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Thursday 18 June 2020
Lame Deer man admits attempting to sexual abuse minorRead the Press Release
BILLINGS – A Lame Deer man today admitted allegations that he attempted to sexually abuse a minor in 2018, U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme said.
Jason Jay Tallbull, 39, pleaded guilty to attempted sexual abuse of a minor. Tallbull faces a maximum 15 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and at least five years to a lifetime of supervised release.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Timothy J. Cavan presided. Tallbull was detained pending further proceedings.
The prosecution said in court records that Tallbull and the victim, a boy who was between the ages of 12 and 16, were at Tallbull's residence on the Northern Cheyenne Indian Reservation in December 2018. Tallbull was drunk and the victim joined him in the basement, where both were drinking and talking. At some point, the victim tried to leave, but Tallbull made a sexually-charged comment and grabbed the victim's hand to pull him close. The victim tried to resist and hit Tallbull, but Tallbull overpowered the victim and knocked him out.
The victim woke up on Tallbull's bed and was not wearing the same clothes. The victim had injuries on various areas of his body and underwent a sexual assault examination. Law enforcement responded to Tallbull's house. Blood samples from Tallbull's mattress belonged to both the victim and Tallbull.
When interviewed by the FBI, Tallbull said he and the victim had been drinking in the basement. He said he did not remember exactly what occurred, but that he felt like something happened. Tallbull admitted he was probably physically attracted to the victim.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Bryan Dake is prosecuting the case, which was investigated by the FBI.
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Lafayette Convicted Felon Sentenced to 20 Years in Federal Prison for Three Armed CarjackingsRead the Press Release
LAFAYETTE, La. – United States Attorney David C. Joseph announced that Manuel King, 30, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Robert R. Summerhays to serve 20 years in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release, for three armed carjackings.
King, a previously convicted felon, carjacked three separate people on February 20, 2019. The first victim was standing next to his Jeep Grand Cherokee in a Wal-Mart parking lot when King approached and threatened him with a Kimber 9mm semi-automatic pistol. King took the victim’s wallet and drove away in the vehicle. Shortly thereafter, King crashed the Jeep and proceeded to carjack a second victim. He crashed that car and then carjacked a third victim. King was pursued by police, eventually crashing the third car into a pond. At that point, he was arrested and was still in possession of the 9mm pistol he used during each carjacking incident. King’s wallet was found in the second victim’s vehicle.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), Lafayette Police Department, and Lafayette City Marshal’s Office conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Daniel J. McCoy prosecuted the case.
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The year 2020 marks the 150th anniversary of the Department of Justice. Learn more about the history of our agency at www.Justice.gov/Celebrating150Years.
Kissimmee Man Sentenced for Aiding and Abetting the Filing of More Than 100 Fraudulent L-1 and E-2 Visa ApplicationsRead the Press Release
Orlando, FL – U.S. District Judge Carlos E. Mendoza today sentenced Carl Farey (55, Kissimmee) to 10 months in federal prison for aiding and abetting visa fraud. The court also ordered Farey removed from the United States, pursuant to an agreed-upon judicial removal order.
According to court documents, from 2013 through 2020, agents from Homeland Security Investigations’ (HSI) Document and Benefits Fraud Task Force identified more than 115 E-2 and L-1A employment-based nonimmigrant visa petitions associated with Farey and his two companies, of which he is the sole employee. Like many business visa petitions, these petitions require supporting documentation to establish that the beneficiary meets the minimum requirements to be approved for an L-1A/E-2 nonimmigrant visa or visa extension.
Farey’s services included completing immigration benefits application forms for the aliens by inputting false and fraudulent information into the application forms. Farey also altered and manipulated documents he had received from the aliens, and attached the resulting false and fraudulent documents as supporting evidence to immigration benefits applications. In order to distance himself from the fraudulent applications, Farey did not list his name as preparer on the applications and did not submit the applications himself. Instead, Farey provided completed immigration benefits applications to his clients, and instructed them to place those immigration benefits applications, along with the fraudulently altered, manipulated, created, and forged documents attached to those immigration benefits applications, in the mail and send them to U.S. Citizen and Immigration Services processing centers in Vermont, California, and Texas.
“Immigration document and benefit fraud can have serious national security, public safety, and economic consequences,” said HSI Orlando Assistant Special Agent in Charge David J. Pezzutti. “The HSI Orlando Document and Benefit Fraud Task Force (DBFTF) will continue to work with partners like the U.S. Department of State - Diplomatic Security Service, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, and U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services - Fraud Detection and National Security to protect the integrity of our lawful immigration system.”
This case was the culmination of the combined investigative efforts of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations, the U.S. Department of State – Diplomatic Security Service, U.S. Customs and Border Protection – Criminal Enforcement Unit, and U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services - Fraud Detection and National Security. These agencies comprise HSI’s Document and Benefit Fraud Task Force, which was created to combat visa fraud and other similar crimes. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Amanda Daniels.
Kentucky Man Sentenced to Prison for Engaging in Illicit Sexual Conduct While Traveling and Residing in CambodiaRead the Press Release
A Kentucky resident was sentenced in federal court today to 21 years in prison, followed by 20 years of supervised release after a guilty plea on Jan. 16, 2020, for being a U.S. citizen who engaged and attempted to engage in illicit sexual conduct with two minor females while he traveled and resided in Cambodia.
Assistant Attorney General Brian A. Benczkowski of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, U.S. Attorney Robert M. Duncan Jr. for the Eastern District of Kentucky, Special Agent in Charge Jerry Templet of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), Nashville, and Kentucky State Police Commissioner Rodney Brewer made the announcement.
Micky Rife, 36, formerly of Salyersville, Kentucky, was sentenced today before U.S. District Judge Gregory F. Van Tatenhove. In his plea agreement, Rife admitted that between Sept. 3, 2012, and Dec. 9, 2018, he traveled in foreign commerce, and between March 7, 2013, and Dec. 9, 2018, he resided in Cambodia, and that during those periods of time, he touched two minor females under their clothing and inside or on their genital areas on more than one occasion. He further admitted that both minor victims were under the age of 12 when the illicit conduct occurred.
Rife was previously indicted for two separate counts of the same offense in February 2019. He pleaded guilty to a single-count information filed on Jan. 16, 2020.
The investigation was conducted in Cambodia and Kentucky by HSI and the Kentucky State Police. Trial Attorney Lauren S. Kupersmith of the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS) and Assistant U.S. Attorney David A. Marye prosecuted the case.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
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.
Jury Finds Little Rock Man Guilty of Extortion and Production of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
LITTLE ROCK—In the first federal criminal jury trial in the state since the coronavirus pandemic began in March, a federal jury found Devion Cumbie, 24, guilty on all seven counts for which he was indicted: production of child pornography, two counts of attempted production of child pornography, and four counts of extortion.
The jury returned their verdict Thursday afternoon after deliberating for just under four hours. United States District Judge James M. Moody, Jr., presided over the three-day trial, and Judge Moody will sentence Cumbie, of Little Rock, at a later date.
“This defendant used the internet to manipulate his victims,” said Cody Hiland, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Arkansas. “Today’s verdict sends a clear message to those who engage in these disgusting acts under the cloak of perceived anonymity: you will be identified, and you will be prosecuted to the fullest extent available to us under federal law.”
Testimony during the trial established that in late 2018, a 16-year-old girl in Colorado sent a Facebook message to “Chink Capone,” the online persona of an actor named Alex Drummond. However, the Facebook page actually belonged to Cumbie, posing as Drummond’s online persona. The two began talking, and Cumbie told the minor he might like to meet her soon but would first need to see some photographs of her in her underwear. Cumbie eventually convinced the minor to send him a partially nude photograph. Cumbie then threatened the minor that he would post the photo to her Facebook page unless she sent him a video of herself naked. The minor told her mother, and they reported the conduct to police.
Investigation revealed that Cumbie had conducted a similar scheme with numerous other victims, four of whom testified at trial, and some of whom were minors. Additionally, Cumbie was on pretrial release awaiting trial on federal gun charges while he engaged in the conduct that led to the child pornography and extortion charges. Cumbie was indicted by a federal grand jury in July 2019, and his first trial in February 2020 ended in a hung jury. A superseding indictment was filed earlier this month, resulting in this week’s trial and conviction. Cumbie is still awaiting trial on the separate firearms charges.
“Today’s conviction closes the book on a criminal who took advantage of women and minors over the internet,” said FBI Little Rock Special Agent in Charge Diane Upchurch. “Mr. Cumbie disguised his true identity on the internet and then callously exploited numerous victims for his own sexual gratification. Our agents and law enforcement partners worked tirelessly on this investigation, and we feel like justice has been served with the jury’s verdict.”
The statutory penalty for production of child pornography, as well as attempted production of child pornography, is not less than 15 years imprisonment, not more than 30 years imprisonment, and not less than five years of supervised release. The statutory penalty for extortion is not more than two years imprisonment and not more than one year of supervised release. All offenses of conviction include a potential penalty of not more than a $250,000 fine.
The investigation was conducted by the FBI, and the case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Kristin Bryant and Erin O’Leary.
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This news release, as well as additional information about the office of the
United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Arkansas, is available online at
https://www.justice.gov/edar
Twitter:
@EDARNEWS
Judge Hands Down Max Sentence for Man Who Threatened to Kill an AUSARead the Press Release
MACON, Ga. – A U.S. District Judge handed down the maximum sentence in a case involving death threats against an Assistant U.S. Attorney (AUSA), said Charlie Peeler, the U.S. Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia. Kent Allen Crawford of Savannah, Georgia, previously pleaded guilty to one count of sending a death threat through the U.S. Postal Service. Today, Crawford was sentenced to the maximum 120 months in prison by U.S. District Judge William T. Moore, Jr. during a hearing conducted in Savannah federal court. There is no parole in the federal system.
The defendant admitted he mailed a letter to the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Georgia on June 18, 2019, threatening to kill Assistant U.S. Attorney Theodore Hertzberg. Crawford went on to write that if AUSA Hertzberg was not present, he would “kill whichever U.S. Attorney was there. It really makes no difference to me. A U.S. Attorney is going to die.”
“The defendant received the maximum penalty for threatening to kill a prosecutor, sending a clear message that death threats against law enforcement are taken seriously,” said U.S. Attorney Charlie Peeler. “I want to thank the FBI and our fellow prosecutors at the U.S. Attorney’s Office in the Southern District for their assistance in this case.”
“We appreciate the great work of Middle District of Georgia U.S. Attorney Charlie Peeler and Assistant U.S. Attorney and Criminal Chief Michael T. Solis in navigating this challenging case to its successful conclusion,” said Bobby L. Christine, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Georgia. “A key to our strength in protecting the citizens of our communities is in our collaborative efforts to promote the rule of law.”
"Crawford has a habit of threatening law enforcement and this sentencing should make it clear to him that the U.S. Government takes those threats very seriously," said Chris Hacker, Special Agent in Charge of FBI Atlanta. "He now has ample time to reflect on the decisions he made that led to his lengthy incarceration."
This case was investigated by the FBI. Criminal Chief and Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael Solis prosecuted the case for the Government. Questions can be directed to Pamela Lightsey, Public Information Officer, United States Attorney’s Office, at (478) 621-2603 or Melissa Hodges, Public Affairs Director (Contractor), United States Attorney’s Office, at (478) 765-2362.
Jacksonville Felon Indicted for Possessing Unregistered Sawed Off Shotgun in Furtherance of Meth DealingRead the Press Release
Jacksonville, Florida – United States Attorney Maria Chapa Lopez announces the return of an indictment charging Steven Michael Smith (35, Jacksonville) with possessing with the intent to distribute methamphetamine, possessing a short-barreled shotgun in furtherance of that drug trafficking crime, possessing firearms as a convicted felon, and possessing an unregistered short-barreled shotgun and an unregistered short-barreled weapon made from a shotgun. If convicted, Smith faces a maximum penalty of 20 years’ imprisonment for possessing with the intent to distribute methamphetamine, a minimum mandatory penalty of 10 years, and up to life, in federal prison for possessing the shotgun in furtherance of drug trafficking, and up to 10 years in federal prison for the firearms possession offenses. The indictment also notifies Smith that the United States intends to forfeit four firearms, which are alleged to have been involved in the offenses.
According to the
indictment , on April 30, 2020, Smith possessed methamphetamine that he intended to distribute. In furtherance of that drug trafficking crime, Smith possessed a Winchester 16-gauge shotgun with a barrel measuring less than 18 inches in length. The short-barreled shotgun, as well as a Mossberg 12-gauge weapon (made from a shotgun), also with a barrel measuring less than 18 inches in length, were not registered in the National Firearms Registration and Transfer Record, as required.Smith had been previously convicted of at least four felonies. Therefore, he is prohibited from possessing any firearms or ammunition under federal law.
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 Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives. It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Laura Cofer Taylor.
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.
Italian national sentenced to federal prison for attempting to evade U.S. national security trade sanctionsRead the Press Release
SAVANNAH, GA: An Italian national has been sentenced to federal prison after his conviction for violating national security laws.
Gabriele Villone of Italy was sentenced to 28 months in prison for conspiring to violate the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) and the Export Control Reform Act of 2018 (ECRA), said Bobby L. Christine, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Georgia.
“The defendant tried to obtain industrial equipment from the United States on behalf of a Russian energy company in violation of U.S. sanctions,” said U.S. Attorney Christine. “We will prosecute to the fullest extent of the law those who threaten our national security.”
As described in court documents and testimony, Villone, along with two Russian nationals, an Italian national, a U.S. citizen and various companies, conspired to obtain a power turbine from the United States without a license on behalf of a Russian energy company based in St. Petersburg. Villone and some of his co-defendants were arrested in Savannah, Ga., while attempting to complete the illegal transaction.
According to the indictment, the conspiracy began when an unnamed Russian government-controlled business contracted with Oleg Nikitin, a Russian national, and KS Engineering (“KSE”), the Russian-based energy company, to purchase a power turbine from a U.S.-based manufacturer for approximately $17.3 million. Evidence in the case established the intent of the Russian company to use the turbine on a Russian Arctic deepwater drilling platform. For reasons of national security, the U.S. Department of Commerce expressly prohibited any unlicensed shipment or transfer of the turbine to the Russian company for that purpose.
The indictment further alleged that Nikitin, KSE, and another KSE employee, Anton Cheremukhin, hired Villone, Bruno Caparini and GVA International to obtain the turbine on their behalf. Villone, Caprini and GVA then employed the services of Dali Bagrou and World Mining and Oil Supply (“WMO”) of Dacula, Ga., to procure the turbine from a U.S.-based manufacturer and to have the turbine shipped overseas. The parties conspired to conceal the true end user of the turbine from both the U.S. manufacturer and the U.S. government by submitting false documentation that stated it would be used by a U.S. company in and around Atlanta.
“The illegal transfer of technology that allows our adversaries to gain a military advantage will never be tolerated,” said Special Agent in Charge Cyndy Bruce, DCIS Southeast Field Office. “The United States will continue to conduct investigations to ensure our critical technologies are secure and those who seek to infiltrate our defense systems are brought to justice.”
