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Monday 15 June 2020
Department of Justice Observes the 15th Annual World Elder Abuse Awareness DayRead the Press Release
PHOENIX, Ariz. – Today, United States Attorney Michael Bailey joined Attorney General William P. Barr and the entire Department of Justice in observing the 15th Annual World Elder Abuse Awareness Day. The Department echoes voices around the world condemning elder abuse, neglect and exploitation.
"The Department of Justice has made protecting America's seniors a top priority, and our office shares that commitment," said United States Attorney Michael Bailey. "Our seniors deserve to be treasured and treated with respect and care, not targeted by fraudulent schemes. We encourage you to call the hotline today if you suspect abuse. Let's work together to protect our seniors."
The COVID-19 pandemic has created unprecedented challenges for our country and the world, but among those most severely affected by the threat of the virus are our senior citizens. Bad actors have exploited this international tragedy to prey on the elderly, who are vulnerable and isolated from their families and loved ones by social distancing and quarantine restrictions, through a host of scams and fraud schemes. As the world takes this day to remember the elderly during these uncertain times, the Department of Justice remains relentlessly committed, through its department-wide Elder Justice Initiative, to prevent and prosecute fraud on America’s seniors.
The Department will aggressively prosecute fraudsters exploiting the COVID-19 pandemic and targeting seniors by offering them fake testing kits and fake help obtaining stimulus and Paycheck Protection Program Funds. Just last week, attorneys from the District of Arizona partnered with the FBI and AARP to give a telephonic town hall about current COVID-19 scams around the country. The town hall was attended by well over a thousand callers from the state who had the opportunity to ask questions and learn tips for avoiding scams.
On this day, World Elder Abuse Awareness Day, dedicated to recognizing our seniors who have been victims of scams and other forms of abuse, the Department of Justice sends a strong message that we will continue the fight to keep seniors safe. Earlier this year Attorney General Barr declared “Prevention and Disruption of Transnational Elder Fraud” to be an Agency Priority Goal, making it one of the Department’s four top priorities. In recognition of that goal, the United States Attorney's Office for the District of Arizona also collaborated with the Pima Council on Aging and the FBI in January to offer an informational talk on scams for older adults.
Major strides have already been made toward the goal of preventing and disrupting elder fraud:
- National Elder Fraud Hotline: 833-FRAUD-11
Attorney General Barr recently launched a National Elder Fraud Hotline. Staffed by experienced case managers who provide personalized support to callers, the hotline serves to assist elders and caretakers who believe they have been a victim of fraud by reporting and providing appropriate services.
- Transnational Elder Fraud Strike Force: Established in June 2019 to combat foreign elder fraud schemes, the Strike Force is composed of the Department’s Consumer Protection Branch and six U.S. Attorneys’ Offices along with FBI special agents, Postal Inspectors, and numerous other law enforcement personnel. Since its inception, prosecutors in Strike Force districts brought cases against more than 140 sweep defendants.
- Annual Elder Justice Sweep: In March of this year, the Attorney General announced the largest coordinated sweep of elder fraud cases in department history. The Department, together with every U.S. Attorney’s office, charged more than 400 defendants, causing over $1 billion in loss through fraud schemes that largely affected seniors, including 16 defendants charged in the District of Arizona.
- Money Mule Initiative: Since October 2018, the Department and its law enforcement partners began a concentrated effort across the country and around the world to disrupt, investigate, and prosecute money mule activity used to facilitate fraud schemes, especially those victimizing senior citizens. In 2019 actions were taken to halt the conduct of more than 600 domestic money mules, exceeding a similar effort against approximately 400 mules in the previous year.
- Holding foreign-based perpetrators and those that flee the United States accountable: Transnational criminal organizations are targeting our elder population in schemes including mass mailing fraud, grandparent scams, romance scams, lottery and sweepstakes scams, IRS and Social Security Administration imposter scams, and technical-support scams.
For more information on enforcement actions, training and resources, research, and victim services, please visit www.justice.gov/elderjustice.
RELEASE NUMBER: 2020-058_Elder Abuse Awareness Day
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For more information on the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/az/
Follow the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, on Twitter @USAO_AZ for the latest news.- National Elder Fraud Hotline: 833-FRAUD-11
Department of Justice Observes the 15th Annual World Elder Abuse Awareness DayRead the Press Release
DENVER – Today, U.S. Attorney Jason R. Dunn joined Attorney General William P. Barr and the entire Department of Justice in observing the 15th Annual World Elder Abuse Awareness Day. The Department echoes voices around the world condemning elder abuse, neglect and exploitation.
The COVID-19 pandemic has created unprecedented challenges for our country and the world, but among those most severely affected by the threat of the novel virus are our senior citizens. During this time when seniors are most vulnerable and isolated from their families and loved ones by social distancing and quarantine restrictions, bad actors have immediately exploited this international tragedy to prey on the elderly through a whole host of scam and fraud schemes. As the world takes this day to remember the elderly during these uncertain times, the Department of Justice remains relentlessly committed, through its department-wide Elder Justice Initiative, to prevent and prosecute fraud on America’s seniors.
The Department will aggressively prosecute fraudsters exploiting the Covid-19 pandemic and targeting seniors offering them fake testing kits and fake help obtaining stimulus and Paycheck Protection Program Funds. On this day dedicated to recognizing our seniors, the Department of Justice sends a strong message that we continue the fight to keep seniors safe a top priority.
“Protecting our senior citizen community from elder fraud is an important priority for my office,” said U.S. Attorney Jason R. Dunn. “Working closely with our law enforcement partners, we will hold accountable those who take advantage of vulnerable seniors.”
Earlier this year Attorney General Barr declared “Prevention and Disruption of Transnational Elder Fraud” to be an Agency Priority Goal, making it one of the Department’s four top priorities.
Major strides have already been made to that end:
- National Elder Fraud Hotline: 833-FRAUD-11
Earlier this year Attorney General Barr launched a National Elder Fraud Hotline. Staffed by experienced case managers who provide personalized support to callers, the hotline serves to assist elders and caretakers who believe they have been a victim of fraud by reporting and providing appropriate services.
- Transnational Elder Fraud Strike Force: Established in June 2019 to combat foreign elder fraud schemes, the Strike Force is composed of the Department’s Consumer Protection Branch and six U.S. Attorneys’ Offices along with FBI special agents, Postal Inspectors, and numerous other law enforcement personnel. Since its inception, prosecutors in Strike Force districts brought cases against more than 140 sweep defendants.
- Annual Elder Justice Sweep: In March of this year, the Attorney General announced the largest coordinated sweep of elder fraud cases in department history. The Department, together with every U.S. Attorney’s office, charged more than 400 defendants, causing over $1 billion in loss through fraud schemes that largely affected seniors.
- Money Mule Initiative: Since October 2018, the Department and its law enforcement partners began a concentrated effort across the country and around the world to disrupt, investigate, and prosecute money mule activity used to facilitate fraud schemes, especially those victimizing senior citizens. In 2019 actions were taken to halt the conduct of more than 600 domestic money mules, exceeding a similar effort against approximately 400 mules in the previous year.
- Holding foreign-based perpetrators and those that flee the United States accountable: Transnational criminal organizations are targeting our elder population in schemes including mass mailing fraud, grandparent scams, romance scams, lottery and sweepstakes scams, IRS and Social Security Administration imposter scams, and technical-support scams.
For more information on enforcement actions, training, resources, research, and victim services, please visit www.justice.gov/elderjustice.
- National Elder Fraud Hotline: 833-FRAUD-11
Department of Justice Observes the 15th Annual World Elder Abuse Awareness DayRead the Press Release
Miami, Fl. -- Today, U.S. Attorney Ariana Fajardo Orshan joined Attorney General William P. Barr and the entire Department of Justice in observing the 15th Annual World Elder Abuse Awareness Day. The Department echoes voices around the world condemning elder abuse, neglect and exploitation.
The COVID-19 pandemic has created unprecedented challenges for our country and the world, but among those most severely affected by the threat of the novel virus are our senior citizens. During this time when seniors are most vulnerable and isolated from their families and loved ones by social distancing and quarantine restrictions, bad actors have immediately exploited this international tragedy to prey on the elderly through a whole host of scam and fraud schemes. As the world takes this day to remember the elderly during these uncertain times, the Department of Justice remains relentlessly committed, through its department-wide Elder Justice Initiative, to prevent and prosecute fraud on America’s seniors.
The Department will aggressively prosecute fraudsters exploiting the Covid-19 pandemic and targeting seniors offering them fake testing kits and fake help obtaining stimulus and Paycheck Protection Program Funds. On this day dedicated to recognizing our seniors, the Department of Justice sends a strong message that we continue the fight to keep seniors safe a top priority.
Earlier this year Attorney General Barr declared “Prevention and Disruption of Transnational Elder Fraud” to be an Agency Priority Goal, making it one of the Department’s four top priorities. Major strides have already been made to that end:
National Elder Fraud Hotline: 833-FRAUD-11
Earlier this year Attorney General Barr launched a National Elder Fraud Hotline. Staffed by experienced case managers who provide personalized support to callers, the hotline serves to assist elders and caretakers who believe they have been a victim of fraud by reporting and providing appropriate services.
Transnational Elder Fraud Strike Force
Established in June 2019 to combat foreign elder fraud schemes, the Strike Force is composed of the Department’s Consumer Protection Branch and six U.S. Attorneys’ Offices along with FBI special agents, Postal Inspectors, and numerous other law enforcement personnel. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Florida is one of these six districts. Since its inception, prosecutors in Strike Force districts brought cases against more than 140 sweep defendants.
Annual Elder Justice Sweep
In March of this year, the Attorney General announced the largest coordinated sweep of elder fraud cases in department history. The Department, together with every U.S. Attorney’s office, charged more than 400 defendants, causing over $1 billion in loss through fraud schemes that largely affected seniors. From January 2019 through March 2020, the Southern District of Florida charged over 25 defendants in elder fraud cases.
Money Mule Initiative
Since October 2018, the Department and its law enforcement partners began a concentrated effort across the country and around the world to disrupt, investigate, and prosecute money mule activity used to facilitate fraud schemes, especially those victimizing senior citizens. In 2019, actions were taken to halt the conduct of more than 600 domestic money mules, exceeding a similar effort against approximately 400 mules in the previous year. Since the initiative’s inception, the Southern District of Florida has brought money-mule related charges against more than 10 defendants.
Accountability of foreign-based perpetrators and those that flee U.S.
Transnational criminal organizations are targeting our elder population in schemes including mass mailing fraud, grandparent scams, romance scams, lottery and sweepstakes scams, IRS and Social Security Administration imposter scams, and technical-support scams.
For more information on enforcement actions, training and resources, research, and victim services, please visit www.justice.gov/elderjustice.
For more information on the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Florida, visit https://www.justice.gov/usao-sdfl.
Department of Justice Observes the 15th Annual World Elder Abuse Awareness DayRead the Press Release
BOISE – Today, U.S. Attorney Bart M. Davis joined Attorney General William P. Barr and the entire Department of Justice in observing the 15th Annual World Elder Abuse Awareness Day. The Department echoes voices around the world condemning elder abuse, neglect and exploitation.
The COVID-19 pandemic has created unprecedented challenges for our country and the world, but among those most severely affected by the threat of the novel virus are our senior citizens. During this time when seniors are most vulnerable and isolated from their families and loved ones by social distancing and quarantine restrictions, bad actors have immediately exploited this international tragedy to prey on the elderly through a whole host of scam and fraud schemes. As the world takes this day to remember the elderly during these uncertain times, the Department of Justice remains relentlessly committed, through its department-wide Elder Justice Initiative, to prevent and prosecute fraud on America’s seniors.
The Department will aggressively prosecute fraudsters exploiting the COVID-19 pandemic and targeting seniors offering them fake testing kits and fake help obtaining stimulus and Paycheck Protection Program Funds. On this day dedicated to recognizing our seniors, the Department of Justice sends a strong message that we continue the fight to keep seniors safe a top priority.
“I encourage senior citizens to be particularly vigilant during these times of COVID-19, when fraudsters are working overtime to stoke health and financial fears we all are experiencing,” said U.S. Attorney Davis. “It is the Department’s mission to both prevent and prosecute fraud on our seniors through enforcement and outreach. This is being accomplished in my office by our Elder Justice Coordinator, Assistant U.S. Attorney Sean Mazorol.”
Earlier this year Attorney General Barr declared “Prevention and Disruption of Transnational Elder Fraud” to be an Agency Priority Goal, making it one of the Department’s four top priorities.
Major strides have already been made to that end across the country:
- National Elder Fraud Hotline: 833-FRAUD-11. Earlier this year Attorney General Barr launched a National Elder Fraud Hotline. Staffed by experienced case managers who provide personalized support to callers, the hotline serves to assist elders and caretakers who believe they have been a victim of fraud by reporting and providing appropriate services.
- Transnational Elder Fraud Strike Force: Established in June 2019 to combat foreign elder fraud schemes, the Strike Force is composed of the Department’s Consumer Protection Branch and six U.S. Attorneys’ Offices along with FBI special agents, Postal Inspectors, and numerous other law enforcement personnel. Since its inception, prosecutors in Strike Force districts brought cases against more than 140 sweep defendants.
- Annual Elder Justice Sweep: In March of this year, the Attorney General announced the largest coordinated sweep of elder fraud cases in department history. The Department, together with every U.S. Attorney’s office, charged more than 400 defendants, causing over $1 billion in loss through fraud schemes that largely affected seniors.
- Money Mule Initiative: Since October 2018, the Department and its law enforcement partners began a concentrated effort across the country and around the world to disrupt, investigate, and prosecute money mule activity used to facilitate fraud schemes, especially those victimizing senior citizens. In 2019 actions were taken to halt the conduct of more than 600 domestic money mules, exceeding a similar effort against approximately 400 mules in the previous year.
- Holding foreign-based perpetrators and those that flee the United States accountable: Transnational criminal organizations are targeting our elder population in schemes including mass mailing fraud, grandparent scams, romance scams, lottery and sweepstakes scams, IRS and Social Security Administration imposter scams, and technical-support scams.
For more information on enforcement actions, training and resources, research, and victim services, please visit www.justice.gov/elderjustice.
The year 2020 marks the 150th anniversary of the Department of Justice. Learn more about the history of our agency at www.Justice.gov/Celebrating150Years.
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Department of Justice Observes the 15th Annual World Elder Abuse Awareness DayRead the Press Release
Today, U.S. Attorney Brandon J. Fremin joined Attorney General William P. Barr and the entire Department of Justice in observing the 15th Annual World Elder Abuse Awareness Day. The Department echoes voices around the world condemning elder abuse, neglect and exploitation.
The COVID-19 pandemic has created unprecedented challenges for our country and the world, but among those most severely affected by the threat of the novel virus are our senior citizens. During this time when seniors are most vulnerable and isolated from their families and loved ones by social distancing and quarantine restrictions, bad actors have immediately exploited this international tragedy to prey on the elderly through a whole host of scam and fraud schemes. As the world takes this day to remember the elderly during these uncertain times, the Department of Justice remains relentlessly committed, through its department-wide Elder Justice Initiative, to prevent and prosecute fraud on America’s seniors.
The Department will aggressively prosecute fraudsters exploiting the Covid-19 pandemic and targeting seniors offering them fake testing kits and fake help obtaining stimulus and Paycheck Protection Program Funds. On this day dedicated to recognizing our seniors, the Department of Justice sends a strong message that we continue the fight to keep seniors safe a top priority.
U.S. Attorney Fremin stated, “Raised in large part by my grandparents, I understand how important our seniors are and the value they add to our communities. They should be respected and revered, not targeted. Whether criminals use the COVID pandemic or seek to enrich themselves by taking advantage of a lifetime of hard work and savings, those who target our elders should know I will use every resource available to the Department of Justice to investigate and prosecute them to the fullest extent of the law.”
Earlier this year Attorney General Barr declared “Prevention and Disruption of Transnational Elder Fraud” to be an Agency Priority Goal, making it one of the Department’s four top priorities.
Major strides have already been made to that end:
- National Elder Fraud Hotline: 833-FRAUD-11
Earlier this year Attorney General Barr launched a National Elder Fraud Hotline. Staffed by experienced case managers who provide personalized support to callers, the hotline serves to assist elders and caretakers who believe they have been a victim of fraud by reporting and providing appropriate services.
- Transnational Elder Fraud Strike Force: Established in June 2019 to combat foreign elder fraud schemes, the Strike Force is composed of the Department’s Consumer Protection Branch and six U.S. Attorneys’ Offices along with FBI special agents, Postal Inspectors, and numerous other law enforcement personnel. Since its inception, prosecutors in Strike Force districts brought cases against more than 140 sweep defendants.
- Annual Elder Justice Sweep: In March of this year, the Attorney General announced the largest coordinated sweep of elder fraud cases in department history. The Department, together with every U.S. Attorney’s office, charged more than 400 defendants, causing over $1 billion in loss through fraud schemes that largely affected seniors
- Money Mule Initiative: Since October 2018, the Department and its law enforcement partners began a concentrated effort across the country and around the world to disrupt, investigate, and prosecute money mule activity used to facilitate fraud schemes, especially those victimizing senior citizens. In 2019 actions were taken to halt the conduct of more than 600 domestic money mules, exceeding a similar effort against approximately 400 mules in the previous year.
- Holding foreign-based perpetrators and those that flee the United States accountable: Transnational criminal organizations are targeting our elder population in schemes including mass mailing fraud, grandparent scams, romance scams, lottery and sweepstakes scams, IRS and Social Security Administration imposter scams, and technical-support scams.
For more information on enforcement actions, training and resources, research, and victim services, please visit www.justice.gov/elderjustice.
- National Elder Fraud Hotline: 833-FRAUD-11
Department of Justice Observes the 15th Annual World Elder Abuse Awareness DayRead the Press Release
PORTLAND, Maine: Today, U.S. Attorney Halsey B. Frank joined Attorney General William P. Barr and the entire Department of Justice in observing the 15th Annual World Elder Abuse Awareness Day. The Department echoes voices around the world condemning elder abuse, neglect and exploitation.
The COVID-19 pandemic has created unprecedented challenges for our country and the world, but among those most severely affected by the threat of the novel virus are our senior citizens. During this time when seniors are most vulnerable and isolated from their families and loved ones by social distancing and quarantine restrictions, bad actors have immediately exploited this international tragedy to prey on the elderly through a whole host of scam and fraud schemes. As the world takes this day to remember the elderly during these uncertain times, the Department of Justice remains relentlessly committed, through its department-wide Elder Justice Initiative, to prevent and prosecute fraud on America’s seniors.
The Department will aggressively prosecute fraudsters exploiting the Covid-19 pandemic and targeting seniors by offering them fake testing kits and fake help obtaining stimulus and Paycheck Protection Program Funds. On this day dedicated to recognizing our seniors, the Department of Justice sends a strong message that we continue the fight to keep seniors safe a top priority.
“Every society has an obligation to protect its most vulnerable citizens,” said U.S. Attorney Frank. “Defrauding senior citizens, particularly in the midst of a deadly pandemic, is outrageous and despicable. The U.S. Attorney’s Office and its law enforcement partners are committed to investigating and prosecuting those who target Maine seniors.”
