and criminal prosecution; these crimes will not be tolerated. Today’s sentencing is an example of the dedication and determination exhibited by the legal and investigative teams of the USPS OIG and the U.S. Attorney’s Office, in the District of Nebraska. The USPS OIG will continue to vigorously investigate these types of crimes to protect the sanctity of the Postal Service.”
This case was investigated by the United States Postal Service Office of the Inspector General.
Oklahoma Mother and Son Sentenced for Brazen Robbery of Elderly Colorado WomanRead the Press Release
SHERMAN, Texas – An Oklahoma mother and son have been sentenced for federal violations in the Eastern District of Texas, announced U.S. Attorney Stephen J. Cox today.
Lori Majors, 45, of Durant, Oklahoma, pleaded guilty on Dec. 13, 2019, to kidnapping and aiding and abetting and money laundering conspiracy and was sentenced to 480 months in federal prison by U.S. District Judge Amos L. Mazzant, III, on September 10, 2020.
Max Majors, 21, of Durant, Oklahoma, pleaded guilty on Dec. 12, 2019, to kidnapping and aiding and abetting and was sentenced to 240 months in federal prison by Judge Mazzant on September 10, 2020.
“The 20 and 40-year sentences in this case demonstrate how seriously federal law treats elder abuse,” said U.S. Attorney Stephen J. Cox. “Let this case serve as a warning, and hopefully a deterrent, to others who might seek to exploit or victimize our nation’s seniors.”
According to information presented in court, on April 15, 2018, Lori Majors did unlawfully and willfully combine, conspire and agreed to extort, kidnap or rob an 83-year-old victim, and demand ransom, and in committing or in furtherance of the commission of the offense traveled in interstate commerce from Texas to Colorado, and used a motor vehicle as a means, facility, and instrumentality of interstate commerce.
On or about March 29, 2018, Justin Majors, rented a vehicle from Sherman Enterprise Leasing Company and drove to Colorado Springs, Colorado along with Cheryl Ann Jordan with the intent to commit the robbery with other family members.
When Justin Majors and Cheryl Ann Jordan arrived in Colorado they met with other family members who were already in Colorado to finalize plans to rob the victim at her residence. They specifically discussed the plan to rob the victim with Lori Majors, Bryan Majors, Max Majors and Ashleigh Stonebarger. Each agreed to go forward with the plan and split the proceeds of the robbery.
On April 5, 2018, Justin Majors, Cheryl Ann Jordan and Max Majors went to the victim’s residence. Justin Majors and Max Majors entered the victim’s residence through an unlocked dog door. Cheryl Ann Jordan remained in the vehicle waiting for them to complete the robbery.
Justin Majors and Max Majors went into the victim’s bedroom and found her asleep in bed. Justin Majors and Max Majors woke the victim and told her that they had her son tied-up and would hurt him if she did not tell them where the money was located.
The victim told Justin Majors and Max Majors that her money was located in a safe downstairs. Max Majors confined and extorted the victim as Justin Majors went downstairs to look for the safe and the money. Justin Majors located the safe downstairs and pried it open with a pry bar which he had brought to commit the robbery. Justin Majors removed over $350,000 from the safe. Max Majors moved the victim from her bed and confined her in the bathroom until they left the residence with the money. Justin Majors and Max Majors left the residence and split the proceeds from the robbery with Lori Majors and Bryan Majors. The robbery and extortion resulted in a loss of $500,500 to the elderly victim.
Lori and Max Majors were indicted by a federal grand jury on Feb. 6, 2019 and charged with federal kidnapping-related violations.
In October 2017, President Trump signed the bipartisan Elder Abuse Prevention and Prosecution Act (EAPPA) into law. The EAPPA’s purpose is to increase the federal government’s focus on preventing elder abuse and exploitation. Subsequently, the Department of Justice launched the Elder Justice Initiative (EJI). Through the EJI, the Department has participated in hundreds of criminal and civil enforcement actions involving misconduct that targeted vulnerable seniors. This past March, the Department announced the largest elder fraud enforcement action in American history, charging more than 400 defendants in a nationwide sweep. The Department has likewise conducted hundreds of trainings and outreach sessions across the country. The EJI website contains useful information, including educational resources about prevalent financial scams so you can guard against them.
If you or someone you know is age 60 or older and has been a victim of financial fraud, help is standing by at the National Elder Fraud Hotline: 1-833-FRAUD-11 (1-833-372-8311). This U.S. Department of Justice hotline, managed by the Office for Victims of Crime, is staffed by experienced professionals who provide personalized support to callers by assessing the needs of the victim, and identifying relevant next steps. Case managers will identify appropriate reporting agencies, provide information to callers to assist them in reporting, connect callers directly with appropriate agencies, and provide resources and referrals, on a case-by-case basis. Reporting is the first step. Reporting can help authorities identify those who commit fraud and reporting certain financial losses due to fraud as soon as possible can increase the likelihood of recovering losses. The hotline is staffed 7 days a week from 6:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. eastern time. English, Spanish and other languages are available.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation; El Paso County, Colorado Sheriff’s Office; Durant, Oklahoma Police Department; and the Sherman Police Department and prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Texas, Plano office.
Ocala Convicted Felon Pleads Guilty to Federal Firearm and Ammunition OffenseRead the Press Release
Ocala, FL – David Shaw (36, Ocala) has pleaded guilty to possessing a firearm and ammunition as a convicted felon. He faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in federal prison. A sentencing date has not yet been set.
Shaw had been indicted on May 20, 2020.
According to court documents, on December 5, 2019, a deputy from the Marion County Sheriff’s Office attempted to stop Shaw after he ran a stop sign on a stolen motorcycle. Shaw fled from the traffic stop before crashing the motorcycle and continuing to flee on foot. While giving chase, a deputy observed Shaw discard a loaded 9mm firearm and a backpack. The backpack contained more than 100 rounds of ammunition.
Shaw has eight prior felony convictions, including burglary of a dwelling, introduction of contraband into a detention facility, trafficking in methamphetamine, and fleeing or attempting to elude a police officer. He is prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition under federal law.
This case was investigated by the Marion County Sheriff’s Office and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Tyrie Boyer.
This is another case prosecuted as part of the Department of Justice’s “Project Safe Neighborhoods” Program (PSN), which is a nationwide, crime reduction strategy aimed at decreasing violent crime in communities. It involves a comprehensive approach to public safety — one that includes investigating and prosecuting crimes, along with prevention and reentry efforts. In the Middle District of Florida, U.S. Attorney Maria Chapa Lopez coordinates PSN efforts in cooperation with various federal, state, and local law enforcement officials.
Newark Man Sentenced to 98 Months in Prison for Role in Conspiracy to Traffic Crack Cocaine with “Famous Boyz” Street GangRead the Press Release
NEWARK, N.J. – A Newark man and associate of the street gang known as the “Famous Boyz” was sentenced today to 98 months in prison for conspiring to distribute crack cocaine and possessing with the intent to distribute crack cocaine and cocaine, U.S. Attorney Craig Carpenito announced.
Jonathan Garcia, a/k/a “Bebo,” 36, previously pleaded guilty via videoconference before U.S. District Judge Madeline Cox Arleo to an information charging him with conspiring to distribute 28 grams or more of crack cocaine, and distributing and possessing with intent to distribute cocaine and crack cocaine. Judge Arleo imposed the sentence today by videoconference.
Saeed Dawes, a/k/a “Nasty,” 22, of Newark, was sentenced on Aug. 12, 2020, via videoconference by Judge Arleo to 57 months in prison and three years of supervised release. Dawes previously pleaded guilty before Judge Arleo to an information charging him with one count of conspiring to distribute crack cocaine and heroin.
Jonathan Hernandez, 25, of Newark, pleaded guilty on Aug. 26, 2020, before Judge Arleo in Newark federal court to a superseding information charging him with one count of conspiring to distribute crack cocaine and one count of possessing with the intent to distribute crack cocaine.
In October 2018, Garcia, Hernandez, and Dawes, along with 13 other members of a violent drug trafficking conspiracy operating in Newark, were charged by criminal complaint after a lengthy wiretap investigation with conspiracy to distribute crack cocaine and heroin. Shaka McKinney and Jahid Vauters, a/k/a “K,” a/k/a “KO,” also were charged with firearms possession offenses. To date, 14 of the defendants have pleaded guilty to drug and/or firearm charges and seven await sentencing.
On Feb. 25, 2019, a grand jury returned a one-count indictment charging three of the defendants, Patricio Hernandez, Jonathan Hernandez, and Garcia, with conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute 280 grams or more of crack cocaine for their alleged participation in supplying the “Famous Boyz” with cocaine. On Sept. 30, 2019, a grand jury returned a 21-count superseding indictment against defendants Patricio Hernandez, Jonathan Hernandez, Garcia, Javon Holmes, a/k/a “J-Dot”, and John Mosley, a/k/a “Breezy,” a/k/a “Brazy.” The charges in the superseding indictment remain pending against the remaining defendants.
According to the documents filed in this case and statements made in court:
The defendants are members and associates of the Famous Boyz – a subset of the Brick City Brim set of the Bloods street gang – which dealt significant quantities of heroin and crack-cocaine, primarily around the area of South 18th Street and 15th Avenue, in Newark. The gang often referred to this area as the “8 Block,” “18th,” or simply by reference to the number “8”.
Mosley was a primary source of narcotics for the Famous Boyz and often directed the gang’s drug operations. Mosley and other members of the Famous Boyz shared narcotics, customers, and firearms with one another in furtherance of their narcotics-trafficking activities, and they used juveniles to distribute narcotics and stash firearms. Patricio Hernandez and Jonathan Hernandez were among the main suppliers of crack cocaine to Mosley, while Vauters supplied Mosley with heroin. Heroin sold by Famous Boyz members, including Dawes, Karen Armstrong and Eugene Williams, contained a fentanyl analogue, which is an extremely dangerous and highly-addictive substance.
Members of the Famous Boyz also used social media to promote the gang’s criminal activities, including by advertising their narcotics-trafficking activities and proceeds and by threatening both rival gang members and any individuals who consider cooperating with law enforcement. Those members who sold narcotics also enriched themselves by committing other crimes, including robberies. Law enforcement, acting on information obtained from a wiretap, arrested West while he was attempting to commit a robbery. After law enforcement seized a .40 caliber firearm from the scene, Mosley was overheard complaining to Holmes, “so all the ratchets gone” and “damn we just lost all the straps,” referring to the Famous Boyz losing their firearms.
In addition to the prison term, Garcia was sentenced to four years of supervised release.
U.S. Attorney Carpenito credited special agents of ATF, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Charlie J. Patterson in Newark, and members of the Newark Department of Public Safety, under the direction of Public Safety Director Anthony Ambrose, with the investigation leading to the charges and convictions.
He also thanked the DEA, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Susan A. Gibson, the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office, under the direction of Acting Prosecutor Theodore N. Stephens II, the Essex County Sheriff’s Office, under the direction of Sheriff Armando B. Fontoura, the N.J. State Police, under the direction of Col. Patrick J. Callahan, the Belleville Police Department, under the direction of Chief Mark Minichini, and the Livingston Police Department, under the direction of Chief Gary Marshuetz for their assistance.
This case is being conducted under the auspices of the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) and is part of the Violent Crime Initiative (VCI) in Newark. The principal mission of the OCDETF program is to identify, disrupt and dismantle the most serious drug trafficking, weapons trafficking and money laundering organizations, and those primarily responsible for the nation’s illegal drug supply. The VCI was formed in August 2017 by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of New Jersey, the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office, and the City of Newark’s Department of Public Safety to combat violent crime in and around Newark. As part of this partnership, federal, state, county, and city agencies collaborate and pool resources to prosecute violent offenders who endanger the safety of the community. The VCI is composed of the U.S. Attorney’s Office, the FBI, the ATF, the DEA New Jersey Division, the U.S. Marshals, the Newark Department of Public Safety, the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office, the Essex County Sheriff’s Office, N.J. State Board of Parole, Union County Jail, N.J. State Police Regional Operations and Intelligence Center/Real Time Crime Center, N.J. Department of Corrections, the East Orange Police Department, and the Irvington Police Department.
