Latest Records
Newest first across public DOJ and U.S. Attorney press releases.
Monday 8 June 2020
Mexican man convicted of alien smuggling after 90-mile chaseRead the Press Release
LAREDO, Texas – A 21-year-old legal permanent resident from Laredo has pleaded guilty to conspiracy to transport undocumented aliens from Guatemala, announced U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Patrick.
Ivan Duran Gachuzo admitted he was transporting illegal aliens to San Antonio for $4,000.
On Jan. 20 at approximately 5:20 p.m., law enforcement attempted to perform a traffic stop on a Chevrolet truck at the Moose Ranch near Freer. Gachuzo was driving. Numerous individuals jumped out of the truck and absconded into the brush. Authorities apprehended three and determined them to be citizens of Guatemala.
Gachuzo then accelerated towards an official vehicle, nearly causing a crash. He continued to flee from law enforcement for approximately 90 miles through four different counties. He attempted to enter Mexico at the Falcon Port of Entry in Roma where he was ultimately apprehended.
Gachuzo admitted he swerved toward the agent’s vehicle because he wanted to get away. He was asked if he knew he could have hurt or killed someone. “I was aware that could happen,” Gachuzo replied.
U.S. District Judge Diana Saldana will impose sentencing at a later date, at which time Gachuzo faces up to 10 years in prison.
He has been and will remain in custody pending sentencing.
Border Patrol conducted the investigation with assistance from Customs and Border Protection, Texas Department of Public Safety and the Jim Hogg County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jennifer Day is prosecuting the case.
Mexican National Sentenced for Immigration FraudRead the Press Release
PROVIDENCE, RI – A Mexican national who was held in federal custody for nearly two years for creating and selling fraudulent immigration and social security documents was sentenced today to time served and faces deportation.
Eufemio Aguilar, 52, previously admitted to the court that, working out of his Providence residence, he created and sold fraudulent federal government documents, such as fraudulent lawful resident cards and social security cards.
According to information presented to the court, on at least three occasions in March 2018, Homeland Security Investigations agents and Providence Police detectives arranged for controlled purchases of fraudulent immigration documents and social security cards created and sold by Aguilar for $100 dollars each. The lawful permanent resident cards contained alien registration numbers of real people.
On May 22, 2018, Homeland Security Investigations agents and Providence Police, with the assistance of Central Falls and Warwick Police, executed a federal court-authorized search warrant at Aguilar’s residence and seized, among other items, five laptop computers, two document producing machines and supplies used in the manufacture of government documents, several fraudulent government documents and $27,150 in cash, which was later administratively forfeited.
Aguilar pleaded guilty on May 8, 2020, to immigration document fraud. He was sentenced today by U.S. District Court William E. Smith to time served, approximately 23 months, and one year supervised release, announced United States Attorney Aaron L. Weisman, Homeland Security Investigations Acting Special Agent in Charge Jason Molina, and Providence Police Chief Colonel High T. Clements, Jr.
Aguilar, who had an application for lawful permanent resident status pending with immigration authorities at the time of his arrest, faces deportation proceedings.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Ly T. Chin.
###
Mexican Citizen Sentenced in Methamphetamine Distribution ConspiracyRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Joe Kelly announced that Senior United States District Judge Laurie Smith Camp sentenced Wilfredo Diaz-Lopez today to a term of imprisonment of 63 months. There is no parole in the federal prison system. Diaz-Lopez will be deported from the United States to Mexico after serving his prison term.
Diaz-Lopez, 37, was convicted of conspiring to distribute and possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine with Jose Feliciano Tovar-Quintero in the Omaha area between September and October 2019. Diaz-Lopez and Tovar-Quintero, driving separate cars, were observed by law enforcement meeting in a Menards parking lot in Omaha. Both vehicles were subsequently stopped and searched by officers. During the search of Diaz-Lopez’s vehicle, investigators seized more than 200 grams of methamphetamine.
On May 11, 2020, co-defendant Tovar-Quintero was sentenced to a term of imprisonment of 60 months, after which time he will be deported from the United States to Mexico.
The case was primarily investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, Omaha Field Division, and the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office.
Martinsburg man sentenced for firearms violationRead the Press Release
MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Darnell M. Garnett, of Martinsburg, West Virginia, was sentenced today to 57 months incarceration for a firearms charge, U.S. Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Garnett, age 23, pled guilty to one count of “Unlawful Possession of Firearm” January 2020. Garnett, a person prohibited from having a firearm because of a prior felony conviction, admitted to having a 9mm pistol with an obliterated serial number and a 5.56x45 caliber rifle in October 2018 in Berkeley County.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Lara Omps-Botteicher prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Martinsburg Police Department investigated.
Chief U.S. District Judge Gina M. Groh presided.
Luzerne County Man Sentenced to 27 Months’ Imprisonment for Drug TraffickingRead the Press Release
SCRANTON—The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Jarrett Edmonds, age 37, of Ashley, Pennsylvania, was sentenced on June 4, 2020, by U.S. District Court Judge Robert D. Mariani to 27 months’ imprisonment followed by six years on supervised release for possessing with intent to deliver quantities of heroin, fentanyl and crack cocaine.
According to United States Attorney David J. Freed, Edmonds previously pleaded guilty to possessing with intent to deliver quantities of heroin, fentanyl and crack cocaine in Luzerne County in July 2017.
The case was investigated by task force officers of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Luzerne County Detectives, and Wilkes-Barre Police. Assistant U.S. Attorney Francis P. Sempa prosecuted the case.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. The Department of Justice reinvigorated PSN in 2017 as part of the Department’s renewed focus on targeting violent criminals, directing all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to work in partnership with federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement and the local community to develop effective, locally-based strategies to reduce violent crime.
This case was also brought as part of a district wide initiative to combat the nationwide epidemic regarding the use and distribution of heroin. Led by the United States Attorney’s Office, the Heroin Initiative targets heroin traffickers operating in the Middle District of Pennsylvania and is part of a coordinated effort among federal, state and local law enforcement agencies to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who commit heroin related offenses.
# # #
Lexington Man Sentenced to 100 Months for Series of Commercial RobberiesRead the Press Release
LEXINGTON, Ky. - A Lexington man, Jackie B. Love, 55, was sentenced in federal court on Monday, to 100 months in prison, by U.S. District Judge Karen Caldwell, for a series of five commercial robberies.
In pleading guilty, Love admitted that he robbed five different businesses around Fayette County, on different occasions, from April 19-25, 2019. According to his plea agreement, Love entered the business establishments, demanded money from the cash registers and brandished a firearm in at least three of the robberies. Love admitted to taking $1,255, collectively, from the robberies. The Lexington Police Department arrested Love on April 26, 2019. He pleaded guilty in December 2019.
Under federal law, Love must serve 85 percent of his prison sentence and will be under the supervision of the U.S. Probation Office for three years.
Robert M. Duncan, Jr., United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky; Shawn Morrow, Special Agent in Charge for ATF, Louisville Field Office; and Chief Lawrence Weathers, Lexington Police Department, jointly made the announcement.
The investigation was conducted by ATF and Lexington Police Department. The United States was represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Cynthia Rieker.
This is another case prosecuted as part of the Department of Justice’s “Project Safe Neighborhoods” Program (PSN), which is a nationwide, crime reduction strategy aimed at decreasing violent crime in communities. It involves a comprehensive approach to public safety — one that includes investigating and prosecuting crimes, along with prevention and reentry efforts. In the Eastern District of Kentucky, U.S. Attorney Robert Duncan Jr., coordinates PSN efforts in cooperation with various federal, state, and local law enforcement officials.
This case is also part of Project Guardian, the Department of Justice’s signature initiative to reduce gun violence and enforce federal firearms laws. Initiated by the Attorney General in the fall of 2019, Project Guardian draws upon the Department’s past successful programs to reduce gun violence; enhances coordination of federal, state, local, and tribal authorities in investigating and prosecuting gun crimes; improves information-sharing by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives when a prohibited individual attempts to purchase a firearm and is denied by the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS), to include taking appropriate actions when a prospective purchaser is denied by the NICS for mental health reasons; and ensures that federal resources are directed at the criminals posing the greatest threat to our communities. Click here for more information about Project Guardian.
The year 2020 marks the 150th anniversary of the Department of Justice. Learn more about the history of our agency at www.Justice.gov/Celebrating150Years.
— END —
Justice Department Awards Additional $4.143 Million in Grants to Help Ten Maryland Entities Address Public Safety During Covid-19 PandemicRead the Press Release
BALTIMORE, Maryland – The Department of Justice has awarded more than $4.143 million to help public safety agencies in Maryland respond to the challenges posed by the outbreak of COVID-19, as part of the Coronavirus Emergency Supplemental Funding program.
“These resources will help support law enforcement agencies’ efforts to promote public safety as they face extraordinary challenges as a result of the coronavirus pandemic,” said U.S. Attorney Robert K. Hur.
The Bureau of Justice Assistance in the Justice Department’s Office of Justice Programs (OJP) has funded grants on a rolling basis as applications are received. Funds may be used to hire personnel, pay overtime costs, cover protective equipment and supplies, address correctional inmates’ medical needs, and defray expenses related to the distribution of resources to hard-hit areas, among other activities. Grant funds may be applied retroactively to January 20, 2020, subject to federal supplanting rules.
Agencies that were eligible for the fiscal year 2019 State and Local Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant Program are candidates for this emergency funding. Since June 2, 2020, ten cities, counties, and municipalities received a total of $4,143,689 in grant funds, including $2,770,154 awarded to the City of Baltimore. The other entities receiving funds are: the cities of Laurel, Salisbury, and Hagerstown; Anne Arundel, Montgomery, Charles, Frederick, and St. Mary’s Counties; and the town of Elkton. Four candidates previously received grants—Baltimore and Allegany Counties, and the Cities of Cumberland and Cambridge. In addition, the Governor’s Office of Crime Prevention, Youth, and Victim Services received a grant of more than $11 million to assist Maryland State agencies and other law enforcement entities that did not directly receive FY 2019 Byrne Grants. A complete list of eligible jurisdictions and their allocations can be found at https://bja.ojp.gov/program/fy20-cesf-allocations.
For more information about the Coronavirus Emergency Supplemental Funding program, please visit https://bja.ojp.gov/funding/opportunities/bja-2020-18553. For more information about the Office of Justice Programs, please visit https://www.ojp.gov/.
# # #
Jacksonville Man Charged with Possessing Molotov Cocktail at ProtestRead the Press Release
Jacksonville, Florida– United States Attorney Maria Chapa Lopez announces the filing of a criminal complaint charging Ivan Jacob Zecher (27, Jacksonville) with possessing a firearm as a convicted felon and unlawful possession of an unregistered firearm. If convicted, Zecher faces up to 10 years in federal prison on each count.
“The cooperation and expertise of our local, state, and federal partners in this case has led to a swift arrest without further incident,” said United States Attorney Maria Chapa Lopez. “We will continue to work with our law enforcement and community partners to ensure that the rights of all individuals are protected during these protests and beyond.”
According to the complaint, on May 31, 2020, during a protest in downtown Jacksonville that was related to the death of George Floyd while in police custody in Minneapolis, Minnesota, Zecher was part of a group of protesters blocking traffic and throwing items such as water bottles and rocks at police officers and cars. After refusing orders to disperse, Zecher was arrested by officers from the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office for unlawful assembly. An officer removed Zecher’s backpack to place him in flexcuffs and noticed a liquid leaking from it. A search of the backpack revealed a liquor bottle that smelled strongly of gasoline, a lighter, and a hatchet. Zecher admitted that he was holding the bottle in his backpack for an associate, and that he knew the bottle contained gasoline. Preliminary analysis by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives determined that the bottle – which contained gasoline (a flammable liquid) and polystyrene (a flammable gel), and the cork to which was coated with polystyrene – constituted a “Molotov cocktail,” which is an incendiary bomb and destructive device, and therefore considered a firearm under federal law. As a previously convicted felon, he is prohibited from possessing a firearm.
A criminal complaint is merely a formal charge that a defendant has committed one or more violations of federal criminal law, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless, and until, proven guilty.
This case was investigated by the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office, the FBI-Jacksonville Joint Terrorism Task Force, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney David B. Mesrobian.
High School Student Charged with Coercion and Sexual Exploitation of a MinorRead the Press Release
PROVIDENCE – An 18-year-old Providence high school student has been charged in U.S. District Court in Providence with allegedly coercing a 10-year-old Utah girl to disrobe and engage in sexually explicit conduct in front of a live online camera.
It is alleged in court documents that Akinola Akinlapa, with the online user name of Melissa#7384, messaged and provided a 10-year-old girl with a link to what he told her was an online children’s gaming platform. After that link and a second link allegedly sent to the girl by Akinlapa opened to blank pages, a video call was initiated between the two.
It is alleged that Akinlapa told the young girl that the links she had clicked transmitted a virus to her computer and that her personal information had been taken from the computer. Akinlapa instructed the 10-year-old to undress in front of the camera if she failed to do so her personal information would be posted to the Internet.
It is alleged in court documents that when the 10-year-old undressed and stood in front of the camera, Akinlapa instructed the girl to perform sexually explicit acts. The girl pretended to comply, cut off the communications, and notified her mother who in turn contacted the West Valley City, Utah Police Department. An investigation by the West Valley City Police Department and FBI agents in Salt Lake City, Utah, and in Providence identified an IP address at Akinlapa’s Providence residence as being the source of communications with the 10-year-old Utah girl.