Earlier this year Attorney General Barr declared “Prevention and Disruption of Transnational Elder Fraud” to be an Agency Priority Goal, making it one of the Department’s four top priorities. Major strides have already been made to that end:
National Elder Fraud Hotline: 833-FRAUD-11
Earlier this year Attorney General Barr launched a National Elder Fraud Hotline. Staffed by experienced case managers who provide personalized support to callers, the hotline serves to assist elders and caretakers who believe they have been a victim of fraud by reporting and providing appropriate services.
Transnational Elder Fraud Strike Force:
Established in June 2019 to combat foreign elder fraud schemes, the Strike Force is composed of the Department’s Consumer Protection Branch and six U.S. Attorneys’ Offices along with FBI special agents, Postal Inspectors, and numerous other law enforcement personnel. Since its inception, prosecutors in Strike Force districts brought cases against more than 140 sweep defendants.
Annual Elder Justice Sweep:
In March of this year, the Attorney General announced the largest coordinated sweep of elder fraud cases in department history. The Department, together with every U.S. Attorney’s office, charged more than 400 defendants, causing over $1 billion in loss through fraud schemes that largely affected seniors.
Money Mule Initiative:
Since October 2018, the Department and its law enforcement partners began a concentrated effort across the country and around the world to disrupt, investigate, and prosecute money mule activity used to facilitate fraud schemes, especially those victimizing senior citizens. In 2019, actions were taken to halt the conduct of more than 600 domestic money mules, exceeding a similar effort against approximately 400 mules in the previous year.
Holding foreign-based perpetrators and those that flee the United States accountable:
Transnational criminal organizations are targeting our elder population in schemes including mass mailing fraud, grandparent scams, romance scams, lottery and sweepstakes scams, IRS and Social Security Administration imposter scams, and technical-support scams.
For more information on enforcement actions, training and resources, research, and victim services, please visit www.justice.gov/elderjustice.
Department of Justice Observes the 15th Annual World Elder Abuse Awareness DayRead the Press Release
St. Louis, Missouri – Today, U.S. Attorney Jeff Jensen joined Attorney General William P. Barr and the entire Department of Justice in observing the 15th Annual World Elder Abuse Awareness Day. The Department echoes voices around the world condemning elder abuse, neglect and exploitation.
“Seniors are valuable members of our community. Unfortunately, they are often vulnerable to devious forms of abuse and fraud. Our goal is to stop such abuse before it happens and, when it does, to pursue the stiffest penalties and restitution amounts possible,” U.S. Attorney Jeff Jensen said.
The COVID-19 pandemic has created unprecedented challenges for our country and the world, but among those most severely affected by the threat of the novel virus are our senior citizens. During this time when seniors are most vulnerable and isolated from their families and loved ones by social distancing and quarantine restrictions, bad actors have immediately exploited this international tragedy to prey on the elderly through a whole host of scam and fraud schemes. As the world takes this day to remember the elderly during these uncertain times, the Department of Justice remains relentlessly committed, through its department-wide Elder Justice Initiative, to prevent and prosecute fraud on America’s seniors.
The Department will aggressively prosecute fraudsters exploiting the Covid-19 pandemic and targeting seniors offering them fake testing kits and fake help obtaining stimulus and Paycheck Protection Program Funds. On this day dedicated to recognizing our seniors, the Department of Justice sends a strong message that we continue the fight to keep seniors safe a top priority.
Earlier this year Attorney General Barr declared “Prevention and Disruption of Transnational Elder Fraud” to be an Agency Priority Goal, making it one of the Department’s four top priorities.
Major strides have already been made to that end:
National Elder Fraud Hotline: 833-FRAUD-11
Earlier this year Attorney General Barr launched a National Elder Fraud Hotline. Staffed by experienced case managers who provide personalized support to callers, the hotline serves to assist elders and caretakers who believe they have been a victim of fraud by reporting and providing appropriate services.
Transnational Elder Fraud Strike Force: Established in June 2019 to combat foreign elder fraud schemes, the Strike Force is composed of the Department’s Consumer Protection Branch and six U.S. Attorneys’ Offices along with FBI special agents, Postal Inspectors, and numerous other law enforcement personnel. Since its inception, prosecutors in Strike Force districts brought cases against more than 140 sweep defendants.
Annual Elder Justice Sweep: In March of this year, the Attorney General announced the largest coordinated sweep of elder fraud cases in department history. The Department, together with every U.S. Attorney’s office, charged more than 400 defendants, causing over $1 billion in loss through fraud schemes that largely affected seniors.
Money Mule Initiative: Since October 2018, the Department and its law enforcement partners began a concentrated effort across the country and around the world to disrupt, investigate, and prosecute money mule activity used to facilitate fraud schemes, especially those victimizing senior citizens. In 2019 actions were taken to halt the conduct of more than 600 domestic money mules, exceeding a similar effort against approximately 400 mules in the previous year.
Holding foreign-based perpetrators and those that flee the United States accountable: Transnational criminal organizations are targeting our elder population in schemes including mass mailing fraud, grandparent scams, romance scams, lottery and sweepstakes scams, IRS and Social Security Administration imposter scams, and technical-support scams.
For more information on enforcement actions, training and resources, research, and victim services, please visit https://www.justice.gov/elderjustice.
Department of Justice Observes the 15th Annual World Elder Abuse Awareness DayRead the Press Release
Today, U.S. Attorney Trent Shores joined Attorney General William P. Barr and the entire Department of Justice in observing the 15th Annual World Elder Abuse Awareness Day. The Department echoes voices around the world condemning elder abuse, neglect and exploitation.
“On this day when the world highlights the problem of elder abuse and fraud, the Department of Justice continues to send a strong message that keeping our seniors safe is a top priority,” said U.S. Attorney Trent Shores. “My office will fight to hold accountable those con artists who take advantage of older Oklahomans.”
The COVID-19 pandemic has created unprecedented challenges for our country and the world, but among those most severely affected by the threat of the novel virus are our senior citizens. During this time when seniors are most vulnerable and isolated from their families and loved ones by social distancing and quarantine restrictions, bad actors have immediately exploited this international tragedy to prey on the elderly through a whole host of scam and fraud schemes. As the world takes this day to remember the elderly during these uncertain times, the Department of Justice remains relentlessly committed, through its department-wide Elder Justice Initiative, to prevent and prosecute fraud on America’s seniors.
The Department will aggressively prosecute fraudsters exploiting the Covid-19 pandemic and targeting seniors offering them fake testing kits and fake help obtaining stimulus and Paycheck Protection Program Funds.
The District of Northern Oklahoma recently brought federal charges in multiple cases of elder fraud. In November 2019, the office charged ten men with laundering proceeds acquired through online romance scams operated from Nigeria. Fraudsters targeted multiple elder victims from across America, including Oklahoma, and netted at least $1.5 million. In another case, William Brian Mulder, 61, of Tulsa, was charged with 26 counts of Bank Fraud; 41 counts of causing the interstate transmission of moneys taken by fraud, and five counts of engaging in unlawful monetary transactions. He allegedly defrauded five federally insured financial institutions and two investor families of more than $5 million dollars. Also, in February 2020, Jacob Kyle Killough, 37, of Owasso, pleaded guilty to aggravated identity theft and financial institution fraud. Killough stole checks from multiple elderly victims’ mailboxes then altered them to show the checks payable to Killough.
Earlier this year Attorney General Barr declared “Prevention and Disruption of Transnational Elder Fraud” to be an Agency Priority Goal, making it one of the Department’s four top priorities.
Major strides have already been made to that end:
-National Elder Fraud Hotline: 833-FRAUD-11
Earlier this year Attorney General Barr launched a National Elder Fraud Hotline. Staffed by experienced case managers who provide personalized support to callers, the hotline serves to assist elders and caretakers who believe they have been a victim of fraud by reporting and providing appropriate services.
-Transnational Elder Fraud Strike Force: Established in June 2019 to combat foreign elder fraud schemes, the Strike Force is composed of the Department’s Consumer Protection Branch and six U.S. Attorneys’ Offices along with FBI special agents, Postal Inspectors, and numerous other law enforcement personnel. Since its inception, prosecutors in Strike Force districts brought cases against more than 140 sweep defendants.
-Annual Elder Justice Sweep: In March of this year, the Attorney General announced the largest coordinated sweep of elder fraud cases in department history. The Department, together with every U.S. Attorney’s office, charged more than 400 defendants, causing over $1 billion in loss through fraud schemes that largely affected seniors. The District of Northern Oklahoma took part in this sweep. You can find the press release here.
-Money Mule Initiative: Since October 2018, the Department and its law enforcement partners began a concentrated effort across the country and around the world to disrupt, investigate, and prosecute money mule activity used to facilitate fraud schemes, especially those victimizing senior citizens. In 2019 actions were taken to halt the conduct of more than 600 domestic money mules, exceeding a similar effort against approximately 400 mules in the previous year. In December 2019, the District of Northern Oklahoma charged a money mule, Crystal Lynne Clark, with 14 counts of aggravated identity theft. Clark allegedly used stolen credit card information from victims to purchase gift cards. She then provided her associates with the gift card information and also used the victims’ credit cards to make numerous personal purchases. See the press release here.
-Holding foreign-based perpetrators and those that flee the United States accountable: Transnational criminal organizations are targeting our elder population in schemes including mass mailing fraud, grandparent scams, romance scams, lottery and sweepstakes scams, IRS and Social Security Administration imposter scams, and technical-support scams.
Department of Justice Observes the 15th Annual World Elder Abuse Awareness DayRead the Press Release
MEMPHIS, TN – Today, U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant joined Attorney General William P. Barr and the entire Department of Justice in observing the 15th Annual World Elder Abuse Awareness Day. The Department echoes voices around the world condemning elder abuse, neglect and exploitation.
The COVID-19 pandemic has created unprecedented challenges for our country and the world, but among those most severely affected by the threat of the novel virus are our senior citizens. During this time when seniors are most vulnerable and isolated from their families and loved ones by social distancing and quarantine restrictions, bad actors have immediately exploited this international tragedy to prey on the elderly through a whole host of scam and fraud schemes. As the world takes this day to remember the elderly during these uncertain times, the Department of Justice remains relentlessly committed, through its department-wide Elder Justice Initiative, to prevent and prosecute fraud on America’s seniors.
The Department will aggressively prosecute fraudsters exploiting the Covid-19 pandemic and targeting seniors offering them fake testing kits and fake help obtaining stimulus and Paycheck Protection Program Funds. On this day dedicated to recognizing our seniors, the Department of Justice sends a strong message that we continue the fight to keep seniors safe a top priority.
U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant said: "It is a top priority for this office to protect our senior population across the district. To halt the scourge of abuse, exploitation and financial fraud against older citizens, we are pleased to join with the Attorney General in our firm commitment to investigate, prosecute, punish and deter crimes against our vulnerable seniors. Those who target or victimize the elderly will receive the full attention of our office and law enforcement officials in West Tennessee."
Earlier this year Attorney General Barr declared "Prevention and Disruption of Transnational Elder Fraud" to be an Agency Priority Goal, making it one of the Department’s four top priorities.
Two cases from the Western District of Tennessee were included as part of the largest coordinated sweep of elder fraud cases in history earlier this year:
• Keith L. Dobbs, 39, disbarred Memphis attorney, has been charged with sixty-seven counts federal felony violations. Dobbs misappropriated funds from 26 victims who received veteran’s benefits and nine Social Security recipients. https://www.justice.gov/usao-wdtn/pr/federal-grand-jury-returns-two-indictments-charging-disbarred-memphis-attorney-total
• Stephen Douglas Fry, 72, a financial advisor who stole and embezzled approximately $1.3 million from a client who had given him power of attorney to prepare tax returns and manage and invest monies following the death of her husband. https://www.justice.gov/usao-wdtn/pr/financial-advisor-pleads-guilty-fraud-charges
Additionally, major strides have already been made to support this Department of Justice Agency Priority Goal:
• National Elder Fraud Hotline: 833-FRAUD-11
Earlier this year Attorney General Barr launched a National Elder Fraud Hotline. Staffed by experienced case managers who provide personalized support to callers, the hotline serves to assist elders and caretakers who believe they have been a victim of fraud by reporting and providing appropriate services.
• Transnational Elder Fraud Strike Force: Established in June 2019 to combat foreign elder fraud schemes, the Strike Force is composed of the Department’s Consumer Protection Branch and six U.S. Attorneys’ Offices along with FBI special agents, Postal Inspectors, and numerous other law enforcement personnel. Since its inception, prosecutors in Strike Force districts brought cases against more than 140 sweep defendants.
• Annual Elder Justice Sweep: In March of this year, the Attorney General announced the largest coordinated sweep of elder fraud cases in department history. The Department, together with every U.S. Attorney’s office, charged more than 400 defendants, causing over $1 billion in loss through fraud schemes that largely affected seniors. https://www.justice.gov/usao-wdtn/pr/department-justice-charges-unprecedented-number-elder-fraud-defendants-nationwide-and
• Money Mule Initiative: Since October 2018, the Department and its law enforcement partners began a concentrated effort across the country and around the world to disrupt, investigate, and prosecute money mule activity used to facilitate fraud schemes, especially those victimizing senior citizens. In 2019 actions were taken to halt the conduct of more than 600 domestic money mules, exceeding a similar effort against approximately 400 mules in the previous year.
• Holding foreign-based perpetrators and those that flee the United States accountable: Transnational criminal organizations are targeting our elder population in schemes including mass mailing fraud, grandparent scams, romance scams, lottery and sweepstakes scams, IRS and Social Security Administration imposter scams, and technical-support scams.
For more information on enforcement actions, training and resources, research, and victim services, please visit www.justice.gov/elderjustice.
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Department of Justice Observes the 15th Annual World Elder Abuse Awareness DayRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Attorney Robert J. Higdon, Jr. joined Attorney General William P. Barr and the entire Department of Justice in observing the 15th Annual World Elder Abuse Awareness Day. The Department echoes voices around the world condemning elder abuse, neglect and exploitation.
The COVID-19 pandemic has created unprecedented challenges for our country and the world, but among those most severely affected by the threat of the novel virus are our senior citizens. During this time when seniors are most vulnerable and isolated from their families and loved ones by social distancing and quarantine restrictions, bad actors have immediately exploited this international tragedy to prey on the elderly through a whole host of scam and fraud schemes. As the world takes this day to remember the elderly during these uncertain times, the Department of Justice remains relentlessly committed, through its department-wide Elder Justice Initiative, to prevent and prosecute fraud on America’s seniors.
The Department will aggressively prosecute fraudsters exploiting the Covid-19 pandemic and targeting seniors offering them fake testing kits and fake help obtaining stimulus and Paycheck Protection Program Funds. On this day dedicated to recognizing our seniors, the Department of Justice sends a strong message that we continue the fight to keep seniors safe a top priority.
Mr. Higdon commented: “Today many of our senior citizens - the men and woman who paved the way for all of us – are being victimized by those who would steal their money, their years of support, their retirement, their piece of mind. There are so many scams out there targeting our seniors. Whether the scammers are trying to convince you that you have won a lottery or sweepstakes you did not enter or impersonating a grandchild in need, they are trying to get you to let your guard down so they can take your money. Please remember the old adage: ‘If it seems too good to be true, it is!’ Be skeptical, be cautious and remember there is no quick way to get rich. And, if you have questions or concerns, or if you think you have been scammed, please take advantage of the information and law enforcement contacts listed below.”
Earlier this year Attorney General Barr declared “Prevention and Disruption of Transnational Elder Fraud” to be an Agency Priority Goal, making it one of the Department’s four top priorities.
Major strides have already been made to that end:
- National Elder Fraud Hotline: 833-FRAUD-11
Earlier this year Attorney General Barr launched a National Elder Fraud Hotline. Staffed by experienced case managers who provide personalized support to callers, the hotline serves to assist elders and caretakers who believe they have been a victim of fraud by reporting and providing appropriate services.
- Transnational Elder Fraud Strike Force: Established in June 2019 to combat foreign elder fraud schemes, the Strike Force is composed of the Department’s Consumer Protection Branch and six U.S. Attorneys’ Offices along with FBI special agents, Postal Inspectors, and numerous other law enforcement personnel. Since its inception, prosecutors in Strike Force districts brought cases against more than 140 sweep defendants.
- Annual Elder Justice Sweep: In March of this year, the Attorney General announced the largest coordinated sweep of elder fraud cases in department history. The Department, together with every U.S. Attorney’s office, charged more than 400 defendants, causing over $1 billion in loss through fraud schemes that largely affected seniors including four cases in the Eastern District of North Carolina: U.S. v. Tony McElveen, 7:19-CR-73; U.S. v. Furman Ford, 5:19-CR-166, U.S. v. Murray Todd, 7:19-CR-32; and U.S. v. Anthony March, 5:19-CR-383.
- Money Mule Initiative: Since October 2018, the Department and its law enforcement partners began a concentrated effort across the country and around the world to disrupt, investigate, and prosecute money mule activity used to facilitate fraud schemes, especially those victimizing senior citizens. In 2019, actions were taken to halt the conduct of more than 600 domestic money mules, exceeding a similar effort against approximately 400 mules in the previous year.
- Holding foreign-based perpetrators and those that flee the United States accountable: Transnational criminal organizations are targeting our elder population in schemes including mass mailing fraud, grandparent scams, romance scams, lottery and sweepstakes scams, IRS and Social Security Administration imposter scams, and technical-support scams.
- For more information on enforcement actions, training and resources, research, and victim services, please visit www.justice.gov/elderjustice.
- National Elder Fraud Hotline: 833-FRAUD-11
Department of Justice Observes the 15th Annual World Elder Abuse Awareness DayRead the Press Release
LAS VEGAS, Nev. – Today, U.S. Attorney Nicholas A. Trutanich for the District of Nevada joins Attorney General William P. Barr and the Department of Justice in observing the 15th Annual World Elder Abuse Awareness Day. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Nevada echoes voices around the world condemning elder abuse, neglect, and exploitation.
“Elder Abuse Awareness Day reinforces the importance of not only prosecuting criminals who target seniors, but also conducting outreach to raise awareness and providing guidance to help recognize fraud schemes,” said U.S. Attorney Trutanich. “Our office looks forward to continue working with our law enforcement partners to bring to justice those who prey on the elderly.”
The COVID-19 pandemic has created unprecedented challenges for our country and the world, but our senior citizens are among those most severely affected by the threat of the novel virus. During this time, when seniors are most vulnerable and isolated from their families and loved ones by social distancing and quarantine restrictions, bad actors have exploited this international tragedy to prey on the elderly through a host of scam and fraud schemes. As the world takes this day to remember the elderly, the Department of Justice remains committed to preventing and prosecuting fraud on America’s seniors, including through its Elder Justice Initiative.
The Department of Justice will aggressively prosecute fraudsters exploiting the COVID-19 pandemic and targeting seniors by, among other things, offering fake testing kits and fake help to obtain stimulus and Paycheck Protection Program Funds. On this day dedicated to recognizing our seniors, the Department sends the message that it will continue the fight to keep seniors safe.