The government is represented by Deputy Chief of the Criminal Division Mary E. Toscano and Assistant U.S. Attorney Angelica M. Sinopole of the U.S. Attorney’s Office’s Organized Crime and Gangs Unit in Newark.
The charges and allegations against the remaining defendants are merely accusations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Missouri Woman Third Sentenced for Nationwide Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
MADISON, WIS. – Scott C. Blader, United States Attorney for the Western District of Wisconsin, announced that Crystal Austin, 40, Belton, Missouri was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge William M. Conley to 65 months in federal prison, for conspiring with Shelly Scott, Jason Edge, and others to commit wire fraud throughout the country. Austin was ordered to pay restitution of over $860,000 to Walmart, Inc., jointly with the other conspirators.
Between November 2016 and February 2018, Austin, Scott, Edge and others conspired to defraud Walmart, Inc. through use of stolen personal checks, identity fraud, and methods to bypass electronic check authorization measures, resulting in a loss of over $860,000 to Walmart. The group used stolen identification cards of real people to perpetuate this fraud in 18 states, using more than 14 different stolen checking accounts. Austin and other co-conspirators would present a stolen check and false identification at the time of payment, and when the check was declined, the person presenting the check would pretend to call the check authorization company, when in fact, they would call a co-conspirator. The co-conspirator would tell the clerk to accept the check, and the transaction would be complete.
Scott and Edge were arrested by Monona Police on February 25, 2018, after Walmart employees became suspicious of their behavior. They were sentenced to 48 months in federal prison in November 2018 after pleading guilty for their roles in this fraud scheme.
Crystal Austin and conspirators Heather Bishop and Jennifer Austin were charged in this conspiracy and arrested in December 2019. Bishop and Jennifer Austin have also agreed to plead guilty to the conspiracy and are scheduled for guilty pleas and sentencing later this year.
In sentencing Austin, Judge Conley noted that this conspiracy involved not only Walmart as a victim, but also those whose identities and bank accounts were used in the fraud. He also considered as aggravating factors Austin’s lengthy criminal history, and the fact that she was on probation in several states for similar crimes while she engaged in this conspiracy. Finally, Judge Conley noted that Austin had at least a five-year period after her last prison sentence when she appeared to live a law-abiding life, and urged her to take part in treatment programs in prison to figure out why she again resorted back to criminal behavior. Judge Conley recommend both mental health and substance abuse treatment.
The charges against Crystal Austin and her co-conspirators were the result of an investigation conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Monona and Sun Prairie Police Departments, and police departments throughout the country, with the assistance of Walmart fraud investigators. The prosecution of the case has been handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Laura A. Przybylinski Finn.
Lawrence Man Sentenced for Fentanyl DistributionRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Lawrence man was sentenced today in federal court in Boston in connection with selling fentanyl.
John Mena, 25, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge William G. Young to 10 months in prison and three years of supervised release. In December 2019, Mena pleaded guilty to one count of distribution and possession with intent to distribute fentanyl.
Mena sold approximately 13g of fentanyl in a transaction that an undercover agent witnessed. Mena was arrested in Lawrence on July 16, 2019, as part of a 10-week coordinated enforcement operation in the Merrimack Valley called “Devil’s Highway.” The operation targeted the distribution of opioids, including fentanyl and heroin, and resulted in charges against a total of 40 people for federal drug offenses, with at least a dozen more individuals facing state charges.
United States Attorney Andrew E. Lelling; Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Field Division; Essex County District Attorney Jonathan W. Blodgett; and Lawrence Police Chief Roy Vasque made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Alexandra Brazier of Lelling’s Office prosecuted the case.
Koreatown Man Sentenced to 17½ Years in Prison for Coercing Girls He Met Online into Sending Him Sexually Explicit ImagesRead the Press Release
LOS ANGELES – A Koreatown man was sentenced today to 210 months in federal prison for posing online as a teenager and targeting girls for sexual exploitation.
Francisco Sanchez, 31, was sentenced by United States District Judge Dolly M. Gee. Sanchez pleaded guilty on May 20 to two counts of production of child pornography.
Sanchez used websites and computer applications to “meet” minor girls. From 2014 to September 2016, Sanchez used the pseudonym “Eddie Nash” to pose as a teenage boy and develop online romantic relationships with his victims so that he could obtain sexually explicit images and videos from them.
In some cases, Sanchez convinced his victims to engage in sexually explicit conduct during video chats, which allowed him to take pornographic screen shots of the minors. In other cases, Sanchez threatened to commit suicide to coerce the victims into sending him pictures or videos.
After obtaining sexually explicit images from the girls, Sanchez threatened to publish or otherwise expose the victims if they did not send additional images or videos.
While Sanchez pleaded guilty to two counts – related to victims who were 13 and 14 – he admitted in his plea agreement that he victimized another five teenage girls.
Sanchez further admitted that he cyberstalked two victims – which included threatening to make one girl “internet famous” by publishing child pornography depicting her – and that he distributed child pornography on a peer-to-peer file-sharing network.
“(Sanchez) victimized real children – manipulated and exploited them for his sexual pleasure – with total disregard for the consequences and effects upon them,” prosecutors wrote in their sentencing memorandum.
After he is released from federal prison, Sanchez will be required to register as a sex offender and must serve a lifetime period of supervised release.
The FBI and the Los Angeles Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force investigated this matter.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Julia S. Choe of the Cyber and Intellectual Property Crimes Section, and Damaris Diaz of the Violent and Organized Crime Section.
Kanawha County Woman Pleads Guilty to Fraud ChargesRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. - A Kanawha County woman has pled guilty to fraud charges, according to United States Attorney Mike Stuart. Holly Urlahs, also known as Holly Anderson, 32, of Elkview, pled guilty to bank fraud and forging a judge’s signature.
“Urlahs devised quite a fraud scheme. To carry out her scheme, she altered the amount of a cashier’s check in an attempt to get over $8 million and forged signatures on fake documents, including that of a federal judge,” said United States Attorney Mike Stuart. “Investigators did great work in this case, ultimately unraveling Urlahs’ web of deceit.”
Urlahs admitted that she falsely claimed to have sued Charleston Area Medical Center (CAMC) and was expecting a large financial settlement from her lawsuit. Under these false pretenses, she set out to defraud financial institutions and an insurance company. As part of her fraudulent scheme, Urlahs altered a $100 cashier’s check to reflect an amount over $8.4 million. She also provided fake documents with forged signatures and a personal check for $1 million, although she knew she did not have sufficient funds in her account, to an insurance company to obtain an annuity contract. Urlahs’ check was returned for insufficient funds.
The investigation was conducted by the West Virginia State Police-Bureau of Criminal Investigations and the West Virginia Insurance Commissioner’s Special Investigations Division. United States District Judge Irene C. Berger presided over the hearing. Assistant United States Attorney Kathleen Robeson is handling the prosecution.
Urlahs faces up to 35 years in prison and a $1.25 million fine when she is sentenced on January 21, 2021.
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-00125.
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Justice Department Settles with Texas Based Furniture and Appliances Chain for Charging Servicemembers Excess InterestRead the Press Release
The Justice Department reached an agreement today with Conn Credit I, LP, Conn Appliances, Inc. and Conn’s, Inc. (Conn’s), to resolve allegations that they violated the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA) by charging at least 184 servicemembers excess interest on their purchases.
Conn’s, a furniture, mattress, electronics, and appliance store chain headquartered in the Woodlands, Texas, has retail stores in over 130 locations in at least 14 states. This is the Justice Department’s first SCRA case against a consumer retail store.
The SCRA provides financial and housing protections and benefits to military members as they enter active duty. One of the SCRA’s benefits requires creditors to reduce the interest rate on financial obligations, including retail installment contracts, to six percent if certain conditions are met. Under the agreement, Conn’s must hire an independent consultant, who will determine if any previously unidentified servicemembers were overcharged interest. Conn’s must refund all overcharged interest that it has not already refunded and pay an additional $500 to each affected servicemember. Conn’s must also make a $50,000 payment to the United States.
The agreement, which is subject to court approval, resolves a suit filed today by the Department of Justice in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas.
“Servicemembers sacrifice their liberty and at times their lives to protect the United States and our people, and the Department of Justice is determined to ensure that they receive all the benefits and rights that Congress provided to them under the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act,” said Assistant Attorney General Eric Dreiband of the Civil Rights Division. “We applaud Conn’s for cooperating with our investigation and conducting a self-audit to determine the scope of the problem, for working with the department to comply with the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act, and for agreeing to compensate all the affected servicemembers.”
“It is an honor to protect the legal rights of the members of our armed forces who routinely sacrifice so much for our country,” said U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Patrick of the Southern District of Texas. “The U.S. Attorney’s Office is committed to enforcing the SCRA and will continue to hold companies who violate it accountable.”
The department launched its investigation after receiving a referral from the U.S. Army Staff Judge Advocate at the Oklahoma National Guard Joint Force Headquarters. Upon receiving notice of the department’s investigation, Conn’s conducted a self-audit and found that, between March 2014 and May 2019, in 184 of the 322 accounts where servicemembers had requested the six percent interest rate cap, Conn’s had not granted the full benefit as required by the SCRA. Conn’s voluntarily disclosed these findings to the department and sent remediation checks and credited the accounts of the identified servicemembers.
The department’s enforcement of the SCRA is conducted by the Civil Rights Division’s Housing and Civil Enforcement Section and U.S. Attorney’s Offices throughout the country. Since 2011, the department has obtained over $474 million in monetary relief for over 120,000 servicemembers through its enforcement of the SCRA. For more information about the department’s SCRA enforcement efforts, please visit www.servicemembers.gov.
Servicemembers and their dependents who believe that their rights under SCRA have been violated should contact the nearest Armed Forces Legal Assistance Program Office. Office locations may be found at legalassistance.law.af.mil/.
Justice Department Settles Race Discrimination Case Against a Florida City Securing $195,000 in Lost Wages and DamagesRead the Press Release
The Justice Department today announced that it has reached a settlement with the City of Venice, Florida, resolving its race discrimination lawsuit against the city.
The suit alleged the city violated Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 when it subjected James Williamson, a 30-year Black city employee, to a series of unwarranted disciplinary actions, including two unpaid suspensions and ultimately termination, because of his race. Title VII is a federal statute that prohibits employment discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, and religion.
“It is both morally wrong and illegal to single out any employee for harsh and unwarranted discipline because of the employee’s race, and to subject individuals, like Mr. Williamson, to discharge because of race,” said Assistant Attorney General for the Civil Rights Division, Eric S. Dreiband. “In this free country, all workers have a right to work without suffering unjust and unlawful race discrimination. This settlement agreement reflects the Civil Rights Division’s continued commitment to vigorous enforcement of the Civil Rights Act’s prohibition against race discrimination by state and local governmental employers.”
According to the United States’ complaint filed today in the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Florida, the City of Venice did not have legitimate, non-discriminatory reasons for treating Williamson far more harshly in imposing discipline than the city did toward his comparable white coworkers. According to the lawsuit, the city disciplined Williamson nine times, over a two-year period, including three separate reprimands in one day. These punishments were predicated on Williamson’s supposed violations of work rules, such as taking normal lunch breaks in public parks, that were never enforced against his white coworkers.