On June 2, 2020, members of the Providence FBI Violent Crimes Against Children Task Force, to include law enforcement officers and agents from the FBI and Providence and Warwick Police Departments, executed a federal court-authorized search of computers and smart phones at Akinlapa’s residence. A brief forensic review of the contents of a smart phone allegedly belonging to Akinlapa was found to contain images of at least two pre-pubescent females that were also allegedly discovered by investigators to be contained in an online account belonging to Akinlapa.
According to information presented to the court, investigators have determined that Akinlapa allegedly communicated with more than a dozen pre-pubescent girls in much the same way it is alleged that he communicated with the 10-year-old Utah girl.
Akinlapa was arrested on June 3, 2020, on a federal criminal complaint charging him with sexual exploitation of a child, possession of visual depiction of a minor engaged in sexually explicit conduct, coercion and enticement of a minor, and possession of child pornography, announced United States Attorney Aaron L. Weisman and Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Boston Division Joseph R. Bonavolonta.
A federal criminal complaint is merely an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Milind M. Shah.
United States Attorney Aaron L. Weisman and Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Boston Division Joseph R. Bonavolonta thank the United States Marshal Service, Rhode Island State Police and the Cranston, Woonsocket, Pawtucket, and Central Falls for their assistance in the investigation of this matter.
###
Hardin County Teacher Charged Federally for Child ExploitationRead the Press Release
LOUISVILLE, Ky. – United States Attorney Russell Coleman today announced the charging of Robert Alan Thompson, 33, of Hodgenville, Kentucky, for online enticement of a minor and production of child pornography.
“Our most basic job in law enforcement is to protect families from violence and safe from predators; when the later are wolves in a sheep‘s clothing of a teacher, that becomes even more urgent,” said U.S. Attorney Russell Coleman. “As this result shows, the federal partnership with AG Cameron and local partners like the Radcliff Police Department are delivering to protect our most vulnerable Kentuckians.”
“We won’t stand for child exploitation in the Commonwealth, and we’re going after anyone who tries to take advantage of children,” said Attorney General Cameron. “I appreciate the work of our Cyber Crimes Unit and the strong partnership with U.S. Attorney Coleman, which were instrumental in bringing these charges.”
According to the Complaint Affidavit, following execution of a state search warrant, Thompson told investigators that he had received two pictures of underage boys (13-14 years old), from Matthew Lyons. Lyons, 33, was previously charged by the United States Attorney’s Office in April 2020, for several child exploitation offenses, including sex trafficking of a child, online enticement, and attempted production of child pornography.
Thompson is a former middle school teacher in both Franklin and Hardin counties. Hardin County fired Thompson following his arrest on related state charges in April 2020. A Detective with the Kentucky Attorney General’s Office Department of Criminal Investigations conducted a digital forensic examination of Thompson’s phone. During the examination, the Detective discovered Thompson’s social media discussions with a minor (John Doe 1). Further investigation revealed that John Doe 1 was Thompson’s former middle school student. During the online communications, Thompson urged John Doe 1 to send him (Thompson), sexually explicit images. John Doe 1 complied.
The online enticement charge carries penalties of not less than 10 years and not more than life in prison. The production of child pornography charge carries a mandatory minimum term of 15 years in prison and a maximum of 30 years in prison. A conviction under either or both charge also involves fines and Supervised Release of at least five years and could be any number of years up to an including life.
A federal complaint is a written statement of the essential facts of the offenses charged and must be made under oath before a United States Magistrate Judge. Charges set forth in a complaint are merely accusations and the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty. Assistant United States Attorney Jo E. Lawless is prosecuting the case. The Kentucky Office of Attorney General, Department of Criminal Investigations, with assistance from the United States Secret Service, Kentucky State Police, and Radcliffe Police Department, conducted the investigation.
####
Greece Man Pleads Guilty to Threatening to Kill Senator Charles Schumer and Congressman Adam SchiffRead the Press Release
CONTACT: Barbara Burns
PHONE: (716) 843-5817
FAX #: (716) 551-3051ROCHESTER, N.Y. - U.S. Attorney James P. Kennedy, Jr. announced today that Salvatore Lippa II, 57, of Greece, NY, pleaded guilty before Chief U.S. District Judge Frank P. Geraci, Jr. to two counts of threatening a United States official. The charge carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine, or both.
According to Assistant U.S. Attorney Sean C. Eldridge, who is handling the case, on January 23, 2020, the defendant called the Washington D.C. office of Congressman Adam Schiff at approximately 8:20 p.m. and left a threatening voicemail message. Lippa threatened to assault and murder Congressman Schiff. Part of the message stated, “I dare you to come to New York, because I will put a bullet in your (expletive) forehead.” The defendant admitted that he made the threatening call because he was upset about impeachment proceedings against President Trump.
On February 4, 2020, Lippa made a similar call to the Albany, New York office of Senator Charles Schumer. The defendant once again left a voicemail message threatening to assault and murder Senator Schumer. The defendant stated: “let me tell you something, somebody wants to assassinate you, I'm going to be the driver.” Lippa admitted that at the time of that call, the Senate was set to vote on the Articles of Impeachment against President Donald Trump brought by the House of Representatives on the next day, February 5, 2020.
“Free speech protection under the First Amendment ends where true threats begin,” stated U.S. Attorney Kennedy. “This Office will not hesitate to prosecute those who make such threats.”
The plea is the result of an investigation by the United States Capitol Police, under the direction of Chief Steven A. Sund, with assistance from the Greece Police Department, under the direction of Chief Patrick D. Phelan, and the United States Marshals Service, under the direction of Marshal Charles Salina.
Sentencing is scheduled for September 1, 2020, at 10 a.m. before Judge Geraci.# # # #
Grant County man sentenced for firearms violationRead the Press Release
MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – William Jonathan Turner, of Petersburg, West Virginia, was sentenced today to 46 months incarceration for a firearms charge, U.S. Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Turner, age 40, pled guilty to one count of “Unlawful Possession of Firearms” in January 2020. Turner, a person prohibited from having a firearm, admitted to having three pistols and a rifle in March 2018 in Hampshire County.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN). Project Safe Neighborhoods 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.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Lara Omps-Botteicher prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the West Virginia State Police, and the Potomac Highlands Drug & Violent Crimes Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, investigated.
Chief U.S. District Judge Gina M. Groh presided.
Grand Island Man Sentenced for Possession with Intent to Distribute MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Joe Kelly announced that Senior United States District Judge Laurie Smith Camp sentenced Dilson Villatoro, 36, of Grand Island, to a 108-month term of imprisonment today for possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. Villatoro will serve a 3-year term of supervised release following his release from the Bureau of Prisons. There is no parole in the federal system. Villatoro, a Lawful Permanent Resident of the United States, will likely be deported from the United States to Guatemala after serving his prison term.
In October of 2019, a patrol officer stopped Villatoro’s vehicle after he failed to signal a turn. After the vehicle came to a complete stop, Villatoro got out and began walking away from the scene at a brisk pace. The officer instructed him to stop, and he was escorted back to his vehicle and frisked. The patrol officer found a pipe used for smoking methamphetamine in Villatoro’s pants pocket. Officers subsequently recovered more than 200 grams of methamphetamine from two Ziploc baggies found on the passenger side floorboard of his vehicle.
The case was primarily investigated by the Grand Island Police Department.
Georgia Woman Pleads Guilty to Organizing Numerous Shipments of Methamphetamine from Mexico Through the Port of TampaRead the Press Release
Tampa, Florida – Yolanda Herrera (41, Georgia) has pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and heroin, and attempted possession with the intent to distribute methamphetamine and heroin. She faces a maximum penalty of life imprisonment. A sentencing date has not yet been set.
According to the plea agreement, between October 24, 2018, and March 18, 2019, Herrera organized and coordinated the shipment of numerous containers of methamphetamine and heroin aboard the cargo ship Leticia, which repeatedly traveled from Altamira, Mexico, to the Port of Tampa.
On or about March 11, 2019, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agents at the Port of Tampa inspected a container onboard the Leticia that, according to the ship’s manifest, contained stone blocks typically used for the building of stone fountains. Agents with the Department of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) imaged the blocks and observed that several of them contained anomalies. After breaching the blocks, the agents uncovered 14 large packages that had been shrink-wrapped with black carbon paper, which contained more than 50 kilograms of methamphetamine and 3 kilograms of heroin.
On March 15, 2019, HSI agents observed the blocks being loaded into a yellow rental truck. They then followed the truck as it exited the Port of Tampa and continued to Atlanta, Georgia. On March 16, 2019, at approximately 10:00 a.m., agents arrested two Mexican nationals, Nestor Vazquez-Morales and Adan Martinez-Onofre, as they attempted to offload the truck outside a residential home.
Agents searched Vazquez-Morales’s residence in Georgia and seized approximately two kilograms of heroin, three firearms (including a rifle), $12,725 in U.S. currency, and one stone block that was identical to the blocks discovered in the Port of Tampa. Next to the stone block, agents found some clear plastic wrapping that contained a square white sticker with black letters displaying the message “Hecho en Mexico” (Made in Mexico). This same sticker was also found on the narcotics from March 11, 2019.
Cellphones obtained from the individuals showed that Herrera, who flew from Tampa to Atlanta after the shipment had arrived in Tampa, was actively planning and coordinating the pickup of the narcotics from the port to their eventual destination.
Between October 2018 and March 2019, Herrera rented six other trucks. During that time, Herrera’s co-conspirators completed seven shipments on the Leticia, all of which departed from Mexico, arrived in Tampa, and were identified as stone fountains in the cargo manifest. GPS data obtained from the rental trucks showed that the trucks were all rented in Tampa, and dropped off in Atlanta, with stops at the same Atlanta residence.
On September 18, 2019, Herrera was arrested in Atlanta. During an interview, she admitted that she had been hired and paid to coordinate, supervise, and organize the transportation of narcotics sent from Mexico to Tampa, and to deliver them to Georgia. Federal agents searched Herrera’s home and found a stone block in her backyard. That stone block contained the same “Hecho en Mexico” sticker as the stone blocks shipped on the Leticia.
Vazquez-Morales and Martinez-Onofre both previously pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and heroin, and possession with the intent to distribute methamphetamine and heroin. Vazquez-Morales is scheduled to be sentenced on June 25, 2020, and Martinez-Onofre is scheduled to be sentenced on July 9, 2020.
This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Diego F. Novaes.
Former Police Chief Sentenced for Making a False StatementRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Joe Kelly announced that Jeffrey Treu, former police chief of Wisner, Nebraska, was sentenced today by Senior United States District Judge Laurie Smith Camp to 12 months of probation for making a false statement to a special agent from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). He will also be required to pay a $1,000 fine and a $100 special assessment.
Upon leaving his employment as a Deputy with the Antelope County Sheriff’s Office in 2007, Treu failed to return a firearm, which had been modified into a fully automatic law enforcement weapon. When the Antelope County Sheriff’s Office discovered the firearm missing from the inventory in early 2019, they contacted ATF to investigate. Treu was subsequently questioned and lied to authorities, indicating he had previously returned the gun. After being presented with contradictory statements and information known to ATF agents, Treu admitted to lying to investigators and led them to the location of the firearm, which was found within his home.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives.
Felon in Possession of a Firearm Sentenced in Federal CourtRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Richard W. Moore of the Southern District of Alabama announced that Scott Allen Bagley, 38 of Bay Minette, Alabama, was sentenced in federal court today for his illegal possession of a firearm after having been convicted of a felony. Bagley pled guilty to the charge in November of 2019.
United States District Court Judge Jeffery U. Beaverstock imposed a sentence of 51 months imprisonment, which will be followed by a supervised release term of three years. The judge did not impose a fine, but ordered that Bagley pay the $100 special assessment. The judge also ordered the forfeiture of the illegally possessed firearm.
The case was investigated by the Mobile County Sheriff’s Office and the Department of Homeland Security Investigations. It was prosecuted in the United States Attorney’s Office by Assistant United States Attorney Gloria Bedwell.
Federal Jury Convicts Star Man in Drug Distribution CaseRead the Press Release
BOISE – A federal jury sitting in Boise convicted Brooks Allan Case, 32, of Star, Idaho, of distribution of methamphetamine, U.S. Attorney Bart M. Davis announced today. Case was indicted by a federal grand jury on November 13, 2019. The trial began on Monday, June 1, 2020, and concluded on Thursday afternoon when the jury returned their verdict.
In order to protect the health of the jurors, parties, and court staff amid the COVID-19 pandemic, the U.S. District Court consulted with an epidemiologist and ensured all persons involved with the trial practiced appropriate social distancing and wore face coverings. “This jury trial is one of the first, if not the first, held in the Ninth Circuit since the pandemic began,” said U.S. Attorney Bart Davis. “While the epidemic has altered our daily lives in many ways, I commend the jury in this case for fulfilling their civic duty and for their important role in securing the defendant’s right to a speedy and public trial. I also commend the United States District Court for their professional efforts in safely empaneling a jury and conducting trial. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Idaho is committed to fulfilling our critical mission of maintaining public safety and upholding the rule of law amidst this public health crisis.”