“This defendant was part of a bold, shameless scheme to undermine United States sanctions,” said Chris Hacker, Special Agent in Charge of FBI Atlanta. “This direct threat to national security was upended because of a collaborative investigation by federal law enforcement partners and now justice is being served to those involved in it.”
“The export and cargo environment examinations are a critical component of U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s trade enforcement and border security missions,” said Donald F. Yando, Director of CBP Field Operations Atlanta. “CBP remains committed to working with our partners and enforcing the laws and regulations that are in place to protect the American public.”
The Department of Commerce, Bureau of Industry and Security, Office of Export Enforcement, as well as the Defense Criminal Investigative Service and the Federal Bureau of Investigation investigated the case with assistance from the Georgia Department of Natural Resources and Customs and Border Protection. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jennifer G. Solari and Steven H. Lee are prosecuting the case with Trial Attorney William A. Mackie of the National Security Division’s Counterintelligence and Export Control Section.
Indictment Charges Three Men with Violent Robbery of Stamford JewelerRead the Press Release
United States Attorney John H. Durham, Chief State’s Attorney Richard J. Colangelo, Jr., FBI Special Agent in Charge David Sundberg, Stamford Police Chief Timothy Shaw and Greenwich Police Chief James J. Heavey, today announced that a federal grand jury in New Haven returned a superseding indictment yesterday charging ROBERT RALLO, 56, of Brooklyn, New York, THOMAS LIBERATORE, 62, of White Plains, New York, and PAUL PROSANO, also known as “Tony Pro,” 60, of Brooklyn, with federal offenses in connection with the March 28 robbery of Marco Jewelers in Stamford, Connecticut. During the robbery, the owner of Marco Jewelers was shot and killed.
As alleged in court documents, on March 28, 2020, at approximately 2:48 p.m., Stamford Police Officers responded to Marco Jewelers, located at 16 Sixth Street in Stamford. When officers arrived, they found evidence of a robbery and encountered the storeowner, Mark Vuono, lying on the ground in front of an open safe. Emergency medical personnel arrived and pronounced Vuono deceased.
It is further alleged that investigators collected and analyzed surveillance video from Marco Jewelers, surrounding businesses and Stamford city cameras. Video obtained from Marco Jewelers revealed that, on March 28, Prosano drove Rallo and Liberatore in a black Jaguar to Marco Jewelers. Rallo and Liberatore then entered the store. Rallo, armed with a handgun, engaged in a physical altercation with Vuono, while Liberatore stole items from the display cases. Vuono, who also possessed a firearm, and Rallo struggled next to a large open safe. During the more than three-minute struggle, Rallo reached into the safe and pulled out a third firearm, a .357 Magnum revolver. Rallo subsequently shot and killed Vuono with the .357 revolver.
It is alleged that, following the robbery, law enforcement located the black Jaguar in Staten Island and maintained surveillance on the vehicle. On March 30, at approximately 5:30 p.m., a black BMW X3, driven by Prosano, pulled up beside the black Jaguar. Rallo exited the rear door of the BMW and entered the driver’s door of a black Jaguar. The two vehicles then left the area and rapidly accelerated. The Jaguar crashed on Tompkins Street. Rallo attempted to flee on foot, but was quickly apprehended. The BMW crashed into a tree and parked car at the intersection of Daniel Low Terrace and Corson Avenue. Prosano also attempted to flee and was apprehended.
A search of the BMW revealed 63 rings, eight bracelets, two tie pins, an earring and a cufflink, and a search of Prosano’s residence revealed 23 pairs of earrings and three rings. It is alleged that these items were stolen from Marco Jewelers on March 28. Liberatore also was arrested on March 30.
The defendants have been detained in New York on state parole violation charges since their arrests.
The superseding indictment charges Rallo, Liberatore and Prosano with interference with commerce by robbery (Hobbs Act robbery), an offense that carries a maximum term imprisonment of 20 years, and with interstate transportation of stolen property, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years.
The indictment also charges Rallo, aided and abetted by Liberatore, with using a firearm to cause a death during a robbery. If convicted of this offense, Rallo and Liberatore face a mandatory term of imprisonment of life, or death if the government seeks the death penalty in this matter.
It is alleged that prior to the Marco Jewelers robbery, on March 18, 2020, Liberatore drove a Honda Civic he had stolen from a car dealer in Yonkers, New York, to Byram Jewelers in Greenwich, Connecticut. He entered the store at approximately 4:45 p.m. and asked a store employee to show him engagement rings. He then pointed a pistol at the employee, stole several rings, smashed a display case with his pistol and stole other items before exiting the store.
On June 3, 2020, Liberatore was charged in a separate indictment with one count of interference with commerce by robbery, one count of possession and brandishing of a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence, and one count of interstate transportation of a stolen vehicle. If convicted of the firearm charge, Liberatore faces a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of 10 years, which must be imposed consecutively to any other sentence.
It is alleged that each defendant has an extensive criminal history and the three men met while serving their respective sentences within the New York State Department of Corrections.
U.S. Attorney Durham stressed that an indictment is not evidence of guilt. Charges are only allegations, and each defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
This investigation is being conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Stamford Police Department and Greenwich Police Department, with the assistance of the New York Police Department, Yonkers (N.Y.) Police Department and New Rochelle (N.Y.) Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jocelyn Courtney Kaoutzanis and Rahul Kale.
Indictment Charges 3 Men with Trafficking HeroinRead the Press Release
John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, and Brian D. Boyle, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration for New England, today announced that a grand jury New Haven returned an indictment yesterday charging WILTON REYNOSO, also known as Manuel Jose Echevarria-Lugo, 47, a citizen of the Dominican Republic residing in Waterbury; TYSON QUINONES, also known as “Ty,” 34, of Waterbury; and DEESHAWN PITTMAN, also known as “Low,” 30, of New Haven, with trafficking heroin.
As alleged in court documents and statements made in court, in late 2019, the DEA New Haven Task Force began an investigation into the distribution of heroin in New Haven. The investigation, which included thousands of intercepted communications over court-authorized wiretaps, revealed that Pittman and others were distributing heroin and crack cocaine to a large customer base in New Haven County. Pittman was supplied with heroin by Quinones, who also distributed heroin and cocaine to his own customers in and around Waterbury. Quinones was supplied with heroin from Reynoso, who received large quantities of heroin from a source in New York.
On June 13, 2020, investigators sought to arrest the three defendants after intercepting a series of calls that, as alleged, indicted that Reynoso and Quinones were planning to conduct a 200-gram heroin transaction, with a portion of the drugs possibly destined for Pittman. On that date, Pittman was arrested at his residence, a search of which revealed approximately 50 grams of a mixture of suspected heroin and fentanyl, and more than $15,000 in cash. Quinones was arrested at the anticipated meeting place. A subsequent search of his residence revealed a stolen, loaded 9mm pistol. Reynoso fled from the meeting scene in his vehicle, which was found abandoned nearby. He was arrested a short time later after he returned to the vehicle. A search of a location in Waterbury that Reynoso used to store, process and package narcotics revealed more than kilogram of a mixture of suspected heroin and fentanyl.
Each of the defendants, who are detained, is charged with conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute 100 grams of more of heroin, an offense that carries a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of five years and a maximum term of imprisonment of 40 years.
U.S. Attorney Durham noted that the investigation is ongoing, and additional charges are possible. He further noted that an indictment is not evidence of guilt. Charges are only allegations, and each defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
The DEA New Haven Task Force includes participants from the U.S. Marshals Service, Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation Division, and the New Haven, Hamden, West Haven, North Haven, Branford, Ansonia, Meriden, Derby, Middletown, Naugatuck and Waterbury Police Departments.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys H. Gordon Hall and John T. Pierpont, Jr.
Idaho Man Pleads Guilty to Attempting to Solicit Sexual Abuse Images of A 9-Year-Old ChildRead the Press Release
Jacksonville, Florida – United States Attorney Maria Chapa Lopez announced that Aaron Kirk Woolman (58, Hagerman, Idaho) has pleaded guilty to attempting to entice a 9-year-old child to engage in sexual activity and produce pornographic images of herself. Woolman faces a minimum mandatory penalty of 10 years, and up to life, in federal prison. Woolman was arrested by FBI agents at his home in Idaho on December 11, 2019, and transported to Jacksonville, where he remains in custody pending sentencing.
According to court documents, on August 7, 2019, an undercover FBI agent from Jacksonville, posing as a parent of a 9-year-old child, made contact with Woolman in an online chat application. During several chat sessions, Woolman solicited the “parent” to send him pornographic images of the child. Woolman also engaged in conversations via text messaging with an undercover FBI agent posing as the 9-year-old child. During these conversations, Woolman solicited the “child” to engage in sexual activity, produce explicit images of herself, and send these images to Woolman. Woolman tried to convince the “child” to comply with his requests by sending the “child” explicit images of himself and adult pornography.
On December 13, 2019, FBI agents and other law enforcement personnel executed a search warrant at Woolman’s home, where he was arrested. Woolman admitted to communicating with the “dad” and the 9-year-old “girl” for a couple of weeks. He also admitted that he had sent the “girl” a picture of his penis and acknowledged that he had asked the “girl” for a picture of her in the shower, and for other explicit pictures of her.
A search of Woolman’s online cloud storage account revealed several images and videos depicting young children engaged in sexual acts with adults. Woolman’s smart phone also contained child sex abuse images. FBI agents also recovered a loaded handgun in the drawer of Woolman’s nightstand, stored together with a quantity of marijuana, baggies, and a digital scale.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (Jacksonville and Boise, Idaho), as well as the Gooding County (Idaho) Sheriff’s Office and the Twin Falls (Idaho) Police Department. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney D. Rodney Brown.
It is another case brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
Huntington Woman Sentenced for Selling HeroinRead the Press Release
HUNTINGTON, W.Va. - A Huntington woman was sentenced in federal court for selling heroin, according to United States Attorney Mike Stuart. Amanda Layne, 41, was sentenced to 18 months in prison followed by three years of supervised release.
Layne previously admitted that on August 30, 2018, she sold 10 grams of heroin to a confidential informant at 106 Lawson Avenue in Huntington. As part of her plea agreement, Layne also admitted that officers found 114 grams of heroin in her home and that she intended to sell the heroin in exchange for money.
“We mean business in Huntington and everywhere else in the Southern District of West Virginia,” said United States Attorney Mike Stuart. “We are getting the drugs off the street - in this case more than 100 grams of heroin - and putting the poison peddlers and pushers behind bars.”
The West Virginia State Police, the Drug and Violent Crime Task Force West and the Putnam County Sheriff’s Department conducted the investigation. United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers imposed the sentence. Stephanie S. Taylor prosecuted the case on behalf of the United States.
The case was prosecuted as part of Operation Synthetic Opioid Surge (SOS), an enforcement surge that seeks to reduce the supply of deadly synthetic opioids in high impact areas.
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Huntington Woman Sentenced for Federal Drug CrimeRead the Press Release
HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – A Huntington woman caught with drugs in 2015 was sentenced to 15 months in federal prison, announced United States Attorney Mike Stuart. Kaley Elizabeth Bowen, 29, previously pled guilty to possession with intent to distribute heroin, cocaine base and marijuana.
“In these times, we encourage and support businesses as they do all they can to survive, but not this type of business. Ms. Bowen’s business was dealing drugs out of her apartment- heroin, cocaine base and marijuana. Fortunately, this business is ‘Closed’ and the drugs never hit the street,” said United States Attorney Mike Stuart.
Bowen admitted that on November 21, 2015, Huntington police officers came to her residence located at 1441 7th Avenue, Apartment 5, in response to a reported domestic dispute. When officers arrived, they found Bowen in the residence and observed multiple items consistent with drug distribution. Officers secured a search warrant for Bowen’s residence and during the search, officers seized approximately 300 grams of heroin, 27 grams of cocaine base, and 155 grams of marijuana. Bowen admitted that she intended to sell the drugs.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Huntington Police Department conducted the investigation. United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers imposed the sentence. Assistant United States Attorney Joseph F. Adams handled the prosecution.
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High Society Hit Squad Gang Member Sentenced to PrisonRead the Press Release
RICHMOND, Va. – A member of a Petersburg gang called High Society Hit Squad, or H$2X, was sentenced today to nearly six years in prison for possessing a firearm after having been convicted of a felony.
According to court documents, Daekwon Castelle, aka Dae Stackcz, 22, of Petersburg, was arrested in September 2019, just five months after he pleaded guilty to unlawful wounding involving a firearm, and was released from state custody. At the time of his arrest, Castelle was in possession of a loaded .45 caliber firearm with a round in the chamber. Additionally, at the time of arrest, Castelle was in possession of a distribution quantity fentanyl, a Schedule II controlled substance and nearly $800 in cash.
Testimony at today’s sentencing hearing showed that between April 2019 and the date of Castelle’s arrest in September 2019, he distributing cocaine, heroin, fentanyl, pills, and marijuana. Testimony also showed that Castelle was often armed when he was dealing drugs.
G. Zachary Terwilliger, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia; Ashan M. Benedict, Special Agent in Charge of the ATF’s Washington Field Division; and Kenneth A. Miller, Director of Public Safety, Petersburg Bureau of Police, made the announcement after sentencing by Senior U.S. District Judge Henry E. Hudson. Assistant U.S. Attorney Angela Mastandrea-Miller prosecuted the case.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. Related court documents and information are located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 3:20-cr-005.
Hancock County Woman Sentenced to Almost Five Years in Prison for Selling a Firearm to a FelonRead the Press Release
Gulfport, Miss. – Janette Marie Asplund, 36, of Hancock County, was sentenced today by Senior U.S. District Judge Louis Guirola Jr. to 57 months in federal prison, followed by 3 years of supervised release, for knowingly selling a firearm to a convicted felon, announced U.S. Attorney Mike Hurst and Special Agent-in-Charge Kurt Thielhorn with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). Asplund was also ordered to pay a $2,500 fine.
In July 2019, Asplund knowingly sold a shotgun to a person who she knew was a convicted felon. Federal law specifically prohibits convicted felons from possessing firearms or ammunition. Asplund was indicted on July 24, 2019, and pled guilty before Judge Guirola on January 23, 2020.
U.S. Attorney Hurst commended the investigation by the Federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Stan Harris.
Grand Jury - June 2020Read the Press Release
United States Attorney Joe Kelly announced the federal Grand Jury for the District of Nebraska has returned 37 Unsealed Indictments charging 39 defendants. Indictments are charging documents that contain one or more individual counts that are merely accusations, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
* Jesse Alcantar, age 26, of Redlands, California, is charged with possession with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine (mixture) on or about November 15, 2019. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is life imprisonment, $10,000,000 fine, five-year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment. There is also an allegation to forfeit United States currency seized on or about November 15, 2019.
* Nolan Lee Al-Jaddou, age 35, is charged with transmission of an interstate communication containing a threat to injure the person of another on or about March, 25, 2020. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 5 years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a three-year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.
* Jason L. Bates, age 48, of Omaha, is charged with coercion and enticement of a minor beginning on or about March 30, 2020, through on or about April 6. 2020. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is life imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a life term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.
