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31 August 2020
Operation Shutdown Corner Update: Beckley Woman Sentenced to More than 12 Years for Federal Drug CrimeRead the Press Release
BECKLEY, W.Va. – A Beckley woman was sentenced to federal prison for her participation in a drug trafficking organization (DTO) operating between California and Raleigh County, announced United States Attorney Mike Stuart. Stephanie McClung, 48, of Beckley, was sentenced to 151 months in prison, to be followed by a five-year term of supervised release, for conspiring to distribute 50 grams or more of a substance containing methamphetamine.
“Operation Shutdown Corner took down 17 drug traffickers and was operating from California to West Virginia,” said United States Attorney Mike Stuart. “151 months in prison for her work with a drug trafficking organization. My question is, ‘Was it worth it?’ Great work by the Beckley/Raleigh County Drug and Violent Crimes Task Force and our partners at the federal, state and local levels.”
At her plea hearing in January, McClung admitted that between June 2018 and September 17, 2019, she worked with other members of a DTO operating in Raleigh County to distribute methamphetamine. McClung admitted that during this time period she was supplied with distribution amounts of controlled substances from various members of the DTO. She also admitted to selling the controlled substances, which included methamphetamine and heroin, to individuals that she now understands were working with law enforcement as confidential informants. She further admitted to allowing another member of the DTO to have controlled substances delivered to her address. She admitted to allowing this on at least two separate occasions. On one occasion, approximately one pound of methamphetamine was delivered and on a second occasion a quantity of heroin was delivered to her address.
The investigation was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), the United States Postal Inspection Service (USPIS), the Beckley/Raleigh County Drug and Violent Crimes Task Force, the Raleigh County Sheriff’s Office, the Beckley Police Department and the West Virginia State Police.
United States District Judge Frank W. Volk imposed the sentence. Assistant United States Attorney Timothy D. Boggess handled the prosecution.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 5:19-cr-00237.
Follow us on Twitter: SDWVNews and USAttyStuart
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Operation Legend: Case of the DayRead the Press Release
Each weekday, the Department of Justice will highlight a case that has resulted from Operation Legend. Today’s case is out of the Western District of Missouri – the district where the Department of Justice launched Operation Legend, in honor of four-year-old LeGend Taliferro who was shot while he slept in his home in Kansas City, Missouri. Since its inception, Operation Legend has yielded close to 1,500 federal, state, and local arrests.
United States vs. Michael D. Moore and Jamahl D. Jones
“Operation Legend is successfully taking armed, violent criminals like these off the street to make our neighborhoods safer,” U.S. Attorney Tim Garrison said. “It is also important to note that these successes are only possible in great part to the collaborative partnership between federal, state and local law enforcement agencies in support of this initiative.”
Michael D. Moore, 30, and Jamahl D. Jones, 33, each were charged with being a felon in possession of a firearm in a two-count criminal complaint filed in the U.S. District Court in Kansas City, Mo. Both were arrested on Monday, Aug. 17, following a brief standoff and foot chase. Officers who had been surveilling Moore followed him into a parking lot in order to arrest him on an outstanding felony arrest warrant for robbery and armed criminal action. As officers drove into the parking lot with their red and blue lights flashing, Moore got out of the BMW SUV, took cover behind the vehicle, and drew a Smith and Wesson 9mm handgun from his waistband. Moore pointed his firearm directly at police officers as he attempted to take a position of cover behind his vehicle. Moore fled as additional police cars entered the parking lot, throwing away his handgun. Moore then laid on the ground about 15 feet away from the firearm, and was taken into custody. Officers recovered the firearm, which was loaded with 16 live rounds in the 16-round high-capacity magazine and one live round in the chamber. Officers identified the firearm as having been reported stolen.
Jones, who was standing beside the vehicle as officers approached, was also detained. Officers found marijuana in Jones’s front shorts pocket. Inside the vehicle, officers found a Sadarius 9mm semi-automatic handgun, which contained a magazine and 16 live rounds of ammunition with a live round in the chamber. Officers also found a box that contained 18 live rounds of 9mm ammunition, a 9mm handgun magazine, and a small safe that contained a 9mm handgun magazine and approximately 123 grams of marijuana.
According to an affidavit filed in support of the criminal complaint, Moore was involved in two armed robberies that led to the issuance of the arrest warrant and surveillance.
The victim of an armed robbery on July 1, 2020, told police officers that Moore, his brother-in-law, is an organizer for the “Honk for Peace” group that typically assembles at local intersections. Moore invited the victim to join one assembly. When the victim arrived with another person as a passenger in his vehicle, he contacted Moore, who directed him to drive across the street to meet him. After parking his vehicle, the victim told officers, two unknown men approached the passenger side door and Moore got into the rear passenger seat. Moore allegedly put a Taurus .40-caliber handgun against the left side of the victim’s head and ordered him to “give me everything.” One of the other men leaned inside the window and began going into the passenger’s pockets as Moore did the same. Moore removed $407 from the victim’s pants pocket, the affidavit says, and grabbed a pink backpack that contained a .40-caliber handgun.
On July 21, 2020, Moore allegedly approached another victim who was putting oil in his car outside a gas station in Kansas City, Mo. Moore allegedly approached him with a gun and ordered him to “empty your pockets.” Moore and another man stole approximately $140 and fled the scene.
Moore was later identified through surveillance photos at the gas station, the affidavit says.
On July 29, 2020, police officers stopped a BMW SUV that also was captured in the gas station surveillance photos. Jones, the only occupant of the vehicle, was arrested. Officers found a Masterpiece Arms 9mm pistol with a high-capacity extended magazine inside the vehicle, as well as 146 grams of marijuana packaged in multiple individual baggies in the driver’s side floorboard.
Under federal law, it is illegal for anyone who has been convicted of a felony to be in possession of any firearm or ammunition. Moore has a prior felony conviction for robbery. Jones has two prior felony convictions for burglary, and prior felony convictions for theft, tampering with an airplane/motor boat, possession of a controlled substance, and tampering with a motor vehicle.
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 Matthew Moeder. It was investigated by the Kansas City, Mo., Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
Background on Operation Legend
President Trump promised to assist America’s cities that have been plagued by violence. In July, Attorney General William P. Barr announced the launch of Operation Legend, a sustained, systematic and coordinated law enforcement initiative across all federal law enforcement agencies working in conjunction with state and local law enforcement officials to fight violent crime in cities across America that were experiencing an uptick in violence. Operation Legend is named after four-year-old LeGend Taliferro, who was shot and killed on June 29th in Kansas City, Missouri while he slept in his home. Kansas City, Mo., has experienced a 40 percent increase in homicides from last year.
Since Operation Legend’s launch in Kansas City, Mo., on July 8, 2020, it has expanded to Chicago and Albuquerque on July 22, 2020, to Cleveland, Detroit, and Milwaukee on July 29, 2020, to St. Louis and Memphis on Aug. 6, 2020, and to Indianapolis on Aug. 14, 2020. As part of Operation Legend, Attorney General Barr has directed federal agents from the FBI, U.S. Marshal Service, DEA and ATF to surge resources these cities to help state and local officials fighting violent crime. Since its inception, Operation Legend has yielded close to 1500 local, state, and federal arrests.
Operation Legend Results in Drug and Gun Charges Against Milwaukee ManRead the Press Release
Matthew D. Krueger, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Wisconsin, announced that on August 25, 2020, a federal grand jury indictment was issued against Jeffrey R. Jones (age: 35) of Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
The indictment alleges that Jones distributed heroin, fentanyl, and methamphetamine, and that he possessed methamphetamine with the intent to distribute it, all in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1), 841(b)(1)(A), 841(b)(1)(B), and 841(b)(1)(C). If convicted of these charges, Jones faces a mandatory ten years of imprisonment and up to a lifetime of imprisonment. He is additionally charged with being a felon in possession of eight firearms and possessing fivefirearms in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, contrary to Title 18, United States Code, Sections 922(g)(1) and 924(c)(1)(A). He faces up to ten years of imprisonment for possessing a firearm as a felon, and a mandatory five years of imprisonment up to a lifetime of imprisonment for possessing a firearm in furtherance of drug distribution.
The case was brought under Operation Legend, a Department of Justice initiative to fight violent crime in Milwaukee and other cities that have experienced an increase in crime rates. Operation Legend has directed significant additional federal funding and agents from the FBI, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the U.S. Marshals Service to the Milwaukee area to work with state and local officers to combat violent crime.
This case was investigated by the Milwaukee Police Department in conjunction with the Federal Bureau of Investigation, as part of the Safe Streets Task Force. It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Elizabeth M. Monfils.
An indictment is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt. The defendant is presumed innocent and is entitled to a fair trial at which the government must prove him guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
The year 2020 marks the 150th anniversary of the Department of Justice. Learn more about the history of our agency at www.Justice.gov/Celebrating150Years.
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North Carolina Man Pleads Guilty to COVID-19 Relief Fraud SchemesRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – A North Carolina man pleaded guilty today to perpetrating three schemes between March and July 2020 connected to the COVID-19 pandemic, through which he defrauded consumers and the federal government’s relief programs.
Brandon Lewis, 34, of Greensboro, North Carolina, pleaded guilty to a criminal information charging two counts of wire fraud and one count of making false statements to the Small Business Administration (SBA) before U.S. District Judge Catherine C. Eagles of the Middle District of North Carolina. Sentencing has been scheduled for Nov. 30, 2020 before Judge Eagles.
“Brandon Lewis today admitted to a wide range of brazen schemes specifically designed to profit illegally from the COVID-19 pandemic by defrauding scores of frightened consumers and small business owners desperate for a financial lifeline,” said Acting Assistant Attorney General Brian C. Rabbitt of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “The department and our law enforcement partners will continue to aggressively pursue and hold accountable those who seek to illegally exploit the ongoing national emergency for their own personal benefit at the expense of hardworking Americans and businesses.”
“In the midst of a pandemic and as the economy suffered, this defendant lined his pockets by cheating online customers, small businesses, and, ultimately, all taxpayers. Stealing from people seeking basic health and cleaning supplies while under stay at home orders, and from entrepreneurs struggling to keep their businesses afloat, may be the nadir of fraudulent conduct,” said U.S. Attorney Matthew G.T. Martin of the Middle District of North Carolina. “I commend the excellent coordinated efforts of IRS Criminal Investigation, U.S. Postal Inspection Service, the Small Business Administration Inspector General, and the Treasury Inspector General. We will aggressively investigate and prosecute anyone who tries to profit by preying on people during this pandemic.”
“This is another example of greed controlling one’s actions. In a time of crisis and vulnerability in our country, Mr. Lewis promised assistance and help, but delivered more heartache and anxiety,” said Special Agent in Charge Matthew D. Line of the IRS-Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI). “I am proud of the way IRS-Criminal Investigation and our law enforcement partners quickly responded to these selfish criminal acts. We are committed to rooting out those seeking to defraud the hard-working citizens of this country during this pandemic.”
“The U.S. Postal Inspection Service will remain vigilant in bringing to justice anyone that seeks to defraud individuals during this pandemic,” said Inspector in Charge Tommy D. Coke of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service (USPIS) Atlanta Division. “These schemes highlights the importance of collaboration with our law enforcement partners to investigate and stop those seeking to take advantage of innocent victims.”
“It is unacceptable to defraud small businesses that are struggling during these unprecedented times,” said Special Agent in Charge Kevin Kupperbusch of the SBA's Office of Inspector General (OIG)’s Eastern Region. “Our office will relentlessly pursue fraudsters that use SBA’s programs for greed and personal gain. I want to thank the Justice Department and our law enforcement partners for their dedication and pursuit of justice.”
“In the midst of this pandemic, anyone who attempts to engage in illegal activity will be aggressively pursued,” said J. Russell George, Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration (TIGTA). “Our mission at TIGTA is to protect the integrity of the nation’s system of tax administration. We will continue to work with the IRS Criminal Investigation Division, the Small Business Administration Office of Inspector General, the Postal Inspection Service, the Department of Justice, and other law enforcement partners in this effort.”
As part of his guilty plea, Lewis admitted that he created the so-called “COVID-19 Relief Fund,” which he purportedly managed and oversaw as president and founder of Lewis Revenue Group LLC. Lewis promised desperate small business owners “guaranteed funds” of between $12,500 and $15,000 in exchange for an upfront “reservation” fee of between $995 and $1,200. Lewis falsely claimed that “the fund has up to $250 million available for small businesses” and provided a link for applicants to “purchase a reservation now.”
Lewis also created the so-called “American Relief Fund,” offering $5,000 grants to “every American affected by COVID-19.” Lewis promoted these “relief funds” through sophisticated marketing and social media campaigns, even using the official trademarks and logos of purported corporate sponsors without their permission. In reality, Lewis never had or distributed any funds through the “COVID-19 Relief Fund” or “American Relief Fund.” Between April and May 2020, Lewis defrauded small business owners of more than $100,000 through this scheme.
Lewis also admitted that, in mid-March 2020 as COVID-19-related stay-at-home orders across the United States began, he set up a website called “www.homekitchengoods.com,” for the online store, “Home Kitchen Goods,” where he claimed to sell pandemic-critical goods such as hand sanitizer, disinfectant wipes, paper towels, and toilet paper. In fact, however, during the five days between March 20 and March 24, 2020, Lewis received over 8,500 orders totaling more than $400,000, but never had or delivered any of the promised goods.
Lewis further admitted that, between April 1 and June 19, 2020, he lied to the SBA by fraudulently applying for and obtaining multiple loans and advances under the SBA’s EIDL program. Specifically, Lewis purchased more than 35 “aged, off-the-shelf” corporations, and then submitted approximately 68 fraudulent loan applications and non-refundable grant “advances” of up to $10,000 through the SBA-EIDL program.
This case was investigated by the USPIS, IRS-CI, SBA-OIG, and TIGTA. Trial Attorney David A. Stier of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Meredith C. Ruggles are prosecuting the case.
If you believe you are a victim in this case please contact the Fraud Section’s Victim Witness Unit toll-free at (888) 549-3945 or email us at [email protected]. You may also may visit https://www.justice.gov/criminal-vns/case/brandon-lewis for additional information and updates as the case progresses.
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.
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North Carolina Man Pleads Guilty to COVID-19 Relief Fraud SchemesRead the Press Release
A North Carolina man pleaded guilty today to perpetrating three schemes between March and July 2020 connected to the COVID-19 pandemic, through which he defrauded consumers and the federal government’s relief programs.
Brandon Lewis, 34, of Greensboro, North Carolina, pleaded guilty to a criminal information charging two counts of wire fraud and one count of making false statements to the Small Business Administration (SBA) before U.S. District Judge Catherine C. Eagles of the Middle District of North Carolina. Sentencing has been scheduled for Nov. 30, 2020 before Judge Eagles.
