Latest Records
Newest first across public DOJ and U.S. Attorney press releases.
Friday 29 May 2020
Federal Arson, Firearm, and Drug Trafficking Charges Stemming from Fire at Okaloosa County Sheriff's OfficeRead the Press Release
PENSACOLA, FLORIDA – United States Attorney Lawrence Keefe, of the Northern District of Florida,
and Okaloosa County Sheriff Larry Ashley announced today that a federal indictment has been
unsealed against Tony M. Streeter, 46, and Betty J. Jackson (a/k/a Betty Joe Streeter), 50, both of
Fort Walton Beach. The indictment alleges that Streeter distributed, and possessed with intent to
distribute, methamphetamine on multiple occasions in August 2019. The indictment also alleges that
Streeter, a multi-convicted drug trafficking felon as alleged in the indictment, possessed a
firearm during the same time frame. It is alleged that these crimes led to conspiratorial acts at
the vehicle impound lot of the Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office on or about September 3, 2019,
which resulted in the malicious burning of a vehicle related to Streeter within said lot. Another
defendant, William Sims, has already pled guilty to his role in the federal arson charges. These
three defendants, who are charged with the planning and execution of the alleged arson conspiracy,
are all now in federal custody.“Individuals who feel enabled to attack a law enforcement agency present an extreme threat to our
communities,” said Sheriff Ashley. “With the arrest of the suspects and the steadfast support of
our federal partners and U.S. Attorney Larry Keefe, we are sending a clear message that these
individuals will be pursued, apprehended, and ultimately held accountable.”“When offenders attack a law enforcement agency, they attack the individuals who protect us and
help maintain law and order in our community,” said U.S. Attorney Keefe. “The U.S. Attorney’s
Office will use all of the resources at its disposal to vigorously pursue and prosecute those who
commit these types of crimes.”The defendants appeared in the United States District Court in Pensacola yesterday and a detention
hearing for both has been scheduled for Monday, June 1, 2020, at 11:00 a.m. at the Winston Arnow
Federal Courthouse in Pensacola. Assistant United States Attorney David L. Goldberg is prosecuting
the case following a joint investigation by the Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office, the Florida
Department of Law Enforcement, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives.“These indictments highlight how strong law enforcement partnerships impact both violence and drug
trafficking in our continued efforts to protect the public,” said ATF Special Agent in Charge
Daryl McCrary.An indictment is merely an allegation that a defendant has committed a violation of federal
criminal law and is not evidence of guilt. All defendants are presumed innocent and entitled to a
fair trial, during which it will be the government’s burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable
doubt at trial.The United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida is one of 94 offices that
serve as the nation’s principal litigators under the direction of the Attorney General. To access
public court documents online, please visit the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of
Florida website. For more information about the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Northern District of
Florida, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/fln/index.html.Fayetteville woman pleads guilty to COVID-19 related federal offense for selling unregistered pesticides on eBayRead the Press Release
NEWNAN, Ga. - Rong Sun, who sold an unregistered pesticide as protection against viruses such as COVID-19, has pleaded guilty to violating the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA).
“We will act quickly and decisively to protect the health of our community,” said U.S. Attorney Byung J. “BJay” Pak. “As Georgia and the country battle a global pandemic, we need safe and effective treatments, not ones that threaten the health of our citizens.”
“Registration under FIFRA helps ensure that pesticides sold in the U.S. work and are safe for humans. The trafficking in snake-oil remedies outside of FIFRA is a criminal act and anyone who does so, especially during this pandemic, will find federal law enforcement ready to stop them,” said Assistant Attorney General Jeffrey Bossert Clark for the Justice Department’s Environment and Natural Resources Division. “The U.S. Department of Justice will not stand by while criminal conduct risks people’s health and safety.”
“This case shows that consumers need to be cautious of products that make unsubstantiated claims of controlling viruses,” said Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Assistant Administrator for Enforcement and Compliance Assurance Susan Bodine. “EPA and our law enforcement partners continue to work to stop the sale of these illegal products. Consumers can help protect themselves by visiting epa.gov/coronavirus for a list of approved products.”
“Playing on people’s fears during this pandemic by offering false hope and the empty promise of protection is not only dangerous, it’s also reprehensible and illegal,” said acting Special Agent in Charge Robert Hammer, who oversees Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) operations in Georgia and Alabama. “HSI and its partners are working diligently to investigate and arrest those criminals that are trying to take advantage of Americans during this pandemic.”“A large part of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service mission is to ensure public trust in the mail,” said Tommy D. Coke, Inspector in Charge of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service Atlanta Division. “When individuals challenge that mission, Postal Inspectors will aggressively investigate those seeking to deceive during this crisis for their own financial gain.”
According to U.S. Attorney Pak, the charges and other information presented in court: The defendant sold an unregistered pesticide, Toamit Virus Shut Out, through eBay, claiming that it would help protect individuals from viruses. The pesticide was marketed as “Virus Shut Out” and “Stop The Virus.” The eBay listing depicted the removal of viruses by wearing the “Virus Shut Out” and “Stop The Virus” product. Additionally, the listing stated that “its main ingredient is ClO2, which is a new generation of widely effective and powerful fungicide recognized internationally at present. Bacteria and viruses can be lifted up within 1 meter of the wearer’s body, just like a portable air cleaner with its own protective cover.” It also stated that “In extraordinary times, access to public places and confined spaces will be protected by one more layer and have one more layer of safety protection effect, thus reducing the risks and probability of infection and transmission.”
The listing further claimed that Toamit is “Office and home essentials during viral infections reduce transmission risk by 90%.”Under FIFRA, the EPA regulates the production, sale, distribution and use of pesticides in the United States. A pesticide is any substance intended for preventing, destroying, repelling, or mitigating any pest. The term “pest” includes viruses. Pesticides are required to be registered with the EPA. Toamit Virus Shut Out was not registered and it is illegal to distribute or sell unregistered pesticides. Sun imported the pesticide from Japan and later sold it to individuals around the United States.
The EPA has taken steps to block the importation and sale of Toamit Virus Shut Out in the United States: https://www.epa.gov/newsreleases/epa-administrator-wheeler-talks-retailers-and-third-party-marketplace-platforms-discuss and https://www.epa.gov/newsreleases/us-epa-acts-protect-public-unregistered-virus-shut-out-product-imported-honolulu-and.The charges carry penalties of up to one year in prison and a $100,000 fine. In determining the actual sentence, the Court will consider the United States Sentencing Guidelines, which are not binding but provide appropriate sentencing ranges for most offenders.
Sentencing for Rong Sun, a/k/a Vicky Sun, 34, of Fayetteville, Georgia, is set for June 29, 2020 at 10:00 a.m., before U.S. Magistrate Judge John K. Larkins III.
This case is being investigated by the Environmental Protection Agency-Criminal Investigation Division, Homeland Security Investigations, and U.S. Postal Inspection Service.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher J. Huber, Deputy Chief Complex Frauds, and Senior Counsel Krishna Dighe of the Environmental Crimes Section of the Justice Department’s Environment and Natural Resources Division are prosecuting the case.
This case is part of Georgia’s Coronavirus (COVID-19) Fraud Task Force, aimed at better protecting the citizens of Georgia from criminal fraud arising from the pandemic. Formed by Georgia’s leading state and federal prosecutors, the task force serves to open channels of communication between partner agencies and more rapidly share information about COVID-19 fraud, while ensuring each fraud complaint is reported to the appropriate prosecuting agency. The task force member agencies include the Office of the Governor of Georgia, the Office of the Attorney General of Georgia, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Georgia, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Georgia and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Georgia. Georgia’s three U.S. Attorneys, the Attorney General of Georgia, and the Executive Counsel for the Governor’s Office serve on the task force. If you think you are a victim of a scam or attempted fraud involving COVID-19, contact the National Center for Disaster Fraud Hotline at 866-720-5721 or via email at www.justice.gov/DisasterComplaintForm.
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.
East Bay Resident Ordered to Pay over $17,000 for Making False Statements to Gain Admittance for Military ServiceRead the Press Release
SAN FRANCISCO – Ross Anthony Farca was ordered to pay $17,832 in restitution for making false statements to a government agency, announced United States Attorney David L. Anderson and Federal Bureau of Investigation Special Agent in Charge John F. Bennett. The sentence was handed down by the Honorable Jon S. Tigar, U.S. District Judge.
Farca, 24, of Concord, pleaded guilty to the charge, without a plea agreement, on April 9, 2020. As part of the proceedings for pleading guilty, Farca acknowledged he falsely certified on an electronic questionnaire that he had not consulted with a health care professional about an emotional or mental health condition when in fact he had.
Additional facts about the case appear in other court filings, including a complaint filed November 19, 2019. According to the complaint, on June 22, 2017, Farca traveled to a U.S. Army Recruitment Center in Mountain View, Calif., where he completed and submitted an online background check application in his bid to join the U.S. Army. The background check application, also known as an SF-86, contains language specifically warning that falsifying or concealing a material fact on the application is a felony which may result in fines or imprisonment. In this case, the criminal complaint alleges that Farca nevertheless knowingly made false statements about his mental health when completing the form. Specifically, he affirmatively stated that he had not received mental health treatment when, in fact, Farca had been in regular contact with a psychiatrist since 2011. In addition, the complaint alleges Farca had received prescriptions for various medications and had received treatments to manage his mental disorders.
