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16 July 2020
Hammond Man Sentenced to 110 Months in PrisonRead the Press Release
HAMMOND-Sonny Richards, 26, of Hammond, Indiana, was sentenced by District Court Judge James T. Moody to 110 months in prison and 2 years of supervised release following his guilty plea to distribution of cocaine and to possessing a firearm as a previously convicted felon, announced U.S. Attorney Kirsch.
According to documents in the case, in July 2019, Mr. Richards distributed cocaine on two separate occasions in Hammond, Indiana. From August through September 2019 in Hammond, Richards also possessed three separate firearms, one of which was previously reported stolen, and all three of which were recovered by the ATF. In November 2019, law enforcement executed a search warrant on Richards’ Hammond residence and recovered cocaine, marijuana, another firearm, and ammunition. Richards has prior felony convictions for dealing marijuana, possession of methamphetamine, and possession of marijuana.
This case is the result of the investigative efforts of the ATF/HIDTA Task Force and the Hammond Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Northern District of Indiana Assistant U.S. Attorney Kevin F. Wolff.
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Fresno Escapee Sentenced to 8 Years in Prison for Being a Felon in Possession of a FirearmRead the Press Release
FRESNO, Calif. — Samuel Delacruz, 38, of Fresno, was sentenced today to eight years in prison for being a felon in possession of a firearm, U.S. Attorney McGregor W. Scott announced.
According to court documents, in 2017, Delacruz was serving the remainder of his federal sentence for a 2013 conviction at Turning Point Fresno Residential Reentry Center. On Oct. 15, 2017, he failed to return to the center as required following a day pass. A U.S. Marshals Service warrant was issued, but his whereabouts remained unknown for over five months. On March 22, 2018, when a sheriff’s deputy attempted to pull Delacruz over for a traffic violation, Delacruz attempted to flee in the car and then on foot. While he ran, he tossed a firearm into an area where children were playing. That firearm was loaded with 18 live rounds of ammunition. Fortunately, the gun was located and turned over to law enforcement.
Delacruz, an active Fresno Bulldog street gang member, has a previous felony conviction for being a felon in possession of a firearm and is prohibited from possessing a firearm or ammunition. On Dec. 2, 2019, Delacruz pleaded guilty to the offense.
This case was the product of an investigation by the U.S. Marshals Service, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Fresno County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jessica A. Massey and Kimberly A. Sanchez 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. To learn more about Project Safe Neighborhoods, go to www.justice.gov/psn.
This case is also part of Project Guardian, the Department of Justice’s signature initiative to reduce gun violence and enforce federal firearms laws. Initiated by the Attorney General in the fall of 2019, Project Guardian draws upon the Department’s past successful programs to reduce gun violence; enhances coordination of federal, state, local, and tribal authorities in investigating and prosecuting gun crimes; improves information-sharing by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives when a prohibited individual attempts to purchase a firearm and is denied by the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS), to include taking appropriate actions when a prospective purchaser is denied by the NICS for mental health reasons; and ensures that federal resources are directed at the criminals posing the greatest threat to our communities. For more information about Project Guardian, please see www.justice.gov/projectguardian.
Fort Worth Company Owner Pleads Guilty to Lying to Defense DepartmentRead the Press Release
A Fort Worth man has been sentenced to more than four-and-a-half years in federal prison for lying to the U.S. Department of Defense about the metal used inside his company’s aircraft parts, announced U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Texas Erin Nealy Cox.
Richard Ross Hyde, the 64-year-old owner of Vista Manufacturing Company, pleaded guilty in August 2019 to making a false claim against the United States. He was sentenced Thursday to 55 months in federal prison by U.S. District Judge Mark Pittman.
In his plea papers, Mr. Hyde admits that he invoiced the Navy for aircraft components which DOD later discovered were constructed from a different metal than the one his company said it would use.
On Aug. 18, 2014, Vista Manufacturing submitted a bid to the government to provide critical parts for a Naval Air Warfare Center aircraft, Mr. Hyde told the court. In the $12,897.50 bid, the company included a diagram noting measurements, specifications, and descriptions of the materials required for production – notably, aluminum alloy 2024.
Six days later, the government accepted Vista’s bid, and Mr. Hyde began seeking out manufacturers for the 22 wiper back retainers included in the bid.
He found a company that offered to manufacture the parts with a different aluminum alloy, 6061, for $8,492. Despite the fact that Vista’s contract with the Navy required them to use aluminum alloy 2024, Mr. Hyde admits he accepted the offer, and allowed the part to be manufactured with aluminum alloy 6061.
Mr. Hyde admits that on Jan. 21, 2015, he had the completed parts – made with the 6061 alloy – delivered to a Defense Logistics Agency distribution facility. He invoiced the DOD’s Defense Financing and Accounting Services for $12,897.50 and received the full payment on Feb. 4, 2015.
A subsequent examination of the parts he delivered revealed that the metal used to manufacture the wiper back retainers did not match the diagram on Vista’s bid; testing revealed that Mr. Hyde’s company had substituted the 6061 alloy for the 2024 alloy – rendering his bid false.
The U.S. Department of Defense, Office of Inspector General, Defense Criminal Investigative Service; the Defense Logistics Agency; the Federal Bureau of Investigation; the Army Criminal Investigative Division’s Major Procurement Fraud Unit; the Air Force Office of Special Investigations; the Naval Criminal Investigative Service; and the Defense Contract Management Agency conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney John Bradford prosecuted the case.
Former Office Manager for the Rapid City Rush Hockey Team Pleads Guilty to Wire Fraud and Tax EvasionRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a Rapid City, South Dakota, woman pleaded guilty to two counts of Wire Fraud and one count of Tax Evasion in federal district court.
Jennifer Durham, age 42, was charged on June 30, 2020. Durham appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Veronica L. Duffy on July 16, 2020, and pleaded guilty to the felony charges. The maximum penalty on each of the wire fraud counts is 20 years in federal prison and/or a $250,000 fine, 3 years of supervised release, and $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. The maximum penalty on each the tax evasion count is 5 years in federal prison and/or a $250,000 fine, 3 years of supervised release, and $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Restitution may also be ordered.
Between February 2010 and June 2019, Durham, while employed as the office manager for Rapid City Professional Hockey, LLC (RCPH), stole $700,000.00 from RCPH. Durham used the stolen money for her own personal expenses and also transferred money to bank accounts she controlled. In order to cover up her theft, Durham made false entries into the RCPH accounting records to give the illusion the money she was stealing was spent on legitimate business expenses.
During the same time period, Durham also willfully attempted to evade or defeat taxes imposed under the Internal Revenue Code. Durham accomplished this by underreporting her income from tax years 2010 through 2018 by a total of $688,867.67, resulting in a tax loss of $186,277.00.
As part of the plea agreement, Durham agreed to pay restitution to RCPH totaling $700,000.00, and to pay the IRS $186,277.00.
The investigation was conducted by the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Benjamin Patterson is prosecuting the case.
Durham was released pending sentencing, to be scheduled at a later date.
Former Gym Owner Sentenced to 30 Years for Drug TraffickingRead the Press Release
NEWPORT NEWS, Va. – The former owner of 9Round Gym in Peninsula Town Center was sentenced today to 30 years in prison for leading a large-scale drug trafficking organization on the Virginia Peninsula.
According to court documents, from 2013 to 2017, Alex Jermaine Burnett, 39, supervised a number of individuals in the distribution of cocaine, heroin, MDMA, marijuana and cocaine base or “crack.” This organization was receiving kilogram quantities of the narcotics and then distributing them throughout the Hampton Roads area, Newport News and James City County. During the course of the drug trafficking activities, Burnett began to receive information from former law enforcement officer, Deangelo Freeman. The law enforcement sensitive information alerted Burnett and his organization to the ongoing FBI investigation and compromised an undercover confidential informant.
Freeman previously pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute cocaine and faces a mandatory minimum sentence of five years in prison and a maximum of 40 years in prison when sentenced on July 31.
Alex Burnett’s sentencing follows the 14 year sentence imposed on his father, Robert Burnett, 67, of Carrollton.
The case was investigated as part of the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF), Operation Brim Reaper. The OCDETF program is a federal multi-agency, multi-jurisdictional task force that supplies supplemental federal funding to the federal and state agencies involved in the identification, investigation, and prosecution of major drug trafficking organizations. The principle mission of the OCDETF program is to identify, disrupt and dismantle the most serious drug trafficking, weapons trafficking and money laundering organizations, and those primarily responsible for the nation’s illegal drug supply.
G. Zachary Terwilliger, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia; Martin Culbreth, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Norfolk Field Office; and Terry L. Sult, Chief of Hampton Police Division, made the announcement after sentencing by Chief U.S. District Judge Mark S. Davis. Assistant U.S. Attorney Eric M. Hurt and Special Assistant Rebecca Dunnan of the Department of Justice Organized Crime and Gang Section are prosecuting the case.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. Related court documents and information are located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 4:17-cr-111.
Felon Who Fled from Police Sentenced to 60 Months in Prison for Possessing a FirearmRead the Press Release
St. Louis, Missouri – Leneko Waller, 26, of St. Louis, Missouri was sentenced to 60 months in prison for being a felon in possession of a firearm. He appeared in federal court today before U.S. District Judge Ronnie L. White.
According to the plea agreement, on October 5, 2019, officers with St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department received a radio call regarding an SUV chasing a white sedan in the area. Officers observed the white sedan driving erratically at Mullanphy and N. 16th. Officers then observed a white SUV chasing the sedan. The SUV pulled into the BP gas station at 2005 N. Florissant. Officers shined a light into the SUV and saw Waller driving the vehicle with no other passengers. The SUV then left the lot at a high rate of speed, made traffic violations, and was observed to be fishtailing. The SUV traveled through multiple stop signs and drove on the wrong side of the road, forcing other vehicles to pull to the side of the road to avoid being struck. Approximately five minutes later, a radio call reported a white SUV had crashed at 10th Street and St. Louis Ave. and the driver had fled to the Days Inn at 2810 N. 9th Street wearing a black t-shirt and beige pants. As officers arrived at the Days Inn, they observed Waller in the parking lot matching the description of the 911 call and as the same person officers saw driving the SUV. Officers arrested Waller for fleeing and determined he was in possession of the key fob for the SUV. Officers located a firearm, a Springfield .40 caliber pistol with an extended magazine containing 19 rounds, beneath the driver’s seat in the vehicle. In the backseat of the vehicle was an insurance card and MO driver’s license issued to Waller.
As part of Waller’s plea agreement, he has agreed to pay the City of St. Louis $15,000 in damages he caused to St. Louis City property during his flight from law enforcement.
This case was investigated by the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department.
Felon Charged with Possession of Firearm and AmmunitionRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Lawrence man was charged yesterday with being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition.
Stephen Skeirik, 36, was charged by criminal complaint with being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition. Skeirik is currently serving a state sentence and is scheduled to appear in federal court in Boston on July 23, 2020.
According to charging documents, on Feb. 27, 2020, police observed Skeirik and another individual engage in a suspected drug transaction. When detectives approached Skeirik, he ran and threw a loaded Rugar .380 caliber pistol into a neighboring yard. During a search of his home detectives located another loaded firearm – a Rugar 9mm pistol loaded with seven rounds of ammunition, drug paraphernalia, police badges and clothing and handcuffs.
Due to previous convictions punishable by more than one year in prison, Skeirik is prohibited from possessing firearms and ammunition.
The charge of being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition provides for a sentence of up to 10 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
United States Attorney Andrew E. Lelling and Kelly D. Brady, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Boston Field Division made the announcement. Valuable assistance was provided by the Massachusetts Parole Board, Lawrence Police Department and the Essex County District Attorney’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Philip C. Cheng of Lelling’s Narcotics and Money Laundering Unit is prosecuting the case.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. 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 is also part of Project Guardian, the Department of Justice’s signature initiative to reduce gun violence and enforce federal firearms laws. Initiated by the Attorney General in the fall of 2019, Project Guardian draws upon the Department’s past successful programs to reduce gun violence; enhances coordination of federal, state, local, and tribal authorities in investigating and prosecuting gun crimes; improves information-sharing by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives when a prohibited individual attempts to purchase a firearm and is denied by the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS), to include taking appropriate actions when a prospective purchaser is denied by the NICS for mental health reasons; and ensures that federal resources are directed at the criminals posing the greatest threat to our communities. For more information about Project Guardian, please see: https://www.justice.gov/projectguardian.
The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Felon Charged with Possession of Firearm and AmmunitionRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Lawrence man was charged yesterday with being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition.
Nathaniel Toribio, 22, charged by criminal complaint with being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition, made an initial appearance yesterday in federal court in Boston. He was detained pending a detention hearing scheduled for July 20, 2020.
As alleged in court documents, on Nov. 24, 2019, state parole officers were in Lawrence in an attempt to locate Toribio, who had removed his GPS monitoring device and absconded from parole supervision. Upon locating Toribio, the officers discovered an un-holstered, loaded firearm inside Toribio’s waistband. The firearm was identified as a Ruger Security-9 9mm pistol with 10 rounds of ammunition in the magazine. Toribio was arrested and charged in state court.
Due to previous convictions punishable by more than one year in prison, Toribio is prohibited from possessing firearms and ammunition.
The charge of being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition provides for a sentence of up to 10 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
United States Attorney Andrew E. Lelling and Kelly D. Brady, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Boston Field Division made the announcement. Valuable assistance was provided by the Massachusetts Parole Board, Lawrence Police Department and the Essex County District Attorney’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Philip C. Cheng of Lelling’s Narcotics and Money Laundering Unit is prosecuting the case.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. 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 is also part of Project Guardian, the Department of Justice’s signature initiative to reduce gun violence and enforce federal firearms laws. Initiated by the Attorney General in the fall of 2019, Project Guardian draws upon the Department’s past successful programs to reduce gun violence; enhances coordination of federal, state, local, and tribal authorities in investigating and prosecuting gun crimes; improves information-sharing by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives when a prohibited individual attempts to purchase a firearm and is denied by the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS), to include taking appropriate actions when a prospective purchaser is denied by the NICS for mental health reasons; and ensures that federal resources are directed at the criminals posing the greatest threat to our communities. For more information about Project Guardian, please see: https://www.justice.gov/projectguardian.
The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Federal Judge Sentences Boone, N.C. Man to 20 Years for Transporting and Possessing Child PornographyRead the Press Release
CHARLOTTE, N.C. – Today, U. S. District Judge Kenneth D. Bell sentenced Thomas Arthur Rittenhouse, 76, of Boone, N.C. to 20 years in prison on child pornography charges, announced Andrew Murray, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina. In addition to the prison term imposed, Rittenhouse was ordered to a lifetime of supervised release and to register as a sex offender.
According to filed court documents, evidence presented at Rittenhouse’s trial, and today’s sentencing hearing, between 2014 and 2017, Rittenhouse used peer-to-peer computer networks to obtain dozens of videos depicting children being sexually abused. Rittenhouse also made the child abuse videos available for download by other users of the peer-to-peer network. Evidence presented at trial established that Rittenhouse specifically used search terms associated with child abuse material to seek out such videos and images, and then shared those images with others. A forensic analysis of the devices that belonged to Rittenhouse revealed that he possessed more than 60 videos and 74 images depicting the sexual abuse of children, including adult men sexually abusing prepubescent children. According to court records, the defendant also told law enforcement that he had downloaded and deleted more than 1,000 child pornography files in the previous fifteen years.
