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14 September 2020
Grant County man sentenced to 30 years for methamphetamine distributionRead the Press Release
MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Robert Lee Pauley, Jr., of Mount Storm, West Virginia, was sentenced today to 360 months incarceration for methamphetamine distribution, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.
“Our district has seen an increase in methamphetamine activity, and we will continue to aggressively act to prosecute those who distribute it in our communities. This prosecution is the result of excellent work by law enforcement and our prosecution team,” said Powell.
Pauley, age 42, pled guilty to one count of “Conspiracy to Distribute Methamphetamine” in March 2019. Pauley admitted to working with others to distribute more than 500 grams of methamphetamine from March 2018 to May 2018 in Mineral, Grant, and Randolph Counties.Assistant U.S. Attorney Lara Omps-Botteicher prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Federal Bureau of Investigation; the Potomac Highlands Drug & Violent Crimes Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative; the West Virginia State Police; and the Ravenswood Police Department investigated.
The investigation was funded in part by the federal Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force Program (OCDETF). The OCDETF program supplies critical federal funding and coordination that allows federal and state agencies to work together to successfully identify, investigate, and prosecute major interstate and international drug trafficking organizations and other criminal enterprises.
Chief U.S. District Judge Gina M. Groh presided.
Former VA Employee Pleads Guilty to Embezzling $70,000 Using Mobile Payment ApplicationRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A former Department of Veteran Affairs (VA) employee was sentenced today for embezzling nearly $70,000 in VA funds.
Michael Donaher, 41, of Lakeville, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Indira Talwani to time served (approximately one day), three years of supervised release with the first six months to be served in a sober house, and ordered to pay $69,720 in restitution. The government recommended a sentence of one year and one day incarceration. In May 2020, Donaher pleaded guilty to one count of embezzlement and theft of public money, property or records after being arrested and charged in January.
Donaher worked as an Inventory Management Specialist for the Veterans Affairs Medical Facility in Brockton and was responsible for purchasing various equipment necessary for use in the facility. Donaher conducted fraudulent transactions using his government-issued purchase cards and routed the proceeds to his personal bank account. He attempted to conceal these fraudulent purchases by making it appear as if the purchases were made through a large company that the VA frequently used for legitimate business, when, in fact, they were actually made through a company Donaher created through a mobile payment company. These purchases were not for actual items ever received by the VA. Furthermore, Donaher attempted to hide this fact by annotating the items as having been received within the VA’s accountability system. Donaher fraudulently routed approximately $70,000 of VA funds to his personal account since the scheme began in 2016.
United States Attorney Andrew E. Lelling and Christopher Algieri, Special Agent in Charge of the Department of Veteran Affairs, Office of the Inspector General, Northeast Field Office made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Eugenia M. Carris of Lelling’s Public Corruption & Special Prosecutions Unit prosecuted the case.
Former California EDD Employee Sentenced for Disability Benefits Fraud and Identity TheftRead the Press Release
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Katherine Decker, 49, of Fresno, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Kimberly J. Mueller to three years and seven months in prison for a disability benefits fraud and identity theft scheme, U.S. Attorney McGregor W. Scott announced.
According to court documents, between June 14, 2013, and May 1, 2017, Decker and co‑defendant Angela Stubblefield, 49, of Tacoma, Washington, formerly of Martinez, participated in a scheme to defraud the State of California by filing fraudulent claims for disability insurance benefits with the California Employment Development Department (EDD). In furtherance of the scheme, Decker and Stubblefield used Decker’s position as an employee with the EDD to file fraudulent claims for disability benefits and to fraudulently extend existing disability claims, using the names and identities of real persons with and without their knowledge. In total, the conspiracy resulted in 15 fraudulent disability claims, resulting in a loss to the EDD of approximately $373,566.
This case is the product of an investigation by EDD’s Investigation Division and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Shea J. Kenny and Amy S. Hitchcock are prosecuting the case.
On Feb. 10, Decker and Stubblefield pleaded guilty to the fraud scheme. Stubblefield is scheduled to be sentenced by Judge Mueller on Nov. 9. A hearing to determine the restitution amount is also scheduled for Nov. 9.
Florida man charged federally with production of child pornography and enticement of a minorRead the Press Release
Tacoma – A 39-year-old New Port Ritchey, Florida, man is in federal custody tonight charged with production of child pornography and enticement of a minor, announced U.S. Attorney Brian T. Moran. SAMUEL AARON LEONARD was arrested July 2, 2020, in Vancouver, Washington, just outside the home of the 14‑year-old girl he had spent months enticing online for sexual abuse. LEONARD had allegedly communicated with the girl on a number of social media platforms and represented to the girl that he was 20 years old. LEONARD will make his initial appearance in U.S. District Court in Tacoma at 2:30 today.
According to the criminal complaint, LEONARD contacted the girl via a social media platform around April 1, 2020. Over the next few months, LEONARD communicated with the girl on various social media sites and sent her a cell phone so that they could communicate by text and telephone. Unbeknownst to the girl, LEONARD had installed tracking and surveillance software in the phone so that he could monitor her location and read her texts and emails. LEONARD turned the conversations with the girl to a sexual nature and convinced her to send various sexually explicit photos. The girl’s guardians became aware of the communication and contacted Kalama Police in late June 2020. Law enforcement immediately seized both phones that the teen had been using to communicate and had an undercover officer take over the communication. Analyzing the communications and the cell phone information, the investigation revealed that LEONARD had traveled from Florida to the Vancouver area via bus and was within a short bike ride of the girl’s home. When the officer, posing as the girl, revealed that the girl’s guardian had taken the phone LEONARD had sent to her, LEONARD said he would get her a new one. Police surveilled LEONARD as he took a newly purchased phone, hid it in a package, and tossed the package over the fence to the girl’s backyard. LEONARD was arrested shortly afterwards.
A search of LEONARD’s hotel room revealed that he had a firearm and ammunition, four folding survival knives, a survival axe, and a number of items used to restrain someone, such as ten sets of flex cuffs and two sets of metal handcuffs, as well as duct tape and electrical tape. He also had various sex toys and lubricants.
Production of child pornography is punishable by a mandatory minimum 15 years in prison and up to 30 years in prison. Enticement of a minor is punishable by a mandatory minimum 10 years in prison and up to life in prison.
The charges contained in the complaint are only allegations. A person is presumed innocent unless and until he or she is proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
The case is being investigated by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), the Vancouver Police Department, and Kalama Police Department.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Angelica Williams with assistance from the Clark County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office.
Florida Man Arrested on Bank Fraud and Related ChargesRead the Press Release
RALEIGH, N.C. – A Florida man was arrested earlier this month in Wisconsin on charges of bank fraud and aggravated identity theft.
According to court documents, in September 2019, Kamori Dontae Keys, age 26, and his co-conspirators engaged in a bank fraud scheme that targeted bank customers who reside in Charlotte, North Carolina, and Florence, South Carolina. During the scheme, Keys and his co-conspirators unlawfully obtained the customers’ bank account information and then withdrew their funds in the Eastern District of North Carolina via cash withdrawals and point of sale transactions, thereby causing an approximate loss of over $45,000 to the victim bank.
Keys is charged with Conspiracy to Commit Bank Fraud, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 1349; Bank Fraud/Aiding and Abetting, in violation of 18 U.S.C. §§ 1344(1), 1344(2) and 2; and Aggravated Identity Theft/Aiding and Abetting, in violation of 18 U.S.C. §§ 1028A(a)(1) and 2. He faces a mandatory minimum penalty of 24 months in prison on the aggravated identity theft count, and a maximum penalty of 360 months in prison if convicted on the bank fraud counts.
Robert J. Higdon, Jr., U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina made the announcement. The Winterville Police Department and several other local law enforcement agencies are investigating the case and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Tamika Moses is prosecuting the case.
A copy of this press release is located on our website. Related court documents and information are located on the website of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina or on PACER by searching for Case No.4:20-CR-77-M.
An indictment is merely an accusation. The defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty.
Felon charged with illegal firearm possession over Labor Day weekendRead the Press Release
U.S. Attorney Justin Herdman announced today that Andrew Kmon WILLIAMS, age 23, of Youngstown, was charged in federal court via criminal complaint as a felon in possession of firearms. WILLIAMS was charged as a firearms offender under Operation Red-Zone, a combined federal, state and local partnership to reduce gun violence over the Labor Day weekend.
“This defendant was in the Red-Zone, meaning that he was prohibited from possessing firearms under federal law based on a prior felony conviction,” said U.S. Attorney Justin Herdman. “Over this past Labor Day weekend, this defendant was in the Red-Zone and is alleged to have illegally possessed two firearms. Each and every illegal firearm we can take off the streets makes our communities a safer place to live.”
According to the complaint, police identified Williams while driving a vehicle that was suspected in a previous felonious assault incident. During a search of the vehicle, law enforcement agents seized two 9mm pistols. WILLIAMS later admitted to knowing that the firearms were in the vehicle. WILLIAMS is prohibited from possessing a firearm due to a previous felony conviction for possession of heroin in the Mahoning County Court of Common Pleas.
A federal criminal complaint is merely an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Yasmine Makridis.
Federal Grand Jury Hands Down More Than 60 Indictments in SeptemberRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Trent Shores today announced the results of the September 2020 Federal Grand Jury B. The grand jury returned 55 unsealed and eight sealed indictments.
“We have experienced another first in our District with more than 60 indictments being returned by the federal Grand Jury. I could not be any prouder of the diligent work of my entire team. Our attorneys, support staff, and administrative staff have worked tirelessly to pursue our mission of justice,” said U.S. Attorney Trent Shores. “This month we were also lucky to have the help of federal prosecutors and support staff from other U.S. Attorney’s Offices who volunteered to work in Tulsa for the next six months. They were essential to our efforts this month and will continue to be so for the foreseeable future.”
The following individuals have been charged with violations of United States law in indictments returned by the Grand Jury. The return of an indictment is a method of informing a defendant of alleged violations of federal law, which must be proven in a court of law beyond a reasonable doubt to overcome a defendant’s presumption of innocence.
Dalton Wayne Abel. Felon in Possession of a Firearm; Possession of a Firearm While Addicted to a Controlled Substance. Abel, 23, of Owasso, is charged with being a felon in possession of a Ruger 9mm caliber semi-automatic pistol. Abel was previously convicted in 2015 for Possession of Controlled Dangerous Substance. Abel is also charged with unlawfully possessing a firearm while being addicted to methamphetamine. The Tulsa Police Department and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives are the investigative agencies.
Mark Paul Adlawan. False Statement to a Firearms Dealer. Aldawan, 56, of Afton, is charged with knowingly making a false statement to a federally licensed firearms dealer. According to court documents, Aldawan falsely filled out an ATF Form 4473, Firearms Transaction Record, to the effect that he had not previously been convicted of a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence, whereas in fact, he had been convicted of Domestic Abuse – Assault and Battery in 2002. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives is the investigative agency.
Juan Alaniz. Possession of a Firearm by an Alien Illegally in the United States; Unlawful Reentry of Removed Alien. Alaniz, 46, of Tulsa, is charged with being an alien unlawfully in the United States in possession of a Mossberg International .22LR caliber rifle and ammunition. Alaniz is also charged with reentry of a removed alien, having returned to the United States unlawfully after being deported on or about June 2, 2011, at or near Laredo, Texas. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and Tulsa Police Department are the investigative agencies.
Terrance Alexis Anderson. Assault Resulting in Substantial Bodily Injury to a Spouse, Intimate Partner, Dating Partner in Indian Country; Assault of a Spouse, Intimate Partner, Dating Partner by Strangling and Attempting to Strangle or Suffocate in Indian Country; Assault With a Dangerous Weapon in Indian Country. Anderson, 40, of Bristow, is charged with assaulting his partner by strangling and stabbing her, causing substantial bodily injury. The FBI and Bristow Police Department are the investigative agencies.
Joshua Dale Armstrong. Aggravated Sexual Abuse of a Child in Indian Country; Abusive Sexual Contact of a Child in Indian Country. Armstrong, 33, of Tulsa, is charged with sexual abuse of a minor. From Jan. 1, 2018 to April 16, 2020 Armstrong knowingly engaged in sexual acts with a child under the age of 12. The FBI and Tulsa Police Department are the investigative agencies.
Jarrod Dale Armstrong. Felon in Possession of a Firearm and Ammunition. Armstrong, 39, of Jennings, is charged with being a felon in possession of Japanese 7.7mm caliber bolt-action rifle; a Kessler Arms Corp. 16 gauge bolt-action shotgun; a Winchester .25-20 caliber lever-action rifle; a Companhia Brasileira de Cartuchos (Mossberg) .22 caliber semi-automatic rifle; a Remington 12 gauge pump-action shotgun; a Ruger .22 caliber semi-automatic rifle; a Smith and Wesson .40 S&W caliber semi-automatic pistol; and associated ammunition. Armstrong has been convicted of five previous felonies. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives is the investigative agency.
Joshua Aaron Attocknie. Possession of Stolen Vehicle in Indian Country. Attocknie, 38, of Tulsa, is charged with two counts of possession of a stolen vehicle. Attocknie unlawfully and knowingly possessed a 2016 black Audi A5 and a 2020 black Chevrolet Silverado previously stolen from a dealership and rental company by unknown parties. The FBI and Tulsa Police Department are the investigative agencies.
Richard Howard Barnett III. Possession of Methamphetamine with Intent to Distribute; Possession of Heroin with Intent to Distribute; Possession of Firearms in Furtherance of Drug Trafficking Crimes; Maintaining a Drug-Involved Premises; Possession of a Firearms During and in Relation to a Drug Trafficking Crime. Barnett, 24, of Tulsa, is charged with possession of methamphetamine and heroin with intent to distribute. Barnett is further charged with possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking crimes and using a place for the purpose of manufacturing, distributing, and using methamphetamine and heroin. The Drug Enforcement Administration and Tulsa Police Department are the investigative agencies.
Alvaro Bazan. Aggravated Identity Theft; Misuse of Social Security Number; False Statement in Application for Passport. Bazan, age unknown, of Tulsa, is charged with knowingly using another individual’s identification without lawful authority. Bazan is also charged with knowingly making a false statement in an application for a passport by attempting to use a social security number that was not his own. The Social Security Administration Office of the Inspector General is the investigative agency.
Davion Marque Beard. Felon in Possession of a Firearm and Ammunition. Beard, 32, of Tulsa, is charged with being a felon in possession of a Glock GMBH 9 x 19mm caliber semi-automatic pistol and ammunition. Beard was previously convicted of second degree murder while committing a felony. The Tulsa Police Department and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives are the investigative agencies.
Dustin Grover Bruner. Assault with a Dangerous Weapon in Indian Country. Bruner, 38, of Sapulpa, is charged with assaulting a man by stabbing him with a knife. The FBI and Sapulpa Police Department are the investigative agencies.
Philip Thomas Burris. Felon in Possession of Firearm. Burris, 32, of Miami, is charged with being a felon in possession of a Samsun Defense S.A. (Canik) 9 x 19mm caliber semi-automatic pistol. Burris is a 5-time convicted felon. The Drug Enforcement Administration, Miami Police Department, Bureau of Indian Affairs, and Quapaw Tribal Marshal Service are the investigative agencies.
Kendal Jane Copeland. Possession of Methamphetamine with Intent to Distribute. Copeland, 26, of Tulsa, is charged with possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine. The Tulsa Police Department is the investigative agency.
Desmond Lee Cousino. Felon in Possession of a Firearm and Ammunition. Cousino, 24, of Tulsa, is charged with being a felon in possession of a Glock GMBH 9x19mm caliber semi-automatic pistol, a Glock GMBH .40 S&W caliber semi-automatic, and ammunition. Cousino is a six-time convicted felon. The FBI is the investigative agency.