Case’s charge stemmed from an investigation into the West Side Loma gang that spanned from October 2018 to October 2019. Investigators utilized a confidential informant who arranged to purchase methamphetamine from codefendant Vanessa Campos. When the informant went to purchase the methamphetamine from Campos on April 25, 2019, Campos did not have the drugs. A short while later, Case arrived and provided the methamphetamine to Campos, who in turn sold the methamphetamine to the informant.
Sentencing is scheduled for September 2, 2020, before U.S. District Judge B. Lynn Winmill at the federal courthouse in Boise. Distribution of five grams or more of pure methamphetamine is punishable by a mandatory minimum of five years and up to forty years in federal prison and at least four years of supervised release.
This case was investigated by Treasure Valley Metro Violent Crimes Task Force. The Task Force is comprised of federal, state, and local agencies. These agencies include the Federal Bureau of Investigation; Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; Ada County Sheriff’s Office; Boise Police Department; Caldwell Police Department; Canyon County Sheriff’s Office; Meridian Police Department; Nampa Police Department; and Idaho Department of Correction, Bureau of Probation and Parole.
This indictment was the result of a joint investigation by the Organized Crime and Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF). The OCDETF program is a federal multi-agency, multi-jurisdictional task force that supplies supplemental federal funding to federal and state agencies. The principal mission of the OCDETF program is to identify, disrupt and dismantle the most serious drug trafficking, weapons trafficking and money laundering organizations, and those primarily responsible for the nation’s illegal drug supply. Program participants include Federal Bureau of Investigation; Drug Enforcement Administration; Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations; Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation; and U.S. Marshals Service.
This case was prosecuted by the Special Assistant U.S. Attorney hired by the Treasure Valley Partnership and the State of Idaho to address gang crimes. The Treasure Valley Partnership is comprised of a group of elected officials in southwest Idaho dedicated to regional coordination, cooperation, and collaboration on creating coherent regional growth. For more information, visit www.treasurevalleypartners.org.
# # #
Federal Inmate Pleads Guilty in Scheme to Distribute Synthetic Cannabinoids in PrisonRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH – Robert Korbe pleaded guilty to conspiring to distribute Schedule I synthetic cannabinoid controlled substances while in federal prison between 2017 and 2019, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.
Korbe, age 51, formerly of Allegheny County, pleaded guilty before United States District Judge J. Nicholas Ranjan. Judge Ranjan scheduled sentencing to occur on August 3, 2020, at 10:30 a.m. Korbe was serving a federal prison sentence at FCI-Loretto in 2018 when he conspired to distribute the synthetic cannabinoid controlled substances soaked into paper, sometimes referred to as "K2 paper," supplied by former federal inmates who had been released to supervised release.
The law provides for a maximum sentence of up to 30 years in prison and a fine of up to $2,000,000. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed will be based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history of the defendant.
Assistant United States Attorney Craig W. Haller is prosecuting this case on behalf of the United States.
The Drug Enforcement Administration, the Internal Revenue Service, the Federal Bureau of Prisons, and the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General led the multi-agency investigation that also included the United States Postal Inspection Service, the Beaver County District Attorney’s Office, the Department of Homeland Security/Homeland Security Investigations, the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police, the United States Marshals Service, the Pennsylvania State Police, the Munhall Police Department, the Robinson Township Police Department, the McKees Rocks Police Department, the Stowe Township Police Department, the Etna Police Department, and the Erie County District Attorney’s Office.
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.
Federal Criminal Complaint Filed Charging Cedar Park Man with Possession of Unregistered Destructive Device during Protest in AustinRead the Press Release
Today, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Texas filed a federal criminal complaint against 25-year-old Cyril Laurence Lartigue of Cedar Park, TX, for constructing and possessing a Molotov cocktail during a protest last week in Austin, announced U.S. Attorney John F. Bash and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) Special Agent in Charge Fred Milanowski, Houston Division.
The criminal complaint charges Lartigue with one count of possessing an unregistered destructive device. According to the criminal complaint, on the evening of May 30, 2020, video cameras captured the defendant manufacturing a destructive device while in a parking lot directly adjacent to the Austin Municipal Court entrance. While making the device, the defendant was interrupted by the oncoming presence of Austin Police Department officers heading in his direction. Lartigue fled the area, leaving the device behind. Within minutes, Lartigue returned to retrieve the destructive device he had manufactured. Subsequently, APD officers arrested Lartigue located inside a nearby portable toilet where he had changed clothes. Inside his backpack, officers recovered materials used to manufacture an explosive device including a bottle containing lighter fluid, cloth rags, a butane lighter and the clothes he was previously wearing.
Upon conviction, Lartigue faces up to ten years in federal prison. He remains in federal custody at this time.
“The constitutional line is clear. Speech and peaceful assembly are protected; violence is not. If you bring a Molotov cocktail onto the streets of Austin, you can expect to go to federal prison,” stated U.S. Attorney Bash.
“Destructive devices are volatile and inherently dangerous; ATF is proud to work with the Austin Police Department to keep our city safe,” stated ATF Special Agent in Charge Milanowski.
The ATF, Austin Police Department, Austin Fire Department, and the Texas Department of Public Safety are investigating this matter. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Keith Henneke and Grant Sparks are prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
A criminal complaint is merely a charge and should not be considered as evidence of guilt. The defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
#####
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 Awards Nearly $400 Million for Law Enforcement Hiring to Advance CommunityRead the Press Release
Over $1.3 Million Awarded to Hazleton Police Department
HARISBURG – The Department of Justice and U.S. Attorney David J. Freed announced nearly $400 million in grant funding through the Department’s Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS Office) COPS Hiring Program (CHP), with more than $1.3 million going to the Hazleton Police Department in the Middle District of Pennsylvania.
The Attorney General announced the awards to 596 law enforcement agencies across the nation, which allows those agencies to hire 2,732 additional full-time law enforcement professionals.
“The Department of Justice is committed to providing the police chiefs and sheriffs of our great nation with needed resources, tools, and support. The funding announced today will bolster their ranks and contribute to expanding community policing efforts nationwide,” said Attorney General William P. Barr. “A law enforcement agency’s most valuable assets are the men and women who put their lives on the line every day in the name of protecting and serving their communities.”
“In the Middle District of Pennsylvania, we value nothing more highly than our strong relationships with our partners in state and local law enforcement,” said U.S. Attorney Freed. “We are proud to work with the elected leaders of the City of Hazleton and their police department to provide resources for more officers. Hazleton is a dynamic community that is working hard to confront the challenges of 21st century policing. More officers means more opportunities to build relationships across the community and more ways to serve and protect.”
Of the eight grants awarded in Pennsylvania, one of them is to Hazleton Police Department in the Middle District of Pennsylvania. This grant of $1,342,497 will allow Hazleton Police Department to hire four additional full-time officers.
CHP applicants were required to identify a specific crime and disorder problem focus area and explain how the funding will be used to implement community policing approaches to that problem focus area. 43 percent of the awards announced today will focus on violent crime, while the remainder of the awards will focus on a variety of issues including school-based policing to fund school resource officer positions, building trust and respect, and opioid education, prevention, and intervention. The COPS Office received nearly 1,100 applications requesting more than 4,000 law enforcement positions.
The complete list of awards can be found here: https://cops.usdoj.gov/pdf/2020AwardDocs/chp/Award_List.pdf?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery. To learn more about CHP, please visit https://cops.usdoj.gov/chp. For additional information about the COPS Office, please visit www.cops.usdoj.gov.
The year 2020 marks the 150th anniversary of the Department of Justice. Learn more about the history of our agency at www.Justice.gov/Celebrating150Years.
# # #
Dallas Man Charged with Theft of Firearms During ProtestsRead the Press Release
A third Dallas man who exploited the chaos of the Black Lives Matter protests to steal firearms has been charged with gun crimes, announces U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Texas Erin Nealy Cox.
Erick Montgomery, 18, was charged via criminal complaint with theft from a Federal Firearms Licensee (FFL) and possession of stolen firearms.
Montgomery is the third defendant in a criminal trio which includes Demonte Kelly, 18, and Lejael Rudley, 19, all charged with burglary of DFW Gun Range in Dallas, Texas.
According to the complaint, a surveillance camera recorded three men exiting DFW Gun Range around 1:45 a.m. on Sunday, May 31, shortly after the theft of more than 40 firearms.
In the span of just 80 seconds, the men allegedly pried open the side entrance of the facility, grabbed three rifles posted on the wall, and smashed glass cases to snatch several dozen handguns stored inside.
Following ATF’s release of the surveillance video, the Dallas Police Department received a credible lead in the investigation. A tipster claimed to know the identities of the three men, including Montgomery, that were shown in the surveillance video which aired on a local news channel.
ATF Special Agents tracked Montgomery to a Dallas apartment where he waived is Miranda rights and agreed to speak with agents. Montgomery admitted that he was present the night of the gun range burglary and stole multiple firearms.
A criminal complaint is merely an allegation of wrongdoing, not evidence. Montgomery is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
ATF has recovered a total of eight firearms from the burglary. ATF and the U.S. Attorney’s Office urge the public to report any information they have on the whereabouts of the outstanding stolen weapons: 888-ATF-TIPS, [email protected], http://atf.gov/contact/atftips, @Reportitcom, or text ATFDAL to 63975.
Montgomery made his initial appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge Rebecca Rutherford today. If convicted, Montgomery, Kelly, and Rudley each face up to 20 years in federal prison.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives and the Dallas Police Department conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Gary Tromblay, Joe Magliolo, and Keith Robinson are prosecuting the case.
California man who falsely claimed ties to Moroccan royal family in $10 million dollar advance fee fraud scheme is sentencedRead the Press Release
ATLANTA - Hassan Ra El, a/k/a Rasheem Harrson Crockett has been sentenced to federal prison for defrauding business owners around the country to pay over $10 million dollars in advance fees for business loans, a scheme in which he falsely claimed to be a member of the Moroccan Royal Family.
“The defendant has been held responsible for his elaborate advance fee loan scheme that took advantage of individuals and businesses that hoped to raise needed capital,” said U.S. Attorney Byung J. “BJay” Pak. “We encourage consumers and business owners to be careful about whom they enter business relationships with, and to scrutinize websites and marketing materials carefully for any indication of fraud.”
“Postal Inspectors unraveled a sophisticated advanced fee scheme by following the financial tracks of this defendant,” said Tommy D. Coke, Inspector in Charge of the Atlanta Division. “The sentencing handed down in this case should serve as a warning to individuals who intend to misuse the U.S. Mails through deceptive practices.”
According to U.S. Attorney Pak, the charges and other information presented in court: Hassan Ra El operated a scheme to defraud business owners across the country who were seeking loans. El claimed that he was a wealthy investor and a member of the Moroccan Royal Family. El fraudulently claimed that he had access to Moroccan Royal Family funds that would be used to fund business loans. El created fraudulent documentation showing that insurance companies were offering default insurance policies on the loans. El convinced prospective loan applicants that they had to pay default insurance fees, typically 10% of the loan amount, before the loans would fund. When the loans failed to fund, El used fees from later loan applicants to partially refund fees from previous loan applicants.
In furtherance of the scheme, El created fraudulent bank statements purportedly showing that he or companies that he controlled had millions in bank accounts. El also created fraudulent email accounts and correspondence purportedly from insurance executives stating that loans had been approved. El used fees from loan applicants to fund his lifestyle, pay his living expenses, and to rent high-end automobiles, including a Ferrari, Range Rover and Lamborghini. El fraudulently induced victims to pay over $10 million dollars in advance fees. Neither El nor his companies funded any of the promised loans and loan applicants lost over $5 million dollars in the fraud scheme.
Hassan Ra El, a/k/a Rasheem Harrson Crockett, 45, of Chino Hills, California, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge William M. Ray II to 13 years and 11 months in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release, and ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $5,510,001. El was convicted of mail fraud on January 15, 2020, after he pleaded guilty. He was previously convicted of two counts of felony theft by deception in Douglas County, Georgia, for defrauding loan clients in 2006. After his convictions in Douglas County, El formerly changed his name from Rasheem Harrson Crockett to Hassan Ra El and continued to defraud prospective business owners seeking capital.
This case is being investigated by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jeffrey Brown and Erin Sanders are prosecuting the case.
For further information please contact the U.S. Attorney’s Public Affairs Office at [email protected] or (404) 581-6016. The Internet address for the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Georgia is http://www.justice.gov/usao-ndga.
CBL/BFL Member Who Participated in Multiple Attempted Murders of Rival Gang Members Going to Jail for 19 YearsRead the Press Release
CONTACT: Barbara Burns
PHONE: (716) 843-5817
FAX #: (716) 551-3051BUFFALO, N.Y. – U.S. Attorney James P. Kennedy, Jr. announced today that Maurice Rice, of Buffalo, NY, who was convicted of racketeering conspiracy and conspiracy to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl, was sentenced to serve 19 years in prison by U.S. District Judge Lawrence J. Vilardo.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Paul C. Parisi and Seth T. Molisani, who handled the case, stated that the defendants were members of the CBL/BFL Gang, which stands for, among other things, “Cash Been Long” and “Brothers for Life.” The gang, which was involved in the illegal possession and distribution of narcotics, was formed around 2009 and operated primarily in the City of Buffalo at the Towne Gardens Housing Complex. The gang used violence, including murder and attempted murder, threats, and intimidation to defend their territory against rivals and anyone deemed to be a threat to the gang. Defendant Rice participated in the following acts:
In 2013 and 2014, Rice and others recorded several music videos in and around the Towne Gardens during which they displayed firearms and United States currency, and exhibited their association with the enterprise.