In December 2019, a federal jury convicted Rittenhouse of two counts of transportation of child pornography, and one count of possession of child pornography. He is currently in federal custody and will be transferred to the custody of the federal Bureau of Prisons upon designation of a federal facility.
In making today’s announcement U.S. Attorney Murray commended the Boone Police Department and the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation for their investigation of this case, and thanked Homeland Security Investigations and the Federal Bureau of Investigation for their assistance.
Assistant United States Attorney Alfredo DeLaRosa prosecuted the case for the United States.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse, launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
Essentra Fze Admits to North Korean Sanctions and Fraud Violations, Agrees to Pay FineRead the Press Release
Essentra FZE Company Limited (Essentra FZE), a global supplier of cigarette products that is incorporated in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), has agreed to pay a $665,112 fine and enter into a deferred prosecution agreement with the Justice Department for conspiring to violate the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) and defrauding the United States in connection with evading sanctions on North Korea.
Today’s public filing against Essentra FZE is the first ever Department of Justice corporate enforcement action for violations of these regulations. Essentra FZE has also entered into a settlement agreement with the Treasury Department’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC).
Assistant Attorney General John C. Demers for the Justice Department’s National Security Division, Acting U.S. Attorney Michael R. Sherwin of the District of Columbia, and Special Agent in Charge Jennifer C. Boone of the FBI’s Baltimore Field Office made the announcement.
In entering the deferred prosecution agreement, Essentra FZE admitted and accepted responsibility for its criminal conduct and to pay a fine. Essentra FZE also agreed to implement rigorous internal controls and to cooperate fully with the Justice Department, including by reporting any criminal conduct by an employee.
“The sanctions the United States has imposed on the North Korean regime are of the utmost importance to the national security of our nation, and the enforcement of U.S. sanctions and related financial criminal laws is a major priority of the National Security Division” said Assistant Attorney General for National Security John C. Demers. “Essentra FZE devised a criminal scheme to use a deceitful web of front companies and financial entities to manipulate U.S. banks into processing prohibited U.S. dollar transactions for the benefit of North Korea. The company has now committed to working with our prosecutors to bring those individuals responsible for these acts to justice.”
“Essentra FZE undermined the integrity of our financial system and harmed our national security by deliberately providing North Korea with coveted access to the U.S. economy,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Sherwin. “Foreign companies transacting through the U.S. financial system or overseas branches of U.S. banks must comply with U.S. sanctions or else face punishment.”
“This is an important case as it demonstrates the FBI will not hesitate to hold businesses accountable for violating sanctions involving North Korea,” said Alan E. Kohler Jr, Assistant Director of the FBI's Counterintelligence Division. “We will aggressively go after enterprises using front companies, false documents, or other illegal methods to evade sanctions. We want North Korea and private industry to know that efforts to dodge our laws will never be tolerated as business as usual.”
“Today’s agreement shows that attempts to skirt U.S. sanctions, no matter how complicated the trail or how complex the scheme, will be discovered and met with serious consequences,” said Jennifer Boone, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Baltimore Division. “I want to thank the FBI team. This result is a testament to their hard work.”
U.S. sanctions prevented correspondent banks in the United States and overseas branches of U.S. banks from processing wire transfers on behalf of customers located in North Korea. According to admissions and court documents, beginning in at least October 2017 and continuing until at least December 2018, Essentra FZE deceived banks in the U.S. and in the U.A.E. into processing transactions for a North Korean tobacco company. Essentra FZE and its co-conspirators utilized financial cutouts and front companies to conceal the North Korean nexus, as well as falsified shipping records.
Assuming Essentra FZE’s continued compliance with the deferred prosecution agreement, the government has agreed to defer prosecution for a period of three years, after which time, the government would seek to dismiss the charges.
Elmira Man Charged with Multiple Child Pornography ChargesRead 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 Brian Thomas, 59 of Elmira, NY, was arrested and charged by criminal complaint with receipt, possession, and distribution of child pornography. Due to Thomas’ previous criminal history involving child sexual exploitation crimes, the charges carry an enhanced minimum penalty of 15 years in prison, an enhanced maximum penalty of 40 years in prison, and a $250,000 fine.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Kyle P. Rossi, who is handling the case, stated that according to the complaint, on March 29, 2020, the defendant distributed to an undercover FBI Task Force Officer child pornography depicting the sexual abuse of several prepubescent children online. After using IP information to trace the child pornography, investigators located Thomas and executed a search warrant at his residence. They seized digital storage devices, including a computer and thumb drive. A preliminary forensic examination found evidence that Thomas received and possessed child pornography on both devices.
The defendant is currently a registered sex offender, following prior New York State convictions for child sexual abuse, child pornography, and child exploitation crimes.
Thomas was most recently released from state prison in 2014, following a three year prison term.
The defendant made an initial appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge Marian W. Payson, and is being held pending a detention hearing scheduled for July 23, 2020.
The criminal complaint is the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Corning Office, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Stephen Belongia, and the Elmira Police Department, under the direction of Chief Joseph Kane.
Anyone with information regarding this defendant is asked to contact the Corning FBI Office at 1-607-962-9761.
The fact that a defendant has been charged with a crime is merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
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Drug trafficker sentenced to 35 yearsRead the Press Release
Indianapolis – United States Attorney Josh J. Minkler announced today that Michael L. Jones, 38, Kokomo, Ind. was sentenced to 35 years in federal prison and 5 years of supervised release by U.S. District Court Judge James R. Sweeney II.
“Holding Mr. Jones accountable for his drug trafficking dealings, will hopefully help restore some peace and tranquility in the Kokomo neighborhoods he was infecting,” said Minkler. “My message to those who choose to sell illegal drugs and spread the addictions that follow, is that if you don’t choose a different path then you will be held accountable and experience the wrath of federal prosecution.”
From late of 2017 to May 1, 2018, Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Indianapolis District Office, Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation, and the Kokomo Police Department conducted an extensive investigation that resulted in the federal arrest of 15 Kokomo, Indiana residents including Jones.
During the investigation, agents seized approximately 17 pounds of methamphetamine, 2 pounds of cocaine, 2 ounces of heroin, 122 grams of fentanyl, $37,000 in drug proceeds and 24 firearms.
In November 2019, Mr. Jones was one of four defendants found guilty after a three week jury trial. Jones was convicted of the following federal offenses: Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and to distribute controlled substances, distribution of 50 grams or more of methamphetamine, possession with intent to distribute 5 grams or more of methamphetamine and heroin, felon in possession of a firearm, and laundering of monetary instruments.
This case was the result of an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration, Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation, and the Kokomo Police Department.
DEA Assistant Special Agent in Charge, Michael Gannon said, “The 35 year sentence for Mr. Jones was justice for the fine citizens of Kokomo. Mr. Jones was one of the most violent drug traffickers in the city of Kokomo and had an extensive criminal history. He used violence, fear and intimidation as a platform to feed his illegal activities. This long prison sentence allows the citizens of Kokomo to sleep better and puts all drug dealers on notice that DEA and their state, local and federal counterparts will utilize all resources available to hold violent offenders accountable. DEA thanks the Kokomo Police Department and the United States Attorney’s Office for their outstanding work.”
“The laundering of illegal drug proceeds is essential to finance these illegal organizations,” said Kathy Enstrom, Special Agent in Charge of IRS Criminal Investigation Chicago Field Office. “This 35-year sentence of Mr. Jones sends a strong message to the community that IRS Criminal Investigation will put in the work required to follow the money and bring these criminals to justice. IRS-CI is proud to have contributed our financial expertise to this investigation which has had a direct impact on the safety of the Kokomo community.”
“The Kokomo Police Department appreciates the hard work of our partners at the DEA and United States Attorney’s Office.” said Kokomo Police Department Captain Tonda Cockrell. “The dismantling of the Drug Trafficking Organization of Reggie Balentine, Michael Jones, and Pierre Riley had a significant effect on the Kokomo community. The sentences handed down by the federal courts has sent a clear message as to the impact of this criminal activity.”
In October 2017, United States Attorney Josh J. Minkler announced a Strategic Plan designed to shape and strengthen the District’s response to its public safety challenges. This demonstrates the office’s firm commitment to target, investigate, and prosecute organizations that distribute methamphetamine and or heroin. See United States Attorney’s Office, Southern District of Indiana Strategic Plan Section 3.1, 3.3.
Drug Dealer Who Sold Fentanyl to Overdose Victim Sentenced to More Than 11 Years in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that EDGARDO RIVERA, also known as “Eggy,” 28, of Hartford, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Kari A. Dooley in Bridgeport to 138 months of imprisonment, followed by four years of supervised release, for fentanyl distribution and firearm possession offenses.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on July 17, 2017, the Southington Police Department and emergency medical personnel responded to a Southington residence on a report of an unresponsive male. At the residence, medical personnel pronounced a male victim deceased of a suspected drug overdose. Investigators collected bags, which were later found to contain fentanyl, from the scene.
The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner subsequently determined the victim’s cause of death to be “acute fentanyl toxicity.”
The investigation revealed that the victim purchased fentanyl from Rivera the day before the victim died from ingesting the drug.
In May and June 2018, law enforcement conducted controlled purchases of fentanyl and heroin from Rivera.
Rivera has been detained since October 5, 2018, when he was arrested on a criminal complaint. At the time of his arrest, he was found in possession of approximately 300 grams of controlled substances containing heroin and fentanyl, a loaded 9mm pistol, and more than $14,000 in cash.
On May 23, 2019, Rivera pleaded guilty to one count of possession with intent to distribute, and distribution of, 40 grams or more of fentanyl, and one count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a narcotics trafficking offense.
U.S. Attorney Durham noted that federal prisoners are required to serve at least 85 percent of their prison term and are not eligible for parole.
This investigation was conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration’s New Haven Task Force, U.S. Marshals Service and Southington Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Douglas P. Morabito.
Denver Developer Sentenced for Arson in Conjunction with Grove Street FireRead the Press Release
DENVER – United States Attorney Jason R. Dunn announced that Michael Marte, age 55, of Denver, was sentenced today to serve 120 months (10 years) in federal prison followed by 3 years of supervised release for arson in connection with the fire at 1920 and 1930 Grove Street. He was also ordered to pay $2,894,443 in restitution to the victims of his crime. Marte appeared at the hearing in custody. He was remanded at the conclusion of the sentencing hearing. The Denver Division of the ATF and the Denver Fire Department joined in the announcement.
According to the stipulated facts contained in Marte’s plea agreement, starting in approximately May of 2017, the defendant was hired by an Australian real estate developer to oversee a substantial construction project in West Denver. The developer had purchased two residential lots for redevelopment on Grove Street. The project consisted of scrapping two single home residences and replacing them with two separate multi-unit buildings on each lot. Each building contained seven townhomes. Marte was paid an annual salary of $200,000 to supervise the construction. The project continued into early 2018, when both buildings were in the final phase, complete with roofing, siding, doors and windows. Interior finishing touches were still needed.
On May 10, 2018, the victim developer travelled to Denver from Australia for purposes of meeting with the defendant and inspecting the progress of the project. However, around 2:00 a.m. on May 10, 2018, while the developer was still on a plane to Denver, both buildings became engulfed in a fire which caused total destruction of both units. The loss was estimated at $4 million. The Denver Fire Department characterized the fire as a “three-alarm blaze” meaning it required approximately half of Denver’s Fire Department to extinguish it. They fought the fire for approximately 8 hours.
Denver Fire Investigators and ATF agents quickly suspected arson. One key piece of evidence was surveillance from a video doorbell camera, which was provided by a nearby resident. It showed a vehicle identical to the defendant’s driving into the area shortly before the blaze began. It also showed large billows of smoke and flames rising from the buildings. Another surveillance video showed a man of Marte’s description quickly walking away after the fire started. Investigators found clothes that had fire accelerant on them that were matched to the defendant through DNA.
The investigation also uncovered that during the construction the defendant purchased a $4 million insurance policy on the property with himself names as the beneficiary. Shortly after the fire he quickly attempted to obtain the insurance money. Those attempts failed.
“Mr. Marte thought he could steal $4,000,000 by igniting a fire that destroyed someone else’s property and put lives at risk,” said U.S. Attorney Jason Dunn. “But arson is a serious crime that has serious criminal consequences, as Mr. Marte has now discovered the hard way.”
“The collaborative effort between ATF, the Denver Fire Department and the United States Attorney’s Office lead to today’s sentence for Mr. Marte,” said Acting Denver ATF Special Agent in Charge Bradley Engelbert. “ATF will always work to bring violent criminals to justice and are proud of our partnerships across law enforcement and fire services. We are thankful that no firefighters were injured by Mr. Marte’s actions.”
“This very important accomplishment would not be possible without the hard work and dedication of numerous people,” said Fire Chief Todd Bower. “I would personally like to thank the members of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, and the Department of Justice who all have worked in a collaborative partnership with the Fire Investigators from the Denver Fire Department to secure this conviction.”
The sentence was pronounced by U.S. District Court Judge William J. Martinez. Marte was charged by indictment on January 6, 2018, and pleaded guilty on November 25, 2019. This case was investigated by the Denver Division of the ATF and the Denver Fire Department. The defendant was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Tim Neff.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Colorado. Related court documents can be found on PACER by searching for Case Number 18-cr-00573.
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.
Darien Center Man Sentenced for Receiving Child Pornography from Young GirlsRead 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 Alexander Seegar, 30, of Darien Center, NY, who was convicted of receipt of child pornography, was sentenced to serve 96 months in prison by Chief U.S. District Judge Frank P. Geraci, Jr.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Aaron J. Mango, who handled the case, stated that Seegar, posing as a 16 or 17-year-old boy, was sexting 10-12 year old female students at a school in Niagara County. The defendant used the Instagram profile “davidlissachi” to communicate with the girls and asked them for sexually explicit photos. Seegar also communicated with other minors between the ages of 10 and 15 and asked them to send him sexually explicit photos in exchange for pictures of male genitalia. The defendant was found in possession of numerous photos containing child pornography.
The sentencing is the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Buffalo Office, under the direction of Special Agent-in Charge Stephen Belongia, and the Lewiston Police Department, under the direction of Chief Frank Previte.
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Convicted Felon Pleads Guilty to Illegal Possession of a Firearm During a Domestic Violence IncidentRead the Press Release
LAFAYETTE, La. – United States Attorney David C. Joseph announced that Jeremy Rubin, 32, of Lafayette, Louisiana, pled guilty today before U.S. District Judge Robert R. Summerhays, to possession of a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon.
On August 19, 2018, Lafayette Police Department officers responded to a domestic disturbance call. When they arrived on the scene, officers made contact with Rubin’s girlfriend who explained that Rubin had threatened her, then directed her into a bedroom, placed a handgun to her head and stated that she did not deserve to live. Rubin denied having a firearm, but the victim advised the officers that Rubin had secured the firearm inside a case in his vehicle. A search warrant was granted for the vehicle and a Hi-Point C9 9mm firearm and six bullets were recovered from a case bearing Rubin’s name. A check through NCIC revealed that the firearm had been reported stolen.
