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4 August 2020
Former Uber Executive Sentenced to 18 Months in Jail for Trade Secret Theft from GoogleRead the Press Release
SAN FRANCISCO – Anthony Scott Levandowski pleaded guilty and was sentenced today to 18 months in prison for trade secret theft related to Google’s self-driving car program, announced United States Attorney David L. Anderson and John F. Bennett, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Levandowski was also ordered to pay a $95,000 fine and $756,499.22 in restitution.
As part of a plea agreement, Levandowski, 40, of Marin County, pleaded guilty to one of the 33 counts of trade secrets theft originally filed against him in 2019. In pleading guilty, Levandowski admitted that from 2009 to 2016 he worked in Google’s self-driving car program, known then as Project Chauffer. Levandowski admitted that during this time, he was aware his employment agreement required him to keep Google’s valuable non-public information confidential. He also admitted knowing that the non-public information related to Project Chauffeur was sensitive and subject to the confidentiality requirement. Nevertheless, Levandowski admitted that in 2016, as he was preparing to leave Google, he downloaded thousands of Project Chauffer files onto his personal laptop. He also admitted downloading a variety of files from a corporate Google Drive repository. Among these files was an internal tracking document entitled “Chauffeur TL weekly updates – Q4 2015.” The update contained a variety of confidential details regarding the status of Project Chauffer. Levandowski admitted he downloaded this file with the intent to use it to benefit himself and Uber Technologies, Inc. As part of his plea agreement, Levandowski admitted that the stolen document was Google’s trade secret, and that a reasonable estimate of the loss attributable to his theft was up to $1,500,000.
As part of the plea agreement, prosecutors agreed to dismiss the remaining 32 charges against Levandowski. However, prosecutors presented evidence to the court of Levandowski’s broader course of conduct, including downloading thousands of files from an internal, password-protected Google server, describing Levandowski’s overall conduct as “brazen and shocking.” In papers, they argued Levandowski “did the exact thing that Congress criminalized: he took a trade secret on his way out the door.”
The sentence was handed down by the Honorable William H. Alsup, U.S. District Judge. In sentencing Levandowski, Judge Alsup observed “this is the biggest trade secret crime I have ever seen. This was not small. This was massive in scale.” Judge Alsup also sentenced Levandowski to a fine of $95,000 and ordered him to pay $756,499.22 in restitution to Waymo LLC, as Google’s self-driving program is now known. Levandowski was also sentenced to a 3-year period of supervised release. The defendant will begin serving the sentence on a date to be assigned in the future, when risks from the COVID-19 have subsided.
The prosecution is being handled by the Office of the U.S. Attorney, Northern District of California’s Corporate Fraud Strike Force and is the result of an investigation by the FBI.
Former Pharmacy Owner Admits Role in Large-Scale Illegal Kickback SchemeRead the Press Release
NEWARK, N.J. – A Morris County, New Jersey, pharmacist today admitted participating in a conspiracy to pay bribes and kickbacks for compounded pain creams, U.S. Attorney Craig Carpenito announced.
Robert Fazzini, 53, of Succasunna, New Jersey, pleaded guilty by videoconference before U.S. District Judge Susan D. Wigenton to an information charging him with one count of conspiring to violate the anti-kickback statute.
According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:
Fazzini was a licensed pharmacist and owner of the now-closed White’s Pharmacy in Morristown, New Jersey. In the summer and fall of 2015, Fazzini participated in a bribe and kickback conspiracy stemming from a scheme to obtain millions of dollars in health benefits from the federal workers’ compensation program by prescribing and dispensing expensive compound pain creams. A Jersey City doctor prescribed compound pain creams for his patients, and a conspirator helped steer those prescriptions to White’s Pharmacy. In exchange for this arrangement, Fazzini routinely paid the conspirator bribes and kickbacks of approximately 50 percent of the reimbursement income White’s Pharmacy received for the pain cream prescriptions. Fazzini and the conspirator attempted to conceal some of these payments by having Fazzini write checks to a relative and different entities associated with the conspirator.
As part of his plea agreement, Fazzini agreed that the improper benefit conferred was between $500,000 and $1.5 million for the charged conspiracy to violate the federal anti-kickback statute.
The count of conspiracy to violate the federal anti-kickback statute is punishable by a maximum of five years in prison and a fine of $250,000, or twice the gross gain or loss derived from the offense, whichever is greater. Sentencing is scheduled for Dec. 8, 2020.
U.S. Attorney Carpenito credited special agents of the FBI, under the direction of Acting Special Agent in Charge Joe Denahan in Newark; the U.S. Postal Service, Office of Inspector General, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge of the Northeast Area Field Office Matthew M. Modafferi; the Department of Labor, Office of Inspector General, New York Region, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Michael C. Mikulka; and special agents of IRS-Criminal Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Michael Montanez, with the investigation leading to today’s guilty plea.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Joshua L. Haber and Nicole F. Mastropieri of the Health Care Fraud Unit in the Criminal Division, Newark.
Former Correctional Officer Charged with Smuggling Cellphones into Dauphin County PrisonRead the Press Release
HARRISBURG - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that on July 31, 2020, Kyle Bower, age 31, of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, was charged with smuggling contraband into Dauphin County Prison.
According to United States Attorney David J. Freed, the information alleges that Bower worked as a correctional officer in the Dauphin County Prison from September 2014 through May 2016. It is alleged that during his employment, he smuggled cellphones inside of the Dauphin County Prison at the behest of inmates between October 2015 and January 2016. The information also alleges that Bower received monetary compensation for providing phones to inmates.
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Dauphin County Criminal Investigation Division in partnership with the Warden of the Dauphin County Prison. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Chelsea Schinnour and Michael Consiglio are prosecuting the case.
Indictments and Criminal Informations are only allegations. All persons charged are presumed to be innocent unless and until found guilty in court.
A sentence following a finding of guilt is imposed by the Judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.
The maximum penalty under federal law for this offense is five years of imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the Judge is also required to consider and weigh a number of factors, including the nature, circumstances and seriousness of the offense; the history and characteristics of the defendant; and the need to punish the defendant, protect the public and provide for the defendant's educational, vocational and medical needs. For these reasons, the statutory maximum penalty for the offense is not an accurate indicator of the potential sentence for a specific defendant.
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Former Aramark Employee Charged with Smuggling Cellphones into Dauphin County PrisonRead the Press Release
HARRISBURG - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that on July 31, 2020, Kamilah Lewis, age 32, of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, was charged in a criminal information with smuggling contraband into Dauphin County Prison.
According to United States Attorney David J. Freed, the information alleges that Lewis worked as a member of the kitchen staff in the Dauphin County Prison from May 2013 through September 2016. It is alleged that during her employment, she smuggled cellphones inside of the Dauphin County Prison at the behest of inmates between April and May 2015. The information also alleges that Lewis received monetary compensation for providing phones to inmates.
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Dauphin County Criminal Investigation Division in partnership with the Warden of the Dauphin County Prison. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Michael Consiglio and Chelsea Schinnour are prosecuting the case.
Indictments and Criminal Informations are only allegations. All persons charged are presumed to be innocent unless and until found guilty in court.
A sentence following a finding of guilt is imposed by the Judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.
The maximum penalty under federal law for this offense is five years of imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the Judge is also required to consider and weigh a number of factors, including the nature, circumstances and seriousness of the offense; the history and characteristics of the defendant; and the need to punish the defendant, protect the public and provide for the defendant's educational, vocational and medical needs. For these reasons, the statutory maximum penalty for the offense is not an accurate indicator of the potential sentence for a specific defendant.
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Florida Man Charged with Child Sex Offenses in New JerseyRead the Press Release
CAMDEN, N.J. – A Florida man was arrested today and charged with seeking sex with a minor and inducing her to send him sexual explicit images, U.S. Attorney Craig Carpenito announced today.
Andrew Drechsel, 31, of Saint Cloud, Florida, is charged by complaint with manufacture of child pornography, enticement of a minor to travel for illicit sexual conduct, travel with the intent to engage in illicit sexual conduct with a minor, and use of interstate commerce to entice a minor. He made his initial appearance today in the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Florida, prior to his transfer to the District of New Jersey.
According to the complaint:
Drechsel sought to have sex with a minor girl and traveled to New Jersey with the intent to engage in illicit sexual conduct with that minor. He also enticed and coerced a minor to travel to Connecticut to engage in illicit sexual conduct and engaged in online sexual communications with a minor and induced her to manufacture sexually explicit images of herself and send them to Drechsel.
The count of use of interstate commerce to entice carries a maximum sentence of life in prison; the count of enticement to travel for illicit sexual conduct carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison; the count of travel with the intent to engage in illicit sexual conduct carries a maximum sentence of 30 years in prison; and the count of manufacture of child pornography carries a minimum of 15 years in prison and a maximum of 30 years in prison. All of the counts also carry a maximum fine of $250,000 per count.
This case was investigated by agents with the FBI South Jersey Resident Agency, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Michael J. Driscoll in Philadelphia; with assistance from the Camden County Prosecutor’s Office, under the direction of Acting Prosecutor Jill S. Mayer; the Burlington County Prosecutor’s Office under the direction of Scott A. Coffina; the Cherry Hill Police Department under the direction of Chief William P. Monaghan; the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Connecticut, under the direction of U.S. Attorney John H. Durham; agents of the FBI New Haven Division, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge David Sundberg; the Hartford and New Haven, Connecticut, state’s attorney’s offices; the Windsor, Connecticut, Police Department under the direction of Chief Donald Melanson; and the Hamden, Connecticut, Police Department under the direction of Chief John F. Cappiello; and agents of the FBI Tampa, Orlando Resident Agency, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Michael F. McPherson.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Alisa Shver of the U.S. Attorney’s Office Criminal Division in Camden.
If you have information regarding the pending prosecution, or you believe you or someone you know may have been victimized by the defendant, the FBI requests that you contact them at 1-800-CALL-FBI or report it at tips.fbi.gov. Identified victims may be eligible for certain services and rights under federal and/or state law.
The charges and allegations contained in the complaint are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Fifteenth person charged with theft in ongoing Social Security benefits fraud investigationRead the Press Release
CINCINNATI – Napoleon Crawford, 52, of Mason, was arrested and appeared in U.S. District Court here on July 30 to face charges in a two-count indictment alleging that Crawford has stolen more than $80,000 in Social Security and Department of Defense benefits earned by his father, a retired Navy officer who died in 2016.
Crawford is the fifteenth person charged this year in the 48-county Southern District of Ohio based on results of a large audit conducted by the Social Security Administration, Office of Inspector General, which found that dozens of Ohioans are illegally collecting a deceased relative’s federal retirement, Social Security or Veterans’ Administration benefits.
Ten of the fifteen people have pleaded guilty to charges of theft of public funds, a felony that is punishable by up to ten years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. The fifteen charged allegedly received more than $898,000 in benefits.
One person has been sentenced so far. Debra Edwards, 57, of South Lebanon was sentenced July 28. Edwards was ordered to repay $49,575 in benefits she received illegally and serve three years’ probation with the first 90 days to be served in home detention.
“We will prosecute people who stick their hands in the pockets of taxpayers to steal benefits earned by their relatives,” said David M. DeVillers, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio. “The investigation is continuing and others could be charged.”
In addition to Crawford and Edwards, the following individuals have been charged:
Name Age City Amount Status
Lori Barker
51
Hamilton
$53,406
Awaiting sentencing
Kinnard Asher
60
South Lebanon
$33,308
Awaiting sentencing
Billy Gray
44
Mt. Orab
$43,998
Awaiting sentencing
Laverne Harrison
60
Cincinnati
$40,079
Awaiting sentencing
Linda Daniels
62
Mt. Orab
$62,336
Awaiting sentencing
Wayne Coulter II
33
Cincinnati
$28,742
Charges pending
Ronald Lewis
43
Hamilton
$55,508
Awaiting sentencing
Douglas Dible
68
Richwood
$153,962
Awaiting sentencing
Gloria Funk
65
New Lexington
$55,920
Awaiting sentencing
Victor Warren
52
Marietta
$36,090
Charges pending
Donald Hawkins Jr.
47
Columbus
$27,120
Charges pending
Christina Saldana
41
West Carrollton
$103,042
Charges pending
Nathaniel Carruth
64
Dayton
$75,077
Awaiting sentencing
The cases are part of the national Social Security Administration (SSA) Fraud Prosecution Project, a collaboration with SSA’s Office of the General Counsel, Office of the Inspector General and the Department of Justice.
For more information on SSA’s Fraud Prosecution Project and the agency’s other anti-fraud efforts, please visit https://www.ssa.gov/antifraudfacts/.
David M. DeVillers, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio, along with the Social Security Administration’s Office of the Inspector General, Office of Audit; the Department of Defense Office of Inspector General; The Veterans’ Administration Office of Inspector General; the United States Office of Personnel Management Office of Inspector General and the United States Secret Service announced the results of the ongoing initiative. Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Timothy Landry is representing the United States in this initiative.
Statements contained in indictments or bills of information are allegations only. Defendants should be presumed innocent unless convicted in a court of law.