According to the complaint, Farca understood that because of his diagnosis, he needed a letter of clearance from a mental health professional before he would be qualified to enlist in the army. The complaint alleges that Farca requested a letter of clearance from both his psychiatrist and a caseworker familiar with his condition; both mental health professionals, however, denied Farca’s request for a clearance letter. The complaint further alleges that when Farca completed the SF-86, rather than admit he had been seeing a psychiatrist and that he was unable to obtain a letter clearing him for duty, Farca instead denied he had ever had counseling for his psychological or emotional health. According to the complaint, Farca reported to basic training on August 28, 2017, and was discharged October 3, 2017. The discharge paperwork cited "failed medical / physical / procurement standards" and noted, "erroneous enlistment; medical condition disqualifying for military service, with no medical waiver approved."
A federal grand jury indicted Farca on December 3, 2019, charging him with making a false statement, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 1001(a). Farca pleaded guilty to the count.
In addition to the restitution order, Judge Tigar also sentenced the defendant to time served in jail—a period of more than six months as defendant has been in custody since his arrest on November 21, 2019—and a 3-year period of supervised release, to include special conditions restricting his computer usage. Defendant will be released from federal custody and transferred to the custody of Contra Costa County, to face additional pending charges.
The Office of the U.S. Attorney’s Special Prosecutions Section is prosecuting the case. The prosecution is the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Concord Police Department.
Eagle Woman Sentenced to 37 Months for Health Care FraudRead the Press Release
BOISE - Karina Renee Moore, 48, of Eagle, was sentenced to 37 months in federal prison for health care fraud, U.S. Attorney Bart M. Davis announced today. U.S. District Judge B. Lynn Winmill also ordered Moore to serve three years of supervised release following her release from prison and to pay $611,860.86 in restitution. Moore pleaded guilty on January 7, 2020.
According to court records, from August 2007 to December 2016, Moore was employed as the office manager at a skilled nursing facility in Boise. The skilled nursing facility was originally Marquis Care of Shaw Mountain, but it was sold in May 2016 and renamed Shaw Mountain of Cascadia. On December 1, 2016, employees at Shaw Mountain of Cascadia called law enforcement after discovering checks showing that the defendant had embezzled $23,805.66. The resulting investigation revealed Moore had been defrauding the Shaw Mountain care facility since at least January 2010. Between January 2010 and December 2016, Moore defrauded health care programs and social security programs, resulting in a loss of $611,860.86.
Moore used multiple schemes to cover her fraud. She embezzled the residents’ private payments and social security payments, including from their resident trust accounts. She fraudulently billed Medicaid for services that were covered by other health care benefit programs, and failed to report payments to Medicaid, causing overpayments, which she then embezzled. Finally, Moore collected and misused the social security checks of a deceased resident.
This case was investigated by United States Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General, Boise Police Department, and Social Security Administration Office of Inspector General.
# # #
Department of Justice Files Statement of Interest in Support of Businesses Suffering from Arbitrary and Irrational Restrictions of Michigan Governor's COVID-19 OrdersRead the Press Release
The Department of Justice today filed a statement of interest in a Michigan federal court in support of a lawsuit filed by seven businesses challenging the restrictions imposed by Governor Gretchen Whitmer in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The statement of interest is part of Attorney General William P. Barr’s April 27, 2020 initiative directing Assistant Attorney General Eric Dreiband for the Civil Rights Division, and the U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Michigan, Matthew Schneider, to review state and local policies to ensure that civil liberties are protected during the COVID-19 pandemic.
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Governor of Michigan has, over the past two months, issued over 100 executive orders that impose sweeping limitations on nearly all aspects of life for citizens of Michigan, significantly impairing in some instances their ability to maintain their economic livelihoods.
According to the lawsuit, the governor’s orders are arbitrary and discriminate against their businesses by treating them differently than other similarly situated businesses. Although the governor’s actions have required the plaintiffs to close or significantly restrict their businesses for over two months, the orders have allowed similar occupations to operate.
The plaintiffs include a real estate brokerage, a lawn and property maintenance company, an automotive glass exporter, an engine oil and auto parts distributor, a small jewelry store, a dental office, and an association of car washes. The plaintiffs brought their case in the Western District of Michigan.
“Our Constitution is enduring, and it is critically important that government comply fully with the Constitution in times of crisis,” said Assistant Attorney General Eric Dreiband of the Civil Rights Division. “The Constitution permits appropriate state and local government restrictions to protect the health and safety of Americans, but it does not permit arbitrary limits that limit the right of all people in our country to be treated equally and fairly by the government.”
“While we appreciate the governor’s serious responsibility to safeguard public health through this pandemic, the Department of Justice has an obligation to call attention to the contours of the rights enshrined in the federal Constitution and to counsel against arbitrary restrictions on liberty,” said Andrew Birge, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Michigan.
“I have no doubt about the governor’s good intentions, but the Executive Orders arbitrarily discriminate by allowing some businesses to operate while similar businesses must close or limit their operations—and if they refuse, they face fines and possible jail time,” said Matthew Schneider, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Michigan, who, with Assistant Attorney General Dreiband, is overseeing the Justice Department’s effort to monitor state and local polices relating to the COVID-19 pandemic. “Under the Governor’s Orders, it’s ok to go to a hardware store and buy a jacket, but it’s a crime to go inside a clothing store and buy the identical jacket without making an appointment. That’s arbitrary. As important as it is that we stay safe during these challenging times, it is also important to remember that we do not abandon our freedoms and our dedication to the rule of law in times of emergency."
In its statement of interest, the United States explains that the facts alleged by the plaintiffs could amount to violations of the Commerce Clause and the Equal Protection Clause of the Constitution.
The federal case is Signature Sotheby’s International Realty, Inc., et al. v. Whitmer, No. 1:20-00360.
Department of Justice Files Statement of Interest Challenging the Constitutionality of Maine Governor’s COVID-19 Orders that Economically Harm Maine CampgroundsRead the Press Release
The Department of Justice today filed a statement of interest in a Maine federal court in support of a lawsuit filed by campgrounds in Maine—and New Hampshire residents who wish to enjoy them—challenging a measure by Governor Janet Mills in response to COVID‑19 that treats Maine residents more favorably than out-of-state residents when they seek to patronize campgrounds and RV parks within Maine.
The Statement of Interest is part of Attorney General William P. Barr’s April 27, 2020 initiative directing Assistant Attorney General Eric Dreiband for the Civil Rights Division, and the U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Michigan, Matthew Schneider, to review state and local policies to ensure that civil liberties are protected during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“The United States Constitution requires government to protect the privileges and immunities of all citizens in our nation,” said Assistant Attorney General Eric Dreiband of the Civil Rights Division. “These privileges and immunities include the right of Americans to travel freely anywhere in our country, and state governments cannot limit the right of out-of-state Americans to travel to their state unless doing so is substantially related to protecting the public safety. The Department of Justice remains committed to defending the constitutional rights of all Americans no matter where they live. The department will continue to be especially vigilant of any infringement on the right to travel that unduly harms the ability of Americans to earn a living and support their families.”
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Governor of Maine has issued Executive Orders that have continued to inflict significant economic harm on campground businesses. On April 3, 2020, the Governor required campground and RV parks to close and also compelled “any person, resident or non-resident, traveling into Maine” to “immediately self-quarantine for 14 days” unless that person was engaged in “essential services.” On April 29, the Governor issued another Executive Order, which incorporates a “Restarting Plan.” The Restarting Plan provides that the State’s “Campgrounds/RV parks” will be “[o]pen to Maine residents only on May 22” and “[o]pen to out-of-state residents who have completed quarantine guidelines on June 1.”
Maine’s self-quarantine requirement has contributed to the significant economic harm being suffered by campground businesses that rely on out-of-state patrons each summer for their income. For example, the yearly revenue for plaintiff Little Ossipee Campground, a small family business in Waterboro, Maine has fallen by over $90,000. Similarly, plaintiff Bayley’s Campground has received over 700 reservation cancellations, refunded over $150,000 in reservation fees, and lost over $260,000 in revenue.
These campgrounds, along with New Hampshire residents who wish to enjoy them, brought a constitutional challenge on May 15 against various aspects of the Governor’s Orders. According to plaintiffs, requiring only out-of-state residents to self-quarantine before patronizing campgrounds in Maine violates the federal constitutional right to interstate travel.
In its statement of interest, the United States explains that Maine’s quarantine requirement discriminates between Maine residents and out-of-state residents. This discrimination appears to be inadequately tailored to further public safety and therefore does not comply with the Constitution. Maine’s Executive Orders are imposing devastating economic costs on the plaintiff campgrounds with a requirement that is both overinclusive and underinclusive to meet its objective and for which Maine could use less restrictive means to advance its interest in protecting public safety.