Rubin has a prior 2008 felony robbery conviction. As a result of his prior felony conviction, Rubin is prohibited by federal law from possessing firearms or ammunition.
At sentencing, Rubin faces up to 10 years in prison, three years of supervised release, and a $250,000 fine, as well as forfeiture of the firearm and ammunition related to this offense.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and Lafayette Police Department conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jamilla A. Bynog is prosecuting the case.
This case was brought as part of the Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) initiative. PSN is a program that has been historically successful in bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make neighborhoods safer for everyone. PSN plays a major role in the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction strategy. 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. To learn more about Project Safe Neighborhoods, go to www.justice.gov/psn.
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The year 2020 marks the 150th anniversary of the Department of Justice. Learn more about the history of our agency at www.Justice.gov/Celebrating150Years.
Clearfield County Tax Preparer Pleads Guilty in Federal CourtRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH - A Clearfield County woman waived indictment and pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of aiding and assisting in the preparation or filing of a false income tax return, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.
Kathy Billotte, age 59, of Frenchville, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty before Senior United States District Judge Arthur J. Schwab.
In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that Billotte was a tax return preparer and operated a tax return preparation business known as "K B Tax Services" in Clearfield County. She falsified annual income tax returns prepared for at least 15 individuals during the period 2013 through 2017, ensuring the individuals received tax refunds to which they were not entitled. Specifically related to the offense to which she pleaded guilty, Billotte prepared and filed on February 26, 2016, a 2015 federal income tax return for a taxpayer identified as "T.G." on which she falsely and fraudulently reported that he/she operated a private business and incurred business expenses, as well as inflated unreimbursed business expenses and charitable donations. The total tax loss to the Internal Revenue Service or all 15 clients was $196,105.
Judge Schwab scheduled sentencing for November 18, 2020, at 11:30 a.m. The law provides for a total sentence of not more than three years in prison, a fine not to exceed $250,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant. Billotte was released on bond pending sentencing in the case.
Assistant United States Attorney Carolyn J. Bloch is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The Internal Revenue Service - Criminal Investigation conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Billotte.
Charleroi Man Indicted on Charges Relating to the Sexual Exploitation of a MinorRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH - A resident of Charleroi, Pennsylvania, has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on charges of production and attempted production of material depicting the sexual exploitation of a minor, receipt of material depicting the sexual exploitation of a minor, and attempted coercion and enticement of a minor to engage in illegal sexual activity, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.
The five-count Indictment, returned on June 3, 2020, named Joey Leroy Barton, age 49, of Charleroi, Pennsylvania, as the sole defendant.
According to the Indictment, from February 18, 2019 until on or about November 10, 2019, Barton coerced and induced a child victim to engage in sexually explicit conduct for the purpose of producing a visual depiction of such conduct and, on March 28, 2019 and on April 10, 2019, Barton received digital images depicting the sexual exploitation of the minor.
The law provides for a maximum total sentence of not more than life in prison, a fine of $1,250,000 or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant United States Attorney Heidi M. Grogan is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The Department of Homeland Security-Homeland Security Investigations, the Roseville (Minnesota) Police Department, and the North Strabane Police Department conducted the investigation leading to the Indictment in this case.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
An indictment is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
California Man Charged with COVID-Relief FraudRead the Press Release
A California man was arrested today and charged with fraudulently seeking over $8.5 million in Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans, announced Acting Assistant Attorney General Brian C. Rabbitt of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division and U.S. Attorney Nicola T. Hanna of the Central District of California.
Andrew Marnell, 40, of Los Angeles, California, was charged by criminal complaint, unsealed today upon his arrest, in the Central District of California with one count of bank fraud.
The complaint alleges that Marnell obtained approximately $8.5 million in PPP loans through applications to insured financial institutions, and others, on behalf of different companies. The complaint alleges that Marnell caused to be submitted fraudulent loan applications that made numerous false and misleading statements about the companies’ respective business operations and payroll expenses. The complaint also alleges that, in further support of the fraudulent loan applications, Marnell submitted fake and altered documents, including fake federal tax filings and employee payroll records. The complaint also alleges that these loan applications were made by using false and fraudulent identifications that were aliases of Marnell.
The complaint further alleges that Marnell then transferred the fraudulently-obtained loan proceeds to his brokerage account to make risky stock-market bets and similarly spent hundreds of thousands of dollars in fraudulently-obtained loan proceeds at a Las Vegas casino.
The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act is a federal law enacted March 29. It is designed to provide emergency financial assistance to millions of Americans who are suffering the economic effects resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic. One source of relief provided by the CARES Act is the authorization of up to $349 billion in forgivable loans to small businesses for job retention and certain other expenses through the PPP. In April 2020, Congress authorized over $300 billion in additional PPP funding.
The PPP allows qualifying small businesses and other organizations to receive loans with a maturity of two years and an interest rate of one percent. Businesses must use PPP loan proceeds for payroll costs, interest on mortgages, rent and utilities. The PPP allows the interest and principal to be forgiven if businesses spend the proceeds on these expenses within a set time period and use at least a certain percentage of the loan towards payroll expenses.
A criminal complaint is merely an allegation and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
This case was investigated by the Federal Housing Finance Agency – Office of Inspector General, the FBI, Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation – Office of Inspector General, IRS – Criminal Investigation, the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration, and the Small Business Administration Office of Inspector General. The California Department of Justice – Bureau of Gambling Control also provided assistance in the investigation. Trial Attorney Scott Armstrong of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Kerry Quinn of the Central District of California are prosecuting the case.
Anyone with information about allegations of attempted fraud involving COVID-19 can report it by calling the Department of Justice’s National Center for Disaster Fraud Hotline at 866-720-5721 or via the NCDF Web Complaint Form at: https://www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form.
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.
Boulder County Woman Sentenced to Federal Prison for Stealing More Than $429,000 from Federal GovernmentRead the Press Release
DENVER – United States Attorney Jason R. Dunn announced today that Kathleen McCalib, age 52, of Boulder, was sentenced to serve 8 months in federal prison, followed by 3 years on supervised release for theft of government funds. McCalib was also ordered to pay $429,000 in restitution to her victims. She appeared at the sentencing hearing free on bond, and was ordered to report to a facility designated by the U.S. Bureau of Prisons. The Offices of the Inspector General for both the Social Security Administration and the Office of Personnel Management joined in today’s announcement.
According to the stipulated facts contained in the plea agreement, McCalib’s father died in late 2006. At the time he died, he was receiving both Social Security retirement benefits and a civil service retirement pension from his time as a federal employee. The federal government was not informed of his death, so these payments continued to be deposited each month into a joint account that McCalib held with her father. For about the next twelve years, McCalib continued to spend these funds, frequently forged her deceased father’s signature on checks, including large checks to herself that she wrote, and then endorsed on the back with her own signature. She occasionally paid a home mortgage from the account. By the time law enforcement caught up with her, McCalib had taken and spent $429,454.46 in federal government money to which she was not entitled.
“Ms. McCalib stole from taxpayers by cashing electronic checks issued to her deceased father,” said U.S. Attorney Jason Dunn. “Now she will have the opportunity to repay that theft with not only her money, but with her time in a federal prison.”
“The theft of Government funds is a Federal crime that directly impacts the American taxpayer,” said Norbert E. Vint, Deputy Inspector General, performing the duties of the Inspector General, Office of Personnel Management. “This sentencing is an important step toward restoring the financial integrity of the retirement program and the trust fund.”
“For over a dozen years, Ms. McCalib failed to report her father’s death, and instead took over $74,000 in Social Security benefits knowing that it was not her money and intending to put it to her own use. The Social Security Administration (SSA) Office of the Inspector General (OIG) will continue to work closely with SSA and other agencies to identify those who misuse benefits after someone dies,” said Gail S. Ennis, Inspector General of Social Security. “I want to thank the Office of Personnel Management OIG for its efforts in investigating this case, and the United States Attorney’s Office’s for bringing this individual to justice.”
McCalib was charged by Information on December 19, 2019. Her guilty plea was entered on January 14, 2020. She was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Raymond P. Moore.
This case was jointly investigated by the Inspector General offices of both the Office of Personnel Management and the Social Security Administration. The sentencing was handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Bryan D. Fields.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Colorado. Related court documents can be found on PACER by searching for Case Number 19-cr-532.
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
Bakersfield Man Pleads Guilty to Destroying Evidence in a Federal InvestigationRead the Press Release
FRESNO, Calif. — Jerome Roberson, 33, of Bakersfield, pleaded guilty today to destroying evidence in a federal investigation, U.S. Attorney McGregor W. Scott announced.
According to court documents, on Dec. 2, 2019, Roberson was facilitating prostitution in the Bakersfield area using his cellphone and by other means. At the time, federal agents were investigating Roberson due to his involvement in the Country Boy Crip gang in Bakersfield. Roberson smashed his cellphone in an effort to conceal evidence when he was confronted by federal agents. On Dec. 17, 2019, Roberson was charged with using a cellular device to facilitate interstate prostitution and obstruction of justice.
This case is the product of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Bakersfield Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Thomas Newman is prosecuting the case.
Roberson is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Dale A. Drozd on Oct. 16. Roberson faces a maximum statutory penalty of 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000. The actual sentence, however, will be determined at the discretion of the court after consideration of any applicable statutory factors and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, which take into account a number of variables.
Attorney General William P. Barr Announces the Appointment of Prim F. Escalona as Interim U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of AlabamaRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Attorney General William P. Barr announced today the appointment of Prim F. Escalona as Interim U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Alabama, pursuant to 28 U.S.C. § 546.
As Interim U.S. Attorney, Escalona will serve as the Northern District of Alabama’s chief federal law enforcement officer, supervising an office of approximately 48 Assistant U.S. Attorneys, 38 support staff, and 12 contract support staff. Escalona will be responsible for prosecuting federal criminal offenses and representing the United States in civil litigation in the district.
“I am pleased to appoint Prim F. Escalona as Interim U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Alabama. Prim is a dedicated public servant with extensive legal experience. Prim’s commitment to preserving the rule of law and dedication to the mission of the Department of Justice will make her an outstanding U.S. Attorney for her home state of Alabama,” said Attorney General William P. Barr.
“Prim is an exceptional lawyer, an excellent manager, and a person of great integrity and the highest ethical standards. Prim has been front and center in our efforts to advance the Department’s legislative agenda with Congress, working on issues ranging from child exploitation to violent crime reduction,” said Stephen E. Boyd, Assistant Attorney General of the Department of Justice’s Office of Legislative Affairs, and a native of Birmingham, Alabama. “Prim played an integral role in the roll out of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), the Department’s successful anti-crime initiative. PSN is based on building strong working relationships between the Department and the local law enforcement community, and I know Prim will enthusiastically bring that perspective to her work in the Northern District. Prim shares the values of the people of Alabama, and police forces across the state can rest assured that they have a strong ally in their U.S. Attorney.”
Escalona has held multiple leadership positions within the Department of Justice. For the past two years, Escalona has served in the Department’s Office of Legislative Affairs as the Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General, where she managed an expansive legislative portfolio and helped establish and manage a new Department component, the State and Local Law Enforcement Coordination Section. Prior to her time in the Office of Legislative Affairs, Escalona served in the Department of Justice’s Office of Legal Policy as a Deputy Assistant Attorney General, where she developed and reviewed policy initiatives for the Attorney General.
Prior to her tenure at the Department of Justice, Escalona was an associate at Maynard, Cooper & Gale, a visiting assistant professor at the University of Alabama School of Law, a Deputy Solicitor General in the Office of the Attorney General of the State of Alabama, and a law clerk for the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit in Montgomery, Alabama. Escalona also served as a legislative assistant for two members of the U.S. Senate.
Escalona received her Juris Doctor degree from the University of Alabama School of Law, where she graduated summa cum laude and Order of the Coif. Escalona was a member of the Bench and Bar Legal Honor Society, and received the Harrison Award and the Dean Thomas W. Christopher Award. Escalona received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science and Sociology from Birmingham-Southern College, where she graduated magna cum laude.
For more information about the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Alabama, please visit https://www.justice.gov/usao-ndal.
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.
Attorney General William P. Barr Announces the Appointment of Prim F. Escalona as Interim U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of AlabamaRead the Press Release
Attorney General William P. Barr announced today the appointment of Prim F. Escalona as Interim U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Alabama, pursuant to 28 U.S.C. § 546.
As Interim U.S. Attorney, Escalona will serve as the Northern District of Alabama’s chief federal law enforcement officer, supervising an office of approximately 48 Assistant U.S. Attorneys, 38 support staff, and 12 contract support staff. Escalona will be responsible for prosecuting federal criminal offenses and representing the United States in civil litigation in the district.
“I am pleased to appoint Prim F. Escalona as Interim U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Alabama. Prim is a dedicated public servant with extensive legal experience. Prim’s commitment to preserving the rule of law and dedication to the mission of the Department of Justice will make her an outstanding U.S. Attorney for her home state of Alabama,” said Attorney General William P. Barr.
“Prim is an exceptional lawyer, an excellent manager, and a person of great integrity and the highest ethical standards. Prim has been front and center in our efforts to advance the Department’s legislative agenda with Congress, working on issues ranging from child exploitation to violent crime reduction,” said Stephen E. Boyd, Assistant Attorney General of the Department of Justice’s Office of Legislative Affairs, and a native of Birmingham, Alabama. “Prim played an integral role in the roll out of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), the Department’s successful anti-crime initiative. PSN is based on building strong working relationships between the Department and the local law enforcement community, and I know Prim will enthusiastically bring that perspective to her work in the Northern District. Prim shares the values of the people of Alabama, and police forces across the state can rest assured that they have a strong ally in their U.S. Attorney.”
Escalona has held multiple leadership positions within the Department of Justice. For the past two years, Escalona has served in the Department’s Office of Legislative Affairs as the Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General, where she managed an expansive legislative portfolio and helped establish and manage a new Department component, the State and Local Law Enforcement Coordination Section. Prior to her time in the Office of Legislative Affairs, Escalona served in the Department of Justice’s Office of Legal Policy as a Deputy Assistant Attorney General, where she developed and reviewed policy initiatives for the Attorney General.
Prior to her tenure at the Department of Justice, Escalona was an associate at Maynard, Cooper & Gale, a visiting assistant professor at the University of Alabama School of Law, a Deputy Solicitor General in the Office of the Attorney General of the State of Alabama, and a law clerk for the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit in Montgomery, Alabama. Escalona also served as a legislative assistant for two members of the U.S. Senate.
Escalona received her Juris Doctor degree from the University of Alabama School of Law, where she graduated summa cum laude and Order of the Coif. Escalona was a member of the Bench and Bar Legal Honor Society, and received the Harrison Award and the Dean Thomas W. Christopher Award. Escalona received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science and Sociology from Birmingham-Southern College, where she graduated magna cum laude.
For more information about the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Alabama, please visit https://www.justice.gov/usao-ndal.