Ibanga Etuk; Olusola Ojo. Bank Fraud Conspiracy; Bank Fraud. Etuk, 40, of Tulsa, and Olusola Ojo, 41, of Owasso, conspired together and with others to commit bank fraud from April 1, 2020 to August 4, 2020. Etuk and Ojo created 18 businesses entities that would fraudulently apply for Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans under false pretenses such as the number of employees, payroll expenditures, taxes paid during previous months, details of business ownership, and a false representation of their relationship with one another. During this time, Etuk and Ojo submitted multiple applications for the same businesses to several different banks, without disclosing to those banks that they were submitting duplicative applications. They conspired to obtain loans in the total approximate amount of $5,130,585 and actually obtained funding from banks in the total approximate amount of $995,385. The Federal Reserve Board-Office of Inspector General (OIG); Small Business Administration-OIG, and FBI are the investigative agencies.
Jared Andrew Evans. Assault Resulting in Substantial Bodily Injury to a Spouse, Intimate Partner, Dating Partner in Indian Country; Assault of a Spouse, Intimate Partner, Dating Partner by Strangling and Attempting to Strangle or Suffocate in Indian Country; Assault Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury in Indian Country. Evans, 28, of Sapulpa, assaulted his dating partner by strangling her, hitting her to the ground, and kicking her with his feet. The FBI and Sapulpa Police Department are the investigative agencies.
Parris Deshaunte Evitt. Cyber Stalking. Evitt, 30, of Tulsa, violated a protective order issued against him when he allegedly cyber stalked a female victim from October 29, 2018 through September 3, 2020, placing the victim in fear of death and serious bodily injury and causing substantial emotional distress. The FBI is the investigative agency.
Sheriah Shae Fox. Assault With a Dangerous Weapon in Indian Country. Fox, 24, of Sapulpa, is charged with assaulting another woman with a knife. The FBI and Muscogee (Creek) Nation Tribal Police Department are the investigative agencies.
Bradley Don Goodin. Aggravated Sexual Abuse of a Minor under 12 in Indian Country; Abusive Sexual Contact with a Child under 12 in Indian Country. Goodin, 46, of Sapulpa, from January 1, 2019 to October 5, 2019, engaged in sexual acts with an Indian minor under the age of 12. The Sapulpa Police Department, Creek County Sheriff’s Office and FBI are the investigative agencies.
Randy Alan Hamett. Kidnapping in Indian Country; Carjacking; Possessing and Receiving a Stolen Firearm and Stolen Ammunition; Possession of a Firearm While Subject to a Domestic Violence Protective Order; Burglary in the Second Degree in Indian Country; Assault With a Dangerous Weapon in Indian Country; Stalking in Indian Country; Domestic Violence in Indian Country; Interstate Violation of a Protective Order; Carrying, Using, and Brandishing a Firearm During and in Relation to a Crime of Violence. Hamett, 63, of Choctaw, allegedly violated a protective order by stalking his former spouse, breaking into her home, and assaulting and kidnapping her on April 25 and April 26, 2017. He is also charged with brandishing a firearm during the crime, carjacking, possessing a stolen firearm and ammunition, and possessing firearms and ammunition while subject to a protective order. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Broken Arrow Police Department, Siloam Springs Police Department, and the Rogers State University Police Department are the investigative agencies.
Harlan Frank Hardiman. Voluntary Manslaughter in Indian Country. Hardiman, 50, of Tulsa, is charged with voluntary manslaughter after getting in a fight with another male and killing him by punching him in the head. The FBI is the investigative agency.
Sha-Lisa Harlin. Murder in the First Degree in Indian Country (count 1); Assault With a Dangerous Weapon in Indian Country (counts 2-3); Felon in Possession of a Firearm and Ammunition (count 4). Harlin, 39, of Tulsa, is charged with deliberately shooting and killing a male victim on May 22, 2020. Harlin is further charged with attempting to assault two females. Finally, Harlin is charged with being a felon in possession of a .25 Auto caliber semi-automatic pistol and ammunition. The FBI and Tulsa Police Department are the investigative agencies.
Michael Charles Hicks. Carjacking. Hicks, 50, of Tulsa, is charged with stealing a 2015 Cadillac Escalade from its owner by force, violence, and with the intent to cause the victim serious harm. The FBI and Tulsa Police Department are the investigative agencies.
Imari Jamil Hines. Felony Child Abuse in Indian Country; Assault Resulting in Substantial Bodily Injury of a Child under the Age of Sixteen in Indian Country. Hines, 34, of Tulsa, on April 28, 2020, willfully injured a twelve year old boy by striking him repeatedly with a belt. The FBI and Tulsa Police Department are the investigative agencies.
Carl John Irons Jr. Murder—Second Degree in Indian Country. Irons, 19, of Tulsa, is charged with second degree murder after killing a juvenile male using a firearm. The FBI and the Tulsa Police Department are the investigative agencies.
Christopher Allen King. Felon in Possession of Firearm; Possession of an Unregistered Firearm. King, 34, of Tulsa, is charged with being a felon in possession of a Mossberg 12 gauge pump-action shotgun and multiple round of various ammunition. Further, King is charged with being in possession of two destructive devices not registered to him in the National Firearm Registration and Transfer Record, specifically, an incendiary bomb contained in a 99 butterscotch bottle and an incendiary bomb contained a tequila rose bottle. King is an 8-time convicted felon. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and Tulsa Police Department are the investigative agencies.
Arthur Ray Kratz. Assault with a Dangerous Weapon in Indian Country; Burglary in the First Degree in Indian Country. Kratz, 38, of Tulsa, on March 11, 2020, allegedly broke into the victim’s home to commit a crime and assaulted the victim with a metal bar. The FBI and Tulsa Police Department are the investigative agencies.
Redex Lester Jr. Murder in the Second Degree in Indian Country; Assault Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury in Indian Country. Lester, 53, of Tulsa, is charged with second degree murder and assault after he killed one man and seriously injured another in a multi-vehicle car accident. At the time of the accident, Lester was allegedly intoxicated, speeding, and driving with a suspended license from a previous DUI conviction. The FBI and Tulsa Police Department are the investigative agencies.
Kelsey Dawn Lipp. First Degree in Indian Country Felony-Murder; Robbery in Indian Country. Lipp, 25, of Tulsa, allegedly caused the unlawful killing of Dustin Michael Barham when she and others robbed the victim at gun point. In the commission of the robbery, Barham was murdered. The Tulsa Police Department and FBI are the investigative agencies.
Tymalk Quane Love; Anthony Ward Irving; Casey Joe Eastwood. Drug Conspiracy (counts 1-2); Importation of a Controlled Substance- Fentanyl (count 3); Smuggling Goods Into the United States (count 4); Unlawful Use of a Communication Facility (counts 5-34); Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Drug Trafficking Crime (counts 35 and 36). From approximately January 2018 through February 2019, Love, 30, of Tulsa; Irving, 36, of Phoenix, Arizona; and Eastwood, 34, of Purdy, Missouri, conspired to distribute heroin and 500 grams or more of methamphetamine (count 1). According to the indictment, Love organized the conspiracy using contraband cell phones from inside the Oklahoma Department of Corrections where he was an inmate. Other members of the conspiracy allegedly included a “Wholesaler,” defendant Irving, a bulk distributor from Arizona who sold the drugs to the facilitator; a “Facilitator” who purchased drugs from bulk distributors and sold the drugs to mid-level drug dealers; and a “Distributor”- defendant Eastwood, who bought drugs from the facilitator. Love profited by selling drugs to mid-level drug dealers at higher prices than what Love had paid the wholesaler. Love is further charged with conspiring to distribute fentanyl (count 2); importing/smuggling fentanyl into the United States (count 3 and 4); using a cell phone to direct his illicit drug operation (counts 5-27); and possessing a Taurus 9 mm pistol in furtherance of his drug trafficking crimes on Jan. 31, 2018 and Feb. 7, 2019 (Count 35-36). Finally, Eastwood is charged with using a cell phone as part of the drug conspiracy (counts 28-34). The Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics and Dangerous Drugs, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations, and Tulsa Police Department are the investigative agencies.
Kung-Gi Lowe. Attempted Robbery in Indian County; Assault With a Dangerous Weapon in Indian County. Kuna-Gi Lowe, 35, of Bixby, is charged with attempted robbery in Indian Country and with attempted assault of a female victim using a knife. The FBI and Tulsa Police Department are the investigative agencies.
Robert Joseph Marder. Assault With a Dangerous Weapon in Indian Country; Burglary in the First Degree in Indian Country. Marder, 30, is charged with breaking and entering another’s dwelling with intent to commit a crime and with assaulting an individual present in the dwelling. The FBI is the investigative agency.
Franklin Thomas Markwardt. Burglary in the First Degree in Indian Country. Markwardt, 42, of Broken Arrow, is charged with breaking and entering another’s dwelling with intent to commit a crime while those residing in the home were present. The FBI and Broken Arrow Police Department are the investigative agencies.
Adam Raymond Mason. Murder in the First Degree in Indian Country; Arson in Indian Country. Mason, 29, of Bristow, is charged with the premeditated murder of his daughter. He is also charged with maliciously setting a fire to a structure in Bristow. You can find the initial press release here. The FBI, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Muscogee (Creek) Nation Lighthorse Tribal Police Department, and the Creek County Sheriff’s Office are the investigative agencies.
Douglas Eugene Norris. Felon in Possession of a Firearm; Second Degree Burglary in Indian Country. Norris, 56, is charged with being a felon in possession of a Norinco, 7.62x39 mm caliber rifle. Norris has 10 previous felony convictions. Norris is also charged with breaking and entering another’s residence with the intent to commit a crime, including theft. The Tulsa Police Department and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives are the investigative agencies.
Shana Larena Osborne. Wire Fraud; Aggravated Identity Theft. Osborne, 44, of Tulsa, is charged with devising a scheme to defraud Sam’s Club through the unauthorized use of a stolen membership card. The Tulsa Police Department is the investigative agency.
Luis Ernesto Pando. Possession of Methamphetamine With Intent to Distribute. Pando, 22, of Borger, Texas, is charged with possessing with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine. The Tulsa Police Department and Drug Enforcement Administration are the investigative agencies.
Sarah Michelle Presley. Sexual Contact in Indian Country. Presley, 26, is charged with having sexual contact with the victim without permission. The FBI is the investigative agency.
Bobby Ray Prouty. Indecent Exposure in Indian Country. Prouty, 43, knowingly exposed his genitals and masturbated in public. The FBI and Tulsa Police Department are the investigative agencies.
Jarrett Wayne Raby. Assault Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury in Indian Country; Assault With a Dangerous Weapon in Indian Country. Raby, 47, of Sapulpa, is charged with assaulting a male victim by striking him with his fist and brass knuckles, resulting in serious bodily injury. The FBI and Sapulpa Police Department are the investigative agencies.
Chase Wayne Rider. Sexual Abuse in Indian Country. Rider, 25, of Broken Arrow, is charged with knowingly sexually abusing a female victim while she was incapable of consenting to the act. The FBI and Tulsa Police Department are the investigative agencies.
Randy Paul Shelby. Information About Bombs in Courthouse. Shelby, 40, of Sand Springs, is charged with conveying false and misleading information by making a telephone call to the Tulsa Police Department stating that another individual had planned to make a bomb and blow up the Tulsa Country Courthouse. The FBI and Tulsa Police Department are the investigative agencies.
Thomas Jason Smith. Burglary in the Third Degree in Indian Country; Felon in Possession of Firearm. Smith, 40, of Copan, is charged with breaking and entering a pickup truck belonging to another person with intent to steal property. He is further charged with being a felon in possession of an Armsan (Tri-Star) 12 gauge, semi-automatic shotgun. The FBI and Tulsa Police Department are the investigative agencies.
Devin Charles Staller. Felon in Possession of a Firearm. Staller, age unknown, of Tulsa, is charged with being a felon in possession of a Montgomery Ward Savage 16 gauge, pump-action shotgun. Staller was previously convicted of 10 felonies. The FBI is the investigative agency.
Jason Robert Terry, Sr. Failure to Register as a Sex Offender. Terry, 44, of Tulsa, is charged with failing to register as a sex offender from May 1, 2018, to May 21, 2020. The Tulsa Police Department and U.S. Marshals Service are the investigative agencies.
Bobby Brian Thompson. Assault Resulting in Substantial Bodily Injury to a Spouse, Intimate Partner, Dating Partner in Indian Country; Assault of a Spouse, Intimate Partner, Dating Partner by Strangling and Attempting to Strangle or Suffocate in Indian Country; Assault Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury in Indian Country. Thompson, 39, of Bristow, is charged with assault by strangling, striking, throwing to the ground, and kicking a female victim. The FBI and Bristow Police Department are the investigative agencies.
Thiyagarajah Thurairajah. Assault With a Dangerous Weapon in Indian Country. Thurairajah, 48, of Tulsa, is charged with assaulting a male victim with a knife. The FBI and Tulsa Police Department are the investigative agencies.
James Douglas Valdez. Felon in Possession of a Firearm and Ammunition. Valdez, 38, of Tulsa, is charged with being a felon in possession of a Taurus 9mm, semi-automatic pistol and associated ammunition. Valdez was previously convicted of seven felonies. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and Broken Arrow Police department are the investigative agencies.
Jerrick Lee Wadley; Story Christopher Smith. Conspiracy-Armed Robbery in Indian Country; Robbery in Indian Country. Wadley, 20, and Smith, 21, both of Tulsa, conspired to commit robbery. On Sept. 2, 2019, the defendants identified a victim and his residence as a robbery target. According to the indictment, Story forcibly entered the front door while Wadley served as lookout. Story then allegedly pointed a firearm at two victims demanding their keys, wallets, drugs and cell phones. The FBI and Tulsa Police Department are the investigative agencies.
Craig Alan Morrison; Amanda Lyn Walker. Child Abuse in Indian Country; Enabling Child Abuse in Indian Country. Morrison, 36, of Tulsa, is charged with abusing and injuring a child. Walker, 41, of Tulsa, is charged with enabling Morrison to abuse the child. The FBI and Tulsa Police Department are the investigative agencies.
Sean Wasson. Possession of Heroin With Intent to Distribute. Wasson, 27, is charged with possessing with intent to distribute heroin. The Drug Enforcement Administration is the investigative agency.
Johnny Ray Watson. Possession of Methamphetamine With Intent to Distribute. Watson, 39, of Glenpool, is charged with knowingly possessing with intent to distribute methamphetamine. The Drug Enforcement Administration and Bixby Police Department are the investigative agencies.
Blake Clifton Williamson. Possession of an Unregistered Rifle Having a Barrel of Less Than 16 Inches in Length. Williamson is charged with knowingly possessing a rifle having a barrel length of less than 16 inches, that is, an Anderson Manufacturing multi-caliber short-barreled rifle, not registered to him in the National Firearms Registration and Transfer Record. The Tulsa County Sheriff’s Office and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives are the investigative agencies.
Jason Ray Willis. Felon in Possession of Firearm and Ammunition. Willis, 44, of Pryor, is charged with being a felon in possession of a Beretta .40 S&W caliber, semi-automatic pistol. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives are the investigative agencies.
Devante Joe Youngblood. Felon in Possession of Firearm; Possession of an Unregistered Weapon Made From a Rifle Having a Barrel of Less Than 16 Inches in Length. Youngblood, 27, of Stroud, is charged with being a felon in possession of a Heritage Repeating Arms Co., .22LR caliber weapon made from a rifle. The firearm, made from a rifle having a barrel of less than 16 inches in length, was not registered to him in the National Firearms Registration and Transfer Record. Youngblood was previously convicted of six felonies. The Bristow Police Department and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives are the investigative agencies.
Ex-Doctor's Girlfriend Sentenced in Scheme to Illegally Distribute Oxycodone and Defraud Medicare and MedicaidRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH – The girlfriend of a former Pennsylvania-licensed physician has been sentenced in federal court to a total of 63 months’ imprisonment on her conviction for conspiracy to illegally distribute oxycodone, conspiracy to commit health care fraud, conspiracy to commit money laundering, and theft of public money, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.