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Federal investigation dismantles drug trafficking organizationRead the Press Release
Indianapolis – United States Attorney Josh J. Minkler announced today, eight individuals were indicted on federal drug charges, including Possession with Intent to Distribute Controlled Substances. The Indictments were unsealed in federal court today.
"During these challenging times, the last things we need in our neighborhoods are more crime guns, more fentanyl, more methamphetamine, more cocaine, more heroin, and more drug money," said Minkler. "I commend the hard work of the FBI, the IRS and the IMPD who combined their limited law enforcement resources in order to remove a criminal organization that sought to financially profit by infesting our city’s streets with more guns, more drugs and more blood money. The deliberate actions of our local and federal law enforcement partners have immediately made Indianapolis a safer place to live, work and raise a family."
Those charged include:
Christopher Shelton a/k/a Horse, Indianapolis, 41
Scot Nelson, Indianapolis, 37
Joshua Douglas, Muncie, 38
Marguerite Collins, Indianapolis, 45
Jarrad Cooney, Indianapolis, 32
Jason Corey, Indianapolis, 47
Antonio Turner a/k/a Trapper a/k/a Tone, Indianapolis, 32
Stephen Cole, Indianapolis, 43
According to the indictments, the above individuals were engaging in trafficking methamphetamine and other illegal drugs in Indianapolis. On Monday morning, sixteen search warrants and federal arrest warrants were executed by federal agents and officers with the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department in the Indianapolis area. As a result of those search warrants, 31 illegally possessed firearms, 4 ½ pounds of methamphetamine; ½ kilogram of cocaine; 1 kilogram of fentanyl, and approximately $272,000 in U.S. currency that represented the proceeds of drug trafficking were seized and taken off city streets.
Beginning in the fall of 2019, federal agents began investigating a number of individuals for their suspected drug trafficking activities.
As the investigation progressed, it led investigators to the Muncie, Indiana area where meetings would take place and methamphetamine would be transported back to Vans Auto Repair in Indianapolis to be distributed.
On one of the occasions traveling back to Indianapolis, the Fishers Police Department initiated a traffic stop on a vehicle which Joshua Douglas was a passenger and Douglas’s girlfriend was the driver. As the vehicle was coming to a stop, Douglas threw out a bag containing methamphetamine and heroin.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, IRS Criminal Investigation, DEA Indianapolis District Office, U.S. Postal Inspection Service, and Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department.
“Federal task forces are taking note of the increasing incidents of violence in Indianapolis”, said Kathy Enstrom, Special Agent in Charge of the IRS Criminal Investigation Chicago Field Office. “These search and arrest warrants have taken guns, drugs, and violent offenders off the streets of Indianapolis. IRS Criminal Investigation understands the importance of committing our resources to these task forces and will continue to provide assistance to make our communities safer.”
“These indictments demonstrate our commitment to eradicating violent criminal enterprises. Even during the COVID shutdown, the FBI and our law enforcement partners were still engaged in investigations to reduce violent crime,” said Special Agent in Charge Paul Keenan, FBI Indianapolis. “What you saw Monday was the result of the dedicated work of multiple agencies with one shared goal - to make the community safer for residents who shouldn’t have to live in fear.”
IMPD Chief Randal Taylor said, “Through strategic partnership with our federal law enforcement partners, IMPD remains committed to addressing the violence in our community too often associated with the trade of illicit drugs.”
According to Assistant United States Attorney Michelle P. Brady, who will prosecute this case for the government, the defendants face up to life imprisonment, a $10,000 fine, and five years of supervised release.
An indictment is only a charge and not evidence of guilt. All defendants are presumed innocent until proved otherwise in federal court.
In October 2017, United States Attorney Josh J. Minkler announced a Strategic Plan designed to shape and strengthen the District’s response to its most significant public safety challenges. This prosecution sentencing demonstrates the office’s firm commitment to prosecute organizations and individuals distributing methamphetamine, heroin, opioids, and synthetic opioids. (See United States Attorney’s Office, Southern District of Indiana Strategic Plan Sections 3.3)
Federal Bureau of Investigation Arrests Oklahoma City Bank Robbery SuspectRead the Press Release
OKLAHOMA CITY – KIWANIS YOMONE ROBERTS, 23, of Oklahoma City, has been charged and arrested for robbing the Focus Federal Credit Union (FFCU), announced U.S. Attorney Timothy J. Downing.
On July 21, 2020, a federal grand jury in the Western District of Oklahoma indicted Roberts for the FFCU robbery. The indictment alleges that on March 13, 2020, Roberts knowingly took by force, violence, and intimidation money that belonged to the FFCU branch located at 13325 N. MacArthur Blvd. The indictment further alleges the deposits of the FFCU were federally insured at the time of the robbery.
Yesterday, U.S. Magistrate Judge Suzanne Mitchell arraigned Roberts on the indictment in Oklahoma City. If convicted, Roberts faces up to twenty years in prison, three years of supervised release, a fine of $250,000, and mandatory restitution.
This case is the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation Oklahoma City Field Office and the Oklahoma City Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Wilson D. McGarry is prosecuting the case.
The public is reminded that this charge is merely an allegation and that Roberts is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
Reference is made to court filings for further information. To download a photo of U.S. Attorney Downing, click here.
Elkins woman admits to methamphetamine distributionRead the Press Release
ELKINS, WEST VIRGINIA – Courtney Marie Zirkle, of Elkins, West Virginia, has admitted to methamphetamine distribution, U.S. Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Zirkle, age 36, pled guilty to one count of “Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine” and one count of “Unlawful Possession of a Firearm.” Zirkle admitted to having methamphetamine in January 2019 in Randolph County. Zirkle, who is prohibited from having a firearm, also admitted to having a .40 caliber semi-automatic pistol.
Zirkle faces up to 20 years of incarceration and a fine of up to $1,000,000 for the drug count and faces up to 10 years of incarceration and a fine of up to $250,000 for the firearms count. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed will be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephen D. Warner is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Mountain Region Drug & Violent Crimes Task Force investigated.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael John Aloi presided.
Dominican National Sentenced for Identity Theft ChargesRead the Press Release
A Dominican national who previously resided in Lynn was sentenced today in connection with using the identity of a U.S. citizen.
Yohnny Peguero Villalona, 33, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Indira Talwani to two years and one day in prison, one year of supervised release and ordered to pay restitution of $17,220. In March 2020, Peguero Villalona pleaded guilty to one count of false representation of a Social Security number, one count of aggravated identity theft and one count of making a false statement relating to a health care benefit program. Peguero Villalona was arrested in December 2019 and has been detained since that time.
Peguero Villalona used the name and identifiers of a U.S. citizen for at least 13 years, including to obtain a Massachusetts driver’s license and to apply for MassHealth benefits. When he was arrested on unrelated charges, Peguero Villalona used the identity of this U.S. citizen. Fingerprints taken during the booking process following the prior arrest of Peguero Villalona matched fingerprints showing him to be a citizen of the Dominican Republic. During a search of Peguero Villalona’s residence, a Massachusetts driver’s license and a MassHealth card under the name of the U.S. citizen whose identity Peguero Villalona had fraudulently assumed, were recovered.
United States Attorney Andrew E. Lelling; Michael Shea, Acting Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in Boston; and Phillip M. Coyne, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, Office of Inspector General made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was provided by the Social Security Administration, Office of Inspector General, Office of Investigations; U.S. Postal Inspection Service; U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Enforcement and Removal Operations; U.S. Department of State, Diplomatic Security Service; U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, Office of Inspector General; U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Inspector General; and the Lynn Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Bill Abely, Deputy Chief of Lelling’s Major Crimes Unit, prosecuted the case.
Department of Justice Awards over $35 Million to Provide Housing to Victims of Human TraffickingRead the Press Release
Today, Attorney General William P. Barr and Advisor to the President Ivanka Trump announced that the Office for Victims of Crime (OVC), a component of the Department of Justice’s Office of Justice Programs (OJP), has awarded $35,104,338 in grant funding to provide safe, stable housing and appropriate services to victims of human trafficking.
“Human trafficking is a barbaric criminal enterprise that subjects its victims to unspeakable cruelty and deprives them of the most basic of human needs, none more essential than a safe place to live,” said Attorney General Barr. “Throughout this Administration, the Department of Justice has fought aggressively to bring human traffickers to justice and to deliver critical aid to trafficking survivors. These new resources, announced today, expand on our efforts to offer those who have suffered the shelter and support they need to begin a new and better life.”
“In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, combating human trafficking in the U.S. and abroad is critical work. DOJ’s grant recipients are on the frontlines of this fight, ensuring that survivors across our country are afforded safe and stable housing and empowered with the support and resources they need to rebuild their lives,” said Advisor to the President Ivanka Trump. “I am incredibly honored to join Attorney General Barr to highlight these organizations and their tireless and vital work.”
The grants will go to 73 organizations to provide six to 24 months of transitional or short-term housing assistance for trafficking victims, including rental, utilities or related expenses, such as security deposits and relocation costs. The grants will also provide funding for support needed to help victims locate permanent housing, secure employment, as well as occupational training and counseling.
“Human traffickers dangle the threat of homelessness over those they have entrapped, playing a ruthless game of psychological manipulation that victims are never in a position to win,” said OJP Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Katharine T. Sullivan. “These grants will empower survivors on their path to independence and a life of self-sufficiency and hope.”
OVC works to enhance the nation’s capacity to assist crime victims and to provide leadership in changing attitudes, policies and practices in ways that will promote justice and healing for all victims. OVC strives to uphold the intent of the Trafficking Victims Protection Act of 2000 and its subsequent authorizations to ensure that all trafficking victims receive support in accessing the services they need.
OVC provides grant funding and training and technical assistance in an effort to develop, expand and strengthen programs for victims of human trafficking. In 2018, OVC hosted listening sessions and roundtable discussions with stakeholders in the field and launched the Human Trafficking Capacity Building Center. From July 2018 through June 2019, 118 OVC human trafficking grantees reported serving 8,375 total clients including confirmed trafficking victims and individuals showing strong indicators of trafficking victimization.
Human trafficking offenses are among the most difficult crimes to identify, and the scope of human trafficking victimization may be much greater than the limited data reflect. A new report issued by the Department’s National Institute of Justice found that the number of human trafficking cases captured in police reports may represent only a fraction of all such cases. Expanding housing and other services to trafficking victims remains a top Justice Department priority.
For a complete list of individual award amounts and jurisdictions that will receive funding, please visit: https://www.ojp.gov/sites/g/files/xyckuh241/files/media/document/htvictimsfactheet.pdf.
The Office of Justice Programs, directed by Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Katharine T. Sullivan, provides federal leadership, grants, training, technical assistance and other resources to improve the nation’s capacity to prevent and reduce crime, assist victims and enhance the rule of law by strengthening the criminal and juvenile justice systems. More information about OJP and its components can be found at www.ojp.gov.
Department of Justice Awards $500,000 to Oklahoma City to Provide Housing to Victims of Human TraffickingRead the Press Release
OKLAHOMA CITY – Today, the Department of Justice announced that the City of Oklahoma City received $500,000 from the Department of Justice’s Office of Justice Programs and its component, the Office for Victims of Crime, to provide safe, stable housing and appropriate services to victims of human trafficking.
"Human trafficking is a barbaric criminal enterprise that subjects its victims to unspeakable cruelty and deprives them of the most basic of human needs, none more essential than a safe place to live," said Attorney General William P. Barr. "Throughout this Administration, the Department of Justice has fought aggressively to bring human traffickers to justice and to deliver critical aid to trafficking survivors. These new resources, announced today, expand on our efforts to offer those who have suffered the shelter and support they need to begin a new and better life."
"Human trafficking is one of the most abhorrent crimes ever contemplated by mankind," said U.S. Attorney Downing. "The funds provided by the Department to the City of Oklahoma City will serve as a force multiplier to assist human trafficking efforts in the Western District of Oklahoma, and it will hopefully provide some comfort and solace to its victims."
The grant, awarded to the City of Oklahoma City, will provide six to 24 months of transitional or short-term housing assistance for trafficking victims, including rental, utilities or related expenses, such as security deposits and relocation costs. The grant will also provide funding for support needed to help victims locate permanent housing, secure employment, as well as occupational training and counseling. The City of Oklahoma City is among 73 organizations receiving more than $35 million in OVC grants to support housing services for human trafficking survivors.
"Human traffickers dangle the threat of homelessness over those they have entrapped, playing a ruthless game of psychological manipulation that victims are never in a position to win," said OJP Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Katherine T. Sullivan. "These grants will empower survivors on their path to independence and a life of self-sufficiency and hope."
Human trafficking offenses are among the most difficult crimes to identify, and the scope of human trafficking victimization may be much greater than the limited data reflect. A new report issued by the National Institute of Justice, another component of the Office of Justice Programs, found that the number of human trafficking cases captured in police reports may represent only a fraction of all such cases. Expanding housing and other services to trafficking victims remains a top Justice Department priority.
The Office for Victims of Crime, for example, hosted listening sessions and roundtable discussions with stakeholders in the field in 2018 and launched the Human Trafficking Capacity Building Center. From July 2018 through June 2019, 118 OVC human trafficking grantees reported serving 8,375 total clients, including confirmed trafficking victims and individuals showing strong indicators of trafficking victimization.