Attorney General William Barr Assesses the Threats Posed by the Global Ambitions of the People's Republic of ChinaRead the Press Release
GRAND RAPIDS, MICHIGAN – United States Attorney General William Barr addressed an audience of corporate and academic leaders at the President Gerald R. Ford Museum in Grand Rapids, Michigan, on the threats posed by the People’s Republic of China to American business and academic interests. Following his speech, Deputy Assistant Attorney General Adam Hickey of the National Security Division, and United States Attorneys Andrew B. Birge, Western District of Michigan, and Matthew Schneider, Eastern District of Michigan, discussed the Department’s China Initiative, a program designed to counter those threats and protect American business and ingenuity.
Following Attorney General Barr’s speech and the presentation on the China Initiative, Deputy Assistant Attorney General Hickey and U.S. Attorneys Birge and Schneider took questions from attendees. Also available to the audience were Special Agent in Charge Steven D’Antuono of the Detroit Field Division of the FBI, Special Agent in Charge Dan Clutch of the Department of Commerce-Office of Export Enforcement-Chicago Regional Office, and Deputy Special Agent in Charge Angie Salazar of Immigration and Customs Enforcement-Homeland Security Investigations-Detroit Division.
“Attorney General Barr offered a clear-eyed assessment of the threats we face from the People’s Republic of China and what it will take for our country to respond,” said U.S. Attorney Andrew Birge. “The initiative we discussed after his remarks presented the audience with a similarly stark picture and the law enforcement resources we can make available to help protect our businesses and institutions and, ultimately, our national security.”
“There is no doubt in my mind that the largest economic, military, and geopolitical threat to the United States is the communist government of the People’s Republic of China. It is time that Michigan businesses recognize the China threat with open eyes,” said U.S. Attorney Matthew Schneider. “Our businesses must realize they are dealing with a regime whose goal is often to rob them of their business information, replicate it in China, and then kick businesses out of the marketplace.”
“Michigan, and particularly the Grand Rapids area, has long been synonymous with advanced manufacturing and American ingenuity. That is why it made perfect sense for the Attorney General to come here to deliver his policy speech about the threats American industry faces from the Chinese Communist Party,” said Adam S. Hickey, Deputy Assistant Attorney General of the National Security Division. “This dialogue with Michigan’s corporate and academic leaders was a terrific success, because it provided them with an accurate view of the threat landscape, which should better prepare them to protect themselves.”
A special thanks to Elaine Didier, Director of the Gerald R. Ford Museum and to the corporate and academic institution leaders who attended.
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Atlanta man convicted of armed assault of federal mail carrierRead the Press Release
ATLANTA, Ga. – Michael Terrell has pleaded guilty to forcibly assaulting a federal mail carrier, and brandishing a firearm in furtherance of that crime of violence.
“Terrell’s conduct is especially egregious as he showed no regard for the life of the mail carrier who was simply doing his job,” said U.S. Attorney Byung J. “BJay” Pak. “This kind of senseless attack jeopardizes the safety of both postal employees and the general public.”
“The safety and security of Postal Service employees is core to the mission of the Postal Inspection Service,” said Tommy D. Coke, Inspector in Charge of the Atlanta Division. “We will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to help protect our communities from the significant threats posed by criminals.”
“Crime, and the people who commit them, are destroying our communities,” said Arthur Peralta, ATF Special Agent in Charge. “Mr. Terrell’s actions show his complete disregard for his community and the safety of those who live there.”
“This assault on a representative the United States Postal Service (USPS) is disturbing and unacceptable. Criminals who would seek to harm public servants and people who seek to use the USPS as a means to traffic drugs must be held accountable to the fullest extent of the law,” said Atlanta Interim Police Chief Rodney Bryant.
According to U.S. Attorney Pak, the charges, and other information presented in court: On March 2, 2019, the DeKalb County Police Department and U.S. Postal Inspectors investigated the armed assault of a mail carrier at a restaurant in Tucker, Georgia. The mail carrier had just delivered a parcel to the cashier at the restaurant when Terrell grabbed the parcel and followed the mail carrier to his postal vehicle.
Terrell then attempted to block the mail carrier’s access to the vehicle, and forced his way inside the vehicle, and took the keys. Terrell began rummaging through the vehicle looking for the missing contents of the parcel, later determined to have been a large quantity of marijuana. Terrell then pulled a firearm on the mail carrier before fleeing the scene.
At the time of the assault, Michael Terrell, 25, of Decatur, Georgia, was under indictment in Fulton County, Georgia, for possession with intent to distribute marijuana and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a felony on December 7, 2018.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Laurel R. Boatright prosecuted the case.
The U.S. Postal Inspection Service, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, the DeKalb County Police Department, the City of Atlanta Police Department, and the Georgia State Patrol are investigating this case.
This case is bought as a part of the Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) initiative. In keeping with the Attorney General’s mission to reduce violent crime, the Northern District of Georgia’s PSN program focuses on prosecuting those individuals who most significantly drive violence in our communities, and supports and fosters partnerships between law enforcement and schools, the faith community, and local community leaders to prevent and deter future criminal conduct.
For further information please contact the U.S. Attorney’s Public Affairs Office at [email protected] or (404) 581-6016. The Internet address for the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Georgia is http://www.justice.gov/usao-ndga.
Associate of “Born to Kill” Drug Gang Leader Sentenced to Ten Months in Prison for Lying to the FBIRead the Press Release
PHILADELPHIA – United States Attorney William M. McSwain announced that Hai Nguyen, 37, of New Castle, Delaware, was sentenced to ten months in prison and three years of supervised release by United States District Court Judge J. Curtis Joyner for lying to the FBI during the course of a double homicide investigation.
On the night of August 26, 2014, Tam Le and four associates kidnapped three Philadelphia drug dealers who had failed to pay a substantial drug debt. Le was a member of a gang called “BTK” or “Born to Kill.” Le and his associates transported the three victims to the Schuylkill River, bound them with duct tape, weighed down their bodies, stabbed them, and dumped all three victims into the river. Two victims died in the river while the third somehow managed to crawl out of the river and flag down a passing motorist on Kelly Drive for assistance.
Hai Nguyen was a close friend of Tam Le. Immediately following the murders, Nguyen traveled from Delaware to Le’s house in Philadelphia. Le knew that the Philadelphia Police would be looking to arrest him for the murders, so he asked Nguyen to drive him and his family to New York State. The U.S. Marshals Service eventually hunted down Le and placed him under arrest. He was charged with the murders and convicted at trial. A Philadelphia County jury sentenced him to death.
At the same time, the FBI began investigating the crime in order to bring the other perpetrators, some of whom lived in New York, to justice. On three occasions, the FBI interviewed Hai Nguyen about traveling to Tam Le’s house following the murders. During those interviews, Nguyen repeatedly lied to the FBI and stated that he did not travel to Le’s house that night. The FBI subsequently obtained cell site data from Hai Nguyen’s phone and proved his lies.
“Lying to the FBI or to any federal investigating agency is always a serious offense, one which we will prosecute vigorously,” said U.S. Attorney McSwain. “But lying in the course of a federal double homicide investigation is a sure way to land in prison. This type of criminal dishonesty is reprehensible and will never be tolerated.”
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation with assistance from the Philadelphia Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Robert J. Livermore.
15 July 2020
Winchester Man Charged with COVID-Relief FraudRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Winchester man was indicted yesterday in connection with allegedly filing fraudulent loan applications seeking more than $13 million in forgivable loans guaranteed by the Small Business Administration (SBA) for COVID-19 relief through the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act.
Elijah Majak Buoi, 38, was indicted on four counts of wire fraud and one count of making a false statement to a financial institution. Buoi was arrested and charged by criminal complaint in June 2020.
According to the indictment, Buoi is the president and CEO of an information technology services company, Sosuda Tech, LLC. Between April 2020 and June 2020, Buoi allegedly submitted fraudulent applications for over $13 million in PPP loans through SBA-approved lenders. In these applications, Buoi misrepresented the number of employees and payroll expenses and falsely certified that the United States was the primary residence for his employees. Buoi also allegedly submitted falsified documentation in support of his applications for PPP funds. The indictment further alleges that Buoi ultimately received over $2 million in PPP funds.
The CARES Act is a federal law enacted on March 29, 2020, designed to provide emergency financial assistance to the millions of Americans who are suffering the economic effects caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. One source of relief provided by the CARES Act was the authorization of up to $349 billion in forgivable loans to small businesses for job retention and certain other expenses, through the PPP. In April 2020, Congress authorized over $300 billion in additional PPP funding.
The PPP allows qualifying small-businesses and other organizations to receive loans with a maturity of two years and an interest rate of 1 percent. PPP loan proceeds must be used by businesses on payroll costs, interest on mortgages, rent and utilities. The PPP allows the interest and principal on the PPP loan to be forgiven if businesses spend the proceeds on these expenses within a set time period and use at least a certain percentage of the loan towards payroll expenses.
The charge of wire fraud provides for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, up to three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000 or twice the gross gain or loss from the offense. The charge of making a false statement to a financial institution provides for a sentence of up to 30 years in prison, up to three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000 or twice the gross gain or loss from the offense. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
United States Attorney Andrew E. Lelling; Assistant Attorney General Brian A. Benczkowski of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division; Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Field Division; Kristina O’Connell, Special Agent in Charge of the Internal Revenue Service’s Criminal Investigation in Boston; Inspector General Mark Bialek of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System and the Consumer Protection Bureau, Office of Inspector General; Kevin Kupperbusch, Special Agent in Charge of the Small Business Association, Office of Inspector General, Eastern Regional Office; and Inspector General Jay N. Lerner of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, Officer of Inspector General made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Mackenzie Queenin and Carol Head of Lelling’s Office and Trial Attorney Della Sentilles of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section are prosecuting the case.
Massachusetts residents with information about attempted fraud involving COVID-19 should contact (add our hotline/email). Information about allegations of attempted fraud involving COVID-19 can also report it by calling the Department of Justice’s National Center for Disaster Fraud (BCDF) hotline by phone (1-866-720-5721) or via an online reporting form available at https://www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form.
The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Wichita Man Pleads Guilty to Growing MushroomsRead the Press Release
WICHITA, KAN. – A Wichita man who caught law enforcement’s attention when he was shot pleaded guilty today to growing hallucinogenic mushrooms, U.S. Attorney Stephen McAllister said.
Corey A. Logan, 35, Wichita, Kan., pleaded guilty to one count of manufacturing a controlled substance. In his plea, Logan admitted that in March 2018 police were dispatched to his home in the 1900 block of East Maywood. Logan reported being shot by an unknown assailant. Police found a mushroom growing operation in a bedroom of his home.
Sentencing is set for Oct. 2. He could face a penalty of up to 20 years in federal prison. McAllister commended the Wichita Police Department, the Drug Enforcement Administration and Assistant U.S. Attorney Lanny Welch for their work on the case.
West Hollywood Man Sentenced to Five Years in Federal Prison for Modern Art Fraud Scheme Involving Sale of Bogus WorksRead the Press Release
LOS ANGELES – A West Hollywood man pleaded guilty today in federal court in Miami to criminal charges stemming from the sale of bogus artworks he claimed were created by famed modern artists, and he was immediately ordered to serve 60 months in federal prison.
Philip Righter, 43, pleaded guilty to three felony charges in a case filed in Los Angeles and admitted selling works he falsely claimed were created by artists such as Jean-Michel Basquiat, Keith Haring, Roy Lichtenstein and Andy Warhol. Righter also admitted using fake artwork as collateral for loans on which he later defaulted, and using bogus pieces for fraudulent write-offs on his income tax returns.
Righter pleaded guilty to three felony offenses – wire fraud, aggravated identity theft and tax fraud – and was sentenced by United States District Judge Marcia G. Cooke of the Southern District of Florida. In total, Righter’s scheme attempted to bilk victims out of well over $6 million, and he caused losses of at least $758,265. Additionally, his fraudulent tax returns cost the United States more than $100,000, according to a plea agreement in the case.
Judge Cooke also sentenced Righter to 60 months in federal prison in relation to a case filed by federal prosecutors in Miami. Righter pleaded guilty in that case in March and admitted trying to sell Haring and Basquiat forgeries to the owner of a Miami art gallery. The sentences in both cases will run concurrent with each other.
In the Los Angeles case, Righter admitted he executed a scheme to defraud people, businesses and the United States from 2016 until June 2018 by using counterfeit and fraudulent art that he asserted was genuine. Righter supported these false claims with fraudulent provenance – or chronology-of-origin – documents that he had created.
Before August 2016, Righter generally conducted these fraudulent transactions in his own name. But after the FBI and the Los Angeles Police Department interviewed him about bogus Keith Haring art he attempted to sell to the Miami art gallery, Righter began using the names of other people to execute his scheme, court documents state.
To make the fake artwork appear to be genuine, Righter ordered and used embossing stamps that appeared similar to the stamps used by the estates of Basquiat and Haring to authenticate works by these artists.
In furtherance of the scheme, Righter obtained and attempted to obtain numerous loans by using the fraudulent art and accompanying fraudulent provenance documents. For example, in October 2016, using another person’s name, Righter contacted a victim about a loan in which a purported original drawing by Basquiat would be used as collateral. Righter created a fraudulent certificate of authentication letter that purportedly came from Basquiat’s estate. The victim wired a $24,000 loan, on which Righter later defaulted. After Righter’s default, the victim attempted to auction the piece, but the auction house determined the piece was fraudulent, and the victim lost $24,000.
Righter also sold or attempted to sell numerous pieces of fake modern art. In August 2017, using another person’s name, Righter listed a purported 1983 piece of art by Basquiat with the word “Samo” written on it with an art sale website and he provided fake provenance documents. The website sold the piece for $50,000. In 2018, after the piece was determined to be fraudulent, the website had to refund the purchase price to the buyer.
Righter also admitted that he knowingly and willfully included a false W-2 and documentation of a donation of fraudulent art to a charity on his 2015 federal income tax return, which resulted in him fraudulently receiving a refund of $54,858. Righter then signed and filed a false 2015 amended tax return, which claimed a false casualty and theft loss of $2,575,000 related to artwork he claimed had been stolen. In truth, the artwork was fraudulent and had no value. This bogus amended tax return resulted in false carryback loss refunds for 2012, 2013 and 2014 totaling $52,485, according to court documents.
The FBI’s Art Crime Team, the Los Angeles Police Department, and IRS Criminal Investigation investigated this matter.
The Los Angeles case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Mark A. Williams and Erik M. Silber of the Environmental and Community Safety Crimes Section.
Venezuelan National Extradited from Trinidad and Tobago Sentenced to 12+ Years in Prison for Smuggling CocaineRead the Press Release
PHILADELPHIA – United States Attorney William M. McSwain announced that Eduardo Gregorio Azocar, 48, of Venezuela was sentenced to more than 12 years (151 months) in prison and five years of supervised release by United States District Judge Harvey Bartle, III, for the attempted distribution of more than 30 kilograms of cocaine for purpose of unlawful importation to the United States, and the distribution of more than 4 kilograms of cocaine for purpose of unlawful importation to the United States.
Azocar, who resided in Venezuela, used the Caribbean country of Trinidad and Tobago to facilitate his distribution of kilogram quantities of cocaine. In the summer of 2015, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and Trinidadian law enforcement received information that Azocar had 50 kilograms of cocaine that he wanted to sell to a U.S. buyer. On August 26, 2015, Trinidadian law enforcement agents watched the defendant access a locked storage container in Trinidad to inspect his cocaine. On August 27, 2015, an undercover detective in the United States made a series of telephone calls to Azocar. Posing as a Philadelphia-area resident, the undercover detective said he was interested in buying kilogram quantities of cocaine and negotiated the purchase price with the defendant. Before those negotiations were completed, Trinidadian law enforcement agents searched the storage container and seized a total of 30.4 kilograms of cocaine.