On September 14, 2019, Chief Judge Mark R. Hornak imposed the sentence on Marcia Ramsier Arthurs, age 62, formerly of Novato, California. Judge Hornak further ordered Arthurs to pay restitution to the Social Security Administration totaling $48,617.00, and to forfeit any interest she had in assets totaling approximately $1.2 million in U.S. currency, gold, silver, and real property.
According to information presented to the court, from March 26, 2015 to June 22, 2018, in the Western District of Pennsylvania and elsewhere, ex-doctor and co-defendant Paul Michael Hoover and Arthurs conspired to illegally distribute oxycodone, commit health care fraud, and launder drug proceeds. Approximately every three months, Hoover and Arthurs traveled from California to operate a pill mill in Coraopolis, Pennsylvania for one or two days, during which time, Hoover wrote individuals illegitimate oxycodone prescriptions for cash, assisted by Arthurs who wrote out the prescriptions, counted cash, and generally managed the pill mill. While back in California, Hoover and Arthurs received money orders for oxycodone prescriptions from individuals residing in the Pittsburgh area, and after receiving payment, mailed illegitimate prescriptions to the individuals. Hoover also conspired with Arthurs to commit health care fraud by signing preauthorization forms and submitting the forms to Medicare and Medicaid health plans, which then paid for the cost of the illegitimate prescriptions. Hoover and Arthurs also conspired to launder the proceeds from their drug distribution operation. Finally, from approximately October 2012 to July 2018, Arthurs knowingly converted to her own use, money belonging to the Social Security Administration in Social Security Title II and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits totaling $48,617.76. The defendant’s actions were without authority in that she made false representations to the Social Security Administration in order to wrongfully obtain these benefits, including reporting false information about her living and financial arrangements with Hoover
Hoovers was previously sentenced to a term of imprisonment of 136 months and restitution to Medicare, Medicaid, and the Social Security Administration totaling $406,760.75.
Assistant United States Attorneys Cindy K. Chung and Rachael L. Mamula prosecuted this case on behalf of the United States.
U.S. Attorney Brady commended the work by the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General, Bureau of Narcotics, Drug Enforcement Administration, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigations, U.S. Health and Human Services – Office of Inspector General, U.S. Postal Inspection Service, and Social Security Administration – Office of Inspector General, which conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Hoover.
The investigation leading to the filing of charges in these cases were conducted by the Western Pennsylvania Opioid Fraud and Abuse Detection Unit, which combines personnel and resources from the following agencies to combat the growing prescription opioid epidemic: Federal Bureau of Investigation, U.S. Health and Human Services – Office of Inspector General, Drug Enforcement Administration, Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigations, Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General – Medicaid Fraud Control Unit, U.S. Postal Inspection Service, U.S. Attorney’s Office – Criminal Division, Civil Division, and Asset Forfeiture Unit, Department of Veterans Affairs – Office of Inspector General, Food and Drug Administration – Office of Criminal Investigations, and the Pennsylvania Bureau of Licensing.
Essex County Felon Admits to Possession of Firearm and AmmunitionRead the Press Release
NEWARK, N.J. – An Essex County, New Jersey, man previously convicted of multiple felonies admitted today to possessing a firearm and ammunition, U.S. Attorney Craig Carpenito announced.
Sharif Clarke, 38, of Irvington, New Jersey, pleaded guilty by videoconference before U.S. District Judge Brian R. Martinotti to a superseding indictment charging him with one count of possession of a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon.
According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:
On Dec. 3, 2018, Clarke knowingly possessed a Glock .40-caliber handgun loaded with nine rounds of Remington ammunition. At that time, Clarke had previously been convicted in Essex County Superior Court of resisting and eluding arrest and of possession of a controlled substance on school property, both of which are felonies.
The charge to which Clarke pleaded guilty carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000. Sentencing is scheduled for Jan. 21, 2020.
This case is part of Project Guardian, the Department of Justice’s signature initiative to reduce gun violence and enforce federal firearms laws. Initiated by the Attorney General in the fall of 2019, Project Guardian draws upon the Department’s past successful programs to reduce gun violence; enhances coordination of federal, state, local and tribal authorities in investigating and prosecuting gun crimes; improves information sharing by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives when a prohibited individual attempts to purchase a firearm and is denied by the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS), to include taking appropriate actions when a prospective purchaser is denied by the NICS for mental health reasons; and ensures that federal resources are directed at the criminals posing the greatest threat to our communities. For more information about Project Guardian, please see https://www.justice.gov/projectguardian.
U.S. Attorney Carpenito credited special agents of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Newark Field Division, under the leadership of Special Agent in Charge Charlie J. Patterson, and the Newark Department of Public Safety, under the leadership of Public Safety Director Anthony F. Ambrose, with the investigation leading to today’s guilty plea.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarah A. Sulkowski of the U.S. Attorney’s Office Cybercrime Unit in Newark.
Eight Pounds of Heroin Send Driver to Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, KAN. – A California woman who was stopped in Kansas with eight pounds of heroin in her car was sentenced today to 26 months in federal prison, U.S. Attorney Stephen McAllister said.
Rufina Valdovinos-Anacleto, 24, Pomona, Calif., pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute heroin. The Kansas Highway Patrol stopped her car in Saline County, Kan. Troopers found more than 8.8 pounds of heroin in the car.
McAllister commended the Kansas Highway Patrol, the Drug Enforcement Administration and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Lindsey Debenham for their work on the case.
Chief Executive Officer of Staten Island Technology Company Pleads Guilty to Wire FraudRead the Press Release
Earlier today, in federal court in Brooklyn, John Comito, Chief Executive Officer of AutoExec Computer Systems, Inc., pleaded guilty before United States Magistrate Judge Roanne L. Mann to wire fraud in connection with his theft of hundreds of thousands of dollars that was earmarked for the installation of internet access at 26 Catholic Elementary, Middle and High Schools in New York City. When sentenced, Comito faces up to 20 years in prison.
Seth D. DuCharme, Acting United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, Philip R. Bartlett, Inspector-in-Charge, United States Postal Inspection Service, New York Division (USPIS), and David L. Hunt, Inspector General of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC-OIG), announced the guilty plea.
“With today’s guilty plea, Comito will now be held to account for defrauding the E-rate federal program and schools in order to enrich himself at the expense of the deserving children the program was designed to serve,” stated Acting United States Attorney DuCharme. “This Office will remain vigilant in ensuring that taxpayer funds are not misappropriated but are used for their intended purpose and recipients.”
“Crimes like these make you shake your head in disbelief. This was no Robin Hood story, but a story of greed and total disregard for those in need of a quality and accessible education. Now with Mr. Comito’s guilty plea, he can spend his time paying for his theft of funds from the E-rate program and those who would have benefited from the needed telecommunication services the program provided,” stated USPIS Inspector-in-Charge Bartlett.
“The E-Rate Program was designed to assist the children in our nation’s neediest schools and we are committed to pursuing investigations into those who would corrupt this program for personal gain,” stated FCC-IG Hunt. “The result in this case demonstrates the outstanding working relationship between the FCC Office of Inspector General and the U.S. Attorney’s Office of the Eastern District of New York. We remain committed to supporting the investigation and prosecution of individuals who defraud this program. We would particularly like to thank the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, New York Division for their assistance in this matter.”
As set forth in the indictment and other court documents, the Federal Communications Commission program known as E‑rate distributes funds to schools and libraries, mostly serving economically disadvantaged children so that those institutions can acquire needed telecommunication services, internet access and related equipment. In order to obtain those funds, schools and libraries certify that they are purchasing equipment and services from a private vendor. The private vendor must, in turn, certify that it is providing the services and equipment as ordered, and is otherwise in compliance with the requirements of the program. If approved, the E-rate program defrays the cost to the schools and libraries by up to 90%.
From at least 2013 and into 2017, various Catholic elementary, middle and high schools located in the Diocese of Brooklyn contracted with AutoExec, through its CEO Comito, to provide them with telecommunications services and equipment. Comito agreed to provide specific services and equipment to the schools but AutoExec did not complete the projects as promised. At least eight schools received no items or services whatsoever. The remaining schools received partial, substandard, older or otherwise non-approved equipment and services. Nevertheless, Comito submitted false certifications to the FCC indicating that AutoExec had completed the work as promised in order to obtain E-Rate funds. From approximately February 2013 through September 2017, AutoExec received approximately $426,000 in E-rate funds, and additional funds from the schools, for these projects. By not doing the work, but keeping the money for personal expenses, Comito enriched himself at the expense of the underprivileged children the E-rate program was designed to serve.
Assistant United States Attorneys Francisco J. Navarro and Philip Pilmar are in charge of the prosecution.
The Defendant:
JOHN COMITO
Age: 69
Staten Island, New YorkE.D.N.Y. Docket No. 19-CR-593 (RRM)
Chicago Nursing Home Executives Charged with Operating Ponzi SchemeRead the Press Release
CHICAGO — The owner of a chain of nursing homes and the company’s executive vice president have been charged with fraud for allegedly orchestrating a Ponzi scheme that raised millions of dollars from investors.
ZVI FEINER was the owner and Chief Executive Officer of Skokie-based FNR Healthcare LLC, and EREZ BAVER served as FNR’s Executive Vice President and bookkeeper. From 2012 to 2017, Feiner and Baver operated a fraud scheme involving the misappropriation of funds raised through the sale of membership interests in companies that Feiner created under the FNR umbrella to purchase and sell nursing homes and assisted living facilities, according to an indictment returned in U.S. District Court in Chicago. The indictment accuses Feiner and Baver of intentionally misleading investors about the financial condition of the companies in order to fraudulently raise funds.
In reality, the payments of returns to investors were funded through a Ponzi scheme, with Feiner and Baver paying early investors with money raised from later investors, the charges allege. Feiner and Baver also used investor funds for purposes unrelated to the purchase or acquisition of the healthcare facilities, including for Feiner’s and Baver’s own personal benefit, the indictment states.
The indictment seeks forfeiture from Feiner of $13.56 million, and from Baver of $3.76 million.
The indictment charges Feiner, 50, of Chicago, with ten counts of wire fraud, and Baver, 40, of Chicago, with one count of wire fraud. Feiner has pleaded not guilty to all counts. Arraignment for Baver is set for Sept. 16, 2020, at 10:00 a.m., before U.S. District Judge Martha M. Pacold.
The indictment was announced by John R. Lausch, Jr., United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois; and Emmerson Buie, Jr., Special Agent-in-Charge of the Chicago office of the FBI. The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission in Chicago provided valuable assistance. The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Kathryn Malizia.
Each count of wire fraud carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison. If convicted, the Court must impose a reasonable sentence under federal statutes and the advisory U.S. Sentencing Guidelines. The public is reminded that an indictment is not evidence of guilt. The defendants are presumed innocent and entitled to a fair trial at which the government has the burden of proving guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
Cass County, Texas Attorney Guilty of Smuggling Methamphetamine into the Cass County JailRead the Press Release
TEXARKANA, Texas – A 49-year-old Cass County, Texas, man has pleaded guilty to a federal drug violation in the Eastern District of Texas, announced U.S. Attorney Stephen J. Cox today.
Bryan Lee Simmons pleaded guilty today to conspiring to distribute methamphetamine before U.S. Magistrate Judge Roy S. Payne, agreeing to be sentenced to four years in federal prison and not to engage in the practice of law for at least three years thereafter.
According to information presented in court, beginning in July 2019 and continuing through August 2019, Simmons agreed with others to distribute methamphetamine in the Cass County Jail. Specifically, on August 29, 2019, he entered the Cass County Jail under the guise of meeting with a client. When he entered the jail, he had methamphetamine hidden on his body, which he intended to distribute to an inmate. Simmons had smuggled drugs into the jail on at least two prior occasions. When Simmons drove to the jail that day, he was carrying a Colt MK IV 0.45 caliber pistol.
A federal grand jury returned an indictment charging Simmons with federal drug trafficking crimes on March 18, 2020. Under federal statutes, Simmons faces up to 20 years in federal prison. The maximum statutory sentence prescribed by Congress is provided here for information purposes, as the sentencing will be determined by the court based on the advisory sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors. A sentencing hearing will be scheduled after the completion of a presentence investigation by the U.S. Probation Office.
This case was investigated by the Texas Department of Public Safety, Texas Rangers Division, with assistance from the Cass County, Texas, District Attorney’s Office and the Cass County, Texas, Sheriff’s Office. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jonathan R. Hornok.
Brother of Rabbi Yisroel Goldstein Admits to $700,000 Tax Evasion ConspiracyRead the Press Release
Assistant U. S. Attorneys Emily W. Allen (619) 546-9738, Oleksandra Johnson (619) 546-9769, and Randy Grossman (619) 546-6761
NEWS RELEASE SUMMARY – September 14, 2020
SAN DIEGO – Mendel Goldstein, the owner of a videography business based in Brooklyn, New York, pleaded guilty in federal court today to tax evasion charges relating to a long-running conspiracy with his brother, Rabbi Yisroel Goldstein.
Until around 2018, Yisroel Goldstein was the director and head rabbi at Chabad of Poway, a tax-exempt organization that the brothers used to divert Mendel Goldstein’s income and conceal more than $700,000 in earnings from the IRS. They hid the money by depositing it into Chabad accounts, then secretly funneling it back to Mendel Goldstein by writing checks to fictitious names like “Mr. Green,” “Mr. Gold,” or “Mr. Fish.”
According to his plea agreement, beginning in 2012, Mendel Goldstein agreed with his brother Yisroel Goldstein that Mendel Goldstein could deposit his freelance videography income directly into bank accounts owned by Chabad of Poway. This allowed Mendel Goldstein to avoid reporting his entire income to the IRS. In return, the brothers agreed that Yisroel Goldstein would keep 10 percent of Mendel Goldstein’s income as his fee—amounting to about $70,000. Mendel Goldstein saved approximately $155,881 in taxes he should have paid to the IRS.
As Mendel Goldstein admitted today, the conspiracy operated for several years until December 2018. At that time, Yisroel Goldstein discovered that he was under investigation for tax evasion and other crimes. He warned Mendel Goldstein about the investigation and encouraged him to conceal his tax evasion by filing delinquent tax returns.
In July 2020, Yisroel Goldstein, along with five other associates, pleaded guilty to fraud charges, admitting that he participated in a complex, years-long, multi-million dollar tax-evasion scheme and other financial deceptions involving theft of public money. Among the schemes he admitted as part of his guilty plea, Yisroel Goldstein outlined the tax avoidance conspiracy he operated with Mendel Goldstein. Yisroel Goldstein has agreed to cooperate with the ongoing investigation. He is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Cynthia Bashant on April 26, 2021.
“People who cheat on their taxes are cheating all honest taxpayers,” said U.S. Attorney Robert Brewer. “We will not tolerate the exploitation of non-profit and religious organizations to line the perpetrators’ pockets at society’s expense.”
“The law clearly states that income is subject to tax and must be reported, from whatever source derived, including compensation for services,” said Ryan L. Korner, Special Agent in Charge of IRS Criminal Investigation. “Mr. Mendel Goldstein admitted that he broke the law by hiding over $700,000 in income and willfully evading his taxes for over six years. His tax crime is made even more egregious because he exploited the tax-exempt status of Chabad of Poway to cheat the United States. Today’s guilty plea demonstrates that the IRS will diligently continue our important enforcement efforts despite the ongoing challenges posed by Covid-19. We will work alongside our law enforcement partners in a collective effort to enforce the law and ensure the public trust.”