The city ultimately fired Williamson, the only Black employee working in the Parks Division of the city’s Public Works Department, without justification and after he had been subjected to prolonged use of racial slurs, including the n-word, directed towards him and in his presence, and to close scrutiny of, and finding fault with, his work without legitimate reasons.
Under the terms of the settlement agreement, the city will pay Williamson $195,000 for lost wages and compensatory damages. The settlement agreement also requires the city to develop and submit to the Justice Department for approval anti-discrimination policies and to provide its supervisors and managers with training on those policies and on the types of conduct in the workplace that constitute unlawful employment practices under Title VII.
The Tampa Field Office, which is part of the Miami District Office of the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), investigated and attempted to resolve Williamson’s charge of discrimination before referring it to the Department of Justice as an enforcement action. More information about the EEOC’s jurisdiction is available on its website at www.eeoc.gov.
The full and fair enforcement of Title VII is a top priority of the Justice Department’s Employment Litigation Section of the Civil Rights Division. Additional information about the Civil Rights Division and the jurisdiction of the Employment Litigation Section is available on its websites at www.justice.gov/crt/ and https://www.justice.gov/crt/employment-litigation-section.
Justice Department Settles Claims Against Borough of Woodcliff Lake Involving Denial of Permit to Orthodox Jewish Group to Construct Worship CenterRead the Press Release
The Justice Department today announced an agreement with the Borough of Woodcliff Lake, New Jersey, to resolve allegations that the Borough violated the Religious Land Use and Institutionalized Persons Act (RLUIPA) by denying zoning approval for an Orthodox Jewish congregation to construct a worship center on its property.
The proposed consent decree, which was filed today in the U.S. District Court of the District of New Jersey and must still be approved by the court, would resolve a lawsuit filed by the United States against the Borough, which alleged that the Borough had prevented Valley Chabad, an Orthodox Jewish congregation that has worshiped in the borough for over 20 years, from constructing a new house of worship. A separate settlement agreement and proposed consent decree have resolved a related lawsuit filed by Valley Chabad against the borough.
“For more than four centuries, religious people from all over the world have sought refuge here,” said Assistant Attorney General Eric Dreiband of the Civil Rights Division. “Often, these people did so to escape persecution by monarchs, dictators, and other despots. Then, when our ancestors established the United States of America, the Founders adopted the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution and thereby enacted into law the right of all people to exercise religion. Two decades ago, the Congress extended these protections when it passed the Religious Land Use and Institutionalized Persons Act. That law protects religious people and their institutions from unduly burdensome or discriminatory land use regulations. The United States is, and must always remain, committed to the right of all people to practice their faith and worship together. The U.S. Department of Justice will continue to fight against any unlawful deprivation of the right of all people to practice their faith. As our ancestors did four centuries ago, today, religious people often gather and worship with those who share their faith. Through this agreement, the Valley Chabad and its members will be able to build a house of worship and to exercise their right to practice their religion freely.”
“RLUIPA protects the rights of every religious community to worship free of unlawful burdens,” said U.S. Attorney Craig Carpenito, District of New Jersey. “As our office continues to vigorously protect the civil rights of the Jewish community and all religious communities in our district, we will use every tool at our disposal, including pursuing court-enforceable injunctive remedies. Through our actions today, we have taken steps to ensure that Valley Chabad and its members will no longer face unlawful barriers in their practice of religion.”
The complaint alleged that Woodcliff Lake violated RLUIPA by imposing a substantial burden on Valley Chabad’s religious exercise when, on three occasions between 2006 and 2013, Valley Chabad attempted to purchase parcels of property in the borough in order to construct a house of worship and meeting center, called a Chabad house, large enough to meet its needs. In each instance, the borough purchased or re-zoned the parcels, preventing development of a Chabad house. The complaint also alleges that this conduct and the borough’s eventual denial of Valley Chabad’s application for zoning relief to expand on its current property burdened Valley Chabad’s ability to worship freely without furthering a compelling government interest.
As part of the consent decree, the borough will permit Valley Chabad to construct a new Chabad house on its property. The resolution would also enjoin the borough from acting in a manner that violates RLUIPA and require the borough to establish a procedure for receiving and resolving RLUIPA complaints, train its employees on RLUIPA’s requirements, and submit regular reports to the United States and the court on its compliance. In the separate agreement that resolves the related private action, the borough agreed to pay Valley Chabad $1.5 million to resolve its claims for damages and attorney’s fees that arose from the borough’s conduct.
RLUIPA is a federal law that protects religious institutions from unduly burdensome or discriminatory land use regulations. In June 2018, the Justice Department announced its Place to Worship Initiative, which focuses on RLUIPA’s provisions that protect the rights of houses of worship and other religious institutions to worship on their land. More information is available at www.justice.gov/crt/placetoworship.
People who believe they have been subjected to discrimination in land use or zoning decisions may contact the U.S. Attorney’s Office Civil Rights Hotline at (855) 281-3339 or the Civil Rights Division Housing and Civil Enforcement Section at (800) 896-7743, or through the complaint portal on the Place to Worship Initiative website. More information about RLUIPA, including questions and answers about the law and other documents, may be found at http://www.justice.gov/crt/about/hce/rluipaexplain.php.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael E. Campion, Chief of the U.S. Attorney’s Office’s Civil Rights Unit, Civil Division and Assistant U.S. Attorney Susan Millenky of the Civil Rights Unit, Civil Division.
Jake’s Fireworks and Right Price Chemicals Enjoined from Resuming Business OperationsRead the Press Release
BEAUMONT, Texas - U.S. Attorney Stephen J. Cox announced today that a federal judge has entered a preliminary injunction barring Jake’s Fireworks and Right Price Chemicals from resuming business operations out of their Twin City Highway location in Nederland.
“If businesses are used as a front for drug trafficking, they can pose a serious threat to the community,” explained U.S. Attorney Stephen Cox. “The Eastern District of Texas is committed to using all available criminal and civil law enforcement tools to combat such threats. Here, a civil injunction was particularly critical to stopping the defendants from continuing to engage in their alleged misconduct and presenting a risk of harm.”
The Eastern District sought and obtained a temporary restraining order (“TRO”) under the Controlled Substances Act on July 13, 2020, on the grounds that Jake’s Fireworks was a drug-involved premises. The government alleged that Jake’s Fireworks was a front for Right Price Chemicals, a company alleged to have distributed 1,4 butanediol, commonly referred to as “BDO” across the country in violation of federal law. BDO is a chemical manufactured only for industrial or laboratory use as a floor stripper or vehicle wheel cleaner and is not intended for human consumption. Congress has identified BDO as a “date rape drug” and has criminalized illegal internet sale of BDO to unauthorized purchasers.
The July 13th TRO immediately shut down operations of the business and any further distribution of BDO and other chemicals by Jake Daughtry, Joe Daughtry, Sandra Daughtry, and Kip Daughtry. Based on evidence compiled through its investigation, the government moved to convert the TRO into a preliminary injunction to prevent Jake’s Fireworks and Right Price Chemicals from reopening altogether.
Following an evidentiary hearing on September 2, 2020, Judge Michael Truncale granted the government’s request and enjoined Jake’s Fireworks and Right Price Chemicals from resuming business operations. After hearing testimony from an agent with the DEA’s West Palm Beach Task Force and a contract chemist employee of Right Price Chemicals, Judge Truncale found the government proved a substantial likelihood of success on the merits of its civil injunction suit. In his order granting the preliminary injunction, Judge Truncale explained the evidence showed:
- Right Price Chemicals ordered and shipped BDO out of the Jake’s Fireworks premises;
- BDO was stored in and around the Jake’s Fireworks premises;
- Right Price Chemicals’ business offices and operations were situated within the Jake’s Fireworks building;
- Employees of Right Price Chemicals, including Jake Daughtry, knew that BDO was a “controlled substance analogue” and that customers were using BDO for human consumption; and
- Right Price Chemicals continued to sell BDO for human consumption despite knowing it was being used illegally.
The preliminary injunction continues to prevent Jake’s Fireworks or Right Price Chemicals from reopening and resuming shipping BDO across the country in violation of federal law. The injunction also prohibits Jake’s Fireworks from reopening for seasonal fireworks sales.
This is an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) case and is being investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration West Palm Beach, Florida, and Beaumont; United States Postal Service; Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation; Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; and the Jefferson County Sheriff's Office. Essential support and coordination was provided by numerous components of DEA headquarters and the Department of Justice’s multi-agency Special Operations Division (SOD), including assigned attorneys from the Narcotic and Dangerous Drug Section (NDDS). This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Robert Wells and Michelle Englade.
The claims made in the complaint are allegations that, if the case were to proceed to trial, the government must prove to receive a permanent injunction against the defendants.
Jackson Man Sentenced to 30 Months in Federal Prison under Project EJECT for Illegally Possessing FirearmRead the Press Release
Jackson, Miss. – Donald Lewis, 43, of Jackson, was sentenced today by Senior U.S. District Judge David C. Bramlette III to 30 months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release, for being a felon in possession of a firearm, announced U.S. Attorney Mike Hurst and Special Agent in Charge Kurt Thielhorn with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Lewis was also ordered to pay a $1,500 fine.
Lewis was previously convicted of aggravated assault with a weapon in Hinds County in 1996. On August 28, 2018, in responding to a complaint from a local convenience store, officers observed Lewis with a firearm.
A superseding indictment was filed in his case on July 24, 2019. Lewis pled guilty before Judge Bramlette on June 4, 2020.
This case is part of Project EJECT, an initiative by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Mississippi under the U.S. Department of Justice’s Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) and Project Guardian. EJECT is a holistic, multi-disciplinary approach to fighting and reducing violent crime through prosecution, prevention, re-entry and awareness. EJECT stands for “Empower Justice Expel Crime Together.” PSN is bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. 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 Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Jackson Police Department investigated the case. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Andrew W. Eichner.
Indian National Admits to Participating in Telemarketing Scam to Defraud AmericansRead the Press Release
PROVIDENCE – An Indian national has admitted to a federal court judge in Rhode Island that he sought to misappropriate funds from bank accounts of victims across the United States, using personal and banking information obtained from the victims earlier in the course of an India-based telemarketing scheme.
Chirag Sachdeva, 30, admitted that he participated in a telemarketing scheme that offered victims supposed computer protection services after misleading them to believe that malware had been detected on their computers. While executing the scheme, call center operators in India obtained personal and banking information from victims' computers through remote access applications and from the victims directly. Sachdeva admitted that he later attempted to use the personal and banking information to misappropriate funds from the victims’ bank accounts.
Sachdeva admitted that he contacted an acquaintance in Rhode Island and enlisted him to assist in accessing and stealing funds from the victims’ bank accounts. According to court documents, an FBI investigation determined that Sachdeva provided his acquaintance with personal and banking information sufficient to enable online access into the accounts of at least seven individuals, each over the age of 65. The investigation determined that the intended loss to these victims totaled $600,000.
Unbeknownst to Sachdeva, his acquaintance in Rhode Island was assisting the FBI in an investigation into the telemarking fraud scheme. Sachdeva was arrested by FBI agents on February 16, 2020, as he deplaned in Boston from a flight from India.
Appearing on Monday before U.S. District Court Chief Judge John J. McConnell, Jr., Sachdeva pleaded guilty to seven counts of wire fraud, announced United States Attorney Aaron L. Weisman and Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Boston Division Joseph R. Bonavolonta.
Sachdeva, who has been detained since his arrest, is scheduled to be sentenced on December 8, 2020. Wire fraud is punishable by up to 20 years in federal prison, 3 years’ supervised release, and a fine of $250,000.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Milind M. Shah.
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Illegal Immigrant Pleads Guilty after Fourth Illegal Entry into U.S.Read the Press Release
ALEXANDRIA, Va. – A citizen of El Salvador with a previous felony conviction for Carnal Knowledge of a Child, pleaded guilty today to illegal reentering the United States for a fourth time.