The undercover detective also introduced a confidential source to Azocar. The confidential source traveled from the United States to the island of Trinidad on multiple dates, meeting with Azocar in person in Trinidad. On October 4, 2015, at Azocar’s direction, an associate of Azocar sold to the confidential source 4.1 kilograms of cocaine which was destined for the United States. On October 26, 2015, the confidential source met Azocar in a Trinidadian hotel and paid him $22,500 for the previously negotiated cocaine sale. In a recorded conversation, the defendant told the confidential source: “I’ve been looking for a contact just like you and I found you. I am really happy.” In that same conversation, the confidential source and Azocar discussed the cost of moving the cocaine from Trinidad to Philadelphia, the price of a kilogram of cocaine in Philadelphia, and the price of a kilogram of heroin in Philadelphia.
Azocar was indicted in the Eastern District of Pennsylvania and arrested in Trinidad on June 16, 2016. He fought extradition for years in Trinidadian courts, but was eventually extradited to Philadelphia, PA, on July 23, 2019 to face justice. The defendant pleaded guilty in February 2020.
“Drug trafficking preys on individuals in addiction and makes our entire city less safe,” said U.S. Attorney McSwain. “Narcotics don’t just magically appear on Philadelphia streets -- they are smuggled in by people like Azocar, seeking to profit off the suffering of our people and communities. My Office is committed to working with our law enforcement partners at all levels, and in other jurisdictions and nations, to investigate and convict those who are poisoning our neighborhoods with deadly drugs and put them behind bars, where they belong.”
“Azocar mistakenly thought that he could elude the reach of United States law by remaining outside the US as he sold multi-kilogram quantities of cocaine destined for Philadelphia. As a result of the coordinated efforts of DEA and prosecutors in the US and Trinidad, Azocar was arrested in Trinidad and extradited to Philadelphia to face US justice,” said Jonathan A. Wilson, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration’s (DEA) Philadelphia Field Division. “The DEA is most appreciative of the cooperation and support provided by Trinidadian police and prosecutors. DEA has offices around the world and will continue to work tirelessly to extradite significant drug-traffickers like Azocar who pose the greatest threat to our country.”
The case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Adminstration, and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jason P. Bologna.
Two Rivers Man Indicted on Drug and Gun ChargesRead the Press Release
Matthew D. Krueger, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Wisconsin, announced that on July 14, 2020, a federal grand jury indictment was issued against Jonathon A. Erickson, a/k/a “Jonathon A. Jimenez” (age: 29) of Manitowoc, Wisconsin.
The indictment alleges that Erickson possessed an assortment of illegal narcotics, including MDMA, Oxycodone, Clonazepam, Alprazolam, and Marijuana with the intent to distribute them in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a) and 841(b)(1)(C). If convicted of that charge, Erickson faces up to 20 years of imprisonment. He is additionally charged with being a felon in possession of a firearm and possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, contrary to Title 18, United States Code, Sections 922(g)(1) and 924(c)(1)(A). He faces up to 10 years of imprisonment for possessing a firearm as a felon, and a mandatory 5 years of imprisonment up to a lifetime of imprisonment for possessing the firearm in furtherance of drug distribution.
This case was investigated by the City of Manitowoc Police Department and the Manitowoc County Sheriff’s Office. It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Daniel R. Humble.
An indictment is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt. The defendant is presumed innocent and is entitled to a fair trial at which the government must prove him guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
The year 2020 marks the 150th anniversary of the Department of Justice. Learn more about the history of our agency at www.Justice.gov/Celebrating150Years.
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Two New Defendants Charged in Violent Kidnapping of Chinese National Whose Remains Were Found Buried in the Mojave DesertRead the Press Release
LOS ANGELES – Two men from the San Gabriel Valley were charged today in federal court for allegedly participating in the kidnapping of Ruochen “Tony” Liao, a Chinese national who was violently abducted from a mall parking lot in San Gabriel two years ago, and whose parents were extorted for $2 million in ransom before Liao died from his injuries.
Anthony Valladares, 28, of Pasadena, and Alexis Ivan Romero Velez, 24, most recently a resident of Azusa, were taken into custody Tuesday during the execution of search warrants by FBI agents and members of the San Gabriel Valley Safe Street Task Force. Federal prosecutors this morning filed a criminal complaint in United States District Court that charges both Valladares and Romero with one count of kidnapping.
Previously in this investigation, two Chinese nationals were charged in a four-count indictment alleging they kidnapped Mr. Liao and attempted to collect $2 million in ransom from Mr. Liao’s family in exchange for the victim’s life. Guangyao Yang, 26, and Peicheng Shen, 34, whose last known U.S. residences were in West Covina, were charged with conspiracy to kidnap, kidnapping, attempted extortion in violation of the Hobbs Act, and threat by foreign communication. Yang and Shen are currently in custody in China on charges filed there related to the kidnapping.
During the investigation, the FBI learned that Valladares and Romero worked with Yang and Shen to conduct the kidnapping, during which Liao was repeatedly beaten and tased into submission, according to the affidavit in support of the complaint. Valladares was the “muscle” hired to intimidate, beat and subdue Liao during the kidnapping, and Romero was the driver of the vehicle used in the kidnapping, according to the affidavit.
Valladares and Romero were arrested Tuesday after making statements about their roles in the kidnapping to investigators. According to the affidavit, Valladares admitted that he was hired to assist in the kidnapping, agreed to accept $1,000 for the job, and restrained Liao during the kidnapping. Romero admitted, according to the affidavit, that he was recruited by Valladares and was the driver during the kidnapping.
After Liao was kidnapped on July 16, 2018, his parents in China received ransom demands and “proof-of-life” photos suggesting that Liao had been badly beaten, blindfolded, and tied up with duct tape. Liao’s parents were told to deposit the ransom payment into Chinese bank accounts within three hours, according to court documents.
Investigators believe Liao was held captive in a closet at a residence in Corona. During his captivity, investigators believe Liao was frequently beaten and ultimately died the night of July 17. During the early morning of July 18, investigators believe Yang and Shen drove to the desert near the town of Mojave to bury Liao’s body.
On July 26, 2019, the FBI laboratory used DNA testing to identify Liao’s remains, which were recovered following a search by the FBI’s Evidence Response Team.
Valladares and Romero are expected to make an initial appearance in U.S. District Court in Los Angeles this afternoon.
A criminal complaint contains allegations that a defendant has committed a crime. Every defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
The kidnapping charge carries a statutory maximum penalty of life in federal prison.
The investigation into the kidnapping is being conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, with significant assistance by members of the FBI’s Safe Street Task Force, which includes the Pasadena Police Department.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Julia Choe of the Cyber and Intellectual Property Crimes Section and Frances Lewis of the Public Corruption and Civil Rights Section.
Two Individuals Charged with Armed Robbery of A Brooklyn Center HotelRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Erica H. MacDonald today announced a criminal complaint charging KEANU DEWONE ROSS, 28, and ANTOINETTE DENIECE MAE DOBYNE, 28, for their roles in the armed robbery of a Super 8 Hotel. ROSS and DOBYNE made their initial appearances before Magistrate Judge Katherine M. Menendez in U.S. District Court. ROSS was ordered to remain in custody pending a formal detention hearing, which is scheduled for Monday, July 20, 2020.
According to the allegations in the criminal complaint and law enforcement affidavit, on February 14, 2020, at approximately 2:30 a.m., officers with the Brooklyn Center Police Department (BCPD) responded to a report of an armed robbery at the Super 8 Hotel in Brooklyn Center, Minnesota. A hotel employee told BCPD officers that two men, both carrying firearms, ordered him to the ground at gunpoint and took his cell phone, car keys, and cash from the business, and then told him to run from the scene. As the employee fled on foot, he heard multiple gunshots. Officers recovered a discharged cartridge casing at the scene of the robbery. Surveillance camera footage showed two men committing the robbery as described by the employee. The footage also showed the two men running from the hotel toward an SUV and then fleeing on foot after the SUV got stuck in a snowbank. BCPD officers located DOBYNE in the SUV. Later that same day, ROSS called a BCPD detective to ask about the release of the SUV, identifying himself as the boyfriend of the SUV’s driver. ROSS also told the detective that his wallet and ID were in the middle glovebox of the SUV. During a subsequent search of the SUV, law enforcement discovered a wallet containing identification for ROSS.
According to the allegations in the criminal complaint and law enforcement affidavit, on February 14, 2020, at approximately 1:30 p.m., ROSS was detained during a traffic stop by officers with the Minneapolis Police Department. Officers confiscated a Taurus Model PT738 .380-caliber semiautomatic pistol that was found on ROSS’s person. Subsequent forensic analysis using the discharged cartridge casing recovered at the scene of the robbery revealed that the confiscated firearm was the same one that was fired at the Super 8 Hotel. Because ROSS has prior felony convictions, he is prohibited under federal law from possessing firearms or ammunition at any time.
This case was the result of an investigation conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, the Brooklyn Center Police Department, and the Minneapolis Police Department. This case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), an initiative that brings together federal, state, and local law enforcement to combat violent crime. This case is also part of Project Guardian, the Department of Justice’s signature initiative to reduce gun violence and enforce federal firearms laws.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Benjamin Bejar is prosecuting the case.
The charges contained in the complaint are merely accusations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Defendant Information:
KEANU DEWONE ROSS, 28
Minneapolis, Minn.
Charges:
- Aiding and abetting interference with commerce by robbery (Hobbs Act), 1 count
- Using, carrying, and discharging a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence, 1 count
- Felon in possession of a firearm, 1 count
ANTOINETTE DENIECE MAE DOBYNE, 28
Fargo, North Dakota.
Charges:
- Aiding and abetting interference with commerce by robbery (Hobbs Act), 1 count
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United States Attorney’s Office, District of Minnesota: (612) 664-5600
Tulsa Man Charged with Felony Child NeglectRead the Press Release
A Tulsa man has been charged with child neglect after he allegedly left his two children unsupervised for more than four hours, at which time the children gained access to his parked vehicle where they were later found deceased.
According to a Criminal Complaint, Dustin Lee Dennis, 31, fell asleep on June 13, 2020, only to wake up and discover his children deceased in the backseat of his pick-up truck. The crime occurred within the boundaries of the Creek Nation reservation. His three-year-old son and four-year-old daughter are Cherokee citizens.
“Following the Supreme Court’s decision in McGirt, the Tulsa County District Attorney dismissed state charges against Dustin Dennis for lack of jurisdiction. District Attorney Kunzweiler communicated to my office his intent to do so, and we immediately prepared to receive and review the case file,” said U.S. Attorney Trent Shores. “Upon review of the facts and evidence by the FBI and federal prosecutors, we filed a Complaint alleging felony child neglect by Mr. Dennis. Our review of the facts and evidence is ongoing, and we will determine whether other violations of federal law should be presented to a federal grand jury for their consideration.
This is a tragic set of facts. Our mission now is to pursue justice for the two child victims by holding Mr. Dennis accountable in a court of law. The U.S. Attorney’s Office has a team of Victim Coordinators who will work with the mother of the deceased children as this case proceeds through the federal system.”
During the investigation and review of a neighbor’s surveillance video, investigators discovered that Dennis returned home at 12:55 a.m. on June 13. Surveillance video next shows Dennis leaving his residence alone at approximately noon for 11 minutes during which time Dennis stated he drove to a QuikTrip. When Dennis returned home from the convenience store, he stated that he fell asleep. During this time, surveillance footage allegedly shows the two children trying to get into Dennis’ truck at 1:22 p.m. when the vehicle’s alarm went off. They attempted a second time at 1:29 p.m. and successfully gained access to the truck. The video captures Dennis exiting his apartment and searching for his children approximately four hours later, at 5:32 p.m. Within minutes he discovered his children deceased in the truck.
The surveillance video contradicts several initial statements Dennis made to officers who first arrived on the scene. Dennis allegedly claimed that he had arrived home at 10 pm the night before, rather than after midnight as shown in the video. He also claimed that the children were with him when he went to QuikTrip, but video showed he was alone.
A Criminal Complaint is a temporary charge alleging a violation of law. For the case to proceed to trial, the United States must present the charge to a federal Grand Jury within 30 days. Once a Grand Jury returns an Indictment, a defendant has a right to a jury trial at which the United States would have the burden of proving the defendant’s guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
The FBI and Tulsa Police Department are the investigative agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorney Shannon Cozzoni is prosecuting the case.
Thirteen Defendants, Including National Leadership of MS-13, Charged with Multiple Firearms and Drug Distribution Offenses and Violation of the "Kingpin" StatuteRead the Press Release
LAS VEGAS, Nev. – A 21-count indictment was unsealed yesterday in the U.S. District Court for the District of Nevada, charging 13 leaders, members, and associates of the violent transnational criminal organization Mara Salvatrucha, also known as “MS-13,” with violation of the federal “Kingpin” statute and multiple drugs and firearms offenses, including transporting bulk quantities of methamphetamine from Los Angeles, California to Las Vegas, Nevada.
The indictment was returned under seal on July 8, 2020 by a federal grand jury sitting in Las Vegas. Yesterday morning, 11 of the 13 defendants were taken into custody: four defendants were arrested in the Los Angeles area, and seven defendants were arrested in Las Vegas. Those arrests were part of a national takedown coordinated between law enforcement agencies in the District of Nevada, Central District of California, Eastern District of New York, and Eastern District of Virginia.
Two other defendants — Juan Angel Reyes (also known as “Angel” and “Mysterio”) and Eder Cruz-Salguero (also known as “Edgar Manolo Ramirez-Salguero” and “Venado”) — are considered fugitives and a warrant remains outstanding for their arrests. Anyone with information as to their whereabouts is asked to contact your local law enforcement office or the Department of Homeland Security by calling 1-866-DHS-2-ICE.
This morning, Attorney General William P. Barr led a Joint Task Force Vulcan (JTFV) briefing to President Donald J. Trump in the Oval Office, which included several U.S. Attorneys and heads of law enforcement agencies. Following that briefing, the charges in Nevada were announced by U.S. Attorney Nicholas A. Trutanich for the District of Nevada, Special Agent in Charge Francisco Burrola of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), Sheriff Joseph Lombardo of the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department, and Special Agent in Charge Patrick Gorman of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF).
“In 2017, the President directed the Department of Justice to go to war against MS-13, and we did just that,” said Attorney General Barr. “In coordination with our partners at the Department of Homeland Security, the Justice Department’s law enforcement components have successfully investigated, charged, and arrested command and control elements of MS-13 responsible for murder. Joint Task Force Vulcan’s operations have significantly degraded MS-13’s capabilities. While there is still work to be done, the Department of Justice remains committed to protecting Americans threatened by MS-13, and we will not rest until we have successfully defeated this transnational criminal organization.”
“Today’s announcements are the result of tremendous teamwork and coordination between prosecutors and law enforcement officers across the United States and Central America,” stated JTFV Director John Durham. “MS-13 is a violent transnational criminal organization, whose criminal activities respect no boundaries. The only way to defeat MS-13 is by targeting the organization as a whole, focusing on the leadership structure, and deploying a whole-of-government approach against a common enemy.”