“This investigation uncovered a conspiracy of crimes involving fraud, deception and evasion that used the cloak of a tax-exempt religious organization, the Chabad of Poway, for personal financial benefit,” said Suzanne Turner, Special Agent in Charge of FBI's San Diego Field Office. “The FBI takes seriously the harm that financial crimes have on our country. We are all expected to follow the rule of law, and the FBI is charged with enforcing these laws. Today, Mendel Goldstein has been reminded of this important lesson, as he acknowledged with his guilty plea.”
Judge Bashant presided over today’s arraignment and guilty plea. Mendel Goldstein is next scheduled to appear at a sentencing hearing on December 14, 2020 at 9 a.m.
NEW DEFENDANT AND SUMMARY OF NEW CHARGES
Mendel Goldstein, Case Number 20CR2772-BAS Age: 63 Brooklyn, NY
Conspiracy to Defraud the United States and Commit Wire Fraud, in violation of Title 18, USC 371
Maximum Penalty: Five years in prison
PREVIOUSLY CHARGED DEFENDANTS AND SUMMARY OF CHARGES
Yisroel Goldstein, Case Number 20CR1916-BAS Age: 58 Poway
Conspiracy to Defraud the United States and Commit Wire Fraud, in violation of Title 18, USC 371
Maximum Penalty: Five years in prison
Alexander Avergoon, Case Number 19CR2955-BAS Age: 44 San Diego
Wire Fraud, in violation of Title 18, USC 1343
Maximum Penalty: Twenty years in prison
Aggravated Identity Theft, in violation of Title 18, USC 1028A
Maximum Penalty: Two years minimum consecutive term in prison
Money Laundering, in violation of Title 18, USC 1956(a)(1)(B)(i)
Maximum Penalty: Twenty years in prison
Bruce Baker, Case Number 20CR1912-BAS Age: 74 La Jolla
Conspiracy to Defraud the United States and file false tax returns, in violation of Title 18, USC 371
Maximum Penalty: Five years in prison
Bijan Moossazadeh, Case Number 20CR1893-BAS Age: 63 San Diego
Filing a False Tax Return, in violation of Title 26, USC 7206(1)
Maximum Penalty: Three years in prison
Yousef Shemirani, Case Number 20CR1895-BAS Age: 74 Poway
Filing a False Tax Return, in violation of Title 26, USC 7206(1)
Maximum Penalty: Three years in prison
Boris Shkoller, Case Number 20CR1913-BAS Age: 83 Del Mar
Filing a False Tax Return, in violation of Title 26, USC 7206(1)
Maximum Penalty: Three years in prison
INVESTIGATING AGENCIES
Federal Bureau of Investigation, Internal Revenue Service
Birmingham Woman Sentenced for Conspiracy to Commit Mail and Wire Fraud and Intimidating a WitnessRead the Press Release
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – A federal judge today sentenced Birmingham woman on charges of conspiracy to commit mail and wire fraud and intimidating a witness, announced U.S. Attorney Prim F. Escalona and IRS-Criminal Investigations Atlanta Field Division Special Agent in Charge James Dorsey.
U.S. District Judge R. David Proctor sentenced Quincetta Yvonne Cargill, 48, to 15 years in prison for her conspiracy to commit mail and wire fraud and intimidating a witness. Cargill was also ordered to pay $1,096,668.68 in restitution. Cargill was convicted of these charges in February. Cargill represented herself, and also took the stand to testify.
“There is zero tolerance for those who commit identity theft and fraud for their own greed,” Escalona said. “Cargill’s actions were met today with just punishment.”
“Today’s sentencing of Cargill highlights how seriously IRS Criminal Investigation and the United States Attorney’s Office take the issue of identity theft,” said James E. Dorsey, Special Agent in Charge IRS Criminal Investigation Atlanta Field Office. “We will continue to pursue criminals who prey on innocent victims and we will continue to enforce our nation’s tax laws. Today’s sentencings should send a clear message to would-be criminals, you will be caught and you will be punished.”
Evidence at trial, including witness testimony, bank records, and IRS tax returns, proved that Cargill obtained the names, dates of birth, and social security numbers of individuals, told them she was submitting their information for a federal grant program, and instead caused fraudulent tax returns to be filed with their information. Cargill then directed others to open bank accounts, and used her own bank accounts, to receive tax refund checks from those fraudulently filed returns. In total, Cargill and her co-conspirators obtained more that $1 million from refunds from fraudulent tax returns. Evidence at trial also proved that Cargill attempted to intimidate a witness in her case by sending information about the witness and their potential testimony to members of a motorcycle club, in order to influence or prevent that witness from testifying at trial.
IRS-CID investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Allison Garnett and Blake Milner prosecuted the case.
The year 2020 marks the 150th anniversary of the Department of Justice. Learn more about the history of our agency at www.Justice.gov/Celebrating150Years.
Birmingham Business Owner Pleads Guilty to Wire FraudRead the Press Release
A Birmingham jewelry buyer, auctioneer and appraiser pleaded guilty today to devising and executing a scheme to obtain money by means of false material promises and representations from a client in the course of his business, U.S. Attorney Matthew Schneider announced.
Schneider was joined in the announcement by Special Agent in Charge Steven M. D’Antuono, Federal Bureau of Investigation and Chief Mark Clemence of the Birmingham Police Department.
Joseph Gregory Dumouchelle, age 58, entered a guilty plea to one count of wire fraud before the Honorable Mark A. Goldsmith, United States District Judge.
According to the facts made public at the guilty plea hearing, in late 2018, Dumouchelle, began negotiating the purchase and sale of a diamond known as the “Yellow Rose.” Dumouchelle proposed the Yellow Rose as an investment opportunity to a client, TR, by claiming that the diamond could be purchase by TR for $12,000,000 and sold for substantially more. In an effort to lull TR into believing the investment was legitimate Dumouchelle told TR he could purchase the diamond by wire transferring $12,000,000 into the seller’s account. Dumouchelle sent the wire transfer directions to TR falsely representing that the account was the seller’s. In fact, as Dumouchelle well knew and intended, the wire transfer instructions were to his own account. After TR unknowingly wired the money into Dumouchelle’s account, Dumouchelle quickly withdrew the funds and used them to pay his personal and business debts and expenses.
As part of the plea agreement with the government Dumouchelle acknowledges that there are other victims of his scheme to obtain money by means of false and fraudulent material pretenses and representation and that their losses will be included as relevant conduct in calculating his sentencing guidelines and by the court in ordering restitution.
“White collar criminals may use sophisticated methods and apparently legitimate businesses, but their crimes amount to nothing more than stealing other people’s money. Dumouchelle lured his victims into believing his false promises because he held himself out to be an expert with valuable connections that would earn the victims substantial profits, but it was all a lie,” said United States Attorney Matthew Schneider.
“Joseph Dumouchelle defrauded his investors by convincing them that he was buying and selling rare jewelry for big profits,” said Special Agent in Charge of the FBI in Michigan, Steven M. D’Antuono. “It was all a lie. Instead, Dumouchelle used the victims’ hard-earned money to help him maintain a lifestyle he could no longer afford. This case represents excellent collaboration between the Birmingham Police Department and the FBI’s Detroit Metropolitan Identity Theft and Financial Crimes Task Force.”
Chief Mark Clemence of the Birmingham Police Department stated, "Dumouchelle case is a great example of how local police agencies can work with the FBI and other federal agencies to solve complex criminal enterprises that start at the local level and have far reaching impacts throughout the country."
Sentencing has been set for January 13, 2021.
The investigation was conducted by the FBI's Detroit Metropolitan Identity Theft and Financial Crimes Task Force and the Birmingham Police Department
Beatrice Man Sentenced for Conspiracy to Distribute MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Joe Kelly announced that Charles Burr, 35, of Beatrice, Nebraska, was sentenced on September 14, 2020, in Omaha, Nebraska by Senior United States District Judge Laurie Smith Camp to 17 years’ imprisonment after having previously pled guilty to conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine. There is no parole in the federal system. After his release from prison, Burr will serve a 10-year term of supervised release.
Agents with the United States Marshals Service, Nebraska State Patrol, Gage County Sheriff’s Department, Beatrice Police Department and Lincoln Police Department were involved in investigating substantial methamphetamine activity in the Gage County area. Their investigation led to a conspiracy involving Ashley Bartels, Candace Burr and Charles Burr from November 2016 through September 2017. In particular, Mr. Burr was responsible for more than 24 pounds of methamphetamine being distributed in the area.
Bartels was previously sentenced to 7 years’ imprisonment and Candace Burr was previously sentenced to 5 years, 9 months.
Bates City Man Charged with Illegal Firearms, Drug TraffickingRead the Press Release
Law enforcement officers seized nearly two dozen firearms from Gregg's residence.KANSAS CITY, Mo. – A Bates City, Missouri, man has been charged in federal court after law enforcement officers seized nearly two dozen firearms and illegal drugs from his residence.
Daniel Dewayne Gregg, 57, was charged in a two-count criminal complaint filed in the U.S. District Court in Kansas City, Mo., on Friday, Sept. 11. The federal criminal complaint charges Gregg with one count of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and one count of possessing a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking.
According to an affidavit filed in support of the federal criminal complaint, law enforcement officers identified Gregg as a major supplier of methamphetamine trafficking following several controlled drug purchases. Officers executed a search warrant at Gregg’s residence on Friday, Sept. 11, and placed him under arrest.
Gregg told officers that he had been dealing crystal methamphetamine continuously for at least the past six months, the affidavit says. Gregg stated that he was a kilogram-level dealer of crystal methamphetamine and had sold, at a conservative minimum, at least 12 kilograms of crystal methamphetamine per month for the past six months. Gregg stated he had several large-scale customers who purchased at least a half-kilogram of methamphetamine from him at a time. Gregg said he purchased methamphetamine for $12,000 per kilogram and sold it for about $13,000 per kilogram.
Officers located a large firearms safe in the basement of Gregg’s residence that contained 22 firearms and a large amount of cash. Officers also searched Gregg’s vehicle and found 151.6 grams of methamphetamine, 436.5 grams of marijuana, and 207 prescription pills in unlabeled pill bottles. Officers also found methamphetamine inside a fanny pack. They found a loaded Smith and Wesson .40-caliber semi-automatic pistol on top of the fanny pack. Gregg told officers he had the firearm because he had been threatened by individuals wanting to do him harm, the affidavit says, and Gregg stated he had the firearm in case those individuals came to his residence to harm him.
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 Kansas City, Mo., Police Department and the Drug Enforcement Administration.
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.Baltimore Felon Facing Federal Indictment for an Armed Carjacking, Possession with Intent to Distribute Fentanyl, and Related Gun ChargesRead the Press Release
Greenbelt, Maryland – A federal grand jury today has indicted Charles Couser, age 27, of Baltimore, Maryland, on the federal charges of carjacking, using and brandishing a firearm during a crime of violence, possession with intent to distribute fentanyl, possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, and for being a felon in possession of a firearm and/or ammunition.
The indictment 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 Commissioner Michael Harrison of the Baltimore Police Department; and Baltimore City State’s Attorney Marilyn J. Mosby.
According to the five-count indictment, on January 31, 2020, Couser carjacked an individual at gunpoint. The next day, the indictment alleges that Couser possessed cocaine and fentanyl with intent to distribute the drug. Further, the indictment alleges that Couser possessed a .40-caliber semi-automatic pistol and 14 .40-caliber jacketed flat point cartridges in furtherance of his drug distribution. Finally, the indictment alleges that Couser knew that he was prohibited from possessing a firearm or ammunition due to a previous felony conviction.
If convicted, Couser faces a maximum sentence of 15 years in federal prison for carjacking; a mandatory seven years and a maximum of life in federal prison, consecutive to any other sentence, for using, carrying, and brandishing a firearm in relation to a crime of violence; a maximum of 20 years in federal prison for possessing with intent to distribute fentanyl; a mandatory five years and a maximum of life in prison, consecutive to any other sentence for possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime; and a maximum of 10 years in prison for being a felon in possession of a firearm or ammunition. 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. Couser is expected to have an initial appearance in U.S. District Court in Baltimore in the near future. He is currently detained on related state charges.
An indictment is not a finding of guilt. An individual charged by indictment is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty at some later criminal proceedings.
United States Attorney Robert K. Hur commended the FBI, Baltimore Police Department, and the Office of the State’s Attorney for Baltimore City for their work in the investigation. Mr. Hur thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael Goldsticker, who is prosecuting the case.
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Alien Sentenced for Illegal Reentry of an Aggravated FelonRead the Press Release
Raleigh, N.C. – Manuel Rodriguez-Mendoza, 41, of Mexico, illegally present in the United States and residing in Wake County, North Carolina, was sentenced to 30 months in federal prison and an additional 18 months in federal prison for violating his supervised release.
On May 20, 2020, Rodriguez-Mendoza pled guilty to one count of illegal reentry of an aggravated felon. Rodriguez-Mendoza, was deported from the United States on April 28, 2006, at Brownsville, Texas, after having been convicted of illegal alien in possession of a firearm, an aggravated felony, on March 3, 2006, in the Middle District of North Carolina.
While on federal supervised release, on February 15, 2009, Rodriguez-Mendoza was arrested by the Forsyth County Sheriff’s Office in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, and charged with carrying a concealed weapon and assault with a deadly weapon. Rodriguez-Mendoza posted a $3,000 bond, was released and failed to appear in state court. Rodriguez-Mendoza remained a fugitive until he was arrested on July 1, 2016, by the Wake County Sheriff’s Office and charged with trafficking in cocaine, maintaining a dwelling to sell controlled substances and possession of a stolen firearm.
Robert J. Higdon, Jr., U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina made the announcement after sentencing by U.S. District Judge James C. Dever III. ICE’s Enforcement and Removal Operations investigated the case and Assistant U.S. Attorney Gabriel Diaz prosecuted the case.
A copy of this press release is located on our website. Related court documents and information are located on the website of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina or on PACER by searching for Case No. 5:19-cr-00198-FL.
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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.
4 sent to prison for multiple area robberiesRead the Press Release
HOUSTON – With the sentencing of three Houston men today, all four convicted for their roles in the robberies/attempted robberies of six local banks are now headed to federal prison, announced U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Patrick.
Gregory Babers, 30, Julien Francis, 29, and Jarrick Hoskins, 31, had previously pleaded guilty. A federal jury deliberated for two hours before convicting Eric Beverly, 31, Feb. 26, following a less than two-day trial. He was convicted of five counts of aiding and abetting the robbery of local banks and aiding and abetting the attempted robbery of another as well as six counts of aiding and abetting the brandishing of a firearm during the commission of the robberies.
Today, U.S. District Lynn N. Hughes imposed total sentences of 84, 51 and 100 months for Babers, Francis and Hoskins, respectively, representing terms for the underlying robberies and additional penalties for the respective firearms convictions. Last week, the court ordered Beverly to serve 42 years for the firearms charges in addition to five years for the robberies and attempted robberies. The sentences are all to be served consecutively. The total 47-year-sentence will be immediately followed by three years of supervised release. At Beverly’s hearing, the court heard additional evidence that he was a leader/organizer of the armed robbery crew. In handing down the sentences, the court noted teach member of the robbery crew was responsible for the actions of the others.
“For almost a year, these individuals endangered Houston citizens by committing over 20 bank robberies in our area,” said Special Agent in Charge Perrye K. Turner of the FBI. “Their arrests are a testament to the teamwork displayed by the FBI Violent Crimes Task Force. As we continue protecting our citizens, the FBI hopes these sentencings will bring closure for the victims, as well as an opportunity for the defendants to pay their debt to the community.”
During trial, the jury heard Beverly and other members of his crew committed six armed bank robberies and had robbed three of the banks more than once. The take-over style robberies occurred between Aug. 25, 2014, and May 2, 2015. During the crimes, two or more men wore masks and entered the banks while at least one of them brandished a firearm and put people’s lives in jeopardy. While in the banks, one or more of the men demanded money from employees at gunpoint, jumped over teller counters and grabbed money from teller drawers.
Jurors also heard testimony that Beverly participated in an attempted robbery. He did not get any money due to the bank’s bullet-proof bandit barriers.