For a complete list of individual award amounts and jurisdictions that will receive funding, visit: https://www.ojp.gov/sites/g/files/xyckuh241/files/media/document/htvictimsfactheet.pdf. For the national Department of Justice press release, visit: https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/department-justice-awards-over-35-million-provide-housing-victims-human-trafficking.
The Office of Justice Programs, directed by Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Katharine T. Sullivan, provides federal leadership, grants, training, technical assistance and other resources to improve the nation’s capacity to prevent and reduce crime, assist victims and enhance the rule of law by strengthening the criminal and juvenile justice systems. More information about OJP and its components can be found at www.ojp.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. To download a photo of U.S. Attorney Downing, click here.
Defendant Recorded Making Threats Against Federal Official from Jail Cell Sentenced to 151 Months in PrisonRead the Press Release
COLUMBUS, Ga. – A defendant recorded from jail making threats against a federal official involved in his case was sentenced to more than 12 years in federal prison, said Charles “Charlie” Peeler, the United States Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia.
Jonathan Dunlap, 30, of Pine Mountain, Harris County, Georgia was sentenced on Monday, August 3 by U.S. District Judge Clay Land to a combined 151 months in prison after pleading guilty to possession with intent to distribute cocaine and threatening a federal official. There is no parole in the federal system.
On July 24, 2019, federal agents with the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and the Harris County Sheriff’s Office served a search warrant at the defendant’s home. Dunlap was present and was found to be in possession of eight individually wrapped bags of cocaine. Dunlap was arrested and taken to the Harris County Jail. While awaiting trial in the Harris County Jail, Dunlap placed several recorded telephone calls to his associates, making threats against a DEA agent associated with his case, including threats against the agent’s children. In one call, Dunlap attempted to ascertain the agent’s home address.
“Threats against law enforcement officers are taken extremely seriously, and for good reason. These officers make tremendous sacrifices protecting all of us. The last thing they deserve is to be threatened for simply doing their job. To all federal, state and local law enforcement officers: Thank you for protecting us by getting dangerous drug dealers, like this defendant, off the streets,” said U.S. Attorney Charlie Peeler. “I want to commend the Harris County Sherriff’s Office and the DEA for their work in this case removing dangerous drugs from our community and for promptly responding to the threats made against a law enforcement officer performing his duty.”
“A threat to a DEA Agent anywhere is a threat to an agent everywhere,” said the Special Agent in Charge of the DEA’s Atlanta Field Division Robert J. Murphy. “Special Agents and Task Force Officers put their lives on the line every day to protect our country from the perils of drug abuse. Every law enforcement officer takes a solemn oath to protect and serve with honesty and integrity, as was the case in this investigation. This sentencing should serve as a reminder to other criminals who seek to threaten a DEA agent that if you are brazen enough to commit such a criminal act, a long prison term awaits you.”
The case was investigated by the DEA and the Harris County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Melvin Hyde 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.
Corning Man Going to Prison for More Than 12 Years for Possession of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
CONTACT: Barbara Burns
PHONE: (716) 843-5817
FAX #: (716) 551-3051ROCHESTER, N.Y. - U.S. Attorney James P. Kennedy, Jr. announced today that Robert W. Wood, 50, of Corning, NY, who was convicted of possession of child pornography and violation of supervised release, was sentenced to serve 154 months in prison by Chief U.S. District Judge Frank P. Geraci, Jr.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Meghan K. McGuire, who handled the case, stated that in 2011, the defendant was convicted of possession of child pornography and sentenced to 24 months in prison and 15 years supervised release. While on supervised release, members of the U.S. Probation Department made an unannounced visit to Wood’s residence and found an unauthorized smart phone in his possession. A search of the phone revealed that the defendant was in possession of over 2,300 images and over 20 videos of child pornography, some of which depicted the sexual abuse of infants and toddlers.
The sentencing is the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigations, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Stephen Belongia, and the U.S. Probation Department, under the direction of Chief Probation Officer Anthony SanGiacomo.
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Columbia Man Pleads Guilty to Attempting to Purchase Chemical Weapon on the Dark WebRead the Press Release
JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – A Columbia, Missouri, man pleaded guilty in federal court today to attempting to purchase a chemical weapon, capable of killing hundreds of people, on the dark web with Bitcoin.
Jason William Siesser, 45, pleaded guilty before U.S. Magistrate Judge Willie J. Epps, Jr. to one count of attempting to acquire a chemical weapon and one count of aggravated identity theft.
By pleading guilty today, Siesser admitted that he attempted to acquire a chemical weapon on two occasions between June 14 and Aug. 23, 2018, and that he did not attempt to acquire that chemical weapon for a peaceful or protective purpose. He provided a shipping address in the name of a juvenile, whose identity he used without authorization, to place the orders for a highly toxic chemical in amounts capable of killing many people. Siesser paid for the chemical weapon with the digital crypto currency known as Bitcoin.
Siesser ordered two 10ml units of the chemical on July 4, 2018, and paid with Bitcoin. The seller did not ship the chemical weapon at that time. Siesser continued to contact the seller. On July 19, 2018, Siesser told the seller that, “I plan to use it soon after I receive it.”
Siesser ordered three 10ml units of the chemical weapon on Aug 5, 2018. Siesser again paid for the order with Bitcoin (the equivalent of $150) and provided a shipping address in the name of a juvenile. This quantity of the chemical weapon has the capacity to kill approximately 300 people.
A controlled delivery of a package that contained an inert substance was made to Siesser’s residence on Aug. 23, 2018. Siesser believed the package contained the chemical weapon he had ordered, signed for the package, and took it inside the residence.
Law enforcement officers then executed a search warrant at Siesser’s residence. On top of a shelf in the garage, officers located the inert substance Siesser believed to be a chemical weapon. Officers also located two separate and seemingly unopened shipping boxes on the shelf next to it. They contained approximately 10 grams of cadmium arsenide, a toxic compound, which can be deadly if ingested or inhaled; approximately 100 grams of cadmium metal; and approximately 500 ml of hydrochloric acid. An invoice for these products showed they had been ordered together on March 30, 2018.
Writings located within the home articulated Siesser’s heartache, anger, and resentment over a breakup, and a desire for the person who caused the heartache to die.
Under federal statutes, Siesser is subject to a mandatory minimum sentence of five years in federal prison without parole, up to a sentence of life in federal prison without parole. The maximum statutory sentence is prescribed by Congress and is provided here for informational purposes, as the sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the court based on the advisory sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors. A sentencing hearing will be scheduled after the completion of a presentence investigation by the United States Probation Office.
This case is being prosecuted by Supervisory Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael S. Oliver and Assistant U.S. Attorney Brian Casey. It was investigated by the FBI with assistance from the Columbia, Mo., Police Department.
Chico Man Pleads Guilty to Burglary of 10 Post Offices in the Counties of Butte, Glenn, Shasta, Sutter and TehamaRead the Press Release
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Jeremy Elguez, 32, of Chico, pleaded guilty today to burglarizing 10 post offices, U.S. Attorney McGregor W. Scott announced.
According to court documents, between Aug. 23, 2019 and March 1, 2020, Elguez burglarized the Butte City Post Office twice, the Glenn Post Office twice, the Vina Post Office, the Bangor Post Office, the Stirling City Post Office, the Meridian Post Office, the Artois Post Office, and the Cassel Post Office. Items reported stolen during these burglaries included mail, postal money orders, cameras, and a check for $80,000. On Aug. 1, 2019, Elguez also attempted to cash a $350,000 check stolen from the mail.
This case is the product of an investigation by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service. Assistant U.S. Attorney Tanya B. Syed is prosecuting the case.
Elguez is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge John A. Mendez on Nov. 10. Elguez faces a maximum statutory penalty of five years in prison and a $250,000 fine. The actual sentence, however, will be determined at the discretion of the court after consideration of any applicable statutory factors and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, which take into account a number of variables.
Chicago Man Sentenced to 134 Months in PrisonRead the Press Release
HAMMOND – Gemico Childress, age 45, of Chicago, Illinois was sentenced before U.S. District Court Judge James T. Moody for wire fraud and aggravated identity theft, announced U.S. Attorney Kirsch.
Mr. Childress was sentenced to 134 months in prison, 2 years of supervised release, and ordered to pay $181,835.77 in restitution to various financial institutions and retailers.
“The sentence that Childress received today reflects the seriousness of his crimes,” said United States Attorney Thomas L. Kirsch II. “Childress left his victims scrambling to clean up their credit and fix their financial reputation. My team of law enforcement officials will continue to aggressively investigate and prosecute identity theft schemes. ”
According to documents in this case, this scheme involved the theft of the personal identifying information of victims in more than 10 states and Canada. Childress and co-defendants stole some of the victims’ information from a hospital in Arizona. The stolen records included birth dates, social security numbers, addresses, telephone numbers, employment information, insurance carriers, treating physicians, and information about the people the victims listed as emergency contacts. Childress and others opened fraudulent credit cards, bank accounts, and retail credit accounts on-line. In some instances, Childress added himself as an authorized user on “real” accounts held by victims.
The case was the result of an investigation by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service. This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Toi Denise Houston.
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Chamberlain Woman Indicted on Witness Tampering ChargesRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a Chamberlain, South Dakota, woman has been indicted by a federal grand jury for Tampering With a Witness and Conspiracy to Tamper With a Witness.
Dale Lynn James, age 33, was indicted on July 16, 2020. She appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno on July 31, 2020, and pled not guilty to the Indictment.
The maximum penalty upon conviction is up to life in prison and/or a $250,000 fine, up to 5 years of supervised release, and $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund for each count. Restitution may also be ordered.
The Indictment alleges that on or about March 3, 2019, James did knowingly and intentionally, combine, conspire, confederate, and agree with persons known and unknown, and did intimidate, threaten, and corruptly persuade twenty-eight potential witnesses with intent to influence, delay, and prevent the testimony of said witnesses in an official criminal proceeding.
The charges are merely accusation and James is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
The investigation is being conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Cameron J. Cook is prosecuting the case.
James was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service pending trial. A trial date has not been set.
California Man Sentenced for Cocaine Trafficking and Money LaunderingRead the Press Release
ALEXANDRIA, Va. – A California man was sentenced today to 10 years in prison for trafficking kilograms of cocaine and laundering narcotics proceeds and payments.
According to court documents, between November 2016 and June 2018, Eberardo Medina, 38, shipped approximately 15 kilograms of cocaine from California to New York for redistribution. A codefendant in New York would then traffic the cocaine to the Virginia region using a courier. The cocaine would often be picked up by a local reseller at Union Station, in Washington, D.C., who would redistribute the narcotics in the area, including in the Eastern District of Virginia.
Medina also utilized numerous individuals to launder narcotics proceeds and payments. Medina instructed individuals in California to either create bank accounts or use their existing accounts in order to launder money. Medina would provide the bank account information of those California-based accounts to his codefendant in New York. The codefendant in New York would then pay workers to deposit certain amounts of money into the California-based bank accounts in a classic structuring scheme meant to evade law enforcement. Once in California, the proceeds would be withdrawn and handed to Medina for a fee. During the conspiracy, Medina laundered at least $780,000 related to narcotics distribution.
The case was investigated as part of the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF). The OCDETF program is a federal multi-agency, multi-jurisdictional task force that supplies supplemental federal funding to federal and state agencies involved in the identification, investigation, and prosecution of major drug trafficking organizations. 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.
G. Zachary Terwilliger, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia; Mark Herring, Attorney General of Virginia; Jesse R. Fong, Special Agent in Charge for the Drug Enforcement Administration’s (DEA) Washington; Ashan M. Benedict, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives’ (ATF) Washington Field Division; Gary Hartman, Deputy Director of Washington/Baltimore HIDTA, Northern Virginia Financial Initiative; and M. Jay Farr, Arlington County Chief of Police, made the announcement after sentencing by Senior U.S. District Judge Liam O’Grady. Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Karolina Klyuchnikova 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. 1:20-cr-51.
California Man Pleads Guilty to Possession with Intent to Distribute FentanylRead the Press Release
LAS VEGAS, Nev. — Rigoberto Calderon-Molina, 40, of Earlimart, California, pleaded guilty Monday to possession with the intent to distribute nearly 2.9 pounds Fentanyl, a deadly synthetic opioid, announced United States Attorney Nicholas A. Trutanich for the District of Nevada and Assistant Special Agent in Charge Daniel Neill of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA).
Calderon-Molina was indicted by a federal grand jury in May 2018. A sentencing hearing has been scheduled before U.S. District Judge Jennifer Dorsey on November 16, 2020.
According to court documents, on April 25, 2018, Calderon-Molina met an individual in a North Las Vegas parking lot to sell 1.3 kilograms (nearly 2.9 pounds) of Fentanyl, which is a Schedule II controlled substance. Law enforcement arrested Calderon-Molina and seized approximately 13,000 Fentanyl pills.
Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid drug that is approximately 80-100 times more potent than morphine, and is commonly added to heroin to increase its potency. Fentanyl poses a high risk of death not only to users, but also to law enforcement since the drug may be ingested, inhaled, or absorbed through the skin. A few milligrams, which is equivalent to a few grains of table salt, may be deadly. Users may believe that they are purchasing heroin without knowing that they are actually purchasing Fentanyl – which often results in overdose deaths.