“Brandon Lewis today admitted to a wide range of brazen schemes specifically designed to profit illegally from the COVID-19 pandemic by defrauding scores of frightened consumers and small business owners desperate for a financial lifeline,” said Acting Assistant Attorney General Brian C. Rabbitt of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “The department and our law enforcement partners will continue to aggressively pursue and hold accountable those who seek to illegally exploit the ongoing national emergency for their own personal benefit at the expense of hardworking Americans and businesses.”
“In the midst of a pandemic and as the economy suffered, this defendant lined his pockets by cheating online customers, small businesses, and, ultimately, all taxpayers. Stealing from people seeking basic health and cleaning supplies while under stay at home orders, and from entrepreneurs struggling to keep their businesses afloat, may be the nadir of fraudulent conduct,” said U.S. Attorney Matthew G.T. Martin of the Middle District of North Carolina. “I commend the excellent coordinated efforts of IRS Criminal Investigation, U.S. Postal Inspection Service, the Small Business Administration Inspector General, and the Treasury Inspector General. We will aggressively investigate and prosecute anyone who tries to profit by preying on people during this pandemic.”
“This is another example of greed controlling one’s actions. In a time of crisis and vulnerability in our country, Mr. Lewis promised assistance and help, but delivered more heartache and anxiety,” said Special Agent in Charge Matthew D. Line of the IRS-Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI). “I am proud of the way IRS-Criminal Investigation and our law enforcement partners quickly responded to these selfish criminal acts. We are committed to rooting out those seeking to defraud the hard-working citizens of this country during this pandemic.”
“The U.S. Postal Inspection Service will remain vigilant in bringing to justice anyone that seeks to defraud individuals during this pandemic,” said Inspector in Charge Tommy D. Coke of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service (USPIS) Atlanta Division. “These schemes highlights the importance of collaboration with our law enforcement partners to investigate and stop those seeking to take advantage of innocent victims.”
“It is unacceptable to defraud small businesses that are struggling during these unprecedented times,” said Special Agent in Charge Kevin Kupperbusch of the SBA's Office of Inspector General (OIG)’s Eastern Region. “Our office will relentlessly pursue fraudsters that use SBA’s programs for greed and personal gain. I want to thank the Justice Department and our law enforcement partners for their dedication and pursuit of justice.”
“In the midst of this pandemic, anyone who attempts to engage in illegal activity will be aggressively pursued,” said J. Russell George, Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration (TIGTA). “Our mission at TIGTA is to protect the integrity of the nation’s system of tax administration. We will continue to work with the IRS Criminal Investigation Division, the Small Business Administration Office of Inspector General, the Postal Inspection Service, the Department of Justice, and other law enforcement partners in this effort.”
As part of his guilty plea, Lewis admitted that he created the so-called “COVID-19 Relief Fund,” which he purportedly managed and oversaw as president and founder of Lewis Revenue Group LLC. Lewis promised desperate small business owners “guaranteed funds” of between $12,500 and $15,000 in exchange for an upfront “reservation” fee of between $995 and $1,200. Lewis falsely claimed that “the fund has up to $250 million available for small businesses” and provided a link for applicants to “purchase a reservation now.”
Lewis also created the so-called “American Relief Fund,” offering $5,000 grants to “every American affected by COVID-19.” Lewis promoted these “relief funds” through sophisticated marketing and social media campaigns, even using the official trademarks and logos of purported corporate sponsors without their permission. In reality, Lewis never had or distributed any funds through the “COVID-19 Relief Fund” or “American Relief Fund.” Between April and May 2020, Lewis defrauded small business owners of more than $100,000 through this scheme.
Lewis also admitted that, in mid-March 2020 as COVID-19-related stay-at-home orders across the United States began, he set up a website called “www.homekitchengoods.com,” for the online store, “Home Kitchen Goods,” where he claimed to sell pandemic-critical goods such as hand sanitizer, disinfectant wipes, paper towels, and toilet paper. In fact, however, during the five days between March 20 and March 24, 2020, Lewis received over 8,500 orders totaling more than $400,000, but never had or delivered any of the promised goods.
Lewis further admitted that, between April 1 and June 19, 2020, he lied to the SBA by fraudulently applying for and obtaining multiple loans and advances under the SBA’s EIDL program. Specifically, Lewis purchased more than 35 “aged, off-the-shelf” corporations, and then submitted approximately 68 fraudulent loan applications and non-refundable grant “advances” of up to $10,000 through the SBA-EIDL program.
This case was investigated by the USPIS, IRS-CI, SBA-OIG, and TIGTA. Trial Attorney David A. Stier of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Meredith C. Ruggles are prosecuting the case.
If you believe you are a victim in this case please contact the Fraud Section’s Victim Witness Unit toll-free at (888) 549-3945 or email us at [email protected]. You may also may visit https://www.justice.gov/criminal-vns/case/brandon-lewis for additional information and updates as the case progresses.
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.
New Oxford Veterinarian Pleads Guilty to Defrauding the U.S. Department of AgricultureRead the Press Release
HARRISBURG – The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Dr. Donald Yorlets, age 66, of New Oxford, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Court Judge Jennifer P. Wilson to defrauding the U.S. Department of Agriculture between 2016 and 2019 by submitting false blood samples for bovine disease testing and by issuing false Certificates of Veterinary Inspection for the animals. Yorlets has been a Pennsylvania licensed veterinarian since 1981.
According to U.S. Attorney David J. Freed, federal law requires that each cow transported in interstate or international commerce be first tested for various bovine diseases, such as Bovine Tuberculosis, Brucellosis, Bovine Leucosis and Bovine Viral Diarrhea. Bovine Tuberculosis and Brucellosis are communicable diseases that can be transmitted to humans under certain circumstances. Bovine Tuberculosis is screened for by what is known as a Caudal Fold skin test. The test must be administered by a USDA accredited veterinarian and involves the injection of a tuberculin substance under the skin and checking it for a reaction 72 hours later. Testing for Brucellosis, Bovine Leucosis and Bovine Viral Diarrhea requires the drawing of blood and the submission of samples to an accredited laboratory for analysis.
Animals transported in international commerce can only be exported with an International Certificate of Veterinarian Inspection (ICVI). To lawfully issue an ICVI, a USDA accredited veterinarian must verify that each animal has been physically examined, tested for disease, vaccinated and medically treated as required by the USDA prior to shipment.
During the guilty plea hearing Yorlets admitted that he conspired with two unnamed exporters to avoid the disease testing requirements by falsely representing he tested every cow for Bovine Tuberculosis when, in fact, he did not. Yorlets also admitted he submitted hundreds of non-authentic, bovine blood samples to a PA Department of Agriculture testing laboratory in Harrisburg for testing and by issuing false Certificates of Veterinary Inspection for the untested animals. The false blood test results and Certificates enabled the sellers to quickly export hundreds of untested cows to Mexico, Canada, Qatar, and Puerto Rico.
The investigation began in 2017 when the Pennsylvania Veterinary Laboratory (PVL) in Harrisburg became suspicious that dozens of blood specimens submitted by Dr. Yorlets were not authentic. To confirm their suspicions the PVL sent 804 blood samples submitted by Dr. Yorlets to the USDA’s National Veterinary Services Laboratory (NVSL) in Iowa for Antibody Profile testing.
Each animal has a unique Antibody Profile in its blood. If all of the Yorlets’ blood specimens were genuine, Antibody Profile testing should have shown that all 804 blood samples had a unique Antibody Profile. However, the NVSL’s testing only found 70 unique Antibody Profiles in the 804 samples. The results confirmed that Dr. Yorlets’ repeatedly submitted the same blood samples for different animals and issued false Certificates of Veterinary Inspection for hundreds of cows that were never tested. This allowed the sellers to export the animals quickly and reduce expenses incurred in keeping the animals on domestic feeder lots.
Dr. Yorlets’ stipulated the loss sustained by the USDA for the out of pocket laboratory expenses was $38,005, and has agreed to make full restitution in that amount. No date has been scheduled for Yorlets’ sentencing pending preparation of a pre-sentence report.
The case was investigated by the USDA’s Office of Inspector General and the Department of Homeland Security. Assistant United States Attorney Kim Douglas Daniel is prosecuting the case.
The maximum penalty for this offense is five years imprisonment and a $250,000 fine. 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, and could include a term of supervisory release following imprisonment, and a fine.
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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Navajo Man from Smith Lake, New Mexico faces federal assault charges for allegedly beating his brother with a baseball batRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – Mark Anthony Hill, 32, an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation residing in of Smith Lake, New Mexico, appeared in federal court in Albuquerque today on a criminal complaint charging him with assault with a dangerous weapon and assault resulting in serious bodily injury in Indian Country. A U.S. magistrate judge ordered him held in custody pending trial.
According to the complaint, Hill committed the alleged assault on Aug. 23 in McKinley County, New Mexico. Hill allegedly got into an argument with his brother while drinking alcohol. Hill allegedly struck the victim with his fists and knocked him to the ground. Hill then allegedly retrieved a baseball bat and struck the victim in the head and torso causing serious injuries, including fractures to the victim’s skull and jaw, a dislocated shoulder and a torn left ear.
The Navajo Nation Department of Criminal Investigations arrested Hill on Aug. 26. If convicted, Hill faces up to ten years in prison on each assault charge. A criminal complaint is only an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
The Crownpoint District of the Navajo Nation Police Department investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Thomas J. Aliberti is prosecuting the case.
Nashua Man Sentenced to 24 Months for Fentanyl TraffickingRead the Press Release
CONCORD - Martin Sheehan, 28, of Nashua, was sentenced to 24 months in federal prison for fentanyl trafficking, United States Attorney Scott W. Murray announced today.
According to court documents and statements made in court, in October of 2018, Sheehan sold fentanyl on two occasions to a cooperating individual at locations in Nashua. In February of 2019, law enforcement officers arrested Sheehan at a motel. Officers recovered over 13 grams of fentanyl, which Sheehan admitted belonged to him.
Sheehan previously pleaded guilty on May 13, 2020.
“Fentanyl has caused substantial damage throughout New Hampshire,” said U.S. Attorney Murray. “Through Operation S.O.S., we are fighting back against the drug dealers who peddle fentanyl and other opioids. We will continue to work closely with Nashua Police Department and all of our law enforcement partners to identify, prosecute, and incarcerate the drug traffickers who have threatened public health and safety by selling these deadly drugs.”
This matter was investigated by the Nashua Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Joachim H. Barth.
This case is part of Operation Synthetic Opioid Surge (S.O.S.). In July of 2018, Attorney General Jeff Sessions announced the creation of S.O.S., which is being implemented in the District of New Hampshire and nine other federal districts. The goal of S.O.S. is to combat the large number of overdoses and deaths associated with fentanyl and other synthetic opioids. In New Hampshire, the U.S. Attorney’s Office is focusing its efforts on prosecuting synthetic opioid trafficking cases arising in Hillsborough County, which includes Manchester and Nashua.
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Montecito Man Sentenced to 3 Years in Federal Prison for Facebook, Twitter IPO Fraud that Caused $3.4 Million in Losses to InvestorsRead the Press Release
LOS ANGELES – A Santa Barbara County man was sentenced today to 36 months in federal prison for orchestrating a years-long scheme that defrauded investors out of more than $3.4 million with false promises to use their money to purchase shares of Facebook and Twitter prior to the companies’ initial public offerings.
Efstratios “Elias” Argyropoulos, 73, of Montecito, was sentenced by United States District Judge George H. Wu, who also ordered him to pay $3,416,628 in restitution to his victims. Argyropoulos pleaded guilty in June 2019 to one count of wire fraud.
From October 2010 to October 2015, Argyropoulos was the president and sole shareholder of Prima Ventures Corp., a Santa Barbara-based financial services firm. Argyropoulos represented to investors that he had access to “amazing” investment opportunities that would provide a high rate of return on any money invested.
During the course of the scheme, Argyropoulos misled investors by telling them that he would pool their money to purchase pre-IPO shares of companies such as Facebook and Twitter. He also falsely told investors he had access to good investment opportunities in companies such as Alibaba, Etsy, and E-Waste.
Argyropoulos further told investors that he and Prima Ventures were licensed brokers, when, in truth, neither he nor Prima Ventures was licensed by the Securities and Exchange Commission or any other regulatory authority to sell securities.
Instead of purchasing the stocks, Argyropoulos diverted the investor funds for other uses, such as day-trading in stocks unrelated to the promised investments, and personal expenses such as gambling, cars, insurance bills, travel, and his legal expenses arising out of an investigation into his activities conducted by the SEC.
Some of Argyropoulos’s victims met him at church gatherings, where he forged relationships with them and then used these relationships to recruit other unsuspecting investors, such as the victims’ work colleagues.
Argyropoulos also admitted to willfully violating a January 2015 court order in a lawsuit brought by the SEC, which was based on the fraudulent Facebook and Twitter scheme. The injunction prohibited Argyropoulos from selling fraudulent investments and acting as an unlicensed broker.
In total, Argyropoulos cheated 130 victims out of more than $3.4 million.
The FBI investigated this matter. The SEC provided substantial assistance.
This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Scott Paetty of the Major Frauds Section.
Mission Man Charged with Assaulting a Federal OfficerRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a Mission, South Dakota, man has been indicted by a federal grand jury for Assaulting, Resisting, and Impeding a Federal Officer.
Dayton Thin Elk, a/k/a Dayton Haukaas, age 24, was indicted on July 16, 2020. He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno on August 28, 2020, and pled not guilty to the Indictment.
The maximum penalty upon conviction is up to 20 years in federal prison and/or a $250,000 fine, 3 years of supervised release, and $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Restitution may also be ordered.
The Indictment alleges that on April 27, 2020, in Todd County, South Dakota, Thin Elk did forcibly assault, oppose, impede, intimidate, and interfere with multiple law enforcement officers who were employed by the Rosebud Sioux Tribe.
The charges are merely accusations and Thin Elk is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
The investigation is being conducted by the Rosebud Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kirk Albertson is prosecuting the case.
Thin Elk was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service pending trial. A trial date has not been set.
Miami Man Who Allegedly Cyberstalked at Least 10 Victims, Repeatedly Threatening to Kill One of Them, Charged in Federal CourtRead the Press Release
Miami, Fl. -- South Florida federal prosecutors have charged 28-year-old Brandon Kevin Campbell with cyberstalking after he allegedly made repeated threats by telephone call and text message to injure or kill his victims, including a former girlfriend.
Ariana Fajardo Orshan, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Florida, and George L. Piro, Special Agent in Charge, FBI, Miami Field Office, made the announcement.
From April 1, 2019 through mid-May 2020, Campbell allegedly called his former girlfriend’s cellular telephone over 850 times, her workplace approximately 2,000 times, and her sister’s workplace approximately 1,700 times. At the start of many of these calls, Campbell used a telephone number blocking technique (*67) to try to conceal his identity, according to the complaint.