* Lashannon D. Bland, age 40, of Omaha, is charged in a three-count Indictment. Count I charges the defendant with possession with intent to distribute a detectable amount of cocaine (mixture) on February 6, 2020. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 20 years’ imprisonment, $1,000,000 fine, three-year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment. Count II charges the defendant with using or possessing a firearm during a drug trafficking crime on or about February 6. 2020. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is life imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a five-year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment. Count III charges the defendant with felon in possession of a firearm on or about February 6. 2020. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 10 years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a three-year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.
* Lorenzo Cristobal-Francisco, age 34, is charged with illegal reentry after deportation on or about June 8, 2020. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 2 years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a one-year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.
* Isidro De La Luz Reyes, age 47, is charged with illegal reentry after deportation on or about May 31, 2020. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 2 years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a one-year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.
* Timothy Raymond Denney, age 35, of Santee Indian Reservation, Nebraska, is charged with assault resulting in serious bodily injury in Indian Country on or about May 3, 2020. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 10 years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a three-year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.
* John A. Duncan, age 36, of Omaha, is charged in a two-count Indictment. Count I charges the defendant with receipt and distribution of child pornography on or about February 9, 2019 and continuing to on or about March 3, 2019. The maximum possible penalty is 20 years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a life term of supervised release, a $100 special assessment, and a $35,000 additional special assessment and $3,000 Restitution. Count II charges the defendant with possession of child pornography on or about February 6, 2020. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 20 years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a life term of supervised release, a $100 special assessment, and a $17,000 additional special assessment and $3,000 Restitution.
* Wendy A. Eckert, age 40, of Lincoln, Nebraska, is charged with conspiracy to distribute and possession with intent to deliver 500 grams or more of methamphetamine (mixture) and 5 grams more of methamphetamine (actual) beginning on November 1, 2018, and continuing through October 23, 2019. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is life imprisonment, $10,000,000 fine, ten-year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.
* Jesus Frias-Garcia, age 48, is charged with fraudulent use of a social security number on or about October 22, 2014 and continuing through March 17, 2020. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 5 years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, one-year term of supervised release, a $100 special assessment.
* Bernardo Juan Garcia Raymundo, age 27, is charged with illegal reentry after deportation on or about May 3, 2020. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 2 years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a one-year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.
* Derrick Ray Geesaman, age 30, of Niobrara, Nebraska, is charged in a two-count Indictment. Count I charges the defendant with assault of a spouse, intimate partner, or dating partner by strangulation in Indian Country on or about March 31, 2020. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 10 years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a three-year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment. Count II charges the defendant with domestic assault by an habitual offender in Indian Country on or about March 31, 2020. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 5 years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a three-year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.
* Jorge Gonzalez Renteria, age 27, is charged with illegal reentry after deportation following a felony conviction on or about May 14, 2020. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 10 years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a three-year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.
* Jason J. Griess, age 30, of Ashton, Nebraska, is charged in a four-count Indictment. Count I charges the defendant with production of child pornography on or about December 28, 2018 and continuing to on or about January 1, 2019. The maximum possible penalty is 30 years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a life term of supervised release, a $100 special assessment, and a $50,000 additional special assessment. Count II charges the defendant with production of child pornography on or about December 28, 2018 and continuing to on or about January 1, 2019. The maximum possible penalty is 30 years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a life term of supervised release, a $100 special assessment, and a $50,000 additional special assessment. Count III charges the defendant with production of child pornography on or about March 17, 2019. The maximum possible penalty is 30 years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a life term of supervised release, a $100 special assessment, and a $50,000 additional special assessment. Count VI charges the defendant with distribution of child pornography on or about August 10, 2019 and continuing through August 16, 2019. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 20 years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a life term of supervised release, a $100 special assessment, and a $35,000 additional special assessment.
* Leah Hallstrom, age 35, of Council Bluffs, Iowa, and Adam Ross, age 26, of Cheyenne, Wyoming, are charged in a two-count Indictment. Count I charges Hallstrom with conspiracy to distribute and possession with intent to deliver 500 grams or more of methamphetamine (mixture) beginning on May 22, 2019, and continuing through February, 2020. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is life imprisonment, $10,000,000 fine, five-year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment. Count II charges both defendants with possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine (mixture) on February 17, 2020. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 40 years’ imprisonment, $5,000,000 fine, four-year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.
* William L. Hawkins, age 42, of Omaha, is charged in a three-count Indictment. Counts I and II charge the defendant with distribution of a detectable amount of cocaine (mixture) on or about January 8, 2020 and on March 2, 2020. The maximum possible penalty, on each count, if convicted is 20 years’ imprisonment, $1,000,000 fine, three-year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment. Count III charges the defendant with possession of ammunition as a felon on or about March 6. 2020. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 10 years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a three-year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.
* Samuel Izaguirre, age 19, of Lincoln, Nebraska, is charged with being an unlawful user in possession of ammunition on or about May 29. 2020. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 10 years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a three-year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.
* Nicholas James Kuhr, age 26, of Omaha, is charged with coercion and enticement of a minor beginning on or about March 17, 2020, through on or about March 23, 2020. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is life imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a life term of supervised release, a $100 special assessment and $5,000 additional special assessment.
* Gregory B. Lane, age 53, is charged in a nine-count Indictment. Counts I through VIII charge the defendant with Wire Fraud from on or about March 22, 2019 and continuing through September 3, 2019. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 20 years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a 3-year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment for each count. Count IX charges the defendant with theft of postal property on or about March 22, 2019 and continuing through September 3, 2019. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 3 years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a 1-year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.
* Tanner J. Leichleiter, age 30, of Tekamah, Nebraska, and Nora Gilda Guevara Tirana, age 42, of Tekamah, Nebraska, are charged in a two-count Indictment. Count I charges the defendants with kidnapping and aiding and abetting beginning on or about April 19, 2020, through on or about April 20, 2020. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 20 years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a three-year term of supervised release, a $100 special assessment. Count II charges Leichleiter with prohibited person in possession of firearms beginning on or about April 19, 2020 and continuing through April 20, 2020. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 10 years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a three-year term of supervised release, a $100 special assessment.
* Harold Gene Linscomb, age 31, of Houston, Texas, Zachary Daniel Harris, age 28, of Houston, Texas, and Kion Verdier, age 27, of Manvel, Texas are charged in a four-count Indictment. Count I charges the defendants with conspiracy to commit bank larceny on or about January 1, 2020 and continuing through April 12, 2020. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 5 years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a three-year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment. Count II charges the defendants with bank theft on or about April 11, 2020. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 10 years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a three-year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment. Count III charges the defendants with bank theft on or about April 12, 2020. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 10 years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a three-year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment. Count IV charges Harris with carjacking on or about April 12, 2020. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 15 years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a three-year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.
* Vicente Lopez Andrade, a/k/a Alfredo Delapaz Espericueta, age 39, is charged with illegal reentry after deportation on or about October 20, 2019, following an aggravated felony conviction. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 20 years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a 3-year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.
* Carlos Jesus Lorenzana, a/k/a Carlos De Jesus Lorenzana-Cifuentes, a/k/a Carlos De Jesus Lorenzana Cifuentes, a/k/a Carlos Gonzales Gonzales, age 34, of Lincoln, Nebraska, is charged with possession with intent to deliver 50 grams or more of methamphetamine (mixture) on February 18, 2020. The maximum possible penalty for each if convicted is 40 years’ imprisonment, $5,000,000 fine, four-year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment. There is also an allegation to forfeit United States currency seized on or about February 18, 2020.
* Victor Mar Betancourt, age 46, is charged with illegal reentry after deportation on or about March 27, 2020, following an aggravated felony conviction. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 20 years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a 3-year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.
* Victor Manuel Roman-Degante, age 29, is charged with distribution of 50 grams or more of methamphetamine (actual) on or about February 4, 2020. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is life imprisonment, $10,000,000 fine, five-year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.
* Jonathan Daniel Rooney, age 25, is charged with manslaughter in Indian Country on or about May 16, 2020. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 15 years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a three-year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.
* Ronche L. Scaife, age 37, of Omaha, is charged with felon in possession of ammunition on or about April 21, 2020. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 10 years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a three-year term of supervised release, a $100 special assessment.
* Odies Scott, age 56, of Omaha, is charged with felon in possession of a firearm on or about March 5, 2020. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 15 years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a three-year term of supervised release, a $100 special assessment.
* Robert Charles Shelton, age 55, of Laughlin, Nevada, is charged in a two-count Indictment. Count I charges the defendant with transportation of child pornography with a prior sex offense on or about October 16, 2019. The maximum possible penalty is 40 years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a life term of supervised release, a $100 special assessment, and a $35,000 additional special assessment. Count II charges the defendant with possession of child pornography with a prior sex offense on or about October 16, 2019. The maximum possible penalty is 20 years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a life term of supervised release, a $100 special assessment, and a $17,000 additional special assessment.
* Jeremy T. Smith, age 43, of Omaha, is charged in a three-count Indictment. Count I charges the defendant with distribution of a detectable amount of crack cocaine on or about January 15, 2020. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 30 years’ imprisonment, $2,000,000 fine, six-year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment. Count II charges the defendant with possession with intent to distribute 500 grams of cocaine (mixture) on or about March 6, 2020. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is life imprisonment, $8,000,000 fine, eight-year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment. Count III charges the defendant with using or possessing a firearm during a drug trafficking crime on or about March 6, 2020. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 5 years’ to life consecutive imprisonment to drug charge, a $250,000 fine, a five-year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.
* Austin M. Thomas, age 29, is charged with theft of mail matter by postal employee on or about September, 2019 and continuing through January, 2020. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 5 years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a three-year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.
* Juan Carlos Torres-Torres, a/k/a Juan Jose Torres. a/k/a Primo, age 34, of Lincoln, Nebraska, is charged in a three-count Indictment. Count I charges the defendant with 50 grams or more of methamphetamine (actual) on or about February 7, 2020. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is life imprisonment, $10,000,000 fine, five-year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment. Count II charges the defendant with distribution of 50 grams or more of methamphetamine (mixture) on or about February 10, 2020. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is life imprisonment, $10,000,000 fine, five-year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment. Count III charges the defendant with possession with intent to distribute a detectable amount of methamphetamine (mixture) on or about April 21, 2020. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 20 years’ imprisonment, $1,000,000 fine, three-year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment. There is also an allegation to forfeit United States currency seized on or about April 21, 2020.
* Lacee Dawn Tuttle, age 38, of Pierce, Nebraska, is charged in a four-count Indictment. Count I charges the defendant with possession with intent to distribute 5 grams or more of methamphetamine (actual) on or about July 14, 2019. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 40 years’ imprisonment, $5,000,000 fine, life term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment. Count II charges the defendant with obstruction of justice on or about July 14, 2019. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 20 years’ imprisonment, $250,000 fine, three-year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment. Count III charges the defendant with possession with intent to distribute 5 grams or more of methamphetamine (actual) on or about October 22, 2019. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 40 years’ imprisonment, $5,000,000 fine, life term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment. Count IV charges the defendant with obstruction of justice on or about October 22, 2019. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 20 years’ imprisonment, $250,000 fine, three-year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.
* Raul Valdez Rivas, age 26, of Omaha, is charged with coercion and enticement of a minor beginning on or about April 16, 2020, through on or about April 29, 2020. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is life imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a life term of supervised release, a $100 special assessment and $5,000 additional special assessment.
* Richard T. Walker, II, age 27, of Omaha, is charged with abusive sexual contact with a child under 12 beginning on or about January 19, 2020, through on or about February 8, 2020. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is life imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a life term of supervised release, a $100 special assessment and $5,000 additional special assessment.
* Travis S. Walker, age 20, of Winnebago Indian Reservation, Nebraska, is charged with felon in possession of firearm on or about June 1, 2020. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 10 years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a three-year term of supervised release, and $100 special assessment.
* Roemello Weaver, age 21, of Lincoln, Nebraska, is charged in a two-count Indictment. Count I charges the defendant with possession with intent to distribute marijuana on or about April 14, 2020. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 5 years’ imprisonment, $250,000 fine, two-year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment. Count II charges the defendant with of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime on or about April 14, 2020. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 5 years’ to life imprisonment consecutive to the drug charge, $250,000 fine, five-year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.
Fresno Man Indicted for Possession for Sale of 137 Pounds of MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
FRESNO, Calif. — A federal grand jury returned a two-count indictment today against a Fresno man, charging him with possessing methamphetamine with the intent to distribute it and possessing firearms in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, U.S. Attorney McGregor W. Scott announced.
According to court documents, Jesus Lopez-Zepeda, 27, negotiated to sell 60 kilograms of methamphetamine an undercover officer for $240,000. On March 12, agents seized approximately 137 pounds of methamphetamine from Lopez-Zepeda’s residence, as well as a firearm and three rifles.
This case is the product of an investigation by the High Impact Investigation Team (HIIT), a High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Initiative (HIDTA), composed of personnel from the California Department of Justice, Homeland Security Investigations, Fresno Police Department, Fresno County Sheriff’s Office, Tulare County Sheriff’s Office, Kings County Sheriff’s Office, Fresno County District Attorney’s Office, Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the California Highway Patrol. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kathleen A. Servatius is prosecuting the case.
If convicted, Lopez-Zepeda faces a maximum statutory penalty of life in prison and a $10 million fine for the drug offense and a mandatory five year consecutive term on the firearms charge. Any sentence, however, would be determined at the discretion of the court after consideration of any applicable statutory factors and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, which take into account a number of variables. The charges are only allegations; the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
Former Treasurer of Moraga Community Foundation Charged with FraudRead the Press Release
OAKLAND – Francis Robert Fritzky, the former treasurer of the Moraga Community Foundation was charged yesterday with wire fraud and filing a false tax return, announced United States Attorney David L. Anderson and IRS Criminal Investigation Special Agent in Charge Kareem Carter.
According to an information filed with the court, from at least June 2016 through July 2019, Fritzky was the treasurer of the Moraga Community Foundation (the Foundation) and also on the Foundation’s board of directors. According to the Foundation’s bylaws, the board members and officers were not entitled to compensation or a salary for their services as board members and/or officers. As treasurer, Fritzky was responsible for maintaining and keeping records of the Foundation’s bank accounts, funds, assets, and liabilities. He also had signatory authority on the Foundation’s bank accounts and had access to the money contained within those bank accounts. According to the information, from June 23, 2016, and continuing through July 24, 2019, Fritzky allegedly made unauthorized withdrawals of more than $250,000 from the Foundation’s bank accounts to himself, to a company in which he held majority ownership interest, and to a foundation he founded and controlled. He also allegedly provided false financial reports to the Foundation’s board of directors. For example, Fritzky represented that the ending balance for one of the Foundation’s funds in December 2018 was more than $108,000 and that the ending balance of the other fund was more than $37,000 when the combined balances for both funds was allegedly less than $2,000. Court documents further allege that Fritzky filed IRS Form 990-EZ, Return of Organization Exempt From Income Tax, for the Foundation, falsely reporting that the Foundation’s “Cash, savings and investments” at the end of the year was $111,275, when in fact it was less than that amount.
Fritzky was charged with wire fraud and aiding and abetting, in violation of 18 U.S.C. §§ 1343, 2 and making and subscribing a false tax return, in violation of 26 U.S.C. § 7206(1)(a). The maximum statutory penalty for wire fraud is twenty years in prison and a fine of $250,000. The maximum statutory penalty for making and subscribing a false tax return is three years in prison and a fine of $250,000. However, any sentence will be imposed by the court only after consideration of the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and the federal statute governing the imposition of a sentence, 18 U.S.C. § 3553.