The federal case is Bayley’s Campground, Inc, d/b/a Bayley’s Camping Resort, et al. v. Mills, Civil Action No.: 2:20-cv-00176-LEW
Department of Justice Files Statement of Interest in Support of Businesses Suffering from Arbitrary and Irrational Restrictons of Michigan Governor’s COVID-19 OrdersRead the Press Release
The Department of Justice today filed a statement of interest in a Michigan federal court in support of a lawsuit filed by seven businesses challenging the restrictions imposed by Governor Gretchen Whitmer in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The statement of interest is part of Attorney General William P. Barr’s April 27, 2020 initiative directing Assistant Attorney General Eric Dreiband for the Civil Rights Division, and the U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Michigan, Matthew Schneider, to review state and local policies to ensure that civil liberties are protected during the COVID-19 pandemic.
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Governor of Michigan has, over the past two months, issued over 100 executive orders that impose sweeping limitations on nearly all aspects of life for citizens of Michigan, significantly impairing in some instances their ability to maintain their economic livelihoods.
According to the lawsuit, the governor’s orders are arbitrary and discriminate against their businesses by treating them differently than other similarly situated businesses. Although the governor’s actions have required the plaintiffs to close or significantly restrict their businesses for over two months, the orders have allowed similar occupations to operate.
The plaintiffs include a real estate brokerage, a lawn and property maintenance company, an automotive glass exporter, an engine oil and auto parts distributor, a small jewelry store, a dental office, and an association of car washes. The plaintiffs brought their case in the Western District of Michigan.
“Our Constitution is enduring, and it is critically important that government comply fully with the Constitution in times of crisis,” said Assistant Attorney General Eric Dreiband of the Civil Rights Division. “The Constitution permits appropriate state and local government restrictions to protect the health and safety of Americans, but it does not permit arbitrary limits that limit the right of all people in our country to be treated equally and fairly by the government.”
“While we appreciate the governor’s serious responsibility to safeguard public health through this pandemic, the Department of Justice has an obligation to call attention to the contours of the rights enshrined in the federal Constitution and to counsel against arbitrary restrictions on liberty,” said Andrew Birge, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Michigan.
“I have no doubt about the governor’s good intentions, but the Executive Orders arbitrarily discriminate by allowing some businesses to operate while similar businesses must close or limit their operations—and if they refuse, they face fines and possible jail time,” said Matthew Schneider, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Michigan, who, with Assistant Attorney General Dreiband, is overseeing the Justice Department’s effort to monitor state and local polices relating to the COVID-19 pandemic. “Under the Governor’s Orders, it’s ok to go to a hardware store and buy a jacket, but it’s a crime to go inside a clothing store and buy the identical jacket without making an appointment. That’s arbitrary. As important as it is that we stay safe during these challenging times, it is also important to remember that we do not abandon our freedoms and our dedication to the rule of law in times of emergency."
In its statement of interest, the United States explains that the facts alleged by the plaintiffs could amount to violations of the Commerce Clause and the Equal Protection Clause of the Constitution.
The federal case is Signature Sotheby’s International Realty, Inc., et al. v. Whitmer, No. 1:20-00360.
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.
###
Cumberland County Man Charged with Illegal Possession of More Than Three Dozen FirearmsRead the Press Release
CAMDEN, N.J. – A New Jersey man with a prior felony conviction was charged today with unlawfully possessing dozens of firearms, including handguns, rifles, a silencer, ammunition, and high-capacity magazines, U.S. Attorney Craig Carpenito announced.
Darick Nollett, 30, of Heislerville, New Jersey, is charged by criminal complaint with one count of unlawfully possessing a firearm as a convicted felon, and one count of knowingly receiving and possessing a firearm that was not registered to him in the National Firearms Registration and Transfer Record. Nollett is expected to make his initial appearance by videoconference this afternoon before U.S. Magistrate Judge Joel Schneider in Camden federal court.
According to documents filed in this case:
Nollett used the Internet to purchase a device that, while marketed as a “fuel filter,” is known to law enforcement to be frequently purchased by individuals for use as a firearm silencer. Law enforcement officers executing a court-authorized search warrant of Nollett’s residence recovered the following, in addition to the silencer:
- A Remington 710 .270 caliber rifle;
- A Savage 93R17 .17 caliber rifle;
- An Aero Precision DTOM 15 rifle;
- A CMMG Inc. MK4 rifle;
- A Del-Ton DTI-15 rifle;
- An Aero Precision DTOM 15 rifle;
- A Keltec rifle;
- A Smith & Wesson .38 caliber revolver;
- A Ruger LCP .380 caliber semi-automatic pistol;
- A Colt Python .357 caliber revolver;
- A Taurus PT738 .380 caliber handgun;
- A Sig Sauer P226 .22 caliber handgun;
- A Glock 20 10mm handgun;
- A Heckler & Koch VP9 tactical pistol;
- A Smith & Wesson M&P40 .40 caliber handgun;
- A Springfield XD-40 .40 caliber handgun;
- A Springfield XD-45 .45 caliber handgun;
- A Taurus PT111 G2 9mm handgun;
- A Browning BPS 12 gauge shotgun;
- A Winchester Model 120 12 gauge shotgun;
- A Hatsan Arms Escort PS Magnum 12 gauge semi-automatic shotgun;
- A Remington 870 20 gauge shotgun;
- A Mossberg 500E .410 gauge shotgun;
- A Rossi 520 20 gauge shotgun;
- A New England Firearms Pardner SBI 12 gauge shotgun;
- A Fabrica Aguirre y Aranzabal JC Higgins Model 100 12 gauge shotgun;
- A Savage Model 720 12 gauge shotgun;
- A Springfield Armory Model 1896 rifle;
- A Ruger Model 10-22 .22 caliber rifle;
- A Remington 7615 Police .223 caliber rifle;
- A Winchester Model 1864 30 30 rifle; and
- A Mossberg 500 12 gauge shotgun;
In addition, law enforcement officers recovered an assembled AR-15 style rifle with scope that did not bear a serial number. Law enforcement officers also recovered unassembled parts for another AR-15 style rifle.
Each charge carries a maximum potential penalty of 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
This case is 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 ensured that federal resources are directed at the criminals posing the greatest threat to our communities.
U.S. Attorney Carpenito credited special agents of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), Cherry Hill office, under the direction of Newark Special Agent in Charge Jason Molina, special agents of the ATF Newark Field Division, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Charlie J. Patterson, postal inspectors of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Philadelphia Division, under the direction of Inspector in Charge Damon E. Wood, officers of the New Jersey State Police, under the direction of Superintendent Col. Patrick J. Callahan, and the Cumberland County Prosecutor’s Office, under the direction of Prosecutor Jennifer Webb-McRae, with the investigation leading to today’s charges.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Daniel A. Friedman of the U.S. Attorney’s Office’s Criminal Division in Camden.
The charges and allegations in the complaint are merely accusations and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Convicted Felon Indicted on Fentanyl Distribution ChargesRead the Press Release
NORFOLK, Va. – A federal grand jury returned an indictment late yesterday charging a Portsmouth man for his role fentanyl distribution conspiracy.
According to the indictment, Dujuan Lee, 38, allegedly bought multi-ounce quantities of fentanyl for $10,000 a week over the course of eight months. The DEA, in partnership with the Portsmouth Police Department, made a series of controlled purchases of fentanyl from Lee and arrested him in February. According to the indictment, Lee, a previously convicted felon, was allegedly in possession of drug packaging materials, razors, a digital scale, a sifter, cutting agent, approximately $3,090 in United States currency, a Taurus G2C 9mm firearm, approximately 19.4 grams of fentanyl, and approximately 70.9 grams of cocaine.
Lee is charged with conspiracy to manufacture, distribute, and possess with intent to manufacture and distribute Fentanyl and cocaine; seven counts of distributing fentanyl; possession with intent to distribute fentanyl; possession with intent to distribute cocaine; felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition; and possession of a firearm during and in relation to a drug trafficking crime.
G. Zachary Terwilliger, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, and Jesse R. Fong, Special Agent in Charge for the Drug Enforcement Administration’s (DEA) Washington Field Division, made the announcement. Assistant U.S. Attorney John F. Butler is 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. 2:20-cr-34.
An indictment is merely an accusation. The defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty.
Convicted Felon Indicted for Arson and Unlawful Possession of A Firearm After Discharging Handgun and Deliberately Setting Fire in Hotel RoomRead the Press Release
LAS VEGAS, Nev. — Eric Larsgaard, 29, of Las Vegas, was arraigned in federal court today on an indictment charging him for allegedly unlawfully possessing a firearm and deliberately setting fire in a hotel room, announced U.S. Attorney Nicholas A. Trutanich for the District of Nevada and Special Agent in Charge Patrick Gorman for the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF).
Larsgaard has two prior criminal convictions in Clark County, including ownership or possession of a firearm by a prohibited person and unlawful possession of a controlled substance. A jury trial has been scheduled before U.S. District Judge Jennifer Dorsey on July 16, 2020.