According to court documents, Giovanni Omar Medrano-Urrutia, 41, reentered the United States after having been removed on four prior occasions. First, in June 2005 in Harlingen, Texas; again in November 2006 in Houston, Texas; again in March 2010 in Houston; and again in October 2018 in Alexandria, Louisiana. Medrano-Urrutia’s criminal history spans two decades in the United States, and notably includes a felony conviction for Carnal Knowledge of a Child in January 2000, in the Circuit Court for Fairfax County.
Medrano-Urrutia pleaded guilty to illegal reentry after removal subsequent to a conviction for an aggravated felony. Medrano-Urrutia faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison when sentenced on December 15. 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, and Matthew Munroe, Acting Field Office Director for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) Washington, D.C., made the announcement after Senior U.S. District Judge Liam O’Grady accepted the plea. Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Viviana Vasiu is 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-179.
Holyoke Man Sentenced for Heroin DistributionRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Holyoke man was sentenced today in federal court in Springfield for distributing heroin.
Herman Gomez, 20, was sentenced to three years of probation by U.S. District Court Judge Mark G. Mastroianni. In May 2020, Gomez pleaded guilty to distributing and possessing with intent to distribute heroin.
Gomez sold heroin on Oct.7, 2019 in Holyoke.
United States Attorney Andrew E. Lelling; Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Field Division; Colonel Christopher Mason, Superintendent of the Massachusetts State Police; and Holyoke Police Chief Manny Febo made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Todd E. Newhouse of Lelling’s Springfield Branch Office prosecuted the case.
Glen Hazel Man Charged with Conspiring to Steal Firearms from Federal Firearms LicenseesRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, PA- A resident of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on a charge of conspiracy, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.
The one-count Indictment named, Haliston Este, age 27, of Pittsburgh, PA 15207.
According to the indictment, on or about May 30, 2020 and continuing thereafter until on or about May 31, 2020, Este conspired to steal or unlawfully take from the premises of a person who is licensed to engage in the business of dealing in firearms any firearm in the licensee’s business inventory that has been shipped or transported in interstate or foreign commerce. According to the indictment, Este and his co-conspirators used a crowbar in an attempt to gain entry to Allegheny Arms, located on Library Road, in Bethel Park, PA and National Armory, located on Broadhead Road, in Moon Township, PA, using a getaway driver as a means to flee.
The law provides for a maximum total sentence of not more than five years in prison, a fine of $250,000 or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant United States Attorney Brendan J. McKenna is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The Federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives conducted the investigation leading to the Indictment in this case.
An indictment is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Gary Man Sentenced to 120 Months in PrisonRead the Press Release
HAMMOND-Lafayette Caldwell, 32, of Gary, Indiana, was sentenced by Judge Philip P. Simon to 120 months of imprisonment and 5 years of supervised release following his guilty plea to conspiracy to distribute 280 grams of crack cocaine, announced U.S. Attorney Kirsch.
“Selling dangerous drugs, such as crack cocaine, will not be tolerated in the Northern District of Indiana,” said United States Attorney Thomas L. Kirsch II. “I want to commend the outstanding job done of the FBI, in coordination with state and local law enforcement agencies, to remove this group from the streets of Gary.”
According to documents in the case, for some time between July of 2015 and November of 2016, Caldwell participated in a conspiracy to distribute crack cocaine in the Glen Park neighborhood of Gary, Indiana. The conspiracy involved a twenty-four hour a day operation in which sellers of crack cocaine worked in shifts and armed security communicated with walkie-talkies. In furtherance of the conspiracy, Caldwell sold crack cocaine from an abandoned residence on Massachusetts Avenue. The conspiracy included the distribution of crack cocaine from multiple houses, including one house in which law enforcement recovered over 100 grams of crack cocaine and two firearms during execution of a search warrant.
To date, eighteen other charged members of the conspiracy have been convicted of drug-related offenses in this case.
“Holding Mr. Caldwell accountable for his drug trafficking dealings in the Glen Park neighborhood with this long prison sentence should hopefully restore a feeling of safety for the residents of this community,” said FBI Indianapolis Special Agent in Charge Paul Keenan. “It should also put other drug dealers on notice that the FBI and our law enforcement partners will utilize all resources available to ensure violent offenders are held responsible for their illegal activities.”
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Gang Response Investigative Team with the assistance of the Gary and Hobart Police Departments. This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Thomas R. Mahoney and Alexandra McTague.
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Fremont Felon Pleads Guilty to Possession of Loaded FirearmRead the Press Release
OAKLAND – Kristopher Allan Sylvester pleaded guilty in federal court in Oakland today to being a felon in possession of a loaded handgun in a criminal complaint and affidavit unsealed today, announced United States Attorney David L. Anderson.
In pleading guilty, Sylvester admitted that at the time of his arrest in Fremont on April 2, 2020, in connection with an investigation of a commercial burglary committed on March 26, 2020, at a rental car location also in Fremont, he knowingly possessed a Ruger .380 caliber handgun and eight rounds of .380 caliber ammunition and magazine. Sylvester further admitted that at the time of his arrest on April 16, 2020, in Santa Clara County, he was in possession of a Ford Mustang reported stolen from a rental car location in San Jose, and he knowingly possessed a Smith & Wesson SD9VE 9mm silver handgun and eleven rounds of 9mm Winchester ammunition. Sylvester further admitted that at the time of his arrest in San Leandro on May 15, 2020, on the federal arrest warrant stemming from his April 2, 2020, arrest, he knowingly possessed a Bishop Defense 9mm black handgun and fourteen rounds of 9mm Luger ammunition and a magazine. Sylvester also admitted that the Ruger and Smith & Wesson handguns and ammunition seized in the three arrests were manufactured outside California. Finally, Sylvester admitted that at the time of his arrest on April 2, 2020, he knew that he had previously been convicted of multiple prior felonies.
Sylvester, 35, of Fremont, was charged by Information on June 22, 2020. He was charged with one count of Felon in Possession of Firearm and Ammunition, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 922(g)(1). He pled guilty to the sole count of the Information.
Sylvester is currently being held at Santa Rita Jail.
Sylvester’s sentencing hearing is scheduled for December 8, 2020, at 9:00 a.m. before the Honorable Jeffrey S. White, U.S. District Court Judge, in Oakland. The maximum statutory penalties applicable to Sylvester’s guilty plea are ten years’ imprisonment, followed by a term of three years of supervised release, a fine of $250,000, a mandatory special assessment of $100, and forfeiture. However, any sentence will be imposed by the court only after consideration of the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and the federal statute governing the imposition of a sentence, 18 U.S.C. § 3553.
Jonathan U. Lee is the Assistant U.S. Attorney who is prosecuting the case with the assistance of Jessica Rodriguez Gonzalez and Kathleen Turner. The prosecution is the result of an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, the Fremont Police Department, the San Jose Police Department, and the Santa Clara Police Department.
Former employee at Los Alamos National Laboratory sentenced to probation for making false statements about being employed by ChinaRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. –Turab Lookman, 68, of Santa Fe, New Mexico, was sentenced on Sept. 11 to five years of probation and a $75,000 fine for providing a false statement to the Department of Energy. Lookman is not allowed to leave New Mexico for the term of his probation.
On June 6, 2018, Lookman, then an employee at Los Alamos National Laboratory, falsely denied to a counterintelligence officer that he had been recruited or applied for a job with the Thousand Talents Program, established by the Chinese government to recruit individuals with access to or knowledge of foreign technology and intellectual property. Lookman pleaded guilty to the charge in January.
"The safeguarding of research conducted at our national laboratories is critical to the security of the United States," said John C. Anderson, U.S. Attorney for the District of New Mexico. "I commend the work of the FBI in identifying this defendant and investigating this case. The message here is clear: if you work with foreign interests to jeopardize our national security, the Department of Justice will find you and you will be prosecuted."
The FBI investigated this case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys George Kraehe and Jon Stanford prosecuted the case.
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Former Sheriff’s Captain Pleads Guilty to Illegally Trafficking Firearms; Admits CorruptionRead the Press Release
Assistant U. S. Attorneys Nicholas Pilchak (619) 546-9709 or Andrew Haden (619) 546-6961
NEWS RELEASE SUMMARY – September 15, 2020
SAN DIEGO – Former San Diego County Sheriff’s Captain Marco Garmo pleaded guilty in federal court today to illegally trafficking in firearms from his office in the Rancho San Diego Station and committing other corrupt acts spanning close to a quarter of his 27 years in the department.
As part of his plea, Garmo also admitted that he tipped off a marijuana dispensary that was about to be searched by Sheriff’s officials – part-owned by his cousin – and pressured another illegal dispensary to hire his friend and co-defendant Waiel Anton as a “consultant,” along with another individual who had agreed to pay Garmo a kickback.
In the plea agreement, Garmo admitted that he engaged in the business of dealing in firearms for profit without a license, which he knew was against the law. He acknowledged acquiring 144 firearms in less than six years, and selling or transferring 98 of them. His unlawful business provided Garmo several forms of compensation. In some transactions, he received a financial profit. In others, Garmo engaged in firearm sales to build good will for future favors related to his anticipated campaign for Sheriff of San Diego County. The charges against Garmo include a series of “straw purchases” in which Garmo falsely told dealers that he was acquiring handguns for himself, when in truth he was sourcing them for associates who could not buy them directly under California law.
Garmo admitted in his plea agreement that as a law enforcement officer, he occupied a position of public trust that he abused to commit these offenses. Specifically, California law provided Garmo with a series of special firearms privileges—like the ability to purchase an unlimited number of handguns per month, and the right to purchase newer-model “off-roster” handguns not approved for initial sale to civilians—and Garmo abused these privileges to conduct his unlicensed firearms dealing.
Garmo also abused his position of trust as the chief law enforcement officer in charge of the Rancho San Diego Station to tip off his cousin—a partner in an illegal marijuana dispensary known as “Campo Greens”—by providing information he had received about an impending search of the cousin’s dispensary.
Garmo admitted lying to federal agents when asked about the tip-off during an interview, saying he would never put his fellow deputies “in harm’s way” by notifying the targets of a search warrant. In the plea, Garmo specifically acknowledged that he provided this information in order to help his cousin and Campo Greens evade law enforcement officers and avoid the seizure of the dispensary’s inventory and cash proceeds. Indeed, as alleged in the indictment, Campo Greens staff heeded Garmo’s secret warning by emptying the store of its valuable products and cash proceeds in advance of the impending search.
According to the indictment, Garmo continued his efforts to unlawfully assist his cousin weeks later, by seeking help from a San Diego County employee when Campo Greens was served with a nuisance abatement letter by County Code Enforcement that would force the illegal dispensary to cease operations. Having received a copy of the letter from his cousin, Garmo texted the County employee to ask “can we push it back?” The County employee answered, “Yes you can.”
As part of today’s guilty plea, Garmo admitted that he also sought to profit from a second unlicensed marijuana dispensary, when the County condemned the property housing the dispensary. In the summer of 2018, Garmo recommended that the dispensary’s landlord hire co-defendant Waiel Anton and another individual—then working for the County—as “consultants” to help get the condemned property reopened. According to Garmo’s plea agreement, Anton would pretend to rent the landlord’s property. In exchange for recommending the County employee as a “consultant,” the employee agreed to pay 10 percent of their fee to Garmo as a kickback. Garmo admitted that, when the proposal fell through and the landlord declined to hire Anton and the County employee, Garmo retaliated by telling the employee to have the County “piss on” the landlord.