Calderon-Molina faces a maximum statutory penalty of 20 years in prison and a $1,000,000 fine. The sentencing of a defendant will be determined by the court based on the advisory Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
This case was the product of an investigation by the DEA.
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Boston Man Sentenced for Firearm PossessionRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Boston man was sentenced today in federal court in Boston for being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition.
Christian Teixeira, 34, pleaded guilty to one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition and was then sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Allison D. Burroughs to 43 months in prison and three years of supervised release.
On May 2, 2019, while in Fall River, Teixeira was found in possession of a KAHR PM9, 9mm semi-automatic handgun, and 26 rounds of 9mm ammunition. Teixeira has a prior felony conviction that prohibits him from possessing firearms or ammunition.
United States Attorney Andrew E. Lelling; Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Field Division; Kelly D. Brady, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Boston Field Division; Bristol County District Attorney Thomas M. Quinn; Colonel Christopher Mason, Superintendent of the Massachusetts State Police; and Fall River Police Chief Jeffrey Cardoza made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Nicholas Soivilien of Lelling’s Organized Crime and Gang Unit prosecuted the case.
This prosecution is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. The Department of Justice reinvigorated PSN in 2017 as part of the Department’s renewed focus on targeting violent criminals, directing all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to work in partnership with federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement and the local community to develop effective, locally-based strategies to reduce violent crime.
Birmingham Man Indicted for Fraud on Fallen Huntsville Police Officer’s Memorial FundRead the Press Release
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – A federal grand jury returned an indictment last week charging a Birmingham man with fraud on customers of the U.S. Postal Service, and fraud on the memorial fund set up to provide aid to the family of a fallen Huntsville Police officer, announced U.S. Attorney Prim F. Escalona, U.S. Postal Inspector In Charge, Houston Division, Adrian Gonzalez, and FBI Special Agent in Charge Johnnie Sharp, Jr.
A four-count indictment filed in U.S. District Court charges DEVONTE LEMOND HAMMONDS, 27, with one count of access device fraud and three counts of wire fraud. In December 2019, Hammonds devised a scheme to fraudulently obtain money from the Billy Clardy Memorial Fund. Billy Clardy was a Huntsville Police officer killed in the line of duty last year. After Officer Clardy’s death, a memorial fund was established to collect contributions and provide aid to his family members. According to the indictment, Hammonds used the identity of another person to open a bank account and transfer funds from the Billy Clardy Memorial Fund bank account to the fictitious account for his own use. Hammonds also devised a scheme to defraud customers of the U.S. Postal Service. According to the indictment, Hammonds used the U.S. Postal Service website to reroute mail from numerous U.S. Postal Service customers to addresses in Birmingham that he could access, used the rerouted mail to obtain personal identifying information of those customers, and used that information to pay bills, make purchases, and open new accounts.
The maximum punishment for access device fraud is ten years in prison and a $250,000 fine. The maximum punishment for wire fraud affecting a financial institution is thirty years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
The FBI and USPIS investigated the case, which Assistant U.S. Attorneys J.B. Ward and Michael Pillsbury are prosecuting.
An indictment is merely an allegation and the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
Belmont County, Ohio man sentenced for heroin chargeRead the Press Release
WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Nathan Parker, of Martins Ferry, Ohio, was sentenced today to 15 months incarceration for a heroin distribution charge, U.S. Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Parker, also known as “Zay,” age 39, pled guilty to one count of “Distribution of Heroin within 1,000 feet of a Protected Location” in July 2020. Parker admitted to selling heroin near St. Michael Parish School in July 2019 in Ohio County.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephen L. Vogrin prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Ohio Valley Drug & Violent Crimes Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, investigated.
U.S. District Judge John Preston Bailey presided.
Armed Bank Robber Sentenced to 7 YearsRead the Press Release
MADISON, WIS. - Scott C. Blader, United States Attorney for the Western District of Wisconsin, announced that Stanley Griffin, 27, Madison, Wisconsin, pleaded guilty and was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge William M. Conley to seven years in federal prison for committing an armed robbery of a Madison bank. His sentence will be followed by a three-year term of supervised release.
On July 9, 2019, at approximately 10:00 a.m., a US Bank branch at 6401 Cottage Grove Road, Madison, was robbed. The victims reported the robber pointed a black handgun at a teller. The robbery was captured on video and the robber did not disguise his face. Still photographs from the robbery video were shared with the public.
On August 3, 2019, a citizen witness called the Madison Police Department (MPD) and reported that Griffin had stolen the car that he had just sold to her. She further told police that he told her he robbed the US Bank. The witness said Griffin owned the same sweatshirt that was worn by the robber, and she provided other details not made known to the public. When police arrested Griffin on outstanding out-of-state warrants, he was in possession of a pair of shoes identical to those worn by the robber, as depicted in the bank’s video.
Further, when MPD issued an alert to law enforcement agencies, Griffin's probation agent from Illinois contacted MPD and identified Griffin as the robber. The probation agent said he met with Griffin approximately 3-4 times per week for three years, and he was positive it was Griffin. He also said Griffin owned a sweatshirt like the one worn by the robber.
Judge Conley rejected Griffin’s request for a five-year sentence because of the severity of the crime, and Griffin’s extensive criminal history.
The charge against Griffin was the result of an investigation conducted by the Madison Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The prosecution of the case has been handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Rita M. Rumbelow.
This case has been brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), the U.S. Justice Department’s program to reduce violent crime. The PSN approach emphasizes coordination between state and federal prosecutors and all levels of law enforcement to address gun crime, especially felons illegally possessing firearms and ammunition and violent and drug crimes that involve the use of firearms.
Arizona Man Sentenced to 15 Years in Federal Prison for Conspiracy to Distribute MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
Memphis, TN – Isaac Taylor, of Tempe, Arizona, 62, has been sentenced to 188 months in federal prison for conspiracy to distribute more than 50 grams of methamphetamine. U.S. Attorney Michael Dunavant announced the sentence today.
According to the information presented in court, during an investigation, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) obtained a court-ordered wiretap on a phone used by a local drug dealer, John Wright. Based on the wiretap surveillance, investigators learned the source of Wright's supply for methamphetamine was the defendant, Isaac Taylor, a resident of Arizona. Agents intercepted several calls between Wright and Taylor discussing methamphetamine sales.
After reviewing the evidence, the government determined Taylor was responsible for supplying Wright with approximately three pounds of methamphetamine. Undercover agents also purchased approximately ten ounces of methamphetamine from Wright. According to lab testing, the methamphetamine from Wright was found to be 100% in purity.
On August 3, 2020, U.S. District Court Judge Mark S. Norris sentenced Wright to 188 months in federal prison followed by 3 years supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system.
U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant said, "Methamphetamine that is trafficked into and throughout West Tennessee is increasing in dangerous purity, and continues to destroy individuals, families, and communities. This out-of-state drug dealer sent multiple pounds of pure poison into Memphis, thinking that he was untouchable. He was wrong, and this sentence shows that we have the ability and resolve to catch and punish anyone who victimizes our citizens with dangerous addictive substances."
The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Tennessee Bureau of Investigation and the Memphis Police Department investigated this case.
This case was part of the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force Program (OCDETF), which seeks to investigate and prosecute large-scale drug trafficking and violence involving multiple districts across the United States.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Mark Erskine prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
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American Darknet Vendor and Costa Rican Pharmacist Charged with Narcotics and Money Laundering ViolationsRead the Press Release
A dual U.S.-Costa Rican citizen and a Costa Rican citizen, both of whom reside in Costa Rica, were indicted by a federal grand jury in the District of Columbia for their illegal sales of opioids on the darknet.
The seven-count indictment charged David Brian Pate, 44, a U.S. and Costa Rican citizen, and Jose Luis Fung Hou, 38, a Costa Rican citizen, with counts of conspiring with persons to distribute controlled substances, distribution of controlled substances, conspiring with persons to import controlled substances, conspiring to launder money, and laundering of monetary instruments.
“As alleged in the indictment, the defendants helped fuel our deadly opioid drug epidemic by hiding behind the darknet and cryptocurrency to profit from the sale of illicit opioids into the United States,” said Acting Assistant Attorney General Brian C. Rabbitt of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “Fortunately, by working with our law enforcement partners across the United States and overseas, we were able to uncover this darknet opioid market and bring to justice those responsible.”
“These charges are a warning to drug traffickers worldwide that neither the shroud of the darknet or of virtual currency can hide their illegal activities from the vigilance of U.S. law enforcement,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Michael Sherwin for the District of Columbia. “We are firmly committed to combatting the problem of opioid abuse and breaking through sophisticated cyber-enabled barriers employed by criminals to hide their activities.”
“The opioid epidemic is a crisis crippling many families in this country,” said Special Agent in Charge Kelly R. Jackson of the IRS Criminal Investigation (CI) Washington D.C. Field Office. “This international group profited off of people’s addictions, revictimizing them when they were already vulnerable. This group purposely distributed opioids that did not contain a safety additive and prevented inhalation of the drug. Years ago when drug dealers and traffickers moved to the darknet and started using virtual currency to conceal and expand their network, CI also moved our playing field to the darknet to bring groups like this to justice.”
“Today’s case is a great example of how the DEA has infiltrated the darknet and, together with our law enforcement partners, proven that every criminal attempting to sell these deadly drugs is within the reach of the law,” said Special Agent in Charge Jesse R. Fong of the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration’s (DEA) Washington Field Division.
The indictment alleges that Pate illegally purchased narcotics, including OxyContin and morphine pills, primarily from Fung, a pharmacist in Costa Rica. Pate would launder payments to Fung to purchase narcotics. Pate then sold these narcotics on numerous darknet markets, including Silk Road and AlphaBay, in exchange for bitcoin. Pate utilized various online monikers including “buyersclub” on darknet markets, online forums, and bitcoin exchanges. Pate advertised that he was selling the “old formula” of OxyContin, which did not contain tamper-resistant features such as a crush-proof feature that prevented a user from inhaling or injecting the pills after pulverizing them.
The indictment further alleges that Pate’s darknet sales involved him sending bulk shipments of narcotics in pill form from Costa Rica, often concealed in tourist souvenirs such as maracas, to co-conspirator re-shippers in the United States. Pate would then send the re-shippers a list of customer orders, which included customer’s names, the customer’s shipping address, and the quantity of pills they purchased. The re-shippers created smaller packages of pills, which they then mailed to the customer. Once the shipments were received by the customer, the darknet market would release funds in bitcoin, which were held in escrow until the transaction was completed, into Pate’s account on the darknet market. Customers paid Pate over 23,903 bitcoin for these darknet market sales. The co-conspirators also laundered payments in the form of bitcoin and international wire transfers.
The charges in the pleadings are merely allegations, and the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
IRS-CI Cyber Crimes Unit, DEA, and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service investigated this case. The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs and Costa Rican authorities provided assistance.
The case is being handled by Trial Attorney C. Alden Pelker of the Criminal Division’s Computer Crime and Intellectual Property Section, Assistant U.S. Attorneys Zia M. Faruqui and Laura Crane of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia, Paralegal Specialist Brian Rickers and Teesha Tobias, and Legal Assistant Jessica McCormick. Additional assistance has been provided by former Assistant U.S. Attorneys Youli Lee and Kara Traster, and Paralegal Specialist Toni Anne Donato.
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.
American Darknet Vendor and Costa Rican Pharmacist Charged with Narcotics and Money Laundering ViolationsRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – David Brian Pate, 44, a United States and Costa Rican citizen, and Jose Luis Fung Hou, 38, a Costa Rican citizen, both of whom reside in Costa Rica, were indicted by a federal grand jury in the District of Columbia for their illegal sales of opioids on the darknet. The seven-count indictment charged counts of Conspiring with Persons to Distribute Controlled Substances, Distribution of Controlled Substances, Conspiring with Persons to Import Controlled Substances, Conspiring to Launder Money, and Laundering of Monetary Instruments.
“These charges are a warning to drug traffickers worldwide that neither the shroud of the darknet or of virtual currency can hide their illegal activities from the vigilance of U.S. law enforcement,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Michael Sherwin. “We are firmly committed to combatting the problem of opioid abuse and breaking through sophisticated cyber-enabled barriers employed by criminals to hide their activities.”
“The opioid epidemic is a crisis crippling many families in this country,” said Kelly R. Jackson, IRS-Criminal Investigations (IRS-CI) Special Agent in Charge of the Washington DC Field Office. “This international group profited off of people’s addictions, revictimizing them when they were already vulnerable. This group purposely distributed opioids that did not contain a safety additive and prevented inhalation of the drug. Years ago when drug dealers and traffickers moved to the darknet and started using virtual currency to conceal and expand their network, CI also moved our playing field to the darknet to bring groups like this to justice.”
“Today’s case is a great example of how the DEA has infiltrated the darknet, and together with our law enforcement partners, proven that every criminal attempting to sell these deadly drugs is within the reach of the law” said Jesse R. Fong, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration’s Washington Field Division.