At trial, the jury saw videos and photos from each of the robberies and heard testimony from five bank tellers explaining how the armed robbers wore masks and gloves. The jury also considered phone records showing how the robbers used their cell phones to communicate with each other.
At the time of their pleas, Babers, Francis and Hoskins admitted to their respective roles as lookouts, drivers and inside-men.
The FBI Violent Crime Task Force, Harris County Sheriff’s Office and Houston Police Department conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Carrie Wirsing and Jill Stotts are prosecuting the case.
12 September 2020
Request Denied for Preliminary Injunction on the Administration’s Landmark New Regulations Implementing the National Environmental Policy ActRead the Press Release
On Friday, Sept. 11, Judge James T. Jones of the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Virginia denied a request for a preliminary injunction against the Administration’s landmark new regulations implementing under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), which will modernize environmental review, enhance the information-gathering process, and facilitate more meaningful public participation in the protection of our environment. These regulations had not been subject to a major revision since 1978, when they were first promulgated, and they were in need of modernization to improve the infrastructure permitting process.
“We are gratified that the Court rejected plaintiff’s injunction request, and the Department will continue to defend these vital rules,” said Deputy Attorney General Jeffrey A. Rosen. “The modernization of the NEPA process advances both environmental protection and economic development.”
“I am pleased to have argued this case for the President’s Council of Environmental Quality and that Judge Jones agreed to deny the nationwide preliminary injunction,” said Jeffrey Bossert Clark, Assistant Attorney General of the Environment and Natural Resources Division.
Montrose Resident Sentenced to More Than Twelve Years in Federal Prison for Role in Drug ConspiracyRead the Press Release
DENVER – United States Attorney Jason R. Dunn announced that Joseph Davis of Montrose, Colorado was sentenced to serve 151 months (over 12 years) in federal prison, followed by 5 years of supervised release, for conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine. The sentence was pronounced by U.S. District Court Judge Christine M. Arguello earlier this week. The Denver Division of the Drug Enforcement Administration joined in today’s announcement.
According to court documents, including the stipulated facts contained in the defendant’s plea agreement, as well as facts presented at sentencing, Davis was a mid-level dealer of methamphetamine in Montrose, Colorado, receiving and distributing pounds of methamphetamine for profit. He began this criminal activity shortly after being released on parole in May 2019, after serving a portion of a 10 year state prison sentence for previous drug distribution. Soon after being released on parole in 2019, Davis began distributing methamphetamine from his Montrose residence, along with his wife and co-defendant, Naomi Vaughn. Vaughn is separately scheduled to be sentenced on November 2, 2020. Cases against eleven additional alleged co-conspirators are pending.
“Significant drug prosecutions like this are a high priority for our office, particularly when it involves a smaller community,” said U.S. Attorney Jason Dunn. “The length of this sentence - more than twelve years - demonstrates just how seriously we take this criminal activity. We commend our law enforcement partners, including the DEA, the Montrose County Sheriff’s Office, and the Montrose County Police Department for their excellent work.”
“This sentencing sends a clear message that those who seek to sell this poison in our community will be caught and dealt with severely,” said DEA Special Agent in Charge Deanne Reuter. “The DEA and our law enforcement partners across the state are committed to eradicating the illegal sale and distribution of methamphetamine and other hard drugs plaguing our communities.”
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Colorado. Related court documents can be found on PACER by searching for Case Number 19-cr-535. This matter is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Zachary Phillips.
Related press releases can be found here and here.
The year 2020 marks the 150th anniversary of the Department of Justice. Learn more about the history of our agency at www.Justice.gov/Celebrating150Years.
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11 September 2020
Woman Charged for Throwing Lit Device at Metropolitan Police OfficerRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Alanna Rogers, 26, of Baltimore, MD, was arraigned yesterday in the Superior Court of the District of Columbia on a criminal complaint charging her with felony assault on a police officer while armed and misdemeanor rioting based on her throwing a firework at police officers, burning the trousers of one police official, during a declared riot that took place on August 30 and carried over to August 31, 2020, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Michael R. Sherwin. Although Rogers was not charged when initially arrested on August 31, today’s charges are based on additional investigative work by the Metropolitan Police Department and the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia.
At today’s arraignment, the Honorable Judge Sean C. Staples found probable cause for the charges and agreed with the government that a presumption in favor of detention applied in this case. The court released Rogers, however, after finding that the presumption was rebutted by her lack of criminal history. The court ordered Rogers to stay away from the 800 and 900 blocks of Sixteenth Street, N.W., and not to possess fireworks.
A criminal complaint is a formal accusation of criminal conduct, not evidence of guilt. A defendant is presumed innocent unless proven guilty.
In addition to the Rogers case, last week, the U.S. Attorney’s Office filed charges against two other individuals for rioting. One defendant was charged with misdemeanor rioting, in United States v. Wu, Crim. No. 2020-CMD-006839, for his conduct on August 30-31. The other was charged with misdemeanor destruction of property, defacing property, and misdemeanor rioting, in United States v. Powell, Crim. No. 2020-CMD-006862, for his conduct on August 14. The U.S. Attorney’s Office continues to review additional evidence presented by MPD and will bring additional charges as warranted by the evidence.
Wilson Man Arrested, Charged with Marijuana Possession and Illegal Possession of A FirearmRead the Press Release
CONTACT: Barbara Burns
PHONE: (716) 843-5817
FAX #: (716) 551-3051BUFFALO, N.Y. - U.S. Attorney James P. Kennedy, Jr. announced today that Kevin S. Wise, Jr., 30, of Wilson, NY, was arrested and charged by criminal complaint with possession with intent to distribute marijuana, and possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking. The charges carry a maximum penalty of life in prison and a $1,000,000 fine.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Joshua A. Violanti, who is handling the case, stated that according to the complaint, in the afternoon of September 2, 2020, the Niagara County Sheriff’s Office responded to a domestic incident complaint at the defendant’s residence on Youngstown Road in Wilson. Law enforcement interviewed the subjects, both of whom agreed to separate and no charges were filed at that time. During the course of an investigation, the Niagara County Sheriff’s Office learned that Wise used methamphetamine and marijuana. Investigators also determined that the defendant grew marijuana behind his house. On September 6, 2020, Wise was arrested on a domestic complaint for two counts of Aggravated Harassment.
The following day, on September 7, 2020, investigators executed search warrants at the defendant’s residence, property, and vehicles. At the locations, they recovered several firearms, a bin of gun parts and magazines, approximately 126 grams of suspected marijuana, approximately 2.6 grams of suspected psilocybin mushrooms, two digital scales with brown residue, packaging materials, a large quantity of ammunition, and $2,717.00 in U.S. currency. Behind the garage, investigators discovered a pathway leading to 11 suspected marijuana plants and observed multiple trail cameras positioned throughout the back yard, woods, and location of the marijuana plants.
The defendant made an initial appearance today before U.S. Magistrate Judge H. Kenneth Schroeder, Jr. and is being held pending a detention hearing on September 15, 2020.
The criminal complaint is the result of an investigation by the Niagara County Sheriff’s Office Drug Task Force, under the direction of Acting Sheriff Michael Filicetti; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge John B. Devito, New York Field Division; and Homeland Security Investigations, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Kevin Kelly.
The fact that a defendant has been charged with a crime is merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
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Wife sentenced to prison in chop shop conspiracy involving the theft of more than 35 vehiclesRead the Press Release
COLUMBUS, Ohio – A Columbus woman was sentenced in U.S. District Court today for conspiring with her husband and others to steal at least 35 vehicles, earning more than half a million dollars by selling their parts.
Tina Imes, 41, was sentenced to 36 months in prison. In July 2019, her husband James A. Imes, 51, was sentenced to 120 months in prison.
According to court documents, from January 2013 until April 2014, defendants stole at least 35 vehicles to dismantle them and sell their parts throughout the Midwest, earning $10,000 to $15,000 per week. Co-conspirators operated chop shops in three locations on the West side of Columbus to traffic the car parts.
For example, one vehicle – a truck stolen from Buckeye Ford in London, Ohio – was registered in the name of the couple’s minor son and had a fraudulent VIN and title assigned to it after the theft.
Most of the vehicles were sold as parts or scrap to salvage yards. More valuable parts were sold on Craigslist through posts advertised in cities across Ohio, Indiana, Kentucky, Pennsylvania, Michigan and West Virginia.
During the destruction of the vehicles, HCFC refrigerant chemicals were released into the atmosphere when vehicle air conditioning tubes were cut.
As part of this investigation, agents spoke with Imes in October and November 2018 about a felony arrest warrant for her husband. Imes told U.S. Marshals that the couple planned to divorce, and that her husband had fled to Kentucky. In reality, Imes was delivering food and other supplies to her husband at an apartment on Plumway Drive in Columbus.
Imes pleaded guilty in February 2019.
Congress sets the maximum statutory sentence. Sentencing of the defendant is determined by the Court based on the advisory sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors.
David M. DeVillers, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio, Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost and Ohio Environmental Protection Agency Director Laurie A. Stevenson announced the sentence handed down today by Senior U.S. District Judge James L. Graham. Assistant United States Attorneys Jonathan J.C. Grey and J. Michael Marous are representing the United States in this case.
The case was investigated by the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI) and Ohio EPA Special Investigations Unit, as well as the assistance from the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office, Columbus Division of Police Auto Theft Unit and Ohio State Highway Patrol Theft and Fraud Unit.
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Vidor Women Guilty of Federal Drug Trafficking Resulting in Multiple DeathsRead the Press Release
BEAUMONT, Texas – Two Vidor, Texas women have pleaded guilty to federal drug trafficking violations in the Eastern District of Texas, announced U.S. Attorney Stephen J. Cox today.
Catherine Ardis, 62, and Michelle Lea Harrington, 51, pleaded guilty today to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute a controlled substance, namely hydromorphone, before U.S. District Judge Marcia A. Crone.
According to information presented in court, Harrington lived at a home located on FM 105 North in Vidor, Texas, in which several other persons, including Ardis, also resided. Federal agents began their investigation of Harrington and Ardis in June of 2019 after three persons died as a result of opiates purchased from Ardis at this home. Medical examination of the deceased persons determined that the victims died from poly-drug toxicity resulting from the use of hydromorphone pills, also referred to as Dilaudid. As part of the factual basis for the plea, Ardis admitted to selling the hydromorphone pills that resulted in the death of the three victims.
“Trafficking of drugs ordinarily only available by prescription places the public at great risk,” said U.S. Attorney Stephen J. Cox. “The United States is committed to punishing those that seek to profit by distributing such drugs outside the watchful care of a doctor.”
“The drug trafficker who provides the drug that causes or contributes to the overdose death of a person will be held accountable,” said Special Agent in Charge Steven S. Whipple of the DEA Houston Division. “The DEA and our law enforcement partners will continue to commit significant resources to the identification and investigation of those who cause the death of another human, whether by violence or overdose.”
A federal grand jury returned an indictment charging the defendants with federal drug trafficking crimes on March 4, 2020. Under federal statutes, Ardis and Harrington face up to 20 years in federal prison. The maximum statutory sentence prescribed by Congress is provided here for information purposes, as the sentencing will be determined by the court based on the advisory sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors. A sentencing hearing will be scheduled after the completion of a presentence investigation by the U.S. Probation Office.
This case was investigated by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, Vidor Police Department, Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office, Beaumont Police Department, Port Arthur Police Department, and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael A. Anderson.
VA Hospital Nurse Charged with Using her Position to Obtain PainkillersRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH – A resident of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on charges of violating federal narcotics laws, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.
The Indictment, returned on August 19, 2020, named Ann Makepeace, age 30, of 519 South Braddock Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15221, as the sole defendant.
According to the Indictment, from on or about February 24, 2020, continuing through on or about March 20, 2020, Makepeace used her position as a registered nurse at the VA Hospital to obtain vials of Dilaudid, a Schedule II controlled substance.
The law provides for a maximum total sentence of not more than four years in prison, a fine not to exceed $250,000 or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history of the defendant.
Assistant United States Attorney Timothy M. Lanni is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The Veterans Affairs – Office of Inspector General and the Veterans Affairs Police 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.
United States Files Complaint to Forfeit Nearly $1 Million from Companies Accused of Enabling North Korean Sanctions EvasionRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON - The United States has filed a complaint to forfeit $955,880.85 associated with two companies, announced Michael R. Sherwin, Acting U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia; Emmerson Buie, Jr., Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Chicago Field Office; and Steven Cagen, Special Agent in Charge of the HSI Denver Field Office.
The complaint alleges the Ryer International Trading Limited and Rensy International Trading Co., Limited acted as intermediaries for North Korea’s purchase and acquisition of telecommunications equipment from ZTE, which included US-origin components.
ZTE exported millions of U.S.-origin parts to North Korea between 2010 and 2016, receiving payments in U.S. dollars through China-based shell companies, Ryer and Rensy. Ryer and Rensy were intermediaries to negotiate purchase contracts, request payments, and receive the U.S.-origin goods on behalf of ZTE’s North Korean customers.
Ryer’s proprietors attempted to invest the proceeds of their activity in the EB-5 immigrant investor program, which provides eligibility for permanent residence in the United States.
“This complaint illuminates how procurement networks coordinate with front companies to move North Korean money through the United States to obtain U.S.-origin technology in violation of sanctions and money laundering laws,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Sherwin. “This case demonstrates that we will use all tools in our Threat Finance Unit’s portfolio to disrupt activity by the North Korean regime that harms U.S. national security, regardless of where they are doing business.”
"The evasion of U.S. financial sanctions by foreign actors will not be tolerated, and the FBI will continue to work with federal law enforcement partners to ensure that there are consequences for those seeking to profit through illegal money laundering activities,” said Emmerson Buie, Jr., Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Chicago Field Office.
“This seizure demonstrates how seriously we take our commitment to safeguarding the interests of the United States against criminal elements aiding North Korea,” said Steven Cagen, special-agent-in-charge, HSI Denver. “This case underscores the resolve of Homeland Security Investigations to use its investigative authority to disrupt this threat.”
The complaint was filed on September 11, 2020, in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia. According to the complaint, Ryer and Rensy also acted as a conduit for North Korean money laundering through sanctioned North Korean financial institutions.
The United Nations Panel of Experts reported as to how North Korean banks have been able to evade sanctions and continue to access the international banking system. Specifically, despite strengthened financial sanctions, North Korean networks are accessing formal banking channels by maintaining correspondent bank accounts and representative offices abroad that are staffed by foreign nationals making use of front companies. These broad interwoven networks allow North Korean banks to conduct illicit procurement and banking activity.
The claims made in the complaint are only allegations and do not constitute a determination of liability.
The FBI’s Chicago Field Office and HSI’s Colorado Springs Office are investigating the case. Assistant U.S Attorneys Zia M. Faruqui, Michael Grady, and Brian P. Hudak, and National Security Division Deputy Chief Liz Cannon are litigating the case, with assistance from Paralegal Specialist Brian Rickers, Legal Assistant Jessica McCormick, and Records Examiner Angela De Falco.
United States Attorney William D. Hyslop Announces $657,699 in Awards to Improve School Safety in the Eastern District of WashingtonRead the Press Release
Spokane -- William D. Hyslop, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Washington, announces that a total of $657,699 in school safety grant funding is being awarded to the Mattawa Police Department, East Valley School District and Consolidated School District #116 in Prosser, Washington. The funding was awarded by the Department of Justice’s Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS Office) School Violence Prevention Program (SVPP). Nationally, the COPS Office SVPP awarded nearly $50 million in school safety funding. SVPP provides up to 75% funding for school safety measures in and around primary and secondary schools and school grounds. The amounts awarded in Eastern Washington are:
Mattawa Police Department - $372,750
East Valley School District - $187,500
Consolidated School District #116 - $97,449
United States Attorney Hyslop said “Students should not fear going to school. These awards reflect the Department of Justice’s commitment to safe and secure learning environments for our students. The grant funding will assist our partners in enhancing the physical safety of our children while they are in school.”