According to the indictment, Garmo was a Sheriff’s deputy for the San Diego County Sheriff’s Department for almost 27 years until September 20, 2019. In his plea, Garmo admitted that he was engaged in the unlawful acquisition, transfer, and sale of firearms during his entire tenure as the Captain of the Rancho San Diego Station.
In fact, one of Garmo’s firearms transactions involved a brazen sale inside the Captain’s Office of the Rancho San Diego Station on October 28, 2016. Garmo admitted that on that date, he and co-defendant Giovanni Tilotta (a licensed San Diego gun dealer) sold a Glock handgun, an AR-15 style rifle, and a Smith & Wesson handgun to a local defense attorney inside Garmo’s office. Per the plea agreement, Garmo coordinated backdated paperwork to avoid the 10-day waiting period required by California law for handgun purchases, and Garmo supplied the attorney with San Diego Sheriff’s Department-issued ammunition. Garmo expressly admitted that this sale violated California law, which requires firearms sales to be conducted at the dealer’s premises, a gun show or special event, or at the buyer or seller’s home.
“This case involved stunning and sustained violations of the public trust by a high-ranking law enforcement officer who bent his public position to his private gain,” said Attorney for the United States Linda Frakes. “This office will not hesitate to hold accountable anyone who thinks that their badge or office is a license to break the law. All of the honorable men and women serving their communities in law enforcement deserve no less.”
Part of Garmo’s unlicensed firearms dealing operation involved directing his immediate subordinate, co-defendant Fred Magana, in completing a straw purchase of two firearms for co-defendant Leo Hamel, when Magana was serving as a Lieutenant under Garmo’s command. Magana entered a guilty plea on November 22, 2019 to aiding and abetting Garmo’s firearms trafficking by participating in that transaction. For his part, local jeweler and businessman Leo Hamel pleaded guilty the same day to aiding and abetting Garmo’s unlicensed firearms dealing. In his plea agreement, Hamel admitted working with Tilotta to create falsified records to make firearms straw purchases appear legitimate. Hamel also acknowledged that Garmo benefited from his arrangement with Hamel by securing Hamel’s future support for Garmo’s anticipated campaign for Sheriff of San Diego County.
According to the indictment, Waiel Anton aided and abetted Garmo’s unlicensed firearms dealing by helping Garmo’s firearms buyers apply for permits to carry a concealed weapon (“CCW”) as part of Anton’s “consulting” business. Anton’s “consulting” arrangement secured early CCW appointments for his clients to avoid a months-long backlog at the licensing desk—a benefit that Anton provided by leveraging his relationship with a member of the licensing staff to whom he had made an unlawful cash payment. In his plea today, Garmo admitted Anton’s role, and acknowledged that Anton would pay Garmo a kickback of $100 per CCW applicant that Garmo referred to Anton. Garmo expressly admitted receiving such a kickback in early February 2019 in exchange for referring an undercover ATF agent to Anton for his “consulting” services, and then lying to federal agents asking about money Garmo had received from Anton.
Anton is also charged with obstruction of justice for repeatedly urging one of his “consulting” clients—in reality, an undercover agent—to lie to federal investigators following the search of Anton’s residence in February. Per the indictment, Anton exhorted the undercover agent not to tell investigators about the $1,000 in cash Anton had charged the undercover agent to fast-track his CCW appointment, and to claim instead that Anton was helping him with his application because they were friends.
Garmo is set to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Gonzalo P. Curiel on December 9, 2020 at 8:30 a.m. The next hearing in the ongoing case against Anton and Tilotta is set for October 8, 2020.
Garmo agreed to forfeit 58 firearms and 5,385 rounds of ammunition as part of his plea agreement. In total, approximately 291 firearms and 131,458 rounds of ammunition have been forfeited as part of this investigation.
Frakes praised the lead prosecutors on the case, Assistant U.S. Attorneys Nicholas Pilchak and Andrew Haden, as well as the dedicated investigators from the ATF and FBI. Frakes added that the U.S. Attorney’s Office wishes to extend its sincerest gratitude to the San Diego County Sheriff’s Department for initiating this investigation, and for their assistance and support throughout its course.
“ATF’s committed to investigating and preventing firearms trafficking, and ensuring federal firearms laws are followed so criminals do not acquire guns,” said ATF Los Angeles Field Division Special Agent in Charge Monique Villegas. “ATF will hold those who sell guns illegally accountable. ATF strives to keep our communities safe from gun-related crime.”
“Rather than fulfill his sworn duty to uphold the law, former San Diego Sheriff's Department Captain Marco Garmo used his position to benefit himself and those he sold weapons to in his unlawful firearms business,” said FBI Special Agent in Charge Suzanne Turner. “Garmo wore the badge, but ultimately, he failed his department and the public’s trust. Today’s plea demonstrates that no one is above the law – not even a high-ranking law enforcement official. At a time when many in the public are questioning their confidence in law enforcement, the FBI remains committed to vigorously pursuing corrupt and unlawful actions by those who wear the badge. Public confidence in law enforcement and upholding the integrity of dedicated law enforcement officers who honorably serve each and every day is a priority for the FBI.”
U.S. v. Garmo, et. al, 19-CR-4768-GPC
Defendants
Morad Marco Garmo, 52 years old
Leo Joseph Hamel, 62 years old
Giovanni Vincenzo Tilotta, 38 years old
Fred Magana, 42 years old
Waiel Yousif Anton, 35 years old
Summary of Charges
Title 18, U.S.C., Sec. 922(a)(1)(A) – Engaging in the Business of Dealing in Firearms Without a License
Maximum Penalty: Five years in prison
Investigating Agencies
Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms & Explosives (ATF)
Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)
*The charges and allegations contained in an indictment are merely accusations. The defendants are considered innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Former Nurse Indicted for Murder for Hire, Conspiracy to Kidnap and Murder A Person Overseas, Child Pornography OffensesRead the Press Release
The Office of the United States Attorney for the District of Vermont stated that a federal grand jury returned a Third Superseding Indictment on September 15, 2020, which charged Sean Fiore, 36, of Burlington, Vermont, with murder for hire, conspiracy to kidnap and murder a person overseas, and five child pornography offenses. A second person was charged with Fiore in the Third Superseding Indictment, but the identifying information about that person is currently under seal by order of the court. Fiore will be arraigned on the indictment before U.S. Magistrate Judge John M. Conroy on a date to be scheduled in the future.
According to court records and proceedings, a search warrant was executed at Fiore’s residence on May 17, 2019, as part of a coordinated operation by Homeland Security Investigations and the Vermont Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force where multiple residences were searched for child pornography. Fiore was arrested on that date. On the day of his arrest, Fiore was about to graduate from the University of Vermont with a degree as a nurse practitioner. On May 20, 2019, Magistrate Judge Conroy ordered Fiore released on conditions. On May 24, 2019, the grand jury returned a single-count indictment against Fiore that charged him with possession of child pornography, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 2252(a)(4)(B). On August 22, 2019, the grand jury returned a Superseding Indictment that added a single count of receipt of child pornography, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 2252(a)(2). On May 21, 2020, Magistrate Judge Conroy ordered Fiore detained pending trial after finding he violated the terms and conditions of his pretrial release. On August 13, 2020, the grand jury returned a Second Superseding Indictment, which added a single count of use of a facility of interstate and/or foreign commerce (cell phone and Internet) with the intent that a murder be committed for money (murder for hire), in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 1958(a).
Today, September 15, 2020, the grand jury returned a Third Superseding Indictment, which added four counts. The first, conspiracy to kidnap and murder an individual in another country, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 956, alleges that while Fiore was in Vermont, he requested that a person in another country (Codefendant #1) make a video for him that depicted the beating, torture, and killing of a kidnapped adult male. According to the grand jury, Fiore and Codefendant #1 communicated using email and social media regarding Fiore’s specifications for the video. Fiore sent approximately $4,000 to Codefendant #1 for the making of the video. On April 8, 2019, Fiore received a link from an email used by Codefendant #1 that accessed a video which depicted the torture and apparent killing of an adult male who was restrained and tied to a bed. The charged conduct in this count is related to the previously brought murder for hire count.
The Third Superseding Indictment also added three child pornography counts. Two counts charged that Fiore and Codefendant #1 produced and attempted to produce, and conspired to produce, a video file depicting a minor engaged in sexually explicit conduct, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 2251. The final count alleged that Fiore and Codefendant #1 received and attempted to receive, and aided and abetted the receipt, of video files that depicted a child engaged in sexually explicit conduct, in violation of 18 U.S.C. §§ 2252(a)(2), 2.
U.S. Attorney Christina Nolan emphasized that the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty. If convicted, Fiore’s sentence will be determined by the advisory United States Sentencing Guidelines, the sentencing factors set forth at 18 U.S.C. § 3553(a), and the impact, if any, of any mandatory minimum prison terms applicable to any count of conviction.
U.S. Attorney Nolan makes this announcement with Acting Assistant Attorney General Brian C. Rabbit of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, and Michael Shea, acting Special Agent in Charge, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), Boston. U.S. Attorney Nolan commended the efforts of the Homeland Security Investigations and the Vermont Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, and is grateful for the expertise contributed to the prosecution by the Department of Justice (DOJ) Human Rights and Special Prosecutions Section, DOJ Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, and DOJ Office of International Affairs.
Barbara A. Masterson, Assistant U.S. Attorney for the District of Vermont, and Mona Sahaf, Trial Attorney with the Department of Justice’s Human Rights and Special Prosecutions Section, are handling the prosecution of Fiore. Maryanne E. Kampmann of Stetler, Allen, Kampmann & Sussman, PLLC, represents Fiore.
U.S. Attorney Nolan noted that this prosecution is part of the U.S. Department of Justice’s Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative designed to protect children from online exploitation and abuse. Led by the U.S. Attorney’s Offices, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
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.
Former Member of Boston Latin Kings Chapter Pleads Guilty to Racketeering ConspiracyRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A former member of the Boston-based Devon Street Kings Chapter of the Massachusetts Almighty Latin King and Queen Nation (“Latin Kings”) pleaded guilty today to racketeering charges. The defendant admitted to shooting in the direction of another Latin Kings member in June 2019.
Juan Figueroa, a/k/a “King Pun,” 25, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to conduct enterprise affairs through a pattern of racketeering activity, more commonly referred to as RICO conspiracy. U.S. Senior District Court Judge Rya W. Zobel scheduled sentencing for Dec. 9, 2020. Figueroa was arrested and charged in December 2019, at which time he was a member of the Devon Street Kings, a Boston-based Chapter of the Latin Kings, and had formerly been a member of the New Bedford Chapter.
The Latin Kings are a violent criminal enterprise comprised of thousands of members across the United States. The Latin Kings adhere to a national manifesto, employ an internal judiciary and use a sophisticated system of communication to maintain the hierarchy of the organization. As alleged in court documents, the gang uses drug distribution to generate revenue, and engages in violence against witnesses and rival gangs to further its influence and to protect its turf.
Figueroa admitted to participating in a June 2019 shooting in which he shot in the direction of a Latin Kings member who was in bad standing with the gang. Figueroa further admitted to creating numerous songs and accompanying music videos that served as compelling propaganda for the gang. Producing music under the name, “The Almighty King Pun,” Figueroa’s songs and music videos depicted the gang members brandishing firearms, boasting about their proclivity for violence and describing the scope of their successful drug distribution operations. The music videos featured groups of Latin Kings members wearing gang colors, clothing and symbols, and throwing up gang signs. The lyrics of these music videos taunted and threatened rival gang members.
In December 2019, a federal grand jury returned an indictment alleging racketeering conspiracy, drug conspiracy and firearms charges against 62 leaders, members and associates of the Latin Kings. Figueroa is the twelfth defendant to plead guilty in the case.