“As a result of the hard work and substantial resources dedicated by our local and federal law enforcement partners, this collaborative effort has disrupted MS-13’s leadership and significantly undermines the gang’s ability to engage in violence and other criminal conduct in Nevada, California, and elsewhere throughout the country,” said U.S. Attorney Trutanich. “Our office is proud to contribute to making our streets safer and stopping MS-13 from using a well-worn path between Los Angeles and Las Vegas to develop a greater presence in Las Vegas. We are grateful to HSI, the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department, and ATF: without their bravery, this prosecution would not be possible.”
“Gangs threaten the safety of our communities, not just in major metropolitan areas but in our suburbs and rural areas, too,” said Francisco Burrola, Special Agent in Charge for the HSI Las Vegas office. “Gang-related violence and criminal activity present an ongoing challenge for law enforcement everywhere. Our efforts to dismantle gangs are much more effective in areas where partnership with local law enforcement is strongest.”
“The magnitude of this operation will have a huge ripple effect on this criminal enterprise. Dangerous gangs like these contribute to the decay of our communities by bringing drugs and other violent crime to our streets. They threaten the safety of our neighborhoods and our way of life. These arrests are a real victory against gang violence,” said Clark County Sheriff Joseph Lombardo.
“Gangs are one of the nation’s key distributors of narcotics and are flagrant in their use of firearms to carry out violence and intimidation,” said Special Agent in Charge Patrick Gorman, San Francisco Field Division, ATF. “Through ATF’s collaborative Crime Gun Intelligence Model, local, state, and federal partners diligently pursue violent criminals and the sources of their crime guns to remove them from our communities. Throughout this investigation, ATF has worked side by side with our partners to fulfill ATF’s mission of protecting the public by investigating the criminal misuse and trafficking of firearms in Las Vegas. ATF remains committed to working hard and doing our part to make this city a safer place.”
As detailed in the indictment, MS-13 originated in Los Angeles and has since spread across the country. MS-13 is organized by subsets known as “cliques,” such as “Hollywood Locos” and “Fulton.” In the southwestern United States, the Hollywood Locos clique operates in several major cities, including Los Angeles and Las Vegas.
The organizational hierarchy of MS-13 cliques in Nevada is generally comprised of different ranks. A “Homeboy” is a fully initiated gang member who has undergone a “jumping in” ceremony. That ceremony involves passing a “beating test” where the prospective MS-13 member must survive a group of existing gang members beating him for 13 seconds. Once jumped in, MS-13 members are expected to participate in the gang’s criminal activities. Certain “Homeboys” also operate as “Palabreros” or “shot callers,” making the ultimate decisions affecting the clique.
The indictment charges three defendants who were “Homeboys” in the MS-13 Hollywood Locos and Fulton cliques:
- Adali Arnulfo Escalante-Trujillo, also known as “Buchaca,” 43, of Las Vegas, is charged with one count of engaging in a continuing criminal enterprise (commonly referred to as the “Kingpin” statute), one count of conspiracy to distribute a controlled substance, 15 counts of distribution of a controlled substance, and one count of conspiracy to deal in firearms without a license.
As alleged, Escalante-Trujillo was the Las Vegas-based “shot caller” of the Hollywood Locos clique, leading the Las Vegas sector of the gang, which was involved in narcotics and firearms distribution. He bragged about the violent acts committed by MS-13, boasted of connections between MS-13 and the Mexican Mafia, and bragged that MS-13 had come to work with nearly all Mexican Cartels. Reflecting his senior position within MS-13’s hierarchy, Escalante-Trujillo was in direct contact with an MS-13 founding member living in El Salvador.
Escalante-Trujillo brokered nearly every narcotics and firearms trafficking charge alleged in the indictment. Among other things, Escalante-Trujillo hosted MS-13 members from Los Angeles at his Las Vegas home, to enable their transportation of bulk quantities of methamphetamine from Los Angeles to Las Vegas.
- Jose Alfredo Ayala-Flores, also known as “Blackie,” 39, of Inglewood, California, is charged with one count of conspiracy to distribute a controlled substance, five counts of distribution of a controlled substance, and one count of being a prohibited person in possession of a firearm.
As alleged, in addition to being a “Homeboy,” Ayala-Flores is a “shot caller.” He led the MS-13 “Los Angeles Program,” a leadership group that seeks to unify MS-13 decision-making throughout the United States.
In early 2020, Ayala-Flores and Escalante-Trujillo arranged numerous bulk methamphetamine deals in Las Vegas. Additionally, Ayala-Flores sent bulk pills, laced with fentanyl, through the mail. Ayala-Flores also possessed three rifles (bearing no serial numbers) illegally, due to his prior conviction for attempted murder.
- Alvaro Ernesto Perez Carias, also known as “Toro,” 50, of Los Angeles, is charged with one count of conspiracy to distribute a controlled substance and one count of distribution of a controlled substance
As alleged, Perez Carias is a “shot caller” and a founding member of the Hollywood Locos clique. Due to supply issues as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, Perez Carias personally delivered large quantities of methamphetamine from Los Angeles to Las Vegas this year.
Aside from Escalante-Trujillo, Ayala-Flores, and Perez Carias, the remaining ten defendants are charged with conspiring to distribute drugs (between July 2019 and the present) and conducting individual drug deals over the past 12 months. The indictment also charges defendants with illegally possessing and selling silencers, semiautomatic rifles, and semiautomatic handguns:
- Sebastian Ocadiz-Castro, 20, of Las Vegas, is charged with one count of conspiracy to distribute a controlled substance, three counts of distribution of a controlled substance, and one count of conspiracy to deal in firearms without a license.
- Juan Luis-Rico, also known as “Pelon,” 46, of Las Vegas, is charged with one count of conspiracy to distribute a controlled substance and one count of distribution of a controlled substance.
- Juan Angel Reyes, also known as “Angel” and “Mysterio,” 21, of Van Nuys, California, is charged with one count of conspiracy to distribute a controlled substance and one count of distribution of a controlled substance.
- Miguel Angel Nieto-Romero, also known as “Flaco,” 26, of Los Angeles, is charged with one count of conspiracy to distribute a controlled substance and three counts of distribution of a controlled substance.
- Rosalio Andres Siguenza-Romero, also known as “Tweety,” 40, of Las Vegas, is charged with one count of conspiracy to deal in firearms without a license, one count of dealing in firearms without a license, and one count of possession of an unregistered firearm.
- Daniel Enrique Perez-Torres, also known as “Maliente,” 30, of Las Vegas, is charged with one count of conspiracy to distribute a controlled substance and two counts of conspiracy to distribute a controlled substance.
- Jose Gerardo Cortez-Diaz, also known as “Christian Axel Lopez-Cortez” and “Chiquilin,” 20, of Los Angeles, is charged with one count of conspiracy to distribute a controlled substance and one count of distribution of a controlled substance.
- Eder Cruz-Salguero, also known as “Edgar Manolo Ramirez-Salguero” and “Venado,” 26 (city of residence unknown), is charged with one count of conspiracy to distribute a controlled substance and one count of distribution of a controlled substance.
- Carlos Lopez-Guzman, also known as “Troso,” 41, of Los Angeles, is charged with one count of conspiracy to distribute a controlled substance and three counts of distribution of a controlled substance.
- Pedro Ernesto Montalvo, also known as “Cuba,” 35, of Hawthorne, California, is charged with one count of conspiracy to distribute a controlled substance and one count of distribution of a controlled substance.
All defendants except Angel Reyes and Cruz-Salguero are in federal custody and awaiting their respective initial appearances. The charges in the indictment are merely allegations, and each defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Shaheen Torgoley and Brett Ruff are prosecuting this case.
The maximum statutory sentences for each charge in the indictment are: (a) life imprisonment and a $2 million fine for engaging in a continuing criminal enterprise; (b) life imprisonment and a $10 million fine for distribution of controlled substance; (c) life imprisonment and a $10 million fine for conspiracy to distribute controlled substance; (d) five years imprisonment for conspiracy – deal in firearms without a license; (e) five years imprisonment and a $250,000 fine for dealing in firearms without a license; (f) ten years imprisonment and a $250,000 fine for prohibited person in possession of a firearm; and (g) ten years imprisonment for possession of unregistered firearm. The maximum statutory sentences are prescribed by Congress and are provided here for informational purposes only. If convicted of any federal offense, the sentencing of a defendant will be determined by the court based on the advisory Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
The charges are the result of a joint investigation by the HSI, the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department, and the ATF, and coordinated at a national level by Joint Task Force Vulcan. In August 2019, Attorney General Barr created JTFV to carry out the recommendations of the MS-13 subcommittee formed under the Attorney General’s Transnational Organized Crime Task Force, which was the result of President Trump’s February 2017 Executive Order directing the Departments of Justice, State, and Homeland Security, and the Office of the Director of National Intelligence to coordinate a whole-of-government approach to dismantle transnational criminal organizations, such as MS-13, and restore safety for the American people. The principal purpose of JTFV is to coordinate and lead the efforts of the Justice Department and U.S. law enforcement agencies against MS-13 in order to dismantle the group.
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The Department of Justice Announces Takedown of Key MS-13 Criminal LeadershipRead the Press Release
Today, President Donald J. Trump and Attorney General William P. Barr announced significant cases related to Joint Task Force Vulcan (JTFV), an initiative launched in August 2019 aimed at disrupting, dismantling, and ultimately, destroying MS-13.
President Trump and Attorney General Barr announced a number of significant cases associated with JTFV, including the first time an MS-13 member has been charged with terrorism-related offenses, a coordinated multi-district takedown of the leadership of the Hollywood clique of MS-13, and the Attorney General’s decision to seek the death penalty against an MS-13 defendant.
“In 2017, the President directed the Department of Justice to go to war against MS-13, and we did just that,” said Attorney General Barr. “In coordination with our partners at the Department of Homeland Security, the Justice Department’s law enforcement components have successfully investigated, charged, and arrested command and control elements of MS-13 responsible for murder. Joint Task Force Vulcan’s operations have significantly degraded MS-13 capabilities. While there is still work to be done, the Department of Justice remains committed to protecting Americans threatened by MS-13, and we will not rest until we have successfully defeated this transnational criminal organization.”
“Today’s announcements are the result of tremendous teamwork and coordination between prosecutors and law enforcement officers across the United States and Central America,” said JTFV Director John Durham. “MS-13 is a violent transnational criminal organization, whose criminal activities respect no boundaries. The only way to defeat MS-13 is by targeting the organization as a whole, focusing on the leadership structure, and deploying a whole-of-government approach against a common enemy.”
In an indictment unsealed yesterday, Melgar Diaz was charged in the Eastern District of Virginia with conspiring to provide material support to terrorists; conspiring to kill or maim persons overseas; conspiring to commit acts of terrorism transcending national boundaries; conspiring to finance terrorism, and; conspiring to engage in narco-terrorism, in addition to racketeering conspiracy and drug trafficking. This is the first time that an MS-13 member has been charged with terrorism-related offenses.
Alexi Saenz was indicted in 2017 in the Eastern District of New York. It is alleged that between 2016 and 2017 he committed seven murders: the Jan. 28, 2016, murder of Michael Johnson; the April 29, 2016, murder of Oscar Acosta; the Sept. 13, 2016, murders of Kayla Cuevas and Nisa Mickens; the Oct. 10, 2016, murder of Javier Castillo; the Oct. 13, 2016, murder of Dewann Stacks, and; the Jan. 30, 2017, murder of Esteban Alvarado-Bonilla. Two of the victims were Brentwood high school students killed with a machete and baseball bat. The Attorney General has filed a Notice of Intent to Seek the Death Penalty for Saenz.
In a 24 count indictment unsealed yesterday, the Eastern District of New York, charged eight MS-13 members, including leaders of the East Coast Hollywood Program, with Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organization (RICO) and Violent Crimes in Aid of Racketeering (VICAR) charges related to six murders, two attempted murders, kidnapping, narcotics, and related firearms offenses.
In a 21-count indictment unsealed yesterday in the District of Nevada, 13 MS-13 members, including leaders of the “Hollywood Locos” clique and “Los Angeles Program,” were charged with various offenses including Continuing Criminal Enterprise (CCE), narcotics distribution and weapons charges.
In August 2019, Attorney General Barr created JTFV to carry out the recommendations of the MS-13 subcommittee formed under the Attorney General’s Transnational Organized Crime Task Force, which was the result of President Trump’s February 2017 Executive Order directing the Departments of Justice, State, and Homeland Security, and the Office of the Director of National Intelligence, to coordinate a whole-of-government approach to dismantle transnational criminal organizations, such as MS-13, and restore safety for the American people. The principal purpose of JTFV is to coordinate and lead the efforts of the Justice Department and U.S. law enforcement agencies against MS-13 in order to dismantle the group.
JTFV has successfully implemented the whole-of-government approach to law enforcement relating to MS-13; increased coordination and collaboration with foreign law enforcement partners, including El Salvador, Mexico, Honduras, and Guatemala; designated priority MS-13 programs, cliques and leaders, who have the most impact on the U.S., for targeted prosecutions, and; coordinated significant MS-13 indictments in U.S. Attorney’s Offices across the country, such as the Eastern District of New York, the Eastern District of Virginia, and the District of Nevada.
Federal prosecutors from the Department of Justice’s National Security Division and the Criminal Division, as well as 10 U.S. Attorney’s Offices have been assigned to serve JTFV in full-time capacities: the Eastern District of New York; the Eastern District of Virginia; the District of Nevada; the Southern District of California; the District of Massachusetts; the Northern District of Ohio; the District of New Jersey; the Eastern District of Texas; the District of Utah, and; the District of Columbia. In addition, all Department of Justice law enforcement agencies are involved in the effort – the Federal Bureau of Investigation; the Drug Enforcement Administration; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; the U.S. Marshals Service, and; the Bureau of Prisons. The Department of Homeland Security’s Homeland Security Investigations has also played a critical role in JTFV.
Attorney General Barr would also like to thank Attorney General Raul Melara of El Salvador for the assistance of his office, as well as investigators from El Salvador’s Policia Nacional Civil, Centro Antipandilla Transnacional unit for their assistance.
The Department of Justice Announces Takedown of Key MS-13 Criminal LeadershipRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Today, President Donald J. Trump and Attorney General William P. Barr announced significant cases related to Joint Task Force Vulcan (JTFV), an initiative launched in August 2019 aimed at disrupting, dismantling, and ultimately, destroying MS-13.
President Trump and Attorney General Barr announced a number of significant cases associated with JTFV, including the first time an MS-13 member has been charged with terrorism-related offenses, a coordinated multi-district takedown of the leadership of the Hollywood clique of MS-13, and the Attorney General’s decision to seek the death penalty against an MS-13 defendant.
“In 2017, the President directed the Department of Justice to go to war against MS-13, and we did just that,” said Attorney General Barr. “In coordination with our partners at the Department of Homeland Security, the Justice Department’s law enforcement components have successfully investigated, charged, and arrested command and control elements of MS-13 responsible for murder. Joint Task Force Vulcan’s operations have significantly degraded MS-13 capabilities. While there is still work to be done, the Department of Justice remains committed to protecting Americans threatened by MS-13, and we will not rest until we have successfully defeated this transnational criminal organization.”