According to allegations contained in the criminal complaint and indictment, on March 4, 2020, Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department officers responded to Sam’s Town Hotel and Gambling Hall after the fire alarm in Larsgaard’s hotel room was activated. Hotel security found that he had barricaded the door with a dresser and mattress. Guests staying in the hotel room next to Larsgaard’s room had also called hotel security to report that they heard three gunshots coming from his room. For safety reasons, officers evacuated all guests on the floor. After unsuccessfully attempting to make contact with Larsgaard for approximately four hours, responding law enforcement officers forced entry into the room and took Larsgaard into custody.
Officers executed a search warrant and located in Larsgaard’s room a Ruger handgun that previously had been reported stolen. The firearm’s safety was off, and the hammer was cocked in the firing position. Several bullet holes were located in the room. Further, an arson investigator with the Clark County Fire Investigation Division observed at least four different locations of deliberate ignition within the room. The arson investigator also noted that the smoke alarms had been tampered with and removed from the wall.
If convicted, Larsgaard faces (a) a statutory maximum sentence of 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine for the charge of felon in possession of a firearm, and (b) between five to 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine for the charge of arson. In addition to imprisonment and fines, Larsgaard also faces a period of supervised release following any term of imprisonment imposed, restitution, and monetary penalties. The maximum statutory sentence is prescribed by Congress and is provided here for informational purposes only. If convicted of an offense, the sentencing of a defendant will be determined by the court based on the advisory Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
An indictment merely alleges that crimes have been committed. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
This case is the product of an investigation by ATF, the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department, and the Clark County Fire Investigation Division. Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephanie N. Ihler is prosecuting the case.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a nationwide program by the Department of Justice that has been historically successful in bringing together all levels of law enforcement to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. The Department has made turning the tide of rising violent crime in America a top priority. In October 2017, as part of a series of actions to address this crime trend, the Department announced the reinvigoration of PSN. For more information about PSN, visit https://www.justice.gov/usao-nv/project-safe-neighborhoods-project-guardian.
###
Colorado Man Charged with Loan Fraud Scheme Targeting TidewaterRead the Press Release
NEWPORT NEWS, Va. – A federal grand jury returned an indictment today charging a Colorado man with a loan fraud and identity theft scheme.
According to the indictment, Anthony Britton, 44, of Lakewood, participated in a scheme to use stolen identification information to obtain fraudulent personal and vehicle loans through Langley Federal Credit Union (LFCU). In 2015 and 2016, LFCU received numerous online membership and consumer loan applications in the names of stolen identities, and approved and issued the requested memberships and loans prior to determining that they had been sought using the stolen personal identifying information of others. LFCU disbursed loan proceeds via checks and transfers into the checking and savings accounts opened through these fraudulent applications. Vehicle loan proceeds were disbursed by checks made payable to individuals posing as vehicle sellers, while personal loan proceeds were disbursed to LFCU accounts opened in connection with the fraudulent loan applications and transferred to accounts of others, including Britton. The indictment alleges that conspirators then accessed and withdrew the fraudulently obtained loan proceeds and routed them to other accounts to the benefit of Britton.
Britton is charged in a 10 count indictment with conspiracy to commit bank fraud and charges of bank fraud and aggravated identity theft. If convicted, he faces a maximum penalty of 30 years on the bank fraud charges and a mandatory consecutive term of two years on the aggravated identity theft charges. Actual sentences for federal crimes are typically less than the maximum penalties. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after taking into account the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
G. Zachary Terwilliger, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, and Peter R. Rendina, Inspector in Charge of the Washington Division of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, made the announcement. Assistant U.S. Attorney Brian Samuels is 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. 4:20-cr-28.
An indictment is merely an accusation. The defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty.
Charles City Nurse Anesthetist Sentenced to Nearly Three Years in Federal Prison for Drug Tampering and Diversion SchemeRead the Press Release
A Charles City nurse anesthetist who secretly tampered with vials of fentanyl in a hospital’s surgery and birthing centers was sentenced today to nearly three years in federal prison.
Christopher Scott West, age 46, from Charles City, Iowa, received the prison term after an August 1, 2019 guilty plea to one count of tampering with a consumer product and one count of acquiring and attempting to acquire a controlled substance by means of misrepresentation, fraud, deception, and subterfuge.
At the guilty plea and other hearings in the case, the evidence showed that, beginning in 2017, West was a certified nurse anesthetist (CRNA) at a hospital in Charles City. From February 2018 through September 7, 2018, West used his State of Iowa nursing licenses to gain access to two controlled substances, fentanyl and sufentanil, at the hospital. The fentanyl and sufentanil was intended for patients at the hospital, but West used them himself. In order to avoid getting caught, West perforated tamper-proof paper around the vials, carefully opened the vials, replaced the drugs in the vials with saline, glued the vials shut, and placed the vials back in the hospital’s secure dispensaries in the surgery and birthing centers.
The hospital discovered West’s scheme on September 7, 2018, when a hospital visitor discovered West passed out in a public bathroom. West had a rubber tourniquet and empty and full vials of propofol, another drug used in anesthesia, in his coat pocket. After the hospital declined West’s request to keep his drug theft scheme “internal,” West told the hospital’s pharmacist that she needed to remove vials of what were supposed to contain narcotics in the surgery center because hedid not want those adulterated narcotics used on patients. The pharmacist found tampered vials of fentanyl in the surgery center. However, over the ensuing weekend, the pharmacist also checked the hospital’s birthing center. The pharmacist also found tampered vials in the birthing center, too. In total, the hospital discovered 28 tampered vials of fentanyl and 15 tampered vials of sufentanil in the hospital’s secure dispensaries.
On September 9, 2018, West admitted to the hospital’s surgeon that West had administered three different forms of anesthesia to a young patient in part so that he would have narcotics left over for his personal use. The patient suffered complications from his surgery and required an extra day in the hospital and intermittent catheterizations. A subsequent review of other procedures West allegedly performed revealed that West had purported to use fentanyl consistently in colonoscopies and cataract surgeries as early as December 2017. A prior review of West’s obstetrics patients in 2018 revealed that one in four of West’s spinal anesthesia patients received narcotics that were insufficient to reduce labor pain, such that the women giving birth also required general anesthesia.
West was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Judge C.J. Williams. West was sentenced to 34 months’ imprisonment and fined $15,000. He was ordered to make $31,998.34 in restitution to the hospital and ordered to pay $3,158.18 in costs of prosecution. He must also serve a three-year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system. The district court also ordered West to forfeit his two State of Iowa nursing licenses to the United States because defendant used those licenses to further his drug diversion scheme.
“Medical professionals have an obligation to care for some of the most vulnerable members of our society,” said United States Attorney Peter Deegan. “By his selfish actions, Mr. West took advantage of his trusted position at his local community hospital. He endangered the health and very lives of patients at the hospital. This sentence sends a clear message that such dangerous behavior will not be tolerated.”
“The FDA oversees the U.S. drug supply to ensure that it is safe and effective, and those who knowingly tamper with medicines put patients’ health at risk,” said Special Agent in Charge Charles L. Grinstead, FDA Office of Criminal Investigations Kansas City Field Office. “We will continue to protect the public health and bring to justice health care professionals who take advantage of their unique position and compromise their patients’ health and comfort by tampering with needed drugs.”
West was released on the bond previously set and is to surrender to the United States Marshal on a date yet to be set. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Tim Vavricek and investigated by the Food and Drug Administration, Office of Criminal Investigations, the Iowa Division of Narcotics Enforcement, and the Charles City Police Department.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 19-CR-2013.
Follow us on Twitter @USAO_NDIA.
Birmingham Man Indicted for Gas Station RobberyRead the Press Release
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – A federal grand jury yesterday indicted a Birmingham man in connection to an armed robbery of a Shell gas station, announced U.S. Attorney Jay E. Town and Federal Bureau of Investigation Special Agent in Charge Johnnie Sharp, Jr.
A two-count indictment filed in U.S. District Court charges Dennis Dewayne Dothard, 37, with one count of Hobbs Act Robbery and one count of carrying and brandishing a firearm during and in relation to a violent crime.
“The FBI once again showed its investigative prowess in swiftly investigating and solving this crime,” Town said. “We also offer our gratitude to our local law enforcement partners for smartly apprehending the defendant.”
The Hobbs Act prohibits actual or attempted robbery that affects interstate commerce and that involves the taking of property from another person by means of actual or threatened force or violence. The maximum penalty for Hobbs Act robbery is 20 years in prison.
Brandishing a firearm during and in relation to a violent crime carries a mandatory seven years in prison per count, to be served consecutively to any other sentence imposed for the crime.
FBI investigated the cases along with the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency, Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office and Hoover Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kevin Sanchez is prosecuting the case.
An indictment is merely an allegation and the defendant is presumed innocent until proven 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.
Bangor Awarded over $65,000 to Address COVID-19 PandemicRead the Press Release
Portland, Maine: United States Attorney Halsey B. Frank announced that the Department of Justice’s Office of Justice Programs (OJP) has awarded $65,825 to the City of Bangor to address the public safety challenges posed by the outbreak of COVID-19.