The charges contained in the information are mere allegations. As in any criminal case, the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
Frtizky’s first court appearance in this matter has yet to be scheduled.
The case is being prosecuted by the Special Prosecutions Section of the U.S. Attorney’s Office. The prosecution is the result of an investigation by the Moraga Police Department and IRS Criminal Investigation.
Former Salyersville Resident Sentenced to 252 Months for Engaging in Illicit Sexual Conduct While Traveling and Residing in CambodiaRead the Press Release
FRANKFORT, Ky. — A former resident of Salyersville, Kentucky, Micky Rife, 37, was sentenced in federal court on Thursday, to 252 months in prison, by U.S. District Judge Gregory F. Van Tatenhove, after pleading guilty on January 16, 2020, that he, a U.S. citizen, engaged and attempted to engage in illicit sexual conduct with two minor females while he traveled and resided in Cambodia. .
Rife previously admitted that between September 3, 2012, and December 9, 2018, he traveled in foreign commerce, and between March 7, 2013 and December 9, 2018, he resided in Cambodia. During those time frames, he touched two minor females under their clothing and inside or on their genital areas on more than one occasion. He further admitted that both minor victims were under the age of 12 when the illicit conduct occurred.
Rife was previously indicted for two separate counts of the same offense in February 2019. He pleaded guilty to a single count Information filed on January 16, 2020.
Under federal law, Rife must serve 85 percent of his prison sentence and will be under the supervision of the U.S. Probation Office for 20 years, following his release. Rife will also be required to pay $2,000 in restitution.
Robert M. Duncan, Jr., United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky, Assistant Attorney General Brian A. Benczkowski of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, Jerry Templet, Special Agent in Charge, Department of Homeland Security- Homeland Security Investigations (DHS-HSI), Nashville, and Rodney Brewer, Commissioner, Kentucky State Police, jointly announced the guilty plea.
The investigation was conducted in Cambodia and Kentucky by HSI and the Kentucky State Police. The United States was represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney David A. Marye and Trial Attorney Lauren S. Kupersmith of the Child Obscenity and Exploitation Section of the U.S. Department of Justice.
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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Former DIA Analyst Sentenced for Leaking Classified Information to JournalistsRead the Press Release
ALEXANDRIA, Va. – A former employee of the Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA) was sentenced today to 30 months in prison for leaking classified information to two journalists in 2018 and 2019.
“When our nation’s secrets are published, in print or online, those secrets are made available to all of our adversaries,” said G. Zachary Terwilliger, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia. “Frese’s choice to betray his oath to his country had real consequences and caused actual harm to the safety of this country and its citizens.”
According to court documents, Henry Kyle Frese, 31, of Alexandria, was employed by DIA as a counterterrorism analyst from February 2018 to October 2019, and held a Top Secret//Sensitive Compartmented Information security clearance. United States government agencies have confirmed that in the spring and summer of 2018, News Outlet 1 published eight articles, all authored by the same journalist (Journalist 1) that contained classified NDI that related to the capabilities of certain foreign countries’ weapons systems. These articles contained classified intelligence from five intelligence reports (the Compromised Intelligence Reports) made available to appropriately cleared recipients in the first half of 2018. The topic of all of these initial five Compromised Intelligence Reports – foreign countries’ weapons systems – was outside the scope of Frese’s job duties as an analyst covering CT topics. The media articles, and the intelligence reporting from which they were derived, both contained information that is classified up to the TS//SCI level, indicating that its unauthorized disclosure could reasonably be expected to result in exceptionally grave damage to the national security. The intelligence reporting was marked as such.
“Frese repeatedly passed classified information to a reporter, sometimes in response to her requests, all for personal gain,” said John C. Demers, Assistant Attorney General for National Security. “When this information was published, it was shared with all of our nation’s adversaries, creating a risk of exceptionally grave harm to the security of this country. His conviction and sentence demonstrate the Department’s commitment to the investigation and prosecution of such betrayals by clearance holders as part of our mandate to protect our citizens and defend the national security of the United States.”
According to court documents, Frese and Journalist 1 lived together at the same residential address from January 2018 to November 2018. Throughout 2018 and 2019, Frese and Journalist 1 “followed” each other on Twitter, and on at least two occasions Frese re-Tweeted Journalist 1’s tweets announcing the publications of articles containing NDI classified at the Top Secret level.
“The American people expect those entrusted with our nation's most sensitive secrets to keep those secrets safe. Mr. Frese did just the opposite,” said Alan E. Kohler, Jr., Assistant Director of the FBI's Counterintelligence Division. “The FBI is committed to protecting the national security interests of the United States and will vigorously pursue investigations into current and former clearance holders who leak classified information.”
In or about April of 2018, Journalist 1 introduced Frese to a second journalist (Journalist 2). Subsequently, Frese began texting and speaking with Journalist 2 by telephone. Between mid-2018 and late September 2019, Frese orally transmitted NDI classified at the Top Secret level to Journalist 1 on 12 separate occasions, and orally transmitted NDI classified at the Secret level to Journalist 1 on at least four occasions. Frese knew the information was classified at the Secret and Top Secret levels because the intelligence products from which he had learned the classified information had visible classification markings as to the classification level of the information, and the intelligence products accessed by Frese were stored on secure, classified government information systems.
“When Mr. Frese chose to provide classified information to members of the media, he violated his oath to serve the United States as a trusted government employee,” said Timothy R. Slater, Assistant Director in Charge of the FBI's Washington Field Office. “Put in the hands of our adversaries, this information causes damage and harm to our country. This investigation and today's sentencing serve as a reminder that unauthorized disclosures of classified information is a crime, and will not be tolerated.”
In relation to one of the 12 times Frese orally transmitted Top Secret NDI to Journalist 1, in or about mid-April to early May 2018, Frese accessed an intelligence report unrelated to his job duties on multiple occasions, which contained NDI classified at the Top Secret//SCI level (Intelligence Report l). A week after Frese accessed Intelligence Report 1 for the second time, Frese received an April 27, 2018 Twitter Direct Message (DM) from Journalist 1 asking whether Frese would be willing to speak with Journalist 2. Frese stated that he was “down” to help Journalist 2 if it helped Journalist 1 “progress.” During the same April 27, 2018, Twitter exchange, Journalist 1 indicated that a certain United States military official told Journalist 2 that the official was not aware of the subject matter discussed in Intelligence Report 1. Frese characterized the official’s denial as “weird” and commented on the source of information contained within Intelligence Report 1.
Several days after the April 27, 2018, Twitter exchange, Frese searched on a classified United States government computer system for terms related to the topics contained in Intelligence Report 1. A few hours after searching for terms related to the topic of Intelligence Report l, Frese spoke by telephone with Journalist 1, and several hours later he spoke by telephone with Journalist 2. Immediately after the call with Journalist 2, Journalist 1 called Frese. During at least one of the calls with Journalist 1 and Journalist 2, Frese orally passed Top Secret NDI derived from Intelligence Report 1. Approximately 30 minutes after Frese spoke with the two journalists, Journalist 1 published an article (Article 1) which contained Top Secret NDI, orally communicated by Frese and derived from Intelligence Report 1 classified at the Top Secret//SCI level.
On at least 30 separate occasions in 2018, Frese conducted searches on classified government systems for information regarding the classified topics he discussed with Journalists 1 and 2. On multiple occasions in 2018 and 2019, Frese conducted searches on classified government systems because of specific requests for information from Journalists 1 and 2.
Additionally, between early 2018 and October 2019, Frese communicated with an employee of an overseas CT consulting group (Consultant 1) via social media. On at least two occasions, Frese transmitted classified NDI related to CT topics to Consultant 1, using a social media site’s direct messaging feature.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Neil Hammerstrom and Danya E. Atiyeh, and Trial Attorney Jennifer Kennedy Gellie of the National Security Division’s Counterintelligence and Export Control Section prosecuted the case.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. Related court documents and information are located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 1:19-cr-304.
Former DIA Analyst Sentenced for Leaking Classified Information to JournalistsRead the Press Release
A former employee of the Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA) was sentenced today to 30 months in prison for leaking classified information to two journalists in 2018 and 2019.
“Frese repeatedly passed classified information to a reporter, sometimes in response to her requests, all for personal gain,” said Assistant Attorney General for National Security John C. Demers. “When this information was published, it was shared with all of our nation's adversaries, creating a risk of exceptionally grave harm to the security of this country. His conviction and sentence demonstrate the Department’s commitment to the investigation and prosecution of such betrayals by clearance holders as part of our mandate to protect our citizens and defend the national security of the United States.”
“The American people expect those entrusted with our nation's most sensitive secrets to keep those secrets safe. Mr. Frese did just the opposite,” said Assistant Director Alan E. Kohler Jr. of the FBI's Counterintelligence Division. “The FBI is committed to protecting the national security interests of the United States and will vigorously pursue investigations into current and former clearance holders who leak classified information.”
“When our nation’s secrets are published, in print or online, those secrets are made available to all of our adversaries,” said G. Zachary Terwilliger, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia. “Frese’s choice to betray his oath to his country had real consequences and caused actual harm to the safety of this country and its citizens.”
“When Mr. Frese chose to provide classified information to members of the media, he violated his oath to serve the United States as a trusted government employee,” said Timothy R. Slater, Assistant Director in Charge of the FBI's Washington Field Office. “Put in the hands of our adversaries, this information causes damage and harm to our country. This investigation and today's sentencing serve as a reminder that unauthorized disclosures of classified information is a crime, and will not be tolerated.”
According to court documents, Henry Kyle Frese, 31, of Alexandria, was employed by DIA as a counterterrorism analyst from February 2018 to October 2019, and held a Top Secret//Sensitive Compartmented Information security clearance. United States government agencies have confirmed that in the spring and summer of 2018, News Outlet 1 published eight articles, all authored by the same journalist (Journalist 1) that contained classified NDI that related to the capabilities of certain foreign countries’ weapons systems. These articles contained classified intelligence from five intelligence reports (the Compromised Intelligence Reports) made available to appropriately cleared recipients in the first half of 2018. The topic of all of these initial five Compromised Intelligence Reports – foreign countries’ weapons systems – was outside the scope of Frese’s job duties as an analyst covering CT topics. The media articles, and the intelligence reporting from which they were derived, both contained information that is classified up to the TS//SCI level, indicating that its unauthorized disclosure could reasonably be expected to result in exceptionally grave damage to the national security. The intelligence reporting was marked as such.
According to court documents, Frese and Journalist 1 lived together at the same residential address from January 2018 to November 2018. Throughout 2018 and 2019, Frese and Journalist 1 “followed” each other on Twitter, and on at least two occasions Frese re-Tweeted Journalist 1’s tweets announcing the publications of articles containing NDI classified at the Top Secret level.
In or about April of 2018, Journalist 1 introduced Frese to a second journalist (Journalist 2). Subsequently, Frese began texting and speaking with Journalist 2 by telephone. Between mid-2018 and late September 2019, Frese orally transmitted NDI classified at the Top Secret level to Journalist 1 on 12 separate occasions, and orally transmitted NDI classified at the Secret level to Journalist 1 on at least four occasions. Frese knew the information was classified at the Secret and Top Secret levels because the intelligence products from which he had learned the classified information had visible classification markings as to the classification level of the information, and the intelligence products accessed by Frese were stored on secure, classified government information systems.
In relation to one of the 12 times Frese orally transmitted Top Secret NDI to Journalist 1, in or about mid-April to early May 2018, Frese accessed an intelligence report unrelated to his job duties on multiple occasions, which contained NDI classified at the Top Secret//SCI level (Intelligence Report l). A week after Frese accessed Intelligence Report 1 for the second time, Frese received an April 27, 2018 Twitter Direct Message (DM) from Journalist 1 asking whether Frese would be willing to speak with Journalist 2. Frese stated that he was “down” to help Journalist 2 if it helped Journalist 1 “progress.” During the same April 27, 2018, Twitter exchange, Journalist 1 indicated that a certain United States military official told Journalist 2 that the official was not aware of the subject matter discussed in Intelligence Report 1. Frese characterized the official’s denial as “weird” and commented on the source of information contained within Intelligence Report 1.
Several days after the April 27, 2018, Twitter exchange, Frese searched on a classified United States government computer system for terms related to the topics contained in Intelligence Report 1. A few hours after searching for terms related to the topic of Intelligence Report l, Frese spoke by telephone with Journalist 1, and several hours later he spoke by telephone with Journalist 2. Immediately after the call with Journalist 2, Journalist 1 called Frese. During at least one of the calls with Journalist 1 and Journalist 2, Frese orally passed Top Secret NDI derived from Intelligence Report 1. Approximately 30 minutes after Frese spoke with the two journalists, Journalist 1 published an article (Article 1) which contained Top Secret NDI, orally communicated by Frese and derived from Intelligence Report 1 classified at the Top Secret//SCI level.
On at least 30 separate occasions in 2018, Frese conducted searches on classified government systems for information regarding the classified topics he discussed with Journalists 1 and 2. On multiple occasions in 2018 and 2019, Frese conducted searches on classified government systems because of specific requests for information from Journalists 1 and 2.
Additionally, between early 2018 and October 2019, Frese communicated with an employee of an overseas CT consulting group (Consultant 1) via social media. On at least two occasions, Frese transmitted classified NDI related to CT topics to Consultant 1, using a social media site’s direct messaging feature.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Danya E. Atiyeh, Neil Hammerstrom and Trial Attorney Jennifer Gellie for the Counterintelligence and Export Control Section of the National Security Division prosecuted the case.
Former Cumru Township Police Lieutenant Pleads Guilty to Child Pornography OffensesRead the Press Release
PHILADELPHIA – United States Attorney William M. McSwain announced that Timothy Woll, 54, of Sinking Spring, Pennsylvania, has pled guilty to child exploitation charges before United States District Court Judge Edward G. Smith.
Woll was charged by Information in March 2020 with transportation of child pornography and access with intent to view child pornography. The charges arise from the defendant’s intent to view and to transport images of child pornography from his personal, home computer onto his personal Microsoft OneDrive cloud storage account in January 2019. An investigation of the defendant’s computer led to the discovery that his OneDrive account contained nearly 200 unique images of child pornography. During the time of this investigation and Woll’s subsequent arrest, the defendant was employed as a police lieutenant and evidence custodian for the Cumru Township Police Department in Berks County.
“This is an appalling case,” said U.S. Attorney McSwain. “The defendant was a member of a law enforcement organization charged with enforcing the law and protecting the public, but instead he chose to break the law and acquire child pornography. We stand ready with our federal and local partners to identify and prosecute all those who would prey upon minor children, no matter who they are.”
“The FBI works every day to track down those who seek out child pornography, because the demand for these depraved images leads to the continued sexual exploitation of young children,” said Michael J. Driscoll, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Philadelphia Division. “The fact that a fellow law enforcement officer was involved with such material was extraordinarily disheartening to all of us. We and our partners will never stop working to save kids from physical and emotional harm.”
Woll faces a five year mandatory minimum term of imprisonment and a statutory maximum sentence of 40 years, up to a lifetime of supervised release, and a $500,000 fine.