The indictment alleges that Pate illegally purchased narcotics, including OxyContin and morphine pills, primarily from Fung, a pharmacist in Costa Rica. Pate would launder payments to Fung to purchase narcotics. Pate then sold these narcotics on numerous darknet markets, including Silk Road and AlphaBay, in exchange for bitcoin. Pate utilized various online monikers including “buyersclub” on darknet markets, online forums, and bitcoin exchanges. Pate advertised that he was selling the “old formula” of OxyContin, which did not contain tamper-resistant features such as a crush-proof feature that prevented a user from inhaling or injecting the pills after pulverizing them.
The indictment further alleges that Pate’s darknet sales involved him sending bulk shipments of narcotics in pill form from Costa Rica, often concealed in tourist souvenirs such as maracas, to co-conspirator re-shippers in the United States. Pate would then send the re-shippers a list of customer orders, which included customer’s names, the customer’s shipping address, and the quantity of pills they purchased. The re-shippers created smaller packages of pills, which they then mailed to the customer. Once the shipments were received by the customer, the darknet market would release funds in bitcoin, which were held in escrow until the transaction was completed, into Pate’s account on the darknet market. Customers paid Pate over 23,903 bitcoin for these darknet market sales. The co-conspirators also laundered payments in the form of bitcoin and international wire transfers.
The charges in the pleadings are merely allegations, and the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
IRS-CI Cyber Crimes Unit (Washington, D.C.), DEA (Baltimore, Maryland), and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service investigated this case. Costa Rican authorities provided assistance.
The case is being handled by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Zia M. Faruqui and Laura Crane of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia, Trial Attorney C. Alden Pelker of the Criminal Division’s Computer Crime and Intellectual Property Section, Paralegal Specialist Brian Rickers and Teesha Tobias, and Legal Assistant Jessica McCormick. Additional assistance has been provided by former Assistant U.S. Attorneys Youli Lee and Kara Traster, and Paralegal Specialist Toni Anne Donato.
Albuquerque organization awarded $500,000 from the Department of Justice for housing to victims of human traffickingRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – The Department of Justice today announced awards totaling over $35 million in grant funding to provide safe, stable housing and appropriate services to victims of human trafficking. Among those receiving awards is First Nations Community HealthSource in Albuquerque, New Mexico, set to receive $500,000.
“One of the most significant issues facing victims of human trafficking is economic security,” said John C. Anderson, United States Attorney for the District of New Mexico. “Without an immediate source of income and a place to live, they need assistance with transitional housing as well as employment assistance to help them reestablish themselves in the long term. These grants support local organizations such as First Nations Community HealthSource in their efforts to provide the services victims need to regain their stability and sense of security.”
The grants will go to 73 organizations to provide 6 to 24 months of transitional or short-term housing assistance for trafficking victims, including rental, utilities or related expenses, such as security deposits and relocation costs. The grants will also provide funding for support needed to help victims locate permanent housing, secure employment and receive occupational training and counseling.
The Office of Justice Programs, directed by Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Katharine T. Sullivan, provides federal leadership, grants, training, technical assistance and other resources to improve the nation’s capacity to prevent and reduce crime, assist victims and enhance the rule of law by strengthening the criminal and juvenile justice systems.
For more information about programs, services and locations for First Nations Community HealthSource, visit their website at fnch.org.
More information about OJP and its components can be found at www.ojp.gov.
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3 August 2020
Wheeling Man Pleads Guilty to Conspiracy to Produce Child PornographyRead the Press Release
BLUEFIELD, W.Va. – A Wheeling man pled guilty today to conspiring with another person to produce child pornography, announced United States Attorney Mike Stuart. Randall Lee Peggs, 56, pled guilty to conspiracy to produce child pornography.
“These Project Safe Childhood cases are difficult but necessary,” said United States Attorney Mike Stuart. “We work closely with our partners in law enforcement to investigate and prosecute these cases. We will always hold child predators accountable.”
Peggs admitted that he began talking with codefendant Elizabeth Haway, of Princeton, on Facebook in November 2018. Over the course of several months, Peggs and Haway conspired to produce child pornography of a female minor child. The majority of their communications occurred on Facebook Messenger. Peggs encouraged Haway to record and send him nude videos of the female minor child. Ultimately, Haway recorded a video of the female minor child that showed the child nude and sent the video to Peggs via Facebook in February 2019.
Peggs faces a mandatory minimum of 15 years and up to 30 years in prison when sentenced on November 9, 2020. Haway is awaiting trial.
This case was investigated by the Mercer County Sheriff’s Department, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the FBI’s Violent Crimes Against Children Task Force. Senior United States District Judge David A. Faber presided over the hearing. Assistant United States Attorney Kristin F. Scott is handling the prosecution.
This case is being prosecuted as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative of the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorney’s 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 those who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 1:19-cr-00304.
Follow us on Twitter: SDWVNews and USAttyStuart
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West Haven Man Charged with Ammunition Possession and Cocaine Distribution OffensesRead the Press Release
John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, and Kelly D. Brady, Special Agent in Charge, ATF Boston Field Division, today announced that a federal grand jury in New Haven has returned an indictment charging BRIAN MELENDEZ, 31, of West Haven, with one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, and one count of possession with intent to distribute cocaine within 1,000 feet of a school.
The indictment was returned under seal on July 29, and Melendez was arrested on July 31. Following his arrest, Melendez appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Robert M. Spector via videoconference. He is detained pending a detention hearing that is scheduled for August 7.
As alleged in the indictment, on January 7, 2020, Melendez possessed .22 caliber ammunition and a distribution quantity of cocaine within 1,000 feet of the Washington Elementary School in West Haven.
It is further alleged that, in 2008, Melendez was convicted in North Carolina of possession of a weapon of mass death and destruction. In 2010, he was convicted in Connecticut of carrying a pistol or revolver with a permit.
It is a violation of federal law for a person previously convicted of a felony offense to possess a firearm or ammunition that has moved in interstate or foreign commerce.
If convicted, Melendez faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years on the firearm charge, and 40 years of imprisonment on the cocaine distribution charge.
U.S. Attorney Durham stressed that an indictment is not evidence of guilt. Charges are only allegations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
This matter is being investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), and the West Haven Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Patrick J. Doherty.
Washington, Missouri Woman Pleads Guilty to a Far Reaching Scheme Involving Fraud and Money LaunderingRead the Press Release
St. Louis, MO –Christen Diane Schulte, 34, of Washington, MO, pleaded guilty today to wire fraud, bank fraud and money laundering charges related to a scheme to defraud her former employer, several individuals associated with her former employer, the Berger Levee District of Franklin County, and several financial institutions. Schulte appeared in federal court today before United States District Judge Audrey G. Fleissig who accepted the plea and set her sentencing date for November 10, 2020.
According to court documents, Schulte was a former bookkeeper and office manager of a farm and trucking companies based in New Haven, Missouri. Between January 2018 and February 2020, Schulte knowingly and intentionally devised and executed a scheme to defraud, and to obtain moneys from, her former employer and others by means of material false and fraudulent representations in that the she, without the knowledge and authority of her former employer, diverted funds for her own personal use. The total loss from this scheme is approximately $727,000.
As part of her scheme, Schulte fraudulently and without permission used the companies’ credit cards for personal expenditures. Schulte also fraudulently caused American Express and FirstBank to issue her new credit cards in the names of the companies. Schulte fraudulently charged more than 1,800 transactions totaling more than $532,000 on these credit cards.
Schulte also forged the signatures of the owner and several employees of companies, on checks from several different bank accounts, including personal accounts of the employees. Several of these checks were made payable to Schulte, but some of them she made payable to the companies in order to conceal the lost funds related to her credit card scheme.
Other forged checks were drawn from a bank account held by the Berger Levee District of Franklin County, which is a tax-payer funded levee district that is responsible for creating flood control projects in Franklin County, Missouri. Schulte forged the treasurer’s signature of the Berger Levee District on checks that she made payable to the companies in order to conceal the lost funds related to her credit card scheme.
Schulte used the fraudulently obtained funds for her own personal gain, including purchasing jewelry, a travel trailer, vehicles, and vacation travel.
"Christen Schulte exploited the position of trust she occupied at a small, family-owned business," said Special Agent in Charge Richard Quinn of the FBI St. Louis Division. "The FBI will always strive to bring to justice those who lie and steal on the backs of others who work hard to realize the American dream."
Schulte faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine on the two wire fraud charges; a maximum penalty of 30 years in prison and a $1,000,000 fine on the two bank fraud charges; and a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and a fine of not more than the greater of $250,000, or twice the amount laundered, on the money laundering charge. Restitution is also mandatory.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation is investigating this case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kyle T. Bateman is handling the case for the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
Wake Forest Investment Advisor Pleads Guilty to Wire FraudRead the Press Release
RALEIGH, N.C. – A Wake Forest, NC man pleaded guilty today to wire fraud.
According to court documents, Anthony Wayne March, 49 years old, operated the non-profit 501(c)(3) entity Asset Trader, located in Rolesville, NC, between 2012 to 2015. March represented that Asset Trader offered educational services to professionals and taxpayers in the area of exit planning. Asset Trader’s stated educational mission allowed it to obtain classification as a 28 U.S.C. § 501(c)(3) tax-exempt non-profit organization. Asset Trader used its §501(c)(3) tax-exempt status to solicit tax-deductible donations in exchange for charitable gift annuities (“CGAs”) and to recruit referral sources to obtain assets from potential donors. Through Asset Trader, March and his co-conspirators engaged in and executed what is commonly known as a “Ponzi” scheme to defraud investors by inducing them to invest with Asset Trader.
During the course of the scheme, March solicited at least 22 victims to invest over $8,100,000 in charitable gift annuities and other products offered by Asset Trader. March and Asset Trader sold these securities to victims as retirement or exit planning vehicles classified as donations to March’s § 501(c)(3) tax-exempt non-profit organization. March did not utilize any of the victim’s money for charitable purposes; rather, he spent the money on payments, his own lavish lifestyle, and expenses of the scheme.
March pleaded guilty today to conspiracy to wire fraud and faces up to twenty years imprisonment and a $250,000 fine when he is sentenced during the court’s November 3, 2020 term.
Robert J. Higdon, Jr., U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina, made the announcement after U.S. Magistrate Judge Kimberly A. Swank accepted the plea. The Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation Division (IRS-CI), and the North Carolina Secretary of State, Securities Division conducted the investigation in this matter. The Office of the U.S. Bankruptcy Administrator for the Eastern District of North Carolina provided substantial assistance. Assistant United States Attorney Ethan Ontjes, Special Assistant United States Attorney Brian Behr, and Special Assistant United States Attorney Kevin Harrington represent the United States.
Related court documents and information are located on the website of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina or on PACER by searching for Case No. 5:19-CR-383-H.
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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.
United States Attorney David C. Joseph Announces Departure from OfficeRead the Press Release
SHREVEPORT, LAFAYETTE, MONROE, ALEXANDRIA, LAKE CHARLES, La. – United States Attorney David C. Joseph announced today that he has resigned from the Department of Justice, effective August 3, 2020, at 11:00 a.m. CDT, at which time he assumed the duties of United States District Court Judge. Joseph was appointed by President Trump to the position of United States Attorney in March of 2018.
“Serving as United States Attorney for the citizens of the Western District of Louisiana has been a privilege,” said Joseph. “I have been honored to lead an office of dedicated and talented public servants and to work with so many professional and hardworking law enforcement officers throughout Louisiana, as well as my colleagues U.S. Attorneys Brandon Fremin and Peter Strasser. By hard work and collaboration, I believe that we have made progress in accomplishing our shared goal of making Louisiana a safer place to live, work, and raise a family.”
“I commend David Joseph for his service as United States Attorney for the Western District of Louisiana. Since taking his oath, David has faithfully led his office with integrity and unrelenting commitment to the rule of law. David’s leadership fostered a collaborative relationship between his office and federal, state, and local law enforcement partners. His efforts to combat violent crime showed a decline during his two-year tenure and built safer communities for the citizens of Louisiana. The Department looks forward to his future service as a principled jurist to our Nation’s courts, and welcomes First Assistant U.S. Attorney Alexander C. Van Hook to serve as the Acting United States Attorney for the Western District of Louisiana,” said Attorney General William P. Barr.
During his tenure as U.S. Attorney, Joseph served as the chief federal law enforcement officer in the Western District of Louisiana, which includes 42 of the State’s 64 parishes and geographically encompasses two-thirds of the State of Louisiana. As U.S. Attorney, Joseph oversaw the investigation and prosecution of all federal criminal violations in the Western District of Louisiana and represented the United States in all civil litigation occurring in the Western District.
Under Joseph’s leadership, the U.S. Attorney’s Office prioritized, among other initiatives, the fights against violent crime, the opioid epidemic, public corruption, and human trafficking. Immediately upon assuming office, Joseph began working collaboratively with police chiefs, sheriffs, district attorneys, and federal law enforcement agents in all 42 parishes of the Western District of Louisiana to engage in proactive efforts aimed at combatting violent crime and building safer communities. As a result of this renewed focus on violent crime, including tripling the number of firearm offenses prosecuted, the district saw significant declines in the violent crime rates in 2018 and 2019. During Joseph’s first year in office, violent crime rates dropped 38% in Monroe, 14% in Shreveport, 9% in Lake Charles, and 5% in Lafayette. This resulted in approximately 791 fewer victims of violent crime in the Western District of Louisiana in 2018 alone. 2019 saw an additional 6% drop in violent crime throughout the district, including an additional 13% reduction in Shreveport.