OJP awarded the grant as part of $850 million available under the Coronavirus Emergency Supplemental Funding program, authorized by the stimulus legislation President Trump signed in March. This program allows eligible state, local and tribal governments to apply immediately for these critical funds. Since the program’s launch in early April, OJP has awarded over $661 million to 963 state, local and tribal agencies and organizations. Eleven Maine jurisdictions have received a total of over $4 million. A list of all awards can be found here.
“My hope is that this grant will help Bangor combat the coronavirus that has so disrupted our lives,” U.S. Attorney Frank said in announcing the grant.
The Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security, or CARES, Act gives jurisdictions considerable latitude in the use of funds for dealing with COVID-19. Potential uses include hiring personnel, paying overtime, purchasing protective equipment and distributing resources to hard-hit areas. Funds may also be used to help correctional facilities cover costs related to COVID-19, including, but not limited to, sanitation, contagion prevention and measures designed to address the related medical needs of inmates, detainees and correctional personnel.
Today is the deadline for jurisdictions to apply for grants. OJP will fund successful applicants on a rolling basis as it receives applications. Grantees may apply the funds retroactively to January 20, 2020, subject to federal rules.
Agencies that were eligible for the fiscal year 2019 State and Local Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant Program are candidates for the emergency funding. A complete list of eligible jurisdictions and their allocations is available at https://bja.ojp.gov/program/fy20-cesf-allocations. More information is at https://bja.ojp.gov/funding/opportunities/bja-2020-18553.
OJP, directed by Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Katharine T. Sullivan, provides federal leadership, grants, training, technical assistance and other resources to improve the nation’s capacity to prevent and reduce crime, assist victims and enhance the rule of law by strengthening the criminal and juvenile justice systems. More information is at www.ojp.gov.
Attorney General William P. Barr's Statement on the Death of Mr. George FloydRead the Press Release
Attorney General William P. Barr has issued the following statement:
“The video images of the incident that ended with the death of Mr. Floyd, while in custody of Minneapolis police officers, were harrowing to watch and deeply disturbing. The state prosecutor has been in the process of determining whether any criminal charges are appropriate under state law. On a separate and parallel track, the Department of Justice, including the FBI, are conducting an independent investigation to determine whether any federal civil rights laws were violated. Both state and federal officers are working diligently and collaboratively to ensure that any available evidence relevant to these decisions is obtained as quickly as possible. Under our system, charging decisions must be, and will be, based on the law and facts. This process is proceeding quickly. As is the typical practice, the state’s charging decisions will be made first. I am confident justice will be served.”
Amarillo Convenience Store Owner Sentenced to More Than 12 Years for Drug TraffickingRead the Press Release
An Amarillo convenience store owner and drug trafficker was sentenced to 151 months in federal prison for his role in distributing synthetic cannabinoids, also known as “K-2” or “spice,” announced U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Texas Erin Nealy Cox.
Phouphet Sayasane, 43, a.k.a. “Phet” pleaded guilty in December 2019 to distributing and possessing with intent to distribute a controlled substance.
According to court documents, Sayasane owned and or assisted in operating a network of convenience stores and “smoke shops” around the Amarillo area where he and co-defendants sold illegal synthetic cannabinoids.
According to the DEA, “K-2” and “spice” are two of the many street names for synthetic cannabinoids which are human-made, mind-altering chemicals developed to mimic the effects of delta9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the main active ingredient of marijuana. Synthetic cannabinoids – which can cause increased heart rate, seizures, vomiting, agitation, hallucinations, and other symptoms – are typically marketed in rectangular, heat-sealed packets with brightly colored wording and street names to add appeal.
Sayasane, and co-defendants, Paul Vang, 46, Krystal Vang, 43, Danny Vorasane, 31, Terry Morgan, 57, and Andrew Rodriguez, 35, most commonly sold synthetic cannabinoids to customers in one-gram and five-gram packages, often labelled as “aroma therapy.”
In plea papers, Sayasane admitted to supplying bulk amounts of “K-2” directly to other convenience stores and “smoke shops” in Amarillo including those of Paul Vang and Krystal Vang.
Through the network of convenience stores, Sayasane illegally distributed in excess of three kilograms of K-2 into the Amarillo community.
Other co-defendants also received the following sentences for their involvement: Paul Vang, 51 months, Krystal Vang, 46 months, Danny Vorasane, 37 months, Terry Morgan, 27 months, and Andrew Rodriguez, probation.
This investigation was led by the Drug Enforcement Administration, with the assistance of Homeland Security Investigations, the Amarillo Police Department, the Potter County Sheriff’s Office, the Randall County Sheriff’s Office, and the Texas Department of Public Safety. Assistant U.S. Attorney Sean Long is prosecuting this case. U.S. District Judge Matthew Kacsmaryk handed down the sentence.
Thursday 28 May 2020
U.S. Attorney warns public of COVID-19 contact tracing fraudsRead the Press Release
BILLINGS—U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme today warned Montanans to be aware of COVID-19 contact tracing scams in which someone steals personal identifying information while posing as a government or health care representative.
The Department of Justice is getting reports that contact tracing fraud is an emerging nationwide scam. Contact tracing is a process to help stop the spread of the coronavirus by identifying people who have come into contact with someone who has tested positive for COVID-19 and instructing them to quarantine and monitor symptoms.
"Don't be fooled by imposter tracers. Scammers calling or texting and saying, 'I'm with the health department and I need your Social Security number or bank account information…' have been effective at stealing personal identification information. A legitimate contact tracer will not ask for money or information like your Social Security number or bank account number. During this time, stay healthy and keep your money safe," U.S. Attorney Alme said.
For more information about COVID-19 contact tracing scams and tips to protect yourself from identity theft and financial fraud, visit the Federal Trade Commission at: https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/blog/2020/05/covid-19-contact-tracing-text-message-scams.
To report COVID-19 related frauds, contact the National Center for Disaster Fraud at 866-720-5721 or [email protected].
XXX
U.S. Attorney J. Douglas Overbey Announces $36,299 Award to Address COVID-19 Pandemic in TennesseeRead the Press Release
Knoxville, Tenn. – U.S. Attorney J. Douglas Overbey of the Eastern District of Tennessee today announced that the Washington County Sheriff’s Office received $36,299 in Department of Justice grants to respond to the public safety challenges posed by the outbreak of COVID-19.
The grant is available under the Coronavirus Emergency Supplemental Funding program, authorized by the recent stimulus legislation signed by President Trump. Other jurisdictions can determine if they are eligible for funds and may apply immediately by visiting this website. The Justice Department is moving quickly, awarding grants on a rolling basis and aiming to have funds available for drawdown as soon as possible after receiving applications.
“As this country continues to fight COVID-19, our office remains committed to deterring, investigating, and prosecuting those who seek to take advantage of the COVID-19 pandemic. This funding will help many of the communities struggling in these trying times and provide some much-needed relief to our district,” said U.S. Attorney Overbey.
“The outbreak of COVID-19 and the public health emergency it created are sobering reminders that even the most routine duties performed by our nation’s public safety officials carry potentially grave risks,” said Katharine T. Sullivan, Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General for the Office of Justice Programs. “These funds will provide hard-hit communities with critical resources to help mitigate the impact of this crisis and give added protection to the brave professionals charged with keeping citizens safe.”
The law gives jurisdictions considerable latitude using these funds for dealing with COVID-19. Potential uses include hiring personnel, paying overtime, purchasing protective equipment, distributing resources to hard-hit areas and addressing inmates’ medical needs.
Agencies eligible for the fiscal year 2019 State and Local Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant Program are candidates for the emergency funding. Local units of government and tribes will receive direct awards separately according to their jurisdictions’ allocations.
The Office of Justice Programs, directed by Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Katharine T. Sullivan, provides federal leadership, grants, training, technical assistance and other resources to improve the nation’s capacity to prevent and reduce crime, assist victims and enhance the rule of law by strengthening the criminal and juvenile justice systems. More information about OJP and its components can be found at www.ojp.gov.
###
U.S. Attorney Hosts Roundtable on Human Trafficking in Northern Va.Read the Press Release
ALEXANDRIA, Va. – United States Attorney G. Zachary Terwilliger today hosted a virtual law enforcement roundtable aimed at combatting human trafficking in Northern Virginia.
“Human trafficking is modern day slavery,” said Terwilliger. “As someone who personally investigated and prosecuted these cases earlier in my career, there is no more just prosecution than holding accountable those who would sell, sexually and physically exploit, and ultimately discard a human being.”
The roundtable included law enforcement partners from the U.S. Attorney’s Office; FBI; U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI); Department of Labor, Office of Inspector General; and Department of State, Diplomatic Security Service.
Morris Parker, Assistant U.S. Attorney and Chief of the Major Crimes Unit at EDVA, led the discussion of EDVA’s strategic plan on human trafficking, which primarily focuses on: 1) The identification of human trafficking victims; 2) Identification and prosecution of human traffickers; and, 3) Improving intelligence, information sharing, and coordination amongst law enforcement to ensure that we are rescuing victims, disrupting trafficking schemes, and holding traffickers accountable as quickly as possible.