During telephone calls and in text messages, Campbell allegedly threatened his former girlfriend with statements such as: “Ima kill you you f***ing smut,” “I can’t wait till you die,” “I can’t wait to watch your soul leave your body,” and “Before your bday on my momma ima watch the blood leave your body, b***h.” The criminal complaint alleges that Campbell also harassed and threatened persons close to his former girlfriend, including her sister, her friend, and her co-workers. In one text message to the sister, Campbell allegedly wrote: “I’m at your house I swear to god ima kill [your sister] …Watch she dead.” During a telephone conversation with a friend of his former girlfriend, Campbell allegedly threatened the following: “Police cannot save you. Promise. You going to die. Promise.” Finally, during phone calls to his former girlfriend’s workplace, Campbell threatened to show up, shoot everyone inside, then kill himself, according to the criminal complaint. The FBI learned about the threats and began investigating Campbell after receiving a tip through the FBI’s National Threat Operations Center.
Campbell appeared today in Miami federal court before U.S. Magistrate Judge Lauren Fleischer Louis, who detained him pending trial. Campbell faces up to five years in federal prison.
FBI Miami investigated this case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Yara Klukas is prosecuting it.
You may find related court documents and information on the website of the District Court for the Southern District of Florida at www.flsd.uscourts.gov or on http://pacer.flsd.uscourts.gov, under case no. 20-mj-03509.
Members of Fraudulent Prescription Ring Sentenced to Federal Prison TermsRead the Press Release
Tampa, Florida – U.S. District Judge Charlene Honeywell has sentenced Patrice Jackson (37, Bradenton) to 5 years and 10 months in federal prison for conspiracy to distribute controlled substances. Jackson, one of four members of a fraudulent opiate prescription drug conspiracy, pleaded guilty on October 23, 2019.
According to court documents, between August 2015 and August 2016, Jackson and her co-conspirators agreed to dispense and distribute prescription opiates through a forged-prescription scheme. Lucretia Mullan and another staff member at a local pain management clinic, forged prescriptions and sold them to Jackson, who then took them to nearby HP pharmacy in Pinellas Park. For a fee, the pharmacy technician at HP, Jessica Evans, assisted the HP pharmacist, Hong Truong, in dispensing the prescription opiates to Jackson. Jackson then sold the opiates to others, mostly in the Sarasota area. In all, the conspirators were responsible for obtaining at least 54 fraudulent prescriptions or 8,500 opiate tablets.
Co-conspirators Lucretia Mullan and Jessica Evans were previously sentenced to 20 months’ and 25 months’ imprisonment, respectively, for their roles in the scheme. Hong Truong’s sentencing hearing is scheduled for September 23, 2020.
This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Opioid Fraud and Abuse Detection Unit. The Opioid Fraud and Abuse Detection Unit was created by the Department of Justice to help combat the devastating opioid crisis. The Opioid Fraud and Abuse Detection Unit focuses specifically on opioid-related health care fraud, using data to identify and prosecute individuals contributing to the prescription opioid epidemic. These cases are being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Greg Pizzo and Kelley Howard-Allen.
Maysville Man Pleads Guilty to Attempted Enticement of MinorRead the Press Release
COVINGTON, Ky. - A Maysville, Ky., man, William Scott Smith, 39, pleaded guilty on Monday, before U.S. District Judge David Bunning, to attempted enticement of a minor.
According to his plea agreement, on September 9, 2019, law enforcement received information that Smith was attempting to solicit a minor female victim for sex. The following day, law enforcement created a fake Facebook profile, for a 14-year-old female, and sent Scott a friend request. Scott accepted the friend request and initiated a conversation with an undercover officer who was posing as the minor. Scott engaged in a graphic conversation with the minor, inquiring about her age and sexual experience. Scott then arranged to meet the minor at a public library to have sex. When he arrived for the meeting, he was arrested.
Scott was indicted in February 2020.
Robert M. Duncan, Jr., United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky; James Robert Brown, Jr., Special Agent in Charge, FBI, Louisville Field Office; and Chief Jared Muse, Maysville Police Department, jointly announced the guilty plea.
The investigation was conducted by the FBI and Maysville Police Department. The United States was represented by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Elaine Leonhard and Jennifer Weinhold.
Scott is scheduled to be sentenced on December 8, 2020. He faces a minimum of 10 years and a maximum of life in prison. However, any sentence will be imposed by the Court, after its consideration of the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and the federal sentencing statutes.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
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Massage Parlor Owner Pleads Guilty to Federal Prostitution ChargeRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, KAN. - An Overland Park woman who owned massage parlors in Olathe and Leawood pleaded guilty today to a federal interstate prostitution charge.
Chunqui Wu, 62, Overland Park, Kan., pleaded guilty to one count of transportation with intent to engage in illicit sexual conduct. An indictment alleges Wu operated three massage parlors: Alpha Massage at 116 S. Clairborne, #A, in Olathe, Kan.; A Plus Massage at 527 N. Mur-Len Road, in Olathe, Kan.; and King Spa at 13104 State Line Road in Leawood, Kan.
Wu’s plea agreement says investigators worked with an undercover confidential source who contacted Wu and asked for a job working in Wu’s massage parlors. Wu made statements indicating she allowed her employees to perform sexual services for tips. Other investigators working undercover confirmed that employees in Wu’s massage parlors were offering sexual services to customers.
Wu was arrested when she went to the Kansas City International airport in Kansas City, Mo., to meet the undercover confidential source and transport her back to Kansas to work in one of Wu’s massage parlors.
Sentencing is set for Nov. 16. Wu could face up to 10 years in federal prison. McAllister commended the Olathe Police Department, the Leawood Police Department, the FBI and Assistant U.S. Attorney Kim Flannigan for their work on the case.
Marion County Armed Career Criminal Sentenced to More Than 17 Years in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
Ocala, Florida – Senior United States District Judge John Antoon II has sentenced Charlie Lee Wright, Jr. (52, Summerfield) to 17 years and 7 months in federal prison for possessing a firearm as a convicted felon. A federal jury had found Wright guilty in December 2019. Because of Wright’s extensive criminal record, he qualified as an Armed Career Criminal and was subject to a 15-year mandatory minimum sentence. In addition, five firearms—three rifles and two handguns—were also administratively forfeited.
According to court records, on January 16, 2019, the Marion County Sheriff’s Office executed a search warrant at Wright’s home pursuant to an investigation into missing jewelry. During the search, detectives located numerous firearms and hundreds of rounds of ammunition inside the home and in a car registered in Wright’s name. Wright subsequently admitted to federal investigators that he had handled at least two of the recovered firearms.
According to evidence presented during the trial, Wright has 28 prior felony convictions in Florida. As a convicted felon, he is prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition under federal law.
This case was investigated by the Marion County Sheriff’s Office and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Robert E. Bodnar, Jr.
This is another case prosecuted as part of the Department of Justice’s “Project Safe Neighborhoods” Program (PSN), which is a nationwide, crime reduction strategy aimed at decreasing violent crime in communities. It involves a comprehensive approach to public safety — one that includes investigating and prosecuting crimes, along with prevention and reentry efforts. In the Middle District of Florida, U.S. Attorney Maria Chapa Lopez coordinates PSN efforts in cooperation with various federal, state, and local law enforcement officials.
Manchester Man Pleads Guilty to Methamphetamine TraffickingRead the Press Release
CONCORD - Christopher Gelinas, 24, of Manchester, pleaded guilty in federal court to distributing methamphetamine, United States Attorney Scott W. Murray announced today.
According to court documents and statements made in court, Gelinas sold highly-pure methamphetamine to an individual who was cooperating with law enforcement officers on two occasions. On October 23, 2019, a cooperating individual bought methamphetamine from Gelinas at a residence in Concord. On November 18, 2019, a cooperating individual purchased methamphetamine from Gelinas in Boscawen.
Gelinas is scheduled to be sentenced on December 10, 2020.
“Highly-pure methamphetamine is now appearing in New Hampshire with alarming frequency,” said U.S. Attorney Murray. “Even as we continue to combat the opioid crisis, methamphetamine poses an additional serious threat to public health and safety. Accordingly, we will continue to work closely with our law enforcement partners to identify and prosecute the traffickers who are responsible for selling this highly dangerous drug in the Granite State.”
This matter was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration with assistance from the New Hampshire State Police and the Concord Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney John S. Davis.
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Manager of Medical Clinics in Brooklyn and Queens Sentenced to 13 Years in Prison for Multimillion-Dollar Money Laundering and Health Care Kickback SchemeRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Earlier today, in federal court in Brooklyn, Aleksandr Pikus was sentenced by United States District Judge Ann M. Donnelly to 13 years’ imprisonment for his role in a massive healthcare kickback and money laundering conspiracy. Pikus was also ordered by the Court to pay restitution in the amount of $23 million to Medicare, $16 million to Medicaid, $433,297 to the Internal Revenue Service and forfeit $2,614,233.79. Pikus was convicted by a federal jury in November 2019 of one count of conspiracy to commit money laundering, two counts of money laundering, one count of conspiracy to pay and receive health care kickbacks and one count of conspiracy to defraud the United States by obstructing the IRS.
Seth D. DuCharme, acting United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, Brian C. Rabbitt, Acting Assistant Attorney General of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, Scott J. Lampert, Special Agent-in-Charge, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General, New York Region (HHS-OIG), and Jonathan D. Larsen, Acting Special Agent-in-Charge, Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation, New York (IRS-CI), announced the sentence.
“The defendant’s key role in an elaborate scheme to steal and conceal tens of millions of dollars from the Medicare and Medicaid programs, was staggering in scope and deserving of the significant punishment he received today,” stated Acting U.S. Attorney DuCharme. “This Office takes very seriously its obligation to protect government funds that provide vital medical coverage counted upon by individuals and families who qualify because of their low income, disability or advanced years.”
“For nearly a decade, Aleksandr Pikus stole millions of dollars from the federal Medicare and Medicaid programs in a major healthcare kickback, money laundering and tax fraud scheme,” stated Acting Assistant Attorney General Rabbitt. “This significant sentence holds Pikus accountable for his leadership role in this scheme and reflects the Department’s commitment to protecting our valuable federal healthcare programs and their beneficiaries from this kind of fraud.”
“Pikus was the kingpin running a massive money laundering and kickback health care fraud syndicate,” stated HHS-OIG Special Agent-in-Charge Lampert. “Now, like others who plot to steal from government health programs, he is paying a heavy price for his crimes. Along with our law enforcement partners, we will continue to root out individuals who steal vital taxpayer-provided health funds.”
“The defendant’s greed and desire for money drove him to perpetrate crimes against our healthcare system and prey upon the vulnerable in our society,” stated IRS-CI Special Agent-in-Charge Larsen. “Justice has been served and IRS-CI will continue to work alongside our counterparts to uncover these schemes to hold these criminals accountable for their actions.”
The evidence at trial established that over the course of nearly a decade, Pikus and his co-conspirators perpetrated a scheme through a series of medical clinics in Brooklyn and Queens that employed doctors, physical and occupational therapists and other medical professionals who were enrolled in the Medicare and Medicaid programs. In return for illegal kickbacks, Pikus referred beneficiaries to these health care providers, who submitted claims to the Medicare and Medicaid programs. Pikus and his co-conspirators then laundered a substantial portion of the proceeds of these claims through companies he controlled, including by cashing checks at several New York City check-cashing businesses. Pikus then failed to report that cash income to the IRS. Instead, Pikus used the cash to enrich himself and others and to pay kickbacks to patient recruiters, who, in turn, paid beneficiaries to receive treatment at the medical clinics. The evidence further established that Pikus and his co-conspirators used sham shell companies and fake invoices to conceal their illegal activities.
Pikus used violent threats to protect his scheme. For example, he threatened a co-conspirator who was thinking about leaving the scheme by saying: “[Y]ou know, you[’re] already with us so the only way out is feet first through the door,” meaning “like in a body bag.” When a therapist left the Pikus Clinics, the defendant told a co-conspirator “I’m hearing that he might be trying to take patients from our clinics to that other clinic. . . tell him he better stop unless he likes his legs to be broken.”
More than 25 other individuals have pleaded guilty to or been convicted of participating in the scheme, including physicians, physical and occupational therapists, ambulette drivers and the owners of several of the shell companies used to launder the stolen money.
This case was investigated by the HHS-OIG and IRS-CI, and was brought as part of the Medicare Fraud Strike Force, under the supervision of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section and the United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of New York. Assistant Chief A. Brendan Stewart and Trial Attorneys Sarah Wilson Rocha and Andrew Estes of the Fraud Section are prosecuting the case with Assistant U.S. Attorney Claire S. Kedeshian of the Eastern District of New York’s Civil Division, which is handling forfeiture matters.
The Fraud Section leads the Medicare Fraud Strike Force, which is part of a joint initiative between the Department of Justice and HHS to focus their efforts to prevent and deter fraud and enforce current anti-fraud laws around the country. Since its inception in March 2007, the Medicare Fraud Strike Force, which maintains 15 strike forces operating in 24 districts, has charged more than 4,200 defendants who have collectively billed the Medicare program for approximately $19 billion. In addition, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, working in conjunction with the HHS-OIG, are taking steps to increase accountability and decrease the presence of fraudulent providers.
Defendant:
ALEKSANDR PIKUS
Age: 45
Brooklyn, New YorkE.D.N.Y. Docket No.: 16-CR-329 (AMD)
Man Pleads Guilty to Federal Drug ChargeRead the Press Release
HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – Luis Eduardo Martinez-Torres, 23, from Mexico, pled guilty today to aiding and abetting possession with intent to distribute heroin and methamphetamine.
“Heroin and meth. A deadly duo. Too many victims. Far too many, all as a result of making an easy buck and greed. We are taking our streets back from the drug dealers who have sought to destroy them for their own financial gain,” said United States Attorney Mike Stuart.
Officers executed a search warrant on June 5, 2019 in Huntington. Martinez-Torres and other individuals were in the home at the time of the search warrant. Officers found methamphetamine and heroin in the home. Martinez-Torres admitted that he aided and abetted other individuals in possessing with the intent to distribute 340 grams of methamphetamine and 453 grams of heroin in Huntington.
Martinez-Torres faces up to 20 years in prison when he is sentenced on December 7, 2020.
The investigation was conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the Violent Crime and Drug Task Force West and the Wayne County Sheriff’s Department.
United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers presided over the hearing. Assistant United States Attorney Stephanie S. Taylor is handling the prosecution.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 3:19-cr-00281.
Follow us on Twitter: SDWVNews and USAttyStuart
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Lexington Man Sentenced to 140 Months for Armed Fentanyl TraffickingRead the Press Release
LEXINGTON, Ky. - A Lexington, Ky., man, Tyzon Zavonne Edwards, 22, was sentenced in federal court on Monday, to 140 months in prison, by Chief U.S. District Judge Danny Reeves, for possession with intent to distribute 40 grams of or more of fentanyl and possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking.