The RICO conspiracy charge provides for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
United States Attorney Andrew E. Lelling; Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Field Division; Commissioner Carol Mici of the Massachusetts Department of Correction; Boston Police Commissioner William Gross; and New Bedford Police Chief Joseph C. Cordeiro made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was also provided by the FBI North Shore Gang Task Force and the Bristol County and Suffolk County District Attorney’s Offices. Assistant U.S. Attorney Philip A. Mallard and Mark Grady of Lelling’s Criminal Division are prosecuting the case.
The operation was conducted by a multi-agency task force through the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF), a partnership between federal, state and local law enforcement agencies. The principal mission of the OCDETF program is to identify, disrupt and dismantle the most serious drug trafficking, weapons trafficking and money laundering organizations, and those primarily responsible for the nation’s illegal drug supply. More information on the OCDETF program is available here: https://www.justice.gov/ocdetf/about-ocdetf.
The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The remaining defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Former Massachusetts Man Sentenced for IRS Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
BOSTON – An Illinois man, who previously lived in Massachusetts, was sentenced today in connection with a wire fraud scheme whereby victims were told they owed money to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS).
Ashokkumar Patel, a/k/a Andy Patel, 30, of Hoffman Estates, Ill., and formerly of Worcester and Plainville, Mass., was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Timothy S. Hillman to 40 months in prison, one year of supervised release and ordered to pay restitution to the victims in an amount to be determined. In June 2019, Patel pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, two counts of wire fraud and one count of money laundering.
From December 2013 to October 2014, Patel was part of a conspiracy whereby victims in the United States were contacted by individuals, primarily in India, and falsely told that they owed money to the IRS. The victims were told that in order to avoid imminent arrest they had to purchase MoneyPak, or other types of prepaid stored value cards, load thousands of dollars onto the cards and provide the serial numbers to the callers. After doing so, the victims’ money was quickly transferred to prepaid debit cards, such as Green Dot Debit Cards, which were then used to purchase money orders. Patel was responsible for purchasing the prepaid debit cards, using them to purchase money orders and then depositing the purchased money orders into various bank accounts, including his own. The loss amount to victims tied to Patel totaled $881,622.
United States Attorney Andrew E. Lelling and Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Field Division made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Michelle L. Dineen Jerrett of Lelling’s Office prosecuted the case.
Former Lewisboro Town Justice Sentenced to Six Months in Prison for Tax EvasionRead the Press Release
Audrey Strauss, Acting United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, announced today that MARC A. SEEDORF, a Carmel attorney, was sentenced in White Plains federal court to six months in prison for tax evasion. SEEDORF previously pled guilty before U.S. District Judge Cathy Seibel, who imposed today’s sentence.
Acting U.S. Attorney Audrey Strauss said: “Marc Seedorf, a member of the judiciary and former Assistant District Attorney, knew well his obligations under the law to file income tax returns and pay tax when due. Instead, he chose to conceal assets and provide false information to the IRS. For his admitted crime, Seedorf will now serve a six-month prison sentence and be compelled to pay his unpaid taxes.”
According to the allegations contained in the Information to which SEEDORF pled guilty, court filings, and statements made in public court proceedings:
During the relevant time period of 2009 through October 2019, SEEDORF was a Town Justice for the Town of Lewisboro, New York, and an Administrative Law Judge for Westchester County. SEEDORF also received income from the private practice of law.
SEEDORF did not file U.S. Individual Income Tax Returns for the tax years 2005 through 2015, despite being required to do so. As a result of the income SEEDORF earned from 2005 through 2008, he incurred a federal income tax liability of approximately $323,000, including interest and penalties (“SEEDORF’s 2005 Through 2008 Tax Liability”). As a result of the income SEEDORF earned from 2009 through 2013, he incurred a federal income tax liability of approximately $164,000, including interest and penalties (“SEEDORF’s 2009 Through 2013 Tax Liability”).
In early August 2012, SEEDORF received $1,524,116 in connection with the settlement of a civil lawsuit. At SEEDORF’s request, the law firm that represented SEEDORF in the lawsuit (“Law Firm-1”) deposited the settlement proceeds into its attorney trust account, to be disbursed to SEEDORF at an unspecified later date. In the following years, SEEDORF instructed Law Firm-1 to disburse portions of the settlement proceeds to accounts other than his personal bank account, including his law firm’s operating account, his law firm’s attorney trust account, and his brother-in-law’s personal account, in order to disguise the source of funds he used to make payments to the IRS and other creditors, and the existence of the remainder of the settlement proceeds.
From January 2010 through June 2013, the IRS attempted to collect SEEDORF’s 2005 Through 2008 Tax Liability, including by mailing letters to SEEDORF and requesting documents and records from SEEDORF. SEEDORF failed to provide any records to the IRS or make any payment toward SEEDORF’s 2005 Through 2008 Tax Liability.
In June 2013, after the IRS initiated a process to place a levy upon an investment account held by SEEDORF, he instructed Law Firm-1 to wire $400,000 of the settlement proceeds to his own law firm’s attorney trust account, from which he then paid his outstanding 2005 Through 2008 Tax Liability. During a conversation with an IRS Revenue Officer concerning the source of these funds, SEEDORF falsely stated that he had borrowed the funds from his own law firm’s trust account.
During a December 2014 IRS interview, an IRS Revenue Agent asked SEEDORF whether he had received any non-taxable income during the period from 2009 through 2013. During the interview, SEEDORF never disclosed the 2012 law suit settlement or the existence of the more than $540,000 of settlement proceeds that remained in Law Firm-1’s attorney trust account at that time.
In all, SEEDORF caused the IRS to incur losses of over $200,000, including penalties and interest.
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In addition to the prison term, Judge Seibel ordered SEEDORF, 64, of South Salem, New York, to serve three years of supervised release, and to pay a fine in the amount of $55,000. SEEDORF has already paid $207,219 in restitution to the IRS.
Ms. Strauss praised the outstanding work of IRS Criminal Investigation in this case.
This case is being prosecuted by the Office’s White Plains Division. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeffrey C. Coffman is in charge of the prosecution.
Former Leader of Latin Kings Pleads Guilty to Racketeering Conspiracy and Drug Conspiracy ChargesRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A former member of the Connecticut Almighty Latin King and Queen Nation (“Latin Kings”) leadership body, known as the “Crown Council,” pleaded guilty today to racketeering conspiracy charges.
Hector Vega, a/k/a “King Demon,” 34, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to conduct enterprise affairs through a pattern of racketeering activity, more commonly referred to as RICO conspiracy. U.S. Senior District Court Judge Rya W. Zobel scheduled sentencing for Dec. 22, 2020. Vega was arrested and charged in December 2019, at which time he was a member of the Crown Council for the Latin Kings in Connecticut.
The Latin Kings are a violent gang comprised of thousands of members across the United States. The Latin Kings adhere to a national manifesto, employ an internal judiciary and use a sophisticated system of communication to maintain the hierarchy of the criminal organization. As alleged in court documents, the gang uses drug distribution to generate revenue, and is motivated by a desire to further its influence and to protect its turf from rival gangs.
Evidence developed during the investigation included recordings of Vega presiding over a Latin Kings “trial” against two Massachusetts members who had violated rules of the gang. Regional leadership of the Latin Kings chose Vega and the Connecticut Crown Council as the judges for the trial in order for the hearing to be unbiased. After hearing evidence from members and finding the two members guilty of violating Latin Kings rules, Vega and the Crown Council ordered the beatings of both members, which were captured on recording. Vega participated in the assault of one of the members.
In December 2019, a federal grand jury returned an indictment alleging racketeering conspiracy, drug conspiracy and firearms charges against 62 leaders, members and associates of the Latin Kings. Vega is the thirteenth defendant to plead guilty in the case.
The RICO conspiracy charge provides for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
United States Attorney Andrew E. Lelling; Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Field Division; and Commissioner Carol Mici of the Massachusetts Department of Correction made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was also provided by the FBI North Shore Gang Task Force and the Bristol County and Suffolk County District Attorney’s Offices. Assistant U.S. Attorney Philip A. Mallard and Mark Grady of Lelling’s Criminal Division are prosecuting the case.
The operation was conducted by a multi-agency task force through the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF), a partnership between federal, state and local law enforcement agencies. The principal mission of the OCDETF program is to identify, disrupt and dismantle the most serious drug trafficking, weapons trafficking and money laundering organizations, and those primarily responsible for the nation’s illegal drug supply. More information on the OCDETF program is available here: https://www.justice.gov/ocdetf/about-ocdetf.
The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The remaining defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Former Employee at Los Alamos National Laboratory Sentenced to Probation for Making False Statements About Being Employed by ChinaRead the Press Release
Turab Lookman, 68, of Santa Fe, New Mexico, was sentenced on Sept. 11 to five years of probation and a $75,000 fine for providing a false statement to the Department of Energy. Lookman is not allowed to leave New Mexico for the term of his probation.
On June 6, 2018, Lookman, then an employee at Los Alamos National Laboratory, falsely denied to a counterintelligence officer that he had been recruited or applied for a job with the Thousand Talents Program, established by the Chinese government to recruit individuals with access to or knowledge of foreign technology and intellectual property. Lookman pleaded guilty to the charge in January.
The FBI investigated this case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys George Kraehe and Jon Stanford prosecuted the case.
Former DEA Agent and His Wife Plead Guilty for Roles in Scheme to Divert Drug Proceeds from Undercover Money Laundering InvestigationsRead the Press Release
A former Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) special agent and his wife pleaded guilty Monday to all charges in a 19-count indictment unsealed against them on Feb. 21, 2020. U.S. Magistrate Judge Thomas Wilson accepted the guilty pleas in U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Florida.
Jose Ismael Irizarry, 46, and his wife, Nathalia Gomez-Irizarry, 36, admitted to participating in a seven-year scheme to divert over $9 million in drug proceeds from undercover money laundering investigations into bank accounts that they and co-conspirators controlled. Irizarry and Gomez-Irizarry are scheduled to be sentenced at a later date.
“In a shocking breach of the public’s trust, former DEA Special Agent Jose Irizarry, together with his wife, Nathalia Gomez-Irizarry, abused his position by illegally diverting millions of dollars in drug proceeds from undercover operations to personally benefit themselves,” said Acting Assistant Attorney General Brian C. Rabbitt of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “Sworn law enforcement agents are entrusted with great responsibility, and the department will hold accountable those who exploit their positions to profit from public corruption.”
“Irizarry joined forces with the same criminal drug organizations he promised to investigate and prosecute, “said U.S. Attorney Byung J. “BJay” Pak for the Northern District of Georgia. “He and his wife now stand as convicted felons, potentially facing years in federal prison with little to show for the betrayal of his oath to uphold the law.”
“This former federal agent turned his back on the people he swore to protect and caved to greed and deceit,” said Special Agent in Charge Michael F. McPherson of the FBI’s Tampa Field Office. “The FBI will not tolerate those who abuse the public trust and will persist in safeguarding the American people from public corruption.”
“HSI is committed to maintaining the public’s confidence in our law enforcement community by rooting out those corrupt individuals and criminal organizations who abuse the U.S. financial system for their own personal gain,” said Acting Special Agent in Charge Kevin Sibley of the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Tampa Field Office. “By working in partnership with federal, state, local and international partners, this investigation is a prime example of law enforcement agencies working collaboratively in pursuit of justice.”
“Rather than upholding his oath to stop drug trafficking and money laundering, Irizarry actively participated in these schemes and collected millions of dollars for himself and his associates,” said Special Agent in Charge James F. Boyersmith of the Department of Justice Office of the Inspector General (OIG) Miami Field Office. “Irizarry’s conduct enabled criminals, endangered the public, and jeopardized public trust in law enforcement.”