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Berks County District Attorney’s Office, and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Kelly Harrell.
Former Achille Mayor Sentenced to Federal Prison for Possessing Firearms Stolen from Police Department Evidence RoomRead the Press Release
MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that David Shane Northcutt, age 42, of Achille, Oklahoma was sentenced to 24 months’ imprisonment, and 2 years of supervised release for Possession of Stolen Firearms, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 922(j) and 924(a)(2). The charges arose from an investigation by the Achille Police Department, the Bryan County Sheriff’s Office, the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
The Indictment alleged that on or about March 5, 2019, the defendant knowingly possessed firearms which had been shipped and transported in interstate commerce, knowing and having reasonable cause to believe the firearms were stolen.
The Honorable Ronald A. White, U.S. District Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, in Muskogee, presided over the hearing. First Assistant United States Attorney Christopher Wilson represented the United States at the sentencing hearing.
Felon Sentenced to 57 Months in PrisonRead the Press Release
St. Louis, Missouri –United States District Judge Ronnie L. White sentenced Leavie Morris, 30, of St. Louis, to 57 months in prison for being a felon in possession of a firearm.
According to the plea agreement, on August 24, 2019, St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department officers received a radio assignment regarding an armed man with a black shoulder bag, who was firing shots in the area of 11th Street and Salisbury in the City of St. Louis. When officers arrived in the area, they saw Morris in a nearby Phillip 66 parking lot with a black shoulder bag.
When officers asked Morris to show his hands, he turned away from the officers and fled. An officer pursued him. Morris continued to ignore multiple commands from the officer. Eventually, the officer tased Morris but he continued fleeing and resisting. When Morris finally fell to the ground, he again continued resisting and reaching toward his bag. After handcuffing Morris, officers recovered a .40 caliber Glock 23 Gen 4 semi-automatic pistol with an extended twenty-two round magazine from the black shoulder bag. There was a round in the chamber of the pistol. The extended magazine was also loaded.
At the time defendant possessed the aforementioned firearm, he knew he had been convicted of a crime punishable by a term of imprisonment exceeding one year.
This case was investigated by the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department.
Federal Complaint Filed Against Austin Man for Multi-Million Dollar Fraud Scheme Related to the SBA Paycheck Protection Program During COVID-19 PandemicRead the Press Release
In Austin today, federal authorities arrested Michael George McQuarn, 51 of Austin, for allegedly defrauding the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) Paycheck Protection Program of more than $2 million.
U.S. Attorney John F. Bash; SBA Office of Inspector General (SBA OIG) Central Region Special Agent in Charge Donald Abram; Acting IRS-Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI) Special Agent in Charge Rodrick Benton, Houston Field Office; Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration Office of Investigations (TIGTA) Special Agent in Charge Gary L. Smith, Mid-States Field Division; Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation Office of Inspector General (FDIC-OIG) Special Agent in Charge Laurie L. Younger, Dallas; and, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton made today’s announcement.
This year, Congress has authorized over $600 billion in emergency financial assistance to millions of Americans suffering economic hardship caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. A portion of those funds included forgivable loans to small businesses for job retention and certain other expenses (payroll, rent, utilities, mortgage payments, etc.) through the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP). In order to receive funding, businesses must submit an application along with supporting documentation which must be approved by the SBA.
A criminal complaint unsealed this morning charges McQuarn with wire fraud and making false statements to the SBA. The complaint alleges that beginning in April 2020, McQuarn implemented a scheme whereby he submitted fraudulent applications and supporting paperwork of two fictitious companies he created—Vantastic Voyages, LLC and Happy Days Movers, LLC—to secure SBA-backed PPP loans. McQuarn claimed the funds were for legitimate business purposes when, in fact, the money was used for his own personal use, including purchasing a 26’ Pavati Wake Boat and a Rolls Royce. The complaint further alleges that McQuarn fraudulently received in excess of $2 million in PPP funds.
“The Paycheck Protection Program was designed to help Americans struggling with financial hardship during the pandemic. Our office will be aggressive in targeting anyone who defrauds this critical program,” stated U.S. Attorney Bash.
“The defendant egregiously sought personal gain from a program intended to assist hardworking Americans in this challenging time,” said SBA OIG Central Region Special Agent in Charge Abram. “SBA OIG and its law enforcement partners will aggressively pursue allegations of wrongdoing to maintain the integrity of SBA’s programs. I want to thank the U.S. Attorney’s Office and our law enforcement partners for their dedication and pursuit of justice.”
“We are pleased to join our law enforcement partners in pursuit of those individuals using the COVID-19 pandemic as an opportunity to defraud the nation’s financial institutions and government relief programs,” stated FDIC-OIG Special Agent in Charge Younger.
Upon conviction, McQuarn faces terms of imprisonment up to 20 years for wire fraud and up to five years for making false statements to the SBA.
SBA OIG, IRS-CI, FDIC-OIG, TIGTA and the Texas Attorney General’s Office are conducting this ongoing investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Matthew Devlin, Michael Galdo and Robert Almonte are prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
If anyone believes that they or their family are the victims of a scam or attempted fraud involving stimulus payments related to COVID-19 fraud, they can report it without leaving their home. Please contact the National Center for Disaster Fraud Hotline at 866-720-5721 or by email at [email protected]. If it is a cyber scam, they may also submit a complaint at www.ic3.gov.
It is important to note that a criminal complaint is merely a charge and should not be considered as evidence of guilt. The defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
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The year 2020 marks the 150th anniversary of the Department of Justice. Learn more about the history of our agency at www.Justice.gov/Celebrating150Years.
Fayetteville Man Pleads Guilty to Obtaining VA Benefits through FraudRead the Press Release
WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. - Matthew G.T. Martin, United States Attorney for the Middle District of North Carolina, announced today that WILLIE DOSHER CAIN pleaded guilty to a felony count of theft of government funds related to healthcare fraud.
CAIN, age 73, of Fayetteville, N.C., pleaded guilty before Chief United States District Judge Thomas D. Schroeder in federal court in Winston-Salem, to one count of theft of government funds, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 641. CAIN also agreed to the forfeiture of $155,041.30, a condominium located in Carolina Beach, a Toyota Sienna van, and a mobility scooter.
According to documents filed with the court, CAIN, a US Army and Fayetteville Police Department veteran, represented to the VA that as a result of shrapnel wounds sustained in Vietnam in 1965, he had suffered the loss of use of both legs, as well as loss of bowel and bladder control, that he was unable to perform daily activities such as dressing and bathing without assistance, and that he was dependent on a wheelchair or motorized scooter for mobility. Filed documents further state, however, that CAIN in fact maintained an active lifestyle throughout this time, including working as a firearms and concealed carry instructor, enjoying beach activities, playing basketball, dancing, and attending social events. He also bought a condominium at Carolina Beach on the third floor of a building which had no elevator. The investigation revealed that as a result of his false claims, CAIN received hundreds of thousands of dollars of VA benefits to which he was not entitled, in the form of direct payments for aid and attendance, modifications to his home, and the purchase and adaptation of vehicles.
The defendant faces a maximum penalty of ten years imprisonment, a fine of up to $250,000, or both, and a term of supervised release of not more than three years. Sentencing will occur in Winston-Salem on September 29, 2020 at 09:30am.
The case was investigated by the Veterans Affairs – Office of the Inspector General. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Frank J. Chut, Jr. and Meredith Ruggles.
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FBI Agent Honored for Nearly Two Decades of Protecting ChildrenRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Tim Garrison, United States Attorney for the Western District of Missouri, presented the annual Crystal Kipper & Ali Kemp Memorial Award to FBI Special Agent Mike Daniels.
The award, which is usually presented during National Crime Victims’ Rights Week in April, was delayed this year due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Garrison presented the award to Daniels yesterday during a ceremony at the FBI regional headquarters in Kansas City.
In presenting the award, Garrison noted the theme for the 2020 Crime Victims’ Rights week was Seek Justice – Ensure Victims’ Rights – Inspire Hope. “In his time investigating crimes against children,” Garrison said, “Mike has exemplified these ideals.”
Daniels began his career with the FBI 20 years ago, and for the past 17-plus years has investigated cases of violent crimes against children.“Mike is committed to protecting children,” Garrison said. “Not only has he identified and arrested numerous perpetrators, but Mike has been successful in identifying and locating victims. Although Mike has an affable, calm demeanor, when there is a child in our community that is in danger, Mike kicks into high gear and focuses on stopping the exploitation and working to achieve justice for these vulnerable members of society.”
Among the cases successfully investigated by Daniels, defendant Conner Michael Webb was sentenced to 25 years in federal prison after pleading guilty to producing child pornography of a 2-year-old victim. Another defendant, Cory Stahl, sponsored a 9-year-old victim through a local mentoring service. Stahl sexually assaulted the child victim and manufactured 740 pornographic images, which he distributed over the internet. Stahl was sentenced to 30 years in federal prison after pleading guilty to producing child pornography.
“The Assistant U.S. Attorneys in our office who have worked closely with Mike over the years, know he is willing to do what it takes to achieve justice – including working long hours, appearing in court on short notice, and empathetically engaging with victims,” said Garrison. “We appreciate all the work Mike has done to successfully prosecute cases in our district.”
The Crystal Kipper & Ali Kemp Memorial Award
This is the 17th year for the award to be presented in memory of Crystal Kipper and Ali Kemp, two young women who were both fatal victims of tragic crimes. Crystal Kipper was an 18-year-old Gladstone, Mo., resident who was murdered after her car broke down on Interstate 29, just north of Platte City, on Feb. 24, 1997. Ali Kemp was a 19-year-old Blue Valley North High School graduate who was murdered on June 18, 2002, while she worked at the Foxborough neighborhood swimming pool in Leawood, Kan.
The Crystal Kipper & Ali Kemp Memorial Award is presented by the U.S. Attorney’s Office each year to recognize the outstanding work of an individual or organization in recognition of a valued contribution to preventing and responding to the exploitation of children.
Ex-tribal police officer sentenced for abusing child Fort Peck Indian ReservationRead the Press Release
GREAT FALLS– A Wolf Point man and former tribal police officer who admitted touching a child’s genitals on the Fort Peck Indian Reservation was sentenced today to time served of 324 days in custody and two years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme said.
Mychal Thomas Damon, 28, pleaded guilty in February to felony child abuse.
U.S. District Judge Brian M. Morris presided.
The prosecution said in court records that the crime occurred in May 2018 when the victim, who was under the age of 14, and her mother spent the night at Damon’s house. During the night, the victim got up and sat with Damon on a recliner. Damon placed his hand inside the girl’s shorts and touched her in the genital area.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Cassady Adams and Lori Suek prosecuted the case, which was investigated by the FBI and the Wolf Point Police Department.
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Enrolled member of Zuni Pueblo sentenced to 85 months in federal prison for kidnappingRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. - Adrianne Cellicion, 44, of Zuni, New Mexico was sentenced in federal court in Santa Fe on June 16 to 85 months in prison for kidnapping and carjacking in Indian Country. Cellicion is an enrolled member of Zuni Pueblo.
A jury convicted Cellicion of these offenses crimes on June 5, 2019. According to evidence introduced at trial, Cellicion and two co-defendants Preston John, 25, of Gallup, New Mexico and Brando Largo, 28, of Crownpoint, New Mexico were traveling as passengers in an vehicle driven by the victim. They ordered the victim to an area behind a building where Largo put a chain around the victim’s neck and choked the victim. Cellicion then taped the victim’s hands together. They blindfolded the victim and restrained the victim’s hands and legs. John held the victim’s neck and took the victim’s cell phone. They also tied the victim to a nearby tree with John’s belt before fleeing the scene with all his belongings. The victim eventually escaped from the restraints, hitchhiked back to Gallup and reported the incident to law enforcement. Cellicion was later arrested at a motel nearby.
John pleaded guilty to kidnapping on July 5, 2019. He is serving a sentence of five years in prison. Largo pleaded guilty to kidnapping on July 9, 2019. He is serving a sentence of 84 months in prison.
The Gallup office of the FBI investigated the case with assistance from the Gallup Police Department and Navajo Nation Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Michael D. Murphy and Frederick Mendenhall prosecuted the case.
Eleven Charged with Federal Gun Law ViolationsRead the Press Release
Law enforcement agencies in the Cedar Rapids area continue to make communities safer by partnering to reduce gun related crimes and violence. United States Attorney Peter E. Deegan, Jr. announced charges and arrests in eleven federal gun cases within the last 30 days.
“COVID 19 has not affected federal, state and local law enforcement’s unwavering commitment to investigating and prosecuting offenses involving firearms,” said United States Attorney Peter E. Deegan, Jr. “Convicted felons, drug users, and those who have committed domestic violence are legally barred from possessing guns or ammunition. Those that do will be held accountable.”
“The Cedar Rapids Police Department appreciates the continued partnership with the United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Iowa as we are both concerned about violent crime,” said Cedar Rapids Chief of Police Wayne Jerman. “Our community is safer today because of the commitment of the U.S. Attorney to prosecute crimes involving the use or possession of illegal drugs and firearms. In some cases, convicted felons, who are not allowed to lawfully possess a gun, are accused of further crimes committed while in possession of a firearm. This is particularly concerning and the reason that we value the work of the U.S. Attorney’s Office in helping us hold individuals accountable.”
Special Agent in Charge Kristi Johnson of the FBI noted, “These charges and arrests prove our partnerships with local law enforcement and the communities we serve are crucial to the mission against gun violence.”
ATF Special Agent in Charge of the Kansas City Field Division Marino Vidoli said, “As these cases show, ATF and our law enforcement partners in the Cedar Rapids area are absolutely committed to finding those who use firearms to threaten or inflict harm on members of our community, and bringing them to justice.”
The work of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies has resulted in the following charges in federal court in Cedar Rapids in the last month:
Trever Carl Christopherson, age 31, Rhamond Bolden, age 26, Thomas Anthony Wallace, age 33, Jerell Jackson, age 23, Tony Rhen Brown, age 59, Daniel James Abbott, age 48, and Henry Wilke Eilders, age 42, all of the Cedar Rapids, Iowa, area, have been charged with various violations of federal law including being a prohibited person in possession of a firearm. The charges are contained in complaints and indictments filed within the last 30 days in United States District Court in Cedar Rapids. Four additional defendants, whose charges remain under seal, have also been charged with violating federal firearm laws.
The indictment against Abbott alleges that in September and October of 2019, he possessed multiple firearms while being an unlawful user of methamphetamine. The indictment also alleges that two firearms seized in September of 2019 were possessed by Abbott in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, specifically possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. An additional four guns were seized as part of this investigation in March 2020. The case file is 20-CR-32.
The indictment against Eilders alleges that in March 2020, Eilders possessed a firearm in furtherance of a drug-trafficking crime, specifically conspiracy to distribute 500 grams or more of a mixture or substance containing methamphetamine and or 50 grams or more of pure methamphetamine, and possession with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of a mixture or substance containing methamphetamine. This case is part of a larger drug-trafficking investigation, wherein investigators seized a gun from Eilder’s co-defendant, George Ashby, age 60, from Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Ashby is facing drug and gun charges as well. The case file is 20-CR-00027.