According to his plea agreement, on October 1, 2019, law enforcement conducted a traffic stop and identified Edwards, who had a warrant out for his arrest, as a passenger. The vehicle fled from police, eventually stopping to allow Edwards to get out and flee on foot. Edwards admitted that while running from police, he hid a bag containing 91.5 grams of fentanyl and a loaded .40 caliber pistol, in a recycling bin. Edwards further admitted that he knowingly possessed the fentanyl with intent of distributing it to others and that he possessed the firearm in furtherance of his drug trafficking.
Edwards pleaded guilty in May 2020.
“Armed drug traffickers like Tyzon Edwards present a real danger to the community, especially when they flee from the police while in possession of more than 90 grams of deadly fentanyl and a loaded pistol,” said Robert M. Duncan, Jr., United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky. “In coordination with our federal, state, and local law enforcement partners, we will continue to prosecute cases like this, in our efforts to reduce violent crime and hold dangerous offenders accountable for their conduct.”
Edwards was also ordered to pay a $2,000 fine. Under federal law, Edwards must serve 85 percent of his prison sentence. Upon his release, he will be under the supervision of the U.S. Probation Office for five years.
Robert M. Duncan, Jr., United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky; Shawn Morrow, Special Agent in Charge, ATF, Louisville Field Division; and Chief Lawrence Weathers, Lexington Police Department, jointly made the announcement.
The investigation was directed by ATF, and Lexington Police Department. The United States was represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Francisco Villalobos.
This case was prosecuted as part of the Department of Justice’s “Project Safe Neighborhoods” Program (PSN), which is a nationwide, crime reduction strategy aimed at decreasing violent crime in communities. It involves a comprehensive approach to public safety — one that includes investigating and prosecuting crimes, along with prevention and reentry efforts. In the Eastern District of Kentucky, U.S. Attorney Robert Duncan Jr., coordinates PSN efforts in cooperation with various federal, state, and local law enforcement officials.
This case is also part of Project Guardian, the Department of Justice’s signature initiative to reduce gun violence and enforce federal firearms laws. Initiated by the Attorney General in the fall of 2019, Project Guardian draws upon the Department’s past successful programs to reduce gun violence; enhances coordination of federal, state, local, and tribal authorities in investigating and prosecuting gun crimes; improves information-sharing by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives when a prohibited individual attempts to purchase a firearm and is denied by the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS), to include taking appropriate actions when a prospective purchaser is denied by the NICS for mental health reasons; and ensures that federal resources are directed at the criminals posing the greatest threat to our communities. Click here for more information about Project Guardian.
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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Las Vegas Man Sentenced for Setting Two Fires at the Drew Las Vegas That Resulted in Millions of Dollars in DamageRead the Press Release
LAS VEGAS, Nev. – Andrew Joseph Sanders, 28, of Las Vegas, was sentenced on Friday, August 28, by Chief U.S. District Judge Miranda Du to five years in federal prison for lighting two separate fires at The Drew Las Vegas, announced U.S. Attorney Nicholas A. Trutanich of the District of Nevada and Special Agent in Charge Patrick Gorman of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF).
According to court documents, on March 1, 2018, Sanders trespassed onto the property of The Drew Las Vegas, a resort and casino that was under construction. While on the property, Sanders recorded himself on his cell phone and also narrated. In one video, Sanders stated: “and I lit a fire to this [expletive]. I’m just bored, you know?”
Sanders set two separate fires inside a building, approximately 200 yards apart from one another. After setting the fires and while attempting to flee, Sanders “squared off” in a fighting stance with two firefighters who responded from the Clark County Fire Department. The firefighters had to subdue Sanders and convince him to stop fighting. As a result, those two firefighters were delayed in supplying water to their colleagues inside the building. The fires set by Sanders caused millions of dollars in damage.
Sanders pleaded guilty to one count of arson in October 2019. In addition to the term of imprisonment, he was sentenced to three years of supervised release. The court will determine defendant’s obligation to pay restitution and any amount owing at a later date.
The case is a product of an investigation by the ATF and Clark County Fire Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jessica Oliva prosecuted the case.
Anonymous tips may be submitted to ATF through the ReportIt mobile app or by calling the ATF Tip Line at 1-888-ATF-TIPS.
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Kittery Man Pleads Guilty to Federal Interstate Domestic Violence ChargesRead the Press Release
PORTLAND, Maine: A Kittery man pleaded guilty today in federal court in Portland to two counts of interstate travel to violate a protection order, U.S. Attorney Halsey B. Frank announced.
According to court documents, in April 2016, Nelson Jean Dion, 53, who resided in Maine, was arrested for felony aggravated assault involving his former live-in girlfriend, who was by then living in a domestic violence shelter in Portsmouth, New Hampshire. A few days later, Dion was released on bail and was subject to a protection order that prohibited his contact with his former girlfriend.
Between April and June 2016, Dion traveled from Maine to New Hampshire, and then from New Hampshire to Maine, to have contact with the girlfriend in violation of the protection order. On June 30, 2016, the girlfriend jumped from the Piscataqua River Bridge on Interstate 95 and died the next day.
Dion faces up to five years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000 on each charge. He will be sentenced after the completion of a presentence investigation report by the U.S. Probation Office.
The Kittery, Berwick, and Eliot, Maine Police Departments; the York County District Attorney’s Office; the Portsmouth, New Hampshire Police Department; and the FBI investigated the case.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. The Department of Justice reinvigorated PSN in 2017 as part of the Department’s renewed focus on targeting violent criminals, directing all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to work in partnership with federal, state, local and tribal law enforcement and the local community to develop effective, locally-based strategies to reduce violent crime.
Illegal Alien Pleads Guilty to Fraud Regarding Identification DocumentsRead the Press Release
Gulfport, Miss. – Darling Antonio Ordenana-Rosales, 24, an illegal alien from Nicaragua, pled guilty today before U.S. District Judge Sul Ozerden to the crime of fraud regarding visas, permits, or other immigration document, announced U.S. Attorney Mike Hurst and Gilbert Trill, Acting Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in New Orleans.
On July 23, 2020, a U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Special Agent, who also is a Task Force Agent for Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), encountered Ordenana-Rosales working for a contractor at the Mississippi State Port at Gulfport. The federal agent was accompanied by another HSI Task Force Officer who also is a Harrison County Sheriff’s Office Deputy. It was determined that Ordenana-Rosales was fraudulently working under the name and Social Security Number of a U.S. Citizen from Puerto Rico.
With assistance from the contractor and the Port of Gulfport, HSI obtained a copy of the I-9 form and documents used by Ordenana-Rosales to gain employment. The I-9 form contained copies of a Social Security card and a Louisiana identification card. Both documents were found to be fraudulent. Ordenana-Rosales was arrested, and it was learned that he had illegally entered the U.S.
Ordenana-Rosales is scheduled to be sentenced on December 3, 2020 at 9:30 a.m. He faces a maximum sentence of 10 years in federal prison, followed by 3 years of supervised release and up to a $250,000 fine.
U.S. Attorney Hurst commended the work and coordination of Homeland Security Investigations, Customs and Border Protection, the Harrison County Sheriff’s Office and the Port of Gulfport. Assistant U.S. Attorney Stan Harris is the prosecutor for the case.
Head of New York Medical Clinics Sentenced to 156 Months in Prison for Multimillion-Dollar Money Laundering and Health Care Kickbacks SchemeRead the Press Release
Update: This sentencing was vacated. The defendant was resentenced on April 17, 2024, to nine years in prison and ordered to pay $39 million in restitution.
A Brooklyn man was sentenced to 156 months in prison today for his role in a vast multimillion-dollar health care kickback and money laundering conspiracy, the Department of Justice announced today.
Aleksandr Pikus, 45, of Brooklyn, New York, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Ann M. Donnelly of the Eastern District of New York. Judge Donnelly also ordered Pikus to pay $39.4 million in restitution and to forfeit $2,614,233. On Nov. 15, 2019, after a two-week trial, Pikus was convicted by a jury of one count of conspiracy to commit money laundering, two counts of money laundering, one count of conspiracy to pay and receive health care kickbacks and one count of conspiracy to defraud the United States by obstructing the IRS.
“For nearly a decade, Aleksandr Pikus stole millions of dollars from the federal Medicare and Medicaid programs in a major healthcare kickback, money laundering and tax fraud scheme,” said Acting Assistant Attorney General Brian C. Rabbitt of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “This significant sentence holds Pikus accountable for his leadership role in this scheme and reflects the Department’s commitment to protecting our valuable federal healthcare programs and their beneficiaries from this kind of fraud.”
“The defendant’s key role in an elaborate scheme to steal and conceal tens of millions of dollars from the Medicare and Medicaid programs, was staggering in scope and deserving of the significant punishment he received today,” stated Acting U.S. Attorney DuCharme. “This office takes very seriously its obligation to protect government funds that provide vital medical coverage counted upon by individuals and families who qualify because of their low income, disability or advanced years.”
“Pikus was the kingpin running a massive money laundering and kickback health care fraud syndicate,” said Scott J. Lampert, Special Agent in Charge for the Office of Inspector General of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. “Now, like others who plot to steal from government health programs, he is paying a heavy price for his crimes. Along with our law enforcement partners, we will continue to root out individuals who steal vital taxpayer-provided health funds.”
“The defendant’s greed and desire for money drove him to perpetrate crimes against our healthcare system and prey upon the vulnerable in our society.,” stated IRS-CI Special Agent in Charge Larsen. “Justice has been served and IRS-CI will continue to work alongside our counterparts to uncover these schemes to hold these criminals accountable for their actions.”
According to evidence presented at trial, Pikus and his co-conspirators perpetrated a scheme through a series of medical clinics in Brooklyn and Queens over the course of nearly a decade, which clinics employed doctors, physical and occupational therapists, and other medical professionals who were enrolled in the Medicare and Medicaid programs. In return for illegal kickbacks, Pikus referred beneficiaries to these health care providers, who submitted claims to the Medicare and Medicaid programs.
Pikus and his co-conspirators then laundered a substantial portion of the proceeds of these claims through companies he controlled, including by cashing checks at several New York City check-cashing businesses. Pikus then failed to report that cash income to the IRS. Instead, Pikus used the cash to enrich himself and others and to pay kickbacks to patient recruiters, who, in turn, paid beneficiaries to receive treatment at the medical clinics. The evidence further established that Pikus and his co-conspirators used sham shell companies and fake invoices to conceal their illegal activities.
More than 25 other individuals have pleaded guilty to or been convicted of participating in the scheme, including physicians, physical and occupational therapists, ambulette drivers, and the owners of several of the shell companies used to launder the stolen money.
This case was investigated by the HHS-OIG and IRS-CI, and was brought as part of the Medicare Fraud Strike Force, under the supervision of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of New York. Assistant Chief A. Brendan Stewart and Trial Attorneys Sarah Wilson Rocha and Andrew Estes of the Fraud Section are prosecuting the case.
The Fraud Section leads the Medicare Fraud Strike Force, which is part of a joint initiative between the Department of Justice and HHS to focus their efforts to prevent and deter fraud and enforce current anti-fraud laws around the country. Since its inception in March 2007, the Medicare Fraud Strike Force, which maintains 15 strike forces operating in 24 districts, has charged more than 4,200 defendants who have collectively billed the Medicare program for approximately $19 billion. In addition, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, working in conjunction with the HHS-OIG, are taking steps to increase accountability and decrease the presence of fraudulent providers.
Hawaii Businesswoman Pleads Guilty to Facilitating Back-Channel Lobbying Campaign to Drop 1MDB Investigation and Remove a Foreign National to ChinaRead the Press Release
An American businesswoman with international ties pleaded guilty today for her role in facilitating an unregistered lobbying campaign of the Administration of the President of the United States and the U.S. Department of Justice on behalf of foreign principals in exchange for millions of dollars.
Acting Assistant Attorney General Brian C. Rabbitt of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, Assistant Attorney General John C. Demers of the Justice Department’s National Security Division, U.S. Attorney Kenji M. Price of the District of Hawaii, Special Agent in Charge Eli S. Miranda of the FBI’s Honolulu Field Office, and Special Agent in Charge Keith A. Bonanno of the Department of Justice Office of the Inspector General (OIG) made the announcement.
Nickie Mali Lum Davis, 45, of Honolulu, Hawaii, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Leslie E. Kobayashi to one count of aiding and abetting violation of the Foreign Agents Registration Act.
“In exchange for millions of dollars, Nickie Davis and others covertly sought to do the bidding of a foreign government and a foreign principal by attempting to influence senior U.S. government officials regarding a pending Department of Justice investigation and the extradition of a foreign national,” said Acting Assistant Attorney General Brian C. Rabbitt of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “Though Ms. Davis’s efforts were unsuccessful, this case demonstrates how foreign governments seek to advance their agendas in the United States by hiding behind politically influential proxies. Such conduct poses a serious threat to our national security and undermines the integrity of our democracy. The failure to disclose these relationships harms both the American people and government officials by preventing them from accounting for and evaluating the true source of and motivation for foreign lobbying efforts.”
“As this prosecution makes clear, those who line their pockets by facilitating a foreign national’s campaign to lobby our nation’s leaders will not hide under a cloak of anonymity,” said U.S. Attorney Kenji M. Price of the District of Hawaii. “Through our investigations and prosecutions, we will uncover your criminal conduct and hold you accountable.”
“Lum Davis, along with her coconspirators, attempted to influence the Department of Justice’s independence on behalf of a foreign country in exchange for millions of dollars. The OIG worked diligently with the FBI on this matter in order to protect the department’s integrity,“ Keith A. Bonanno, Special Agent in Charge of the DOJ OIG Cyber Investigations Office.
According to admissions made in connection with her plea, Lum Davis admitted that, between March 2017 and January 2018, she and others — including a prominent official of a national political party with ties to the administration — agreed to lobby the President of the United States, the Attorney General, and other high level officials in the administration and the Justice Department to drop civil forfeiture proceedings and a criminal investigation into the embezzlement of billions of dollars from 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB), a strategic investment and development company wholly owned by the Government of Malaysia.
For their efforts, Lum Davis and others were paid millions of dollars by Foreign National A, an alleged architect of the 1MDB scheme. Lum Davis and others also agreed to lobby the Administration and Justice Department on behalf of Foreign National A and People’s Republic of China (PRC) Minister A, to arrange for the removal and return of PRC National A — a dissident of the PRC living in the United States. Lum Davis and others concealed from the officials whom they lobbied that they were working on behalf of Foreign National A and Foreign Minister A and were being paid millions of dollars by Foreign National A with the expectation of tens of millions more in success fees. The lobbying campaigns were ultimately unsuccessful.
Among other actions, Lum Davis and her confederates tried to arrange meetings for PRC Minister A with the Attorney General, the Secretary of Homeland Security, and other high-level officials during the PRC Minister’s visit to the United States in May 2017; provided talking points to the Secretary of State referencing the 1MDB investigation in advance of a meeting between the Secretary of State and the Malaysian Prime Minister in August 2017; and pushed the White House Chief of Staff for a meeting and golf game between the President and the Malaysian Prime Minister to allow the Malaysian Prime Minister to raise resolution of the 1MDB investigation. Lum Davis was paid at least $3 million for her role in the scheme, which she has agreed to forfeit as part of her plea agreement. The national political party official was paid at least $9 million.