“DEA worked with the FBI, the U.S. Attorney, and others in law enforcement to investigate and bring Irizarry to justice,” said DEA Acting Administrator Timothy J. Shea. “Law enforcement, at any level, is based upon integrity and public trust. DEA employees work tirelessly every day to keep our communities safe from drug-related crime, and former DEA Special Agent Jose Irizarry’s criminal actions do not reflect the high standards of conduct we demand of our employees and our agents. Corruption and betrayal of the American people - the very people we stand to protect – have no place at DEA, and neither does Mr. Irizarry.”
“It’s never pleasant to employ our unique financial investigative skills against a member of the law enforcement community, but no one dislikes a bad cop more than a good cop,” said Special Agent in Charge Brian Payne of the IRS Criminal Investigation’s (IRS-CI) Tampa Field Office. “Thankfully, the vast majority of federal, state, and local law enforcement officers vigilantly honor the badge, and we take great pride in teaming up with them. Together with our federal partners, we worked tirelessly to uncover the disgrace this particular agent attempted to bring on our profession.”
Irizarry filed for personal bankruptcy protection in December of 2010. As part of his plea, he admitted that soon after his bankruptcy was filed he began to exploit his position of public trust as a special agent to divert funds from undercover DEA money laundering investigations to himself and to co-conspirators. Diverted funds were then used to purchase jewelry, luxury cars, and a home. The scheme lasted throughout Irizarry’s assignments to the DEA’s Miami Field Division and to its office in Cartagena, Colombia. Irizarry resigned from the DEA in January of 2018.
Irizarry further admitted that he and his criminal associates opened a bank account with a stolen identity and then utilized the account to secretly send and receive drug proceeds from active DEA investigations. Gomez-Irizarry admitted that she allowed her bank accounts and a Florida corporation in her name to be used in the scheme. By his own admission, Irizarry was in personal bankruptcy proceedings for nearly the duration of his criminal conduct and failed to disclose any of his illicit income to the U.S. Bankruptcy Court.
Irizarry pleaded guilty to conspiracy to launder monetary instruments, honest services wire fraud, bank fraud, conspiracy to commit bank fraud, conspiracy to commit identity theft, and aggravated identity theft. Gomez-Irizarry pleaded guilty to conspiracy to launder monetary instruments.
Trial Attorneys Joseph Palazzo and Mark A. Irish of the Criminal Division’s Money Laundering and Asset Recovery Section and First Assistant U.S. Attorney Kurt Erskine of the Northern District of Georgia, are prosecuting the case.
The FBI, HSI, Justice Department’s OIG, DEA, and IRS-CI investigated the case with significant contributions from former Assistant U.S. Attorney James Mandolfo and investigators William Campbell and Paul Serletti. The U.S. Marshals Service, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, the Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs, the Narcotic and Dangerous Drug Section’s Judicial Attaché’s Office in Bogota, Colombia, the U.S. Attorney’s Offices for the District of Puerto Rico, Southern District of New York, and the Eastern District of Texas, the Colombian Attorney General’s Office (Fiscalia General de la Nacion), the Department of Homeland Security’s Office of Inspector General, and the South Florida Money Laundering Strike Force at the Miami-Dade State Attorney’s Office provided valuable assistance.
Federal, State and Local Law Enforcement Arrest Seven throughout Central Texas for Methamphetamine Distribution OperationRead the Press Release
Federal and state authorities arrested seven individuals in McLennan, Bell and Coryell counties for their roles in a methamphetamine distribution operation, announced U.S. Attorney John F. Bash; Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Special Agent in Charge Steven S. Whipple, Houston Division; and, Texas Department of Public Safety Director Steven McCraw.
Those arrested today include: Rodney Macpherson (aka “Todd”), age 51 of Temple, TX; Anna Ruetz (aka “Dani”), age 30 of Waco; Blake Deeann Blanchard, age 30 of Gatesville, TX; Shae Lynn Rice, age 55 of McGregor, TX; Lamarcus Lamond Minter, age 41 of Moody, TX; and, Roberto Gonzalez, age 34 of McGregor. Ulysses Lopez, age 46 of McGregor, was already in state custody prior to today.
A federal grand jury indictment unsealed today charges the defendants with conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine.
Those seven are a follow-up to 15 arrests earlier this year in connection with this investigation, including 25-year-old McGregor resident Gabriel Flores-Benitez. Authorities allege that under the leadership of Flores-Benitez, this organization was responsible for the sale and distribution of large amounts of methamphetamine throughout Central Texas since May 2019.
Authorities, to date, have seized approximately two kilograms of methamphetamine and three firearms attributable to this drug trafficking organization.
“Transnational and violent drug traffickers should take note that federal, state, and local law enforcement in Central Texas is well organized, cooperative and highly effective,” said DEA Special Agent in Charge Whipple. “This investigation is an excellent example of how area law enforcement agencies work together to make this community safer.”
Upon conviction, MacPherson faces between ten years and life in federal prison. The remaining defendants face between five and 40 years in federal prison upon conviction.
The Texas Department of Public Safety Criminal Investigations Division, DEA, 220th Judicial District Attorney’s Office, Bosque County Sheriff’s Office, Hamilton Police Department, Comanche Police Department and Coryell County Sheriff’s Office investigated this case. The Temple Police Department, Bell County Sheriff’s Department, McLennan County Sheriff’s Department, McGregor Police Department, Comanche County Sheriff’s Office and U.S. Marshals Service provided valuable assistance during this investigation.
All of those arrested today remain in federal custody. Detention hearings are expected to occur next week before U.S. Magistrate Judge Jeffrey Manske in Waco.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Mark Frazier and Stephanie Smith-Burris are prosecuting this case on behalf of the Government.
It is important to note that an indictment is merely a charge and should not be considered as evidence of guilt. The defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
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The year 2020 marks the 150th anniversary of the Department of Justice. Learn more about the history of our agency at www.Justice.gov/Celebrating150Years.
Federal, State and Local Agencies Work Together to Curb Gun Violence in ShreveportRead the Press Release
SHREVEPORT, La. – Acting United States Attorney Alexander C. Van Hook, along with Caddo Parish District Attorney James E. Stewart, Shreveport Police Chief Ben Raymond and Caddo Parish Sheriff Steve Prator, and agents from the ATF, FBI and DEA, held a press conference today to discuss their efforts to increase the investigation and prosecution of cases against violent criminals in the City of Shreveport.
In November 2019, U.S. Attorney General William Barr announced the launch of Project Guardian, a nationwide strategic plan to reduce gun violence and enforce federal firearms laws across the country. Reducing gun violence and enforcing federal firearms laws have always been among the Department’s highest priorities. Project Guardian emphasizes the importance of using all modern technologies available to law enforcement to promote gun crime intelligence.
Another federal partnership initiative with local law enforcement to address the rise in violent crimes in our nation has also been introduced and named, Operation Legend. This operation honors the memory of four-year old LeGend Taliferro, who was shot and killed while asleep in bed early in the morning of June 29 in Kansas City, Missouri. Operation Legend began in the larger cities of our nation which have seen a spike in violent crime, including Kansas City, Missouri, St. Louis, Albuquerque, Chicago, Cleveland, Detroit, Memphis, Milwaukee and Indianapolis. These gun crimes are not just a problem in our larger cities, but also here in the Western District of Louisiana.
The Project Guardian program, along with Operation Legend, encourages joint efforts between federal and local law enforcement agencies. Because of these programs and joint efforts of the agencies that are represented here today and other law enforcement partners, we have brought over 386 federal firearm prosecutions in the Western District of Louisiana since 2017 and our efforts are increasing. Below are some statistics:
- FY17 through FY19, the U.S. Attorney’s Office prosecuted approximately 285 firearm related offenses, including felons and drug dealers in possession of firearms, in the entire Western District of Louisiana, with 113 defendants being in the Shreveport Division alone.
- These prosecutions represent approximately three times the number of such cases than have been brought in previous years.
- On average, that is 82 cases per year being prosecuted in our district.
These numbers show that we have been committed to prosecuting federal firearm cases and getting dangerous criminals off the streets of our city and pledge to work even harder to bring these offenders to justice. Cooperation with our state and local law enforcement partners in bringing these federal firearms indictments allows our state and local partners to concentrate on other crimes in our district.
Too many lives have been tragically lost and too many people have been senselessly injured due to gun violence in our city– including most recently this past weekend when a 2-year-old was shot in the abdomen during an exchange of gunfire between multiple people. This innocent toddler is now fighting for his life. Since May 2020, there have been shootings in Shreveport where at least ten innocent children have been shot and some killed. Our organized efforts are in honor of these and the many other victims who suffered at the hands of these dangerous criminals. Many Shreveport neighborhoods are filled with gun shots being fired randomly. Local community leaders and officials have held prayer vigils and rallies to try to bring awareness to this situation and encourage individuals in our community to stop the gun violence.
“The aim of Project Guardian and Operation Legend is to provide safe neighborhoods in Shreveport and surrounding areas where the people can safely live, work and raise their families by removing the most violent and dangerous offenders from our streets,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Alexander C. Van Hook. “This is a challenging situation for the Shreveport area but we are committed to working with our federal, state and local law enforcement partners to address the crime surge in Shreveport. Individuals who take another’s life by pulling a trigger without a second thought must stop. We will not be deterred, and we will continue to step up the pressure on these bad actors. The message is clear, if you threaten the safety and security of innocent people in our communities, you will face the consequences.”
Caddo Parish Sheriff Steve Prator also stated: “Sadly our community is experiencing a proliferation of gun violence. The common thread is the illegal possession of guns by gangsters, many of which are supplying illicit drugs to our young people. We MUST cut this thread by aggressive law enforcement and prosecution of these thugs.”
Shreveport Police Chief Ben Raymond stated: “The Shreveport Police Department values the relationships we have with the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Caddo Parish District Attorney’s Office, Caddo Parish Sheriff’s Office, and numerous other agencies in our combined efforts to decrease violent crime. It takes a unified effort to address violence in our community and working together toward that goal is key to our success.”
If you have any information related to individuals committing crimes of violence in Shreveport, please contact Shreveport Police at 318-673-7300 #3, 318-673-6955 or Crime Stoppers at 318-673-7373.
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The year 2020 marks the 150th anniversary of the Department of Justice. Learn more about the history of our agency at www.Justice.gov/Celebrating150Years.
Federal Judge in San Antonio Accepts Guilty Plea and Sentences QuantaDyn Corporation to Pay Millions of Dollars in Fines and Restitution for Bribery and Government Contract Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
In San Antonio today, an Ashburn, VA-based software engineering company called QuantaDyn Corporation (QuantaDyn) entered a guilty plea to a federal charge in connection with a bribery and government contract fraud scheme that spanned more than a decade and impacted contract awards worth hundreds of millions of dollars. In addition, the corporation has agreed to pay a $6.3 million fine and more than $37 million in restitution.
That announcement was made today by U.S. Attorney John F. Bash; Special Agent in Charge Jamie Willemin of the General Services Administration—Office of the Inspector General (GSA-OIG), Greater Southwest and Rocky Mountain Investigations Division; Special Agent in Charge Richard D. Goss of the Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI), Houston Field Office; Special Agent in Charge Michael Mentavlos of the Defense Criminal Investigative Service (DCIS), Southwest Field Office; Special Agent in Charge Ray Rayos of the U.S. Army Criminal Investigation Command, Southwestern Fraud Field Office (USACID); and, Special Agent in Charge Blair Holmstrand of the Air Force Office of Special Investigations (AFOSI), Procurement Fraud Detachment 3 in San Antonio.
William T. Dunn, Jr., the majority owner, President and Chief Executive Officer for QuantaDyn, appeared before U.S. District Judge Fred Biery and entered a guilty plea on behalf of the corporation to conspiracy to commit wire fraud. In addition to the fines and restitution, Judge Biery assessed a money judgment forfeiture against the corporation in the amount of $22,834,526.31 and forfeiture of seized assets in the amount of $7,099,863.77. Judge Biery also placed QuantaDyn on probation for five years.