“With the new school year underway, the safety of our nation’s students remains paramount,” said COPS Office Director Phil Keith. “Although this school year may look different at the start, now is the ideal time to make preparations to enhance school safety for when all of our children are back in the classroom.”
The Students, Teachers, and Officers Preventing School Violence Act of 2018 (STOP School Violence Act of 2018) gave the COPS Office authority to provide awards directly to states, units of local government, Indian tribes, and public agencies (such as school districts and law enforcement agencies) to improve security at schools and on school grounds in the jurisdiction of the grantee through evidence-based school safety programs. The three awards announced today can be used for coordination with law enforcement; training for local law enforcement officers to prevent student violence; metal detectors, locks, lighting, and other deterrent measures; technology for expedited notification of local law enforcement during an emergency; and other measures that provide a significant improvement in security. The full list of SVPP awards can be found here: https://cops.usdoj.gov/pdf/2020AwardDocs/svpp/Award_List.pdf.
In addition to the school safety grants announced today, the COPS Office School Safety Working Group, which is composed of representatives from eight national law enforcement organizations, has identified 10 essential actions that can be taken by schools, school districts, and law enforcement agencies to help prevent critical incidents involving the loss of life or injuries in our nation's schools and to respond rapidly and effectively when incidents do occur. The Ten Essential Actions to Improve School Safety are applicable to school shootings as well as to other areas of school safety, including natural disasters and traumatic events such as student suicide. Adopting policies and practices based on the recommendations in this publication can help make school communities safer and save lives.
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The COPS Office is the federal component of the Department of Justice responsible for advancing community policing nationwide. Since 1994, the COPS Office has invested more than $14 billion to advance community policing, including grants awarded to more than 13,000 state, local and tribal law enforcement agencies to fund the hiring and redeployment of more than 134,000 officers and provide a variety of knowledge resource products including publications, training and technical assistance.
The year 2020 marks the 150th anniversary of the Department of Justice. Learn more about the history of our agency at www.Justice.gov/Celebrating150Years.
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United States Attorney Lawrence Keefe Announces Award to Improve School SafetyRead the Press Release
TALLAHASSEE, FLORIDA – Lawrence Keefe, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida, announced that the Washington County, Florida, School District received $500,000 from the Department of Justice’s Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS Office) School Violence Prevention Program (SVPP). Nationally, the COPS Office SVPP awarded nearly $50 million in school safety funding. SVPP provides up to 75% funding for school safety measures in and around primary and secondary schools and school grounds.
“We are pleased that so many children within our District will benefit from the Justice Department’s School Violence Prevention Program,” said U.S. Attorney Keefe. “Even here in Northern Florida, we are not free from the threat of school violence. I’m confident Washington County will use these funds to take impactful steps to improve safety for our children, and the teachers and others who work every day to educate them in a safe, nourishing environment.”
“With the new school year underway, the safety of our nation’s students remains paramount,” said COPS Office Director Phil Keith. “Although this school year may look different at the start, now is the ideal time to make preparations to enhance school safety for when all of our children are back in the classroom.”
The Students, Teachers, and Officers Preventing School Violence Act of 2018 (STOP School Violence Act of 2018) gave the COPS Office authority to provide awards directly to states, units of local government, Indian tribes, and public agencies (such as school districts and law enforcement agencies) to improve security at schools and on school grounds in the jurisdiction of the grantee through evidence-based school safety programs. The $500,000 award announced today can be used for coordination with law enforcement; training for local law enforcement officers to prevent student violence; metal detectors, locks, lighting, and other deterrent measures; technology for expedited notification of local law enforcement during an emergency; and other measures that provide a significant improvement in security. The full list of SVPP awards can be found here:
https://cops.usdoj.gov/pdf/2020AwardDocs/svpp/Award_List.pdf.
In addition to the school safety grants announced today, the COPS Office School Safety Working Group, which is composed of representatives from eight national law enforcement organizations, has identified 10 essential actions that can be taken by schools, school districts, and law enforcement agencies to help prevent critical incidents involving the loss of life or injuries in our nation's schools and to respond rapidly and effectively when incidents do occur. The Ten Essential Actions to Improve School Safety are applicable to school shootings as well as to other areas of school safety, including natural disasters and traumatic events such as student suicide. Adopting policies and practices based on the recommendations in this publication can help make school communities safer and save lives.
The COPS Office is the federal component of the Department of Justice responsible for advancing community policing nationwide. Since 1994, the COPS Office has invested more than $14 billion to advance community policing, including grants awarded to more than 13,000 state, local and tribal law enforcement agencies to fund the hiring and redeployment of more than 134,000 officers and provide a variety of knowledge resource products including publications, training and technical assistance.
The United States Attorney's Office for the Northern District of Florida is one of 94 offices that serve as the nation’s principal litigators under the direction of the Attorney General. To access available public court documents online, please visit the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida website. For more information about the United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/fln/index.html.
The year 2020 marks the 150th anniversary of the Department of Justice. Learn more about the history of our agency at www.Justice.gov/Celebrating150Years.
Press Release - School Safety Award Washington CountyUnited States Attorney Expresses Commitment to Prosecuting Those Who Defraud the Paycheck Protection PlanRead the Press Release
TALLAHASSEE, FLORIDA – Acting Assistant Attorney General Brian C. Rabbitt of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division announced at a press conference yesterday that charges have now been filed against the 50th defendant, nation-wide, accused of defrauding the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP). The PPP consists of loans guaranteed by the Small Business Administration (SBA) under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act.
Tiara Walker of Miami, Florida, was arrested on September 9, 2020, on charges of Wire Fraud, Bank Fraud, and Conspiracy to Commit Wire and Bank Fraud. The complaint alleges that from May to July, 2020, Walker and her co-conspirators prepared at least 90 fraudulent PPP loan applications worth more than $24 million dollars. Forty-two of those loans were approved and funded for a total of approximately $17.4 million dollars. In Columbia, South Carolina, seven individuals were indicted yesterday for laundering over $750,000 of fraudulently obtained funds including over $390,000 from a PPP loan. The South Carolina indictment marks the 50th PPP-fraud case to date across the country. Prosecutors in the Northern District of Florida are also committed to cracking down on those who would steal money meant for those who have been among the hardest-hit during the COVID-19 crisis.
“For the past few months, our prosecutors have been working tirelessly with our federal law enforcement partners, including the Small Business Administration-Office of Inspector General, IRS-Criminal Investigations, FBI, and Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation-Office of Inspector General, to detect and investigate fraudulent PPP loans,” said U.S. Attorney Keefe. “Though many of these investigations are ongoing and the details of them are not yet publically known, the Northern District of Florida is devoting significant resources to prosecute offenders who divert the limited COVID-19 relief funds away from legitimate small business owners.”
The CARES Act is a federal law enacted March 29, 2020. It is designed to provide emergency financial assistance to millions of Americans who are suffering the economic effects resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic. One source of relief provided by the CARES Act is the authorization of up to $349 billion in forgivable loans to small businesses for job retention and certain other expenses through the PPP. In April 2020, Congress authorized over $300 billion in additional PPP funding. The CARES Act also authorizes the SBA to provide Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL) of up to $2 million to eligible small businesses experiencing financial disruption due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The PPP allows qualifying small businesses and other organizations to receive loans with a maturity of two years and an interest rate of one percent. Businesses must use PPP loan proceeds for payroll costs, interest on mortgages, rent and utilities. The PPP allows the interest and principal to be forgiven if businesses spend the proceeds on these expenses within a set time period and use at least a certain percentage of the loan toward payroll expenses.
A criminal complaint is merely an allegation and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Anyone with information about allegations of attempted fraud involving COVID-19 can report it by calling the Department of Justice’s National Center for Disaster Fraud Hotline at 866-720-5721 or via the NCDF Web Complaint Form at: https://www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form.
The United States Attorney's Office for the Northern District of Florida is one of 94 offices that serve as the nation’s principal litigators under the direction of the Attorney General. To access available public court documents online, please visit the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida website. For more information about the United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/fln/index.html.
The year 2020 marks the 150th anniversary of the Department of Justice. Learn more about the history of our agency at www.Justice.gov/Celebrating150Years.
Press Release - 50th Paycheck Protection Plan Defendant ChargedU.S. DOJ Office of Violence Against Women Awards $363,223 to Pauma Band of Mission Indians to support Criminal Justice Response to Domestic ViolenceRead the Press Release
Assistant U. S. Attorney Kim Thoa Hoang (619) 546-9397
NEWS RELEASE SUMMARY – September 11, 2020
SAN DIEGO – U.S. Attorney Robert Brewer announced today that the U.S. Department of Justice Office of Violence Against Women has awarded $363,223 to the Pauma Band of Mission Indians to support the tribe’s criminal justice response to domestic violence.
“This grant will enable the Pauma Band’s criminal justice system to ensure both victim safety and offender accountability,” said U.S. Attorney Robert Brewer. “All parties must receive the full measure of rights guaranteed by the criminal justice system when violence occurs, and importantly the tribes can provide this in a culturally competent way.”The Office of Violence Against Women currently administers 19 grant programs authorized by the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) of 1994 and subsequent legislation. These grant programs are designed to develop the nation’s capacity to reduce domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking by strengthening services to victims and holding offenders accountable.
The Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act of 2013 (VAWA 2013) included a provision recognizing the authority of participating tribes to exercise “special domestic violence criminal jurisdiction” (SDVCJ) over certain defendants, regardless of their Indian or non-Indian status, who commit crimes of domestic violence or dating violence or violate certain protection orders in Indian country. The Act also specified the rights that a participating tribe must provide to defendants in SDVCJ cases. The Grants to Tribal Governments to Exercise Special Domestic Violence Criminal Jurisdiction (Tribal Jurisdiction) Program is designed to assist Indian tribes in exercising SDVCJ.
Through this grant program, Indian tribes receive support to exercise SDVCJ and technical assistance for planning and implementing changes in their criminal justice systems necessary to exercise the jurisdiction. The program encourages collaborations among tribal leadership, tribal courts, tribal prosecutors, tribal attorneys, tribal defenders, law enforcement, probation, service providers, and other partners to incorporate systemic change that ensures victim safety and offender accountability.
The Pauma Band of Mission Indians is a federally recognized Tribal Government. The Pauma-Yuima reservation is located in Pauma Valley in northeastern San Diego County, California. The tribe, and its internal and external partners, are committed to developing, implementing, and exercising SDVCJ. Through this project, the Pauma Tribe will dedicate a Domestic Violence Court Program Manager to lead the effort with the partnership of the Pauma Tribal Council, Tribal Administration, Tribal Attorney, the Pauma Police Department, the Domestic Violence Program, and the Sexual Assault Response Team.
Through the Pauma Domestic Violence Court Project the partners will engage in activities focused on: strengthening the tribal criminal justice system in order to implement and exercise SDVCJ; providing indigent criminal defendants, in SDVCJ proceedings, with effective assistance of licensed defense counsel; ensuring jurors are summoned, selected, and instructed appropriately; and affording victims of domestic violence, dating violence, and violations of protection orders crime victim rights. Specific activities include, but are not limited to: completing the required planning period to engage all required and key partners in a planning process and MOU development; participating in the Inter-Tribal Technical Assistance Working Group (ITWG) on SDVCJ; participating in on-site and other training and technical assistance opportunities; and submitting the SDVCJ supporting certifications for OVW review and approval.
U.S. Attorney W. Scott Announces $1.6M in Awards to Improve School SafetyRead the Press Release
Sacramento, Calif. - U.S. Attorney McGregor W. Scott of the Eastern District of California announced that $1,596,426 was awarded across the district from the Department of Justice’s Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS Office) School Violence Prevention Program (SVPP) to improve school safety. The Fort Sage Unified School District received $335,426; the Lodi Unified School District received $301,242; the Madera Unified School District received $408,053; the Woodlake United School District received $126,001; and the Yuba County Sheriff’s Department received $425,704. Nationally, the COPS Office SVPP awarded nearly $50 million in school safety funding. SVPP provides up to 75% funding for school safety measures in and around primary and secondary schools and school grounds.
“Ensuring the safety of our children when they are at school is critical,” said U.S. Attorney Scott. “These grants will help schools across the district improve their safety, and begin to make these improvements during distance learning.”
“With the new school year underway, the safety of our nation’s students remains paramount,” said COPS Office Director Phil Keith. “Although this school year may look different at the start, now is the ideal time to make preparations to enhance school safety for when all of our children are back in the classroom.”
The Students, Teachers, and Officers Preventing School Violence Act of 2018 (STOP School Violence Act of 2018) gave the COPS Office authority to provide awards directly to states, units of local government, Indian tribes, and public agencies (such as school districts and law enforcement agencies) to improve security at schools and on school grounds in the jurisdiction of the grantee through evidence-based school safety programs. The awards announced can be used for coordination with law enforcement; training for local law enforcement officers to prevent student violence; metal detectors, locks, lighting, and other deterrent measures; technology for expedited notification of local law enforcement during an emergency; and other measures that provide a significant improvement in security. The full list of SVPP awards can be found here: https://cops.usdoj.gov/pdf/2020AwardDocs/svpp/Award_List.pdf.
In addition to the school safety grants announced today, the COPS Office School Safety Working Group, which is composed of representatives from eight national law enforcement organizations, has identified 10 essential actions that can be taken by schools, school districts, and law enforcement agencies to help prevent critical incidents involving the loss of life or injuries in our nation's schools and to respond rapidly and effectively when incidents do occur. The Ten Essential Actions to Improve School Safety are applicable to school shootings as well as to other areas of school safety, including natural disasters and traumatic events such as student suicide. Adopting policies and practices based on the recommendations in this publication can help make school communities safer and save lives.
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The COPS Office is the federal component of the Department of Justice responsible for advancing community policing nationwide. Since 1994, the COPS Office has invested more than $14 billion to advance community policing, including grants awarded to more than 13,000 state, local and tribal law enforcement agencies to fund the hiring and redeployment of more than 134,000 officers and provide a variety of knowledge resource products including publications, training and technical assistance.
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.
U.S. Attorney Prim F. Escalona Announces $374,883.00 Award to Improve School SafetyRead the Press Release
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – U.S. Attorney Prim F. Escalona announced that the Alabaster City Schools’ Board of Education received $374,883.00 from the Department of Justice’s Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS Office) School Violence Prevention Program (SVPP). Nationally, the COPS Office SVPP awarded nearly $50 million in school safety funding. SVPP provides up to 75% funding for school safety measures in and around primary and secondary schools and school grounds.
“I am pleased to announce that the COPS Office has awarded this grant to the Alabaster City Schools’ Board of Education this year,” Escalona said. “The safety of our students is a top priority and this grant will enhance school safety for these students. While there have been some unique challenges to this school year, our commitment to ensuring students are safe when attending school is the same.”
“With the new school year underway, the safety of our nation’s students remains paramount,” said COPS Office Director Phil Keith. “Although this school year may look different at the start, now is the ideal time to make preparations to enhance school safety for when all of our children are back in the classroom.”
The Students, Teachers, and Officers Preventing School Violence Act of 2018 (STOP School Violence Act of 2018) gave the COPS Office authority to provide awards directly to states, units of local government, Indian tribes, and public agencies (such as school districts and law enforcement agencies) to improve security at schools and on school grounds in the jurisdiction of the grantee through evidence-based school safety programs. The award announced today can be used for coordination with law enforcement; training for local law enforcement officers to prevent student violence; metal detectors, locks, lighting, and other deterrent measures; technology for expedited notification of local law enforcement during an emergency; and other measures that provide a significant improvement in security. The full list of SVPP awards can be found here: https://cops.usdoj.gov/pdf/2020AwardDocs/svpp/Award_List.pdf.