Earlier this year, Attorney General Barr declared “Prevention and Disruption of Transnational Elder Fraud” to be an Agency Priority Goal, making it one of the Department’s four top priorities. Major strides have already been made to that end:
- National Elder Fraud Hotline (833-FRAUD-11): Earlier this year Attorney General Barr launched a National Elder Fraud Hotline. Staffed by experienced case managers who provide personalized support to callers, the hotline serves to assist elders and caretakers who believe they have been a victim of fraud by reporting and providing appropriate services.
- Transnational Elder Fraud Strike Force: Established in June 2019 to combat foreign elder fraud schemes, the Strike Force is composed of the Department’s Consumer Protection Branch and six U.S. Attorneys’ Offices along with FBI special agents, Postal Inspectors, and numerous other law enforcement personnel. Since its inception, prosecutors in Strike Force districts brought cases against more than 140 sweep defendants.
- Annual Elder Justice Sweep: In March of this year, the Attorney General announced the largest coordinated sweep of elder fraud cases in department history. The Department, together with every U.S. Attorney’s office, charged more than 400 defendants, causing over $1 billion in loss through fraud schemes that largely affected seniors, including the following cases in the District of Nevada.
- U.S. v. Castro, et al.: Six Las Vegas-area residents with running a fraudulent mass-mailing scheme that defrauded hundreds of thousands of consumers — many of whom were elderly — into paying more than $10 million in fees for falsely promised cash prizes.
- U.S. v. Marcks, et al.: Five Las Vegas-area residents were charged in a 22-count indictment relating to an India-based telemarketing and email marketing conspiracy that targeted seniors. The defendants allegedly obtained over $2.4 million from victims residing throughout the United States.
- Money Mule Initiative: Since October 2018, the Department and its law enforcement partners began a concentrated effort across the country and around the world to disrupt, investigate, and prosecute money mule activity used to facilitate fraud schemes, especially those victimizing senior citizens. In 2019, the Money Mule Initiative halted the conduct of more than 600 domestic money mules, exceeding a similar effort against approximately 400 mules in the previous year.
- Holding foreign-based perpetrators and those that flee the United States accountable: Transnational criminal organizations are targeting our elder population in schemes including mass mailing fraud, grandparent scams, romance scams, lottery and sweepstakes scams, IRS and Social Security Administration imposter scams, and technical-support scams. For example, in 2019, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Nevada charged four executives at PacNet Services Ltd, a payment processing company based in Vancouver, Canada, with engaging in a massive fraud scheme in which PacNet processed payments for companies that mailed fraudulent notifications to consumers (including many who were elderly or vulnerable) in the United States.
For more information on enforcement actions, training and resources, research, and victim services, please visit www.justice.gov/elderjustice.
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Department of Justice Observes 15th Annual World Elder Abuse Awareness DayRead the Press Release
PORTLAND, Ore.—Today, U.S. Attorney Billy J. Williams joined Attorney General William P. Barr and the entire Department of Justice in observing the 15th Annual World Elder Abuse Awareness Day and echoing voices around the world condemning elder abuse, neglect, and exploitation.
The Department of Justice is committed, through its department-wide Elder Justice Initiative (EJI), to preventing and prosecuting fraud on America’s seniors.
“World Elder Abuse Awareness Day affords us a valuable opportunity to reaffirm our commitment to protecting elderly Americans from fraud and abuse. Seniors fall victim to fraud schemes at far greater rates than the rest of the population,” said U.S. Attorney Williams. “We all need to be vigilant in watching out for our elderly friends and love ones. Intercede when you learn that a friend or family member is contemplating sending money to someone who has contacted them by telephone or online. Your vigilance will make a difference.”
The COVID-19 pandemic has created unprecedented challenges for our country and the world. Senior citizens are among those most vulnerable to and severely affected by the novel coronavirus. During this time when seniors are isolated from their families, friends, and loved ones by social distancing and quarantine restrictions, bad actors have exploited the public health emergency to prey on the elderly through a host of fraud schemes.
For a list of COVID-19-related fraud schemes and tips for protecting your friends and love ones, please visit the U.S. Attorney’s Office COVID-19 fraud webpage at www.justice.gov/usao-or/covid-19-fraud.
Earlier this year Attorney General Barr declared “Prevention and Disruption of Transnational Elder Fraud” to be an Agency Priority Goal, making it one of the Department’s four top priorities.
Recent District of Oregon elder fraud cases include:
U.S. v. Karanjit Khatkar et al.: In March 2020, two Canadian nationals were sentenced to 24 months in federal prison and three years’ supervised release for conspiring to commit wire fraud and money laundering in a scheme to steal bitcoin from an elderly Oregon resident. As mandated by their plea agreements, the defendants delivered a $142,349 check as a prepayment of restitution to their victim at their change of plea hearing. At sentencing, they were ordered to pay an additional $42,162 to their victim for a total restitution order of $184,511. Read more.
U.S. v. Ronnie Stevens & Tina Ephrem: In November 2019, a Portland couple pleaded guilty to defrauding a local elderly couple of approximately $1.8 million in a scheme lasting more than two years. Ronnie Stevens aka Tim Ephrem, 50, and Tina Ephrem aka Lisa Ann Peterson, 43, each pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud. Read more.
U.S. v. Theodore Martin Kirk: In September 2019, Theodore Martin Kirk, 64, of Klamath County, Oregon was sentenced to 15 months in prison and three years’ supervised release for stealing more than $30,000 in Social Security benefits dispersed in the name of his elderly mother, Nadine Kirk. Ms. Kirk has been missing since March 2010 and is presumed to be deceased. Read more.
Other Justice Department elder fraud initiatives include:
National Elder Fraud Hotline: Earlier this year, Attorney General Barr launched a National Elder Fraud Hotline: 833-FRAUD-11. Staffed by experienced case managers who provide personalized support to callers, the hotline serves to assist elders and caretakers who believe they have been a victim of fraud by reporting and providing appropriate services.
Transnational Elder Fraud Strike Force: Established in June 2019 to combat foreign elder fraud schemes, the strike force is composed of the Department’s Consumer Protection Branch and six U.S. Attorneys’ Offices along with FBI special agents, Postal Inspectors, and numerous other law enforcement personnel. Since its inception, prosecutors in strike force districts brought cases against more than 140 sweep defendants.
Annual Elder Justice Sweep: In March of this year, the Attorney General announced the largest coordinated sweep of elder fraud cases in department history. The department, together with every U.S. Attorney’s office, charged more than 400 defendants, causing over $1 billion in loss through fraud schemes that largely affected seniors.
Money Mule Initiative: Since October 2018, the department and its law enforcement partners began a concentrated effort across the country and around the world to disrupt, investigate, and prosecute money mule activity used to facilitate fraud schemes, especially those victimizing senior citizens. In 2019, actions were taken to halt the conduct of more than 600 domestic money mules, exceeding a similar effort against approximately 400 mules in the previous year.
Holding foreign-based perpetrators and those who flee the United States accountable: Transnational criminal organizations are targeting our elder population in schemes including mass mailing fraud, grandparent scams, romance scams, lottery and sweepstakes scams, IRS and Social Security Administration imposter scams, and technical-support scams.
For more information on enforcement actions, training and resources, research, and victim services, please visit www.justice.gov/elderjustice.
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.
Department of Justice Observes 15th Annual World Elder Abuse Awareness DayRead the Press Release
PROVIDENCE – Today, U.S. Attorney Aaron L. Weisman joined Attorney General William P. Barr and the entire Department of Justice in observing the 15th Annual World Elder Abuse Awareness Day. The Department echoes voices around the world condemning elder abuse, neglect and exploitation.
The COVID-19 pandemic has created unprecedented challenges for our country and the world, but among those most severely affected by the threat of the novel virus are our senior citizens. During this time when seniors are most vulnerable and isolated from their families and loved ones by social distancing and quarantine restrictions, bad actors have immediately exploited this international tragedy to prey on the elderly through a whole host of scam and fraud schemes. As the world takes this day to remember the elderly during these uncertain times, the Department of Justice remains relentlessly committed, through its department-wide Elder Justice Initiative, to prevent and prosecute fraud on America’s seniors.
The Department will aggressively prosecute fraudsters exploiting the Covid-19 pandemic and targeting seniors offering them fake testing kits and fake help obtaining stimulus and Paycheck Protection Program Funds. On this day dedicated to recognizing our seniors, the Department of Justice sends a strong message that we continue the fight to keep seniors safe a top priority.
“Scammers and fraudsters are guided not by conscience, but by greed alone. They will confuse, lie to, and steal from their victims, particularly seniors, with total disregard for the financial and emotional ruins they leave behind,” said United States Attorney Aaron L. Weisman. “The Department of Justice makes it our mission to both prevent and prosecute fraud on our seniors through enforcement and outreach.”
Earlier this year Attorney General Barr declared “Prevention and Disruption of Transnational Elder Fraud” to be an Agency Priority Goal, making it one of the Department’s four top priorities. Over the past year, the District of Rhode Island has brought federal charges in several cases alleging that seniors were targeted for fraud. Among the cases:
- A Boston man admitted to participating in a scheme to defraud senior citizens in Rhode Island and across the country by persuading them to send significant cash payments to various addresses in Rhode Island to secure the release of a relative from jail, purportedly arrested after being involved in a motor vehicle accident.
- Two individuals from Houston and three from the Atlanta area were charged in U.S. District Court in Providence, R.I., with allegedly participating in online romance scams that bilked more than two dozen people, most of them elderly, out of more than two million dollars.
Major strides have already been made to that end:
- National Elder Fraud Hotline: 833-FRAUD-11
Earlier this year Attorney General Barr launched a National Elder Fraud Hotline. Staffed by experienced case managers who provide personalized support to callers, the hotline serves to assist elders and caretakers who believe they have been a victim of fraud by reporting and providing appropriate services.
- Transnational Elder Fraud Strike Force: Established in June 2019 to combat foreign elder fraud schemes, the Strike Force is composed of the Department’s Consumer Protection Branch and six U.S. Attorneys’ Offices along with FBI special agents, Postal Inspectors, and numerous other law enforcement personnel. Since its inception, prosecutors in Strike Force districts brought cases against more than 140 sweep defendants, including a Pawtucket, RI, man who admitted to participating in an international telemarking scam operating out of Jamaica whose elder victims were contacted by telephone and told they have won cash or prizes in a lottery or sweepstakes. However, they are told their winnings will not be released to them without upfront payment of taxes or fees.
- Annual Elder Justice Sweep: In March of this year, the Attorney General announced the largest coordinated sweep of elder fraud cases in department history. The Department, together with every U.S. Attorney’s office, charged more than 400 defendants, causing over $1 billion in loss through fraud schemes that largely affected seniors.
- Money Mule Initiative: Since October 2018, the Department and its law enforcement partners began a concentrated effort across the country and around the world to disrupt, investigate, and prosecute money mule activity used to facilitate fraud schemes, especially those victimizing senior citizens. In 2019 actions were taken to halt the conduct of more than 600 domestic money mules, exceeding a similar effort against approximately 400 mules in the previous year.
- Holding foreign-based perpetrators and those that flee the United States accountable: Transnational criminal organizations are targeting our elder population in schemes including mass mailing fraud, grandparent scams, romance scams, lottery and sweepstakes scams, IRS and Social Security Administration imposter scams, and technical-support scams.
For more information on enforcement actions, training and resources, research, and victim services, please visit www.justice.gov/elderjustice.
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Department of Justice Announces Launch of Civil Rights Reporting PortalRead the Press Release
The Department of Justice today announced the launch of the Civil Rights Reporting Portal. This new online tool will make it easier for the public to report a civil rights violation.
“The department is committed to upholding the civil and constitutional rights of all people in the United States,” said Assistant Attorney General Eric Dreiband of the Civil Rights Division. “The Civil Rights Reporting Portal will make it easier for the public to connect with us, which in turn makes us more effective at upholding these important rights. I encourage the public to use this portal to report civil rights violations.”
The new Civil Rights Reporting Portal – located at civilrights.justice.gov – will consolidate over 30 unique reporting pathways. The portal will dramatically ease the burden on victims of civil rights violations to identify the proper reporting channel. The form is fully accessible to people with disabilities. It is also available in both English and Spanish, with more languages to be added over the next year.
Individuals who believe that they may have been victims of civil rights violations can learn how to report violations by visiting civilrights.justice.gov.
If you believe that you are a victim of criminal civil rights violations, such as misconduct by law enforcement officers, hate crimes, or human trafficking, please contact your local FBI office.
Department of Justice and the U.S. Attorney's Office, Eastern District of Louisiana Observes the 15th Annual World Elder Abuse Awareness DayRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS – Today, U.S. Attorney Peter G. Strasser joined Attorney General William P. Barr and the entire Department of Justice in observing the 15th Annual World Elder Abuse Awareness Day. The Department echoes voices around the world condemning elder abuse, neglect and exploitation.
The COVID-19 pandemic has created unprecedented challenges for our country and the world, but among those most severely affected by the threat of the novel virus are our senior citizens. During this time when seniors are most vulnerable and isolated from their families and loved ones by social distancing and quarantine restrictions, bad actors have immediately exploited this international tragedy to prey on the elderly through a whole host of scam and fraud schemes. As the world takes this day to remember the elderly during these uncertain times, the Department of Justice remains relentlessly committed, through its department-wide Elder Justice Initiative, to prevent and prosecute fraud on America’s seniors.
The Department will aggressively prosecute fraudsters exploiting the Covid-19 pandemic and targeting seniors offering them fake testing kits and fake help obtaining stimulus and Paycheck Protection Program Funds. On this day dedicated to recognizing our seniors, the Department of Justice sends a strong message that we continue the fight to keep seniors safe a top priority.
“World Elder Abuse Awareness Day provides us the opportunity to look back at our accomplishments and look forward to our future endeavors to combat elder abuse,” said U.S. Attorney Strasser. “Elder fraud schemes target elderly, disabled and other vulnerable consumers, luring them into fraudulent ventures that affect victims nationwide. Elder fraud generates excessive losses, which have a profound effect on our nation. With the unwavering cooperation of our investigative partners, we will hold the perpetrators of elder fraud schemes accountable wherever they are. Our office reminds seniors and their caregivers to be vigilant for fraudulent schemes and, if they become aware of or believe they are the victim of a health care fraud scheme, to contact law enforcement.”
Earlier this year Attorney General Barr declared “Prevention and Disruption of Transnational Elder Fraud” to be an Agency Priority Goal, making it one of the Department’s four top priorities. Within the last year, the Eastern District of Louisiana has investigated a number of elder fraud cases, including the six Mexican Nationals involved in a $10 million dollar time-share fraud scheme.
Major strides have already been made to combat transnational elder fraud:
- National Elder Fraud Hotline: 833-FRAUD-11
Earlier this year Attorney General Barr launched a National Elder Fraud Hotline. Staffed by experienced case managers who provide personalized support to callers, the hotline serves to assist elders and caretakers who believe they have been a victim of fraud by reporting and providing appropriate services.
- Transnational Elder Fraud Strike Force: Established in June 2019 to combat foreign elder fraud schemes, the Strike Force is composed of the Department’s Consumer Protection Branch and six U.S. Attorneys’ Offices along with FBI special agents, Postal Inspectors, and numerous other law enforcement personnel. Since its inception, prosecutors in Strike Force districts brought cases against more than 140 defendants.
- Annual Elder Justice Sweep: In March of this year, the Attorney General announced the largest coordinated sweep of elder fraud cases in department history. The Department, together with every U.S. Attorney’s office, charged more than 400 defendants. The actions of these individuals caused over $1 billion in losses through fraud schemes that largely affected seniors, including six defendants in the Eastern District of Louisiana.
- Money Mule Initiative: Since October 2018, the Department and its law enforcement partners began a concentrated effort across the country and around the world to disrupt, investigate, and prosecute money mule activity used to facilitate fraud schemes, especially those victimizing senior citizens. In 2019 actions were taken to halt the conduct of more than 600 domestic money mules. These actions exceeded a similar effort against approximately 400 mules in the previous year. Working with the United States Post Office and the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Eastern District has sought to disrupt the use of money mules through cease and desist letters.
- Holding foreign-based perpetrators and those that flee the United States accountable: Transnational criminal organizations are targeting our elder population in schemes including mass mailing fraud, grandparent scams, romance scams, lottery and sweepstakes scams, IRS and Social Security Administration imposter scams, and technical-support scams. As noted above, the Eastern District of Louisiana indicted six Mexican Nationals for masterminding a time-share fraud scheme that impacted more than forty U.S. victims over the age of 60. These six individuals have since been arrested while in the United States.
For more information on enforcement actions, training and resources, research, and victim services, please visit www.justice.gov/elderjustice.
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- National Elder Fraud Hotline: 833-FRAUD-11
Department of Justice Observes the 15th Annual World Elder Abuse Awareness DayRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Attorney Thomas L. Kirsch II joined Attorney General William P. Barr and the entire Department of Justice in observing the 15th Annual World Elder Abuse Awareness Day. The Department echoes voices around the world condemning elder abuse, neglect and exploitation.
The COVID-19 pandemic has created unprecedented challenges for our country and the world, but among those most severely affected by the threat of the novel virus are our senior citizens. During this time when seniors are most vulnerable and isolated from their families and loved ones by social distancing and quarantine restrictions, bad actors have immediately exploited this international tragedy to prey on the elderly through a whole host of scam and fraud schemes. As the world takes this day to remember the elderly during these uncertain times, the Department of Justice remains relentlessly committed, through its department-wide Elder Justice Initiative, to prevent and prosecute fraud on America’s seniors.
The Department will aggressively prosecute fraudsters exploiting the Covid-19 pandemic and targeting seniors offering them fake testing kits and fake help obtaining stimulus and Paycheck Protection Program Funds. On this day dedicated to recognizing our seniors, the Department of Justice sends a strong message that we continue the fight to keep seniors safe a top priority.
U.S. Attorney Kirsch said, “The elderly are among the most vulnerable of crime victims. When falling for scams, they place their trust in individuals who are out for their own personal gain. My Office and our law enforcement partners have no tolerance for schemes targeting the elderly.”
Earlier this year Attorney General Barr declared “Prevention and Disruption of Transnational Elder Fraud” to be an Agency Priority Goal, making it one of the Department’s four top priorities.
Major strides have already been made to that end:
- National Elder Fraud Hotline: 833-FRAUD-11
Earlier this year Attorney General Barr launched a National Elder Fraud Hotline. Staffed by experienced case managers who provide personalized support to callers, the hotline serves to assist elders and caretakers who believe they have been a victim of fraud by reporting and providing appropriate services.
- Transnational Elder Fraud Strike Force: Established in June 2019 to combat foreign elder fraud schemes, the Strike Force is composed of the Department’s Consumer Protection Branch and six U.S. Attorneys’ Offices along with FBI special agents, Postal Inspectors, and numerous other law enforcement personnel.
- Annual Elder Justice Sweep: In March of this year, the Attorney General announced the largest coordinated sweep of elder fraud cases in department history. The Department, together with every U.S. Attorney’s office, charged more than 400 defendants, causing over $1 billion in loss through fraud schemes that largely affected seniors.