The discussion of the strategic plan was followed by a presentation on trends in human trafficking investigations led by Assistant U.S. Attorney Maureen C. Cain, EDVA’s Human Trafficking Coordinator and Chair of the Law Enforcement Committee for the Northern Virginia Human Trafficking Task Force. A leading expert, Cain was honored in 2019 with the Top Prosecutor Award by Women in Federal Law Enforcement Foundation for her work in combatting human trafficking.
Specific trends in human trafficking that were discussed included: Law enforcement focus on repeat runaways who are particularly vulnerable and susceptible to human trafficking; targeting of runaway girls by MS-13, and multiple reports to law enforcement of MS-13 sex trafficking young girls and beating them with baseball bats; law enforcement focus on the demand side of human trafficking on the internet, including law enforcement undercover operations involving the advertising of sex with minor victims.
The day concluded with a presentation by Cain and Assistant U.S. Attorney Raizza Ty, EDVA’s Border Security Coordinator, on some of the challenges of forced labor investigations including; identification of particular industries that are susceptible to labor trafficking, such as farming and service-related industries; educating law enforcement to recognize forced labor indicators; victims are often foreign nationals in the country on a work visa, and traffickers have control of the victim’s passport, and use it to control the victim.
Combatting human trafficking, primarily juvenile sex trafficking, has been a priority for EDVA for the last decade. Terwilliger, in his previous capacity as an Assistant U.S. Attorney, was part of an original human trafficking group that specifically targeted and dismantled MS-13 juvenile sex trafficking conspiracies. He also served as an adjunct professor at George Washington University’s Elliott School of International Affairs where he taught an advanced course on human trafficking. Terwilliger currently serves as a member of the Law Enforcement Advisory Committee for the world renowned National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC). This prior experience has informed Terwilliger and EDVA’s continued prioritization of combatting human trafficking in EDVA.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia.
Two KC Men Indicted for Bank Robbery ConspiracyRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Two Kansas City, Missouri, men have been indicted by a federal grand jury for their roles in a conspiracy to rob two banks.
Desmand W. McDaniel, 27, and Joshua J. Parker, 28, were charged in a three-count indictment returned by a federal grand jury on Wednesday, May 27. The indictment replaces a federal criminal complaint that was filed against McDaniel and Parker on March 12, 2020.
The federal indictment alleges that McDaniel and Parker participated in a conspiracy to commit bank robberies from Feb. 3 to March 11, 2020. The indictment also charges McDaniel and Parker together in two counts of bank robbery.
McDaniel and Parker allegedly stole $11,026 from First Federal Bank of Kansas City, 9330 E. Gregory Boulevard, Raytown, Missouri, on Feb. 22, 2020.
McDaniel and Parker allegedly stole $10,085 from First Federal Bank of Kansas City, 3500 S. Noland Road, Independence, Missouri, on March 11, 2020. According to an affidavit filed in support of the original criminal complaint, each of the men approached a teller station and demanded cash. McDaniel allegedly approached a teller and demanded, “Give me all of your money.” The teller said she was afraid and complied with his demands; she told investigators he was “aggressive” and told her to “hurry up.” Parker allegedly approached another teller and told her to “hand over the money.” He held his hand in his pocket, which made her believe he may have a gun. She turned over the money from her teller drawer. McDaniel and Parker then ran out of the bank.
An eyewitness at the intersection of 35th Street and Noland Road noticed McDaniel and Parker run out of First Federal Bank, dropping money while they ran, and believed the bank was being robbed. The eyewitness saw them get into a black GMC SUV; the eyewitness started following them and called 911 to report the suspicious activity. McDaniel, who was driving the vehicle, led police officers on a high-speed pursuit through Independence, Raytown, Kansas City, Mo., and Kansas City, Kansas. Multiple police agencies became involved, including a Kansas City, Mo., police helicopter. McDaniel and Parker traveled in excess of 100 miles per hour, weaving into oncoming traffic. Their vehicle died near the 7-Eleven convenience store at the intersection of 95th Street and Antioch Road in Overland Park, Kansas. McDaniel and Parker fled from the vehicle but were apprehended and arrested after a foot chase.
The charges contained in this indictment are simply accusations, and not evidence of guilt. Evidence supporting the charges must be presented to a federal trial jury, whose duty is to determine guilt or innocence.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Emily A. Morgan. It was investigated by the FBI, the Independence, Mo., Police Department, the Kansas City, Mo., Police Department, the Overland Park, Kan., Police Department, the Raytown, Mo., Police Department, and the Grandview, Mo., Police Department.
Project Safe Neighborhoods
The U.S. Attorney’s Office is partnering with federal, state, and local law enforcement to specifically identify criminals responsible for significant violent crime in the Western District of Missouri. A centerpiece of this effort is Project Safe Neighborhoods, a program that brings together all levels of law enforcement to reduce violent crime and make neighborhoods safer for everyone. Project Safe Neighborhoods is an evidence-based program that identifies the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develops comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, Project Safe Neighborhoods focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
Tomato Plant Corporation Sentenced in O’Neill Harboring CaseRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Joe Kelly announced that O’Neill Ventures, Inc., a tomato greenhouse and packing plant located in O’Neill, Nebraska, was sentenced on Wednesday, May 27, 2020 for their role in a conspiracy to harbor undocumented aliens with Juan Pablo Sanchez-Delgado. Chief United States District Judge John M. Gerrard handed down the sentence. The corporation was sentenced to a fine of $400,000 due immediately. The maximum fine authorized by law for this offense is $500,000. The ordered fine exceeded the recommended sentencing guidelines range of $70,000 to $140,000. Chief Judge Gerrard found that the higher fine amount was warranted due to the conditions at the tomato plant for its workers. In addition, the corporation must allow Homeland Security Investigations to conduct reviews and inspections of their labor practices and hiring processes during a probationary term as outlined in the agreement.
On August 8, 2018, agents and officers with Immigration and Customs Enforcement executed a search warrant at O’Neill Ventures, Inc., and found that undocumented alien workers comprised approximately 70% of the company’s work force on that date.
This case was investigated by Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Homeland Security Investigations.
Thirteen Individuals Charged for Their Involvement in Six Fatal Opioid Overdoses Across Hillsborough, Pasco, and Pinellas CountiesRead the Press Release
Tampa, FL – United States Attorney Maria Chapa Lopez announces the return of six indictments and one arrest pursuant to a criminal complaint charging 13 individuals for their roles in six fatal opioid overdoses. The indictments also notify the defendants that the United States intends to forfeit any assets that are alleged to be traceable proceeds of the offense. The indictments were returned on May 20 and 27, 2020. The arrest pursuant to the criminal complaint took place on March 30, 2020.
INDICTMENT 1
Name
Age, Residence
Charges and Maximum Penalties
Jared Collins
26, Wesley Chapel
Possession with the intent to distribute and distribution of fentanyl resulting in death; possession with the intent to distribute and distribution of fentanyl.
Minimum mandatory term of 20 years, up to life, in federal prison for the conduct resulting in death; and a maximum of 20 years in federal prison for the other offense.
INDICTMENT 2
Kimberly Fleer
27, Seffner
Possession with the intent to distribute and distribution of fentanyl and heroin resulting in death; distribution and possession with the intent to distribute heroin and fentanyl.
Minimum mandatory term of 20 years, up to life, in federal prison for the conduct resulting in death; and a maximum of 20 years in federal prison for the other counts.
INDICTMENT 3
Justin Lebarron
27, New Port Richey
Conspiracy to distribute fentanyl and methamphetamine resulting in death; distribution and possession with the intent to distribute fentanyl and methamphetamine resulting in death; possession with the intent to distribute fentanyl; maintaining a drug premise.
Mandatory term of 20 years, up to life, in federal prison for the counts alleging death and a maximum of 20 years in federal prison for the remaining counts.
Brittney Smith
29, New Port Richey
Conspiracy to distribute fentanyl and methamphetamine resulting in death; distribution and possession with the intent to distribute fentanyl and methamphetamine resulting in death; maintaining a drug premise.
Minimum mandatory term of 20 years, up to life, in federal prison for the counts alleging death and a maximum of 20 years in federal prison for the remaining count.
Vincent Sanchez
34, New Port Richey
One count of being an accessory after the fact to a drug conspiracy and drug distribution resulting in death.
Maximum penalty of 15 years in federal prison.
Michael Phelps
44, Port Richey
One count of being an accessory after the fact to a drug conspiracy and drug distribution resulting in death.
Maximum penalty of 15 years in federal prison.
Krystin Horner
31, Port Richey
One count of being an accessory after the fact to a drug conspiracy and drug distribution resulting in death.
Maximum penalty of 15 years in federal prison.
INDICTMENT 4
Thomas Lynch
57, Riverview
Conspiracy to distribute fentanyl and heroin resulting in death; distribution and possession with the intent to distribute fentanyl and heroin resulting in death; possession with the intent to distribute and distribution of heroin and fentanyl.
Minimum mandatory term of 20 years, up to life, in federal prison for the conspiracy; and a maximum of 20 years in federal prison for the other counts.