The indictments filed against Christopherson and Jackson allege that each possessed a firearm while being an unlawful user of a controlled substance. Christopherson is alleged to have been a methamphetamine user while possessing a firearm. Jackson is alleged to have been a marijuana user while possessing a firearm.
The indictment filed against Bolden alleges that he possessed a firearm as a felon. Bolden is a felon based on a prior federal conviction for being a drug user in possession of a firearm.
The indictment filed against Wallace alleges that he possessed a firearm while being an unlawful user of marijuana and after having two prior convictions for domestic abuse.
The indictment filed against Brown alleges that he possessed two firearms while being an unlawful user of heroin and after having previously been convicted of two felonies. Brown has also been charged with conspiracy to distribute 500 grams or more of a mixture of substance containing methamphetamine.
If convicted on these charges, all defendants face at least a possible maximum sentence of 10 years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, $100 in special assessments, and three years of supervised release following any imprisonment.
As with any criminal case, a charge is merely an accusation and each defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
The cases were brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN). PSN is the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
These cases were investigated by the Cedar Rapids Police Department, the Marion Police Department, the Hiawatha Police Department, the Linn County Sheriff’s Office, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, the Iowa Division of Narcotics Enforcement, and the Drug Enforcement Administration.
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Eighteen People Charged in Connection with Drug Trafficking RingRead the Press Release
CAMDEN, N.J. – Eighteen people have been charged for their alleged roles in a drug trafficking organization that distributed fentanyl, heroin, and cocaine in Camden, U.S. Attorney Craig Carpenito announced today.
Eleven defendants were arrested today and are expected to appear June 19, 2020, by videoconference before U.S. Magistrate Judge Karen M. Williams: Angel Rodriguez, 30; Manuel Bonilla, 35; Anderlis Martinez-Espinal, 19; Miguel Rodriguez, 27, Julio Medina, 29; Janet Lorenzo, 47; Normali Santiago, 36; Ray Santos, 35, all of Camden; Franklin Lorenzo-Gonzalez, 25, of Pennsauken, New Jersey; Bernardo Carambot, 36, and Alberto Perez, 26, both of Philadelphia.
Juan Cabrera, 30; Jabriel Rosa, 38; Hector Lopez, 31; Brian Smith, 33; Hector Mendez, 36; Pedro Yera, 25; Christian Rosario, 25; all of Camden, remain at large.
Each defendant is charged by complaint with one count of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute fentanyl, heroin, and cocaine.
According to the documents filed in this case and statements made in court:
From at least 2018, the defendants have all allegedly been members of a drug trafficking organization that dealt fentanyl, heroin, and cocaine in 300-400 blocks of Beckett Street, the 400 block of Royden Street, and the 600 block of Pine Street in Camden, where they distributed drugs to customers on foot and in vehicles. The organization also supplied drugs to customers and other distributors elsewhere, including areas in Philadelphia, Paulsboro, New Jersey, and Martinsburg, West Virginia.
Angel Rodriguez, Manuel Bonilla, Juan Cabrera, and Franklin Lorenzo-Gonzalez are the alleged leaders and managers, who obtained bulk supplies of narcotics, prepared and packaged those narcotics for street level sales, provided fentanyl, heroin, and cocaine for resale to customers, collected drug proceeds, operated multiple stash locations, and oversaw the daily sales and operation of the organization. Other members of the organization assisted in managing the sales on the street. High-level members of the drug trafficking organization laundered drug proceeds through bulk vehicle purchases and real estate.
The conspiracy charge carries a mandatory minimum penalty of 30 years in prison and a maximum potential penalty of life in prison and a $10 million fine.
U.S. Attorney Craig Carpenito credited special agents of the FBI’s South Jersey Violent Offender and Gang Task Force, South Jersey Resident Agency, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge of FBI Philadelphia, Michael Driscoll in Philadelphia; special agents of the FBI’s Eastern Panhandle Drug and Violent Crimes Task Force, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge of FBI Pittsburgh, Michael Christman in Pittsburgh; the New Jersey State Police, under the direction of Col. Patrick J. Callahan; the Camden County Police Department, under the direction of Chief Joseph D. Wysocki; the Camden County Prosecutor’s Office, under the direction of Acting Prosecutor Jill S. Mayer; the Camden County Sheriff’s Department, under the direction of Sheriff Gilbert L. Wilson; special agents of the Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Jason Molina, Newark Division; special agents of FBI Newark, under the direction of Acting Special Agent in Charge Douglas Korneski; special agents of FBI New York, Criminal Division, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Jacqueline Maguire; the Gloucester County Prosecutor’s Office, under the direction of Acting Prosecutor Christine Hoffman; the Pennsylvania Attorney General’s Office, under the direction of Attorney General Josh Shapiro; the New Jersey Office of Homeland Security and Preparedness, under the direction of Director Jared M. Maples; and special agents of IRS-Criminal Investigation in Newark, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Michael Montanez, with the investigation leading to the charges announced today.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Alisa Shver of the U.S. Attorney’s Office Criminal Division in Camden.
The charges and allegations contained in the complaints are merely accusations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Detroit Man Sentenced for His Role in Federal Drug ConspiracyRead the Press Release
HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – A Detroit, Michigan man was sentenced to 12 months in prison and three years of supervised release for his role in a federal drug conspiracy, announced United States Attorney Mike Stuart. Tevin Robinson, 26, previously admitted that in April 2017 he came to Huntington with the intent to distribute oxycodone and Xanax. Officers conducted a traffic stop on the vehicle in which Robinson was a passenger on Interstate 64. Officers located more than 200 oxycodone pills and 53 Xanax pills.
“Far too many Detroit drug dealers have flooded Huntington and Charleston with opioids and other addictive and dangerous drugs. I have been laser focused on holding out of state drug peddlers accountable for the harm they have caused in our communities.” United States Attorney Mike Stuart said.
The investigation was conducted by the Violent Crime and Drug Task Force West.
United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers imposed the sentence. Assistant United States Attorney Stephanie S. Taylor handled the prosecution.
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Department of Justice Launches Civil Rights Reporting PortalRead the Press Release
PROVIDENCE – The Department of Justice has announced the launch of the Civil Rights Reporting Portal. This new online tool will make it easier for the public to report a civil rights violation. This tool is now available in addition to direct contact with the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Rhode Island.
“The department is committed to upholding the civil and constitutional rights of all people in the United States,” said Assistant Attorney General Eric Dreiband of the Civil Rights Division. “The Civil Rights Reporting Portal will make it easier for the public to connect with us, which in turn makes us more effective at upholding these important rights. I encourage the public to use this portal to report civil rights violations.”
“We take seriously our obligation to ensure that everyone’s civil rights are protected,” said United States Attorney Aaron L. Weisman. “Without hesitation or favor every allegation of a civil rights violation brought to this office’s attention is carefully scrutinized. The Civil Rights Reporting Portal is one more step that ensures that the public can quickly and efficiently contact the Department of Justice.”
The new Civil Rights Reporting Portal – located at https://www.civilrights.justice.gov/ – will consolidate over 30 unique reporting pathways. The portal will dramatically ease the burden on victims of civil rights violations to identify the proper reporting channel. The form is fully accessible to people with disabilities. It is also available in both English and Spanish, with more languages to be added over the next year.
Individuals can continue to report civil rights violations locally to the United States Attorney’s Office via email at [email protected] or by calling (401) 709-5010.
Individuals who believe they may have been a victim of a civil rights violation can learn how to report violations to the Department by visiting civilrights.justice.gov. When appropriate, the Civil Rights Division staff will refer complainants to other agencies that are responsible for handling specific types of complaints.
Individuals who believe they are a victim of criminal violation of their civil rights, such as misconduct by law enforcement officers, a hate crime, or human trafficking, should contact their local FBI office.
The year 2020 marks the 150th anniversary of the Department of Justice. Learn more about the history of our agency at Justice.gov/Celebrating150Years
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Department of Justice Announces Launch of Civil Rights Reporting PortalRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – The Department of Justice today announced the launch of the Civil Rights Reporting Portal. This new online tool will make it easier for the public to report a civil rights violation.
“The department is committed to upholding the civil and constitutional rights of all people in the United States,” said Assistant Attorney General Eric Dreiband of the Civil Rights Division. “The Civil Rights Reporting Portal will make it easier for the public to connect with us, which in turn makes us more effective at upholding these important rights. I encourage the public to use this portal to report civil rights violations.”
The new Civil Rights Reporting Portal – located at civilrights.justice.gov – will consolidate over 30 unique reporting pathways. The portal will dramatically ease the burden on victims of civil rights violations to identify the proper reporting channel. The form is fully accessible to people with disabilities. It is also available in both English and Spanish, with more languages to be added over the next year.
Individuals who believe that they may have been victims of civil rights violations should contact the department by visiting civilrights.justice.gov.
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.
Dallas, Texas Man Sentenced to 150 Months for Methamphetamine DistributionRead the Press Release
MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that Jacob Thomas Decker, age 28, of Dallas, Texas was sentenced to 150 months’ imprisonment, and 3 years of supervised release for Possession With Intent To Distribute Methamphetamine, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1) and 841(b)(1)(C). The charges arose from an investigation by the Durant Police Department, the Johnston County Sheriff’s Office, the Oklahoma Highway Patrol, the District 22 District Attorneys Task Force, and the Drug Enforcement Administration. The Indictment alleged that on January 16, 2019 the defendant knowingly and intentionally possessed with intent to distribute a mixture or substance containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine, a Schedule II controlled substance.
The investigation began on January 16, 2019 in Durant when the defendant led officers on a vehicle pursuit with speeds reaching in excess of 130 miles per hour before the Durant Police Department terminated the pursuit. Later the same night the defendant led an Oklahoma Highway Patrol trooper on another high-speed chase beginning near Roff, Oklahoma, and ending near Ada. During the second pursuit, the defendant discarded a package later confirmed to contain methamphetamine. The car driven by the defendant, which had been stolen from the Dallas area, contained a large quantity of U.S. currency.
United States Attorney Brian J. Kuester said, “We are all aware of the danger and tragedy methamphetamine has inflicted upon communities throughout the United States. The drug brings horrific consequences to users, their families, and society. The drug itself is not the sole source of the danger related to methamphetamine. Drug dealers will go to great lengths to protect their product, profit, and freedom. Sometimes that involves violence and death, or, as in this case, putting untold numbers of people at risk avoiding apprehension.”
The Honorable Ronald A. White, U.S. District Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, in Muskogee, presided over the hearing. Assistant United States Attorney Rob Wallace represented the United States at the sentencing hearing.Colorado Springs Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Firearm and Drug Distribution CrimesRead the Press Release
DENVER – United States Attorney Jason R. Dunn today announced that Bjoern Rene Pacot, age 30, of Colorado Springs, was sentenced to serve 130 months (over 10 years) in federal prison, followed by 3 years on supervised release for possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime as well as possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and heroin. The sentence was pronounced by Chief U.S. District Judge Philip Brimmer. The defendant appeared at the sentencing hearing remotely in custody and was remanded at the hearing’s conclusion. The Denver Field Division of the ATF joined in today’s announcement.
According to the stipulated facts contained in the defendant’s plea agreement, on January 24, 2019, the Colorado Springs Police Department (CSPD) received a call about a suspicious truck and trailer parked at Sportsman's Warehouse in Colorado Springs, blocking traffic. Officers arrived and the defendant, who was in the driver’s seat, and a passenger were sleeping in the truck. The truck and trailer were stolen. Officers approached the vehicle to wake the parties. They told the defendant to open the door. The defendant refused to get out, resisted officers, and attempted to drive away. Officers immediately noticed that the defendant had a holstered 9mm handgun on his hip. After a brief struggle with police, the defendant was arrested.
Police searched the defendant and the stolen truck, and found:
- A 9mm handgun with 15 rounds in the magazine and one round in the chamber, $848 in cash, and a black mask, all on the defendant's person;
- Methamphetamine and heroin, with some of the heroin in a lock box on the driver's side floorboard;
- Methamphetamine in a container and in a small plastic bag in the center console;
- Plastic baggies on the passenger side floor;
- Digital scales;
- A 9mm long rifle with laser sight and 15 rounds found in the magazine under the rear seat of the truck, but within reach of the driver seat.
In total, police found approximately 22 grams of heroin and 26.4 grams of methamphetamine in the stolen vehicle. The 9mm handgun on defendant's hip was previously stolen in a burglary. Cell phone records from phones and a tablet found in the vehicle revealed text conversations where the defendant discussed possessing guns and selling narcotics. The defendant also discussed previously selling narcotics in post-arrest jail visitations. The narcotics were tested and it was determined that the methamphetamine was at least 97% pure.
On August 5, 2019, while Pacot was on bond for the January 24, 2019 matter, CSPD officers contacted him at an address regarding a stolen motorcycle. The homeowner allowed the officers to enter the residence to contact and speak with the defendant. When the officer contacted the defendant, the defendant put a 9mm gun to his own head and said "back up, back up." After an extended stand-off, officers exited the house and obtained arrest and search warrants for the defendant and the home. Police then re-entered the house, and the defendant was arrested with 1.8 grams of methamphetamine in his left front pant pocket. Officers also recovered the gun Pacot held to his head.
“Drug trafficking is a serious crime. Doing it with weapons is even more so, which is why the sentence here is both significant and appropriate,” said U.S. Attorney Jason R. Dunn. “This is a great result for the people of Colorado Springs.”
“The hard work of the Colorado Springs Police Department resulted in the success of this investigation,” said David Booth, Special Agent in Charge of the ATF Denver Field Division. “Our law enforcement partnerships are one of our greatest resources to combat violent crime.”
This case was investigated by the ATF with substantial assistance from the Colorado Springs Police Department. The defendant was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Brian Dunn.
Chatham County added to Atlanta/Carolinas regional High Intensity Drug Trafficking AreaRead the Press Release
SAVANNAH, GA: Chatham County has been added to the Atlanta-Carolinas Region High Intensity Drug Trafficking area (HIDTA) in an effort to assist in the community’s fight against drug trafficking.
The designation, by the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP), means Chatham County will gain access to additional federal resources to coordinate local efforts to fight drug trafficking and abuse, said Bobby L. Christine, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Georgia. Chatham is the first county in Georgia outside the metro Atlanta area to be included in an HIDTA.
“Being named as part of HIDTA will provide a significant boost to law enforcement in combatting deadly drugs such as opioids and methamphetamine,” said U.S. Attorney Christine. “These additional resources will be used to disrupt the flow of drugs in the greater Savannah area, and hold accountable those who would distribute poison in our communities.”
The High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas program, created by Congress with the Anti-Drug Abuse Act of 1988, provides assistance to federal, state and local law enforcement agencies operating in areas determined to be critical drug-trafficking regions of the United States. Chatham joins the Atlanta/Carolinas HIDTA, which includes multiple counties in the Atlanta area, and in South and North Carolina. The grant program is administered by the ONDCP, with significant support from the Drug Enforcement Administration.
“This additional HIDTA designation will create a focus on new areas affected by drug trafficking. Through the HIDTA program, law enforcement officials enhance collaboration and engage in a coordinated drug enforcement effort that exploits drug-related crimes.” ONDCP Director Jim Carroll said. “As President Trump and First Lady Trump have made clear, we cannot stand for the flow of deadly drugs coming into our communities, which often leads to substance use disorder and violence. It’s imperative that we continue to support and enable communities to be safe and healthy.”