- Money Mule Initiative: Since October 2018, the Department and its law enforcement partners began a concentrated effort across the country and around the world to disrupt, investigate, and prosecute money mule activity used to facilitate fraud schemes, especially those victimizing senior citizens. In 2019 actions were taken to halt the conduct of more than 600 domestic money mules, exceeding a similar effort against approximately 400 mules in the previous year.
- Holding foreign-based perpetrators and those that flee the United States accountable: Transnational criminal organizations are targeting our elder population in schemes including mass mailing fraud, grandparent scams, romance scams, lottery and sweepstakes scams, IRS and Social Security Administration imposter scams, and technical-support scams.
For more information on enforcement actions, training and resources, research, and victim services, please visit www.justice.gov/elderjustice.
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- National Elder Fraud Hotline: 833-FRAUD-11
Department of Justice Observes the 15th Annual World Elder Abuse Awareness DayRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Erica H. MacDonald joined Attorney General William P. Barr and the entire Department of Justice in observing the 15th Annual World Elder Abuse Awareness Day. The Department echoes voices around the world condemning elder abuse, neglect and exploitation. United States Attorney Erica MacDonald also released a new public service announcement, aimed at raising awareness and reaching potential victims.
United States Attorney Erica H. MacDonald said, “Annually, at least 10 percent of older Americans are victims of some form of elder abuse, including abuse and neglect, marketing scams, investment rip-offs and imposter schemes. My office and the Department of Justice are committed to stopping those who prey on this vulnerable community.”
The COVID-19 pandemic has created unprecedented challenges for our country and the world, but among those most severely affected by the threat of the novel virus are our senior citizens. During this time when seniors are most vulnerable and isolated from their families and loved ones by social distancing and quarantine restrictions, bad actors have immediately exploited this international tragedy to prey on the elderly through a whole host of scam and fraud schemes. As the world takes this day to remember the elderly during these uncertain times, the Department of Justice remains relentlessly committed, through its department-wide Elder Justice Initiative, to prevent and prosecute fraud on America’s seniors.
The Department will aggressively prosecute fraudsters exploiting the Covid-19 pandemic and targeting seniors offering them fake testing kits and fake help obtaining stimulus and Paycheck Protection Program Funds. On this day dedicated to recognizing our seniors, the Department of Justice sends a strong message that we continue the fight to keep seniors safe a top priority.
On April 6, 2020, United States Attorney Erica H. MacDonald and Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison jointly announced the formation of the Minnesota Covid-19 Action Team (MCAT), a coordinated statewide effort focused on investigating and prosecuting unlawful activity associated with the Covid-19 pandemic and enforcing all state and federal laws and executive orders to put an end to it. More information on the MCAT, including how to report suspected unlawful activity is available here.
Earlier this year Attorney General Barr declared “Prevention and Disruption of Transnational Elder Fraud” to be an Agency Priority Goal, making it one of the Department’s four top priorities.
Major strides have already been made to that end:
- National Elder Fraud Hotline: 833-FRAUD-11
Earlier this year Attorney General Barr launched a National Elder Fraud Hotline. Staffed by experienced case managers who provide personalized support to callers, the hotline serves to assist elders and caretakers who believe they have been a victim of fraud by reporting and providing appropriate services. - Transnational Elder Fraud Strike Force: Established in June 2019 to combat foreign elder fraud schemes, the Strike Force is composed of the Department’s Consumer Protection Branch and six U.S. Attorneys’ Offices along with FBI special agents, Postal Inspectors, and numerous other law enforcement personnel. Since its inception, prosecutors in Strike Force districts brought cases against more than 140 sweep defendants.
- Annual Elder Justice Sweep: In March of this year, the Attorney General announced the largest coordinated sweep of elder fraud cases in department history. The Department, together with every U.S. Attorney’s office, charged more than 400 defendants, causing over $1 billion in loss through fraud schemes that largely affected seniors.
- Money Mule Initiative: Since October 2018, the Department and its law enforcement partners began a concentrated effort across the country and around the world to disrupt, investigate, and prosecute money mule activity used to facilitate fraud schemes, especially those victimizing senior citizens. In 2019 actions were taken to halt the conduct of more than 600 domestic money mules, exceeding a similar effort against approximately 400 mules in the previous year.
- Holding foreign-based perpetrators and those that flee the United States accountable: Transnational criminal organizations are targeting our elder population in schemes including mass mailing fraud, grandparent scams, romance scams, lottery and sweepstakes scams, IRS and Social Security Administration imposter scams, and technical-support scams.
For more information on enforcement actions, training and resources, research, and victim services, please visit www.justice.gov/elderjustice.
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United States Attorney’s Office, District of Minnesota: (612) 664-5600
- National Elder Fraud Hotline: 833-FRAUD-11
Department of Justice Observes the 15th Annual World Elder Abuse Awareness DayRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Attorney W. Stephen Muldrow joined Attorney General William P. Barr and the entire Department of Justice in observing the 15th Annual World Elder Abuse Awareness Day. The Department echoes voices around the world condemning elder abuse, neglect and exploitation.
The COVID-19 pandemic has created unprecedented challenges for our country and the world, but among those most severely affected by the threat of the novel virus are our senior citizens. During this time when seniors are most vulnerable and isolated from their families and loved ones by social distancing and quarantine restrictions, bad actors have immediately exploited this international tragedy to prey on the elderly through a whole host of scams and fraud schemes. As the world takes this day to remember the elderly during these uncertain times, the Department of Justice remains relentlessly committed, through its department-wide Elder Justice Initiative, to prevent and prosecute fraud on America’s seniors.
The Department will aggressively prosecute fraudsters exploiting the Covid-19 pandemic by targeting seniors, offering them fake testing kits and fake help obtaining stimulus and Paycheck Protection Program Funds. On this day dedicated to recognizing our seniors, the Department of Justice sends a strong message that we continue the fight to keep seniors safe a top priority.
“Fraud schemes are intolerable, particularly those that take advantage of our seniors,” said U.S. Attorney W. Stephen Muldrow. “We are actively working with federal and state law enforcement partners to prevent, detect and prosecute those who carry out schemes targeting senior citizens. The Department of Justice is committed to protecting our seniors from fraud and abuse, and my Office will continue to prioritize prosecuting criminals who prey on the elderly.”
Earlier this year Attorney General Barr declared “Prevention and Disruption of Transnational Elder Fraud” to be an Agency Priority Goal, making it one of the Department’s four top priorities. During the past year, yte District of Puerto Rico has brought federal charges in seven cases of elder fraud.
Major strides have already been made to that end:
- National Elder Fraud Hotline: 833-FRAUD-11
Earlier this year Attorney General Barr launched a National Elder Fraud Hotline. Staffed by experienced case managers who provide personalized support to callers, the hotline serves to assist elders and caretakers who believe they have been a victim of fraud by reporting and providing appropriate services. - Transnational Elder Fraud Strike Force: Established in June 2019 to combat foreign elder fraud schemes, the Strike Force is composed of the Department’s Consumer Protection Branch and six U.S. Attorneys’ Offices along with FBI special agents, Postal Inspectors, and numerous other law enforcement personnel. Since its inception, prosecutors in Strike Force districts brought cases against more than 140 sweep defendants.
- Annual Elder Justice Sweep: In March of this year, the Attorney General announced the largest coordinated sweep of elder fraud cases in department history. The Department, together with every U.S. Attorney’s office, charged more than 400 defendants, causing over $1 billion in loss through fraud schemes that largely affected seniors including six defendants in the District of Puerto Rico. In a 35-count indictment, defendants Luz M. Santiago-Torres, Jimmy E. Santiago-Burgos, Félix Rosa-Rosa, José Rivera-Esparra, and Ulises Feliciano-Caraballo were charged with conspiracy to commit wire and mail fraud, 10 counts of mail fraud, 11 counts of wire fraud, six counts of aggravated identity theft, and seven counts of money laundering. Twelve of the victims of this scheme were seniors. In a separate three-count indictment, Johana Torres-Figueroa was charged with fraud in connection with a major disaster or emergency benefits fraud, making false statements to an agency of the United States, and aggravated identity theft of an unsuspecting elder victim. Both cases are ongoing.
- Money Mule Initiative: Since October 2018, the Department and its law enforcement partners began a concentrated effort across the country and around the world to disrupt, investigate, and prosecute money mule activity used to facilitate fraud schemes, especially those victimizing senior citizens. In 2019 actions were taken to halt the conduct of more than 600 domestic money mules, exceeding a similar effort against approximately 400 mules in the previous year.
- Holding foreign-based perpetrators and those that flee the United States accountable: Transnational criminal organizations are targeting our elder population in schemes including mass mailing fraud, grandparent scams, romance scams, lottery and sweepstakes scams, IRS and Social Security Administration imposter scams, and technical-support scams.
For more information on enforcement actions, training and resources, research, and victim services, please visit www.justice.gov/elderjustice.
# # #
- National Elder Fraud Hotline: 833-FRAUD-11
Department of Justice Observes the 15th Annual World Elder Abuse Awareness DayRead the Press Release
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – Today, U.S. Attorney J. Douglas Overbey joined Attorney General William P. Barr and the entire Department of Justice in observing the 15th Annual World Elder Abuse Awareness Day. The Department echoes voices around the world condemning elder abuse, neglect and exploitation.
The COVID-19 pandemic has created unprecedented challenges for our country and the world. Among those most severely affected by the threat of the novel virus are our senior citizens. During this time, when seniors are most vulnerable and isolated from their families and loved ones by social distancing and quarantine restrictions, bad actors have unfortunately exploited this tragedy to prey on the elderly through a whole host of scams and fraud schemes. As the world takes this day to remember the elderly during these uncertain times, the Department of Justice remains relentlessly committed, through its department-wide Elder Justice Initiative, to prevent and prosecute fraud on America’s seniors.
The Department will aggressively prosecute fraudsters exploiting the Covid-19 pandemic and targeting seniors, offering them fake testing kits and fake help in an effort to obtain stimulus and Paycheck Protection Program Funds. On this day dedicated to recognizing our seniors, the Department of Justice sends a strong message that we continue the fight to keep seniors safe a top priority.
“Today the Eastern District of Tennessee emphasizes the importance in investing the safety of our elderly community by recognizing World Elder Abuse Awareness Day. The elderly are both integral and vulnerable members of our communities, and it is our job as a society to protect them, especially during times of crisis like the COVID-19 pandemic. Our office is committed to continued efforts in keeping elderly citizens safe from those who seek to target them in person, over the phone, online, or door-to-door. Our office will continue to build relationships by engaging with the elderly in our communities across the cultural and economic spectrum, and help to remove the barriers within the abuse reporting process,” said U.S. Attorney J. Douglas Overbey.
“The priority of the Eastern District of Tennessee is to protect our senior population, and we remain committed to combating elderly abuse by investigating, prosecuting, and punishing those who seek to neglect and exploit these at risk members of our community.”
Earlier this year Attorney General Barr declared “Prevention and Disruption of Transnational Elder Fraud” to be an Agency Priority Goal, making it one of the Department’s four top priorities.
Major strides have already been made to that end:
- National Elder Fraud Hotline: 833-FRAUD-11
Earlier this year Attorney General Barr launched a National Elder Fraud Hotline. Staffed by experienced case managers who provide personalized support to callers, the hotline serves to assist elders and caretakers who believe they have been a victim of fraud by reporting and providing appropriate services.
- Transnational Elder Fraud Strike Force: Established in June 2019 to combat foreign elder fraud schemes, the Strike Force is composed of the Department’s Consumer Protection Branch and six U.S. Attorneys’ Offices along with FBI special agents, Postal Inspectors, and numerous other law enforcement personnel. Since its inception, prosecutors in Strike Force districts brought cases against more than 140 sweep defendants.
- Annual Elder Justice Sweep: In March of this year, the Attorney General announced the largest coordinated sweep of elder fraud cases in department history. The Department, together with every U.S. Attorney’s office, charged more than 400 defendants, causing over $1 billion in loss through fraud schemes that largely affected seniors.
- Money Mule Initiative: Since October 2018, the Department and its law enforcement partners began a concentrated effort across the country and around the world to disrupt, investigate, and prosecute money mule activity used to facilitate fraud schemes, especially those victimizing senior citizens. In 2019 actions were taken to halt the conduct of more than 600 domestic money mules, exceeding a similar effort against approximately 400 mules in the previous year.
- Holding foreign-based perpetrators and those that flee the United States accountable: Transnational criminal organizations are targeting our elder population in schemes including mass mailing fraud, grandparent scams, romance scams, lottery and sweepstakes scams, IRS and Social Security Administration imposter scams, and technical-support scams.
For more information on enforcement actions, training and resources, research, and victim services, please visit www.justice.gov/elderjustice.
###- National Elder Fraud Hotline: 833-FRAUD-11
Department of Justice Observes 15th Annual World Elder Abuse Awareness Day by Reiterating Commitment to Protect SeniorsRead the Press Release
LOS ANGELES – United States Attorney Nick Hanna today joined the entire Department of Justice in observing the 15th Annual World Elder Abuse Awareness Day. The Justice Department echoes voices around the world condemning elder abuse, neglect and exploitation.
“As some of the most vulnerable among us, senior citizens, unfortunately, are a prime target for criminals,” Mr. Hanna said. “The elder fraud cases brought by my office highlight our ongoing determination to bring unscrupulous actors to justice and put them in prison where they belong. Our outreach efforts demonstrate our commitment to protecting the rights of elderly residents and giving them tools to prevent exploitation.”
The COVID-19 pandemic has created unprecedented challenges for our country and the world, and senior citizens are among the most severely affected by the threat of the novel virus. During this time, when seniors are most vulnerable and isolated from their families and loved ones, criminals are exploiting the health crisis to prey on the elderly through a host of scams and fraud schemes. In April, federal prosecutors from the four United States Attorney’s Offices in California and special agents with the FBI participated in a telephonic town hall that provided thousands of California senior citizens with information to help them identify and avoid fraudulent schemes related to coronavirus and COVID-19.
As the world takes this day to remember the elderly during these uncertain times, the Department of Justice remains committed, through its department-wide Elder Justice Initiative, to prevent and prosecute fraud on America’s seniors. The United States Attorney’s Office in Los Angeles is one of six offices participating in the Transnational Elder Fraud Strike Force, which was established last year to focus on investigating and prosecuting individuals and entities associated with foreign-based fraud schemes targeting American seniors.
The United States Attorney’s Office for the Central District of California has brought federal charges in numerous cases involving elder fraud. Some recent cases targeted:
- Paul Horton Smith Sr., 56, of Moreno Valley, was arrested last month and charged with wire fraud for allegedly engineering a $10 million Ponzi scheme that targeted elderly and retired victims.
- Mehmet Fatih Biyikoglu, 53, the former CEO of an Irvine-based financial services firm, was sentenced in March to more than 10 years in federal prison for stealing over $3.5 million from elderly victims whom he conned into believing their money was being invested in a certificate of deposit at a major bank.
- In March, Clifford Kirstein, 29, and Mark El Bernachawy, 43, both Canadian nationals, each were sentenced to 41 months in federal prison for their roles in a telemarketing scam that conned U.S. senior citizens by impersonating their grandchildren over the telephone and asking for financial help to get the purportedly distressed relatives out of trouble in a foreign country.
Combating elder abuse and financial fraud targeted at seniors is a key priority of the Department of Justice. Elder abuse – an intentional or negligent act that causes harm or a serious risk of harm to an older adult – is a serious crime that affects at least 10 percent of older Americans every year. The Department of Justice is steadfastly committed to combating all forms of elder abuse and financial exploitation through enforcement actions, training and resources, research, victim services and public awareness.
Department of Justice Observes 15th Annual Elder Abuse Awareness DayRead the Press Release
Fairview Heights, Ill. – U.S. Attorney Steven D. Weinhoeft today joined Attorney General William P.
Barr and the entire Department of Justice in observing the 15th Annual World Elder Abuse Awareness
Day. The Department echoes voices around the world condemning elder abuse, neglect and
exploitation.As the COVID-19 pandemic has created unprecedented challenges for our country and the world, those
most severely affected by the threat of the novel virus are our senior citizens. During this time,
seniors are particularly vulnerable, isolated from their families and loved ones by social
distancing and quarantine restrictions. Bad actors have already been exploiting this international
tragedy to prey on the elderly through a whole host of scams and fraud schemes. The Department of
Justice remains relentlessly committed, through its department-wide Elder Justice Initiative, to
prevent and prosecute fraud on America’s seniors.“Here in Southern Illinois, the greatest generation needs our help,” said U.S. Attorney Weinhoeft.
“In the sunset of their lives, our parents and grandparents shouldn’t have to live in fear of being
abused or neglected or conned out of their life’s savings. From bad nursing homes and health care
fraud to identity theft and telemarketing scams, we take these crimes very seriously and will
vigorously prosecute anyone who victimizes senior citizens in this district.”Earlier this year Attorney General Barr declared “Prevention and Disruption of Transnational Elder
Fraud” to be an Agency Priority Goal, making it one of the Department’s four top priorities. Major
strides have already been made to that end:• National Elder Fraud Hotline: 833-FRAUD-11. Earlier this year Attorney General Barr
launched a National Elder Fraud Hotline. Staffed by experienced case managers who provide
personalized support to callers, the hotline serves to assist elders and caretakers who
lieve they have been a victim of fraud by reporting and providing appropriate services.• Transnational Elder Fraud Strike Force. Established in June 2019 to combat foreign elder fraud
schemes, the Strike Force is composed of the Department’s Consumer Protection Branch and six U.S.
Attorneys’ Offices along with FBI special agents, Postal Inspectors, and numerous other law
enforcement personnel. Since its inception, prosecutors in Strike Force districts brought cases
against more than 140 sweep defendants.• Annual Elder Justice Sweep. In March of this year, the Attorney General announced the
largest coordinated sweep of elder fraud cases in department history. The Department, together with
every U.S. Attorney’s office, charged more than 400 defendants, causing over $1 billion in loss
through fraud schemes that largely affected seniors.• Money Mule Initiative. Since October 2018, the Department and its law enforcement partners
began a concentrated effort across the country and around the world to disrupt, investigate, and
prosecute money mule activity used to facilitate fraud schemes, especially those victimizing senior
citizens. In 2019 actions were taken to halt the conduct of more than 600 domestic money mules,
exceeding a similar effort against approximately 400 mules in the previous year. In Southern
Illinois, the U.S. Attorney’s Office and the United States Postal Inspection Service are continuing
to actively investigate and disrupt money mule operations through confrontation, education, and
criminal prosecution.• Holding foreign-based perpetrators and those that flee the United States accountable. The U.S.
Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Illinois has joined the Department in prosecuting
transnational criminal organizations targeting our elder population in a variety of schemes,
including mass mailing fraud, grandparent scams, romance scams, lottery and sweepstakes scams, IRS
and Social Security Administration imposter scams, and tech support scams. In 2019, for example,
this office prosecuted two of the owners of AFD Medical, a telemarketing scam based in Montreal,
Canada, that targeted senior citizens in the United States by offering prescription drug discount
cards for $299. These cards were available for free on the internet and provided no real benefit to
most seniors. Two others involved in the scheme were also prosecuted in this district, and all four
defendants were sentenced to prison.For more information on enforcement actions, training and resources, research, and victim
rvices, please visit www.justice.gov/elderjustice.Deer Lodge man sentenced to prison for crimes after $390,000 stolen from armored truckRead the Press Release
HELENA – A former GardaWorld employee convicted at trial of spending stolen money from an armored truck on gambling, day trading and a trip to France, was sentenced today to 30 months in prison and three years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme said.
After a four day trial in January, a jury found John Gregory Alexander Herrin, 30, of Helena, guilty of one count of interstate transportation of stolen property and eight counts of money laundering.
U.S. Judge Sam E. Haddon presided.
In evidence presented at trial, the prosecution said that on Nov. 20, 2013, three bags containing $390,000 went missing from a GardaWorld truck. Helena employees initially loaded the money into a truck and drove to Missoula, where they met Missoula employees and transferred some currency bags to another truck for local delivery. While in Missoula, the Helena employees left their truck locked, but unattended, several times while servicing banks and ATMs before continuing to Kalispell. After arriving in Kalispell, employees discovered three bags containing $390,000 were missing.
Herrin worked for Garda from 2012 until 2014. An internal investigation by Garda was unable to definitively implicate anyone in the theft.
Not long after the theft, the prosecution said, Herrin’s financial situation drastically changed.
Herrin went to Las Vegas twice in 2014, stayed in a high-end casino, gambled and went shopping with a female companion. He made large cash deposits at the casino and bought a watch for $22,600 with cash. On return from his first trip, Herrin deposited a casino cashier’s check for $123,500 and $37,350 cash, for a total of $160,870, into his checking account. Prior to the deposit, Herrin’s account had a $945.65 balance.
Herrin told the bank teller he went to Las Vegas with $500 and won $160,000 gambling. While the teller was counting the cash, a Garda courier came into the bank to make a pick up. Herrin walked away from the counter and sat at an online banking station until the courier left. He then returned to the counter to complete his transaction.
On his second trip to Las Vegas, Herrin’s buy in at the casino was $50,100 cash and he lost $50,000. He also used his Visa credit card to buy more than $30,000 in merchandize from luxury retail stores and transferred money from his checking account to pay down the card balance.
After the second Las Vegas trip, Herrin went to his bank with a shoe box full of $20 bills for deposit into his checking account. The day before the deposit, the account balance was $3,550. Herrin told the teller he wasn’t sure how much money was in the box but that he had “another big score” in Vegas. He thought he had about $120,000.
Herrin told the teller he didn’t have a job but was doing some day trading. During the transaction, another Garda courier entered the bank. Herrin had already turned his back on the courier, seemingly in an effort not to be seen by the Garda employee.
In addition to the Las Vegas trips, Herrin started day trading in 2014. He opened an account with Ameritrade, deposited $111,100 and had significant losses. His losses were inconsistent with statements he made to bank employees that he was making money day trading.
In March 2014, Herrin traveled to France with a female companion and charged the trip to his Visa card. The trip cost more than $20,000.
Herrin then moved to Springfield, MO, and used his Visa card to enroll in college and for living expenses.
By the fall, Herrin’s financial situation became dire. In January 2015, he owed $17,753 on his Visa card, and in February 2015, Ford Motor Credit repossessed his car, which he had purchased about one month before the Garda theft.
In interviews with law enforcement, all of the Garda employees denied knowledge about and involvement in the disappearance of the $390,000. A former employee, who was also a roommate of Herrin’s, indicated that Herrin had showed him a casino check for gambling proceeds purportedly won in January 2014. He also indicated Garda employees left trucks unattended from time to time against company policy and that a broom handle could be used to unlock the trucks. The former employee also told law enforcement he had seen Herrin unlock a truck using a broom handle.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Tim Racicot and Michael Kakuk prosecuted the case, which was investigated by the FBI and the Secret Service.
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DOJ Observes 15th Annual World Elder Abuse Awareness DayRead the Press Release
ALEXANDRIA, Va. – Today, U.S. Attorney G. Zachary Terwilliger joined Attorney General William P. Barr and the entire Department of Justice in observing the 15th Annual World Elder Abuse Awareness Day.
The Department echoes voices around the world condemning elder abuse, neglect and exploitation.
“As our nation and its elders continue to meet the challenges of this pandemic, we are doing everything in our power to identify and prosecute the fraudsters who try to exploit our seniors,” said G. Zachary Terwilliger, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia. “Combatting elder abuse and financial fraud remains one of our top priorities, and we continue to fight for justice in these important cases.”
The COVID-19 pandemic has created unprecedented challenges for our country and the world, but among those most severely affected by the threat of the novel virus are our senior citizens. During this time when seniors are most vulnerable and isolated from their families and loved ones by social distancing and quarantine restrictions, bad actors have immediately exploited this international tragedy to prey on the elderly through a whole host of scam and fraud schemes. As the world takes this day to remember the elderly during these uncertain times, the Department of Justice remains relentlessly committed, through its department-wide Elder Justice Initiative, to prevent and prosecute fraud on America’s seniors.
The Department will aggressively prosecute fraudsters exploiting the COVID-19 pandemic and targeting seniors offering them fake testing kits and fake help obtaining stimulus and Paycheck Protection Program Funds. To identify and combat this fraud, the Eastern and Western Districts of Virginia joined federal and state law enforcement partners in March 2020 to form the Virginia Coronavirus Fraud Task Force. The task force reviews and investigates all credible leads of fraud associated with the coronavirus pandemic, focusing on schemes to exploit vulnerable populations, including the elderly. The task force has also prioritized outreach to enable seniors to identify and guard against fraud schemes during the pandemic. On this day dedicated to recognizing our seniors, the Department of Justice sends a strong message that we continue the fight to keep seniors safe a top priority.
Earlier this year Attorney General Barr declared “Prevention and Disruption of Transnational Elder Fraud” to be an Agency Priority Goal, making it one of the Department’s four top priorities. Over the last year, the Eastern District of Virginia has brought federal charges in eight cases of elder fraud, including the following transnational schemes:
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- U.S. v. Choksi, et al., 3:19-CR-160 - Choksi and his wife, Majmudar, served as money mules for Indian call centers that impersonated law enforcement officials to trick and coerce victims into mailing cash by convincing the victims that it was in their best interests to do so. The scheme generally started with “robocalls”, designed to create a sense of urgency with unsuspecting recipients. Callers told recipients that they had some sort of serious legal problem, and that if they did not immediately take a particular action, then there would be drastic consequences, including arrest, significant financial penalties, or cessation of government benefits. The fraudsters told recipients that, to prevent these dire consequences, the recipients must pay money, by wire transfer or cash, to some purported government entity. The conspiracy operated cells in multiple states, including New Jersey, California, Indiana, Texas, Illinois and Minnesota.
- U.S. v. Anikkhan Yusufkhan Pathan, 1:20-CR-20 - Pathan served as a money mule for Indian call centers that contacted victims by phone and, through various schemes, induced them to send money by wire transfers to various aliases. The schemes included variants of loan fraud, through which conspirators promised new loans and/or loan consolidation. Once victims provided their bank information, conspirators deposited worthless checks and directed victims to immediately withdraw the credited funds and wire them to a separate account. Conspirators also contacted victims through mass mailings and, posing as the victims’ true mortgage lenders, directed victims to begin making their mortgage payments to accounts controlled by conspirators. Finally, conspirators contacted victims by phone and, posing as employees of Microsoft, advised victims that their computers contained fatal viruses that would cause irreparable harm if victims did not immediately remit payment for repair.
- U.S. v. William Onyebuchi Ogbonna, 2:19-CR-84 - Between October 2016 and March 2019, Ogbonna participated in a conspiracy to defraud between 80 and 100 elderly U.S. victims. To facilitate this scheme, conspirators contacted victims and falsely claimed that the victims were due a large inheritance or had won a foreign lottery. Conspirators told victims they would receive large sums in return for up-front payments of the associated taxes and fees. Conspirators also perpetrated business email compromise scams by compromising business emails and then contacting business clients and employees and requesting a transfer of funds. In all cases, conspirators directed victims to wire money to various bank accounts, including accounts opened by Ogbonna. After receiving these proceeds, Ogbonna transferred a portion of those proceeds via cashier’s checks and wires to conspirators in China and Nigeria.
- United States v. Nena Kerny Kochuga, 2:19-cr-22 - Kochuga executed a Jamaican lottery scheme that targeted elderly victims, who she and conspirators would contact by phone. Kochuga told victims that they had won the lottery and were required to pay purported taxes and fees to claim the winnings. She directed victims to mail and wire money to her residential and post office box addresses in Virginia. Kochuga then sent money to conspirators in Jamaica and Ghana via Western Union wire transfers, keeping a portion for herself. Through this conduct, Kochuga and her conspirators defrauded numerous victims of at least $50,000. According to local media coverage, Kochuga has targeted elderly victims with similar lottery scams for most of the past decade. In September 2019, Kochuga was sentenced to over two years in prison and ordered to pay over $64,000 in restitution to her victims.
Reflecting its commitment to prioritizing cases involving the elderly, the Department has taken the following actions:
- National Elder Fraud Hotline: 833-FRAUD-11
Earlier this year Attorney General Barr launched a National Elder Fraud Hotline. Staffed by experienced case managers who provide personalized support to callers, the hotline serves to assist elders and caretakers who believe they have been a victim of fraud by reporting and providing appropriate services.
- Transnational Elder Fraud Strike Force: Established in June 2019 to combat foreign elder fraud schemes, the Strike Force is composed of the Department’s Consumer Protection Branch and six U.S. Attorneys’ Offices along with FBI special agents, Postal Inspectors, and numerous other law enforcement personnel. Since its inception, prosecutors in Strike Force districts brought cases against more than 140 sweep defendants.
- Annual Elder Justice Sweep: In March of this year, the Attorney General announced the largest coordinated sweep of elder fraud cases in department history. The Department, together with every U.S. Attorney’s office, charged more than 400 defendants, causing over $1 billion in loss through fraud schemes that largely affected seniors. The Eastern District of Virginia ranked fourth nationally in the number of criminal cases charged during this sweep after charging 16 defendants in 8 separate cases.
- Money Mule Initiative: Since October 2018, the Department and its law enforcement partners began a concentrated effort across the country and around the world to disrupt, investigate, and prosecute money mule activity used to facilitate fraud schemes, especially those victimizing senior citizens. In 2019 actions were taken to halt the conduct of more than 600 domestic money mules, exceeding a similar effort against approximately 400 mules in the previous year. The Eastern District of Virginia brought two criminal cases against money mules who knowingly received elderly victims funds as part of large-scale Indian call center cases.
- Holding foreign-based perpetrators and those that flee the United States accountable: Transnational criminal organizations are targeting our elder population in schemes including mass mailing fraud, grandparent scams, romance scams, lottery and sweepstakes scams, IRS and Social Security Administration imposter scams, and technical-support scams. Through the above criminal actions, the Eastern District of Virginia has identified and continues to pursue justice against the overseas actors responsible for targeting and deceiving elders.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia.
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DOJ Filing Supports Major Expansion of Arlington National CemeteryRead the Press Release
ALEXANDRIA, Va. – The Department of Justice filed today a civil action on behalf of the Department of the Army for the taking of roadways owned or operated by Arlington County, Virginia, by eminent domain for the purpose of expanding Arlington National Cemetery.
The taking and relocation of these roadways, together with future planned acquisitions from the Commonwealth of Virginia, will establish a single, contiguous parcel of land south of the existing cemetery. The incorporation of this land into the cemetery will create a 49-acre contiguous parcel available for cemetery development.
When completed, the Arlington National Cemetery Southern Expansion Project will provide for approximately 60,000 additional burial sites, including an above ground columbarium. The expansion will extend the timeline for Arlington National Cemetery to continue as an active military cemetery. The total project cost, including the related Defense Access Roads Project, is estimated at $420 million, and Congress already has appropriated $280 million in Project-related funding.
The expansion project will benefit Arlington County and its residents by, among other things, burying overhead power lines and incorporating the Air Force Memorial and surrounding vacant land into Arlington National Cemetery. The project will transform Columbia Pike from South Oak Street to Washington Boulevard by re-aligning and widening it. The project includes street-scape zones with trees on both sides of Columbia Pike, adding a new dedicated bike path, and widening pedestrian walkways. The project also provides for the construction of a new South Nash Street.
“Earlier this month, we recognized the 76th anniversary of D-Day and we remembered the heroism, service, and sacrifice of American servicemen and women in the defense of freedom,” said Jeffrey Bossert Clark, Assistant Attorney General of the Justice Department’s Environment and Natural Resources Division. “But every day the ultimate sacrifice of America’s men and women is commemorated at Arlington National Cemetery, our nation’s most hallowed ground. With today’s civil action, we are proud to assist with this important expansion of Arlington Cemetery, which may now continue to serve as a burial ground for America’s fallen well into the future.”
June 15, 2020 marks the 156th anniversary of Arlington National Cemetery, which was established as a military cemetery in 1864 during the American Civil War.
“As part of the Expansion Project, the Department of the Army and others worked to realign roads and real estate to ensure a much needed expansion of Arlington National Cemetery so that this space can continue being a hallowed resting ground for our nation’s service members,” said G. Zachary Terwilliger, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia. “As someone whose grandfather will forever reside at ANC with so many of his friends, brothers, and sisters of the greatest generation, it is particularly meaningful to assist in facilitating this expansion and seek court approval for just compensation for Arlington County.”
Congress authorized the Department of the Army to acquire land, including acquisition by condemnation, if necessary, for the expansion of Arlington National Cemetery. Congress gets its authority from the U.S. Constitution that allows the taking of public county property for a public use. In turn, the government must pay just compensation for the property. Acquisition by condemnation is an open and transparent process that assures fair treatment for landowners and taxpayers alike. The government here is providing just compensation in the form of substitute facilities, including a realigned and redesigned Columbia Pike and the construction of a new South Nash Street.
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.
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-cv-667.
Department of Justice Observes the 15th Annual World Elder Abuse Awareness DayRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Attorney Christina Nolan joined Attorney General William P. Barr and the entire Department of Justice in observing the 15th Annual World Elder Abuse Awareness Day. The Department echoes voices around the world condemning elder abuse, neglect and exploitation.
The COVID-19 pandemic has created unprecedented challenges for our country and the world, but among those most severely affected by the threat of the novel virus are our senior citizens. During this time when seniors are most vulnerable and isolated from their families and loved ones by social distancing and quarantine restrictions, bad actors have immediately exploited this international tragedy to prey on the elderly through a whole host of scam and fraud schemes perpetrated via phone, mail, and internet. As the world takes this day to remember the elderly during these uncertain times, the Department of Justice remains relentlessly committed, through its department-wide Elder Justice Initiative, to prevent and prosecute fraud on America’s seniors.
The Department will aggressively prosecute fraudsters exploiting the COVID-19 pandemic and targeting seniors offering them fake testing kits, fake treatments and cures, and fake help obtaining stimulus and Paycheck Protection Program Funds. On this day dedicated to recognizing our seniors, the Department of Justice sends a strong message that we continue the fight to keep seniors safe a top priority.
“Society should be measured by how well it protects its most vulnerable members, including our seniors which make up roughly 20% of Vermont’s population,” stated U.S Attorney Nolan. “Protection of the elderly is a deeply rooted American and Vermont ideal. My office will continue to devote special focus and investigative and prosecutorial resources to this goal. We will be ever vigilant during the pandemic, when bad actors use isolation and distancing to prey on the elderly. We aim to prevent this treacherous conduct before it occurs by raising awareness, and, to be clear, a bad actor who successfully exploits the COVID crisis to harm a Vermont senior (or attempts to do so), will be the subject of aggressive prosecution by my office, working with state and local partners.”
Earlier this year Attorney General Barr declared “Prevention and Disruption of Transnational Elder Fraud” to be an Agency Priority Goal, making it one of the Department’s four top priorities. The Vermont U.S. Attorney’s Office has brought federal charges in significant elder fraud cases in recent years, including prosecutions of three Canadian individuals who defrauded four elderly Americans of hundreds of thousands of dollars. In addition, the Vermont U.S. Attorney’s Office has engaged in significant community outreach focused on combatting elder fraud. For instance, last year, U.S. Attorney Nolan gave the keynote address at the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau’s Elder Financial Protection and Response Network Convening in Burlington, Vermont. The Convening, which the Vermont U.S. Attorney’s Office helped organize, brought together Vermont stakeholders, public and private, committed to protecting the elderly from financial fraud. The Vermont U.S. Attorney’s Office also has provided training and guidance on the Department’s Elder Justice Initiative, including through meetings of the Financial Abuse Specialist Team of Vermont (FAST) as well as through FAST’s Tri-State Conference in October 2019.
Major strides have already been made toward the Department’s goal to combat elder abuse:
- National Elder Fraud Hotline: 833-FRAUD-11
Earlier this year Attorney General Barr launched a National Elder Fraud Hotline. Staffed by experienced case managers who provide personalized support to callers, the hotline serves to assist elders and caretakers who believe they have been a victim of fraud by reporting that fraud and providing appropriate services.
- Transnational Elder Fraud Strike Force: Established in June 2019 to combat foreign elder fraud schemes, the Strike Force is composed of the Department’s Consumer Protection Branch and six U.S. Attorneys’ Offices along with FBI special agents, Postal Inspectors, and numerous other law enforcement personnel. Since its inception, prosecutors in Strike Force districts brought cases against more than 140 defendants.
- Annual Elder Justice Sweep: In March of this year, the Attorney General announced the largest coordinated sweep of elder fraud cases in department history. The Department, together with every U.S. Attorney’s office, charged more than 400 defendants responsible for over $1 billion in loss through fraud schemes that largely affected seniors.
- Money Mule Initiative: Since October 2018, the Department and its law enforcement partners began a concentrated effort across the country and around the world to disrupt, investigate, and prosecute money mule activity used to facilitate fraud schemes, especially those victimizing senior citizens. A “money mule” is someone who transfers illegally acquired money on behalf of or at the direction of another. Money mules may assist fraud schemes by receiving money from victims, many of them elderly, and forwarding the proceeds to foreign-based perpetrators. In 2019 actions were taken to halt the conduct of more than 600 domestic money mules, exceeding a similar effort against approximately 400 mules in the previous year. The Vermont U.S. Attorney’s Office is an active participant in the Money Mule Initiative, coordinating with the FBI to disrupt this activity.
- Holding Foreign-Based Perpetrators And Those That flee The United States Accountable: Transnational criminal organizations are targeting our elder population in schemes including mass mailing fraud, grandparent scams, romance scams, lottery and sweepstakes scams, IRS and Social Security Administration imposter scams, and technical-support scams. As noted, the U.S. Attorney’s Office has charged members of transnational criminal organizations who engage in financial exploitation of the elderly.
For more information on enforcement actions, training and resources, research, and victim services, please visit www.justice.gov/elderjustice.