George Higginbotham previously pleaded guilty for his role in the scheme on Nov. 30, 2018, in U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia.
Sentencing for Lum Davis will be set on a date to be determined.
The Honolulu and Los Angeles Field Divisions of the FBI and Justice Department-OIG investigated the case. Principal Deputy Chief John D. Keller, Deputy Director of Election Crimes Sean F. Mulryne, and Trial Attorneys Nicole R. Lockhart and James C. Mann of the Criminal Division’s Public Integrity Section (PIN), and Assistant U.S. Attorney Ken Sorenson of the District of Hawaii are prosecuting the case. Former PIN Trial Attorney Ryan Ellersick also provided significant assistance in the investigation.
Galeton Man Sentenced to 20 Years’ Imprisonment for Distributing Fentanyl Resulting in Serious Bodily InjuryRead the Press Release
WILLIAMSPORT - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that on August 27, 2020, David Piaquadio, age 63, of Galeton, Pennsylvania, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Christopher C. Conner to 20 years’ imprisonment following his conviction for conspiracy to distribute Oxycodone, Fentanyl and Heroin, distribution of Oxycodone and Fentanyl, and attempted distribution of Oxycodone.
According to U.S. Attorney David J. Freed, on March 12, 2015, Piaquadio delivered Fentanyl to an individual who overdosed after using the drug. The overdose victim was found by his mother unconscious with a syringe stuck in his right arm in close proximity to a metal spoon containing Fentanyl residue that was distributed by Piaquadio.
Piaquadio admitted that he and his girlfriend, who is now deceased, sold between 100 to 120 Oxycodone tablets and one or two Fentanyl patches per month. On the morning of March 12, 2015, the day he delivered Fentanyl to the overdose victim, Piaquadio filled a prescription for 150 Oxycodone tablets and 10 Fentanyl patches.
The federal investigation was conducted by the Office of Inspector General, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, the Pennsylvania State Police, with the assistance of the Galeton Borough Police Department and the Potter County District Attorney’s Office. Assistant United States Attorneys Geoffrey W. MacArthur and George J. Rocktashel prosecuted the case.
This case was brought as part of a district wide initiative to combat the nationwide epidemic regarding the use and distribution of Heroin and Opioids like Fentanyl and Oxycodone. Led by the United States Attorney’s Office, the Heroin Initiative targets Opioid traffickers operating in the Middle District of Pennsylvania and is part of a coordinated effort among federal, state and local law enforcement agencies to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who commit heroin related offenses.
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.
The maximum penalty under federal law for this offense is life imprisonment, a 20-year mandatory minimum sentence because the drug offense resulted in serious bodily injury, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine. 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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Former Putnam County EMT Pleads Guilty to Stealing Controlled SubstancesRead the Press Release
HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – A Putnam County man pled guilty today to stealing fentanyl and morphine, announced United States Attorney Mike Stuart. Kelly Keene, 49, entered a guilty plea to obtaining controlled substances by fraud and deception.
“Narcotics housed in EMT trucks are there for a purpose – to treat victims of trauma or acute illness while they are being transported to a medical facility,” said United States Attorney Mike Stuart. “Keene abused his position to steal fentanyl and morphine – narcotics needed for critical care – for his own use. It is unconscionable conduct by any measure.”
Keene admitted that while he was employed as a Putnam County Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) in May 2019 he took vials of fentanyl and morphine from the narcotics safes located on the EMS trucks. He admitted to taking the controlled substances when he was not authorized to do so. He further admitted to stealing these substances for his own use.
Keene faces up to four years in prison when he is sentenced on December 7, 2020.
The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and the Putnam County Sheriff’s Department conducted the investigation.
United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers presided over the hearing. Assistant United States Attorney Stephanie S. Taylor is handling the prosecution.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 3:20-cr-00135.
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Former PG&E Employee Pleads Guilty to over $1.4M Fraud ConspiracyRead the Press Release
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — A former PG&E employee pleaded guilty today to one count of conspiracy to commit honest services wire fraud and admitted to receiving kickback payments from a Stockton transportation company owned by his cousin, U.S. Attorney McGregor W. Scott announced.
According to the plea agreement, Ronald S. Schoenfeld, 65, of Goodyear, Arizona, formerly of Dublin, California, while employed at Pacific Gas and Electric Company, conspired to obtain contracts from PG&E for his cousin’s transportation business in exchange for kickbacks from that business worth approximately 2.5% of the value of the contracts. Schoenfeld concealed from PG&E his familial relationship with his co-conspirator from PG&E, provided confidential information to his co-conspirator, and, at times, directly intervened in the consideration of contracts between PG&E and his co-conspirator’s business, all contrary to PG&E’s policies.
From March 2007 through February 2015, PG&E paid at least $82.1 million to the business operated by Schoenfeld’s cousin for services it provided pursuant to PG&E contracts. During the same period, Schoenfeld’s co-conspirator paid him at least $1,476,000 in kickbacks for his role in the conspiracy.
This case is the product of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys André M. Espinosa, Amy S. Hitchcock, and Tanya B. Syed are prosecuting the case.
Schoenfeld is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Kimberly J. Mueller on November 16, 2020. Schoenfeld faces a maximum statutory penalty of five years in prison and a $250,000 fine. The actual sentence, however, will be determined at the discretion of the court after consideration of any applicable statutory factors and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, which take into account a number of variables.
Former Marion County physician sentenced for drug chargeRead the Press Release
CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Eugenio Menez, a former physician of Fairmont, West Virginia, was sentenced today to 48 months in prison following a drug charge, U.S. Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Menez, age 69, pled guilty to a one-count information in March 2020 charging him with “Distribution of Controlled Substances Outside the Bounds of Professional Medical Practice.” Menez admitted to illegally distributing oxycodone in September 2015 in Marion County.
Menez was a family physician who practiced in Marion County. He distributed controlled substances outside the course of professional medical practice by writing prescriptions for several female patients in exchange for sexual favors. Even though the female patients had medical appointments, those visits involved sexual acts, and Menez did not conduct medical exams of those patients. The appointments would be scheduled either early in the morning at his office before his staff reported or at his residence. The patients believed they would have been denied their prescriptions if they did not consent to the sexual acts. The patients’ accounts were corroborated by numerous video recordings produced by Menez.
Menez has surrendered his medical license, as well as his DEA registration, which permitted him to write prescriptions.
Mezen was also ordered to pay a $25,000 fine.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Zelda E. Wesley prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Drug Enforcement Administration investigated.
U.S. District Judge Thomas S. Kleeh presided.
Former KC Fire Captain Pleads Guilty to Illegally Selling Firearms to FelonsRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, Mo. – A former captain in the Kansas City, Missouri, Fire Department pleaded guilty in federal court today to charges related to illegally selling 77 firearms over a five-year period, and to selling firearms to convicted felons.
“Our gun laws exist to make it hard for violent criminals to obtain the tools of their trade,” Garrison said. “Felons, illegal aliens, domestic abusers, drug users, and other prohibited persons cannot purchase or possess firearms — unless someone breaks the law to put guns in their hands. These criminals may not pull the trigger, but they profit by making violent crime possible in our neighborhoods.”
James Samuels, 54, of Kansas City, Mo., pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Gary A. Fenner to one count of conspiracy to make false statements during the purchase of firearms, one count of engaging in the business of dealing firearms without a license, four counts of selling firearms and ammunition to persons prohibited by law from possessing them, and one count of possessing an unregistered firearm. Samuels, who has been in federal custody without bond since his arrest on Oct. 4, 2018, remains in federal custody until his sentencing hearing, which has not yet been scheduled.
By pleading guilty today, Samuels admitted that he purchased 77 firearms from November 2013 to August 2018. Of those 77 firearms, 57 were Jimenez pistols. Samuels transferred 47 of those 77 firearms to third parties (including 43 Jimenez pistols). During this time, Samuels was not a licensed dealer of firearms.
Samuels also admitted that 10 to 20 of those firearms were sold to persons who were forbidden by law from possessing them. Samuels bought the firearms at a low price and sold them for a $40 to $50 profit.
Samuels conspired with others to make false statements to federally licensed firearms dealers by misrepresenting the identity of the actual buyer of firearms. Samuels purchased firearms then transferred ownership to another person, who later reported the firearms had been stolen.
Samuels was arrested on Oct. 4, 2018, following an undercover operation in which he sold an Armscor of the Philippines .38-caliber revolver to a confidential informant whom he knew to be a felon. Law enforcement officers executed a search warrant at Samuels’s residence the same day and seized 28 firearms (including 22 handguns, five rifles and one shotgun). Among the firearms seized was a Glock .40-caliber pistol with a TAC Isran GLR 440 stock installed, which was not registered to Samuels, and a Colt .45-caliber pistol, which had been reported stolen. In addition to the firearms, officers seized approximately 12,000 rounds of assorted ammunition, as well as firearm parts and accessories.
The Oct. 4, 2018, transaction is one of four instances cited in today’s plea agreement in which the same confidential informant, whom Samuels knew was a felon and thus prohibited from possessing firearms and ammunition, purchased a firearm and ammunition from Samuels. In each of those four instances, Samuels accompanied the confidential informant and an undercover federal agent to a licensed firearms dealer, where the undercover agent completed the paperwork for the straw purchase of the firearm on behalf of the confidential informant. In each instance, the straw purchase was at the direction of Samuels.
Under the terms of today’s plea agreement, Samuels acknowledges that he has the ability to pay a fine and agrees that $11,282 seized by law enforcement officers during the execution of the search warrant at his residence will be applied to any fine imposed by the court.
Under federal statutes, Samuels is subject to a sentence of up to 60 years in federal prison without parole. The maximum statutory sentence is prescribed by Congress and is provided here for informational purposes, as the sentencing of the defendant 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 United States Probation Office.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Brad K. Kavanaugh. It was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Kansas City, Mo., Police Department.
Project Safe Neighborhoods
The U.S. Attorney’s Office is partnering with federal, state, and local law enforcement to specifically identify criminals responsible for significant violent crime in the Western District of Missouri. A centerpiece of this effort is Project Safe Neighborhoods, a program that brings together all levels of law enforcement to reduce violent crime and make neighborhoods safer for everyone.Florida Man Sentenced for Racially-Motivated Interference with Election in Charlottesville, Virginia and for Cyberstalking in FloridaRead the Press Release
Daniel McMahon, 32, was sentenced today in federal court in the Western District of Virginia to 41 months of imprisonment for threatening an African-American Charlottesville City Council candidate because of his race and because he was running for office, and for cyberstalking a separate victim through Facebook messenger, the Justice Department announced today. Following his term of incarceration, McMahon will be placed on three years of supervised release, during which time he will be prohibited from using internet-capable devices without prior court approval.
“Americans have the right to run for office in this country without facing racially-bigoted threats of violence,” said Assistant Attorney General Eric Dreiband for the Civil Rights Division. “Furthermore, no American should have to live with hateful threats of sexual violence for opposing white nationalism. The Justice Department will continue vigorously to prosecute anyone who attempts to infringe on these civil rights and thereby undermine our democracy.”
“The hallmark of our Nation’s democracy is the right to peacefully protest and engage in an effective exchange of ideas via the political process,” said U.S. Attorney Maria Chapa Lopez for the Middle District of Florida. “When either of these rights are infringed, and individuals are targeted, intimidated, or threatened because of their race/ethnicity or beliefs, the cornerstone of our system is put at risk. Today’s sentence demonstrates our intent to work together to preserve our Nation’s founding principles and ensure that all citizens are protected under the law.”
“This defendant weaponized social media to threaten and intimidate his perceived political enemies and propagate a violent white-supremacist ideology,” said U.S. Attorney Thomas T. Cullen of the Western District of Virginia. “Because his online activity crossed the boundary between protected First Amendment expression and unlawful threats and harassment, he will spend considerable time in federal prison.”
“The FBI applauds the sentencing in this case and remains steadfast in its commitment to protecting the civil rights of all Americans,” said Special Agent in Charge David W. Archey of the FBI’s Richmond Division. “We also commend the courage of the victims who come forward to report these threats. We are grateful for our partners with the Department of Justice, the FBI Tampa Division and the U.S. Attorney's Offices in Virginia and Florida for their support during this investigation.”
On April 30, 2020, the defendant pled guilty to one count of racially-motivated threats to interfere with an election, and one count of cyberstalking. At the plea hearing, the defendant admitted that he uses the online pseudonyms “Jack Corbin,” “Pale Horse,” “Restore Silent Sam,” and “Dakota Stone,” to promote white supremacy and white nationalist ideology, and to express support for racially-motivated violence. The defendant admitted that in January 2019, upon learning that D.G., an African-American resident of Charlottesville, Virginia, planned to announce his candidacy for city council, the defendant used his Jack Corbin account on the social media platform Gab to threaten violence against D.G. because of D.G.’s race and because D.G. was running for office. The defendant admitted that his posts used racial slurs and invoked long-standing racial stereotypes, and that he intended for D.G. to understand his posts as threats to his safety.
In addition, the defendant admitted to using his “Restore Silent Sam” Facebook account to cyberstalk a person identified in court documents as Victim 2. In connection with this charge, the defendant admitted that he used Facebook to send Victim 2 numerous intimidating and threatening messages that placed Victim 2 in reasonable fear of harm to Victim 2’s minor child. The defendant acknowledged that Victim 2 has been active in countering white nationalist rallies in her community. The defendant admitted that, because of Victim 2’s activism, he began an online campaign to intimidate her and to extort information from her about her fellow activists. This included sending Victim 2 numerous messages over the course of twelve days in which he threatened to sexually assault Victim 2’s minor daughter, who has autism. The defendant admitted that, at around the same time that he sent these messages, he also used the internet to conduct searches relating to sexual contact with girls who have autism. The defendant admitted that his messages reasonably caused Victim 2 serious emotional distress and fear for Victim 2’s child’s safety.
This case was investigated by the FBI and was prosecuted by U.S. Attorney Thomas T. Cullen of the Western District of Virginia; Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher Kavanaugh of the Western District of Virginia; Assistant U.S. Attorney Daniel George of the Middle District of Florida; and Trial Attorney Risa Berkower of the U.S. Department of Justice’s Civil Rights Division.
Florida Man Sentenced for Racially-Motivated Interference with Election in Charlottesville, Virginia and for Cyberstalking in FloridaRead the Press Release
CHARLOTTESVILLE, VIRGINIA – Daniel McMahon, 32, was sentenced today in federal court in the Western District of Virginia to 41 months of imprisonment for threatening an African-American Charlottesville City Council candidate because of his race and because he was running for office, and for cyberstalking a separate victim through Facebook messenger, the Justice Department announced today. Following his term of incarceration, McMahon will be placed on three years of supervised release, during which time he will be prohibited from using internet-capable devices without prior court approval.