Robert J. Murphy, the Special Agent in Charge of the DEA Atlanta Division stated, “The HIDTA program will advance Chatham County’s efforts to reduce the influence of drug distribution organizations on the community, therefore reducing other violent crimes. The goal is simply to diminish the illegal drug market by dismantling violent drug trafficking and money laundering organizations, through law enforcement coordination.”
Funding for new HIDTAs currently is being finalized for congressional appropriation.
Cass County Man Sentenced to 22 Years for Federal Drug Trafficking ViolationsRead the Press Release
MARSHALL, Texas – A 41-year-old Hughes Springs, Texas man has been sentenced to federal prison for drug trafficking crimes in the Eastern District of Texas, announced U.S. Attorney Stephen J. Cox today.
Oscar Dean Davis pleaded guilty on Feb. 4, 2020, to conspiracy to distribute and distribution of methamphetamine and was sentenced to 264 months in federal prison today by U.S. District Judge Rodney Gilstrap.
According to information presented in court, Davis was the leader of an illegal drug distribution network responsible for obtaining multiple-kilogram quantities of methamphetamine from a Mexican-based supplier and selling them throughout East Texas. Davis admitted to acquiring large numbers of firearms, including pistols, rifles, and high-caliber weapons, and transporting them to the U.S.-Mexico border as a medium of exchange for methamphetamine. Finally, Davis admitted to directing others to use money services businesses to wire transfer proceeds from methamphetamine sales to his supplier in Mexico.
Seventeen other individuals have previously pleaded guilty to their involvement in the drug and firearms trafficking organization. Stephanie Bennett Mata, 35, of Daingerfield, Gary O'Neal Gibson, 62, of Henderson, Felix Antonio Jaime, 37, of Mt. Pleasant, Charlie Jake Porter, 34, of Marietta, Tony King, 41, of Daingerfield, and Gerald Wayne Furlow, 55, of Hughes Springs, each pleaded guilty to possessing or conspiring to possess with the intent to distribute methamphetamine. Raymond Danny Moore, 43, of Avinger, Jennifer Michelle Kirkham, 39, of Jena, Louisiana, Donna Gail Sertuche, 53, of Hughes Springs, Jamie Nicole Browning, 40, of Gilmer, Joshua Nickie Soto, 35, of Leesville, Johnny Duayne Tucker, 52, of Hughes Springs, and James Drakeford Scholl, 41, of Naples, pleaded guilty to either unlawfully obtaining firearms from licensed dealers or transporting firearms to the U.S.-Mexico border in furtherance of the drug trafficking conspiracy. Christina Felipe, 37 of Hughes Springs, Nohemi Aniceto, 39, of San Diego, California, Randall Dean Harper, Jr., 42, of Daingerfield, and Angelica Arreola, 28, of El Paso, have pleaded guilty to conduct including transferring or transporting money from the U.S. to Mexico.
This case is the result of a two-year joint investigation by the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF). The principal mission of the OCDETF program is to identify, disrupt and dismantle the most serious drug trafficking, weapons trafficking and money laundering organizations, and those primarily responsible for the nation’s illegal drug supply.
Davis was indicted by a federal grand jury on Oct. 10, 2018 and charged with drug trafficking violations.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Lucas Machicek.
Career Offender Is Sentenced to 13 Years in Prison on Drug ChargesRead the Press Release
ASHEVILLE, N.C. – U.S. Attorney Andrew Murray announced today that Tristan August Fleming, 32, of Hendersonville, N.C., was sentenced to 13 years in prison on drug charges. In addition to the prison term imposed, Fleming was ordered to serve five years under court supervision upon completion of his prison term.
Ronnie Martinez, Special Agent in Charge of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) in Charlotte, and Tommy D. Coke, Inspector in Charge of the Atlanta Division of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, which oversees Charlotte, join U.S. U.S. Attorney Murray in making today’s announcement.
Court records show that, in May 2018, Belgian Customs Officers intercepted a package addressed to “Taylor McKnight” that contained suspected narcotics, including MDMA, cocaine, ketamine, and LSD. Law enforcement determined that the address on the package was that of a packing and shipping business located in Asheville. After retrieving the illegal substances, law enforcement in the United States arranged a controlled delivery of the package. On June 11, 2018, Fleming entered the shipping business in Asheville and claimed the package. Law enforcement arrested Fleming shortly thereafter. Following a search of his vehicle, law enforcement located drugs in a hidden compartment in Fleming’s vehicle, a wallet containing multiple fraudulent driver’s licenses, and other drug paraphernalia. Elsewhere in the vehicle, law enforcement recovered thousands of dosages of LSD, and $1,020 in drug proceeds.
On October 22, 2019, Fleming pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute narcotics. Based on multiple prior drug trafficking convictions, Fleming was sentenced as a career offender.
In making today’s announcement, U.S. Attorney Murray thanked HSI and USPIS for leading the investigation, and commended the North Carolina Highway Patrol for their assistance with this investigation.
Assistant U.S. Attorney John Pritchard, of the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Asheville, prosecuted the case.
California Man Is Sentenced to More Than Six Years in Prison for Bank Fraud and Aggravated Identity TheftRead the Press Release
CHARLOTTE, N.C. – U.S. Attorney Andrew Murray announced that Jihoon Sun, 48, of California, was sentenced to 75 months in prison and three years of supervised release for bank fraud and aggravated identity theft. U.S. District Judge Max O. Cogburn Jr. presided over yesterday’s sentencing hearing and also ordered Sun to pay $235,438 as restitution.
Tommy D. Coke, Inspector in Charge of the Atlanta Division of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, which oversees Charlotte, joins U.S. U.S. Attorney Murray in making today’s announcement.
According to information contained in court documents and court proceedings, from November 2016 to May 2017, Sun and his co-conspirators used multiple victims’ stolen identities to execute a bank fraud scheme and to defraud several financial institutions. Court records show that Sun and his co-conspirators stole the identities of legitimate bank account holders, including holders of home equity lines of credit (HELOCs), and used the stolen account holders’ identities to fraudulently obtain funds from the financial institutions through cash advances and cashiers’ checks. To perpetuate the fraud, Sun and others obtained fraudulent forms of identification in the identity victims’ names, including fake drivers’ licenses, fake paystubs, and fake proofs of insurance. Sun and his co-conspirators then deposited the stolen funds into other bank accounts, established using the stolen identities of another set of identity theft victims. These “straw accounts” were controlled by the conspirators, and were used to convert the funds to cash at bank branches located in Mecklenburg County. In this manner, the co-conspirators stole or attempted to steal more than $290,000 in cash and cashiers’ checks.
On July 2, 2019, Sun pleaded guilty to bank fraud conspiracy and aggravated identity theft. In making today’s announcement, U.S. Attorney Murray thanked USPIS for their investigation of this case and the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department for their assistance.
Assistant U.S. Attorney William Bozin, of the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Charlotte, prosecuted the case.
Buffalo Man Going to Prison for Conspiring to Sell Crack Cocaine with His WifeRead the Press Release
CONTACT: Barbara Burns
PHONE: (716) 843-5817
FAX #: (716) 551-3051BUFFALO, N.Y. - U.S. Attorney James P. Kennedy, Jr. announced today that Jermaine Ellison, 33, of Niagara Falls, NY, who was convicted of conspiracy to distribute crack cocaine, was sentenced to serve 82 months in prison by U.S. District Judge Richard J. Arcara.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeremiah Lenihan, who handled the case, stated that between November 2015 and January 26, 2017, the defendant conspired with his wife, Tasheka Stalling, to distribute cocaine base. During a portion of the time period of the conspiracy, as of August 2016 the defendant was serving a sentence of imprisonment for a New York State drug charge. While in prison, he communicated with his wife to continue the narcotics distribution.
Tasheka Stalling was previously convicted and is awaiting sentencing.
The sentencing is the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Acting Special Agent-in-Charge Robert Guyton; the Niagara County Sheriff’s Office, under the direction of Acting Sheriff Michael Filicetti; the New York State Police, under the direction of Major Edward Kennedy; and the Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority (NFTA), under the direction of Chief George Gast.
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Bronx, New York, Man Indicted for Drug TraffickingRead the Press Release
TRENTON, N.J. – A federal grand jury today indicted an individual with ties to a drug-trafficking organization for possessing nearly 1 kilogram of heroin with intent to distribute in Ocean County, U.S. Attorney Craig Carpenito announced.
Luis Payano-Perez, 36, of the Bronx, New York, was charged with one count of possession of 100 grams or more of heroin with intent to distribute. Payano-Perez was previously charged by criminal complaint in November 2018. He will be arraigned on a date to be determined.
According to documents filed in the case and statements made in court:
In early November 2018, a U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), confidential informant provided information that Payano-Perez was prepared to sell the source a large volume of heroin on the evening of November 8, 2018, in the parking lot of the Wawa convenience store in Tuckerton, New Jersey.
In the days before Nov. 8, 2018, Payano-Perez and the confidential informant arranged for the quantity and price of the heroin to be sold, as well as the date, time and location of the planned transaction. On Nov. 8, 2018, Payano-Perez met with two confidential government informants at the Wawa parking lot in order to sell them approximately one kilogram of heroin. Law enforcement officers converged on the Wawa parking lot and arrested Payano-Perez. A subsequent search of Payano-Perez’s vehicle uncovered a bag containing nearly one kilogram of heroin.
The charge against Payano-Perez carries a mandatory minimum penalty of five years in prison and a maximum potential penalty of 40 years in prison, and a $5 million fine.
U.S. Attorney Carpenito credited special agents of HSI Atlantic City, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Jason Molina in Newark; and the Tuckerton Police Department, under the direction of Chief Brian Olsen, with the investigation leading to today’s indictment.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Eric A. Boden of the U.S. Attorney’s Office’s Criminal Division in Trenton.
The charge and allegations contained in the indictment are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Baltimore Man Pleads Guilty to Federal Charges for Conspiring to Sell Stolen Goods and for Tax FraudRead the Press Release
Baltimore, Maryland – James Edward Bender, age 35, of Baltimore, Maryland, pleaded guilty today to federal conspiracy and tax fraud charges.
The guilty plea was announced by United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Robert K. Hur; Special Agent in Charge Kelly R. Jackson of the Internal Revenue Service - Criminal Investigation, Washington, D.C. Field Office; and Special Agent in Charge John Eisert of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Baltimore.
According to his guilty plea, from 2014 through August 2019, Bender controlled three eBay accounts, in the names of HiddenGemFurniture (HGF), EddiesAffordableGear (EAG), and AffordableGoodies4You (AG). EAG and AG offered sports-related merchandise for sale, including jerseys and shirts. Bender also used, operated, and controlled related PayPal accounts.
Bender admitted that beginning in 2014 he agreed to allow a good friend, SC1, who lived in Texas and Colorado, as well as SC2, a relative of SC1 who lived in Berlin, Maryland, to use Bender’s eBay accounts to sell goods and merchandise after eBay had suspended SC1’s account due to security concerns. From May 2014 through August 2019, Bender and SC1 conspired to engage in transactions to sell goods and merchandise which they knew had been previously stolen, using Bender’s eBay and PayPal accounts.
As detailed in the plea agreement, in furtherance of the fraud scheme, Bender and SC1 repeatedly deceived online platforms such as Amazon, eBay, as well as the manufacturers and distributors, as to the source of the goods and merchandise being sold by Bender and SC1. More than $3 million of these goods and merchandise had been stolen, including more than $125,000 of iPods that had been stolen from a New Mexico school district and intended for underprivileged children. In 2018, SC1 and Bender sold more than $550,000 of goods and merchandise that had been stolen from a Delaware FedEx facility. As part of his participation in the fraud scheme, Bender received more than $10,000 per year from the eBay sales of stolen goods and merchandise.
Bender further admitted that he filed false tax returns for the tax years 2014 through 2018, falsely inflating the gross receipts and cost of goods sold of Bender's businesses. In each of these years, Bender reported as his gross receipts amounts that had actually been generated by SC1's sales through his eBay stores, and reported as his cost of goods sold the difference between gross receipts and the amount SC1 paid him for the use of his eBay stores. As a result, Bender engaged in significant misstatements on his tax returns for each year. Bender also subscribed to additional false information on his tax returns, including overstating his postage expenses. In total, Bender stipulates that he failed to pay the United States an additional $36,518 in taxes due and owing for the tax years 2014 to 2018.
Bender faces a maximum sentence of five years in federal prison for the conspiracy and a maximum of three years in federal prison for tax fraud. Actual sentences for federal crimes are typically less than the maximum penalties. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after taking into account the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
United States Attorney Robert K. Hur commended the IRS-Criminal Investigation and HSI for their work in the investigation. Mr. Hur thanked Assistant U.S. Attorneys Harry M. Gruber and Paul A. Riley, who are prosecuting the case.
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Attorney Licensed in New Jersey and New York Charged with Marijuana OffensesRead the Press Release
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — A grand jury brought a five-count indictment today against a Granite Bay resident, charging him with conspiracy to transport marijuana and concentrated cannabis oil in his Learjet, U.S. Attorney McGregor W. Scott announced.
Manish Patel, 33, is an attorney licensed in New Jersey and New York. According to court documents, between Feb. 27, 2017, and June 13, 2019, Patel allegedly conspired to fly marijuana and concentrated cannabis oil (tetrahydrocannabinol or TCH) from California across the country in his private airplane.
In May and June 2019, search warrants were executed at three locations that resulted in the seizure of approximately 1,400 pounds of marijuana contraband and $400,000 in cash. One of the locations searched was a warehouse being used as a laboratory to manufacture concentrated cannabis, where over 980 pounds of processed marijuana and over 50 pounds of concentrated cannabis were seized.
According to the criminal complaint, in January 2017, Patel is alleged to have paid $345,000 in cash for the Learjet. In August 2018, agents stopped Patel and several associates at an executive airport in Albuquerque, New Mexico and seized $80,000 in cash. When investigators searched the Learjet again in June 2019, it contained over 180 pounds of dried marijuana and over 18 pounds of THC. The flight plan for the Learjet showed that it was scheduled to fly to Colorado, then Illinois, and then New Jersey.
This case is the product of an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the El Dorado Sheriff’s Office, the El Dorado District Attorney’s Office, the Placer County Sheriff’s Office, and the Placer County District Attorney’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kevin Khasigian and Vincenza Rabenn are prosecuting the case.
If convicted, Patel faces a mandatory minimum sentence of five years in prison and a maximum of up to 40 years in prison and a fine up to $5 million for the conspiracy to distribute marijuana and THC and possession with intent to distribute marijuana charges. He faces a maximum statutory penalty of 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $1 million for possession with intent to distribute THC. Any sentence, however, would be determined at the discretion of the court after consideration of any applicable statutory factors and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, which take into account a number of variables. The charges are only allegations; the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
Akron man twice convicted for domestic violence indicted for possession of a firearmRead the Press Release
Justin E. Herdman, U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Ohio, announced today that a federal grand jury in Cleveland, Ohio has returned a two-count indictment charging Michael D. McCullough, age 44, of Akron with felon in possession of a firearm and possession of a firearm by a person with a domestic violence conviction.