On August 21, 2015, the defendant was in a vehicle on Dodge Street in Buffalo with co-conspirators and shot at a rival gang member (Victim 1), attempting to kill him, in retaliation for the shooting of a co-conspirator. On August 30, 2015, Rice was in a vehicle at Genesee and Crossman Streets in Buffalo with co-conspirators and shot at another rival gang member (Victim 2), attempting to kill him in retaliation for the shooting of a co-conspirator. On September 21, 2015, on East Ferry Street in Buffalo, the defendant was in a vehicle with co-conspirators. He exited the vehicle and fired a gun numerous times at a third rival gang member (Victim 3), attempting to kill him. As Victim 3 sought refuge in a store, Rice opened the door and began to shoot inside of the store. He then re-entered the vehicle, which drove away. Victim 3 was struck in the arm and suffered injuries.
On July 29, 2016, Rice was stopped by Buffalo Police while driving a vehicle at Peckham and Watson Streets. While being questioned by officers, the defendant drove away at a high rate of speed with officers in pursuit. Rice crashed his vehicle, got out, and threw away a .40 caliber semi-automatic pistol.
Between 2015 and 2018, the defendant sold crack cocaine and heroin on multiple occasions. On February 1, 2017, investigators executed a search warrant at a building in Buffalo associated with the defendant. They recovered firearms, metal spoons, digital scales, grinders, and kilogram presses inside the apartment. They also recovered various bags containing mixtures of fentanyl, heroin, butyryl fentanyl, furanyl fentanyl, and U-47700.
On February 19, 2018, Rice sold suspected heroin to an individual identified as M.S. who was found unresponsive a day later on February 20, 2018 in her Lackawanna residence. Lackawanna Police responded and found M.S. deceased from an apparent drug overdose. Officers found drug related text messages between M.S. and a number associated with Rice on her cell phone. An autopsy determined that M.S.’s cause of death was butyryl fentanyl intoxication. On February 25, 2018, Lackawanna officers conducted a controlled purchase of crack cocaine and butyryl fentanyl from the defendant. As officers attempted to arrest Rice, he fled and eventually crashed his vehicle into a tree in Hamburg, NY. As he fled, the defendant threw a bag of crack cocaine and a bag of butyryl fentanyl on the street. He also broke a phone in half and threw half into the street.
A total of 13 defendants were charged and convicted in this case. Rice is the seventh defendant to be convicted.
The sentencing is the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Acting Special Agent-in-Charge Robert Guyton; the Buffalo Police Department, under the direction of Commissioner Byron Lockwood; the New York State Police, under the direction of Major James Hall; the Erie County Sheriff’s Department, under the direction of Sheriff Timothy Howard; the Cheektowaga Police Department, under the direction of Chief Michael Sliwinski; Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Homeland Security Investigations, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Kevin Kelly; the Drug Enforcement Administration, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Ray Donovan, New York Field Division; the Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge John B. Devito, New York Field Division; the Lackawanna Police Department under the direction of Chief Mark Packard; and the Erie Crime Analysis Center. Additional assistance was provided by the Erie County District Attorney’s Office, under the direction of District Attorney John Flynn.
# # # #
Buffalo Woman Pleads Guilty to Lying to the Grand Jury About Her Cousin's Role in A Murder at the Towne Gardens Apartment ComplexRead the Press Release
CONTACT: Barbara Burns
PHONE: (716) 843-5817
FAX #: (716) 551-3051BUFFALO, N.Y. - U.S. Attorney James P. Kennedy, Jr. announced today that Shanna Smith, 25, of Buffalo, NY, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Lawrence J. Vilardo to making false declarations before a federal grand jury and obstruction of justice. The charges carry a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Seth T. Molisani, who is handling the case, stated that on July 31, 2018, the defendant, while under oath, lied to a federal grand jury regarding the murder of Xavier Wimes on January 1, 2017, and the role of her cousin, Dalvon Curry, in that murder. Curry was a member of the CBL/BFL Gang. Smith testified that she was with Curry the night that Wimes was shot dead outside the Towne Gardens Apartments. The defendant stated that there were approximately 20 guys around Wimes at the time he was shot: “Zave was fighting them, but I didn't - then I heard gunshots, but I didn't see who shot him. I just heard gunshots.” Smith also testified that as police officers arrived, she saw the gun on the ground in the grass near the sidewalk. Smith denied seeing someone throw it. The defendant also stated: “Dal picked it up. I mean, he was probably trying to take it, but he threw it in the bushes when he saw the cops.”
In February 2020, a federal jury convicted Dalvon Curry, of murder in aid of racketeering for the death of Xavier Wimes. He is awaiting sentencing.
The plea is the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Acting Special Agent-in-Charge Robert Guyton; the Buffalo Police Department, under the direction of Commissioner Byron Lockwood; the New York State Police, under the direction of Major James Hall; the Erie County Sheriff’s Department, under the direction of Sheriff Timothy Howard; the Cheektowaga Police Department, under the direction of Chief Michael Sliwinski; Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Homeland Security Investigations, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Kevin Kelly; the Drug Enforcement Administration, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Ray Donovan, New York Field Division; the Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge John B. Devito, New York Field Division; the Lackawanna Police Department, under the direction of Chief James Michel; the U.S. Marshals Service, under the direction of Marshal Charles Salina; and the Erie Crime Analysis Center. Additional assistance was provided by the Erie County District Attorney’s Office, under the direction of District Attorney John Flynn.
Sentencing is scheduled for October 16, 2020, before Judge Vilardo.
# # # #
Billings man charged in coercion of minors, child pornography investigationRead the Press Release
BILLINGS – A Billings man accused of multiple crimes concerning an investigation into coercion of minors, sex trafficking, and child pornography appeared for arraignment today, U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme said.
Brandon Frank Stricker, 47, pleaded not guilty to a seven-count indictment charging him with coercion and enticement, receipt of child pornography, attempted sex trafficking of a minor, animal crushing and attempted witness tampering.
If convicted of the most serious crime, Stricker faces a minimum mandatory 10 years to life in prison, a $250,000 fine and five years to life of supervised release.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Timothy J. Cavan presided. Stricker was detained pending further proceedings.
The indictment is merely an accusation and defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty.
The indictment alleges that Stricker used the Internet, Facebook, and a cellular telephone to coerce four individuals who were younger than age 18 to engage in sexual activity from about June 2018 to about April 2020. The indictment charges Stricker with receiving child pornography by a computer and attempting to traffic a minor girl for commercial sex. In addition, the indictment charges Stricker with creating animal crush videos and with attempting to tamper with a witness.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Zeno Baucus is prosecuting the case, which was investigated by the FBI.
Pacer case reference. 20-46.
If the above case is f interest to your media organization and the community it serves, we encourage you to monitor its progress through the U.S. District Court calendar and the PACER system.
To establish a PACER account, which will allow you to review documents filed in the case, please go to, http://www.pacer.gov/register.html. To access the district court’s calendar, please go to https://ecf.mtd.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/PublicCalendar.pl.
XXX
Berkeley County woman sentenced for theft of government propertyRead the Press Release
MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Crystal M. Tress, of Martinsburg, West Virginia, was sentenced today to three years probation for stealing government property, U.S. Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Tress, age 42, pled guilty to one count of “Theft of Government Property” in January 2020. Tress admitted to embezzling more $5,309.20 that belonged to the United States government while she was employed at the Veterans Canteen Service. The crime took place from April 2018 to March 2019 in Berkeley County.
Tress was also ordered to pay $5,309.20 in restitution.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Kimberley D. Crockett prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Department of Veterans Affairs Police investigated.
Chief U.S. District Judge Gina M. Groh presided.
Assistant Attorney General Makan Delrahim to Participate in Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) Virtual Meeting and Chair WP3 Session on Criminalization of CartelsRead the Press Release
Assistant Attorney General Makan Delrahim and other senior officials from the U.S. Department of Justice, Antitrust Division will participate in the virtual meeting of the OECD Competition Committee over the next two weeks.
“Our continued participation in the global dialogue on competition law enforcement has been a top priority for the Antitrust Division over the past three years,” said Assistant Attorney General Delrahim. “We very much value our partners abroad and the constructive role these meetings play in convergence of sound competition policy that benefits consumers and innovation.”
The OECD Competition Committee includes 38 member countries and the European Union, as well as non-member participants, experts, and other invitees. The Committee brings together leaders of the world’s major competition authorities for a dialogue on competition policy issues, including best practices and standards, and promotes market-oriented reforms.
The roundtables scheduled for the upcoming virtual meeting include the Criminalization of Cartels and Bid-Rigging Conspiracies; Conglomerate Effects of Mergers; Consumer Data Rights and Impact on Competition; Start-ups, Killer Acquisitions, and Merger Control Thresholds; and Competition Policy in Times of COVID-19. The U.S. submissions on some of these topics, as well as submissions by other OECD members, are available on the OECD Competition Committee’s website at http://www.oecd.org/daf/competition/roundtables.htm.
On June 9, Assistant Attorney General Makan Delrahim, who chairs the working party 3, that focuses on enforcement and cooperation, will host the Criminalization of Cartels and Bid-Rigging Conspiracies roundtable.
On June 16, the Antitrust Division will present on the Department’s new Procurement Collusion Strike Force (PCSF) to the global community as part of a discussion on developments on competition in public procurement. Additional information about the PCSF can be found on the Department of Justice’s website at https://www.justice.gov/procurement-collusion-strike-force.
Antitrust Division officials presenting at the OECD meeting include Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Barry Nigro, Deputy Assistant Attorney General Rene Augustine, Deputy Assistant Attorney General Richard Powers, Counsel to the Assistant Attorney General Doha Mekki, and Counsel to the Assistant Attorney General Taylor Owings.
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.
Armed Drug Dealer Sentenced in Federal CourtRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Richard W. Moore of the Southern District of Alabama announced that Donald Andrew Johnson, also known as “Big Worm,” 38, of Semmes, Alabama, was sentenced in federal court today for his participation in the distribution of methamphetamine while armed with a firearm, which he could not lawfully possess because he was previously convicted of a felony offense. Johnson pled guilty to possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking felony, and illegal possession of a firearm after having been previously convicted of a felony.
United States District Court Judge Callie V.S. Granade imposed a sentence of 77 months and one week imprisonment, consisting of 17 months and one week on the drug and felon in possession of a firearm charges, to run concurrently, and 60 months mandatory consecutive imprisonment for possessing the firearm during the drug crime. Johnson’s imprisonment will be followed by supervised release terms of three years and five years, which will run concurrently. The judge also ordered the forfeiture of the illegally possessed firearm.
The case was investigated by the Mobile County Sheriff’s Office and the Department of Homeland Security Investigations. It was prosecuted in the United States Attorney’s Office by Assistant United States Attorney Gloria Bedwell.
Arizona Federal Prosecutors Team up with FBI and AARP to Host Telephonic Town Hall on ScamsRead the Press Release
PHOENIX, Ariz. – Prosecutors from the United States Attorney’s Office, along with a special agent from the FBI, will participate in a telephonic town hall coordinated through the AARP to provide information to Arizona residents to help them identify and avoid fraudulent schemes, including scams related to COVID-19.
The telephonic town hall will happen on Tuesday, June 9 from 10 a.m. until 11 a.m. PDT. During the event, an FBI special agent and two federal prosecutors will discuss various scams relating to COVID-19 and provide tips for avoiding them. A discussion about other scams targeting the elderly will also be highlighted. Participants from Arizona will be allowed to ask questions during the presentation.
The AARP Fraud Watch Network is providing the infrastructure for the event. Approximately 100,000 AARP member households will receive a phone call Tuesday morning inviting them to participate in the town hall. Those who wish to receive an invitation can sign up on this AARP registration page: https://vekeo.com/aarparizona/#.
On June 9 at 10 a.m., participants can join the call by dialing 877-299-8493 and entering the following ID: 114737#. Participants can also join the town hall via Facebook by going to @aarparizona to listen.
During the current health crisis, federal investigators and prosecutors continue to fulfill their critical mission of protecting public safety. Federal officials have prioritized the disruption, investigation and prosecution of crimes related to COVID-19, including fraudulent schemes, unapproved treatments, and scams related to stimulus money. During the virtual town hall meeting, federal officials will discuss the types of schemes currently being seen, along with tips on how to avoid becoming a victim.
The FBI continues to warn the public about these schemes, some of which have already been seen in Arizona and other parts of the country:
- Scammers are setting up websites, contacting people by phone and email, and posting disinformation on social media platforms.
- Individuals and businesses selling fake cures for COVID-19 online.
- Phishing emails from entities posing as the World Health Organization or the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
- Malicious websites and apps that appear to share Coronavirus-related information to gain and lock access to your devices until payment is received.
- Seeking fraudulent donations for illegitimate or non-existent charitable organizations.
- Obtaining patient information for COVID-19 testing and then using that information to fraudulently bill for other tests and procedures.
If you think you are a victim of COVID-19 fraud, immediately report it the FBI (visit ic3.gov, tips.fbi.gov, or call 1-800-CALL-FBI).