- National Elder Fraud Hotline: 833-FRAUD-11
Department of Justice Observes the 15th Annual World Elder Abuse Awareness DayRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Attorney Bill Powell joined Attorney General William P. Barr and the entire Department of Justice in observing the 15th Annual World Elder Abuse Awareness Day. The Department echoes voices around the world condemning elder abuse, neglect and exploitation.
The COVID-19 pandemic has created unprecedented challenges for our country and the world, but among those most severely affected by the threat of the novel virus are our senior citizens. During this time when seniors are most vulnerable and isolated from their families and loved ones by social distancing and quarantine restrictions, bad actors have immediately exploited this international tragedy to prey on the elderly through a whole host of scam and fraud schemes. As the world takes this day to remember the elderly during these uncertain times, the Department of Justice remains relentlessly committed, through its department-wide Elder Justice Initiative, to prevent and prosecute fraud on America’s seniors.
The Department will aggressively prosecute fraudsters exploiting the Covid-19 pandemic and targeting seniors offering them fake testing kits and fake help obtaining stimulus and Paycheck Protection Program Funds. On this day dedicated to recognizing our seniors, the Department of Justice sends a strong message that we continue the fight to keep seniors safe a top priority.
“Our seniors and their families need to be mindful of scam artists. If it sounds too good to be true, it is most likely a scam. And for those who are considering these types of scams, you are on notice that we will prosecute you for your crimes,” said Powell.
Earlier this year Attorney General Barr declared “Prevention and Disruption of Transnational Elder Fraud” to be an Agency Priority Goal, making it one of the Department’s four top priorities.
Major strides have already been made to that end:
National Elder Fraud Hotline: 833-FRAUD-11
Earlier this year Attorney General Barr launched a National Elder Fraud Hotline. Staffed by experienced case managers who provide personalized support to callers, the hotline serves to assist elders and caretakers who believe they have been a victim of fraud by reporting and providing appropriate services.Transnational Elder Fraud Strike Force
Established in June 2019 to combat foreign elder fraud schemes, the Strike Force is composed of the Department’s Consumer Protection Branch and six U.S. Attorneys’ Offices along with FBI special agents, Postal Inspectors, and numerous other law enforcement personnel. Since its inception, prosecutors in Strike Force districts brought cases against more than 140 sweep defendants.Annual Elder Justice Sweep
In March of this year, the Attorney General announced the largest coordinated sweep of elder fraud cases in department history. The Department, together with every U.S. Attorney’s office, charged more than 400 defendants, causing over $1 billion in loss through fraud schemes that largely affected seniors. In the Northern District of West Virginia, there were several cases involving elder fraud, including the case of Karen Kinsley, a former bank branch manager, who pled guilty in September 2018 to bank fraud, admitted to taking out loans in customers’ names and reopening customers’ savings and checking accounts without the customers’ consent. She was sentenced to 36 months incarceration in April, and ordered to pay $170,219.19 in restitution to the victims.Money Mule Initiative
Since October 2018, the Department and its law enforcement partners began a concentrated effort across the country and around the world to disrupt, investigate, and prosecute money mule activity used to facilitate fraud schemes, especially those victimizing senior citizens. In 2019 actions were taken to halt the conduct of more than 600 domestic money mules, exceeding a similar effort against approximately 400 mules in the previous year.Holding foreign-based perpetrators and those that flee the United States accountable
Transnational criminal organizations are targeting our elder population in schemes including mass mailing fraud, grandparent scams, romance scams, lottery and sweepstakes scams, IRS and Social Security Administration imposter scams, and technical-support scams.For more information on enforcement actions, training and resources, research, and victim services, please visit www.justice.gov/elderjustice.
Department of Justice Observes the 15th Annual World Elder Abuse Awareness DayRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme joined Attorney General William P. Barr and the entire Department of Justice in observing the 15th Annual World Elder Abuse Awareness Day. The Department echoes voices around the world condemning elder abuse, neglect and exploitation.
The COVID-19 pandemic has created unprecedented challenges for our country and the world, but among those most severely affected by the threat of the novel virus are our senior citizens. During this time when seniors are most vulnerable and isolated from their families and loved ones by social distancing and quarantine restrictions, bad actors have immediately exploited this international tragedy to prey on the elderly through a whole host of scam and fraud schemes. As the world takes this day to remember the elderly during these uncertain times, the Department of Justice remains relentlessly committed, through its department-wide Elder Justice Initiative, to prevent and prosecute fraud on America’s seniors.
The Bureau of Justice Statistics National Crime Victimization Survey in 2014 estimated that more than 13 percent of seniors are victims of financial fraud annually, and only one in 44 cases of financial abuse is reported. Montana, Maine and Florida have the largest proportion of residents age 65 and older, at 19 percent. Montana also has the sixth highest proportion of seniors living alone, at almost 30 percent.
"All of us in Montana need to be vigilant to protect our large number of senior friends, family and neighbors. We not only have a high percentage of seniors living alone, but the coronavirus also has isolated many even further and generated a host of new scams targeting them. If you are a victim of fraud or abuse, or you know someone who may be – report it," U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme said. “We will prosecute senior scams to the full extent of the law.”
The U.S. Attorney’s Office has brought federal charges in several cases of elder fraud. In two recent cases:
- A former loan officer for a Billings bank admitted to stealing more than $243,000 in customer funds for his own benefit. One of the customers was a mentally incompetent elderly man. When confronted, the loan officer made misrepresentations to hide the thefts. The loan officer was sentenced in January to 57 months in prison and ordered to pay $195,949 restitution.
- A Fairfield man, who posed as a financial services manager, stole more than $700,000 from a Montana family and then spent the money for his own benefit. The offender was convicted and sentenced to 28 months in prison and ordered to pay $719,340 restitution to the family and $165,195 restitution to the IRS.
The U.S. Attorney's Office and Department of Justice also have produced a Public Service Announcement to help fight elder fraud. The PSA may be viewed here: https://www.justice.gov/usao-mt/video/district-montana-elder-fraud-psa-60-seconds
Earlier this year Attorney General Barr declared “Prevention and Disruption of Transnational Elder Fraud” to be an Agency Priority Goal, making it one of the Department’s four top priorities.
Major strides have already been made to that end:
- Eastern Montana Elder Justice Council: Created in 2019 to address exploitation, abuse and neglect of Montana's aging population. The task force is composed of members representing public and private sectors in areas of criminal and civil law, finance, health care, insurance and general senior and disability services and advocacy.
- National Elder Fraud Hotline: 833-FRAUD-11 (1-833-372-8311)
Earlier this year Attorney General Barr launched a Nationa1Elder Fraud Hotline. Staffed by experienced case managers who provide personalized support to callers, the hotline serves to assist elders and caretakers who believe they have been a victim of fraud by reporting and providing appropriate service. The online link to the hotline is: https://stopelderfraud.ovc.ojp.gov/.
- Transnational Elder Fraud Strike Force: Established in June 2019 to combat foreign elder fraud schemes, the Strike Force is composed of the Department’s Consumer Protection Branch and six U.S. Attorneys’ Offices along with FBI special agents, Postal Inspectors, and numerous other law enforcement personnel. Since its inception, prosecutors in Strike Force districts brought cases against more than 140 sweep defendants.
- Annual Elder Justice Sweep: In March of this year, the Attorney General announced the largest coordinated sweep of elder fraud cases in department history. The Department, together with every U.S. Attorney’s office, charged more than 400 defendants, causing over $1 billion in loss through fraud schemes that largely affected seniors.
- Money Mule Initiative: Since October 2018, the Department and its law enforcement partners began a concentrated effort across the country and around the world to disrupt, investigate, and prosecute money mule activity used to facilitate fraud schemes, especially those victimizing senior citizens. In 2019 actions were taken to halt the conduct of more than 600 domestic money mules, exceeding a similar effort against approximately 400 mules in the previous year.
- Holding foreign-based perpetrators and those that flee the United States accountable: Transnational criminal organizations are targeting our elder population in schemes including mass mailing fraud, grandparent scams, romance scams, lottery and sweepstakes scams, IRS and Social Security Administration imposter scams, and technical-support scams.
For more information on enforcement actions, training and resources, research, and victim services, please visit www.justice.gov/elderjustice.
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Cumberland County Awarded Funds to Address COVID-19 PandemicRead the Press Release
Portland, Maine: United States Attorney Halsey B. Frank announced that the Department of Justice’s Office of Justice Programs (OJP) has awarded $58,008 to Cumberland County to address the public safety challenges posed by the outbreak of COVID-19.
OJP awarded the grants as part of $850 million available under the Coronavirus Emergency Supplemental Funding program, authorized by the stimulus legislation President Trump signed in March. Since the program’s launch in early April, OJP has awarded over $841 million to 1,773 state, local and tribal agencies and organizations. Eighteen Maine jurisdictions have received $4.4 million.
“I am gratified that every Maine jurisdiction that was eligible to receive these much-needed funds has now done so,” said U.S. Attorney Frank. “Going forward, the Department of Justice will continue to do all it can to support our state and local public safety professionals as they do their crucial work in the midst of this pandemic.”
The Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security, or CARES, Act gives jurisdictions considerable latitude in the use of funds for dealing with COVID-19. Potential uses include hiring personnel, paying overtime, purchasing protective equipment and distributing resources to hard-hit areas. Grant recipients may also use funds to help correctional facilities cover costs related to COVID-19, including, but not limited to, sanitation, contagion prevention and measures designed to address the related medical needs of inmates, detainees and correctional personnel.
OJP, 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 is at www.ojp.gov.
Coosa County Man Sentenced to 37 Months in Prison Following Federal Drug ConvictionRead the Press Release
Montgomery, Alabama – On Thursday, June 11, 2020, Deon Gaddis, a 35-year-old man from Goodwater, Alabama, was sentenced to 37 months in prison, announced United States Attorney Louis V. Franklin, Sr. Following his prison sentence, Gaddis will be on supervised release for three years. There is no parole in the federal system.
Through various investigative means, law enforcement discovered that Gaddis engaged in the sale of cocaine in Coosa County on December 14, 2017. Following the investigation and referral for federal prosecution, Gaddis was indicted by a grand jury on September 11, 2019 for possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance. He pleaded guilty to the charge on January 9, 2020.
The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the Coosa County Sheriff’s Office, the Millbrook Police Department, the Alexander City Police Department, the Goodwater Police Department, and the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) investigated this case, with assistance from the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant United States Attorneys Kevin Davidson and Robert Nichols prosecuted the case.
Cleveland man indicted for distribution of controlled substancesRead the Press Release
Justin E. Herdman, U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Ohio, announced today that a federal grand jury in Cleveland, Ohio has returned a two-count indictment charging Walter R. Maclin, age 46, of Cleveland with distribution of controlled substances.
The indictment filed in this matter alleges that on March 19 and March 27, 2020, Maclin did knowingly and intentionally distribute approximately 1.54 grams of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of crack cocaine.
An indictment is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt. A defendant is entitled to a fair trial in which it will be the government’s burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
If convicted, each defendant’s sentence will be determined by the Court after review of factors unique to this case, including the defendant’s prior criminal records, if any, the defendant’s role in the offense, and the characteristics of the violation. In all cases, the sentence will not exceed the statutory maximum, and in most cases, it will be less than the maximum.
The investigation preceding the indictment was conducted by the DEA, ATF, and Cleveland Police Department. This matter is part of Operation Relentless Pursuit (ORP), an initiative aimed at combating violent crime.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Brian S. Deckert.
Central Falls Man Facing up to 80 Years in Prison for Sexual Exploitation of a MinorRead the Press Release
PROVIDENCE, RI – A Central Falls man, who today admitted to a federal court judge that he used a young child under the age of four for the purpose of producing sexually explicit videos, is facing up to 80 years in federal prison when he sentenced in September.
Jose Cortes, 40, admitted to the court that on at least two dates between December 2013 and December 2015, he used a female child who was between approximately 2.5 to 3.5 years old to take part in sexually explicit conduct for the purpose of producing visual depictions of such conduct. The sexually explicit images included graphic images of and sexual contact with the child, and of a male’s genitalia next to the child’s head. Cortes admitted that he stored and shared the images on several electronic devices in his control.
An investigation led by the Central Falls Police Department, with the assistance of the Rhode Island State Police and Homeland Security Investigations, included a forensic audit of some of the electronic devices seized from Cortes. Several thousand images and videos of child pornography were discovered.
Appearing today before U.S. District Court Judge William E. Smith, Cortes pleaded guilty to two counts of sexual exploitation of a minor and one count of possession of child pornography, announced United States Attorney Aaron L. Weisman, Central Falls Police Chief Colonel Daniel J. Barzykowski, Superintendent of the Rhode Island State Police Colonel James M. Manni, and Homeland Security Investigations Acting Special Agent in Charge Michael S. Shea.
Cortes is scheduled to be sentenced on September 18, 2020. Each count of sexual exploitation of a child is punishable by between 15 and 30 years in federal prison. Possession of child pornography is punishable by up to 20 years imprisonment.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Denise M. Barton.
United States Attorney Aaron L. Weisman thanks the Rhode Island Department of Attorney General for their assistance in the prosecution of this matter.
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Carroll, Iowa Man to Federal Prison for Meth and Firearm ConvictionsRead the Press Release
A man who conspired to distribute meth while possessing a gun was sentenced May 19, 2020, to more than 8 years in federal prison.
Nicholaus Augustus, 28, from Carroll, Iowa, received the prison term after a November 26, 2019, guilty plea to conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and possession of a firearm by a prohibited person. In 2015, Augustus was convicted of burglary 3rd degree, in the Iowa District Court for Carroll County. The conviction prohibited Augustus from legally possessing a firearm in Iowa.
At the guilty plea, Augustus admitted that from about October 2017 and continuing to on or about August 29, 2018, he and others conspired to distribute more than 35 grams of actual (pure) methamphetamine in the Carroll, Iowa area. In January 2018, Augustus distributed more than 4 grams of meth to an individual cooperating with law enforcement. In August of 2018, Augustus’ residence was searched as part of a burglary investigation, and law enforcement seized a gun, along with drug paraphernalia and 9mm ammunition.
Augustus was sentenced in Sioux City by United States District Court Chief Judge Leonard T. Strand. Augustus was sentenced to 100 months’ imprisonment. He must also serve a 4-year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system. Augustus is being held in the United States Marshal’s custody until he can be transported to a federal prison.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN). PSN is the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
This case is also part of Project Guardian, the Department of Justice’s signature initiative to reduce gun violence and enforce federal firearms laws. Initiated by the Attorney General in the fall of 2019, Project Guardian draws upon the Department’s past successful programs to reduce gun violence; enhances coordination of federal, state, local, and tribal authorities in investigating and prosecuting gun crimes; improves information-sharing by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives when a prohibited individual attempts to purchase a firearm and is denied by the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS), to include taking appropriate actions when a prospective purchaser is denied by the NICS for mental health reasons; and ensures that federal resources are directed at the criminals posing the greatest threat to our communities. The United States Attorney’s Office has prosecuted this case with support from Project Guardian partners. For more information about Project Guardian, please see /media/1122011/dl?inline.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Shawn S. Wehde and investigated by the Iowa Division of Narcotics Enforcement, Iowa Division of Criminalistics Investigations, Carroll, Iowa Police Department, Carroll County Sheriff’s Office, and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 18-3047. Follow us on Twitter @USAO_NDIA.
Canton man indicted for possession of a firearm by a person with a domestic violence convictionRead the Press Release
Justin E. Herdman, U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Ohio, announced today that a federal grand jury in Cleveland, Ohio has returned a one-count indictment charging Matthew Paul Slatzer, 36, of Canton, Ohio, with possession of a firearm by a person with a domestic violence conviction.
According to the indictment filed in this matter, on February 2, 2020, the Canton Police Department responded to a call at a bar for an intoxicated male with a gun inside the establishment. The indictment alleges that Slatzer knowingly possessed a .38 caliber revolver. Slatzer is prohibited from possessing a firearm due to a prior domestic violence conviction on October 20, 2010.
An indictment is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt. A defendant is entitled to a fair trial in which it will be the government’s burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
If convicted, the defendant’s sentence will be determined by the Court after review of factors unique to this case, including the defendant’s prior criminal records, if any, the defendant’s role in the offense and the characteristics of the violation. In all cases, the sentence will not exceed the statutory maximum and, in most cases, it will be less than the maximum.
The investigation was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Canton Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Toni Beth Schnellinger Feisthamel.
Cambridge Man Sentenced for Federal Firearm OffenseRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Cambridge man was sentenced on Friday, June 12, 2020, in federal court in Boston for illegally possessing two firearms and over 150 rounds of ammunition.
Robert Brito-Pina, 28, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Douglas P. Woodlock to 42 months in prison and three years of supervised release. In December 2019, Brito-Pina pleaded guilty to one count of being a felon in possession of firearms and ammunition. Brito-Pina was arrested in April 2019, and has been in custody since.
Brito-Pina was arrested after the execution of a search warrant at his residence resulted in the seizure of two firearms and over 150 rounds of ammunition. The recovered items included a stolen SCCY Model CPX-1 9mm caliber semi-automatic pistol loaded with eight rounds of ammunition; a Springfield Amory, Model XDM 9mm caliber semi-automatic pistol with an obliterated serial number, loaded with 18 rounds of ammunition; and an additional 131 rounds of assorted ammunition. Federal law prohibits Brito-Pina from possessing a firearm or ammunition because of a prior felony conviction.
United States Attorney Andrew E. Lelling; Kelly D. Brady, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Boston Field Division; and Cambridge Police Commissioner Branville G. Bard, Jr. made the announcement today.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. PSN is part of the Department of Justice’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.
Bryant Love Sentenced to 180 Months in PrisonRead the Press Release
HAMMOND – Bryant Love, 45 years old, of East Chicago, Indiana, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Philip P. Simon after pleading guilty to two counts of Distribution of Cocaine Base, one count of Possession with Intent to Distribute Cocaine Base, and one count of Felon in Possession of a Firearm, announced United States Attorney Thomas L. Kirsch II.
Love received a sentence of 180 months in prison.
According to documents in the case, on two separate occasion in December of 2016, Love sold cocaine base to a confidential informant in East Chicago, Indiana. On December 20, 2016, law enforcement executed a search warrant at Love’s East Chicago residence and seized cocaine base and two firearms. At the time, Love was prohibited from possessing a firearm because he was a convicted felon.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation GRIT Task Force and the Hammond Police Department. This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jennifer Chang.
On June 2, 2022, Love was resentenced as an Armed Career Offender.
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Bronx Man Charged with 2015 Murder of Nestor SuazoRead the Press Release
Geoffrey S. Berman, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, Dermot Shea, the Police Commissioner of the City of New York (“NYPD”), and Peter C. Fitzhugh, the Special Agent in Charge of the New York Office of Homeland Security Investigations (“HSI”), announced the return today of an Indictment charging DERRICK RICHARDSON, a/k/a “J Rocc,” with the September 19, 2015, murder of Nestor Suazo, 25, in the vicinity of East Tremont Avenue and Clinton Avenue in the Bronx, New York.