“Today’s announcements are the result of tremendous teamwork and coordination between prosecutors and law enforcement officers across the United States and Central America,” said JTFV Director John Durham. “MS-13 is a violent transnational criminal organization, whose criminal activities respect no boundaries. The only way to defeat MS-13 is by targeting the organization as a whole, focusing on the leadership structure, and deploying a whole-of-government approach against a common enemy.”
“This multi-district takedown of a number of high profile MS-13 leaders and members is a blow to this violent gang throughout the United States. While we are thankful that MS-13 does not have a significant presence in Utah, we do have prosecutors with significant experience investigating and prosecuting violent gangs. We are honored to have a prosecutor from our office participating in this targeted nationwide effort,” Utah U.S. Attorney John W. Huber said today.
In an indictment unsealed yesterday, Melgar Diaz was charged in the Eastern District of Virginia with conspiring to provide material support to terrorists; conspiring to kill or maim persons overseas; conspiring to commit acts of terrorism transcending national boundaries; conspiring to finance terrorism, and; conspiring to engage in narco-terrorism, in addition to racketeering conspiracy and drug trafficking. This is the first time that an MS-13 member has been charged with terrorism-related offenses.
Alexi Saenz was indicted in 2017 in the Eastern District of New York. It is alleged that between 2016 and 2017 he committed seven murders: the Jan. 28, 2016, murder of Michael Johnson; the April 29, 2016, murder of Oscar Acosta; the Sept. 13, 2016, murders of Kayla Cuevas and Nisa Mickens; the Oct. 10, 2016, murder of Javier Castillo; the Oct. 13, 2016, murder of Dewann Stacks, and; the Jan. 30, 2017, murder of Esteban Alvarado-Bonilla. Two of the victims were Brentwood high school students killed with a machete and baseball bat. The Attorney General has filed a Notice of Intent to Seek the Death Penalty for Saenz.
In a 24-count indictment unsealed yesterday, the Eastern District of New York, charged eight MS-13 members, including leaders of the East Coast Hollywood Program, with Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organization (RICO) and Violent Crimes in Aid of Racketeering (VICAR) charges related to six murders, two attempted murders, kidnapping, narcotics, and related firearms offenses.
In a 21-count indictment unsealed yesterday in the District of Nevada, 13 MS-13 members, including leaders of the “Hollywood Locos” clique and “Los Angeles Program,” were charged with various offenses including Continuing Criminal Enterprise (CCE), narcotics distribution and weapons charges.
In August 2019, Attorney General Barr created JTFV to carry out the recommendations of the MS-13 subcommittee formed under the Attorney General’s Transnational Organized Crime Task Force, which was the result of President Trump’s February 2017 Executive Order directing the Departments of Justice, State, and Homeland Security, and the Office of the Director of National Intelligence, to coordinate a whole-of-government approach to dismantle transnational criminal organizations, such as MS-13, and restore safety for the American people. The principal purpose of JTFV is to coordinate and lead the efforts of the Justice Department and U.S. law enforcement agencies against MS-13 in order to dismantle the group.
JTFV has successfully implemented the whole-of-government approach to law enforcement relating to MS-13; increased coordination and collaboration with foreign law enforcement partners, including El Salvador, Mexico, Honduras, and Guatemala; designated priority MS-13 programs, cliques and leaders, who have the most impact on the U.S., for targeted prosecutions; and coordinated significant MS-13 indictments in U.S. Attorney’s Offices across the country, such as the Eastern District of New York, the Eastern District of Virginia, and the District of Nevada.
Federal prosecutors from the Department of Justice’s National Security Division and the Criminal Division, as well as 10 U.S. Attorney’s Offices have been assigned to serve JTFV in full-time capacities: the Eastern District of New York; the Eastern District of Virginia; the District of Nevada; the Southern District of California; the District of Massachusetts; the Northern District of Ohio; the District of New Jersey; the Eastern District of Texas; the District of Utah, and; the District of Columbia. In addition, all Department of Justice law enforcement agencies are involved in the effort – the Federal Bureau of Investigation; the Drug Enforcement Administration; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; the U.S. Marshals Service, and; the Bureau of Prisons. The Department of Homeland Security’s Homeland Security Investigations has also played a critical role in JTFV.
Attorney General Barr would also like to thank Attorney General Raul Melara of El Salvador for the assistance of his office, as well as investigators from El Salvador’s Policia Nacional Civil, Centro Antipandilla Transnacional unit for their assistance.
Suburban Pittsburgh Man Charged with Violating Federal Firearms and Explosives LawsRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH – A suburban Pittsburgh man has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, on charges of violating federal firearms and explosives laws, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.
The five-count Indictment, returned on July 14, named Kurt Cofano, 32, of Whitehall, Pennsylvania, as the sole defendant.
According to the Indictment, on July 9 and July 10, 2020, Cofano was found to be in possession of unregistered destructive devices. Also, the Indictment alleges that on those same dates, Cofano, an unlawful user of a controlled substance, was in possession of a firearm. Federal law prohibits the possession of a firearm by an unlawful user of a controlled substance. The Indictment further alleges that from May 2020 through July 2020, Cofano knowingly and unlawfully and without registering and obtaining approval made destructive devices.
"Kurt Cofano stands accused of illegally possessing multiple completed destructive devices, the components for making additional destructive devices, and a dozen firearms all in violation of federal law," said U.S. Attorney Brady. "I commend the excellent work of the investigators and the prowess of our prosecutors to take this case from incident to indictment in just five days. In serious cases like this, justice will be certain and swift."
"We are committed to keeping our communities safe," said acting Special Agent in Charge John Schmidt, ATF Philadelphia Field Division. "This investigation is a perfect demonstration of how ATF combats violent crime by partnering with our local, state and federal counterparts in this case the Whitehall and Mt. Lebanon Police Departments, the Allegheny County and Pittsburgh Police Bomb Squads and the Federal Bureau of Investigation."
"This investigation successfully disrupted a very real threat," said FBI Pittsburgh Special Agent in Charge Mike Christman. "A mix of unstable, homemade manufactured explosives, large amounts of ammo and a person who has already made threats to inflict harm is an extremely dangerous combination. The FBI will always rally together with the ATF and our federal, state and local law enforcement partners to take anyone who presents a threat to our community off our streets."
The law provides for a maximum total sentence of not more than 50 years in prison, a fine of not more than $750,000, a term of supervised release of not more than three years, or a combination thereof. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant United States Attorneys Cindy K. Chung and Jonathan D. Lusty are prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives conducted the investigation leading to the Indictment in this case. The Mt. Lebanon Police Department, the Whitehall Police Department, the Allegheny County Police Department and the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police provided substantial assistance with the investigation.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), 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.
An indictment is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Statement of U.S. Attorney Ron Parsons on the Passing of Hughes County Chief Deputy Sheriff Lee WeberRead the Press Release
Internet"Lee Weber led a hero’s life and he died a hero’s death. He was a guardian in the highest and truest sense. He devoted his life to protecting his family, protecting his community, and protecting his country. Our nation and our state owe him an incalculable debt of gratitude. The men and women of the United States Department of Justice stand shoulder to shoulder with Wendy, their beautiful children, and our entire law enforcement family, as we honor the life of Lee Weber and mourn this tragic loss."
Somerset County Man Indicted on Child Pornography ChargesRead the Press Release
NEWARK, N.J. – A federal grand jury today indicted a Somerset County, New Jersey, man for allegedly distributing and possessing images of child sexual abuse, U.S. Attorney Craig Carpenito announced.
John Schulenburg, 65, of Basking Ridge, New Jersey, is charged with one count of distribution of child pornography and one count of possession of child pornography. He will be arraigned at a date to be determined. Schulenberg was arrested on a criminal complaint on this conduct on Nov. 6, 2019, and was released on $100,000 unsecured bond.
According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:
In July 2019, an undercover law enforcement officer conducted an online session using a publicly available peer-to-peer (P2P) program, which allows internet users to trade digital files. During this session, a user shared multiple files of featuring images of child sexual abuse from an internet address traced to Schulenburg’s residence.
On Nov. 6, 2019, law enforcement lawfully obtained a computer from Schulenburg’s residence that contained hundreds of images and videos of child pornography, including images of prepubescent children being sexually abused.
The count of distribution of child pornography carries a mandatory minimum penalty of 15 years in prison, a maximum penalty of 40 years in prison, and fine of $250,000. The count of possession of child pornography carries a mandatory minimum penalty of 10 years in prison, a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison, and fine of $250,000.
U.S. Attorney Carpenito credited the FBI Newark's Child Exploitation Human Trafficking Task Force, under the direction of FBI Special Agent in Charge Joe Denahan; the Somerset County Prosecutor's Office, under the direction of Prosecutor Michael H. Robertson, and the Bernards Township Police Department, under the direction of Chief Michael Shimsky, with the investigation leading to today’s indictment.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Vijay Dewan of the U.S. Attorney’s Office Criminal Division in Newark.
The charges and allegations contained in the indictment are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Russell County Man Sentenced to 10 Years in Prison Following Federal Gun ConvictionRead the Press Release
Montgomery, Alabama – On Tuesday, July 14, 2020, Shaqual Lamar Brown, a 28-year-old man from Phenix City, Alabama, was sentenced to 120 months in prison after pleading guilty to a federal gun charge, announced United States Attorney Louis V. Franklin, Sr. Brown was also ordered to serve three years of supervised release after he completes his prison sentence. There is no parole in the federal system.
According to court documents, on April 7, 2019, the Phenix City Police Department responded to a call that reported a domestic disturbance outside a residence. When an officer arrived on the scene and spoke with Brown, he gave the officer false information— including a fake name— and attempted to flee by running away. After the officer gave chase and attempted to detain him, Brown continued to resist and began to struggle with the officer, as well as another responding officer who was now assisting. During the fray, Brown reached for a loaded .40 caliber handgun he had in his pants. While the officers were in the process of disarming him of the firearm, Brown grabbed one of the officer’s Tasers and began to stun one of them until the other officer was able to subdue Brown and restrain him. Because Brown is a felon, he is prohibited from possessing firearms.
On September 11, 2019, Brown was indicted by a federal grand jury for being a felon in possession of a firearm and he pleaded guilty to the charge on February 5, 2020. Brown received the maximum sentence allowed in this case due to his extensive criminal history and his conduct during the arrest.
The Phenix City Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) investigated this case. Assistant United States Attorney Thomas Govan prosecuted the case.
Romanian Pleads Guilty to ATM Skimming Scheme, Stole Personal Identifiers of at Least 2,732 Victims at Bank ATMsRead the Press Release
SALT LAKE CITY – A Romanian citizen pleaded guilty to bank fraud in U.S. District Court in Salt Lake City Wednesday morning, admitting he and his co-conspirators devised an ATM skimming scheme that allowed them to steal the personal identifiers from at least 2,732 victims and caused a loss to the victim bank of approximately $216,157.30.
As a part of his plea agreement, Alexandru Cosmin Licsor, 38, admitted that from about Jan. 10 to about Feb. 20, 2015, he installed skimming devices equipped with magnetic card readers, data recorders, digital cameras, and batteries on some Zions Bank ATMs. The skimming equipment collected bank customer card data and the camera recorded the PIN pad as customers entered their PINs.
After collecting the data and video recordings, Licsor’s co-conspirators created counterfeit credit and debit cards. Licsor and others used or attempted to use the counterfeit cards on multiple occasions at non-Zions bank ATMs in Utah and other places. For example, in February 2015, they made an $800 ATM withdrawal from a Zions Bank account without the authorization of the account holder. The co-conspirators in the case have not been identified.
While the approximate loss amount for the scheme $216,157.30, the attempted loss amount for the fraud was $363,035.83. (The attempted loss amount includes things like attempts to withdraw more from an account that the bank would allowed.)
The plea agreement includes an agreement that the sentence imposed in the case will be between 24 months and 71 months. The ultimate sentence is subject to the approval of the Court. The judge can consider conduct Licsor engaged in which either was not charged, not pleaded to, or both in determining a sentence. Sentencing in the case is set for Sept. 23, 2020.
Licsor was charged with access device fraud, bank fraud, and aggravated identity theft in a six-count superseding indictment returned by a federal grand jury in December 2016. A warrant was issued for his arrest. After being on the run for more than two years, he was arrested in Romania and extradited to the United States in November 2019 to face the Utah charges.
The FBI’s Cyber Task Force, which includes officers with the Utah Department of Public Safety, investigated the case. The U.S. Department of Justice’s Office of International Affairs provided significant assistance in securing the defendant’s extradition from Romania.
Robeson County Man Sentenced to 70 Months for Gun OffenseRead the Press Release
RALEIGH, N.C. – A Robeson County man was sentenced today to 70 months in prison and 3 years of supervised release for a firearm offenses.
According to court documents, Corey Elton Jones, 39, was charged in a superseding criminal information with one count of felon in possession of a firearm. Jones pled guilty on October 31, 2019.
In December 2018, Jones was less than a year into a 30 month term of probation after pleading guilty in March 2017 to a number of state charges, including a felony charge for Possession of a Firearm by a Felon. On December 19, 2018, state probation officers and Robeson County Sheriff’s Office conducted a search of Jones’ residence. Jones initially denied having any guns but officers found a fully loaded .40 caliber handgun in a dresser drawer with Jones’ wallet. Another drawer contained a bag of ammunition and a .22 caliber rifle was also found in the closet of Jones’ bedroom. After his arrest, Jones waived his Miranda rights and admitted to possessing the handgun.
Robert J. Higdon, Jr., U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina made the announcement after sentencing by U.S. District Judge James C. Dever III. ATF Robeson County Sheriff’s Office, and North Carolina Department of Public Safety, Division of Adult Corrections Probation/Parole investigated the case and Assistant U.S. Attorney Bryan Stephany prosecuted the case.
This case is also 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 United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of North Carolina implements the PSN Program through its Take Back North Carolina Initiative. This initiative emphasizes the regional assignment of federal prosecutors to work with law enforcement and District Attorney’s Offices on a sustained basis in those communities to reduce the violent crime rate, drug trafficking, and crimes against law enforcement.
A copy of this press release is located on our website. Related court documents and information are located on the website of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina or on PACER by searching for Case No. 7:19-CR-79-D.
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The year 2020 marks the 150th anniversary of the Department of Justice. Learn more about the history of our agency at www.Justice.gov/Celebrating150Years.
Rhode Island Man Pleads Guilty to Conspiracy to Launder Funds of Email Compromise Fraud Targeting Massachusetts LawyerRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Rhode Island man pleaded guilty yesterday in federal court in Boston in connection with a conspiracy to launder funds derived from Business Email Compromise (BEC) fraud schemes, including one that targeted a Dorchester, Mass. real estate attorney.
Sayon Balogun a/k/a “Oshine,” 32, a dual citizen of the United States and Nigeria, pleaded guilty to one count of money laundering conspiracy before U.S. Senior District Court Judge Douglas P. Woodlock, who scheduled sentencing for Nov. 10, 2020. Balogun was initially charged by criminal complaint on May 31, 2019, and arrested in Florida on June 10, 2019.