In addition, the public is urged to report suspected fraud schemes related to COVID-19 by calling the National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) hotline (1-866-720-5721).
To find out more about Department of Justice resources and information, please visit: www.justice.gov/coronavirus.
RELEASE NUMBER: 2020-056_AARP Town Hall
# # #
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.- Scammers are setting up websites, contacting people by phone and email, and posting disinformation on social media platforms.
Albany Man Charged with Unlawful Possession of a FirearmRead the Press Release
ALBANY, NEW YORK – Zaiqua Acosta, age 21, of Albany, was arrested on June 4 on the charge of unlawfully possessing a firearm as a felon.
The announcement was made by United States Attorney Grant C. Jaquith; John B. Devito, Special Agent in Charge of the New York Field Division of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF); and Eric Hawkins, Chief of the Albany Police Department.
The complaint alleges that Acosta, a felon, possessed a handgun in Albany on May 5, 2020. The charge in the complaint is merely an accusation. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
The charge carries a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000, and a term of post-imprisonment supervised release of up to 3 years. A defendant’s sentence is imposed by a judge based on the particular statute the defendant is charged with violating, the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other factors.
Acosta was released on conditions following an initial appearance on June 5 before United States Magistrate Daniel J. Stewart.
This case is being investigated by the Albany Police Department and ATF, and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Rachel L. Williams.
Sunday 7 June 2020
United States Attorney's Office Statement Concerning June 2, 2020 IncidentRead the Press Release
St. Louis – The US Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Missouri, the Civil Rights Division at the Department of Justice and the FBI are aware of the situation regarding a Florissant police detective who hit a man with his unmarked vehicle and will review all available evidence to determine what federal response is warranted. Experienced prosecutors and agents have been assigned to review the matter for potential federal civil rights violations.
U.S. Attorney Matthew Krueger delivers remarks regarding demonstrations in Milwaukee, prosecuting violent crimes, and police accountabilityRead the Press Release
Following are remarks from U.S. Attorney Matthew Krueger as prepared for a press conference to announce federal charges against a Milwaukee man for an attempted arson.
“Good afternoon. Thank you for coming here today. I’ll be announcing federal charges that have been filed related to an attempted arson last Sunday evening in Milwaukee.
The charges arose out of the civil unrest that swept over Milwaukee last weekend following the killing of George Floyd. I wish to again express my deepest sympathies to the family of George Floyd. I was appalled and deeply troubled by the video of the police conduct depicted there.
There will be accountability for his death. State charges have already been issued. The Justice Department is conducting an independent, federal investigation into his death. That is part of what the Justice Department routinely does. The Department has a long-standing commitment to enforcing civil rights laws. That commitment exists here in Milwaukee, too, where my office and the FBI regularly review alleged civil rights violations.
The protests, of course, are not only about George Floyd’s death. The protests are also about all of the individuals who, over the years, have been unjustifiably killed or had their rights violated by people entrusted with their protection.
Law enforcement officers are held—and should be held—to the highest standards to enforce the law fairly, to protect all lives, and to ensure that racism plays no role in law enforcement. That is the promise of our Constitution. That is the commitment of state and local law enforcement leaders here in Wisconsin. That is the commitment of the Justice Department.
The past week has seen a second challenge to the rule of law. Although most have expressed their grief and anger peacefully, others have exploited the situation to commit crimes. We’ve seen in cities across the country rioting, looting, arsons, and attacks on police and other individuals. The individuals engaging in such acts are tearing us apart at a time when we need to come together, and they are drowning out voices that call for constructive change. That has to stop. That leads to the charges I’m announcing today.
A federal criminal complaint charges Tyshaun Smith with attempted arson of a Boost Mobile store at 949 North 27th Street. According to the complaint, on May 31, 2020, at approximately 11:03 p.m., Milwaukee Police Department (MPD) officers responded to a 911 call regarding an entry into the Boost Mobile store. When officers arrived, Tyshaun Smith and two other individuals were standing outside of the store next to a broken window. Smith was holding what appeared to be a burning Molotov cocktail. An officer observed Smith throw the Molotov cocktail into the store. Smith and others then ran from the scene. Smith fell and was arrested. When arrested, Smith’s sweatshirt and gloves were coated in gasoline, and he was in possession of a loaded 9 mm firearm. Police were able to extinguish the burning Molotov cocktail in the store before it caused substantial damage, and recovered it.
The complaint charges Smith with attempted arson and with possession of a destructive device. If convicted of the attempted arson, he faces a mandatory minimum of 5 years and a maximum of 20 years in federal prison. If convicted of possession of the destructive device, he would face up to 10 years in federal prison. Please note that a criminal complaint states allegations only, and no one is guilty until proven so beyond a reasonable doubt. The case was investigated by the Milwaukee Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco Firearms and Explosives (ATF).
In the past week, over 100 businesses in Milwaukee have been damaged in various ways. The Boost Mobile store damaged in this case served Milwaukee residents. Its owners and employees had done nothing wrong and yet were victimized.
It is not just Milwaukee’s local businesses that have been harmed during the unrest. Last Friday night, a Milwaukee police officer suffered a minor gunshot injury. We’re thankful that it was not worse. Two nights ago, two officers and a pedestrian were injured by a reckless driver. The pedestrian was hospitalized with significant injuries. Again, last night, after midnight, there were large groups of vehicles driving recklessly, endangering the drivers and others. These are not actions of protest. These actions are not First Amendment speech. These actions are not helping our community. They are senseless acts of violence that create more victims.
That is why the Justice Department is working closely with our state and local partners to address this violence and ensure public safety. Now, to be clear, law enforcement is not trying to prevent peaceful protests. From my vantage point of speaking with federal officials across the country, I can say that the law enforcement response in Milwaukee has generally been excellent. Law enforcement officers working long hours are seeking to ensure peaceful protests can continue, while still protecting lives and property from damage. Late at night, after the organized protests have ended, men and women in uniform are generally acting very professionally, with restraint, even in the face of angry crowds threatening police buildings and vehicles.
Ask yourself, what if law enforcement did not have the resources to react quickly to the entry at the Boost Mobile store? The Boost Mobile store would have likely been destroyed. Mr. Smith would not be brought to justice.
This is a time to come together in peaceful ways, to hear from each other, and to build trust. Lawlessness by anyone—by police, or by rioters—prevents that dialogue. So, I want to say thanks again to the men and women of uniform who have been working such long hours to allow constructive dialogue to continue while preventing further harm to innocent people in our city.”
# # # #
Saturday 6 June 2020
Pittsburgh Man Charged with Possession of a Destructive Device after Placing a Backpack of Homemade Explosives in DowntownRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH – A Pittsburgh man has been charged federally with illegal possession of an unregistered destructive device after planting a backpack with homemade explosives in a downtown open space, United States Attorney Scott Brady announced today.
Matthew Michanowicz, 52, of Pittsburgh Pennsylvania, is charged by complaint with knowingly and unlawfully possessing a firearm, that is, a destructive device, which was not registered to him in the National Firearms Registration and Transfer Record. Michanowicz was taken into custody Friday evening by the Allegheny County Sheriff’s Department. He will make his appearance in U.S. District Court in Pittsburgh at a date to be determined by the court.
U.S. Attorney Brady said, "Once again, we see that certain participants in the protests in Pittsburgh were only present to serve as agitators and to incite violence. Let’s call them what they are: criminals. They have no intention of peacefully exercising their First Amendment rights; they seek only to incite and destroy. Michanowicz brought a backpack full of homemade Molotov cocktails to downtown Pittsburgh. He wasn’t there to protest; he was there to engage in violent attacks. I hope that any organizers or protestors who are participating consistent with the First Amendment will help identify and stop agitators who seek to manipulate their protest for violent ends. Rest assured that we stand ready to prosecute such provocateurs federally."
According to the complaint, on June 1, 2020 at approximated 8 a.m., Pittsburgh Bureau of Police officers were called to the open area of 2 PNC Plaza facing Wood Street in downtown Pittsburgh to respond to a suspicious bag. They had been called by PNC security officers for a "Military, green backpack" located by a bicycle rack under some trees on PNC property. PBP officers discovered three devices and a foul odor and called the PBP Bomb Squad. The Bomb Squad found three suspected "homemade Molotov cocktails."
According to the complaint, the devices are described as "spent OC vapor grenades" (identified by the PBPBS as spent devices they had previously deployed) which contained a fluid that had a smell similar to an ignitable liquid. The liquid was leaking out of one or more of the devices. All three devices had wicks attached to them, which were held in place by what appears to be "spray foam insulation."
Security camera footage provided to PBP by PNC security showed someone possessing the bag at the scene where it was recovered. That person was described as an older man, approximately 6’-6’1" who rides a blue bicycle with a bright red pouch on the handlebars. On the evening of June 3, 2020 a patrolling PBP officer saw a man with a bicycle matching that description in the exact location where the bag has been discovered on June 1, 2020. The officer approached the individual to identify him and Michanowicz provided only his last name. The officer stated that after he identified Michanowicz, he released him, but Michanowicz stayed in the immediate vicinity. The officer stated he called a PBP supervisor to report that he had stopped someone matching the description, and another PBP supervisor then directed the officer to detain Michanowicz and bring him to PBP Headquarters for questioning.
During questioning Michanowicz said he visited downtown to look at the "aftermath" of the riots and protests. Michanowicz admitted he was in the individual depicted in photographs from the surveillance footage but denied possessing the bag or knowing its contents. Michanowicz also stated he never possessed any destructive devices, including the devices recovered from the bag.
According to the complaint, on June 4, 2020, ATF Agents from the Pittsburgh Field Office executed a federal search warrant at Michanowicz’s residence at 144 Republic Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15211. The search revealed, all in close proximity to each other on a workbench in the garage, a bundle of fuse exhibiting the same color and characteristics of the fuses found on the previously seized destructive devices, some partially burnt fuse remnants that appear to be from the same fuse bundle, a can of spray foam insulation consistent with the type of spray foam insulation that had been applied to the exterior of all three recovered destructive devices, and a syringe emitting a strong odor consistent with an ignitable liquid. Also found in the garage were approximately 10 camouflage backpacks that were similar in size, pattern and configuration to the bag in which the destructive devices were discovered. A search of the trashcan in the garage revealed retail packaging of fuses and a pair of used latex gloves that emitted a strong odor consistent with an ignitable liquid.
It is unlawful for an individual to manufacture, possess, or transfer a Destructive Device without first being registered in ATF’s National Firearms Transfer Record (NFA) registry and without serial numbers being issued for said NFA Weapons (i.e.; Destructive Devices). An NFA inquiry made on June 4, 2020, showed there was no such registration for Michanowicz.
The count charged in the criminal complaint carries a maximum potential penalty of 10 years in prison, and a maximum fine of $250,000.
U.S. Attorney Brady credited the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the Pittsburgh Joint Terrorism Task Force, including the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police, for conducting the investigation leading to the charges in this case. U.S. Attorney Brady also thanked the Allegheny County Sheriff’s Office for apprehending the defendant.
Assistant United States Attorney Jessica Lieber Smolar is prosecuting this case for the government.
The details contained in the criminal complaint are allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Matthew Michanowicz - Criminal Complaint and Affidavit Criminal Complaint and Affidavit
Friday 5 June 2020
West Virginia Man Pleads Guilty to Armed Drug TraffickingRead the Press Release
PIKEVILLE, Ky. - A Williamson, W. Va. man, Curtis Hight, 38, pleaded guilty in federal court on Friday, before U.S. Magistrate Judge Edward Atkins, to distributing heroin and crack cocaine and possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.
Hight admitted that on October 16, 2019, in Pike County, he sold heroin and crack cocaine to a confidential witness from his residence. According to his plea agreement, during the controlled purchase, a handgun was within arm’s reach of Hight when he made the sale. Officers seized 13 firearms, ammunition, a bulletproof vest, one gram of heroin, 2.5 grams of crack cocaine, $15,775 in cash, and paraphernalia consistent with drug trafficking from his residence.
Hight was indicted in November 2019.
Robert M. Duncan, Jr., United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky; James Robert Brown, Special Agent in Charge, FBI Louisville Field Office; and Commissioner Rodney Brewer, Kentucky State Police, jointly announced the guilty plea.
The investigation was conducted by the FBI and KSP. The United States was represented by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jason Parman and Nick Rabold.
Hight faces up to 20 years in prison for the heroin trafficking charge, and not less than five years for the firearms charge, which must run consecutively. However, any sentence will be imposed by the Court after consideration of the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and the federal sentencing statutes.
This is another case prosecuted as part of the Department of Justice’s “Project Safe Neighborhoods” Program (PSN), which is a nationwide, crime reduction strategy aimed at decreasing violent crime in communities. It involves a comprehensive approach to public safety — one that includes investigating and prosecuting crimes, along with prevention and reentry efforts. In the Eastern District of Kentucky, U.S. Attorney Robert Duncan Jr., coordinates PSN efforts in cooperation with various federal, state, and local law enforcement officials.