U.S. Attorney Geoffrey S. Berman said: “Nearly five years ago, Nestor Suazo’s life was senselessly taken. As alleged in the Indictment, Derrick Richardson was one of those responsible for that terrible crime. Now, thanks to the determination of our law enforcement partners at the NYPD and HSI, Richardson faces federal murder charges.”
NYPD Commissioner Dermot Shea said: “The ability of investigators to bring about justice for this young man and provide a sense of closure to his family is paramount. The identification and arrest of the suspect in this case was a joint effort that would not have been possible without the collaboration between the NYPD and our law enforcement partners. I thank the U.S. Attorney and the NYPD Detectives and HSI agents involved in this case.”
HSI Special Agent in Charge Peter C. Fitzhugh said: “Derrick Richardson is charged with the horrible crime of murdering Nestor Suazo in the Bronx in 2015. As alleged in the indictment, Richardson is a member of the Rollin' 30s Crip, a gang that committed and threatened to commit acts of violence in order to promote its interests. HSI stands united with its law enforcement partners to bring closure to the families of those lost to gang violence by finding and arresting the alleged offenders and seeking justice for their criminal acts.”
As alleged in the Indictment returned today[1]:
RICHARDSON was a member of a racketeering enterprise known as the Rollin’ 30s Crips. In order to fund the enterprise, protect and expand its interests, and promote its standing, members and associates of the Rollin’ 30s committed, conspired, attempted, and threatened to commit acts of violence, including murder and robbery; they conspired to distribute and possess with intent to distribute narcotics; and they obtained, possessed, and used firearms, including by brandishing and discharging them.
In connection with his membership in the gang, on or about September 19, 2015, RICHARDSON shot and killed Nestor Suazo in the vicinity of East Tremont Avenue and Clinton Avenue in the Bronx, New York.
* * *
RICHARDSON, 27, of the Bronx, New York, is charged with murder in aid of racketeering, which carries a mandatory minimum sentence of life in prison, and murder through the use of a firearm, which carries a maximum penalty of life in prison and a mandatory minimum sentence of five years in prison.
The maximum potential sentence in this case is prescribed by Congress and is provided here for information purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the judge.
Mr. Berman praised the outstanding investigative work of the NYPD and HSI.
The case is being handled by the Office’s Violent and Organized Crime Unit. Assistant United States Attorneys Jessica K. Fender, Anden Chow, and Jacqueline C. Kelly are in charge of the prosecution.
The charges contained in the Indictment are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
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[1] As the introductory phrase signifies, the entirety of the text of the Indictment and the description of the Indictment set forth herein constitute only allegations and every fact described should be treated as an allegation.
Bradken Inc. pays $10.8 million to settle False Claims Act allegations and enters into deferred prosecution agreementRead the Press Release
Seattle – The Department of Justice announced today that Bradken Inc. (Bradken), a subsidiary of Hitachi Construction Machinery, has paid $10,896,924 to resolve allegations that Bradken produced and sold substandard steel components for installation on U.S. Navy submarines, announced Assistant Attorney General of the Justice Department’s Civil Division Jody H. Hunt and U.S. Attorney Brian T. Moran for the Western District of Washington. Bradken and Bradken’s former lab director have also been charged criminally.
The United States Attorney’s Office filed a criminal complaint charging Elaine Thomas, Bradken’s former Director of Metallurgy, with Major Fraud Against the United States. Thomas will make her initial appearance in federal court in Tacoma on June 30, 2020. Also today, the United States Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Washington filed a criminal information charging Bradken with Major Fraud Against the United States. Under a deferred prosecution agreement, Bradken has accepted responsibility for the offense and has agreed to take remedial measures. If Bradken complies with the agreement, the government will dismiss the charge after three years.
According to the court filings, Bradken is the U.S. Navy’s leading supplier of high-yield steel for naval submarines. Bradken’s Tacoma foundry produces castings that prime contractors use to fabricate submarine hulls. The Navy requires that the steel meets certain standards for strength and toughness to ensure that it does not fail under certain circumstances, such as a collision. The court filings allege that, for 30 years, the Tacoma foundry (which was acquired by Bradken in 2008), produced castings that had failed lab tests and did not meet the Navy’s standards. The filings allege that Elaine Thomas, as Director of Metallurgy, falsified test results to hide the fact that the steel had failed the tests. Thomas falsified results for over 200 productions of steel, which represent a substantial percentage of the castings Bradken produced for the Navy. As part of the deferred prosecution agreement, Bradken admitted these allegations.
The court filings state there is no evidence that Bradken’s management was aware of the fraud until May 2017. At that time, a lab employee discovered that test cards had been altered and that other discrepancies existed in Bradken’s records. While Bradken initially disclosed these findings to the Navy, it then made misleading statements suggesting that the discrepancies were not the result of fraud. Bradken admits that these misleading statements hindered the Navy’s investigation and its efforts to remediate the risks presented by Bradken’s fraud.
The civil settlement resolves allegations that some of the castings Bradken produced did not conform to the Navy’s specifications. In addition to the allegations concerning the altered test results, the United States contended that Bradken invoiced shipbuilders for the parts as if they were made to the demanding military specification when they were not, causing the shipbuilders to invoice the Navy for parts that did not meet specifications.
“Bradken placed the Navy’s sailors and its operations at risk. Further, after Bradken’s management discovered the falsified data, they misled the Navy about the scope and nature of the fraud. Government contractors must not tolerate fraud within their organizations, and they must be fully forthcoming with the government when they discover it,” said U.S. Attorney Brian T. Moran. “The Navy has taken extensive steps to ensure the safe operation of the affected submarines. Those measures will result in increased costs and maintenance. Our agreement with the company is aimed at ensuring they improve their procedures and inform their peer companies about how their systems failed to detect the fraud. We hope such steps will improve the military procurement system.”
Secretary of the Navy Kenneth J. Braithwaite stated that “U.S. Navy suppliers must meet the very highest standards of quality. Our Sailors and Marines depend upon them to provide the very best equipment thereby enabling the Navy to meet world-wide commitments. While the Navy remains dedicated to maintaining and revitalizing our industrial base, we will aggressively investigate and pursue all possible recoveries from suppliers who do not meet standards.”
The deferred prosecution agreement describes substantial steps taken by Bradken to cooperate with the government’s investigation and overhaul to its quality control and compliance procedures. These steps include entering into a compliance agreement with the Navy, creating new positions devoted to oversight of lab testing and tracking, creating an audit and risk committee to oversee the compliance issues, and implementing of a new lab information system with anti-fraud controls. The company will also publish a detailed account of its missteps in the Casteel Reporter, a trade publication, to educate other government contractors. In addition, Bradken has made changes to the management team in place at the Tacoma Foundry. If Bradken complies with all of the deferred prosecution agreement’s requirements, the government will dismiss the charge after three years.
Bradken is a Delaware corporation with its principal place of business in Kansas City, Missouri, operating as a wholly owned subsidiary of Bradken Ltd. of Newcastle, Australia, which is a subsidiary of Hitachi Construction Machinery. Elaine Thomas, 66, is a resident of Auburn, Washington.
The charges contained in the complaint against Thomas are only allegations. A person is presumed innocent unless and until he or she is proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
“This settlement demonstrates the commitment of the Naval Criminal Investigative Service (NCIS) and our law enforcement partners to hold companies accountable for supplying substandard products, especially products that could impact the Department of Navy (DON) war fighting ability, battlefield superiority and the safety of our Sailors and Marines. NCIS will continue to work diligently with our law enforcement partners to safeguard DON major acquisition programs. The success of the DON war fighting ability is dependent upon a sound and reliable acquisition process” said Charles P. King, Special Agent in Charge, NCIS Northwest Field Office.
“The announced settlement is representative of the law enforcement community's relentless efforts to hold accountable those who engage in unethical business practices that endanger America's warfighters, corrupts the defense procurement process, and inexcusably wastes taxpayer dollars,” said Bryan Denny, Special Agent in Charge of the Defense Criminal Investigative Service (DCIS), Western Field Office. “This case clearly demonstrates that any unscrupulous actions by government contractors and subcontractors will be reviewed and, if appropriate, vigorously investigated by DCIS and its law enforcement partners.”
The civil settlement, deferred prosecution agreement with Bradken, and pending criminal case against Thomas are the result of a coordinated effort among the Civil Division’s Commercial Litigation Branch, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Washington, the Department of Defense’s Defense Criminal Investigative Service, Naval Criminal Investigative Service, and the Defense Contract Audit Agency.
The cases are being handled by Assistant United States Attorneys Kayla Stahman, Seth Wilkinson, and David Reese Jennings for the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Western District of Washington, and Art Coulter of DOJ’s Civil Division Commercial Litigation Branch.
bradken_information.pdf bradken_signed_civil_settlement.pdf bradken_dpa.pdf thomas_elaine_m_complaint.pdfBank Robber Who Fled on Lime Electric Scooter Sentenced to 57 MonthsRead the Press Release
NEWS RELEASE SUMMARY – June 15, 2020
SAN DIEGO – Mario Daniel Haro, a United States Citizen who resided in Rosarito, Mexico, was sentenced in federal court today to 57 months in prison and ordered to pay restitution for robbing a Chula Vista bank in 2019.
Haro pleaded guilty on February 3, 2020, admitting that he robbed a San Diego bank by presenting a demand note that threatened the teller. He fled the crime scene on a Lime electric scooter. This was Haro’s second federal conviction for bank robbery. In 2008, Haro was also convicted of robbing a Chula Vista bank in case number 08CR0649-BTM.
“Unfortunately this defendant failed to take advantage of his second chance and committed an additional violent crime,” said U.S. Attorney Robert Brewer. “As this case demonstrates, individuals who reoffend will be investigated, arrested and convicted and usually the sentence will be longer. Hopefully this time the defendant learned a lesson.”
In his plea agreement, Haro admitted that, on October 14, 2019, at approximately 3:00 p.m., he entered the Chase Bank at 2121 Olympic Parkway in Chula Vista, California, and approached a teller window. Haro told the teller he had a gun and presented the teller with a demand note, which read: “I have a GUN! Give me all money. NO INK Packages.” The teller fearing for her life, her co-workers, and the banks patrons’ safety, complied with the demands and provided Haro with approximately $1,000 in cash. After receiving the cash from the victim teller, Haro exited the bank and then fled the scene.
“The FBI's Violent Crimes Task Force (VCTF), which joins law enforcement personnel and resources, works to swiftly solve cases to prevent series bank robberies like this one,” commented Acting FBI Special Agent in Charge Omer Meisel. “The safety of the San Diego community is a priority for the FBI VCTF.”
Brewer commended the prosecutor in this case, AUSA Matthew Brehm, the Chula Vista Police Department and the FBI for their diligent work in this investigation. The Chula Vista Police Department’s spokesperson recognized “the collaboration and cooperation with the Federal Bureau of Investigation, United States Attorney’s Office and the Violent Crime and Human Trafficking (VCHT) Taskforce that led to the identification, arrest and successful prosecution of bank robbery suspect Mario Haro. The joint efforts by all involved have made for a safer community in Chula Vista and the San Diego region.”
This case is the result of the ongoing efforts of the Violent Crime and Human Trafficking (VCHT) Section. Formed in 2019 by U.S. Attorney Robert Brewer, the VCHT is tasked with leading collaborations between federal and local law enforcement in the investigation and prosecution of cases involving violent crimes, firearms and gang cases; sex trafficking and child exploitation; civil rights, and labor trafficking. The VCHT Section oversees the Southern District of California Coordinators for Project Safe Neighborhoods, Human Trafficking, and Project Safe Childhood.
DEFENDANT Case Number 19cr4747-W
Mario Daniel Haro Age: 32 Rosarito, Baja California, Mexico
SUMMARY OF CHARGES
Bank Robbery – Title 18, U.S.C., Section 2113(a)
Maximum penalty: 20 years’ imprisonment and $250,000 fine
AGENCY
Federal Bureau of Investigation
Chula Vista Police Department
Bakersfield Man Sentenced for Structuring Synthetic Drug ProceedsRead the Press Release
FRESNO, Calif. — Majed Bashir Akroush, aka Magic Mike, 52, of Bakersfield, was sentenced today to two years and nine months in prison for conspiring to structure over $700,000 in cash withdrawals from four different bank accounts associated with his internet businesses that sold synthetic marijuana, U.S. Attorney McGregor W. Scott announced.
His sentencing follows his guilty plea earlier this year. According to court documents, Akroush structured cash withdrawals over a three-year period in amounts just under $10,000 in order to evade the currency transaction report filing requirements. In addition to imposing a prison sentence, the court fined the defendant $7,500 and ordered the forfeiture of the following assets owned by Akroush: real property in Bakersfield, approximately $109,555 seized from five different bank accounts, approximately $199,181 in cash seized from a safe in his residence, approximately $233,460 in cash seized from two safe deposit boxes, and a 1962 Chevrolet Impala worth $200,000.
According to court documents, during the time of the structured cash withdrawals, Akroush operated several internet businesses–Magic Man’s Wholesale, Blue Whale Wholesale, World of Incense, and Blue Bear– that distributed synthetic marijuana to convenience stores, smoke shops, and other customers throughout the country. Although marketed as a legal alternative to marijuana, the products contained illegal drugs that have much more harmful effects than marijuana. Akroush structured the proceeds derived from synthetic drug sales as a means of concealing the illegal nature of his businesses.
This case was the product of an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation, Homeland Security Investigations, and the California Highway Patrol with assistance from the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, the California Department of Motor Vehicles, Kern County Probation, Kern County Sheriff’s Office, and Bakersfield Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Karen A. Escobar and Henry Z. Carbajal III are prosecuting the case.
This case was designated an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) case. The OCDETF program was established in 1982 to conduct comprehensive, multi-level attacks on major drug trafficking and money laundering organizations. The principal mission of the OCDETF program is to identify, disrupt, and dismantle the most serious drug trafficking and money laundering organizations and those primarily responsible for the nation’s drug supply.
Atlanta Woman Sentenced to Almost 2 Years in Prison for Making a False Statement to Purchase a FirearmRead the Press Release
Gulfport, Miss – Crystal Asher Small, 32, of Atlanta, formerly of Hattiesburg and Trinidad, Tobago, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Sul Ozerden to 21months in prison, followed by 3 years of supervised release, for making a false statement to purchase a firearm, announced U. S. Attorney Mike Hurst and Kurt Thielhorn, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Small was also ordered to pay a $2,500 fine.
Small made false statements that she was the actual buyer of fifteen (15) firearms from February 2015 through May 3, 2017, at firearms dealers in Gulfport and Hattiesburg. Two of the guns purchased through Small and her accomplices were found at crime scenes in New York City within 9 months. Small pled guilty before Judge Starrett on February 18, 2020.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated the case. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Annette Williams.
Arizona Man Arrested for Marijuana in LuggageRead the Press Release
St. Croix, USVI – United States Attorney Gretchen C.F. Shappert announced today that Armando Antonio Mena of Phoenix, Arizona was arrested June 12, 2020 and charged with Possession of a Controlled Substance With the Intent to Distribute.
According to court documents, Mena, age 28, was traveling to St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands from San Francisco, California via airline on May 27, 2020 with a checked bag that contained 22 individually wrapped vacuum sealed bags under articles of clothing. The vacuum wrapped bags contained a green leafy substance which tested positive for marijuana and which weighed approximately 10.78 kilograms.
An initial appearance in federal court occurred on June 12, 2020, followed by preliminary and release hearings on June 15, 2020.
The case is being investigated by Homeland Security Investigations and U.S. Customs and Border Patrol. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Melissa P. Ortiz.
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.Akron man indicted for possession with intent to distribute 50 grams of methamphetamineRead the Press Release
Justin E. Herdman, U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Ohio, announced today that a federal grand jury in Cleveland, Ohio has returned a one-count indictment charging Cody Scott Sharnsky, age 26, of Canton, Ohio with possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance.
According to the indictment filed in this matter, on January 28, 2020, Sharnsky knowingly and intentionally possessed with the intent to distribute approximately 58 grams of methamphetamine.
An indictment is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt. A defendant is entitled to a fair trial in which it will be the government’s burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
If convicted, the defendant’s sentence will be determined by the Court after review of factors unique to this case, including the defendant’s prior criminal records, if any, the defendant’s role in the offense and the characteristics of the violation. In all cases, the sentence will not exceed the statutory maximum and, in most cases, it will be less than the maximum.
The investigation preceding the indictment was conducted by the FBI and Akron Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Toni Beth Schnellinger Feisthamel.
19 Pennsylvanians Indicted in Philadelphia-to-Indiana County Drug Trafficking NetworkRead the Press Release
JOHNSTOWN – Twelve residents of Indiana County, Pennsylvania, and seven residents of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, have been indicted by a federal grand jury in Johnstown on charges of violating federal narcotics laws, money laundering, and unlawful possession of firearms, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today. The defendants were arrested last week by federal, state and local law enforcement.
"Methamphetamine. Heroin. Fentanyl. Crack cocaine. This group sold it all, but now they are in jail and out of business," said U.S. Attorney Scott Brady. "Effective operations like this require strong partnerships across federal, state and local levels. We owe much of our success in this significant case to the solid working relationship we have built with Indiana County District Attorney Bob Manzi."
The five-count Indictment, returned on June 3, 2020, named:
Jelahn Williams, 25, of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania;
Ellen Blystone, 43, of Marion Center, Pennsylvania;
Malik Byers, 28, of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania;
Isaiah Daniels-Wheeler, 24, of Elkins Park, Pennsylvania;
Ahmed Doumbia, 26, of Indiana, Pennsylvania;
Adam Drylie, 26, of Shelocta, Pennsylvania;
James Edwards, 51, of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania;
Haylee Jackson, 26, of Creekside, Pennsylvania;
Romello Johnson-Holland, 24, of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania;
Joy McBride, 40, of Hyde, Pennsylvania;
Dayton Melton, 22, of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania;
Roger Miller, 33, of Homer City, Pennsylvania;
Michele Monfredi, 47, of Indiana, Pennsylvania;
Gregory Moore, 59, of Indiana, Pennsylvania;
Karl Pollard, 56, of Indiana, Pennsylvania;
Michael Schrecengost, 35, of Shelocta, Pennsylvania;
Taylor Shick, 30, of Marion Center, Pennsylvania;
Tamir Washington-Jenkins, 24, of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; and
Christofer Waters, 26, of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
The Indictment charges all defendants with conspiring to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine, its salts, isomers, and salts of its isomers, or 500 grams of more of a substance containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine, and/or 28 grams or more of a substance containing a detectable amount of cocaine base in the form commonly known as "crack," and/or 40 grams of more of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of fentanyl, from on or about July 5, 2018, and continuing thereafter to on or about May 5, 2020, in the Western District of Pennsylvania. The statute calls for a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years in prison.
Jelahn Williams, Malik Byers, Isaiah Daniels-Wheeler, Ahmed Doumbia, Jamed Edwards, Gregory Moore, Karl Pollard, Tamir Washington-Jenkins, and Christofer Waters are charged at Count Two with conspiracy to commit money laundering, July 5, 2018, and continuing thereafter to on or about May 5, 2020. The statute calls for a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison.