These results were achieved by working closely with state and local law enforcement to identify for federal prosecution the offenders most likely to commit acts of violence, including felons and narcotics traffickers in possession of firearms. Joseph’s office also worked with federal, state, and local law enforcement to identify and federally prosecute criminal street gangs, including the federal racketeering (RICO) prosecution of the “Block Boyz,” a notorious street gang that long terrorized Shreveport’s Queensborough neighborhood with firearm violence, armed robberies, drug peddling, and witness intimidation. Joseph also oversaw the prosecution of members of the Aryan Circle, a prison-based white supremacist gang responsible for acts of violence and lawlessness both inside and outside of correctional institutions.
In response to the growing opioid epidemic in the United States, Joseph targeted both illegal opioid traffickers as well as medical professionals contributing to addiction and overdose deaths. Among other prosecutions, U.S. v. Anderson Duke resulted in a 24-year sentence for a fentanyl and heroin drug trafficker in the Monroe area, and in U.S. v. Melissa Richardson, a former VA pharmacist was sentenced to serve time in federal prison for stealing hydrocodone from mail-out prescriptions intended for veterans. Joseph’s office also entered into a $22 million civil settlement with Morris and Dickson, the largest privately-owned wholesale pharmaceutical distributor in the United States, for failing to report suspicious orders of hydrocodone and oxycodone.
On the public corruption front, among other cases, Joseph’s office convicted Patrick Hale Dejean, a Jefferson Parish Justice of the Peace who stole wages from citizens appearing in his court, and former prison warden Nathan Burl Cain II, who used his position as warden to embezzle taxpayer money.
Other significant cases handled by Joseph’s office included the prosecution of an individual responsible for burning down three predominantly African American churches in St. Landry Parish; the conviction of the owners and managers of Explo Systems, Inc., a defense contracting company, for their roles in defrauding the government and turning Camp Minden, Louisiana, into the largest illegal dumping ground for military explosives and munitions in the history of the United States; the prosecution of a Fort Polk soldier for manufacturing and detonating a chemical weapon in the Kisatchie National Forest resulting in substantial injuries to other soldiers; and the prosecution of a mega-church pastor from Houston, Texas, and his co-defendant, a Shreveport investment advisor, for their roles in a multimillion-dollar investment scheme that involved elderly victims.
Joseph also launched the Northwest Louisiana Human Trafficking Task Force in November of 2019, the first of its kind in Louisiana, with the goal of preventing human trafficking, rescuing victims of human trafficking, and prosecuting human traffickers criminally. The task force, formulated and led by the United States Attorney’s Office and Bossier Parish Sheriff’s Office, is a collaboration of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies and prosecutors, along with local non-governmental victim services organizations, including civic, faith-based, and social services organizations.
During Joseph’s tenure the U.S. Attorney’s Office collected more than $116 million in civil and criminal actions and restitution for crime victims. The U.S. Attorney’s Office also provided many hours of training to federal, local and state law enforcement agencies throughout the District.
Today, after being sworn in by Chief U.S. District Judge S. Maurice Hicks Jr., Joseph began his service on the bench. Joseph, 43, was nominated by President Trump on December 2, 2019, to serve as a United States District Judge of the United States District Court for the Western District of Louisiana, Alexandria Division. The U.S. Senate confirmed his nomination on July 28, 2020.
“I thank Senators Kennedy and Cassidy for recommending me for this judgeship and for their service to the citizens of Louisiana in the United States Senate,” said Joseph. “I am also grateful to President Trump for giving me the opportunity to serve the Western District of Louisiana as U.S. Attorney and to continue my service to our community in the federal judiciary.”
Before becoming United States Attorney in 2018, Joseph served as an Assistant U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Louisiana, where he prosecuted a wide variety of offenses, with a focus on fraud, public corruption, white-collar crime and crimes committed on the District’s military installations. Prior to his career as a federal prosecutor, Joseph served as a commissioned officer and prosecutor in the U.S. Army Judge Advocate General’s Corps, as well as an attorney in the Professional Liability & Financial Crimes Section of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, and in private practice as a commercial litigation attorney.
Joseph received his Bachelor’s Degree of Business Administration from the University of Oklahoma and his Juris Doctorate from the Paul M. Hebert Law Center at Louisiana State University, where he was a member of the Louisiana Law Review and was inducted into the Order of the Coif. After graduating law school, Joseph clerked for Justice Jeffrey P. Victory of the Louisiana Supreme Court and Judge John V. Parker of the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Louisiana.
First Assistant U.S. Attorney Alexander C. Van Hook will serve as the Acting United States Attorney for the Western District of Louisiana upon Joseph’s departure. Mr. Van Hook has served for 10 years as the First Assistant United States Attorney and began his career in the United States Attorney’s Office in 1999.
Law enforcement partners offered the following statements:
“David Joseph’s leadership in the U.S. Attorney community and in the Western District of Louisiana has been exemplary, and his commitment to the rule of law has been the cornerstone of a distinguished legal career,” said Brandon J. Fremin, U.S. Attorney for the Middle District of Louisiana. “The Department of Justice and the United States of America benefited greatly by his appointment as United States Attorney. Our loss is the Judiciary’s gain.”
“U.S. Attorney Joseph has served the citizens of the Western District of Louisiana with integrity and distinction since 2018, said U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Louisiana Peter G. Strasser. I congratulate Mr. Joseph on his confirmation as a member of the federal judiciary and I’m confident he will continue to serve the Western District with honor and exceptional acumen.”
“I have known David for several years, and he is a man of incredible integrity and a servant of the law. I congratulate him for his successful tenure as the U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Louisiana and for his faithful service as an Assistant U.S. Attorney there. I witnessed firsthand his distinguished service to the citizens of the Western District’s 42 parishes,” said Donald Washington, former United States Attorney for the Western District of Louisiana and now Director of the U.S. Marshals Service. “Judge Joseph will be an outstanding jurist, who will serve with energy and compassion. He will provide equal justice for all.”
“I would like to congratulate David on his appointment to this important position and thank him for supporting the FBI and our state, local, and federal law enforcement partners. Having a collaborative partnership with our U.S. Attorneys is paramount to the successes of all law enforcement agencies. I wish him great success in his new role,” stated FBI New Orleans Special Agent in Charge Bryan Vorndran.
DEA Special Agent in Charge Brad L. Byerley said, “DEA would like to thank Mr. Joseph for his unrelenting partnership and congratulate him on his prestigious appointment to federal judge. With persistence and conviction, Mr. Joseph has done an excellent job leading the U.S. Attorney’s Office, all while combatting drug trafficking and the violent crimes associated with it, making communities in the Western District of Louisiana a safer place to live. Together, along with our federal, state and local law enforcement partners, we have successfully put drug traffickers and violent criminals where they belong, behind bars.”
“David Joseph has been instrumental in assisting law enforcement in the Western District of Louisiana in bringing violent criminals to justice, helping combat violent crime rates, and improving cooperation with our federal partners,‘' said ATF New Orleans Special Agent in Charge Kurt Thielhorn. “It’s been my honor to work with him to keep communities safe.”
“During his tenure representing the Western District of Louisiana, U.S. Attorney Joseph proved to be a dedicated partner working shoulder to shoulder with federal, state, and local law enforcement to ensure public safety and justice for victims,” said Colonel Kevin Reeves, Louisiana State Police Superintendent. “His support and guidance on the Northwest Louisiana Human Trafficking Task Force led to the successful prosecution of numerous child exploitation and human trafficking offenders. On behalf of the entire Louisiana State Police, we wish Judge Joseph the best in his new appointment.”
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The year 2020 marks the 150th anniversary of the Department of Justice. Learn more about the histry of our agency at www.Justice.gov/Celebrating150Years.
U.S. Attorney’s Office recognizes 30th Anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities ActRead the Press Release
U.S. Attorney Brian T. Moran today highlighted the important work carried on by the Civil Rights Unit of the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Western District of Washington, as part of the 30thAnniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (the ADA). The law, a critical civil rights measure that aims to eliminate discrimination against people with disabilities, was signed into law on July 26, 1990.
“Well before the ADA was passed, I grew up with a family member who relied on a wheel chair. I remember the added challenge to daily life this presented to our family, and appreciate how much we have progressed in ensuring access and participation,” said U.S. Attorney Brian Moran. “I want to thank the members of the community who have brought complaints to our attention in recent years, allowing us to use the ADA to advance the cause of equal access throughout this District. The more we know about barriers facing members of our community with disabilities, the more we are able to vindicate their rights under this important legislation.”
In recent years, the U.S. Attorney’s Office has investigated a number of ADA cases. This includes working with the City of Aberdeen to improve access for people with visual impairments; working with Chateau Ste. Michelle and its concert venue to improve access for people with disabilities; working with childcare centers to improve access for children with diabetes; and working with Highline Medical Center, Overlake Medical Center, and the Washington Health Care Authority to improve access for people who are deaf or hard of hearing.
The promise of the ADA is its wide-ranging efforts to eliminate disability discrimination across the range of services, programs, and activities that most Americans take for granted, but were largely inaccessible to individuals with disabilities prior to the law’s enactment. Whether in employment, areas of civic life, or in the day-to-day activities and access to goods and services that we all enjoy–the ADA ensures that individuals with disabilities enjoy the same opportunities as all Americans to participate in everything this nation has to offer.
Over the past 30 years, the United States has undertaken the challenge of changing perceptions about disability, tearing down barriers to equality, and altering the systems that have historically excluded people with disabilities. The Justice Department commemorates the many ways that the ADA has transformed society—by replacing exclusion with access, segregation with integration, and limitations with self-determination.
For more information about the 30th Anniversary of the ADA, please visit www.ada.gov. To file a complaint with the Department, please visit the Civil Rights Division’s portal at https://civilrights.justice.gov/report/. For more information about the ADA, call the Department’s toll-free ADA Information Line at 800-514-0301 or 800-514-0383 (TTY). For information on filing an ADA complaint in the Western District of Washington visit the civil rights section on our website.
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.
Two Men Sentenced for Involvement in New Haven-Based Drug RingRead the Press Release
John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that two men involved in a New Haven-based drug trafficking organization were sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Robert N. Chatigny. JAMAINE JACKSON, also known as “Jack,” 46, of Bridgeport, was sentenced to 77 months of imprisonment, and THEODORE SMITH, also known as “Ted,” 38, of New Haven was sentenced to 42 months of imprisonment. Judge Chatigny also ordered each defendant to serve three years of supervised release when he is released from prison.
Pursuant to the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act), the sentencings occurred via videoconference.
This matter stems from an investigation headed by the FBI’s New Haven Safe Streets/Gang Task Force and New Haven Police Department that targeted drug trafficking and related acts of violence by members, former members and associates of the “Island Brothers” street gang in New Haven. The investigation, which included court-authorized wiretaps and controlled purchases of narcotics, also revealed that the drug trafficking organization had established a base of operation in Fitchburg, Massachusetts. The investigation subsequently identified a second drug trafficking network that involved the large-scale distribution of heroin.
During the investigation, Brian Backman of New Haven and Anderson Atkinson of Hamden were identified as suppliers of heroin to members of the drug trafficking organization. Jackson conspired with Backman, Anderson and others to acquire heroin and sell it to his own customers.
Smith, who resided in Fitchburg for a time, distributed crack cocaine and heroin. He also wire-transferred proceeds of his drug sales to his Connecticut associates.
Twenty-seven individuals were charged as a result of this investigation.
On November 22, 2019, Jackson pleaded guilty one count of conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute 100 grams or more of heroin, and Smith pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute cocaine base (“crack”) and heroin.
Jackson’s criminal history includes 13 convictions for drug offenses, and convictions for assault, strangulation and burglary. Smith also has a lengthy criminal history, which includes multiple convictions for narcotics and assault offenses.
Backman and Atkinson previously pleaded guilty. On March 11, 2020, Backman was sentenced to 121 months of imprisonment. Atkinson awaits sentencing.
This matter is being investigated by the FBI’s New Haven Safe Streets/Gang Task Force, New Haven Police Department, Milford Police Department, Hamden Police Department, East Haven Police Department, Connecticut State Police, Connecticut Department of Correction and the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Anthony E. Kaplan, Peter D. Markle and Elena L. Coronado.
Tucker County man admits to his involvement in a methamphetamine distribution operationRead the Press Release
CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Dustin Bruce Moran, of Parsons, West Virginia, has admitted to his role in a methamphetamine distribution operation, U.S. Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Moran, age 33, pled guilty to one count of “Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine.” Moran admitted to having more than 50 grams of methamphetamine in April 2018 in Randolph County.
Moran faces not less than ten years and up to life incarceration and a fine of up to $10,000,000. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed will be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Brandon S. Flower is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The Mountain Region Drug & Violent Crimes Task Force investigated.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael John Aloi presided.