This case is also part of Project Guardian, the Department of Justice’s signature initiative to reduce gun violence and enforce federal firearms laws. Initiated by the Attorney General in the fall of 2019, Project Guardian draws upon the Department’s past successful programs to reduce gun violence; enhances coordination of federal, state, local, and tribal authorities in investigating and prosecuting gun crimes; improves information-sharing by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives when a prohibited individual attempts to purchase a firearm and is denied by the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS), to include taking appropriate actions when a prospective purchaser is denied by the NICS for mental health reasons; and ensures that federal resources are directed at the criminals posing the greatest threat to our communities. Click here for more information about Project Guardian.
— END —
United States Attorney David C. Joseph Announces Availability of $158,043 in Project Safe Neighborhoods Grant Funds for the Western District of LouisianaRead the Press Release
SHREVEPORT/LAFAYETTE/ALEXANDRIA/LAKE CHARLES/MONROE, La. – United States Attorney David C. Joseph and the Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) Task Force announced the availability of approximately $158,043 in PSN grant funds for the Western District of Louisiana. The Department of Justice, the Office of Justice Programs and the Bureau of Justice Assistance is seeking applications for funding of a grant under the Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) Program. At least 30% ($47,413) of the grant funds must be designated for grants under the PSN Program to fund new and/or current gang violence reduction strategies in the Western District. In addition, approximately $94,826 can be designated to fund both new and/or current comprehensive gun crime and gang violence reduction strategies within the Western District.
PSN furthers the Department of Justice=s mission to reduce violent crime by providing support to state, local and tribal efforts to create safer neighborhoods through a sustained reduction in violent crime and gang violence committed with firearms, utilizing prevention, enforcement and intervention methods.
Various types of single or multi‑grantee grant proposals are welcome including those that address the following:
- Gang violence and gun violence reduction, deterrence, prevention, community outreach and education;
- Enforcement, adjudication and supervision programs;
- Prisoner re-entry programs; or
- Other innovative related projects.
Grant proposals must be submitted to the U.S. Attorney’s Office, ATTN: PSN Grant Competition, 800 Lafayette Street, Suite 2200, Lafayette, LA 70501. The deadline has been extended to no later than 5:00 p.m. on Friday, June 26, 2020.
The FY 2019 PSN Grant Announcement, OMB No. 1121-0329 can be found on the Western District of Louisiana U.S. Attorney’s Office website at: www.justice.gov/usao-wdla. More information about the program can be located at www.psn.gov or www.bja.gov/programs/psn.
Interested applicants may also contact Assistant U.S. Attorney and PSN Coordinator Jamilla A. Bynog at (337) 262-6618 for additional information.
# # #
U.S. Attorney William D. Hyslop Issues Statement on Grant County’s HIDTA Designation to Combat Illegal Drug Trafficking and Reduce Supply of Illegal DrugsRead the Press Release
Spokane – William D. Hyslop, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Washington, congratulated Grant County today on being officially designated as a High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) by the White House’s Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP).
U.S. Attorney Hyslop said, “This is great news for the citizens of Grant County. The Sheriff’s Office has achieved this national designation for law enforcement. It will bring greater information sharing and intelligence within the HIDTA network of law enforcement agencies to attack the ever-present drug problem. It will enable the County to be eligible to apply for greater federal resources to augment the County’s law enforcement efforts. Both of those can lead to taking more criminals off the streets and to a safer and more secure County for the law abiding public.”
“The law enforcement agencies working in Grant County earned this designation through hard work, collaboration and leadership committed to a team approach. The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Washington was happy to assist throughout the designation process. HIDTA provides unprecedented national connectivity to access drug threats and trends throughout the country. It will allow access to federal resources to combat drug distribution and increase enforcement efforts. Through HIDTA, we will be able to share information and intelligence so those individuals who are polluting our communities with drugs will be held accountable."
Grant County Sheriff Tom Jones said, “This designation showcases the strength of our investigators, and makes the Interagency Narcotics Enforcement Team (INET) eligible for greater resources to fight drug crimes in Grant County.”
Created by Congress in 1988, the HIDTA task force program, which is under the ONDCP, creates a mechanism for coordination of federal, state, local and tribal resources to combat drug trafficking and reduce the supply of illegal drugs in designated regions of the country.
U.S. Attorney McSwain and PA Attorney General Shapiro Warn Pennsylvanians of Coronavirus Related Unemployment, Identity Theft ScamsRead the Press Release
PHILADELPHIA – United States Attorney William M. McSwain and Pennsylvania Attorney General Josh Shapiro issued a warning to Pennsylvanians today to be alert to fraudsters using stolen identities to try to obtain Coronavirus Stimulus Funds.
The Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry (DLI) has reported that individuals are filing claims with stolen identities for Pennsylvania Unemployment Assistance (PUA). The PUA Program is administered by the DLI as part of the Federal Stimulus and is intended to benefit workers who have lost their jobs as a result of the coronavirus pandemic. U.S. Attorney McSwain and Attorney General Shapiro announced that federal and state law enforcement will aggressively pursue and prosecute anyone perpetrating this type of fraud.
“Fraud like this causes great harm to many citizens at a time when they are most vulnerable,” said U.S. Attorney McSwain. “It is especially intolerable that criminals are trying to take advantage of an unprecedented public health emergency. My Office and the Pennsylvania Attorney General’s Office will not tolerate it, and we will do everything in our collective power to ensure that such fraud scams are stopped and punished.”
“Scammers are working overtime during this crisis and trying to take advantage of the nearly 1 in 3 Pennsylvanians who have lost a job. We will not let anyone ripoff the public and the millions who are out of work,” said Attorney General Shapiro. “Our offices are using every resource at the state and federal level to figure out who these criminals are and put a stop to this theft. If you get a check you didn’t apply for or a deposit you are questioning, please contact our offices. We need the public’s help to address these crimes.”
According to the DLI, in one version of the fraud, the thieves use stolen identities of employed people to file claims for PUA, but direct that the money be sent to the fraudsters’ own bank accounts. Since discovering this scheme, DLI has taken steps to route PUA funds to the individuals named in the applications in order to prevent the thieves from receiving the stolen funds. As a result, victims of identity theft may only learn that their personal identifying information was stolen when they improperly receive a Pennsylvania unemployment compensation check, or a direct deposit of unemployment benefits, for which they never applied.
If any Pennsylvanian believes they have been a victim of this type of fraud or identity theft, U.S. Attorney McSwain and Attorney General Shapiro provided the following guidance:
- If you receive a paper check for unemployment benefits in the mail but did not file for such benefits in Pennsylvania, do not cash the check.
- Likewise, if you receive a direct deposit for unemployment benefits but did not file for such benefits in Pennsylvania, do not use the funds. The Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry website contains detailed instructions for returning the money.
- In addition, it is very important that victims report suspected identity theft to the Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry. A form is available on the Department’s website: DLI.PA.GOV. Identity theft and fraud can also be reported to the Department using its Fraud Hotline 1-800-692-7469. This information will be shared with law enforcement to investigate this suspected criminal activity.
The investigations are being handled by the Coronavirus Fraud Working Group, led by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania, and including the Office of the Pennsylvania Attorney General, the U.S. Department of Labor Office of Inspector General, the United States Secret Service, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Social Security Administration Office of Inspector General, and over a dozen other federal law enforcement agencies.
U.S. Attorney Justin Herdman’s remarks regarding demonstrations in Cleveland, prosecuting violent individuals, and police accountabilityRead the Press Release
The following are remarks from U.S. Attorney Justin Herdman during a press conference to announce federal charges against two Pennsylvania men that were arrested and charged for traveling to Cleveland to commit acts of violence.
“We are here to announce arrests early this morning of two Erie, Pennsylvania men - Brandon Michael Althof Long and Devon Bryce Poland - for a number of federal offenses, including transporting a firearm or incendiary device in furtherance of civil disorder and conspiracy to use fire or an explosive in furtherance of a federal felony. Special Agent in Charge Eric Smith will address the particulars of these charges at the moment, but in summary, Althof and Poland travelled to Cleveland from Erie on Saturday, May 30 and, among other items, had in their possession a Glock firearm, a hammer, lighter fluid, and spray paint. Hardworking members of our office, along with members of the FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force, assisted by the US Secret Service and Westlake Police, obtained probable cause to search the cellphones of Althof and Poland, wherein additional evidence was developed.
In short, Althof and Poland were not from here, they arrived with weapons and the ingredients for incendiary devices, the inserted themselves into a Constitutionally protected demonstration in order to advance their own violent purposes, and they were ultimately found in the midst of unprecedented rioting and looting in the streets of Cleveland. So let me get out in front of any questions as to whether there were out of state agitators who hijacked last weekend’s peaceful protests for their own purposes. The answer is undoubtedly yes, as seen with respect to today’s arrests
Althof and Poland represent the first two federal arrests stemming from last weekends riots. And they were, by any definition, riots that disrupted the end of a lawful and peaceful assembly of well-meaning citizens. We are working on numerous additional investigations associated with those riots, pursuing a number of potential federal charges involving a series of individuals who are responsible for the destruction of our downtown.
The men and women of the U.S. Attorney’s Office, the FBI, and the ATF are part of the Department of Justice. And what we do through our work, in this district of 6 million residents and across the country, is hold people accountable for their actions.
We are doing just that with our investigations related to the widespread looting of Cleveland’s downtown. We are also doing that in other areas of our district, including Toledo. Last weekend, if you burnt a car, broke into a store, or beat somebody up, then we are going to find you and hold you accountable with federal charges as appropriate, or if not, by assisting our county prosecutor partners with state charges.
And our obligation to demand accountability does not stop with those who rioted and looted. We are still engaged in a consent decree with the Cleveland Division of Police. Accountability is a huge part of that process, and we intend to engage productively, as we always do, with the city on the events of last weekend. You will get no disagreement from anyone here on stage - if there was behavior amongst police officers that departed from our very high standards, or establishes a violation of law, then you better believe that they will be held accountable as well.
The voices of the protestors and demonstrators last Saturday, and in several marches this week, echoes not only in our ears, but in our hearts. I hear you, we all hear you, and I believe that we are all seeking the same thing - accountability, justice, and future days and nights free from fear, anxiety, and victimization. The people up here are all committed to ensuring that you continue to have the ability to do exactly what the Founders intended: to peaceably assemble, to seek redress of grievances, to petition the government. We all swore to uphold the Constitution, which means that we swore to uphold your right to do so. And we will ensure that when you speak, you will be heard.”
U.S. Attorney J. Douglas Overbey Announces $58,008 Award to Address Covid-19 Pandemic in TennesseeRead the Press Release
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – U.S. Attorney J. Douglas Overbey of the Eastern District of Tennessee today announced that Hamblen County received $58,008 in Department of Justice grants to respond to the public safety challenges posed by the outbreak of COVID-19.
The grant is available under the Coronavirus Emergency Supplemental Funding program, authorized by the recent stimulus legislation signed by President Trump. Other jurisdictions can determine if they are eligible for funds and may apply immediately by visiting this website. The Justice Department is moving quickly, awarding grants on a rolling basis and aiming to have funds available for drawdown as soon as possible after receiving applications.
“As this country continues to fight COVID-19, our office remains committed to deterring, investigating, and prosecuting those who seek to take advantage of the COVID-19 pandemic. This funding will help many of the communities struggling in these trying times and provide some much-needed relief to our district,” said U.S. Attorney Overbey.
“The outbreak of COVID-19 and the public health emergency it created are sobering reminders that even the most routine duties performed by our nation’s public safety officials carry potentially grave risks,” said Katharine T. Sullivan, Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General for the Office of Justice Programs. “These funds will provide hard-hit communities with critical resources to help mitigate the impact of this crisis and give added protection to the brave professionals charged with keeping citizens safe.”
The law gives jurisdictions considerable latitude using these funds for dealing with COVID-19. Potential uses include hiring personnel, paying overtime, purchasing protective equipment, distributing resources to hard-hit areas and addressing inmates’ medical needs.
Agencies eligible for the fiscal year 2019 State and Local Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant Program are candidates for the emergency funding. Local units of government and tribes will receive direct awards separately according to their jurisdictions’ allocations.
The Office of Justice Programs, directed by Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Katharine T. Sullivan, provides federal leadership, grants, training, technical assistance and other resources to improve the nation’s capacity to prevent and reduce crime, assist victims and enhance the rule of law by strengthening the criminal and juvenile justice systems. More information about OJP and its components can be found at www.ojp.gov.
###
U.S. Attorney J. Douglas Overbey Announces $374,730 Award to Address Covid-19 Pandemic in TennesseeRead the Press Release
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – U.S. Attorney J. Douglas Overbey of the Eastern District of Tennessee today announced that the City of Chattanooga received $374,730 in Department of Justice grants to respond to the public safety challenges posed by the outbreak of COVID-19.
The grant is available under the Coronavirus Emergency Supplemental Funding program, authorized by the recent stimulus legislation signed by President Trump. Other jurisdictions can determine if they are eligible for funds and may apply immediately by visiting this website. The Justice Department is moving quickly, awarding grants on a rolling basis and aiming to have funds available for drawdown as soon as possible after receiving applications.
“As this country continues to fight COVID-19, our office remains committed to deterring, investigating, and prosecuting those who seek to take advantage of the COVID-19 pandemic. This funding will help many of the communities struggling in these trying times and provide some much-needed relief to our district,” said U.S. Attorney Overbey.