In addition to the school safety grants announced today, the COPS Office School Safety Working Group, which is composed of representatives from eight national law enforcement organizations, has identified 10 essential actions that can be taken by schools, school districts, and law enforcement agencies to help prevent critical incidents involving the loss of life or injuries in our nation's schools and to respond rapidly and effectively when incidents do occur. The Ten Essential Actions to Improve School Safety are applicable to school shootings as well as to other areas of school safety, including natural disasters and traumatic events such as student suicide. Adopting policies and practices based on the recommendations in this publication can help make school communities safer and save lives.
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The COPS Office is the federal component of the Department of Justice responsible for advancing community policing nationwide. Since 1994, the COPS Office has invested more than $14 billion to advance community policing, including grants awarded to more than 13,000 state, local and tribal law enforcement agencies to fund the hiring and redeployment of more than 134,000 officers and provide a variety of knowledge resource products including publications, training and technical assistance.
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.
U.S. Attorney Mike Hurst Announces Almost $1.5 Million in Awards to Improve School Safety in the Southern District of MississippiRead the Press Release
Jackson, Miss. – U.S. Attorney Mike Hurst announced today that the Holmes County Consolidated School District, the Pearl River County School District, and the Covington County School District received awards totaling $1,475,000 from the Department of Justice’s Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS Office) School Violence Prevention Program (SVPP). Nationally, the COPS Office SVPP awarded nearly $50 million in school safety funding. SVPP provides up to 75% funding for school safety measures in and around primary and secondary schools and school grounds.
“Protecting the most vulnerable among us is one of the most sacred and solemn responsibilities that we have. Personally, as a father, I am excited to see these awards to our school districts, as it demonstrates our continuing commitment in the Department of Justice to invest in the protection of our schools and the safety of our children,” said U.S. Attorney Hurst.
“With the new school year underway, the safety of our nation’s students remains paramount,” said COPS Office Director Phil Keith. “Although this school year may look different at the start, now is the ideal time to make preparations to enhance school safety for when all of our children are back in the classroom.”
Holmes County Consolidated School District and the Pearl River County School District each received $500,000, while the Covington County School District received $475,805. The three awards announced today can be used for coordination with law enforcement; training for local law enforcement officers to prevent student violence; metal detectors, locks, lighting, and other deterrent measures; technology for expedited notification of local law enforcement during an emergency; and other measures that provide a significant improvement in security. The full list of SVPP awards can be found here: https://cops.usdoj.gov/pdf/2020AwardDocs/svpp/Award_List.pdf.
The Students, Teachers, and Officers Preventing School Violence Act of 2018 (STOP School Violence Act of 2018) gave the COPS Office authority to provide awards directly to states, units of local government, Indian tribes, and public agencies (such as school districts and law enforcement agencies) to improve security at schools and on school grounds in the jurisdiction of the grantee through evidence-based school safety programs.
In addition to the school safety grants announced today, the COPS Office School Safety Working Group, which is composed of representatives from eight national law enforcement organizations, has identified 10 essential actions that can be taken by schools, school districts, and law enforcement agencies to help prevent critical incidents involving the loss of life or injuries in our nation's schools and to respond rapidly and effectively when incidents do occur. The Ten Essential Actions to Improve School Safety are applicable to school shootings as well as to other areas of school safety, including natural disasters and traumatic events such as student suicide. Adopting policies and practices based on the recommendations in this publication can help make school communities safer and save lives.
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The COPS Office is the federal component of the Department of Justice responsible for advancing community policing nationwide. Since 1994, the COPS Office has invested more than $14 billion to advance community policing, including grants awarded to more than 13,000 state, local and tribal law enforcement agencies to fund the hiring and redeployment of more than 134,000 officers and provide a variety of knowledge resource products including publications, training and technical assistance.
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.
U.S. Attorney Matthew Schneider Announces $502,349 Award to Improve School SafetyRead the Press Release
DETROIT – U.S. Attorney Matthew Schneider of the Eastern District of Michigan announced that Wayne/Westland Community Schools and the City of Grand Blanc received $478,836 and $23,513, respectively, from the Department of Justice’s Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS Office) School Violence Prevention Program (SVPP). Nationally, the COPS Office SVPP awarded nearly $50 million in school safety funding. SVPP provides up to 75% funding for school safety measures in and around primary and secondary schools and school grounds.
“While most Michigan students are starting off the school year in a remote learning setting, safety remains a top priority,” stated United States Attorney Matthew Schneider. “The money awarded will go a long way in ensuring the safety of our children.”
“With the new school year underway, the safety of our nation’s students remains paramount,” said COPS Office Director Phil Keith. “Although this school year may look different at the start, now is the ideal time to make preparations to enhance school safety for when all of our children are back in the classroom.”
The Students, Teachers, and Officers Preventing School Violence Act of 2018 (STOP School Violence Act of 2018) gave the COPS Office authority to provide awards directly to states, units of local government, Indian tribes, and public agencies (such as school districts and law enforcement agencies) to improve security at schools and on school grounds in the jurisdiction of the grantee through evidence-based school safety programs. The two awards announced today can be used for coordination with law enforcement; training for local law enforcement officers to prevent student violence; metal detectors, locks, lighting, and other deterrent measures; technology for expedited notification of local law enforcement during an emergency; and other measures that provide a significant improvement in security. The full list of SVPP awards can be found here: https://cops.usdoj.gov/pdf/2020AwardDocs/svpp/Award_List.pdf.
In addition to the school safety grants announced today, the COPS Office School Safety Working Group, which is composed of representatives from eight national law enforcement organizations, has identified 10 essential actions that can be taken by schools, school districts, and law enforcement agencies to help prevent critical incidents involving the loss of life or injuries in our nation's schools and to respond rapidly and effectively when incidents do occur. The Ten Essential Actions to Improve School Safety are applicable to school shootings as well as to other areas of school safety, including natural disasters and traumatic events such as student suicide. Adopting policies and practices based on the recommendations in this publication can help make school communities safer and save lives.
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The COPS Office is the federal component of the Department of Justice responsible for advancing community policing nationwide. Since 1994, the COPS Office has invested more than $14 billion to advance community policing, including grants awarded to more than 13,000 state, local and tribal law enforcement agencies to fund the hiring and redeployment of more than 134,000 officers and provide a variety of knowledge resource products including publications, training and technical assistance.
The year 2020 marks the 150th anniversary of the Department of Justice. Learn more about the history of our agency at www.Justice.gov/Celebrating150Years.
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U.S. Attorney John C. Anderson Announces $500,000 Award to Improve School SafetyRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – U.S. Attorney John C. Anderson from the District of New Mexico announced that Lovington Municipal Schools received $500,000 from the Department of Justice’s Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS Office) School Violence Prevention Program (SVPP). Nationally, the COPS Office SVPP awarded nearly $50 million in school safety funding. SVPP provides up to 75% funding for school safety measures in and around primary and secondary schools and school grounds.
“We are excited by the news of these much needed funds coming to New Mexico to help provide a more secure environment for students when they return to classes,” said, U.S. Attorney Anderson. “The U.S. Attorney’s Office congratulates the schools receiving these grants to enhance one of our most important priorities: student safety.”
“With the new school year underway, the safety of our nation’s students remains paramount,” said COPS Office Director Phil Keith. “Although this school year may look different at the start, now is the ideal time to make preparations to enhance school safety for when all of our children are back in the classroom.”
The Students, Teachers, and Officers Preventing School Violence Act of 2018 (STOP School Violence Act of 2018) gave the COPS Office authority to provide awards directly to states, units of local government, Indian tribes, and public agencies (such as school districts and law enforcement agencies) to improve security at schools and on school grounds in the jurisdiction of the grantee through evidence-based school safety programs. The 160 awards announced today can be used for coordination with law enforcement; training for local law enforcement officers to prevent student violence; metal detectors, locks, lighting, and other deterrent measures; technology for expedited notification of local law enforcement during an emergency; and other measures that provide a significant improvement in security. The full list of SVPP awards can be found here: https://cops.usdoj.gov/pdf/2020AwardDocs/svpp/Award_List.pdf.
In addition to the school safety grants announced today, the COPS Office School Safety Working Group, which is composed of representatives from eight national law enforcement organizations, has identified 10 essential actions that can be taken by schools, school districts, and law enforcement agencies to help prevent critical incidents involving the loss of life or injuries in our nation's schools and to respond rapidly and effectively when incidents do occur. The Ten Essential Actions to Improve School Safety are applicable to school shootings as well as to other areas of school safety, including natural disasters and traumatic events such as student suicide. Adopting policies and practices based on the recommendations in this publication can help make school communities safer and save lives.
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The COPS Office is the federal component of the Department of Justice responsible for advancing community policing nationwide. Since 1994, the COPS Office has invested more than $14 billion to advance community policing, including grants awarded to more than 13,000 state, local and tribal law enforcement agencies to fund the hiring and redeployment of more than 134,000 officers and provide a variety of knowledge resource products including publications, training and technical assistance.
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.
U.S. Attorney Jeff Jensen Announces $532,265 Award to Improve School Safety in the Eastern District of MissouriRead the Press Release
St. Louis– U.S. Attorney Jeff Jensen announced that Bayless Consolidated School District, Maries County R-1 School District and Schuyler County R-1 received $532,265 from the Department of Justice’s Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS Office) School Violence Prevention Program (SVPP). Nationally, the COPS Office SVPP awarded nearly $50 million in school safety funding. SVPP provides up to 75% funding for school safety measures in and around primary and secondary schools and school grounds. The amounts awarded in Eastern Missouri are:
Bayless Consolidated School District - $416,746
Maries County R-1 School District - $88,568
Schuyler County R-1 - $26,951
“With the new school year underway, the safety of our nation’s students remains paramount,” said COPS Office Director Phil Keith. “Although this school year may look different at the start, now is the ideal time to make preparations to enhance school safety for when all of our children are back in the classroom.”
The Students, Teachers, and Officers Preventing School Violence Act of 2018 (STOP School Violence Act of 2018) gave the COPS Office authority to provide awards directly to states, units of local government, Indian tribes, and public agencies (such as school districts and law enforcement agencies) to improve security at schools and on school grounds in the jurisdiction of the grantee through evidence-based school safety programs. The three awards announced today can be used for coordination with law enforcement; training for local law enforcement officers to prevent student violence; metal detectors, locks, lighting, and other deterrent measures; technology for expedited notification of local law enforcement during an emergency; and other measures that provide a significant improvement in security. The full list of SVPP awards can be found here: https://cops.usdoj.gov/pdf/2020AwardDocs/svpp/Award_List.pdf.
In addition to the school safety grants announced today, the COPS Office School Safety Working Group, which is composed of representatives from eight national law enforcement organizations, has identified 10 essential actions that can be taken by schools, school districts, and law enforcement agencies to help prevent critical incidents involving the loss of life or injuries in our nation's schools and to respond rapidly and effectively when incidents do occur. The Ten Essential Actions to Improve School Safety are applicable to school shootings as well as to other areas of school safety, including natural disasters and traumatic events such as student suicide. Adopting policies and practices based on the recommendations in this publication can help make school communities safer and save lives.
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The COPS Office is the federal component of the Department of Justice responsible for advancing community policing nationwide. Since 1994, the COPS Office has invested more than $14 billion to advance community policing, including grants awarded to more than 13,000 state, local and tribal law enforcement agencies to fund the hiring and redeployment of more than 134,000 officers and provide a variety of knowledge resource products including publications, training and technical assistance.
Two Previously Deported Aliens Charged with Illegal ReentryRead the Press Release
HARRISBURG – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that two previously deported aliens were indicted separately on September 9, 2020, by a federal grand jury for illegal reentry into the United States. These matters arose in counties throughout the District including York, and Lackawanna.
According to United States Attorney David J. Freed, Saldivar Tapia was previously deported from the United States to Mexico in June 2013. He is alleged to have illegally reentered the United States sometime after June 2013 and was found in the United States in Lackawanna County, Pennsylvania after eluding examination or inspection by immigration officers.
Marin Ortiz was previously deported from the United States to Mexico in October 2017. He is alleged to have illegally reentered the United States sometime after October 2017 and was found in the United States in York County, Pennsylvania after eluding examination or inspection by immigration officers.
These cases were investigated by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO). Assistant United States Attorney Joanne Sanderson is prosecuting the cases.
Indictments and Criminal Informations are only allegations. All persons charged are presumed to be innocent unless and until found guilty in court.
A sentence following a finding of guilt is imposed by the Judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.
Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the Judge is also required to consider and weigh a number of factors, including the nature, circumstances and seriousness of the offense; the history and characteristics of the defendant; and the need to punish the defendant, protect the public and provide for the defendant's educational, vocational and medical needs. For these reasons, the statutory maximum penalty for the offense is not an accurate indicator of the potential sentence for a specific defendant.
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Troy Woman Sentenced for Stealing Social Security BenefitsRead the Press Release
ALBANY, NEW YORK – Jessica Pascale, age 35, of Troy, New York, was sentenced yesterday to one-year of probation for defrauding the Social Security Administration (SSA) by diverting and stealing the benefit payments of two individuals with disabilities while she was employed as a Social Security claims representative.
The announcement was made by Acting United States Attorney Antoinette T. Bacon and John F. Grasso, Special Agent in Charge of the Social Security Administration, Office of the Inspector General, New York Field Office.
As part of her earlier guilty plea, Pascale admitted that in July and September 2019, she used the SSA computer system to divert two separate Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefit payments intended for two SSI beneficiaries with disabilities into her personal bank account. Neither of the beneficiaries were aware of the thefts, which were discovered through internal controls at SSA. Pascale pled guilty to four felony charges: two charges of theft of government property and two charges of fraud in connection with identification information.
The court also ordered Pascale to pay full restitution to SSA, as well as a fine of $1,000.
This case was investigated by the SSA Office of the Inspector General and was prosecuted by Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Adrian S. LaRochelle.
Three Philadelphia Men Detained on Charges of Child Sex TraffickingRead the Press Release
PHILADELPHIA – United States Attorney William M. McSwain announced that three men, Andre Michael Felts, 32, Kevin Michael Francis, 60, and Ryan Keel, 39, all of Philadelphia, PA, were charged by Indictment for their roles in a sex trafficking operation that exploited numerous minor children from 2016 through 2017. Felts was detained pending trial this afternoon, joining his co-defendants, who are also in federal custody. All three defendants were charged with one count of conspiracy to sex traffic a minor, while Felts and Francis were also each charged with four counts of sex trafficking a minor.
The Indictment alleges that Felts ran a prostitution ring that recruited and enticed young girls, including one who was only fifteen years old, to engage in commercial sex acts; harbored the victims at various residences for that purpose; transported and provided the victims to males who purchased the commercial sex acts; and collected a portion of the proceeds. Further, Keel and Felts allegedly had explicit discussions via Facebook Messenger about the commercial sex acts occurring at the residences. At least one of the victims was also a victim of physical violence during the operation of the trafficking ring: according to public filings, Felts pulled her from a vehicle and repeatedly stomped on her.
“The allegations against these three men are vile and disturbing. I am gratified that the defendants are all now off the streets and in custody pending trial on these charges,” said U.S. Attorney McSwain. “Working with our federal partners, we will do all that we can to keep criminals who sell the bodies of children for their own profit securely behind bars so they can do no more harm.”
“To advertise underage girls for sex, to willfully pimp them out for profit, is heinous,” said Michael J. Driscoll, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI's Philadelphia Division. “Those who so victimize vulnerable kids do untold physical and emotional harm. Make no mistake, the Philadelphia Child Exploitation Task Force is working each and every day to lock up sex traffickers and other predators preying on innocent children.”
This investigation is a part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc
If convicted, each defendant faces a maximum possible sentence of lifetime imprisonment.
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation with assistance from the Philadelphia Police Department, and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Sara Solow and Trial Attorney Jessica Urban of the Department of Justice Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS).