Shawn Ryno
31, Riverview
Conspiracy to distribute fentanyl and heroin resulting in death; distribution and possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and heroin resulting in death.
Minimum mandatory term of 20 years, up to life, in federal prison for both counts.
Christina O’Brien
36, Riverview
Conspiracy to distribute fentanyl and heroin resulting in death; distribution and possession with the intent to distribute fentanyl and heroin resulting in death.
Minimum mandatory term of 20 years, up to life, in federal prison for both counts.
INDICTMENT 5
Isaiah Reed
31, Tampa
Distribution and possession with the intent to distribute fentanyl and heroin.
Maximum term of 20 years in federal prison.
INDICTMENT 6
Jarran Riley
34, Clearwater
Distribution and possession with the intent to distribute fentanyl and heroin resulting in death; possession with the intent to distribute and distribution of fentanyl and cocaine.
Minimum mandatory term of 20 years, up to life, in federal prison for the conduct resulting in death; and a maximum of 20 years in federal prison for the other counts.
ARRESTED BY CRIMINAL COMPLAINT
Jack Rice
35, St. Petersburg
Possession with the intent to distribute fentanyl, cocaine, and methamphetamine; possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.
Maximum term of 20 years in federal prison.
An indictment is merely a formal charge that a defendant has committed one or more violations of federal criminal law, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless, and until, proven guilty.
The cases against Collins (Indictment 1), Lebarron et al (Indictment 3), Rice (Criminal Complaint), and Riley (Indictment 6) were investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the United States Secret Service, the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office, the Pasco Sheriff’s Office, the Clearwater Police Department, the Pinellas Park Police Department, and the St. Petersburg Police Department as part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) investigation. The principal mission of the OCDETF program is to identify, disrupt, and dismantle the most serious drug trafficking and money laundering organizations and those primarily responsible for the nation’s drug supply.
The cases against Fleer (Indictment 2), Lynch et al (Indictment 4), and Reed (Indictment 5) were investigated by Homeland Security Investigations and the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office as part of the Middle District of Florida’s anti-opioid strategy to combat opioid trafficking and abuse.
All cases will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Dan Baeza and Diego Novaes.
The United States Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Texas Redoubles Its Efforts to Combat Sexual Harassment in Housing During the COVID-19 PandemicRead the Press Release
U.S. Attorney John F. Bash is asking that anyone who has witnessed or is a victim of sexual harassment at the hands of an owner, property manager, maintenance worker or any other individual who has control over housing to report that conduct to the Department of Justice. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Texas will work closely with state and local partners to identify incidents of sexual harassment in housing.
“I am proud that the Department of Justice has prioritized the fight against sexual harassment in housing. My office will act aggressively against such violations of federal law and fundamental decency,” stated U.S. Attorney Bash.
The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted the ability of many people to pay their rent on time and has increased the lack of home security. The Justice Department has received reports that housing providers are trying to take advantage of the crisis to sexually harass tenants. Sexual harassment in housing is illegal and the Department of Justice is prepared to investigate such allegations and pursue, where appropriate, law enforcement measures.
The Department of Justice's Home Sexual Harassment Initiative is an effort to combat sexual harassment in housing led by the Civil Rights Division, in collaboration with federal prosecutors across the country. The Initiative aims to address sexual harassment by homeowners, property managers, maintenance workers, lenders, or others who control housing.
Since its launch in 2017, the Initiative has filed lawsuits across the country, alleging a pattern or practice of sexual harassment in housing and has recovered millions of dollars in damages for victims of harassment. Justice Department investigations often reveal cases of sexual harassment that have persisted for years. Many individuals do not know that being harassed by a housing provider may be a violation of federal laws or that the Department of Justice could help.
Through the Civil Rights Division and Federal Prosecutors' Offices, the Department of Justice enforces the Fair Housing Act, which prohibits discrimination in housing based on race, skin color, religion, sex, family status, national origin, or disability. Sexual harassment is a form of sex discrimination that the Act prohibits. The Department encourages anyone who has been sexually harassed in the home or who knows someone who has been sexually harassed to contact the Civil Rights Division by telephone at (844) 380-6178 or by email to [email protected].
Individuals who believe they have been victims of discrimination may also contact the nearest U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Texas by calling: San Antonio—(210) 384-7100; Austin—(512) 916-5858; El Paso—(915) 534-6884; Midland—(432) 686-4110; Del Rio—(830) 703-2025; Alpine—(432) 837-7332; or Waco—(254) 750-1580. A complaint alleging sexual harassment or housing discrimination may also be filed with the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) through the HUD website (https://www.hud.gov/program_offices/fair_housing_equal_opp/online-complaint) or by calling (800) 669-9777.
#####
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.
Rogersville Man Sentenced to 15 Years on Methamphetamine and Firearm ChargesRead the Press Release
Greeneville, Tenn. – On May 26, 2020, Anthony Dwayne Sensabaugh, 33, currently of Rogersville, was sentenced by the Honorable Clifton L. Corker, in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Tennessee at Greeneville.
Sensabaugh pleaded guilty to possession with the intent to distribute methamphetamine and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. Sensabaugh was sentenced to 180 months in prison, followed by five years of supervised release.
In 2017, the Third Judicial District’s Drug Task Force (DTF) made controlled purchases of methamphetamine and heroin from Sensabaugh. As a result, the DTF and Hawkins County Sheriff’s Office executed a search warrant on Sensabaugh’s residence. During the authorized search, law enforcement officers were able to recover 17.93 grams of heroin, 14.12 grams of a cocaine-base substance, 14.83 grams of cocaine, 52.24 grams of methamphetamine, 33.36 grams of marijuana, and a loaded .25 caliber pistol.
On February 4, 2019, deputies of the Hawkins County Sheriff’s Office arrested Sensabaugh for another offense. During an interview, Sensabaugh admitted to the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) agents and Hawkins County Sheriff’s Office that he frequently made purchases of methamphetamine in actual quantities of four to eight ounces weekly prior to the search warrant executed back in 2017.
“Our office fully supports our law enforcement partners’ investigative efforts to address the resurgence of heroin and other drugs within our region. The U.S. Attorney’s Office will continue to prosecute individuals involved in the illegal drug and weapon activities that continue to plague our state,” said U.S. Attorney J. Douglas Overbey.
“Utilizing two of the DOJ’s national strategies to prevent crime, Project Guardian and Project Safe Neighborhood, this joint collaboration between local, state, and federal partners helped to ensure there is one less gun on the streets that can be used to perpetuate criminal activity. This focused investigation and future investigations like it will have a lasting impact within our community,” ATF Acting Special Agent in Charge Frank Haera stated.
“This is a great example of local and federal law enforcement agencies working closely to eradicate dangerous drug dealers out of our communities. The drug dealer’s residence was located across the street from a middle school, which jeopardized the safety and well-being of school staff and its students,” said Sheriff Ronnie Lawson of the Hawkins County Sheriff’s Office.
The criminal indictment resulted from an investigation by the Hawkins County Sheriff’s Office, the Third Judicial District’s Drug Task Force, and ATF.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Todd Martin represented the United States in court.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (“PSN”), a comprehensive national strategy that creates local partnerships with law enforcement agencies to effectively enforce existing gun laws. It provides more options to prosecutors, allowing them to utilize local, state, and federal laws to ensure that criminals who commit gun crime face tough sentences. PSN gives each federal district the flexibility it needs to focus on individual challenges that a specific community faces.
This case is 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, please visit this site: https://www.justice.gov/projectguardian.
###
Piggly Wiggly in Lafayette, Tennessee Settles Americans with Disabilities Act ComplaintRead the Press Release
NASHVILLE, Tenn –May 28, 2020 - A Piggly Wiggly grocery store in Lafayette, Tennessee and its proprietor have agreed to adopt written non-discrimination policies and to pay a monetary amount to a disabled woman to resolve allegations that they violated the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), announced Don Cochran, United States Attorney for the Middle District of Tennessee.
The settlement resolves allegations made by a disabled woman attempting to shop at her local Piggly Wiggly store. According to the complaint, the woman, with the assistance of her service animal, and her family, were shopping for groceries when the store’s proprietor ordered her out of the store. When the woman and her family attempted to explain her service animal’s protected status under the ADA, the proprietor called the police.
As a result of this investigation, Piggly Wiggly has adopted written ADA policies that require all employees to be trained regarding the rights of disabled individuals utilizing service animals. Piggly Wiggly is required to post its new policies so that they are accessible to the public and the store is subject to audit to ensure compliance with the settlement.
This case is a product of the United States Attorney’s Office’s continued commitment to protecting rights guaranteed under the ADA.
Assistant United States Attorney Dean S. Atyia handled this matter on behalf of the United States.
# # # # #
Niskayuna Man Pleads Guilty to Stealing Trade Secrets from GERead the Press Release
ALBANY, NEW YORK – Yang Sui, age 42, of Niskayuna, New York, pled guilty today to stealing trade secrets belonging to the General Electric Company.
The announcement was made by Assistant Attorney General for National Security John C. Demers; United States Attorney Grant C. Jaquith; and Thomas F. Relford, Special Agent in Charge of the Albany Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).