Jelahn Williams, Ahmed Doumbia, and James Edwards are charged at Counts Three through Five, respectively, with possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. The statute calls for a maximum sentence of life in prison.
According to a criminal complaint filed previously in this case, as part of this investigation investigators have conducted court-authorized Title III interceptions of wire and electronic communications occurring over several telephones known to be used by members of this conspiracy. During the periods of interception, investigators have intercepted communications between the defendants related to the manufacture and/or distribution of crack cocaine and other controlled substances. The criminal complaint contains samples of calls between the named defendants.
Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendants.
Assistant United States Attorney Arnold P. Bernard, Jr. is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
This case has been investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Department of Homeland Security – Homeland Security Investigations, Indiana County District Attorney’s Drug Task Force, Southwest Pennsylvania Safe Streets Task Force, Indiana Borough Police Department, Pennsylvania State Police, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, and the Pennsylvania Office of the Attorney General. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania assisted in this investigation.
This case is part of the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force program, known as OCDETF. OCDETF was established in 1982 to support comprehensive investigations and prosecutions of major drug trafficking and money laundering organizations. It is the keystone of the drug reduction strategy of the Department of Justice. By combining the resources and expertise of federal agencies and their state and local law enforcement partners, OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the most serious drug trafficking, money laundering, and transnational criminal organizations.
An indictment is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Saturday 13 June 2020
Texas Bodybuilder Charged with Conspiracy to Sell SteroidsRead the Press Release
A north Texas bodybuilder has been charged with conspiring to sell steroids, announced U.S. Attorney Erin Nealy Cox.
Philip Russell Archibald, 29, of Lancaster, was charged via criminal complaint with conspiracy to distribute controlled substances. Coconspirator Danielle Bocanegra, 30, of Lampasas, was also charged.
“The Northern District of Texas will not tolerate the peddling of steroids in our community. We are grateful to our law enforcement partners for helping us dismantle this steroid trafficking ring,” said U.S. Attorney Erin Nealy Cox.
According to the complaint, Mr. Archibald, a self-proclaimed bodybuilder and personal trainer, allegedly ran a steroid distribution ring that spanned across north Texas.
In March 2019, agents discovered Mr. Archibald’s fingerprints on a zip-lock baggie filled with steroids, which Ms. Bocanegra sold to an undercover officer for $900, the complaint alleged. They later tracked several packages of steroids sent via the U.S. Postal Service to Ms. Bocanegra’s residence to several USPS kiosks used by Mr. Archibald.
In July 2019, agents followed Mr. Archibald from his residence to a local post office, where he allegedly mailed a priority mail flat rate box. Pursuant to a federal search warrant, the agents seized the parcel and sent the contents to the USPIS Forensic Laboratory, which identified 64 red capsules containing oxandralone, a known steroid compound.
On June 8, 2020, agents also searched Mr. Archibald’s residence, where they found steroids and multiple firearms, prosecutors told the Court.
At Mr. Archibald’s detention hearing, prosecutors argued that the defendant posed a threat to the community, noting that the defendant, who has been tied publicly with the anti-government Boogaloo movement, used his social media accounts to advocate vigilante “guerrilla warfare” against the National Guardsman patrolling Black Lives Matter protests. In a recent Facebook post, he claimed to be “hunting Antifa” and threatened to “kill” looters. The Court granted the government’s motion and ordered Mr. Archibald detained pending trial.
“Drug trafficking and violence go hand in hand. Whether we are talking about Mexican Cartels and methamphetamine or illegal steroids and vigilantes, all pose a real threat to the safety and security of our Nation,” stated Steven S. Whipple, Special Agent in Charge of the DEA Houston Division. “DEA, along with our federal, state, and local law enforcement partners, remain especially focused on bringing to justice those drug traffickers who use, or threaten to use violence in any way or for any purpose.”
“The U.S. Postal Inspection Service is charged with defending the nations mail system from illegal use,“ said Adrian Gonzalez, U.S. Postal Inspector in Charge of the Houston Division. “This includes ensuring individuals like Mr. Archibald do not use the U.S. Mail as a tool to distribute controlled substances to our communities. We remain steadfast in our resolve to work with our law enforcement partners to ensure the safety of our communities and of the U.S. Postal Service.“
A criminal complaint is merely an allegation of wrongdoing, not evidence. These defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
If convicted, both Mr. Archibald and Ms. Bocanegra face up to 10 years in federal prison.
The Drug Enforcement Administration’s Austin Field Office, the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Dallas Field Office, and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service’s Houston Field Office conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Tiffany H. Eggers and Rebekah Ricketts are prosecuting the case.
Friday 12 June 2020
Worcester Man Charged with Being a Felon in PossessionRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Worcester man was charged today with being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition.
Steven Dillon, 36, was charged by criminal complaint with one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition. Dillon will make his initial appearance in federal court in Worcester next week.
According to the criminal complaint, on Dec. 25, 2019, Dillon was arrested by law enforcement in Worcester after brandishing a sawed-off shotgun in an apartment while arguing with teenaged residents. Police found the shotgun and ammunition in a bedroom used by Dillon, who was previously convicted of a felony punishable by more than one year in prison and therefore prohibited from possessing a firearm.
The charging statute provides for a sentence of up to 10 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
United States Attorney Andrew E. Lelling; Kelly D. Brady, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives, Boston Field Division; and Worcester Police Chief Steven M. Sargent made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kristen Noto of Lelling’s Worcester Branch Office is prosecuting the case.
The details contained in the complaint are allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Woonsocket Barber Sentenced for Trafficking CocaineRead the Press Release
PROVIDENCE – A Woonsocket barber who admitted to preparing and selling crack cocaine in and around his barbershop, among other places, was sentenced today to five years in federal prison.
In March 2019, members of the FBI’s Safe Streets Violent Gang Task Force opened an investigation into the alleged drug dealing of Jason Simpson, 34, and two other men, James Ruth, 31, and Sean Breton, 27. The investigation included electronically monitored controlled purchases of more than 41 grams of crack cocaine.
According to information presented to the court, on July 2, 2019, agents and officers executed a court-authorized search of Simpson’s barbershop and seized a 9mm pistol and two pistol magazines with ammunition. The seized items were found hidden inside a printer.
Simpson pleaded guilty on October 9, 2019, to conspiracy to distribute 28 grams or more of cocaine base. At sentencing today, U.S. District Court Judge William E. Smith sentenced Simpson to 60 months incarceration to be followed by four years supervised release.
Simpson’s sentence is announced by United States Attorney Aaron L. Weisman and Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Boston Division Joseph R. Bonavolonta.
James Ruth pleaded guilty on October 22, 2019, to conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 28 grams or more of cocaine base, conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute cocaine base, and four counts of distribution of cocaine base. He was sentenced on February 6, 2020, to 77 months in federal prison.
Sean Breton pleaded guilty on November 8, 2019, to conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute cocaine base. He is awaiting sentencing.
The cases are being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Christine D. Lowell and Sandra R. Hebert.
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Wausau Man First to Plead Guilty and Be Sentenced in Large Methamphetamine OperationRead the Press Release
MADISON, WIS. – Scott C. Blader, United States Attorney for the Western District of Wisconsin, announced that Meng Xiong, 26, Wausau, Wisconsin was sentenced yesterday by U.S. District Judge James D. Peterson to five years in prison for distributing methamphetamine. Xiong pleaded guilty to this charge on March 10, 2020.
Meng Xiong was convicted of distributing methamphetamine as part of a larger methamphetamine conspiracy that existed, conservatively, from November 12, 2018 through June 13, 2019, in the Wausau, Wisconsin area. It is believed that the leader of the conspiracy was bringing pounds of methamphetamine into the Wausau area from the Minneapolis/St. Paul area. Law enforcement agents seized almost five pounds of methamphetamine in connection with this case, though agents believe the conspiracy was responsible for well over ten pounds flowing into the Wausau area.
Xiong was charged with distributing methamphetamine that he purchased from the leader of the conspiracy on two occasions, though he had been involved with the leader of this drug-trafficking operation for several years. Conservatively, Xiong’s relevant conduct included over 90 grams of methamphetamine. While this is Meng Xiong’s first federal conviction, he was on criminal supervision in Wisconsin when he committed this offense.
Meng Xiong and ten other individuals were charged in an indictment returned by a federal grand jury in September 2019 for their roles in this methamphetamine distribution conspiracy. Meng Xiong is the first to plead guilty and be sentenced.
The charge against Meng Xiong was the result of an investigation conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation; Central Wisconsin Narcotics Task Force; Marathon County Sheriff’s Office; Wisconsin Department of Justice Division of Criminal Investigation; Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office; Wausau Police Department; Everest Metro Police Department; and Wisconsin State Patrol. The prosecution of the case has been handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Diane Schlipper.
VA Employee Sentenced for Orchestrating $19 Million Corruption SchemeRead the Press Release
DENVER – United States Attorney Jason R. Dunn announced that Joseph Prince, age 61, of Aurora, Colorado was sentenced yesterday to serve 192 months (16 years) in federal prison for health care fraud, conspiracy, payment of illegal kickbacks and gratuities, money laundering, and conflict of interest charges. Prince was also ordered to serve 3 years of supervised release and pay $18,777,134.68 in restitution to the Veteran’s Health Administration. Prince, who appeared at the sentencing hearing free on bond, was remanded at the hearing’s conclusion.
According to the indictment and evidence presented at trial, Prince was one of two Case Management Liaisons for the VA’s Spina Bifida (SB) Health Care Benefits Program. The program covers the medial needs of children of certain veterans of the Korea and Vietnam wars with SB. Acting as a subject matter expert working in a Denver call center, Prince spoke with health care providers and SB beneficiaries or their families regarding their health care needs and reimbursement for care under the program.
As the architect of an elaborate conspiracy based on a fictional VA home health program the defendant invented, Prince recruited friends and family members to open “home health agencies” knowing they lacked the necessary medical licenses or credentials to bill the VA for SB beneficiaries’ home health services. The defendant directed every aspect of the home health agencies; no changes were made to business operations without his knowledge, review, and approval.
Further, with direct access to the SB beneficiaries and their family members, Prince identified himself to them as the one in charge of the fictional program. He represented that he had the authority on behalf of the VA to approve family members as home health care providers for the SB beneficiaries, even though the caregivers had no specific training certifications. He told these family members to sign up as contractors with “vetted” home health agencies, which were those companies owned by his friends and family. The defendant then directed the completion and submission to the VA of fraudulent and inflated claims for home health services by unapproved providers through unlicensed home health companies.
A written plan of care from a medical professional was required for a beneficiary to receive home health benefits under the SB program. In furtherance of his scheme to defraud, Prince would often pre-populate the number of hours the beneficiary was eligible for home health care on a physician’s written plan before submitting the plan for the physician’s signature. Then when speaking to the beneficiaries, Prince would instruct them to submit logs reflecting the maximum hours of plan service even when beneficiaries said they did not or could not provide that many hours of service, often presenting false information to the beneficiaries about what they were permitted to bill for under the program.
The defendant instructed the home health companies regarding how much to charge the VA for the fraudulent claims, directing them to keep approximately 80% of the paid amount for the company and send just 20% to the caregiver family member. When beneficiaries questioned the disparity between the caregiver’s pay and the agency’s pay on statements of benefits, Prince lied about agency expenses incurred to operate the home health entities.
Between June, 2017 and June, 2018, Prince referred approximately 45 SB beneficiaries to the sham home health entities. During that time, the home health entities submitted fraudulent claims totaling over $20 million to the VA, and approximately $18 million of that was paid out to five home health entities from the SB Health Care Benefits Program. Prince benefited from the scheme through payments to one of the companies owned by his wife, and from kickbacks paid to him by two of the agencies. As part of his agreement with these two, Prince received kickbacks of 50% of the VA payments for each beneficiary after expenses. Prince received approximately $1.5 million in kickbacks from two of the home health entities between December, 2017 and June, 2018.
As a federal government employee, Prince unlawfully used his public office to benefit himself and receive illegal kickbacks and gratuities.
“The defendant stole from taxpayers and from a program designed to help those who served our nation,” said U.S. Attorney Jason R. Dunn. “The defendant will be spending a substantial amount of time in prison because of his fraudulent behavior.”
“Our nation’s veterans deserve the best healthcare and services available provided by honest public servants,” said Gregg Hirstein, Special Agent in Charge, VA Office of Inspector General. “This sentencing underscores VA OIG’s commitment to protecting American taxpayers from corrupt federal employees using their position for financial gain.”
“Mr. Prince exploited his inside knowledge of the VA’s Spina Bifida Health Care Benefits Program for personal gain, victimizing a program designed for a group in need of extra assistance,” said IRS-CI Special Agent in Charge Andy Tsui. “As this sentence shows, IRS-Criminal Investigation will identify, investigate, and bring to justice those who attempt to defraud government programs designed to support our country’s citizens.”
“Bribery and corruption pose a fundamental threat to our governmental agencies and the public’s confidence in them,” said FBI Denver Special Agent in Charge Michael Schneider. “Joseph Prince’s actions took a significant toll on our community’s trust in the Office of Veteran’s Affairs and its pocketbooks, siphoning away money that could be used for resources beneficial to those who need it most, our veterans who served our country. The sentence today reflects the tremendous effort in this joint investigation by the FBI, IRS and VA-OIG with prosecution by the Colorado United States Attorney’s Office as we sought justice for our selfless veterans and to hold accountable those who selfishly abuse their authority.”
Co-conspirator and long-time friend Roland Vaughn pled guilty to paying an illegal gratuity to a public official on August 1, 2019, and is scheduled to be sentenced by Judge Moore on June 25, 2020. Additional friends Glenn Beach and Catherine Beach each pleaded guilty to paying an illegal gratuity to Prince and are scheduled to be sentenced on June 22, 2020.
Prince was indicted by a federal grand jury in Denver on June 21, 2018, and was found guilty by a trial jury on March 12, 2020. He was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Raymond P. Moore.
This case was investigated by VA’s Office of the Inspector General, IRS-Criminal Investigation, and the FBI.
This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Anna K. Edgar and Hetal J. Doshi.
United States Attorney's Office District of Arizona May 2020 Immigration and Border Crimes ReportRead the Press Release
I. Illegal Reentry After Deportation (8 U.S.C. 1326)
92 individuals were charged in May with illegal reentry
A. 86 of those 92 individuals had previously been convicted of non-immigration criminal offenses in the U.S.
Of the 86 individuals with non-immigration criminal records:
1. 23 had violent crime convictions, including:
1 individual had a homicide conviction
5 individuals had sex offense convictions
9 individuals had domestic violence convictions2. 13 had property crime convictions
3. 20 had DUI convictions
4. 51 had drug crime convictions
B. 39 of those 92 individuals had been deported three or more times
II. Alien Smuggling (8 U.S.C. 1324)
9 individuals were charged in May with alien smuggling
III. Illegal Entry (Criminal Consequence Initiative) (8 U.S.C. 1325)
0 individuals were charged in May with illegal entry on the CCI calendar
Criminal conviction information based on preliminary criminal history reports provided by the arresting agency.
These numbers represent United States Attorney's Office prosecutions only. These numbers do not include individuals apprehended by immigration enforcement officials and subjected solely to administrative process.
*The Department of Homeland Security instituted a policy in late March of expeditiously returning aliens who illegally enter the United States rather than detaining them. The decreased number of individuals presented to this Office for prosecution coincides with the implementation of that policy and other COVID-19 related border restrictions.
*The April Immigration and Border Crimes Report that was issued on May 19 failed to include an additional charge of alien smuggling (8 U.S.C. 1324). The total number should have been 15 individuals rather than 14 individuals.
RELEASE NUMBER: 2020-057_May Immigration and Border Crimes Report
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For more information on the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/az/
Follow the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, on Twitter @USAO_AZ for the latest news.United States Announces $425,000 Settlement with Allentown Beauty School for Allegedly Falsifying Federal Student Financial Aid ClaimsRead the Press Release
PHILADELPHIA – United States Attorney William M. McSwain announced that Metro Beauty Academy, LLC (“MBA”) has agreed to pay $425,000 to resolve allegations that the school falsely sought federal student aid for students ineligible to receive such aid.
MBA is a private, for-profit beauty school with its principal office and campus located in Allentown, PA. Since May 2007, MBA has operated various educational and technical programs, such as cosmetology, esthetics, and massage therapy. MBA offers financial aid to its students through various federal financial aid programs, including Federal Pell Grants, Federal Direct Loans, and Federal Family Education Loans. To receive federal financial aid funds, MBA entered into a program participation agreement with the United States Department of Education. The Department of Education conditions MBA’s receipt of federal financial aid upon compliance with Title IV of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (“Title IV”).
The settlement resolves allegations raised by a whistleblower pursuant to the qui tam provisions of the False Claims Act and resolves the findings of the Department of Education’s program review. An investigation by the United States Attorney’s office focused on allegations that from January 2009 through December 2013, MBA knowingly submitted or caused to be submitted claims for federal student financial aid that were false because the students were ineligible to receive such aid. Specifically, the United States alleges that the students did not have a high school diploma or equivalent at the time they enrolled at MBA, as required by Title IV. In some cases, the United States contends that MBA staff created fake diplomas for students, or encouraged students to obtain false credentials from “diploma mills.”
“When schools agree to participate in the Title IV federal financial aid program, they must comply with regulations designed to ensure that qualified students have access to higher education,” said U.S. Attorney McSwain. “When a school receives financial educational assistance for ineligible students, it is unfair not only to other educational institutions that comply with the regulations, but also to the students attending the non-compliant school who may find themselves unqualified for employment and saddled with debt.”
In accordance with the settlement agreement, MBA will make total payments of $425,000. Included in that amount are payments to the federal government for losses associated with the federal student financial aid program, and to the whistleblower pursuant to the False Claims Act.
This settlement resolved a lawsuit filed under the False Claims Act in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania. Under the qui tam or whistleblower provisions of the False Claims Act, private citizens, called relators, are permitted to bring lawsuits on behalf of the United States and obtain a portion of the government’s recovery. The False Claims Act also permits the government to intervene and take over the lawsuit, which occurred in this case. The qui tam complaint was filed by Brian J. McCormick of Ross Feller Casey, LLP in Philadelphia. “We thank the relator and relator’s counsel for their invaluable contribution in this case. Without information from citizens like the relator, detecting fraud and conserving government program funds would be much more difficult,” said U.S. Attorney McSwain.
The government’s resolution of this matter illustrates its emphasis on combating fraud on student financial aid programs and other grant fraud. One of the most powerful tools in this effort is the False Claims Act. This case was investigated by the Department of Education Federal Student Aid Office and the Department of Education Office of Inspector General. It is being handled by Assistant United States Attorney Stacey L. B. Smith, with assistance from Auditor Dawn Wiggins, and Fraud Investigator Jeffrey Braun.
The case is captioned United States of America, ex rel. Tracy L. Donmoyer v. Metro Beauty Academy, LLC., Civ. A. No. 14-4540 (E.D. Pa.). The claims resolved by this settlement are allegations only and there has been no determination of liability.