“The outbreak of COVID-19 and the public health emergency it created are sobering reminders that even the most routine duties performed by our nation’s public safety officials carry potentially grave risks,” said Katharine T. Sullivan, Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General for the Office of Justice Programs. “These funds will provide hard-hit communities with critical resources to help mitigate the impact of this crisis and give added protection to the brave professionals charged with keeping citizens safe.”
The law gives jurisdictions considerable latitude using these funds for dealing with COVID-19. Potential uses include hiring personnel, paying overtime, purchasing protective equipment, distributing resources to hard-hit areas and addressing inmates’ medical needs.
Agencies eligible for the fiscal year 2019 State and Local Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant Program are candidates for the emergency funding. Local units of government and tribes will receive direct awards separately according to their jurisdictions’ allocations.
The Office of Justice Programs, directed by Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Katharine T. Sullivan, provides federal leadership, grants, training, technical assistance and other resources to improve the nation’s capacity to prevent and reduce crime, assist victims and enhance the rule of law by strengthening the criminal and juvenile justice systems. More information about OJP and its components can be found at www.ojp.gov.
###
U.S. Attorney Brady Statement on Suburban Pittsburgh Man Charged with Civil Disorder for Destruction of City of Pittsburgh Police VehicleRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH – U.S. Attorney Scott Brady issued a video statement today following the filing of a Criminal Complaint charging Brian Bartels with obstruction of law enforcement during a civil disorder in the City of Pittsburgh over the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis, Minnesota. A transcript of U.S. Attorney Brady’s video statement follows:
"I am here to announce that the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Pennsylvania has filed criminal charges for civil disorder against Brian Bartels.
On Saturday, several thousand citizens came to downtown Pittsburgh to protest the tragic death of George Floyd. They came to air legitimate grievances, consistent with the best traditions of our country. As they marched through downtown, the protest was peaceful.
Then, the protest turned violent. Bartels was the first to incite violence. With others looking on outside PPG Pains Arena, Bartels spray painted a Pittsburgh Police car. Other protesters yelled "Stop!", but Bartels smashed and jumped on the windshield. Others then joined in. The car was set on fire and destroyed.
This was the inflection point in the demonstration! What was peaceful became lawless. Ultimately, Pittsburgh police cars were burned. Mounted Pittsburgh Police officers were attacked. And projectiles were thrown at Pittsburgh Police Officers. What started as a peaceful demonstration, turned into a violent evening of destruction throughout downtown Pittsburgh.
This was no heat-of-the-moment outburst by Bartles. Last Friday, Bartels purchased red and black spray paint. He packed his backpack with the spray paint and with rocks to bring to the protest. He brought his agitator toolkit to the protest to deploy.
Why? Bartels admitted to Pittsburgh police and the FBI that he is an extremist. He put himself and his own views before those of the organizers and other protesters. If he had done so with words, we wouldn’t be here today and he wouldn’t be facing federal charges.
The First Amendment protects peaceful assembly and protest. DOJ fights every day to protest those rights. They are truly some of the great blessings of liberty that we enjoy. Billions of people across the globe do not enjoy such rights.
But the First Amendment does not permit people to use a protest as cover to commit arson, destroy property or incite violence. Let this be a warning to everyone who would copy Bartels and similar extremists – this weekend and at any future protest – any protestor who crosses this line should know that we will use every tool at our disposal to find you and prosecute you."
U.S. Attorney Announces over $685K in DOJ Grants Related to COVID-19Read the Press Release
ALEXANDRIA, Va. – United States Attorney G. Zachary Terwilliger today announced that various jurisdictions across the Eastern District of Virginia have recently been awarded over $685,580 in Department of Justice grants to respond to the public safety challenges posed by the outbreak of COVID-19.
The grants, to the cities of Portsmouth ($251,760), Hampton ($160,366), and the counties of Arlington ($136,727) York ($45,881) and Spotsylvania ($90,846), are available under the Coronavirus Emergency Supplemental Funding program, authorized by the recent stimulus legislation signed by President Trump. The Justice Department is moving quickly, awarding grants on a rolling basis and aiming to have funds available for drawdown as soon as possible after receiving applications.
“Those on the front lines of the public safety response to the coronavirus have our support, gratitude, and utmost respect,” said Terwilliger. “The Department of Justice provides this funding with significant flexibility, so that state and local departments can use it in the ways that best benefit their officers and their community.”
The grants come on the heels of a separate DOJ grants of nearly $13 million to the Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services ($10,832,775), City of Petersburg ($98,689), City of Alexandria ($113,197), County of Hanover ($39,736), City of Suffolk ($97,120), Town of Leesburg ($38,812), County of Stafford ($112,153), James City County ($34,507), City of Chesapeake ($386,783), Henrico County ($214,763), Chesterfield County ($185,482), City of Norfolk ($564,663), Manassas City ($41,306), Fredericksburg ($43,658), and Loudoun County ($114,472) announced in May.
“The outbreak of COVID-19 and the public health emergency it created are sobering reminders that even the most routine duties performed by our nation’s public safety officials carry potentially grave risks,” said Katharine T. Sullivan, Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General for the Office of Justice Programs. “These funds will provide hard-hit communities with critical resources to help mitigate the impact of this crisis and give added protection to the brave professionals charged with keeping citizens safe.”
The Coronavirus Emergency Supplemental Funding (CESF) Program allows States, U.S. Territories, the District of Columbia, units of local government, and federally recognized tribal governments to support a broad range of activities to prevent, prepare for, and respond to the coronavirus. Funded projects or initiatives may include, but are not limited to, overtime, equipment (including law enforcement and medical personal protective equipment), hiring, supplies (such as gloves, masks, sanitizer), training, travel expenses (particularly related to the distribution of resources to the most impacted areas), and addressing the medical needs of inmates in state, local, and tribal prisons, jails, and detention centers.
The Office of Justice Programs, directed by Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Katharine T. Sullivan, provides federal leadership, grants, training, technical assistance and other resources to improve the nation’s capacity to prevent and reduce crime, assist victims and enhance the rule of law by strengthening the criminal and juvenile justice systems. More information about OJP and its components can be found at www.ojp.gov.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia.
Two Pennsylvania men arrested and charged for traveling to Cleveland to commit acts of violenceRead the Press Release
Justin E. Herdman, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Ohio, announced today that Brandon Michael Althof Long, age 23, and Devon Bryce Poland, age 22, both of Erie, Pennsylvania were arrested today without incident by law enforcement. Agents from the Cleveland Division of FBI arrested both Long and Poland in Erie, Pennsylvania at approximately 6:00 AM.
Long and Poland were charged via criminal complaint today in a federal court in the Northern District of Ohio on charges of engaging and conspiring to engage in interstate travel with a firearm with the intent to use fire to participate in civil unrest and riot, use of fire to commit a felony, and rioting.
“At the Justice Department, we hold people accountable for their actions,” said U.S. Attorney Justin Herdman. “Mr. Long and Mr. Poland were not from Cleveland. They arrived with weapons and the ingredients for an incendiary device and purposefully inserted themselves into a constitutionally protected protest, with the design to exploit it for their own purposes. We will hold these two accountable for their actions and anyone else who may have violated the law. I believe that we are all seeking the same thing -- accountability, justice, and future days and nights that are free from fear, anxiety and victimization.”
“These two individuals traveled to Cleveland with the sole intent of corrupting what was supposed to be a peaceful protest," said FBI SAC Eric B. Smith "A gun, numerous rounds of ammunition, fire gel, and a hammer are not items consistent with a protest. These are the tools used by criminals to incite and participate in mayhem. The FBI will continue to work with our state and local partners and protect our citizen’s right to peacefully protest. But we will not let people that engage in violence and destruction go unchecked. These two will have their day in court and as will many others that are responsible for the violent destruction of our city last Saturday."
“Everyone has a constitutional right to freedom of speech, to protest, to bring grievance, to express their concerns to government,” said Cleveland Mayor Frank G. Jackson. “Everyone has a right to peacefully demonstrate and protest, but once there is violence against people or property then we need to take action to protect the safety and well-being of our community and citizens. I want to thank our law enforcement partners for their assistance as we look to address the underlying things that have caused the demonstrations in our city.”
According to the criminal complaint filed in this matter, at approximately 11:55 PM on May 30, 2020, the defendants were spotted by Cleveland Police in a vehicle entering an alleyway at the intersection of East 8th St. and Huron Ave. in downtown Cleveland, Ohio.
Cleveland Police observed a male leave the alleyway and approach their police vehicle. The male was on the streets, in public, during civil unrest, in violation of a mandatory curfew put into place by the public order of the Mayor of the City of Cleveland, which went into effect at 8:00 PM.
Cleveland police approached the male and asked him if he owned the vehicle present in the alleyway. Police observed that the vehicle had a Pennsylvania license plate. Police asked the male to confirm that it was his vehicle and that his identity was Brandon Michael Althof Long. Long confirmed both of these facts. Police detained Long for violation of the curfew order. Cleveland police believed the vehicle to have been involved in criminal activities earlier in the day. Long also confirmed that the vehicle was occupied by another male, Devon Bryce Poland.
Both Long and Poland were searched as well as their vehicle. Found inside the vehicle was a pistol, 17 rounds of ammunition, a hammer, a BB gun resembling a pistol, a red plastic bottle of liquid fire starter, two Apple iPhones, and a bottle of liquor believed to have been looted from a store earlier in the day and other objects.
On May 31st, The FBI executed a search warrant on the iPhones found in the defendant’s vehicle and reviewed messages between Long and Poland that contain statements that demonstrate an intent by Long and Poland to travel from Pennsylvania to Cleveland, Ohio on May 30, 2020, to participate in, promote, encourage, and aid and abet the criminal riots.
In these messages, the defendants discussed specially discuss choosing to travel to Cleveland over Pittsburgh and to bring supplies to make a Molotov cocktail, an incendiary device.
Long and Poland will have their initial appearance this morning at 9:00 AM in U.S. Magistrate Judge Richard Lanzillo’s courtroom.
This case is being investigated by the Cleveland Division of the FBI and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Duncan Brown and Assistant U.S. Attorney Daniel Riedl.
A charge 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.
Two Men Charged with Theft of Firearms During ProtestsRead the Press Release
Two men who exploited the chaos of Dallas’ Black Lives Matter protests to steal firearms have been charged with gun crimes, announced U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Texas Erin Nealy Cox.
Demonte Kelly, 18, and Lejael Rudley, 19, were charged via criminal complaint with theft from a Federal Firearms Licensee (FFL) and possession of stolen firearms.
“Theft of firearms will always trigger swift law enforcement action,” said U.S. Attorney Nealy Cox. “We are thankful to the members of the public who stepped up to help law enforcement track down these men and their stolen guns. This prosecution sends a message: Federal law enforcement will not allow criminals to use the turmoil facing our city as cover for their own lawless ends.”
“Recovering stolen firearms is a priority for ATF and the community,” stated ATF Special Agent in Charge of the Dallas Division Jeffrey C. Boshek II. “My thanks to the agents, investigators and members of the public who worked swiftly to identify these men so quickly after the burglary.”
According to the complaint, unsealed today, a surveillance camera recorded three men exiting DFW Gun Range around 1:45 a.m. on Sunday, May 31, shortly after the theft of more than 40 firearms.
In the span of just 80 seconds, the trio allegedly pried open the side entrance of the facility, grabbed three rifles posted on the wall, and smashed glass cases to snatch several dozen handguns stored inside.
Following ATF’s release of the surveillance video, a tipster identified one of the men as Demonte Kelly, of Dallas.
Dallas police officers tracked Mr. Kelly to a hotel in southeast Dallas, where they observed him interacting with two men: Mr. Rudley and a third man, later identified as S.J. Mr. Kelly then drove off in a red Jeep with paper plates.
With ATF running point on surveillance, Dallas police conducted a traffic stop on the Jeep. Inside the vehicle, officers discovered one of the stolen firearms.
During a subsequent interview with ATF, Mr. Kelly identified himself in the surveillance video, admitted to burglarizing the gun range, and gave agents written consent to search his hotel room. He also admitted to selling one of the stolen firearms to an unknown individual. Inside his hotel room, agents recovered four additional stolen firearms, 76 rounds of assorted ammunition, and baggies of crack cocaine.
ATF also interviewed Mr. Rudley, who also admitted to burglarizing the gun range and gave agents written consent to search his hotel room, where agents recovered a sixth stolen firearm.
A criminal complaint is merely an allegation of wrongdoing, not evidence. Mr. Kelly and Mr. Rudley are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
The defendants made their initial appearances before U.S. Magistrate Judge David L. Horan Friday. If convicted, they face up to 20 years in federal prison.
The third individual allegedly involved in the burglary, identified as S.J., remains at large. ATF and the U.S. Attorney’s Office urge the public to report any information they have on the whereabouts of S.J. or the stolen weapons: 888-ATF-TIPS, [email protected], http://atf.gov/contact/atftips, @Reportitcom, or text ATFDAL to 63975. ATF has partnered with the National Shooting Sports Foundation to offer a $10,000 reward.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives and the Dallas Police Department conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Gary Tromblay, Joe Magliolo, and Keith Robinson are prosecuting the case.
Tulsa Woman Sentenced to 12 Years in Prison for Firearms and Methamphetamine ChargesRead the Press Release
A Tulsa woman was sentenced this week in federal court for firearms and drug violations.