An indictment, information, or criminal complaint is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Third Defendant Charged with Civil Disorder for Attacking Police Officers with A Laser During Violent Protests in the City of RochesterRead the Press Release
CONTACT: Barbara Burns
PHONE: (716) 843-5817
FAX #: (716) 551-3051ROCHESTER, N.Y. - U.S. Attorney James P. Kennedy, Jr. announced today that Kyle Bradley Davis, 32, of Rochester, NY, was arrested and charged by complaint with civil disorder for his role in violent protests in the City of Rochester. The charge carries a maximum penalty of five years in prison.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Brett A. Harvey, who is handling the case, stated that according to the criminal complaint, there were nights of violent protests in Rochester following the public disclosure on September 2, 2020, of Daniel Prude’s death on March 30, 2020. Those violent protests resulted in property damage and physical injury to several law enforcement officers.
On the evening of September 8, 2020, a group of approximately 400 protesters gathered in front of Rochester Police Department (RPD) headquarters, where they blocked all lanes of traffic on Exchange Boulevard between Court Street and the Interstate 490 overpass. RPD officers and NYSP Troopers staffed metal barricades, which were positioned in the driveway area of RPD headquarters. At approximately 10:00 p.m., surveillance cameras captured the defendant pointing green lasers at three uniformed RPD officers and four uniformed New York State Police Troopers, who were positioned in the area to control the crowd and prevent a breach of the barricades. The victim officers experienced a temporary loss of sight as a result of being hit with the laser, which impeded and interfered with their ability to carry out their assigned duties.
Police officers posted in the area of South Fitzhugh Street and South Plymouth Avenue observed an individual - later identified as Davis - who matched the description of the individual who had been pointing lasers at the victim officers. As officers began to approach the defendant and an officer told him to stop in order to detain him, Davis yelled loudly that he did not trust the police officer one bit and then ran south on South Fitzhugh Street. An officer gave chase and tackled the defendant in area of 218 South Fitzhugh Street. Davis pushed himself up, stood up, and attempted to pull away, but was taken into custody. After the arrest, a black laser was recovered from the defendant's front sweatshirt pocket.
As a result of the arrest, the arresting officer sustained a fractured orbital bone and a laceration under his left eye, and continues to suffer from blurry vision in his left eye. The arresting officer was taken to the hospital where he received medical treatment, including seven stitches.
“Simply put, those individuals who seek to injure law enforcement officers with dangerous devices such as lasers, explosives, projectiles, or anything else will face federal prosecution,” stated U.S. Attorney Kennedy. “While free speech is protected, a violent free-for-all aimed at law enforcement—or anyone else—is not.”
The complaint is the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Stephen Belongia; the Rochester Police Department, under the direction of Chief La’Ron Singletary; the New York State Police, under the direction of Acting Major Barry Chase; Customs and Border Protection, under the direction of Director of Field Operations Rose Brophy; the Brighton Police Department, under the direction of Chief David Catholdi; the New York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision, under the direction of under the direction of Acting Commissioner Anthony J. Annucci; the Dansville Police Department, under the direction of Sergeant Shannon Griese; and the United States Marshal’s Service, under the direction of United States Marshal Charles Salina.
The fact that a defendant has been charged with a crime is merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
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The Scripps Research Institute to Pay $10 Million to Settle False Claims Act Allegations Related to Mischarging NIH-Sponsored Research GrantsRead the Press Release
Baltimore, Maryland – The Scripps Research Institute (TSRI) has agreed to pay the United States $10 million to settle claims that it improperly charged NIH-funded research grants for time spent by researchers on non-grant related activities such as developing, preparing, and writing new grant applications, teaching, and engaging in other administrative activities.
The settlement was announced by United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Robert K. Hur; Acting Assistant Attorney General Ethan P. Davis for the Department of Justice’s Civil Division; and Special Agent in Charge Maureen Dixon, Office of Investigations, Office of Inspector General of the Department of Health and Human Services.
“Federal grant recipients must use the grant funds they receive on tasks that specifically relate to the funded project. Those that improperly charge the government for costs unrelated to the project must be held accountable,” said U.S. Attorney Robert K. Hur. “The U.S. Attorney’s Office and the Department of Justice have a duty to protect government resources and ensure they are used appropriately.”
“The NIH has finite resources to support important research across the nation,” said Acting Assistant Attorney General Jeffrey Clark for the Department of Justice’s Civil Division. “Today’s settlement demonstrates our commitment to protect those resources by ensuring that NIH grants funds are used for the purposes for which they were intended.”
“Taxpayers funds for medical research are finite and the need for scientific advances is great; therefore, it’s critical that these resources are used as intended,” said Special Agent in Charge Maureen R. Dixon, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General. “Working with our law enforcement partners, our investigators will continue to protect these resources so that they are spent appropriately.”
TSRI is a non-profit biomedical research institute with campuses located in Jupiter, Florida and La Jolla, California. TSRI receives millions of dollars in funding from NIH through hundreds of grants each year. The settlement resolves allegations that between 2008 and 2016, TSRI failed to have a system in place for its faculty to properly account for time spent on activities that cannot be charged directly to NIH-funded projects or are unrelated to the research activities of the NIH-funded project. Consequently, the United States contended that TSRI improperly charged time spent by faculty on developing, preparing, and writing new grant applications directly to existing NIH-funded projects, rather than allocating such charges as indirect costs. The United States also alleged that TSRI improperly charged NIH-funded projects for time spent by its faculty on other activities unrelated to the funded projects, such as teaching, TSRI committee work, and other administrative tasks.
The settlement resolves allegations originally brought in a lawsuit filed under the qui tam, or whistleblower, provisions of the False Claims Act by Thomas Burris, Ph.D, a former TSRI employee. The act permits private parties to sue on behalf of the government for false claims for government funds and to receive a share of any recovery. Dr. Burris will receive $1.75 million.
The settlement was the result of a coordinated effort by the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Maryland, the Civil Division of the Department of Justice, and the Office of Inspector General of the Department of Health and Human Services.
The case is captioned United States ex rel. Burris v. The Scripps Research Institute, Case No. 1:15-CV-01443 (D. Md.). The claims resolved by the settlements are allegations only; there has been no determination of liability.
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The Scripps Research Institute to Pay $10 Million to Settle False Claims Act Allegations Related to Mischarging NIH-Sponsored Research GrantsRead the Press Release
The Scripps Research Institute (TSRI) has agreed to pay the U.S. $10 million to settle claims that it improperly charged NIH-funded research grants for time spent by researchers on non-grant related activities such as developing, preparing, and writing new grant applications, teaching, and engaging in other administrative activities, the Department of Justice announced today.
“The NIH has finite resources to support important research across the nation,” said Acting Assistant Attorney General Jeffrey Clark for the Department of Justice’s Civil Division. “Today’s settlement demonstrates our commitment to protect those resources by ensuring that NIH grants funds are used for the purposes for which they were intended."
“Federal grant recipients must use the grant funds they receive on tasks that specifically relate to the funded project. Those that improperly charge the government for costs unrelated to the project must be held accountable,” said U.S. Attorney Robert K. Hur. “The U.S. Attorney’s Office and the Department of Justice have a duty to protect government resources and ensure they are used appropriately.”
“Taxpayers funds for medical research are finite and the need for scientific advances is great; therefore, it’s critical that these resources are used as intended,” said Special Agent in Charge Maureen R. Dixon, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General. “Working with our law enforcement partners, our investigators will continue to protect these resources so that they are spent appropriately.”
TSRI is a non-profit biomedical research institute with campuses located in Jupiter, Florida and La Jolla, California. TSRI receives millions of dollars in funding from NIH through hundreds of grants each year. The settlement resolves allegations that between 2008 and 2016, TSRI failed to have a system in place for its faculty to properly account for time spent on activities that cannot be charged directly to NIH-funded projects or are unrelated to the research activities of the NIH-funded project. Consequently, the U.S. contended that TSRI improperly charged time spent by faculty on developing, preparing, and writing new grant applications directly to existing NIH-funded projects, rather than allocating such charges as indirect costs. The U.S. also alleged that TSRI improperly charged NIH-funded projects for time spent by its faculty on other activities unrelated to the funded projects, such as teaching, TSRI committee work, and other administrative tasks.
The settlement resolves allegations originally brought in a lawsuit filed under the qui tam, or whistleblower, provisions of the False Claims Act by Thomas Burris, Ph.D, a former TSRI employee. The act permits private parties to sue on behalf of the government for false claims for government funds and to receive a share of any recovery. Dr. Burris will receive $1.75 million.
The settlement was the result of a coordinated effort by the Civil Division of the Department of Justice, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Maryland, and the Office of Inspector General of the Department of Health and Human Services.
The case is captioned U.S. ex rel. Burris v. The Scripps Research Institute, Case No. 1:15-CV-01443 (D. Md.). The claims resolved by the settlements are allegations only; there has been no determination of liability.
Syracuse Man Pleads Guilty to Assaulting a U.S. Postal EmployeeRead the Press Release
SYRACUSE, NEW YORK – Daniel J. Trammell, 58, of Syracuse, New York, pled guilty yesterday to assaulting a United States Postal Service employee, announced Acting United States Attorney Antoinette T. Bacon and Joseph Cronin, Postal Inspector in Charge of the Boston Division of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service.
As part of his guilty plea, Trammell admitted that on April 21, 2020, in Syracuse, he assaulted a U.S. Postal Service letter carrier who was delivering mail, causing a wound to the victim’s neck. Trammell faces up to 8 years in prison, a maximum fine of up to $250,000, and up to 3 years of post-imprisonment supervised release when he is sentenced by United States District Judge David N. Hurd on January 13, 2021. A defendant’s sentence is imposed by a judge based on the particular statute the defendant is charged with violating, the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, and other factors.
This case was investigated by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service and the Syracuse Police Department, and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Thomas Sutcliffe.
Statement by Attorney General William P. Barr on the 19th Anniversary of the September 11, 2001 Terrorist AttacksRead the Press Release
Attorney General William P. Barr has released the following statement:
“Nineteen years ago this morning, our nation was subjected to a horrific, unprovoked terrorist attack that killed nearly 3,000 Americans in New York City, the Pentagon, and aboard United Flight 93 — which was downed by heroic passengers who saved untold numbers of lives. On behalf of the Department of Justice, I convey my sympathy to the families of the victims of all who were lost that tragic day. Although nearly two decades have passed, we will never forgot those who were murdered. Nor will we forget who murdered them. This department’s resolve to protect the people of the United States — and to bring to justice those who would harm them — is as strong as it was on September 12, 2001.
On this anniversary, I extend particular gratitude to the law enforcement personnel and others who responded courageously to the attacks, many of whom gave the last full measure of devotion to save others that day and many of whom have later suffered from illness related to the attacks. The deadliest day in the history of American law enforcement was also its finest hour. In the images of police officers and firefighters charging into the burning towers and carrying to safety victims from all walks of life, we see the true character of those who volunteer to protect and serve. All Americans owe them their gratitude and steadfast support. The Department of Justice is proud to stand with the law enforcement heroes of September 11, 2001, and we strongly support the permanent September 11th Victim Compensation Fund — signed into law last year by President Trump — that has awarded more than $7 billion to them and others still suffering the costs of the attacks. The Department of Justice honors the courage and sacrifice of all who saved lives on September 11, 2001, and we will be forever grateful to all who selflessly serve in American law enforcement.”
St. Louis Man Charged with Armed RobberyRead the Press Release
St. Louis – Louquincy Carr, 35, of St. Louis, Missouri, was charged by a federal complaint for robbery in connection with an armed robbery at a T-Mobile Store. Carr will be presented in court today in front of U.S. Magistrate Judge Nannette A. Baker for his initial appearance.
According to the criminal complaint, on July 24, 2020, Carr entered a T-Mobile store located on South Grand Boulevard in St. Louis. Carr looked at some display phones before approaching the counter. At the counter, an employee showed Carr what appeared to be an iPhone in its box. Then, Carr pointed a silver semi-automatic handgun at the employee and demanded money from the register while also placing the boxed phone into his pants pocket. The employee complied and handed over United States currency. Thereafter, Carr forced the employee into the back office at gunpoint. Carr then fled the store on foot. Forensic evidence led to the identification of Carr.
According to court documents, on September 10, 2020, the Carr was taken into custody by law enforcement and search warrants were executed at two different residences at which the Carr is known to stay. Located during the execution of the search warrant was a silver handgun that appeared to be consistent with the gun the Carr used during the charged robbery.
This investigation is part of Operation LeGend which is a federal partnership with local law enforcement to address the increase in homicides and violent crime in St. Louis in 2020. The operation honors the memory of four-year-old LeGend Taliferro, one of the youngest fatalities during a record-breaking year of homicides and shootings. Additional 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.
These charges are the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department.
A criminal complaint is merely an accusation. The defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
Richfield Man Charged with Arson of Target HeadquartersRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Erica H. MacDonald today announced a criminal complaint charging SHADOR TOMMIE CORTEZ JACKSON, 24, with arson. JACKSON was arrested yesterday and made his initial appearance this afternoon before Magistrate Judge Tony N. Leung in U.S. District Court in Minneapolis, Minnesota. JACKSON was detained pending a formal detention and preliminary hearing scheduled for September 16, 2020, at 10:30 am before Magistrate Judge Elizabeth Cowan Wright.
According to the criminal complaint and documents filed with the court, on Wednesday, August 26, 2020, Minneapolis experienced arson, rioting, and looting, following the suicide of a suspect in a homicide, and in response to false rumors surrounding the man’s death. At approximately 10:55 p.m., Target surveillance video showed a man, later identified as JACKSON by law enforcement, use a “Sidewalk Closed” construction sign to break through one of the glass doors into the Target Headquarters building, located at 1000 Nicollet Mall. Target surveillance video, taken from inside the store, then showed JACKSON igniting a fire on a desktop inside the mailroom. JACKSON poured liquid from a bottle prior to or immediately after starting the fire. Surveillance video then showed JACKSON run out of the building. Later that night, JACKSON was stopped by the Richfield Police and found in possession of stolen items of merchandise.
This case is the result of an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), the Minneapolis Fire Department, and the Minneapolis, Bloomington, and Richfield Police Departments.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys John Docherty and Chelsea Walcker.
The charges contained in the complaint are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Defendant Information:
SHADOR TOMMIE CORTEZ JACKSON, 24,
Richfield, Minn.
Charges:
- Arson, 1 count
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United States Attorney’s Office, District of Minnesota: (612) 664-5600
Registered Sex Offender Convicted of Child Sex CrimesRead the Press Release
Orlando, Florida – United States Attorney Maria Chapa Lopez announces that a federal jury today found Vince Edward Lasane (48, Orlando) guilty of attempting to entice a minor to engage in sexual activity and committing the offense while required to register as a sex offender under Florida law. Lasane faces a maximum penalty of life in federal prison. His sentencing hearing is scheduled for November 30, 2020.
Lasane was indicted on November 13, 2019.
According to testimony and evidence presented at trial, in 2007, Lasane was convicted of attempted sexual battery on a child under the age of 12. As part of his sentence, the court designated Lasane a sexual predator and ordered him to register as a sex offender in the State of Florida for life.
In September 2019, Lasane met a 14 year-old girl on a social networking website. During the next five weeks, Lasane enticed and persuaded the girl to engage in sexual activity, communicating with her through text messages and phone calls. In late October, Lasane arranged to meet the girl at a restaurant in Orlando, which was within walking distance of the apartment where she had been staying. Lasane assured the girl that he would wear a condom so that she would not get pregnant. After attending his court-ordered sexual offender treatment meeting, Lasane traveled to the location to meet the child. When Lasane arrived, law enforcement officers arrested him. The officers found a condom and the cellphone Lasane had used to communicate with the child in his pocket. The 14 year-old girl was actually a law enforcement officer acting in an undercover capacity.
This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations and the Brevard County Sheriff’s Office. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Karen L. Gable.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.