“I am proud that our team and our law-enforcement partners were able to obtain justice for the American taxpayer in this case. We will not tolerate fraud against important federal programs,” stated U.S. Attorney Bash.
In October 2019, a federal grand jury in San Antonio returned an indictment against QuantaDyn, one of its owners, Herndon, VA, resident David Joseph Bolduc, Jr.; San Antonio resident Keith Alan Seguin; and, Atlanta, GA, area resident Rubens Wilson Fiuza Lima.
The indictment alleges the defendants carried out their contract fraud scheme from 2006 to 2018. Specifically, Bolduc and QuantaDyn paid more than $2.3 million in bribes to Seguin, a civilian employee of the 502 Trainer Development Squadron at Randolph Air Force Base in San Antonio, who was intimately involved in the government contract process. In return, Seguin used his position to steer lucrative government contracts and sub-contracts to QuantaDyn for aircraft and close-air-support training simulators. The indictment further alleges that a portion of the bribe money paid to Seguin was laundered through Fiuza Lima’s business, Impex, Inc., for a ten percent fee.
The three-count indictment charges Bolduc, QuantaDyn, Seguin and Fiuza Lima with one count of conspiracy to defraud the U.S., one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, and one count of conspiracy to commit money laundering.
Upon conviction, Bolduc, Seguin and Fiuza Lima could face terms of imprisonment up to five years for conspiracy to defraud the U.S., up to 20 years for conspiracy to commit wire fraud, and up to 20 years for conspiracy to commit money laundering. This case is currently scheduled for jury selection and trial on February 1, 2021, before Judge Biery in San Antonio.
“GSA plays a vital role in the government's ability to procure mission-critical products. Contractors and subcontractors are expected to be honest, transparent, and fair when doing business with the United States. American taxpayers can expect allegations of corrupt business practices to be thoroughly investigated by GSA OIG and its investigative partners to protect the integrity of the procurement process and the mission of our warfighters,” stated GSA-OIG Special Agent in Charge Willemin, Greater Southwest and Rocky Mountain Investigations Division.
“Today's sentencing is a direct result of the excellent partnership between multiple federal agencies and the U.S. Attorney’s Office in combating violations of Federal law,” said IRS-CI Special Agent in Charge Goss. “IRS Criminal Investigation will continue to pursue corporations such as QuantaDyn, who illegally target our nation’s tax dollars for personal financial gain by defrauding our government and the United States armed forces.”
“The Defense Criminal Investigative Service will utilize all available resources to pursue allegations of fraud and corruption bearing effect on the DoD and America's warfighters,” stated DCIS Southwest Field Office Special Agent in Charge Mentavlos. “This outcome is an example of the steadfast commitment of DCIS, and our Law Enforcement partners, to ensuring the integrity of the DoD contract process and taxpayer resources.”
“Today’s sentencing represents the success of the US Army CID Major Procurement Fraud Unit and partner agencies in policing and maintaining the integrity of our defense procurement systems,” stated USACID Major Procurement Fraud Unit Special Agent in Charge Rayos.
“The collaboration between GSA-OIG, DCIS, U.S. Army CID, IRS-CI, AFOSI, and the U. S. Attorney’s Office of the Western District of Texas, has been significant and we are looking forward to seeing the final results of the hard work put forth by all agencies involved,” said AFOSI Special Agent in Charge Holmstrand.
Simultaneous with the corporation entering a guilty plea in the criminal case, the Department of Justice today announced that the United States and QuantaDyn have reached a settlement agreement to resolve civil allegations related to the bribery scheme. QuantaDyn’s agreement to pay $37,757,713.91 in restitution ordered by Judge Biery today will resolve the company’s civil False Claims Act liability for the scheme. Dunn separately paid $500,000 to resolve his personal False Claims Act liability.
“When government contractors pay bribes to military contracting officials to obtain contracts, they prevent both our military and the American taxpayers from receiving products that are procured fairly and objectively and at a reasonable price,” said Acting Assistant Attorney General Jeffrey Bossert Clark for the Department of Justice’s Civil Division. “Today’s settlement demonstrates our continuing commitment to protecting the integrity of the government’s procurement process and ensuring that is untainted by fraud and corruption.”
The GSA-OIG, IRS-CI, DCIS, USACID, and AFOSI continue to investigate this case. Individuals who may have information about this scheme or these defendants are asked to call the GSA-OIG fraud reporting hot line at (800) 424-5210, send an email to [email protected], or go online to www.gsaig.gov and click on the “report FRAUD” link. U. S. Attorney Bash extends his appreciation to the U.S. Attorney’s Offices in the Eastern District of Virginia, Southern District of Ohio, and Northern District of Georgia for their valuable assistance.
Assistant U.S. Attorney William F. Lewis, Jr., Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Jay Porier, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Alan Buie are prosecuting this case on behalf of the government. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jacquelyn Christilles and Thomas Parnham are handling the civil case on behalf of the government.
It is important to note that an indictment is merely a charge and should not be considered as evidence of guilt. The defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
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The year 2020 marks the 150th anniversary of the Department of Justice. Learn more about the history of our agency at www.Justice.gov/Celebrating150Years.
Executive Office for U.S. Attorneys Recognizes Seven Members of the U.S. Attorney’s Office/District of New Jersey for Outstanding WorkRead the Press Release
NEWARK, N.J. – Seven members of the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of New Jersey, are among those who were honored by the Department of Justice’s 36th Annual Director’s Awards this year, U.S. Attorney Craig Carpenito announced today.
Executive Assistant U.S. Attorney Rahul Agarwal received a Director’s Award for Superior Performance in the Criminal Division. AUSA Agarwal led the investigation and prosecution of seven Paterson, New Jersey, police officers for crimes including the brutal assault of a suicidal hospital patient; the distribution and sale of narcotics; unlawful vehicle stops, searches, and seizures; unlawful use of force; and the theft and extortion of money and property from Paterson residents. His work, which was described in the local press as “a story of the justice system working,” is an example of the important role that the Department of Justice continues to play in maintaining public trust in our local police departments and in ensuring that every community receives the commitment to public safety to which it is entitled.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Michael Campion, Chief of the office’s Civil Rights Unit, and Kelly Horan Florio, a member of that unit, each received a Director’s Award for Superior Performance in the Civil Division, for their productive and successful affirmative civil enforcement practice. Collaborating with DOJ’s Civil Rights Division and other Department of Justice colleagues, they zealously pursue and obtain justice on behalf of those who have been deprived of their civil rights. Among other causes, they have fought for the rights of military personnel under the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act, the disabled and mobility-impaired under the Americans with Disabilities Act, the imprisoned under the Civil Rights of Institutionalized Persons Act, victims of discrimination under the Civil Rights Act and the Fair Housing Act, and persons of faith under the Religious Land Use Institutionalized Persons Act. As recognized experts in civil rights, they are frequent speakers at events across New Jersey, educating the public about civil rights and the Department's notable civil rights initiatives, including the Department's Initiative to Combat Sexual Harassment in Housing, Place of Worship Initiative and the Servicemembers and Veterans Initiative.
A team comprised of nine attorneys and eLitigation professionals from the U.S. Attorney’s Office and the Executive Office for U.S. Attorneys (EOUSA) were honored for their cooperative effort in overhauling the eLitigation practices and protocols for the District of New Jersey. The award recipients from the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Jason DeJesus, Sergey Gluzberg, Richard Jones, and AUSA Daniel Shapiro, formulated the Office’s standalone eLitigation Unit; improved the eLitigation competencies of paralegals; developed and automated a common folder structure for civil and criminal cases; instituted an electronic system for the generation and tracking of grand jury subpoenas; and adopted workflows for the intake, processing, review, and production of data. They were honored together with Susan Cooke, John Haried, Tonia Jones, Tammy Reno, and Virginia Vance from EOUSA, who provided exemplary support throughout the restructuring.
“Every day, the men and women who work in our office do their jobs with an extraordinary level of skill and professionalism,” U.S. Attorney Craig Carpenito, District of New Jersey, said. “That our work was recognized in three separate areas this year – criminal, civil and administrative – speaks to that dedication throughout every aspect of our work. I am particularly pleased that the Department this year recognized our office’s enduring commitment to protecting Americans’ civil rights through both affirmative civil enforcement and criminal investigation and prosecution. I congratulate all of the recipients on their achievements and am proud to call myself their colleague.”
The traditional ceremony held in the Great Hall at the Robert F. Kennedy Department of Justice Building had to be cancelled this year in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
EOUSA provides oversight, general executive assistance, and direction to the 94 United States Attorneys’ offices around the country. For more information on EOUSA and its mission, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao.
Eureka man admits trafficking meth, heroinRead the Press Release
MISSOULA – A Eureka man today admitted a drug trafficking crime after law enforcement found methamphetamine, heroin and firearms at his residence, U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme said.
Tracy Eugene Conard, 50, pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute controlled substances. Conard faces a minimum mandatory five years to 40 years in prison, a $5 million fine and at least five years of supervised release.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Kathleen L. DeSoto presided. Conard was released pending further proceedings. Sentencing was set for Jan. 8, 2021.
The prosecution said in court documents that in October 2019, the Lincoln County Sheriff's Office was investigating Conard and officers conducted a controlled buy in which an informant bought meth from Conard. The investigation led to law enforcement obtaining a search warrant for Conard's residence. Officers found 53.6 grams of meth, 9.9 grams of black tar heroin and numerous firearms and ammunition.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Jennifer Clark is prosecuting the case, which was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Lincoln County Sheriff's Office.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods, a U.S. Department of Justice initiative to reduce violent crime. According to the FBI’s Uniform Crime Reports, violent crime in Montana increased by 36% from 2013 to 2018. Through PSN, federal, tribal, state and local law enforcement partners in Montana focus on violent crime driven by methamphetamine trafficking, armed robbers, firearms offenses and violent offenders with outstanding warrants.
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Drug User Who Unlawfully Possessed a Firearm Sentenced to Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
A drug user who unlawfully possessed a rifle was sentenced September 10, 2020, to more than seven months in federal prison.
Isaiah Roy Mixon, age 21, from Spencer, Iowa, received the prison term after a guilty plea to possession of a firearm by a drug user.
Information provided at his detention, change of plea, and sentencing hearings revealed that on January 6, 2019, Spencer, Iowa police officers responded to a request for a welfare check of defendant at his residence. Mixon was found in possession of 12 grams of marijuana, packaging materials, grinders, recently opened odorless bags that had been mailed to him, $12,000 in cash, and a DPMS .223 rifle and ammunition.
Mixon was sentenced in Sioux City by United States District Court Chief Judge Leonard T. Strand. Mixon was sentenced to 7 months’ 28 days imprisonment. He must also serve a 6-month term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN). PSN is the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
This case is also part of Project Guardian, the Department of Justice’s signature initiative to reduce gun violence and enforce federal firearms laws. Initiated by the Attorney General in the fall of 2019, Project Guardian draws upon the Department’s past successful programs to reduce gun violence; enhances coordination of federal, state, local, and tribal authorities in investigating and prosecuting gun crimes; improves information-sharing by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives when a prohibited individual attempts to purchase a firearm and is denied by the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS), to include taking appropriate actions when a prospective purchaser is denied by the NICS for mental health reasons; and ensures that federal resources are directed at the criminals posing the greatest threat to our communities. For more information about Project Guardian, please see /media/1122011/dl?inline.
Mixon is being held in the United States Marshal’s custody until he can be transported to a federal prison.
The case was investigated by the Spencer, Iowa Police Department and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Forde Fairchild.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 19-CR-4074.
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