U.S. District Judge Gregory K. Frizzell sentenced Brittany Michele Osborn, 33, of Tulsa, to 12 years in prison followed by three years supervised release. The Court recommended Osborn be placed in a facility where she can participate in the Residential Drug Abuse Program.
“Guns and drugs are a dangerous combination. The seriousness of Brittany Osborn’s crimes is reflected in her 12-year-sentence. Gun crimes mean hard time in the federal system,” said U.S. Attorney Trent Shores. “I am thankful for the partnership between my prosecutors and our federal, state, tribal, and local law enforcement agencies. Together, we are working to investigate and prosecute drug and gun related crimes in hopes of making our community safer.”
In March, Osborn pleaded guilty to being a felon in possession of firearms and ammunition and for possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute. In her written plea agreement, Osborn admitted that she possessed firearms and ammunition as well as 30 grams of methamphetamine and paraphernalia. As a previously convicted felon, Osborn is prohibited form possessing a firearm.
On Dec. 12, 2019, U.S. Marshals located Brittany Osborn on an outstanding warrant. Officers discovered approximately 30 grams of methamphetamine, packaged in several small baggies, as well as numerous digital scales and empty baggies. The following firearms were located in the room:
- Umarex,.22 caliber, semi-automatic rifle, with a scope;
- Glock, 9 x 19mm caliber, semi-automatic pistol;
- Walther .22 caliber, semi-automatic pistol;
- Marlin Firearms Co. .22 caliber, semi-automatic rifle; and
- More than 100 rounds of ammunition
Osborn was remanded into the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service until transfer to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the U.S. Marshals Service conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Shannon Cozzoni prosecuted the case.
Three Men Plead Guilty to Gun Charges as Part of Project Guardian InitiativeRead the Press Release
Three men pleaded guilty this week to federal gun charges, announced U.S. Attorney Trent Shores.
The three defendants pleaded guilty to being felons in possession of a firearm and ammunition. By law, convicted felons are prohibited from possessing firearms. The cases are part of the Justice Department’s Project Guardian, an initiative designed to reduce gun violence across the country.
“Project Guardian reduces gun crime by prosecuting the illegal possession of guns by prohibited persons, including felons, domestic abusers, and drug addicts. The prosecution of these cases fosters communities where families feel safer and businesses can thrive,” said U.S. Attorney Trent Shores
Damico Rashaad Hunter, 24, of Sand Springs, pleaded guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition. Hunter and a passenger were pulled over on July 24, 2018, for traffic violations. Officers discovered a loaded Glock .40 S&W caliber pistol and ammunition under his seat. In a written plea agreement, Hunter stated that on the date of the stop, he knowingly possessed the firearm and ammunition. The Tulsa Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives conducted the investigation.
Dallas Gray Morton, 20, of Tulsa, pleaded guilty to two counts of being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition. On Oct. 1, 2019, during a traffic stop for speeding and expired tags, Morton refused to stop and eluded officers throughout Tulsa. Morton eventual stopped, fled on foot, and tried to discard his weapon. Officers then arrested him. Officers found Morton’s loaded Smith and Wesson .40 S&W caliber semi-automatic pistol. Morton also had an additional loaded magazine for the gun in his pocket. On February 24, 2020, officers found a semi-automatic pistol and a Glock GMBH 9X19 caliber semi-automatic pistol and ammunition during a second stop for a traffic violation. The Tulsa Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives conducted the investigation.
Brian James Susi, 32, of Broken Arrow, pleaded guilty to two counts of being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition. According to a Criminal Complaint filed Feb. 24, 2020, the Owasso Police Department received a report that on Dec. 30, 2019, an individual, later discovered to be Susi, had shoplifted gun holsters, phone covers and other items at a Walmart. An Owasso police officer observed Susi in the parking lot and stopped him. The officer searched his vehicle and discovered stolen items, hypodermic needles, black mask and gloves, and a Smith and Wesson .380 ACP caliber semi-automatic pistol and ammunition. The officer also found assorted burglary tools, including zip ties, a flashlight, black tape, two screw drivers, a razor blade, and an auto window punch. In his plea agreement, Susi admitted to being a felon and knowingly possessing the pistol and ammunition found in the car.
According to the Complaint, Susi was also arrested during an undercover prostitution investigation at a local hotel on Jan. 15, 2020. According to the Complaint, officers found drugs, drug paraphernalia and a Glock GMBH 9X19 caliber semi-automatic pistol with 13 rounds of ammunition. The firearm was stolen during a vehicle burglary that took place four days earlier.
In his written plea agreement, Susi admitted to being a felon in possession of both firearms and the ammunition. The Owasso Police Department, the Tulsa Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives conducted the investigation.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Mark R. Morgan is prosecuting the cases.
Reducing gun violence and enforcing federal firearms laws have always been among the Justice Department’s highest priorities. In order to develop a new and robust effort to promote and ensure public safety, the Department reviewed and adapted some of the successes of past strategies to curb gun violence. Project Guardian draws on the Department’s earlier achievements, such as the “Triggerlock” program, and it serves as a complementary effort to the success of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN). In addition, the initiative emphasizes the importance of using all modern technologies available to law enforcement to promote gun crime intelligence.
Three Men Plead Guilty to Federal Immigration CrimesRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON W.Va. – Three men entered guilty pleas for federal immigration offenses, announced United States Attorney Mike Stuart. Neftali Catalan-Garcia, 33, Jose Aleman-Pineda, 49, and Ezequiel De Dios-Delgado, 24, all pled guilty to the felony offense of reentry of a removed alien. At the request of all three defendants, the court immediately proceeded to sentencing, where all men were sentenced and given credit for the time they had previously served. All three men were immediately remanded to Immigrations and Customs Enforcement (ICE) for that agency to begin administrative deportation proceedings.
“Four prior removals and a felony conviction between them,” said United States Attorney Mike Stuart. “We will continue to prosecute line skippers. No one likes a line skipper whether it’s at the border or Disney World. Those wanting to live in the United States must abide by our immigration laws and the process to enter our country legally.”
Neftali Catalan-Garcia was believed to be working in Nitro, West Virginia when ICE agents received information that he was in the country illegally. A targeted investigation located him on December 4, 2019. Catalan-Garcia admitted being in the United States illegally and that he had been previously removed from the United States to Guatemala. Catalan Garcia is a citizen of Guatemala. His fingerprints matched him to one prior removal and a prior felony conviction in United States District Court in Texas for the misuse of a social security number. Catalan-Garcia has been in federal custody for approximately seven months.
Jose Aleman-Pineda and Ezequiel De Dios-Delgado were both found in South Charleston, West Virginia after a targeted investigation by ICE on January 30, 2020. Aleman-Pineda admitted being in the United States illegally and his fingerprints matched two prior removals from Texas. He is a citizen of Honduras and has been in federal custody since January 30, 2020. Delgado also admitted being in the United States illegally and has a prior from Arizona. He is a citizen of Mexico. Like Aleman-Pineda, Dios-Delgado has been in federal custody since January 30, 2020.
Senior United States District Judge John T. Copenhaver, Jr. imposed the sentences. Assistant United States Attorney Erik S. Goes handled the prosecutions.
Follow us on Twitter: SDWVNews and USAttyStuart
###
Three Chinese Nationals Sentenced to Prison for Illegal Photography of U.S. Naval Installation in Key West, FloridaRead the Press Release
Key West, Fl. -- Ariana Fajardo Orshan, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Florida and George L. Piro, Special Agent in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Miami Field Office announced that three People’s Republic of China (PRC) foreign nationals were sentenced today to prison terms for illegal photography of military installations at the U.S. Naval Air Station in Key West, Florida (NAS Key West).
Lyuyou Liao, 27, was sentenced to the statutory maximum term of 12 months in prison followed by one year of supervised release, after pleading guilty to illegally entering NAS Key West on December 26, 2019, and taking photographs and video footage of property on the Truman Annex of the station. This included taking images of vital military equipment. (Case No. 20-10002-CR-KMM ).
In a separate case, Jielun Zhang, 25, and Yuhao Wang, 24, were sentenced to 12 months and nine months in prison, respectively, to be followed by one year of supervised release, after pleading guilty to illegally entering NAS Key West on January 4, 2020, and taking photographs of military and naval infrastructure located on the Sigbsbee Park and Trumbo Point Annexes of the station. (Case No. 20-10005-CR-KMM).
U.S. Attorney Fajardo Orshan commended the investigative efforts of the FBI and the South Florida Joint Terrorism Task Force (JTTF). She also commended the Naval Criminal Investigative Service, the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office, and the Key West Police Department for their assistance. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jonathan Kobrinski prosecuted this case.
Related court documents and information may be found on the website of the District Court for the Southern District of Florida at www.flsd.uscourts.gov or at http://pacer.flsd.uscourts.gov.
Texas Man Sentenced to 60 Months in Prison for Methamphetamine TraffickingRead the Press Release
Gulfport, Miss. – Esteban Bernadino-Betantcourt, 37, of San Antonio, Texas, was sentenced today by U.S. District Sul Ozerden to 60 months in prison, followed by five years of supervised release, for possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, announced U. S. Attorney Mike Hurst and Special Agent in Charge Brad L. Byerly with the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). Bernadino was also ordered to pay a $4,000 fine.
On November 18, 2019, Harrison County Sheriff’s Deputies conducted a traffic stop on Interstate 10 resulting in the discovery of over 50 kilograms of methamphetamine hidden in buckets in the back of a truck driven by Bernadino.
On January 15, 2020, Bernadino was charged in a federal criminal indictment. He pled guilty before Judge Ozerden on February 19, 2020.
The Drug Enforcement Administration and the Harrison County Sheriff’s Department investigated the case. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Annette Williams.
Suburban Pittsburgh Man Charged with Civil Disorder for Destruction of City of Pittsburgh Police VehicleRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH – Brian Bartels of suburban Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania was charged today with obstruction of law enforcement during a civil disorder in the City of Pittsburgh over the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Bartels allegedly initiated the damage to a police car outside of PPG Paints Arena, including spraying painting the car and smashing its windshield. After others joined him, the car was set on fire.
Bartels, 20, has been charged with civil disorder for attempting to obstruct or interfere with law enforcement officers engaged in responding to the violent demonstration in Pittsburgh on May 30, 2020.
"His backpack loaded with rocks and spray paint, Bartels came to Saturday’s protest in Pittsburgh to incite violence. Bartels’s actions turned an otherwise peaceful protest into a violent riot that resulted in an evening of destruction throughout downtown Pittsburgh," said U.S. Attorney Scott Brady. "Anyone who would do the same should know this - if you try to hijack a peaceful protest for your own violent agenda, we will use every tool at our disposal to find you and prosecute you."
"The FBI is dedicated to upholding the Constitution and protecting all citizens' rights to peacefully protest," said FBI Pittsburgh Special Agent in Charge Michael Christman. "We are committed to identifying, investigating and stopping people who incite violence. This type of behavior and destruction of property puts the rights and safety of our citizens, including peaceful demonstrators, at risk. It will not be tolerated. Our focus is also on supporting our law enforcement partners with maintaining public safety in the very communities we’re sworn to protect."
According to the criminal complaint, on May 30, 2020, there was a planned protest, related to the recent death of George Floyd, in the downtown area of the City of Pittsburgh. At approximately 2:30 p.m. on Centre Avenue above PPG Arena, as the participants were gathering, the march/protest began to turn violent and into civil disorder. Videos of the area show a white male, later identified as Bartels, walking from within the crowd of protesters, wearing a black bandana and a black hooded sweatshirt. The male walks to the sidewalk near an unoccupied police vehicle and accesses a backpack that was on the sidewalk. He pulls out a can of red spray paint and proceeds to use it to place paint on the police vehicle. The male then kicks the police vehicle, and then throws an object at the police car, breaking a window. At least three other individuals join the white male to inflict damage to the police vehicle, by kicking it and hitting it with various objects. The white male thereafter jumps on the hood of the police vehicle and stomps the partially broken windshield, breaking it further. He then jumps down from the police vehicle, retrieves additional items to throw at the police vehicle and continues to throw those items at the police vehicle.
As Bartels continued this destruction of the police vehicle, several other people from the crowd begin to join him in inflicting damage to the police car. At this point, police mounted on horseback arrive and attempt to protect the car and push the crowd back. However, the crowd is hostile toward the mounted police and begins to throw rocks and other objects at the police and horses. When it becomes apparent that the horses are unable to protect the heavily damaged car, and are themselves in danger, the police officers are forced to retreat on horseback and abandon the police car. Immediately thereafter, the crowd inflicts more severe damage to the police vehicle, and then sets it on fire.
On May 31, 2020, law enforcement officers investigating this incident received numerous tips identifying Bartels as the white male described above, as videos of his conduct were online. On June 1, 2020, Bartels was interviewed at a Pittsburgh police station. During that interview, Bartels admitted that he was the white male who had committed the acts, he had purchased several cans of spray paint and placed them in his backpack so that he could take them to the march/protest, and he had also placed several rocks in his backpack for use the next day.
The civil disorder charge provides for a sentence of up to five years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Shaun Sweeney is prosecuting the case.
The FBI Pittsburgh Joint Terrorism Task Force, including the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police, conducted the investigation leading to the criminal complaint in this case.
The details contained in the criminal complaint are allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Bartels Criminal Complaint, Affidavit, and Exhibits Bartels Criminal Complaint, Affidavit, and Exhibits