“Prosecuting individuals who unlawfully possess a firearm with a domestic violence conviction has been a priority for the Northern District during my tenure,” said U.S. Attorney Justin Herdman. “Last year, the District charged 17 defendants with possession of a firearm while prohibited by the Violence Against Women Act. We will continue to prosecute these types of cases as statistics show that domestic violence offenders with a firearm are far more likely to use it against their spouse or law enforcement.”
According to the indictment, on March 12, 2020, the defendant illegally possessed a .380 caliber pistol with previous felony convictions. McCullough is prohibited from possessing a firearm due to previous convictions of drug abuse and aggravated drug trafficking in 1995 in the Court of Common Pleas of Summit County, domestic violence, a misdemeanor, in 1997 in the Municipal Court of Akron, and a second charge of domestic violence, a felony, in 2006 in the Court of Common Pleas of Summit County.
An indictment is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt. A defendant is entitled to a fair trial in which it will be the government’s burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
If convicted, the defendant’s sentence will be determined by the Court after review of factors unique to this case, including the defendant’s prior criminal records, if any, the defendant’s role in the offense and the characteristics of the violation. In all cases, the sentence will not exceed the statutory maximum and, in most cases, it will be less than the maximum.
The investigation preceding the indictment was conducted by the ATF and Akron Police Department. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Damoun Delaviz.
21-year sentence imposed for multiple armed robberies of businesses in the Gainesville and metro-Atlanta areasRead the Press Release
NEWNAN, Ga. – Ricky Eugene Reid has been sentenced to 21 years in federal prison for the armed robbery of five businesses and the attempted armed robbery of a sixth business.
“Reid’s ten month crime spree terrorized the employees of the businesses he robbed,” said U.S. Attorney Byung J. “BJay” Pak. “The collective efforts of our federal and local law enforcement partners secured his apprehension, culminating in his convictions and this lengthy prison sentence.”
“Mr. Reid’s sentence is appropriate but it will never erase the fear and anguish felt by his victims,” said Arthur Peralta, Special Agent in Charge of ATF in Atlanta. “Mr. Reid had no compassion for the people he terrorized and threatened to shoot, as is the case in many robbery cases. We must come together as a community to promote the idea that crime is not the answer.”
“This is a prime example of how fluid communication and teamwork can result in success. Our community, our officers, and our investigators displayed outstanding courage and perseverance during critical times of the investigation. The formation of professional relationships between all agencies played a vital role in Reid’s arrest. I am proud of all the collaborative efforts and teamwork involved to make our community a safer place,” said Jay Parrish, Chief of Police, Gainesville Police Department.
“The Gwinnett County Police Department is committed to ensure violent crimes are fully investigated to ensure a successful prosecution. Gwinnett Police detectives worked tirelessly alongside several other jurisdictions to help bring this violent offender to justice. The collaborative efforts in working with the United States Attorney’s Office, the ATF and other jurisdictions, ensures these violent offenders are taken off the streets so our neighborhoods and communities are safe,” said Maj. Chris Smith, Commander of the Criminal Investigations Section, Gwinnett County Police Department.
“Ricky Reid terrorized numerous victims in multiple jurisdictions across Northeast Georgia. His arrest and criminal convictions are the direct result of the strong relationships we strive to maintain with our community members and law enforcement partners, both locally and federally. This lengthy prison sentence sends a clear message that our community will not tolerate these types of heinous criminal acts,” said Lt. Todd Templeton, Criminal Investigation Division, Oakwood Police Department.
“The arrest, prosecution, and conviction of Reid is an excellent example of leveraging the resources of local and federal law enforcement to remove a truly dangerous individual from society for many years,” said Billy J. Grogan, Chief of Police, Dunwoody Police Department.
According to U.S. Attorney Pak, the charges, and other information presented in court: Between August 26, 2018, and June 7, 2019, Ricky Reid engaged in a crime spree during which he robbed four department stores, a pizza store, and attempted to rob a fifth department store. While robbing the four department stores, Reid fired a gun multiple times through the front door window, shattering the glass (store employees were in the immediate direction and area of where Reid fired). Reid pointed a gun at employees during each of the robberies and forced them to empty their cash registers. During one robbery, he pursued a store manager at gunpoint who was running away with bank bags from the register and told her “stop” or “I’ll shoot.”
Reid was eventually captured on June 7, 2019, as he was preparing to rob a sixth department store in Buford, Georgia. When law enforcement searched Reid’s vehicle, agents located a firearm inside the vehicle as well as ammunition and black clothing consistent with what Reid wore during his prior armed robberies. Agents eventually learned that Reid was previously employed at one of the department stores.
Ricky Eugene Reid, 34, of Oakwood, Georgia, was sentenced on June 11, 2020, by U.S. District Judge Richard W. Story to 21 years in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release, and ordered him to pay restitution in the amount of $16,342.42. Reid was convicted of these charges on December 4, 2019, after he pled guilty to multiple counts of Hobbs Act robbery and brandishing a firearm during a crime of violence.Former Assistant U.S. Attorney William McKinnon and Assistant U.S. Attorney Laurel R. Boatright prosecuted this case.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, the Gainesville Police Department, the Gwinnett County Police Department, the Oakwood Police Department, the Dunwoody Police Department and the Johns Creek Police Department investigated this case.
This case was brought as a part of the Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN). In keeping with the Attorney Generals mission to reduce violent crime, the Northern District of Georgia’s PSN program focuses on prosecuting those individuals who most significantly drive violence in our communities, and supports and fosters partnerships between law enforcement and schools, the faith community, and local community leaders to prevent and deter future criminal conduct.
For further information please contact the U.S. Attorney’s Public Affairs Office at [email protected] or (404) 581-6016. The Internet address for the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Georgia is http://www.justice.gov/usao-ndga.
Wednesday 17 June 2020
Veteran’s Affairs Respiratory Therapist charged with stealing COVID-19 related medical supplies and selling them on eBayRead the Press Release
Seattle - A 41- year-old Bonney Lake, Washington, man was charged today in U.S. District Court in Seattle with theft of government property for his scheme to profit by stealing and selling respiratory support equipment from the Veterans Affairs Medical Center (VAMC), announced U.S. Attorney Brian T. Moran. GENE WAMSLEY was employed as a Respiratory Therapist at VAMC until he was placed on leave from VAMC on June 9, 2020. WAMSLEY made his initial appearance on the criminal complaint today in Seattle.
“Right now respiratory support equipment is critical in medical care for those suffering with COVID-19 infections. To steal and sell equipment needed to care for our veterans is a shocking betrayal,” said U.S. Attorney Brian T. Moran.
According to the criminal complaint, the investigation began in January 2020 when VAMC reported two bronchoscopes missing from the hospital. A third bronchoscope was reported missing in April 2020. Staff at the VAMC had noticed bronchoscopes listed for sale on eBay from a seller in Bonney Lake, Washington. The investigation linked the sale of three bronchoscopes to WAMSLEY. A further review of eBay records revealed WAMSLEY had sold five ventilators in March and April 2020. Three ventilators were found to be missing from VMAC during the same time period. EBay records reveal a variety of other respiratory support equipment sold by the account linked to WAMSLEY. Administrators at VAMC confirmed the items were used in the respiratory therapy department.
Law enforcement executed a court authorized search warrant at WAMSLEY’s home on June 9, 2020. Medical supplies and eBay sales records were seized in the search.
The charges contained in the criminal complaint are only allegations. A person is presumed innocent unless and until he or she is proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Theft of government property is punishable by up to ten years in prison.
The case is being investigated by the Veterans Affairs Office of Inspector General (VA-OIG). The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Cecelia Gregson.
wamsley_complaint.pdfUnited States Department of Justice Announces Launch of Civil Rights Reporting PortalRead the Press Release
A new online tool designed to help the public report civil rights violations
United States Attorney for the Virgin Islands, Gretchen C.F. Shappert, announced that earlier this week, the United States Department of Justice launched its new Civil Rights Reporting Portal. This new online tool will make it easier for the public to report civil rights violations.
“The department is committed to upholding the civil and constitutional rights of all people in the United States,” said Assistant Attorney General Eric Dreiband of the Civil Rights Division. “The Civil Rights Reporting Portal will make it easier for the public to connect with us, which in turn makes us more effective at upholding these important rights. I encourage the public to use this portal to report civil rights violations.”
The Civil Rights Reporting Portal – located at civilrights.justice.gov – consolidates over 30 unique reporting pathways. The portal dramatically eases the burden on victims of civil rights violations to identify the proper reporting channel. The form is fully accessible to people with disabilities. It is also available in both English and Spanish, with more languages to be added over the next year. Members of the public will find it easier to tell their story, submit their report, and receive guidance on what to expect next. The new form is designed to help the Civil Rights Division receive information needed to process reports efficiently. Based upon users’ answers, the form routes reports to the most appropriate team in the Civil Rights Division. The teams will read and review every report, in order to determine how best to proceed.
Individuals who believe they may have been a victim of a civil rights violation can learn how to report violations to the Department by visiting civilrights.justice.gov. When appropriate, the Civil Rights Division staff will refer complainants to other agencies that are responsible for handling specific types of complaints.
According to U.S. Attorney Shappert, “The Civil Rights Reporting Portal is a user-friendly reporting platform that will enable federal prosecutors and agents to identify and respond to alleged civil rights violations. The range of federal civil rights protections is very broad and includes voting, housing and land use, lending and credit, public accommodations, education,
employment, policing, prisons and jails, disability rights, service-member rights and more. The Portal helps the Department to more easily hear from and respond to victims of civil rights violations from across the country”. Shappert noted that the Department’s Civil Rights Division receives approximately 100,000 contacts from the public each year regarding potential civil rights violations. “The need for more effective reporting opportunities is great, which is why Department personnel worked for over a year to design a more streamlined reporting process,” she said.
Shappert also emphasized that individuals who believe they are a victim of a criminal violation of their civil rights, such as misconduct by law enforcement officers, a hate crime, or human trafficking, should contact their local FBI office.
United States Attorney’s Office Honors Emanuel AME Church Victims on Fifth Anniversary of ShootingRead the Press Release
COLUMBIA, South Carolina --- United States Attorney Peter M. McCoy, Jr. announced today that the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of South Carolina honors the memory and legacy of the nine innocent lives lost five years ago on June 17, 2015, during the massacre at Emanuel AME Church in Charleston.
“We will never forget the impact of this horrific crime upon the victims, survivors, family members, and the Mother Emanuel AME Church,” said U.S. Attorney McCoy. “Now, more than ever, their response of love and peace continues to reverberate throughout our state and country. Our office is honored by the privilege of having walked with the survivors and family members as we sought justice on their behalf. They will forever remain in our hearts.”
The victims of the killing included the church’s senior pastor and eight of his parishioners:
- The Honorable Rev. Clementa Pinckney, 41
- Cynthia Graham Hurd, 54
- Susie Jackson, 87
- Ethel Lance, 70
- Rev. DePayne Middleton, 49
- Tywanza Sanders, 26
- Rev. Daniel Simmons, 74
- Rev. Sharonda Singleton, 45
- Myra Thompson, 59
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The year 2020 marks the 150th anniversary of the Department of Justice. Learn more about the history of our agency at www.Justice.gov/Celebrating150Years.
U.S. Attorney McSwain Announces Charges Against Philadelphia Woman for Arson of Two Philadelphia Police Cars During ProtestsRead the Press Release
PHILADELPHIA – United States Attorney William M. McSwain announced that Lore-Elisabeth Blumenthal, 33, of Philadelphia, PA has been charged by criminal complaint for the arson of two Philadelphia Police Department (PPD) vehicles.
The defendant is currently in federal custody and had her initial appearance in federal court yesterday. The government will be filing a motion for the defendant to be detained pending trial.
Following peaceful protests in the early afternoon of May 30, 2020 in response to the killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis, MN, civil unrest began to unfold later that afternoon in Philadelphia that resulted in widespread looting, burglary, arson, destruction of property, and other violent acts.
On that day, two vehicles, one PPD sedan (number 2514) and one PPD sport utility vehicle (number 1612), were parked on the north side of City Hall in Philadelphia. During the violent episodes that began around City Hall that afternoon, Blumenthal allegedly set fire to both vehicles. According to the complaint, various videos taken at the scene captured the defendant wearing protective goggles and gloves, taking a flaming piece of wooden police barricade from the rear window of the PPD sedan that was already on fire, and then shoving the flaming wood into the PPD SUV that was not on fire. Within minutes, the PPD SUV was also completely engulfed in flames. As result of the fires, both PPD vehicles were destroyed.
“We at the U.S. Attorney’s Office fully support the First Amendment right of the people to assemble peaceably and to petition their government. But torching a police car has nothing to do with peaceful protest or any legitimate message. It is a violent and despicable act that will be prosecuted in this District to the fullest extent of the law,” said U.S. Attorney McSwain. “Anybody who engaged in such acts can stand by to put your hands behind your back and head to federal prison. We are coming for you.”
“During the past several weeks, multitudes of people peacefully and lawfully exercised their First Amendment right to protest,” said Philadelphia Police Commissioner Danielle Outlaw. “However, there were individuals who chose to use the protests as an opportunity to engage in criminal activity. Some of these individuals’ actions were malicious, destructive, and could have resulted in critical injuries to others. We are privileged to have worked, and will continue to work, with our partners in law enforcement to investigate, identify and hold accountable the persons who committed these unlawful acts.”
“Our communities deserve to be safe from these types of violent crimes,” said Acting Special Agent in Charge John Schmidt. “Everybody deserves to be safe from violent criminals utilizing dangerous methods to destroy our neighborhoods and property. ATF will always work with our local, state and federal partners to investigate and arrest the criminals who choose to use arson to commit their crimes and terrorize the public.”
“Masses of people took to the streets of Philadelphia on May 30, exercising their right to peacefully protest,” said Michael J. Driscoll, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Philadelphia Division. “They were there to send a message in which they truly believed. Sprinkled among the crowd, though, were agitators, whose sole purpose was to commit crimes and cause chaos. As alleged, Blumenthal came prepared for just that, carrying out these arsons that destroyed property and put many lives at risk. Sadly, such acts also hijacked the message of the day’s demonstrators, whose calls for change were obscured for a time by the smoke from all those fires. Working with our law enforcement partners, the FBI is committed to bringing to justice those responsible for violent acts during the otherwise peaceful protests in Philadelphia.”
“Homeland Security Investigations fully respects the rights of all people to voice their opinion without interference, including through peaceful assembly and protest,” said Brian A. Michael, Special Agent in Charge for HSI Philadelphia. “Unfortunately, a number of protestors enticed violence that resulted in destruction of property throughout the City of Philadelphia. In instances like these, HSI works closely with federal, state, and local law enforcement partners to ensure those who inflict damage that impacts the safety and security of our community are held accountable.”
If convicted, the defendant faces a maximum possible sentence of eighty years in prison, followed by three years of supervised release, and a fine of up to $500,000.
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Homeland Security Investigations, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms, the Philadelphia Police Department and the Philadelphia Fire Marshal's Office, with assistance from the New Jersey Office of Homeland Security and Preparedness, and is being prosecuted by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania.
An indictment, information, or criminal complaint is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.