Subcontractor Employee at Cyril E. King Airport Arrested After Discovery of over 4 ½ Kilograms of CocaineRead the Press Release
St. Thomas, USVI – United States Attorney Gretchen C.F. Shappert for the District of the Virgin Islands announced that a complaint has been filed charging Keilin Lopez Lopez with possession with intent to distribute cocaine, a Schedule II controlled substance.
According to the affidavit filed in this case, on July 31, 2020 at approximately 6:30 p.m., a Virgin Islands Port Authority employee witnessed an adult male tampering with a trashcan in a stall in the men’s restroom located inside the Cyril E. King terminal. Officers removed the trashcan from the wall revealing an open recess in between both sides of the interior wall. One (1) large, brick shaped bundle and one (1) small, brick shaped bundle containing approximately 4.6 kilograms of cocaine was lying at the bottom of the recess of the trashcan.
Airport video surveillance footage showed a male, later identified as Keilin Lopez Lopez, wearing a backpack enter the bathroom where the bundles were discovered. Officers located Mr. Lopez, who is an employee for a company contracted to work on the airport remodel. After being advised of his Miranda rights, Mr. Lopez waived them and stated he removed the trashcan from the wall in the restroom stall and placed the bundles inside the wall.
This case is being investigated by Homeland Security Investigations and U.S. Customs and Border Protection. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Juan Albino.
United States Attorney Gretchen C.F. Shappert reminds the public that a criminal complaint is merely a formal charging document and is not evidence of guilt. Every defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
Statement of Assistant Attorney General for National Security John C. Demers on the Public Release of the Department’s Findings with Respect to the 29 FISA Applications that Were the Subject of the March 2020 OIG Preliminary ReportRead the Press Release
Assistant Attorney General for National Security John C. Demers stated:
“The Department of Justice has completed its review of the 29 FISA applications that were the subject of preliminary findings by the DOJ Inspector General (OIG) in March 2020. We are pleased that our review of these applications concluded that all contained sufficient basis for probable cause and uncovered only two material errors, neither of which invalidated the authorizations granted by the FISA Court. These findings, together with the more than 40 corrective actions undertaken by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the National Security Division, should instill confidence in the FBI’s use of FISA authorities. We would like to express our appreciation to the OIG for their focus on the Department’s use of its national security authority. We remain committed to improving the FISA process to ensure that we use these tools consistent with the law and our obligations to the FISA Court. The ability to surveil and to investigate using FISA authorities remains critical to confronting current national security threats, including election interference, Chinese espionage and terrorism.”
Background
In March 2020, the OIG issued a Memorandum regarding the preliminary findings from its audit of 29 historical FISA applications. The audit was designed to determine whether the contents of the FBI’s Woods files supported the factual statements in these applications. The OIG found deficient documentation in these accuracy (i.e., Woods) files and potential errors. Specifically, the OIG found that FBI was unable to produce the Woods files for 4 of the 29 applications, and the OIG identified numerous apparent errors or inadequately supported facts in all 25 of the 29 applications for which Woods files could be produced.
The OIG did not determine whether any factual assertions in the applications were inaccurate, materially or otherwise. In addition, when the OIG found a fact unsupported by a document in the Woods file, the OIG did not give the FBI the opportunity to locate a supporting document for the fact outside the file.
The Department has reviewed the OIG’s preliminary findings for each application. Each of these applications was also subject to an independent accuracy review. The Department was able to resolve many of the potential issues identified by the OIG. The FBI was also able to compile Woods files for the 4 applications where an original Woods file could not be located, and the FBI was able in many instances to locate documentation to support a factual assertion either elsewhere in the Woods file or in other files available to the FBI. Based on the Department’s findings, of the hundreds of pages of facts contained in the 29 applications audited by the OIG, the Department has identified only one material misstatement and one material omission, neither of which we assess to have invalidated the authorizations granted by the FISC. These findings have been provided to the FISA Court and were posted publicly today.
The filing can be found here.
South Berwick Man Sentenced for Possession of Fentanyl and CocaineRead the Press Release
PORTLAND, Maine: A South Berwick man was sentenced today in federal court in Portland for possession of fentanyl and cocaine with intent to distribute, U.S. Attorney Halsey B. Frank announced.
U.S. District Judge Nancy Torresen sentenced Stephen Kissh, 54, to three years in prison and three years of supervised release. Kissh pleaded guilty on January 27, 2020.
According to court records, on January, 2, 2019, Kissh was arrested at his residence, a camper in South Berwick, Maine. South Berwick police officers responded to the residence after receiving a request to conduct a welfare check on another person at the location who was believed to be under the influence of drugs. Officers were familiar with Kissh, and were aware that he was on bail for Maine drug trafficking charges. Upon arriving at the camper, officers discovered Kissh and several other individuals inside, one of whom appeared to be under the influence of drugs but did not require medical attention. Officers searched Kissh and found him to be in possession of four plastic bags containing fentanyl and cocaine. The officers searched Kissh’s camper and recovered a safe that contained multiple plastic bags of fentanyl and cocaine.
The South Berwick Police Department and the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration investigated the case. The U.S. Attorney’s Office prosecuted the case as part of the Department of Justice’s Operation Synthetic Opioid Surge, a program designed to reduce the supply of deadly synthetic opioids.
Sixteen Alleged Baltimore Felons Charged with Federal Gun CrimesRead the Press Release
Baltimore, Maryland – During the month of July, the U.S. Attorney’s Office charged 16 alleged felons in federal court with illegal possession of firearms in Baltimore City under the Maryland Exile Program, which specifically targets gun crime by combining local, state, and federal law enforcement efforts; community action and revitalization; and public awareness. The use of federal resources and statutes, which carry significant terms of imprisonment, is especially helpful in prosecuting repeat violent offenders, who pose the greatest threat to public safety.
The federal charges were announced by United States Attorney Robert K. Hur; Special Agent in Charge Timothy Jones of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives - Baltimore Field Division; Commissioner Michael Harrison of the Baltimore Police Department; State’s Attorney Marilyn Mosby of the State’s Attorney’s Office for Baltimore City; and Maryland Attorney General Brian Frosh.
“Reducing violent crime in Baltimore is job one. We have remained focused on reducing the gun crime that plagues our City, in spite of the challenges posed by the pandemic,” said U.S. Attorney Robert K. Hur. “We and our partners will continue to do everything we can to focus on prosecuting the repeat violent offenders who wreak havoc in and terrorize Baltimore’s neighborhoods.”
“Violent offenders brazenly use firearms in Baltimore with no regard for human life and the innocent people who live here. ATF and our partners continue to do everything in our power to bring these criminals to justice,” said ATF Baltimore Special Agent in Charge Timothy Jones. “When both law enforcement and attorneys at the local, state, and federal level work as a team, it allows investigators to utilize every available resource, expand investigations, and ensure successful prosecutions. The community is a member of this team too. We urge Baltimore citizens to come forward with any information that will help law enforcement get trigger-pullers out of these neighborhoods.”
The 16 defendants listed below, all from Baltimore, were charged in federal court in July for illegal possession of a firearm by a prohibited person:
- Quanta Butler, age 43;
- Tavon Conyers, age 40;
- Rashaun Curtis, age 22;
- Michael Eaddy, age 33;
- Antonio Johnson, age 20;
- Desmond Johnson, age 25;
- Demetrius Mayes, age 32;
- Richard McCardell, age 38;
- Dwayne Purdie, age 27;
- Nathaniel Ratchford, age 35;
- Reginald Raysor, age 28;
- Michael Sanders, age 36;
- James Stansbury, age 48;
- Sedrick Sutton, age 30;
- Larry Warfield, age 28; and
- Bryant Williams, age 34.
Four of the defendants—Butler, Desmond Johnson, Mayes, and Raysor—were previously convicted and/or investigated as part of federal investigations of gangs operating in the Cherry Hill area of Baltimore.
The United States Attorney’s Office and our law enforcement partners are continuing our efforts to address the gun violence plaguing the Baltimore area by using federal statutes prohibiting felons from possessing firearms. These types of reactive gun cases are part of the Exile program. Maryland EXILE is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (“PSN”), our violent-crime reduction strategy. The United States Attorney’s Office, through the use of Project Safe Neighborhoods and Project Guardian, will continue to pursue felons with guns who constitute a clear and present danger to the safety and welfare of the citizens of Baltimore.
If convicted, the defendants each face a maximum sentence of 10 years in federal prison for being a felon in possession of a firearm and/or ammunition. Several of the defendants are facing additional charges related to drug distribution. 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. All of the defendants will have an initial appearance in U.S. District Court in the near future, if they have not already.
An indictment is not a finding of guilt. An individual charged by indictment is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty at some later criminal proceedings.
These cases are all part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) is the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
The cases are also part of Project Guardian, the Department of Justice’s signature initiative to reduce gun violence and enforce federal firearms laws. Initiated by the Attorney General in the fall of 2019, Project Guardian draws upon the Department’s past successful programs to reduce gun violence; enhances coordination of federal, state, local, and tribal authorities in investigating and prosecuting gun crimes; improves information-sharing; and ensures that federal resources are directed at the criminals posing the greatest threat to our communities. For more information about Project Guardian, please see: https://www.justice.gov/projectguardian.
United States Attorney Robert K. Hur commended the ATF, the Baltimore Police Department, the Office of the State’s Attorney for Baltimore City, and the Maryland Attorney General’s Office for their work in these investigations. Mr. Hur thanked Assistant U.S. Attorneys Patricia C. McLane, Brandon Moore, Christine Goo, Lindsey McCulley, Michael C. Hanlon, and Special Assistant U.S. Attorneys James Tuomey, Richard Gallena, and Lindsay DeFrancesco, who are prosecuting the cases.
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Prince George’s County Man Indicted on Federal Charges for Enticement of a Minor to Engage in Sexual Activity and for Production of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
Greenbelt, Maryland – A federal grand jury has indicted Aaron Crawford, age 36, of Capitol Heights, Maryland, for the federal charges of coercion and enticement of a minor and for production of child pornography. The indictment was returned on July 20, 2020, and unsealed on July 31, 2020, at his initial appearance in U.S. District Court in Greenbelt. Today, U.S. Magistrate Judge Timothy Sullivan ordered that Crawford be detained pending trial.
The indictment was announced by United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Robert K. Hur; Special Agent in Charge Jennifer C. Boone of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Baltimore Field Office; and Interim Chief Hector Velez of the Prince George’s County Police Department.
According to the indictment and evidence proffered by the government at today’s detention hearing, in November 2019, Crawford recruited a minor female to perform commercial sex acts in Prince George’s County. Crawford allegedly directed the victim to send him sexually explicit photographs so that he could use the pictures in Internet advertisements.
If convicted, Crawford faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years and up to life in prison for enticement of a minor; and a mandatory minimum of 15 years and up to 30 years in federal prison for production of child pornography. 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.
An indictment is not a finding of guilt. An individual charged by indictment is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty at some later criminal proceedings.
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 the United States Attorney’s 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. For more information about Internet safety education, please visit www.justice.gov/psc and click on the "Resources" tab on the left of the page.
United States Attorney Robert K. Hur commended the FBI and the Prince George’s County Police Department Vice and Sex Trafficking Investigations Unit for their work in the investigation. Mr. Hur thanked Assistant U.S. Attorneys Joseph R. Baldwin and Gregory Bernstein, who are prosecuting the federal case.
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Portland Man Charged with Assaulting Deputy U.S. Marshal with Explosive Device During Courthouse ProtestRead the Press Release
PORTLAND, Ore.—U.S. Attorney Billy J. Williams announced today that Isaiah Jason Maza, Jr., 18, of Portland, has been charged by criminal complaint with assaulting a federal officer with a dangerous weapon and willfully damaging government property during protests at the Mark O. Hatfield U.S. Courthouse on July 22, 2020.
According to court documents, in the early morning hours of July 22, 2020, a group of individuals gathered in an exterior entryway of the Hatfield Federal Courthouse. Several members of the group, including Maza, began removing plywood attached to the front of the building to protect its damaged glass façade. After the group successfully removed the plywood sheeting, Maza made multiple attempts to kick in the window, struck it with a metal object, and repeatedly pounded on it with what appeared to be a hammer.
Shortly thereafter, a number of people successfully removed the entire wooden structure protecting the courthouse entryway and an unknown individual broke one of the windows. After this breach, Maza walked toward the building carrying a cylindrical object. Maza then appeared to light a fuse connected to the object and place it inside the broken window. A short time later, the object exploded in close proximity to law enforcement officers exiting the building through the broken window. A deputy U.S. Marshal sustained injuries to both his legs as a result of the blast.
On July 31, 2020, deputy U.S. Marshals spotted Maza less than one block from the courthouse. Maza ran from the deputy marshals who pursued him several blocks by foot before catching and arresting him.
Maza made his first appearance in federal court today before a U.S. Magistrate Judge and was ordered detained pending further court proceedings.
Assaulting a federal officer with a dangerous weapon is punishable by up to 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. Willfully damaging government property is punishable by 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
This case is being jointly investigated by the FBI, the U.S. Marshals Service, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives. It is being prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Oregon.
Criminal complaints are only accusations of a crime, and a defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Pittsburgh Woman Pleads Guilty to Narcotics TraffickingRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, PA - A resident of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of narcotics trafficking in connection with a large-scale investigation conducted by the Greater Pittsburgh Safe Streets Task Force, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.