“Americans have the right to run for office in this country without facing racially-bigoted threats of violence,” said Assistant Attorney General Eric Dreiband for the Civil Rights Division. “Furthermore, no American should have to live with hateful threats of sexual violence for opposing white nationalism. The Justice Department will continue vigorously to prosecute anyone who attempts to infringe on these civil rights and thereby undermine our democracy.”
“The hallmark of our Nation’s democracy is the right to peacefully protest and engage in an effective exchange of ideas via the political process,” said U.S. Attorney Maria Chapa Lopez for the Middle District of Florida. “When either of these rights are infringed, and individuals are targeted, intimidated, or threatened because of their race/ethnicity or beliefs, the cornerstone of our system is put at risk. Today’s sentence demonstrates our intent to work together to preserve our Nation’s founding principles and ensure that all citizens are protected under the law.”
“This defendant weaponized social media to threaten and intimidate his perceived political enemies and propagate a violent white-supremacist ideology,” said U.S. Attorney Thomas T. Cullen of the Western District of Virginia. “Because his online activity crossed the boundary between protected First Amendment expression and unlawful threats and harassment, he will spend considerable time in federal prison.”
“The FBI applauds the sentencing in this case and remains steadfast in its commitment to protecting the civil rights of all Americans,” said Special Agent in Charge David W. Archey of the FBI’s Richmond Division. “We also commend the courage of the victims who come forward to report these threats. We are grateful for our partners with the Department of Justice, the FBI Tampa Division and the U.S. Attorney's Offices in Virginia and Florida for their support during this investigation.”
On April 30, 2020, the defendant pled guilty to one count of racially-motivated threats to interfere with an election, and one count of cyberstalking. At the plea hearing, the defendant admitted that he uses the online pseudonyms “Jack Corbin,” “Pale Horse,” “Restore Silent Sam,” and “Dakota Stone,” to promote white supremacy and white nationalist ideology, and to express support for racially-motivated violence. The defendant admitted that in January 2019, upon learning that D.G., an African-American resident of Charlottesville, Virginia, planned to announce his candidacy for city council, the defendant used his Jack Corbin account on the social media platform Gab to threaten violence against D.G. because of D.G.’s race and because D.G. was running for office. The defendant admitted that his posts used racial slurs and invoked long-standing racial stereotypes, and that he intended for D.G. to understand his posts as threats to his safety.
In addition, the defendant admitted to using his “Restore Silent Sam” Facebook account to cyberstalk a person identified in court documents as Victim 2. In connection with this charge, the defendant admitted that he used Facebook to send Victim 2 numerous intimidating and threatening messages that placed Victim 2 in reasonable fear of harm to Victim 2’s minor child. The defendant acknowledged that Victim 2 has been active in countering white nationalist rallies in her community. The defendant admitted that, because of Victim 2’s activism, he began an online campaign to intimidate her and to extort information from her about her fellow activists. This included sending Victim 2 numerous messages over the course of twelve days in which he threatened to sexually assault Victim 2’s minor daughter, who has autism. The defendant admitted that, at around the same time that he sent these messages, he also used the internet to conduct searches relating to sexual contact with girls who have autism. The defendant admitted that his messages reasonably caused Victim 2 serious emotional distress and fear for Victim 2’s child’s safety.
This case was investigated by the FBI and was prosecuted by U.S. Attorney Thomas T. Cullen of the Western District of Virginia; Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher Kavanaugh of the Western District of Virginia; Assistant U.S. Attorney Daniel George of the Middle District of Florida; and Trial Attorney Risa Berkower of the U.S. Department of Justice’s Civil Rights Division.
Federal Texarkana Correctional Officer and Inmate Guilty of Bribery ConspiracyRead the Press Release
TEXARKANA, Texas – A 55-year-old Titus County, Texas, man and a 54-year-old federal inmate have pleaded guilty to a bribery conspiracy in the Eastern District of Texas, announced U.S. Attorney Stephen J. Cox today.
James Thompson pleaded guilty on August 5, 2020, to conspiring to commit bribery before U.S. Magistrate Judge Caroline M. Craven. In his plea agreement, Thompson agreed to forfeit $17,200.00 in United States currency and cash proceeds from his scheme.
Gilbert Gomez pleaded guilty on August 31, 2020, to conspiring to commit bribery before U.S. Magistrate Judge Caroline M. Craven. In his plea agreement, Gomez agreed to forfeit $15,000.00 in United States currency and cash proceeds from his scheme.
According to information presented in court, beginning before August 2019 and continuing through January 2020, Thompson, a federal correctional officer, and Gomez, a federal inmate, engaged in a scheme to smuggle contraband into the Federal Correctional Institution located in Texarkana, Texas. During the scheme, Thompson received cash bribe payments and prison contraband at a post office box under the alias of “Bobby Brown.” Using his own prerogative, Thompson then smuggled the contraband into FCI Texarkana when he entered the facility to go to work. Gomez coordinated the scheme from inside the institution, where he arraigned cash bribe payments and delivered the smuggled contraband to other inmates. Thompson and Gomez received more than $30,000.00 total for smuggling contraband into FCI Texarkana.
Under federal statutes, Thompson and Gomez face up to 5 years in federal prison at sentencing. The statutory sentence prescribed by Congress is provided here for information purposes, as the sentencing will be determined by the court based on the advisory sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors. Sentencing hearings will be scheduled after the completion of a presentence investigations by the U.S. Probation Office.
This case is being investigated by the Dallas Field Office of the U.S. Department of Justice, Office of the Inspector General and the Fort Worth Division of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jonathan R. Hornok.
Detroit Man Pleads Guilty to Federal Drug CrimeRead the Press Release
BECKLEY, W.Va. – A Detroit man pled guilty to a federal drug charge today, announced United States Attorney Mike Stuart. Kwaine Brengettcy, 34, pled guilty to possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine.
“100% pure meth-- this Detroit drug dealer was bringing 100% pure meth into Beckley and distributing it. This may be the most powerful and potent meth that has been identified in the district. It cannot get more powerful,” said United States Attorney Mike Stuart. “Compare the potency of today’s meth with the meth of just a few short years ago. Today’s meth is potent and powerful- 100% pure in this case- but the meth that wreaked havoc on our communities 10 or 15 years ago was comparatively weak at 15-25% purity and that weaker meth did plenty of damage to our communities and families. This meth is exponentially stronger. With poison peddlers like Brengettcy coming into our communities, it’s of no surprise that meth-related overdose deaths are on the rise in the Mountain State. With every successful prosecution of a drug dealer, we’re taking back our streets and fighting for the families who have lost loved ones to overdose.”
On February 28, 2020, law enforcement officers executed a search warrant on a residence in Beckley. As the officers entered, they observed Brengettcy jump up and flee to the back room. They later located 21 grams of methamphetamine inside his jacket pocket. Brengettcy also had rented a hotel room nearby, which also was searched by law enforcement. Inside, they discovered $10,576 in U.S. currency. Some of the bills in that sum of cash were marked as being used in previous controlled drug buys by law enforcement.
Brengettcy was interviewed and admitted to bringing methamphetamine from Detroit to Beckley, and that he had been selling methamphetamine in the area for at least four months prior to his arrest. The methamphetamine that was recovered was sent to a Department of Homeland Security laboratory, where it was tested and proved to be 100% pure methamphetamine.
Brengettcy faces up to 20 years in prison when he is sentenced on December 14, 2020.
The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) and the Beckley Raleigh County Drug and Violent Crime Unit. United States District Judge Frank W. Volk presided over the hearing. Assistant United States Attorney L. Alexander Hamner is handling the prosecution.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 5:20-cr-00067.
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Delaware Man Who Sold Heroin Laced with Furanyl Fentanyl Sentenced to over 8 Years in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
WILMINGTON, Del. – Cornelius Riley, 44, of Dover, was sentenced on August 26 to 100 months in federal prison for distributing and possessing with the intent to distribute heroin, after being convicted by a jury in May of 2019.
In January of 2018, Defendant sold an ounce of heroin to an undercover officer. The Defendant then made arrangements to sell an additional 4.5 ounces of heroin to the same undercover officer later that week. On the day of the sale, Defendant was arrested at the agreed-upon place, at the agreed-upon time, and with the agreed-upon amount of heroin in the back of his car. Forensic chemical analysis of the substance showed that the heroin was mixed with a deadly fentanyl analogue, furanyl fentanyl.
“The Court’s sentence reflects the seriousness of Mr. Riley’s actions and the harm he posed to society,” said U.S. Attorney Weiss. “Riley was responsible for injecting a large amount of heroin into the Delaware community. His crime was made more dangerous by the fact that the heroin Riley sold was laced with a deadly fentanyl analogue. We will continue to aggressively investigate and prosecute drug dealers, and those who are responsible for selling this poison to the community should expect to face serious punishment.”
David C. Weiss, U.S. Attorney for the District of Delaware, made the announcement after sentencing by U.S. District Judge Richard G. Andrews. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Laura D. Hatcher and Daniel Logan prosecuted the case, which was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Delaware. Related court documents and information is located on the website of the District Court for the District of Delaware or on PACER.
Connecticut Man Pleads Guilty to Receiving Bribes from ContractorsRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Connecticut man who held positions involving facility maintenance at three collegiate institutions pleaded guilty today in connection with receiving bribes in exchange for directing contracts to favored contractors.
Floyd Young, 50, of Shelton, Conn., pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy and three counts of bribery concerning programs receiving federal funds. U.S. District Court Judge Mark G. Mastroianni scheduled sentencing for Feb. 1, 2021. In March 2019, Young was charged by criminal complaint and arrested.
Young held positions involving facility maintenance at three collegiate institutions, including one located in Massachusetts. Young steered contracts for construction, repair, maintenance, and other work for the collegiate institutions to favored contractors who paid him bribes, typically in the amount of 15% of the contract. The contractors inflated the amount of the invoices submitted to the collegiate institutions in order to be repaid the cost of the bribe payment made to Young. In addition, as contractors received payments for work done at the collegiate institutions, they paid Young bribes on a periodic basis. On occasion, Young and the contractors arranged for no-work invoices to be submitted to the collegiate institutions and then split the payment.
Pursuant to the plea agreement, Young has agreed to pay restitution of $919,066 – the amount he received in bribes.
The charging statute provides for a sentence of up to five years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000 or twice the gross gain or loss. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
United States Attorney Andrew E. Lelling and Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Field Division made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Alex J. Grant of Lelling’s Springfield Branch Office is prosecuting the case.
Company Pleads Guilty to Money Laundering Violation as Part of Scheme to Circumvent North Korean Sanctions and Deceive Banks, Agrees to Pay Forfeiture and FineRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Yang Ban Corporation, a company established in the British Virgin Islands in 2014 that operated in South East Asia pleaded guilty today to conspiring to launder monetary instruments in connection with evading sanctions on North Korea and deceiving correspondent banks into processing U.S. dollar transactions. The company will pay a financial penalty totaling $673,714.04.
In pleading guilty, Yang Ban admitted and accepted responsibility for its criminal conduct. Yang Ban also agreed to implement rigorous internal controls and to cooperate fully with the Justice Department, including by reporting any criminal conduct by an employee.
“Evasion of the United States sanctions laws allows North Korea to continue its dangerous and persistent proliferation activities and to develop weapons of mass destruction,” said John C. Demers, Assistant Attorney General for National Security. “This defendant utilized dual invoicing practices and provided false statements to conceal the ultimate destination of commodities it purchased for North Korea, duping U.S. correspondent banks into processing U.S. dollar transactions that they would not otherwise have authorized. The disruption of this activity demonstrates that the Justice Department will leverage its significant investigative assets to uncover and punish North Korean efforts to engage in fraud, money laundering, and sanctions violations all to bolster its oppressive regime.”
“Yang Ban undermined the integrity of our financial system and harmed our national security by circumventing banks’ sanction and anti-money laundering filters as part of a scheme to launder funds for North Korean customers,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Sherwin. “Today’s action demonstrates this office’s commitment to find and punish companies, no matter where they are located, whose actions illegally facilitate North Korean sanctions evasion.”
“Once again, the Department of Justice has disrupted an effort by North Korea to covertly access the U.S. financial system in violation of U.S. sanctions,” said Alan E. Kohler Jr, Assistant Director of the FBI's Counterintelligence Division. “The FBI will aggressively investigate companies established for the sole purpose of evading U.S. sanctions on North Korea. The sanctity of the U.S. financial system will not be compromised.”
“Companies making deliberate efforts to launder money through the United States will be shut down,” said Michael F. Paul, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Minneapolis Division. “I commend the hard work of the agents and analysts who investigated this case.”
“Homeland Security Investigations is committed to working with our law enforcement partners to protect the integrity of the U.S. financial system, leveraging investigative assets in our combined efforts to expose the North Korean regime’s attempt to evade U.S. sanctions,” said Raymond Villanueva, Special Agent in Charge of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Washington, D.C.
U.S. sanctions and banking regulations prevented correspondent banks in the United States from processing wire transfers on behalf of customers located in North Korea. According to admissions and court documents, beginning in at least February 2017 and continuing until at least May 2018, Yang Ban deceived banks in the U.S. into processing transactions for North Korean customers of Yang Ban. Yang Ban and its co-conspirators utilized financial cutouts and front companies to conceal the North Korean nexus. Yang Ban specifically admitted to conspiring with other, including SINSMS, a subsequently designated company, to falsify shipping records. For example, in May 2017, a North Korean co-conspirator notified Yang Ban and its co-conspirators of a company which would ship to Nampo, North Korea, but would require two separate sets of shipping documents. One set of documents would be free of any indication that the shipment was going to North Korea, and a second set of documents would contain the North Korea details for internal record keeping.
Yang Ban admitted that it was aware that it needed to distance itself from North Korean front companies in order to protect it from additional scrutiny from banks that process U.S. dollar transactions. For example, in September 2016, Yang Ban caused an employee to inform a North Korean customer that Yang Ban was unable to use a related company for further business with North Korea due to bank restrictions on such transactions
The investigation was conducted by the FBI’s Minneapolis Field Office with support from HSI’s Washington D.C. Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Zia M. Faruqui and Trial Attorney David Recker of the National Security Division’s Counterintelligence and Export Control Section are prosecuting the case with assistance from Paralegal Specialist Brian Rickers, Legal Assistant Jessica McCormick, and Records Examiner Angela De Falco.
Company Pleads Guilty to Money Laundering Violation as Part of Scheme to Circumvent North Korean Sanctions and Deceive Banks, Agrees to Pay Forfeiture and FineRead the Press Release
Yang Ban Corporation, a company established in the British Virgin Islands in 2014 that operated in South East Asia pleaded guilty today to conspiring to launder monetary instruments in connection with evading sanctions on North Korea and deceiving correspondent banks into processing U.S. dollar transactions. The company will pay a financial penalty totaling $673,714.04.