In January 2018, Balogun’s co-conspirators gained access to email accounts belonging to a Massachusetts attorney engaged in real estate closings. The co-conspirators then mimicked (spoofed) the real estate attorney’s email account and sent emails to a Massachusetts resident who was the purchaser in a legitimate real estate transaction. The spoofed emails directed the Massachusetts real-estate purchaser to wire transfer $531,981 (which the purchaser believed was for a legitimate real estate transaction) to the Wells Fargo account of a California woman, who in turn sent $60,000 to an account in the name of “David Tecum,” a fraudulent identity used by one of Balogun’s co-conspirators, Oghenetchouwe Adegor Ederaine, Jr. This account, and others, were opened by Ederaine to receive fraudulent proceeds at Balogun’s direction.
Ederaine pleaded guilty to aggravated identity theft and money laundering conspiracy and was sentenced to 40 months in prison.
The charging statute provides for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, three years of supervised release, and a fine of $500,000 or twice the value of the funds laundered in the conspiracy. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
United States Attorney Andrew E. Lelling and Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Field Division made the announcement today. The United States Attorney’s Office and the FBI in the Southern District of Florida provided valuable assistance. Assistant U.S. Attorney David D’Addio of Lelling’s Securities, Financial & Cyber Fraud Unit is prosecuting the case.
Repeat Offender Sentenced to 212 Months for Child Pornography CrimesRead the Press Release
SYRACUSE, NEW YORK – Benjamin Jakes-Johnson, age 40, of New York City and Syracuse, New York, was sentenced today to serve 212 months in prison for distributing, attempting to receive, and possessing child pornography while on supervised release for an earlier conviction for possessing child pornography. The announcement was made by United States Attorney Grant C. Jaquith, Thomas Relford Special Agent in Charge of the Albany Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), and New York State Police Superintendent Keith Corlett.
In today’s sentencing Jakes-Johnson was ordered to serve 200 months for his convictions at trial, and a consecutive 12 months for violating his supervised release by, among other things, committing the new crimes. Senior United States District Judge Thomas J. McAvoy also imposed a lifetime term of supervised release, to begin after Jakes-Johnson is released from prison, and a total of $5,300 in special assessments. Jakes-Johnson also will continue to be required to register as a sex offender upon his release from prison.
During a 5-day jury trial in March 2020, the evidence established that Jakes-Johnson used an online peer-to-peer file-sharing program to distribute and attempt to receive child pornography in December 2016, and that he possessed child pornography in 2017. The trial evidence showed that Jakes-Johnson, who was on federal supervised release for a 2008 child pornography conviction, used a closed on-line platform from Syracuse area hotels in an effort to conceal his identity and escape detection by law enforcement. During the execution of a search warrant in 2017, law enforcement also found that Jakes-Johnson possessed child exploitation material on a laptop computer and thumb drive in a Syracuse apartment he kept secret from his Probation Officer, also in order to avoid detection of his unlawful activities.
During trial, Jakes-Johnson claimed that, although he was mentally competent at the time he first possessed child pornography in 2008, he was legally insane at the time he committed the offenses in 2016 and 2017 due to post-traumatic stress disorder from prior abuse. The jury rejected his insanity defense after hearing all of the evidence, including testimony from both defense and government expert witnesses about the defendant’s mental state. The trial evidence also included a recorded interview between Jakes-Johnson and law enforcement officers during which he admitted the offense conduct, and displayed a thoroughgoing understanding of the potential penalties he could face as a repeat offender.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the New York State Police and was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Geoffrey J.L. Brown and Michael D. Gadarian.
This case was prosecuted as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative designed to protect children from online exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys’ Offices, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit http://www.justice.gov/psc/.
Registered Sex Offender Charged with Distributing and Possessing Child PornographyRead the Press Release
PROVIDENCE – A registered sex offender convicted in Rhode Island state court in 2014 for possessing child pornography was arrested today by members of the Rhode Island State Police Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force and made an initial appearance in U.S. District Court in Providence on a federal criminal complaint charging him with distributing and possessing child pornography.
Thomas Andreozzi, 59, of North Providence, was arrested at his home moments after he rushed into his residence in an alleged attempt to avoid members of the ICAC Task Force.
According to court documents, it is alleged that in May 2020, Andreozzi uploaded images depicting child pornography while communicating with a person online. It is alleged that Andreozzi also boasted, “I have lots of young stuff” and “I have little girls.”
As members of the ICAC Task Force approached Andreozzi’s residence today to execute a court-authorized search of his home, Andreozzi allegedly fled inside his apartment and refused law enforcement commands to open the door. After forcing their way into Andreozzi’s apartment, agents and officers immediately seized a cell phone from Andreozzi’s hand and another on a nearby table. It is alleged that the phone in Andreozzi’s hand was opened to an online electronic media storage service. Numerous files of child pornography were allegedly observed by law enforcement.
Andreozzi appeared before U.S. District Court Magistrate Judge Patricia A. Sullivan on a federal criminal complaint charging him with distribution of child pornography and possession and accessing child pornography with intent to view. He was released to home confinement with GPS monitoring, and ordered not to access the internet and to have no contact with children.
A federal criminal complaint is merely an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Distribution of child pornography is punishable by statutory penalties of 15-30 years imprisonment to be followed by up to lifetime supervised release. Possession and accessing child pornography with intent to view is punishable by statutory penalties of 10-20 years imprisonment to be followed by up to lifetime supervised release.
Andreozzi’s arrest and initial appearance is announced by United States Attorney Aaron L. Weisman, Superintendent of the Rhode Island State Police Colonel James M. Manni, and Homeland Security Investigations Acting Special Agent in Charge Michael S. Shea.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney John P. McAdams.
The Rhode Island ICAC Task Force is comprised of members of the Rhode Island State Police Computer Crimes Unit along with detectives from the Warwick Police Department, Cranston Police Department, Newport Police Department, East Providence Police Department, Pawtucket Police Department, Bristol Police Department, North Kingstown Police Department, Woonsocket Police Department, and Homeland Security Investigations.
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Project Guardian Update: Two Men Sentenced in Federal CourtRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Two Project Guardian defendants were sentenced this week in federal court, according to United States Attorney Mike Stuart.
Ronald Hambleton, 29, of Charleston, was sentenced to 68 months in prison for possession with intent to distribute cocaine and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. He also will serve three years on supervised release. On July 18, 2019, South Charleston police stopped a speeding car in which Hambleton was a passenger. During the stop, Hambleton was found to be in possession of, with intent to distribute, nearly half an ounce of cocaine, as well as some marijuana and digital scales. Police also recovered a loaded Ruger LCP .380 caliber firearm in the car’s center console. Hambleton claimed ownership of the drugs, drug paraphernalia and loaded firearm on scene. The South Charleston Police Department conducted the investigation. Former Assistant United States Attorney Stefan Hasselblad and Assistant United States Attorney Negar M. Kordestani handled the prosecution.
James Owen Adkins, 40, of Lincoln County, was sentenced to 18 months in prison for being a felon in possession of a firearm. He also was ordered to complete two years of supervised release. A federal jury sitting in Charleston convicted Adkins on February 5, 2020, of illegally possessing a Springfield XD 9mm pistol in St. Albans while being a convicted felon. The jury found that on June 4, 2019, Adkins removed a Springfield XD 9mm pistol from a truck that drove away from St. Albans police officers during an attempted a traffic stop. Adkins took the pistol from the truck, climbed out and ran off through a residential neighborhood as police pursued him on foot with a K-9. Prior to being apprehended by police, Adkins discarded the firearm under a shrub next to a residence where young children resided. Police officers recovered the firearm at the scene. Adkins admitted in an interview with officers that he was a felon, that he ran from police with the firearm, and that he discarded it. The St. Albans Police Department conducted the investigation. Assistant United States Attorneys Kristin F. Scott and Steven I. Loew handled the prosecution and tried the case before the federal jury.
United States District Judge Joseph R. Goodwin imposed the sentences.
The cases were prosecuted as part of Project Guardian, the Department of Justice’s signature initiative to reduce gun violence and enforce federal firearms laws. Initiated by the Attorney General in the fall of 2019, Project Guardian draws upon the Department’s past successful programs to reduce gun violence; enhances coordination of federal, state, local, and tribal authorities in investigating and prosecuting gun crimes; improves information-sharing by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives when a prohibited individual attempts to purchase a firearm and is denied by the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS), to include taking appropriate actions when a prospective purchaser is denied by the NICS for mental health reasons; and ensures that federal resources are directed at the criminals posing the greatest threat to our communities. The United States Attorney’s Office has prosecuted these cases with support from the Project Guardian partners noted above. For more information about Project Guardian, please see: https://www.justice.gov/projectguardian.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 2:19-CR-00242 (Hambleton) and Case No. 2:19-CR-00226 (Adkins).
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Police Impersonator Facing Federal Firearms ChargeRead the Press Release
NASHVILLE, Tenn. – July 15, 2020 – A Nashville man with a history of impersonating a law enforcement officer and firefighter is now facing federal charges, announced U.S. Attorney Don Cochran for the Middle District of Tennessee.
A criminal complaint, unsealed today, charged Chandler James Moon, 21, of Nashville, with being a convicted felon in possession of a firearm. Chandler was arrested earlier today by FBI agents and Metropolitan Nashville Police Department (MNPD) officers and will make an initial appearance before a U.S. Magistrate Judge later this afternoon.
According to the charging documents, on numerous occasions, beginning in 2018, officers with the MNPD and Kentucky law enforcement officers encountered Moon driving vehicles equipped with emergency lights, a siren and on some occasions a police scanner, radios, a traffic radar unit and handcuffs. On many occasions, Moon was wearing clothing items which identified him as a member of the Nashville Fire Department (NFD) and on other occasions he identified himself as a volunteer firefighter with the Hopkinsville, Kentucky Fire Department or the NFD. Many encounters by the MNPD were the result of citizen complaints about Moon’s careless driving behavior and stopping motorists.
On January 31, 2019, Moon was arrested in Warren County, Kentucky for impersonating a police officer and receiving stolen property, after carelessly driving a white Chevrolet Tahoe in which emergency lights had been activated. Moon entered into an agreement for five years of pre-trial diversion to resolve those charges on February 17, 2020. The pre-trial diversion agreement prohibits access to a handgun or firearm during the pendency of the diversionary period.
In October 2019, MNPD recovered from Moon’s vehicle, a government license plate stolen from a police vehicle the week before and in June 2020, Moon was implicated in the theft of other license plates from MNPD vehicles. On July 4, 2020, Moon’s vehicle was reported as driving recklessly with blue lights and siren activated on Interstate 24 in Davidson County. His driving caused a vehicle collision.
On July 9, 2020, during the execution of a search warrant at Moon’s house MNPD Crime Gun Unit detectives recovered a .40 Caliber Glock handgun, from Moon’s bedroom on the nightstand. Moon had been convicted of a felony in 2017, in the State of Georgia, and is prohibited from possessing a firearm.
If convicted, Moon faces up to 10 years in prison.
This case was investigated by the Metropolitan Nashville Police Department and the FBI. Assistant U.S. Attorney Rachel M. Stephens is prosecuting the case.
A criminal complaint is merely an accusation. The defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
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Outlaws Motorcycle Club Regional President Pleads Guilty to Firearms ChargesRead the Press Release
BOSTON – The regional president of the Brockton/East Bridgewater Chapters of the Outlaws Motorcycle Club pleaded guilty yesterday to possession of an unregistered firearm.
Bruce Sartwell, a/k/a “Monster,” 48, of East Bridgewater, pleaded guilty to one count of possession of an unregistered firearm and 153 rounds of 5.56 caliber ammunition before U.S. District Court Judge Denise J. Casper, who scheduled sentencing for Nov. 10, 2020. On Oct. 30, 2019, following the execution of a federal search warrant, Sartwell was arrested and charged.
On Oct. 19, 2019, agents intercepted a package originating in China and addressed to Sartwell that was declared as a “Fuel Filter” but actually contained a firearm silencer. A review of importation records revealed that Sartwell had received approximately 65 shipments from Asia (including over 55 from China), many of which were labeled as innocuous items that could have been more easily and cheaply purchased in the United States. During the investigation, law enforcement determined that Sartwell is the Regional President of the Brockton/East Bridgewater Chapters of the Outlaws Motorcycle Club.
On Oct. 30, 2019, a search was executed at Sartwell’s residence. Twelve or more AR-15 style Air-Soft rifles discovered in Sartwell’s garage were later determined not to be firearms. Hidden in the garage was an AR-15 styled “ghost gun” (a firearm without any manufacturing or serial numbers), two empty 30 round magazines, firearm manufacturing tools, assembly parts including milling equipment, buffer spring, buffer tube and a drill press. The AR-15 was later successfully test fired.
In addition, hidden compartments were located in Sartwell’s bedroom that concealed 153 rounds of 5.56 caliber ammunition compatible with the AR-15 styled rifle, two firearm silencers, a guide for assembly and disassembly of an AR-15 rifle, 20 knives, a black powder handgun and a flare gun. In the basement of the house, a floor-length mirror concealed the entrance to a hidden storage area that was found to contain a safe with silencer parts and a firearm assembly instruction book.
The charge of possession of an unregistered firearm provides for a sentence of up to 10 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
United States Attorney Andrew E. Lelling; Michael Shea, Acting Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in Boston; and Kelly Brady, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, New England Field Division made the announcement today. The U.S. Postal Inspection Service; Customs and Boarder Protection; Massachusetts State Police; East Bridgewater Police Department; Bristol County Sheriff’s Office; and the Massachusetts Environmental Protection Agency provided assistance with the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kenneth G. Shine and Linsey Weinstein of Lelling’s Criminal Division are prosecuting the case.
Orlando Man Sentenced to Prison for Tax FraudRead the Press Release
Orlando, Florida –U.S. District Judge Wendy W. Berger has sentenced Mark Goolsby to two years in federal prison for filing a false claim for a tax refund. The court also ordered Goolsby to pay $420,288 in restitution to the Internal Revenue Service.
Goolsby had pleaded guilty on March 11, 2020.
According to court documents, Goolsby filed a fraudulent federal tax return for the 2014 tax year, falsely claiming that he had earned 1099-Misc income of over $1 million, paid more than $800,000 in federal withholding taxes, and was due a tax refund of $420,288. The IRS processed the return and issued a check to Goolsby for the false refund. Shortly thereafter, the IRS realized that the return was false and began collection proceedings to obtain the refund. Goolsby refused to return the proceeds and instead hid the funds in multiple bank accounts, withdrew large amounts of cash, purchased a vehicle in the name of a third party, and otherwise spent the proceeds to fund a lavish lifestyle.
“In almost twenty years investigating tax fraud, every once in a while a case comes along that causes me to shake my head in disbelief,” stated Special Agent in Charge Brian Payne of IRS Criminal Investigation’s Tampa Field Office. “Mr. Goolsby had the audacity to submit a false claim for a flagrant refund, through his trickery received that bogus refund, then when the IRS caught up to him, he spun a web of lies to cover his tracks. IRS Special Agents are the best financial investigators in the world, tenaciously committed to protecting the integrity of our tax system. The resolution of this case, as the tax season draws to a close, should serve as a warning to would-be cheats that there is no place to hide.”
This case was investigated by the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Karen L. Gable.