Danasia McNeal, 22, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute heroin and fentanyl before United States District Judge William S. Stickman IV. Ms. McNeal was one of 37 defendants charged in the original Indictment and is one of 22 defendants charged in the Superseding Indictment.
In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that in 2017, the Greater Pittsburgh Safe Streets Task Force, led by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, initiated an investigation primarily targeting the Darccide/Smash 44, or DS44, neighborhood gang, and drug-trafficking activity in and around the South Side area of Pittsburgh. As part of this large-scale narcotics and firearms investigation, the United States received authorization to conduct a federal wire investigation, which continued through June of 2019. Intercepted communications as well as recorded jail calls and visits revealed that the defendant agreed to run the drug trafficking business of her boyfriend and co-defendant, James Givner, while he was incarcerated at the Allegheny County jail, with help from another co-defendant, Christopher Highsmith, who is among the leaders of the conspiracy. Ms. McNeal ultimately accepted responsibility for the distribution of 65 grams of heroin and fentanyl in the Pittsburgh area as a condition of the plea.
Judge Stickman scheduled sentencing for Dec 15, 2020 at 10:30 am. The law provides for a total sentence of 40 years in prison, a fine of $5,000,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant. Ms. McNeal remains on bond pending the sentencing hearing.
Assistant United States Attorneys Christy C. Wiegand and Brendan McKenna are prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation led the multi-agency investigation of this case, which also included the Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives, Allegheny County Adult Probation, Allegheny County Police Department, Allegheny County Sheriff’s Office, Pennsylvania Attorney General’s Office Bureau of Narcotics, Pittsburgh Bureau of Police, and the Wilkinsburg Police Department. Other assisting agencies include the Green Tree Police Department, New York City Police Department, Mount Oliver Police Department, Pennsylvania State Police, Yonkers Police Department, United States Marshals Fugitive Task Force, and the United States Postal Inspection Service.
The investigation was funded by the federal Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force Program (OCDETF). The OCDETF program supplies critical federal funding and coordination that allows federal and state agencies to work together to successfully identify, investigate, and prosecute major interstate and international drug trafficking organizations and other criminal enterprises.
Pair Sentenced in International Gun Trafficking CaseRead the Press Release
RALEIGH, N.C. – A Greensboro man, formerly of Ahoskie, was sentenced today to 15 months in prison for conspiracy to deal and dealing in firearms without a license, and making a false statement during the purchase of a firearm.
According to court documents, multiple firearms were recovered at crimes scenes in Canada and traced back to Kadarius Williams, 24, as the purchaser. During the investigation, law enforcement discovered that Williams purchased those firearms, as well as several other firearms, at gun stores in Ahoskie and Elizabeth City at the direction of his co-defendant, Barrington Strauchn, Jr., 55, of Winton. Strauchn financed the purchase of the firearms and then paid Williams a sum of money for conducting the transaction. Strauchn, who is a convicted felon for a prior armed bank robbery, then took possession of the firearms, which were later recovered in Canada at a homicide and drug trafficking-related search warrants. In all, Williams purchased seventeen (17) firearms and transferred them to Strauchn. During the purchase of those firearms, Williams falsely stated on government forms that he was not purchasing the firearms for another person. Additionally, at the time of Strauchn’s arrest, he was found in possession of a loaded Ruger 9mm pistol.
Strauchn was sentenced on June 18, 2020, to 102 months imprisonment, followed by 3 years of supervised release.
Robert J. Higdon, Jr., U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina made the announcement after sentencing by U.S. District Judge James C. Dever III. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, including their Canada Attaché, investigated and Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert J. Dodson prosecuted the case.
A copy of this press release is located on our website. Related court documents and information can be found on the website of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina or on PACER by searching for Case No. 2:19-CR-18-D.
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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.
Omaha Man Sentenced for Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Joe Kelly announced that Michael Bentley, 45, of Omaha, Nebraska, was sentenced today by the Senior United States District Judge Laurie Smith Camp for his role in a conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine. He received a sentence of 132 months with a five-year term of supervised release to follow. There is no parole in the federal system.
On September 26, 2018, law enforcement executed a search warrant on Bentley’s home. Bentley had approximately 2.4 grams of methamphetamine in his possession. In a post-Miranda interview, Bentley stated that since as early as the preceding May or June, he had been distributing two pounds of methamphetamine per week.
Subsequently, on March 12, 2019, law enforcement stopped Bentley for speeding and Bentley was in possession of approximately 92.8 grams of actual methamphetamine.
This case was investigated by Omaha Police Department.
Navy Technician Sentenced to Prison for Sexually Abusing Minor at Groton Sub BaseRead the Press Release
John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that CHAZZMAN K. CHUNG, 29, of Groton, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Michael P. Shea in Hartford to 18 months of imprisonment, followed by five years of supervised release, for sexually abusing a minor on the grounds of the Naval Submarine Base in Groton.
According to court documents and statements made in court, Chung, a technician in the U.S. Navy, met a 13-year-old boy (the “victim”) on the Grindr dating application. Chung and the victim then communicated via text messages and phone calls. The victim’s Grindr profile indicated that he was 18 years old, but he told Chung that he was 14 years old. On December 19, 2018, the victim feigned illness and stayed home from school. On that date, Chung picked up the victim at the victim’s residence and drove back to the Naval Submarine Base in Groton. In his barracks, Chung engaged in illegal sexual activity with the victim.
Chung was arrested on state charges on April 9, 2019, and on a federal criminal complaint on October 17, 2019. On February 24, 2020, he pleaded guilty in federal court to one count of sexual abuse of a minor.
Judge Shea ordered Chung, who is released on a $25,000 bond, to report to prison in 90 days.
This investigation was conducted by the Naval Criminal Investigative Service, Connecticut State Police and Federal Bureau of Investigation. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Nancy V. Gifford.
This prosecution is part of the U.S. Department of Justice’s Project Safe Childhood Initiative, which is aimed at protecting children from sexual abuse and exploitation. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
To report cases of child exploitation, please visit www.cybertipline.com.
Morgantown man admits to harboring a fugitive wanted on a felony chargeRead the Press Release
CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Paul Chibuzo, of Morgantown, West Virginia, has admitted to charges related to hiding a fugitive, U.S. Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Chibuzo, age 24, pled guilty today to one count of “Harboring and Concealing a Federal Fugitive” and one count of “False Statement to Federal Agent.” Chibuzo admitted to hiding Donquale Gray in Morgantown from March 1 to March 6, 2019. Gray was wanted by the U.S. Marshal Service on a felony charge. Chibuzo lied to authorities about speaking with Gray and knowing he was wanted in February 2019.
Chibuzo faces up to five years incarceration and a fine of up to $250,000 for each count. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed will be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Andrew R. Cogar is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The U.S. Marshal Service; The Bureau for Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives; and the Mon Metro Drug & Violent Crimes Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, investigated.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael John Aloi presided.
Minnesota Man Sentenced to 17.5 Years for Child PornographyRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a Minneapolis, Minnesota, man convicted of Receipt of Child Pornography was sentenced on August 3, 2020, by U.S. District Judge Karen E. Schreier.
Nicolas Edward Wilson, age 35, was sentenced to 210 months in federal prison, 5 years of supervised release, and a special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund in the amount of $100. Wilson was also ordered to register as a sex offender and undergo sex offender treatment.
Wilson was indicted by a federal grand jury on July 9, 2019. He pled guilty on May 11, 2020.
Wilson received and distributed child pornography between September, 2012, and April, 2015. Wilson used his laptop computer to search for images of child pornography on the internet. He also used his cell phone to take pornographic photos of a juvenile female in South Dakota. After the juvenile became an adult, she disclosed the information to law enforcement. Investigators were able to forensically examine the cell phone and laptop computer to find evidence of the child pornography.
U.S. Attorney Ron Parsons commended the joint efforts of the law enforcement agencies working together. He also stated that "the sentence reflects the seriousness of the offense as well as the courage of a victim to come forward and disclose the traumatic events that occurred to her while she was a teenager."
This case was investigated by the McCook County Sheriff's Office, the South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeffrey C. Clapper prosecuted the case.
Wilson was immediately turned over to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Manchester Man Sentenced to 15 Months for Fentanyl TraffickingRead the Press Release
CONCORD - Ryan Luther, 28, of Manchester, was sentenced to 15 months in federal prison for fentanyl trafficking, United States Attorney Scott W. Murray announced today.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on March 13, 2019, a cooperating individual agreed to participate with the Nashua Police Department’s Narcotics Intelligence Division and Problem-Oriented Policing Unit in a controlled buy of fentanyl from Ryan Luther. Luther subsequently sold fentanyl to the cooperator. After the deal, detectives followed Luther to a nearby apartment where they found him hiding in the bathroom and placed him under arrest.
Luther previously pleaded guilty on October 9, 2019.
“Fentanyl traffickers who continue to distribute their product in Hillsborough County will follow Mr. Luther to federal prison,” said U.S. Attorney Murray. “Through Operation SOS, we are working closely with the Nashua Police Department and law enforcement agencies throughout the county to send the message to drug dealers that their illegal and dangerous conduct will not be tolerated.”
This matter was investigated by the Nashua Police Department Narcotics Intelligence Division and Problem-Oriented Policing Unit. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Joachim H. Barth.
This case is part of Operation Synthetic Opioid Surge (S.O.S.). In July of 2018, Attorney General Jeff Sessions announced the creation of S.O.S., which is being implemented in the District of New Hampshire and nine other federal districts. The goal of S.O.S. is to combat the large number of overdoses and deaths associated with fentanyl and other synthetic opioids. In New Hampshire, the U.S. Attorney’s Office is focusing its efforts on prosecuting synthetic opioid trafficking cases arising in Hillsborough County, which includes Manchester and Nashua.
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Las Vegas Resident Charged with Illegally Possessing Unemployment Benefit Debit Cards Issued by DETRRead the Press Release
LAS VEGAS, Nev. – A Las Vegas resident was arrested on Friday, July 31, 2020, on charges related to identity theft and possession of fraudulent unemployment benefits cards, announced U.S. Attorney Nicholas A. Trutanich for the District of Nevada, Sheriff Joseph Lombardo of the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department, and Special Agent in Charge Brian Spellacy of the U.S. Secret Service.
“Fraud against the Department of Employment, Training and Rehabilitation (DETR) is widespread in Nevada’s unemployment benefits system,” said U.S. Attorney Trutanich. “While the State begins to address vulnerabilities in its application and payment system, our office will continue working closely with our partners to prevent important federal resources from enriching fraudsters. This case is likely just the proverbial ‘tip of the iceberg’: we will track down and prosecute scammers who fraudulently obtain federal unemployment benefits.”
“The U.S. Secret Service and our law enforcement partners will continue to work with financial institutions and the state unemployment offices to pursue investigative leads associated with state unemployment identity theft,” said Special Agent in Charge Spellacy. “The U.S. Secret Service’s primary investigative priorities are to mitigate any attempt by criminals that target citizens for identity theft and cyber-enabled crimes as it relates to COVID-19.”
DETR is the agency that administers Nevada’s unemployment insurance program, which is designed to provide benefits to eligible workers who become unemployed through no fault on their own. DETR provides unemployment benefits to qualified applicants on debit cards.
Vincent Okoye, 38, of Las Vegas, was charged by criminal complaint with one count of possession of a counterfeit and unauthorized access device and one count of aggravated identity theft. Okoye’s initial court appearance in federal court has not yet been scheduled.
The complaint alleges that, on July 15, 2020, law enforcement executed a search warrant at Okoye’s residence in Las Vegas. They found:
- Over 100 credit and debit cards not issued in Okoye’s name, including at least 11 debit cards issued by DETR and at least 12 debit cards issued by Arizona’s Department of Economic Security (DES). DES administers the unemployment insurance program for Arizona.
Law enforcement found one of those DETR debit cards in Okoye’s wallet, which is pictured below:
- Over $100,000 in U.S. Currency and U.S. Money Orders.
- At least 24 pieces of mail from DETR, bearing various names and addresses.
- Over 100 pieces of mail, bearing names and addresses not belonging to Okoye.
- A forged Canadian passport.
- Postal mailbox master keys.
The minimum statutory penalty for aggravated identity theft is two years in prison and the maximum statutory penalty for all counts charged in the Complaint is 12 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. The minimum and maximum statutory sentences are prescribed by Congress and are provided here for informational purposes only.
A criminal complaint is merely an allegation and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
The case was investigated by the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department and U.S. Secret Service. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jim Fang is prosecuting the case.
Individuals who believe that someone is fraudulently using their identity, as well as companies who believe that someone is fraudulently using the identity of their employees, to apply for unemployment benefits should file a complaint through the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) at www.ic3.gov and to DETR’s Fraud Report at https://detr.nv.gov/Page/DETR_Unemployment_Insurance_Fraud_Reporting_Form.
Anyone with information about allegations of attempted fraud involving COVID-19 can report it by calling the Department of Justice’s National Center for Disaster Fraud Hotline at 866-720-5721 or via the NCDF Web Complaint Form at: https://www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form.
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