In pleading guilty, Yang Ban admitted and accepted responsibility for its criminal conduct. Yang Ban also agreed to implement rigorous internal controls and to cooperate fully with the Justice Department, including by reporting any criminal conduct by an employee.
“Evasion of U.S. sanctions laws allows North Korea to continue its dangerous and persistent proliferation activities and to develop weapons of mass destruction,” said John C. Demers, Assistant Attorney General for National Security. “This defendant utilized dual invoicing practices and provided false statements to conceal the ultimate destination of commodities it purchased for North Korea, duping U.S. correspondent banks into processing U.S. dollar transactions that they would not otherwise have authorized. The disruption of this activity demonstrates that the Justice Department will leverage its significant investigative assets to uncover and punish North Korean efforts to engage in fraud, money laundering, and sanctions violations all to bolster its oppressive regime.”
“Yang Ban undermined the integrity of our financial system and harmed our national security by circumventing banks’ sanction and anti-money laundering filters as part of a scheme to launder funds for North Korean customers,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Sherwin for the District of Columbia. “Today’s action demonstrates this office’s commitment to find and punish companies, no matter where they are located, whose actions illegally facilitate North Korean sanctions evasion.”
“Once again, the Department of Justice has disrupted an effort by North Korea to covertly access the U.S. financial system in violation of U.S. sanctions,” said Alan E. Kohler Jr, Assistant Director of the FBI's Counterintelligence Division. “The FBI will aggressively investigate companies established for the sole purpose of evading U.S. sanctions on North Korea. The sanctity of the U.S. financial system will not be compromised.”
“Companies making deliberate efforts to launder money through the United States will be shut down,” said Michael F. Paul, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Minneapolis Division. “I commend the hard work of the agents and analysts who investigated this case.”
“Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) is committed to working with our law enforcement partners to protect the integrity of the U.S. financial system, leveraging investigative assets in our combined efforts to expose the North Korean regime’s attempt to evade U.S. sanctions,” said Raymond Villanueva, Special Agent in Charge of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) HSI Washington, D.C.
U.S. sanctions and banking regulations prevented correspondent banks in the United States from processing wire transfers on behalf of customers located in North Korea. According to admissions and court documents, beginning in at least February 2017 and continuing until at least May 2018, Yang Ban deceived banks in the U.S. into processing transactions for North Korean customers of Yang Ban. Yang Ban and its co-conspirators utilized financial cutouts and front companies to conceal the North Korean nexus. Yang Ban specifically admitted to conspiring with other, including SINSMS, a subsequently designated company, to falsify shipping records. For example, in May 2017, a North Korean co-conspirator notified Yang Ban and its co-conspirators of a company which would ship to Nampo, North Korea, but would require two separate sets of shipping documents. One set of documents would be free of any indication that the shipment was going to North Korea, and a second set of documents would contain the North Korea details for internal record keeping.
Yang Ban admitted that it was aware that it needed to distance itself from North Korean front companies in order to protect it from additional scrutiny from banks that process U.S. dollar transactions. For example, in September 2016, Yang Ban caused an employee to inform a North Korean customer that Yang Ban was unable to use a related company for further business with North Korea due to bank restrictions on such transactions
The investigation was conducted by the FBI’s Minneapolis Field Office with support from HSI’s Washington D.C. Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Zia M. Faruqui and Trial Attorney David Recker of the National Security Division’s Counterintelligence and Export Control Section are prosecuting the case with assistance from Paralegal Specialist Brian Rickers, Legal Assistant Jessica McCormick, and Records Examiner Angela De Falco.
Clay County Man Charged with Armed Robbery of Gas StationRead the Press Release
Jacksonville, Florida – United States Attorney Maria Chapa Lopez announces the return of an indictment charging Joshua Noah Sams (20, Orange Park) with interference of interstate commerce by robbery and brandishing a firearm during a robbery. If convicted, Sams faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison for the robbery offense and a 7-year minimum mandatory penalty, up to life imprisonment, for the firearm offense. The indictment also notifies Sams that the United States intends to forfeit the alleged proceeds of the robbery.
According to the indictment, on November 12, 2019, Sams robbed a 76 Gas station at gunpoint, obtaining cash from the employee on duty. Sams is currently in federal custody in the Northern District of Florida on unrelated robbery and firearm charges.
An indictment is merely a formal charge that a defendant has committed one or more violations of federal criminal law, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless, and until, proven guilty.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Clay County Sheriff’s Office. It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Kevin C. Frein.
This is another case prosecuted as part of the Department of Justice’s “Project Safe Neighborhoods” Program (PSN), which is a nationwide, crime reduction strategy aimed at decreasing violent crime in communities. It involves a comprehensive approach to public safety — one that includes investigating and prosecuting crimes, along with prevention and reentry efforts. In the Middle District of Florida, U.S. Attorney Maria Chapa Lopez coordinates PSN efforts in cooperation with various federal, state, and local law enforcement officials.
Clarksville Man Who Shot at Police Officers Sentenced to 10 Years in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
NASHVILLE, Tenn. – August 31, 2020 - Elique Camacho, 23, of Clarksville, Tennessee, was sentenced today in U.S. District Court to 10 years in prison for possessing a firearm after being convicted of a crime of domestic violence, announced U.S. Attorney Don Cochran for the Middle District of Tennessee.
Camacho was indicted in July 2018, after an incident on June 24, 2018, where Clarksville police officers were called to the scene of a domestic assault and upon arrival, Camacho was attempting to leave the scene. As officers approached his vehicle, Camacho drove toward them and struck one of the officers with his vehicle and fled. As Clarksville officers pursued Camacho, he fired several rounds at the officers from his vehicle. One of the officers subsequently rammed and disabled Camacho’s vehicle, after which, he fled on foot and hid in a wooded area overnight, before being arrested the following day at a friend’s house. At the time of his arrest, Camacho was in possession of a 9mm handgun.
Camacho pleaded guilty in January. He had previously been convicted of domestic assault in January 2017 and was prohibited from possessing a firearm.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives and the Clarksville Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Brooke Schiferle prosecuted the case.
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Claremore Man Sentenced to 78 Months in Prison for Child PornographyRead the Press Release
A Claremore man was sentenced today in federal court for distribution and receipt of child pornography and for possession of child pornography, announced U.S. Attorney Trent Shores.
U.S. District Judge Gregory K. Frizzell sentenced Daniel Nathan West, 48, to 78 months in federal prison, where he will receive sex offender treatment. Judge Frizzell further ordered West to pay $12,000 in restitution to victims depicted in the videos and identified by the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC). Following his prison sentence, West will spend seven years on supervised release and be required to register as a sex offender.
“The sexual exploitation of children is both despicable and criminal. Victims of child pornography are exploited time and again when explicit images of them are produced, shared, and viewed on the internet. This is why the work of investigators, prosecutors and the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children is so critical,” said U.S. Attorney Trent Shores. “We will never stop our duty to identify and recover victims of sexual abuse. And we will never stop pursuing criminals like Daniel West who exploit our children. We will bring them to justice for their heinous crimes.”
In his written plea agreement, West admitted that from May 17 through Dec. 17, 2019, he knowingly possessed, received and distributed child pornography using computer devices, social media applications and the internet. The files contained images of at least one prepubescent minor and a minor who had not attained 12 years of age. On his cell phone, investigators discovered 100 video files of child sexual abuse, including the rape of infants and bestiality.
West was remanded into the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service until transfer to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility.
The Tulsa Police Department and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Christopher Nassar and Ryan Heatherman prosecuted the case.
Citizen of El Salvador Sentenced to 18 Months in Prison for Illegally Reentering U.S.Read the Press Release
John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that MARIO ANTONIO HERRERA, also known as Antonio Morales, 37, a citizen of El Salvador last residing in East Hartford, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Jeffrey A. Meyer in New Haven to 18 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for illegally reentering the U.S. after being deported.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on March 26, 2010, Herrera was deported from the U.S. to El Salvador. Herrera’s removal followed his conviction in Manchester Superior Court in July 2008 for assault in the second degree. Herrera’s criminal history also includes Connecticut convictions for carrying a dangerous weapon, reckless endangerment, and other offenses.
On July 1, 2019, Herrera, using the name Antonio Morales, was arrested by the East Hartford Police Department and charged with disorderly conduct and interfering/resisting arrest.
Herrera has been detained since his arrest. On February 20, 2020, he pleaded guilty in federal court to one count of reentry of a removed alien.
This matter was investigated by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Immigration and Customs Enforcement. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Deborah R. Slater.
CDM Smith and CDM Federal Programs Agrees to $5.6 Million SettlementRead the Press Release
ALEXANDRIA, Va. – CDM Smith Inc., headquartered in Boston, and CDM Federal Programs Corporation, located in Fairfax, have agreed to pay approximately $5.6 million to settle False Claims Act allegations and other civil claims related to inaccurate certified cost or pricing data submitted to the U.S. Navy.
The United States alleged that CDM Smith and CDM Federal submitted inaccurate cost and labor hour estimates and related certifications in connection with certain task orders on a federal contract to supply architect-engineering services to Navy bases. The alleged conduct would violate the Truth in Negotiations Act, which requires contractors who are negotiating certain government contracts to submit cost and pricing data to the federal government that is truthful, accurate, and complete.
The settlement resolves a lawsuit filed by a former CDM employee under the whistleblower provision of the False Claims Act. A whistleblower suit or qui tam action under the False Claims Act is commenced by an individual, known as a “relator,” filing a complaint under seal in the U.S. District Court, and providing a copy of the complaint and other evidence to the local U.S. Attorney. The United States then has an opportunity to investigate the claims. The False Claims Act provides the whistleblowers with a share of the government’s recovery.
The resolutions obtained in this matter were the result of a coordinated effort between the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia and the Naval Criminal Investigative Service.
This matter was investigated by Assistant U.S. Attorney Krista Anderson. The civil claims settled by this agreement are allegations only; there has been no determination of civil liability.
Related court documents and information from the civil lawsuit are on PACER by searching for Case No. 18-cv-01522.A copy of this press release may be found on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia.
Brooklyn Felon Arrested for Possession of Firearm and Ammunition Used in Deadly Gang-Related ShootingRead the Press Release
Stanley Elianor, a member of the Folk Nation Street gang, was arrested today in connection with an indictment returned on August 27, 2020 charging him with being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition while having previously been convicted of a crime punishable by a term of imprisonment exceeding one year. Elianor will be arraigned this afternoon via teleconference by United States Magistrate Judge Ramon E. Reyes, Jr.
Seth D. DuCharme, Acting United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, William F. Sweeney, Jr., Assistant Director-in-Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation, New York Field Office (FBI), and Dermot F. Shea, Commissioner, New York City Police Department (NYPD), announced the arrest and indictment.
“Repeat offenders who possess firearms present an extreme danger to the community as this case tragically demonstrates with the senseless killing of Carey Gabay,” stated Acting United States Attorney DuCharme. “This Office and our law enforcement partners are doing everything in our power to take guns out of the hands of violent felons as a measure to prevent the senseless loss of life.” Mr. DuCharme expressed his grateful appreciation to the Kings County District Attorney’s Office for its assistance with the investigation.
“No one should have to fear standing in a crowd at a street festival, thinking their life could be taken by a gang member's stray bullet. This brand of mayhem is often the work of convicted felons shooting guns they’re not legally allowed to possess. We are methodically going down the list of these repeat offenders, and, as today's action demonstrates, we are committed to keeping them from terrorizing our besieged neighborhoods. But we can't do it alone. We are stronger together, and we need help from the communities these felons are targeting. If you know something about any recent shooting, call us at 212-384-5000. Help us protect our city from the criminals who seem determined to destroy it,” stated FBI Assistant Director-in-Charge Sweeney.
“This kind of gun violence erodes the fabric of city life and I commend the U.S. Attorney’s office for the Eastern District of New York for bringing these significant federal charges and ensuring, along with our NYPD detectives and law enforcement partners, that a measure of justice will be served,” stated NYPD Commissioner Shea.
As set forth in the indictment and detention memorandum, in the pre-dawn hours of September 7, 2015, Elianor was attending the J’ouvert cultural festival with other Folk Nation gang members and members of the Hood Starz, a group that was allied with Folk Nation, when they engaged in a shootout with members of the rival Crips street gang outside the Ebbets Field Houses in Crown Heights. Carey Gabay, an aide to New York Governor Andrew Cuomo, was struck in the head by a stray bullet and died on September 15, 2015. During the gun battle, Elianor allegedly possessed a .45 caliber Masterpiece Arms handgun which was recovered by the NYPD. The firearm has a large capacity magazine and was loaded with 27 rounds of ammunition. Prior to possessing this firearm, Elianor had been convicted of two counts of attempted criminal possession of a weapon in New York state court in October 2009.
The charges in the indictment are allegations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. If convicted, Elianor faces up to 10 years in prison.
The government’s case is being handled by the Office’s Organized Crime and Gangs Section. Assistant United States Attorney Nadia E. Moore is in charge of the prosecution.
The Defendant:
STANLEY ELIANOR
Age: 29
Brooklyn, New YorkE.D.N.Y. Docket No. 20-CR-332 (MKB)
Brockton Man Charged with Assaulting Officer with VehicleRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Brockton man was arrested and charged in connection with assaulting an officer while fleeing a motor vehicle stop. The defendant’s vehicle allegedly dragged the officer for several feet as the defendant fled the scene, eventually crashed head-on into a guardrail on Route 24 at approximately 100 miles per hour, and ran across travel lanes of Route 24 before he was apprehended and placed under arrest.
Tykeam Jackson, 25, was arrested on Friday, Aug. 28, 2020 and charged by criminal complaint with one count of assaulting, resisting or impeding a federal officer. Following an initial appearance, Jackson was detained pending a detention hearing scheduled for Sept. 4, 2020.
As alleged in the charging documents, during the afternoon of July 27, 2020, a deputized federal law enforcement officer stopped Jackson for speeding on Route 28 in Avon and instructed Jackson to exit his vehicle. Instead, Jackson allegedly accelerated the vehicle with such force that the officer was dragged for several feet and thrown to the ground. Jackson then sped away, ignored traffic signals, and drove into oncoming traffic, eventually travelling at a speed of approximately 100 miles per hour in the breakdown lane of Route 24. After attempting to cross all three travel lanes, Jackson lost control of the vehicle and crashed head-on into the guardrail. He allegedly exited the vehicle, ran across the travel lanes of Route 24, and was almost struck several times by oncoming traffic. A Massachusetts state trooper subsequently found Jackson running into and obstructing traffic on a nearby heavily-traveled roadway and placed him under arrest.
According to court documents, Jackson is currently on probation resulting from an armed robbery conviction in Suffolk Superior Court.
For assaulting a federal officer, the charging statute provides for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, three years of supervised release, and a fine of $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
United States Attorney Andrew E. Lelling; Kelly Brady, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, New England Field Division; and Norfolk County District Attorney Michael Morrissey made the announcement today. The Massachusetts State Police provided assistance with the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Glenn A. MacKinlay and Sarah B. Hoefle of Lelling’s Organized Crime and Gang Unit are prosecuting the case.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. PSN is part of the Department’s renewed focus on targeting violent criminals, directing all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to work in partnership with federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement and the local community to develop effective, locally-based strategies to reduce violent crime.
The details contained in the complaint are allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Boston Man Charged with Spray Painting Swastikas on Federal PropertyRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Boston man was arrested on Friday and charged in connection with spray painting swastikas on the JFK Federal Building in Boston.
Gerard Richard Lee, 70, of Boston, was charged by criminal complaint with one count of injuring or depredating government property. Lee will make an initial appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge Judith Dein this afternoon.
According to the charging documents, on Friday, Aug. 28, 2020, a police officer observed Lee spray paint graffiti, including swastikas, on the air intake stack at the JKF Federal Building in Boston.
The charging statute provides for a sentence of up to 10 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
United States Attorney Andrew E. Lelling and Timothy Bane, Regional Director of the Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Protective Service made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kenneth G. Shine of Lelling’s Major Crimes Unit is prosecuting the case.
The details contained in the criminal complaint are allegations. The defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Baltimore Robber Sentenced to over Six Years in Federal Prison for a String of 2018 Video Game Store RobberiesRead the Press Release
Baltimore, Maryland – Chief U.S. District Judge James K. Bredar today sentenced Stewart Williams, age 37, of Baltimore, to 77 months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release, for a federal robbery charge in connection with a series of four robberies of video game stores committed over a 12-day period. Judge Bredar previously sentenced co-defendant Kelvin McFadden, age 27, also of Baltimore, to 51 months in prison, followed by three years of supervised release for the same charge. Williams and McFadden admitted that they brandished what appeared to be a firearm during each of the four robberies.
The sentences were announced by United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Robert K. Hur; Special Agent in Charge Timothy Jones of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) Baltimore Field Division; Commissioner Michael Harrison of the Baltimore Police Department; Chief Melissa R. Hyatt of the Baltimore County Police Department; and Interim Chief William Lowry of the Anne Arundel County Police Department.
According to their guilty pleas, between August 21, 2018 and September 1, 2018, Williams and McFadden robbed four video game stores, stealing electronic retail goods, such as video game systems, and cash. In each robbery Williams and McFadden entered the store, brandished what appeared to be a gun while accosting the victim employees, stole money from cash registers and/or safes, and forced the victim employees in the store’s “backroom” which contained the more expensive electronic goods, including video game systems, which they also stole. Each of the four robberies was captured on store security cameras.
Specifically, Williams and McFadden robbed: a store located in the 3600 block of Washington Boulevard in Halethorpe, Maryland, on August 21, 2018, stealing $874 in cash and three video game systems; a store located in the 6900 block of Security Boulevard in Baltimore City on August 25, 2018, stealing $2,839.58 in cash and three video game systems; a store locate in the 1000 block of Taylor Avenue in Towson, Maryland, on August 28, 2018, stealing $414 in cash and six video game systems; and a store located in the 6700 block of York Road in Baltimore, on September 1, 2018, stealing $968 in cash and 12 video game systems.
After the last robbery, responding police officers located McFadden’s car as he and Williams fled the scene of the robbery. Police dispatched a helicopter that was able to locate McFadden’s car and follow it. The officer in the helicopter saw Williams and McFadden stop the car near North Stricker Street in Baltimore, flee from the car, bang on the back door of an apartment, and enter the apartment. Police secured the location and knocked on the apartment door. The resident allowed the police to come inside, where police located Williams and McFadden. Search warrants were obtained for the vehicle and for the apartment. Law enforcement recovered numerous video game systems matching those that were stolen in the last robbery, hats that matched those worn by McFadden and Williams in several of the robberies as captured on the store security cameras, cash recovered inside a black trash bag, a black air pistol that matched the apparent handgun used during the four robberies, and wallets and cell phones belonging to Williams and McFadden.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) is the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
United States Attorney Robert K. Hur commended the ATF, the Baltimore City, the Baltimore County, and the Anne Arundel County Police Departments for their work in the investigation. Mr. Hur thanked Assistant U.S. Attorneys Daniel A. Loveland, Jr. and Clinton J. Fuchs, who prosecuted the case.
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Bakersfield Resident Sentenced for Selling MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
FRESNO, Calif. — Jesus Gonzalez, 29, of Bakersfield, California was sentenced to 188 months in prison for distributing methamphetamine, in violation of 21 U.S.C. § 841, United States Attorney McGregor W. Scott announced.
According to court documents, from April to May 2019, Gonzalez distributed pound quantities of methamphetamine during separate transactions. Gonzalez pled guilty to a two-count indictment on February 20, 2020. In his written plea agreement, Gonzalez acknowledged selling five pounds of methamphetamine on April 10 and 17, 2019 and on May 3, 2019. He was detained as of the date of his guilty plea.
This case is the product of an investigation by the Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), and the Bakersfield Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Thomas Newman is prosecuting the case.
Aberdeen Man Indicted on Firearm ChargesRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that an Aberdeen, South Dakota, man has been indicted by a federal grand jury for Felon in Possession of a Firearm and Possession of a Firearm by a Prohibited Person.
Juan Shaw Smith, age 28, was indicted on August 11, 2020. He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno on August 28, 2020, and pled not guilty to the Indictment.
The maximum penalty upon conviction is up to 10 years in federal prison and a $250,000 fine, 3 years of supervised release, and $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Restitution may also be ordered.
The Indictment alleges that on March 26, 2020, Smith having been convicted of a crime punishable by imprisonment for a term exceeding one year, and knowing he had been convicted of a crime punishable by imprisonment for a term exceeding one year, and being an unlawful user of a controlled substance, and knowing he was an unlawful user of a controlled substance did knowingly possess a firearm, which had been shipped and transported in interstate commerce and foreign commerce.
The charges are merely accusations and Smith is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. The Department of Justice reinvigorated PSN in 2017, as part of its renewed focus on targeting violent criminals, directing all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to work in partnership with federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement and local communities to develop effective, locally-based strategies to reduce violent crime.
This case is also part of Project Guardian, the Department of Justice’s signature initiative to reduce gun violence and enforce federal firearms laws. Initiated by the Attorney General in the fall of 2019, Project Guardian draws upon the Department’s past successful programs to reduce gun violence; enhances coordination of federal, state, local, and tribal authorities in investigating and prosecuting gun crimes; improves information-sharing by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives when a prohibited individual attempts to purchase a firearm and is denied by the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS), to include taking appropriate actions when a prospective purchaser is denied by the NICS for mental health reasons; and ensures that federal resources are directed at the criminals posing the greatest threat to our communities. For more information about Project Guardian, please see: https://www.justice.gov/projectguardian.
The investigation is being conducted by the Brown County Sheriff’s Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael Elmore is prosecuting the case.
Smith was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service pending trial. A trial date has not been set.
28 August 2020
Yaser Said Family Members Charged with Concealing '10 Most Wanted' Suspect from ArrestRead the Press Release
Two relatives of Yaser Said – a capital murder suspect arrested Wednesday – have been charged with helping Mr. Said evade capture for more than 12 years, announced U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Texas Erin Nealy Cox.
Islam Yaser-Abdel Said, Yaser’s 32-year-old son, and Yassein Said, Yaser’s 59-year-old brother, were arrested Wednesday in Euless, Texas by the FBI’s Dallas Violent Crimes Task Force and charged via criminal complaint with concealing a person from arrest. Both made their initial appearances before U.S. Magistrate Judge Hal R. Ray in Fort Worth Friday afternoon.
Yaser Said, 63, had been a fugitive from justice since New Year’s Day 2008, when he allegedly murdered his teenage daughters, Amina and Sarah. According to law enforcement, Yaser drove them to a location in Irving and shot them to death inside his taxicab, abandoning their bodies inside the vehicle. The following day, he was charged by the state with two counts of capital murder. In Dec. 2014, Yaser was placed on the FBI’s “Ten Most Wanted” list, where he remained until his capture this week.
“For years, Islam and Yassein Said — Sarah and Amina’s own brother and uncle – allegedly harbored the girls’ killer,” said U.S. Attorney Erin Nealy Cox. “In concealing Yaser Said from arrest, not only did these men waste countless law enforcement hours in the hunt for a brutal fugitive, they also delayed justice for Sarah and Amina. Thankfully, their day of reckoning has finally arrived. We are hopeful all three arrests will bring a measure of comfort to the girls’ mother, relatives, and friends.”
“The defendants provided aid and comfort to an individual who is accused of murdering his own daughters,” said FBI Dallas Special Agent in Charge of the Dallas Field Division Matthew DeSarno. “Harboring a dangerous fugitive is unacceptable. The FBI and our law enforcement partners will pursue anyone who helps a criminal evade capture.”
According to the criminal complaint against Islam and Yassein, nine years after the murder, on Aug. 14, 2017, investigators caught a break: A maintenance worker at the Copper Canyon Apartment complex in Bedford, Texas, spotted Yaser inside a unit leased to his son, Islam.
Dispatched to repair a water leak, the maintenance worker knocked on the apartment door, but when no one answered, he used a key to unlock it. To his surprise, he found the interior deadbolt locked, indicating someone was inside the apartment. He knocked again, announcing himself as a maintenance worker. A tall, middle-aged Middle Eastern man opened the door and permitted him to make the repairs.
The maintenance worker later reported the incident to his apartment manager, who was aware of Islam’s relationship to a fugitive. The maintenance worker confirmed to his boss that the photo on Yaser Said’s wanted poster matched the man he’d seen in the apartment, and the pair immediately contacted the FBI. That same day, FBI Dallas dispatched a Violent Crimes Task Force agent to interview the maintenance worker. The agent showed him photos of Yaser’s brothers, along with Yaser himself. The maintenance worker pinpointed Yaser as the man he’d seen in the apartment.
At approximately 6:30 p.m. that evening, the same agent attempted to interview Islam, asking him for permission to search the apartment. Islam, upset, allegedly refused to cooperate. He then called placed a call, saying, “we have a problem.” AT&T records indicate Islam was in contact with his uncles.
At 1 a.m. the following morning, the FBI Dallas SWAT team executed a search warrant on Islam’s apartment. Finding the front door locked, they were forced to breach the door. They did not discover anyone inside, but observed the sliding glass patio door open. Underneath the patio, they noticed a bush with broken branches, suggesting someone had jumped off the patio and landed on the bush. Next to the flattened bush, they found a pair of eyeglasses, which they collected as evidence.
Agents also collected several pieces of evidence from inside the apartment, including several cigarette butts and a toothbrush inside a luggage bag in a closet. The FBI Laboratory in Quantico, Virginia cross-referenced DNA found on these items with DNA collected from Amina and Sarah. Analyists determined a 1 in 5.3 quintillion probably that the DNA found on the cigarette butts, eyeglasses, and toothbrush came from Amina and Sarah’s biological father: Yaser Said.
Twelve days after the raid on the apartment, on August 26, 2017, Customs and Border Patrol located Islam more than 1,000 miles away, inside a car selected for secondary screening at the U.S. Canada border. The driver of the car, Hany Medhat, told CBP agents that he and Islam had decided to take a “crazy road trip;” however, a search of his phone revealed he’d told his employer he had a “family emergency.”
Three years later, on Aug. 17, 2020, FBI agents began 24-hour surveillance of a home in Justin, Texas, purchased in the name of Dalal Said, Yassein’s daughter. They watched Islam and Yassein allegedly drive up to the home, deliver grocery bags inside, and carry trash bags back to their car.
Two days later, at 11:51 p.m. on Aug. 19, after Yassein and Islam had departed the residence, agents observed what appeared to be a shadow of a person walk across the interior of the residence in front of window twice.
On Aug. 25, agents once again observed Islam and Yassein exit the home with two bags of trash:
The agents followed the pair to a shopping center in Southlake, TX, approximately 19 miles from the house. They watched as Islam exited the vehicle, and Yassein pulled around to the side of the shopping center. Once the vehicle had pulled out of the parking lot, agents began to dig through the garbage cans on the side of the shopping center.
Inside the garbage cans, they located two bags matching the bags they’d seen the men carrying out to the car. They seized the bags and transported them back to the FBI Field Office, where they found numerous cigarette butts and other garbage.
The following day, agents executed a search warrant on the home, where they arrested Yaser Said. They arrested Yassein and Islam at a separate location in Euless, Texas.
A criminal complaint is merely an allegation of wrongdoing, not evidence. Like all defendants, Yassein and Islam Said are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law, as is Yaser Said.
If convicted, Yassein and Islam face up to five years in federal prison. Yaser, indicted by the state on capital murder charges, faces the death penalty.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Dallas Field Division and the Irving Police Department conducted the investigation with the assistance of U.S. Customs & Border Patrol, the Dallas Police Department, the Garland Police department, the Grand Prairie Police Department, and the Texas Department of Public Safety. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Tiffany Eggers and Errin Martin are prosecuting the case.
Woman Sentenced to Six Months in Prison for Visa Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Erica H. MacDonald today announced the sentencing of YURIDIA HERNANDEZ LINARES, 36, to six months in prison for conspiracy to commit visa fraud. LINARES was sentenced today by Chief Judge John R. Tunheim, in U.S. District Court in Minneapolis, Minnesota. After LINARES serves her prison sentence she will be removed from the United States to Mexico.
According to LINARES’ guilty plea and documents filed with the court, between August 20, 2019, and September 30, 2019, LINARES conspired with other individuals to defraud the United States by making false statements to fraudulently obtain U Nonimmigrant Visas (“U-Visas”), for four individuals. Victims of certain criminal activities that occur in the United States may be eligible to apply for and obtain a U Visa. A victim who obtains a U Visa may subsequently apply to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to adjust their status to become a lawful permanent resident of the United States.
According to LINARES’ guilty plea and documents filed with the court, LINARES devised and participated in a detailed scheme, whereby the four individuals each falsely reported to the Eden Prairie Police Department that they were victims of robberies committed in Eden Prairie, Minnesota. LINARES directed the individuals to file a police report stating that they were a victim of a fabricated assault, and to corroborate each other’s account of the assault. LINARES used a box cutter or other sharp object to cut the four individuals before they filed their false report with the Eden Prairie Police Department. In exchange, LINARES collected a $2,000 fee from each individual.
This case is the result of an investigation conducted by the Eden Prairie Police Department and Homeland Security Investigations.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Angela M. Munoz and Emily A. Polachek prosecuted the case.
Defendant Information:
YURIDIA HERNANDEZ LINARES, 36
City of residence unknown
Charges:
- Conspiracy to commit visa fraud, 1 count
Sentenced:
- 6 months in prison
- Removal from the United States to Mexico following the defendant’s prison sentence
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United States Attorney’s Office, District of Minnesota: (612) 664-5600