As part of his guilty plea, Sui admitted that between 2015 and 2017, he stole multiple electronic files pertaining to the research, design, and manufacture of silicon carbide MOSFETs (metal-oxide semiconductor field-effect transistors). Silicon carbide MOSFETs are used in a variety of GE’s parts and products, including aviation equipment and wind turbines.
United States District Judge Mae A. D’Agostino will sentence Sui on September 22, 2020. Sui faces up to 10 years in prison, a maximum fine of $250,000 or up to twice the value of the pecuniary gain to him from the crime, and up to 3 years of supervised release. A sentence is imposed by a judge based on the particular statute the defendant is charged with violating, the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, and other factors.
This case was investigated by the FBI, and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Rick Belliss and National Security Division Trial Attorney Matthew Chang.
Niagara Falls Man Arrested on Multiple Charges Including Possession of Ecstasy and A FirearmRead 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 Verquan Jackson, 32, of Niagara Falls, NY, was arrested and charged by criminal complaint with possessing with intent to distribute MDMA, a/k/a Ecstasy, possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, and maintaining a premises for drug use and distribution. The charges carry a maximum penalty of 25 years in prison and a $1,000,000 fine.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Charles E. Watkins, Jr., who is handling the case, stated that according to the complaint, on February 13, 2020, the United States Postal Inspection Service was notified about a box that was shipped from California to Niagara Falls breaking open during transit. Inside the box, which was addressed to Jackson at his 65th Street residence, were approximately 41 lbs. of 2 oz. individual narcotics distribution baggies.
Subsequently, on April 8 and May 19, 2020, search warrants were executed on packages addressed to the defendant’s residence but in the names of B. Jackson and Jane Brown. One package contained approximately 695 grams of suspected marijuana and paraphernalia. The other package contained approximately 652 grams of multicolored pills containing MDMA and fentanyl.
On May 21, 2020, the package containing the MDMA was delivered to Jackson’s residence. A short time later, investigators executed a search warrant inside the residence. They recovered a 9mm firearm; five digital scales; a box of plastic sandwich baggies; clear plastic bags containing a tan powdery substance; designer drug packaging bags; and multiple clear plastic bags containing suspected marijuana.
Jackson made an initial appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge H. Kenneth Schroeder and was released on conditions.The criminal complaint is the culmination of an investigation by the United States Postal Inspection Service, under the direction of Inspector-in-Charge Joseph W. Cronin of the Boston Division; the Drug Enforcement Administration, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Ray Donovan, New York Field Division; and the Niagara Falls Police Department, under the direction of Superintendent Thomas Licata.
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.
# # # #
Middlebrook Man Sentenced on Drug Conspiracy ChargeRead the Press Release
HARRISONBURG, VIRGINIA – John William Hooser III, a Middlebrook, Va., man who conspired with others to distribute methamphetamine, was sentenced today in U.S. District Court in Harrisonburg to 60 months in federal prison. United States Attorney Thomas T. Cullen and Drug Enforcement Administration Special Agent in Charge Jesse Fong made the announcement today
In October 2019, Hooser, 33, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine, one count of possessing with the intent to distribute methamphetamine, and one count of being an unlawful user of a controlled substance illegally in possession of a firearm.
According to court documents, from May 2018 to August 2018, Hooser conspired with others to traffic methamphetamine from a source of supply in Oklahoma into the Western District of Virginia. Hooser has admitted to participating in transactions totaling approximately 658 grams of methamphetamine during the life of the drug distribution conspiracy.
The case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, Shenandoah County Sheriff’s Department, Augusta County Sheriff’s Department, and the Staunton Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Jeb Terrien prosecuted the case for the United States.
Mexican Man Sentenced for Being Illegal Alien in Possession of a FirearmRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – United States Attorney Peter G. Strasser announced that JUAN SANTOS PEREZ-ZAVALA, age 25, a native of Mexico, was sentenced by on May 26, 2020 on a one-count indictment which charged him with being an illegal alien in possession of a firearm, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 922(g)(5)(A). ZAVALA was sentenced to credit for time served by U.S. District Judge Wendy B. Vitter. ZAVALA has been incarcerated since April 2019.
According to court documents, ZAVALA was an illegal alien in possession of a firearm on April 16, 2019, found in the Eastern District of Louisiana. Court documents also alleges he illegally possessed a Keltec model P11 9 millimeter pistol.
ZAVALA faced a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years, a fine of $250,000, and three years of supervised release. He will be turned over to federal immigration authorities for deportation to Mexico.
U.S. Attorney Strasser praised the work of the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency, the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office and 22nd Judicial District Attorney Warren Montgomery in investigating this matter. Assistant United States Attorney Carter K.D. Guice, Jr. is in charge of the prosecution.
* * *
Meth trafficker from Utah sentenced to prisonRead the Press Release
MISSOULA—A Utah woman who had nearly two pounds of methamphetamine hidden on her body when arrested near Butte was sentenced today to four years in prison and five years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme said.
Ebony Cherelle Tafoya, 31, of Midvale, Utah, pleaded guilty in January to possession with intent to distribute meth.
U.S. District Judge Dana L. Christensen presided.
The prosecution said in court documents that on Sept. 6, 2019, Tafoya was arrested outside of Butte. Law enforcement officers conducted a pat down search of Tafoya and found 520 grams, which is about 1.1 pounds, of meth in a belly band. Another 333 grams, or about three-quarters of a pound, was found hidden in Tafoya's bra and chest area at the Butte-Silver Bow Detention Center. The amount of meth seized was the equivalent of about 7,248 doses. Tafoya previously had distributed large quantities of meth to a confidential source in August 2019.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Tom Bartleson prosecuted the case, which was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Russell Country Drug Task Force, the Montana Southwest Drug Task Force, the Montana Highway Patrol and the Montana Department of Corrections.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods, a U.S. Department of Justice initiative to reduce violent crime. According to the FBI’s Uniform Crime Reports, violent crime in Montana increased by 36% from 2013 to 2018. Through PSN, federal, tribal, state and local law enforcement partners in Montana focus on violent crime driven by methamphetamine trafficking, armed robbers, firearms offenses and violent offenders with outstanding warrants.
XXX
Media Advisory: Press Availability to Announce Investigation and Prosecution of over Twenty Defendants for Trafficking HeroinRead the Press Release
CEDAR RAPIDS, IA – Opioids kill hundreds of Iowans every year. These dangerous drugs wreak havoc on lives and communities. Unfortunately, all too often, the use of an opioid such as heroin ends with an overdose because people do not know what they have or how dangerous it is.
On June 1, 2020, at 11:00 a.m., the United States District Court for the Northern District of Iowa will sentence Jarel Williams for his role in trafficking heroin. He will be the 22nd defendant sentenced over the last 20 months for their roles in distributing this dangerous drug. These prosecutions were the result of Operation Blue Devils, an investigation conducted by the Cedar Rapids Police Department and the Drug Enforcement Administration. Following the sentencing, the United States Attorney will issue a press release regarding the investigation and prosecutions. Additionally, United States Attorney Peter Deegan, CRPD Chief of Police Wayne Jerman, CRPD Lieutenant Bob Collins (commander of the narcotics unit), CRPD Officer Lindsay Powers (assigned to the Eastern Iowa Heroin Initiative), and DEA Resident Agent-in-Charge Russ Coulter will all be available for interviews regarding the investigation and prosecutions.
Event Details
When: June 1, 2020
Where: Cedar Rapids Federal Courthouse (United States Attorney’s Office), 111 7th Ave. SE
Time: Sentencing Hearing scheduled for 11:00 a.m. Interview availability after the conclusion of the sentencing hearing.
Please contact Tony Morfitt at [email protected] or 319-363-6333 to schedule interviews.
Follow us on Twitter @USAO_NDIA.
Manhattan Doctor Sentenced to Prison for Illegally Distributing Oxycodone and Other DrugsRead the Press Release
Geoffrey S. Berman, United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, announced that JOSEPH OLIVIERI, a physician who practiced in Manhattan, was sentenced to 40 months in prison for participating in a scheme to illegally distribute oxycodone and other controlled substances. OLIVIERI previously pled guilty before U.S. District Judge Paul A. Crotty, who also imposed today’s sentence. Matthew Brady, OLIVIERI’s co-defendant, was previously sentenced to 36 months in prison for his role in the same scheme.
U.S. Attorney Geoffrey S. Berman said: “Joseph Olivieri hid behind his medical license to sell addictive, dangerous narcotics. In doing so, he violated his oath to practice medicine for the sole purpose of improving his patients’ health, and put peoples’ lives at risk to line his own pockets. He now will serve time in prison for his crimes.”
According to the Superseding Indictment, public court filings, and statements made during court proceedings:
OLIVIERI, a physician who practiced in New York, New York, participated in a five-year-long scheme to illegally distribute oxycodone and other controlled substances. OLIVIERI was one of the top 15 prescribers of opioids in New York State during much of the scheme. He prescribed over 250,000 pills of controlled substances, including highly addictive opioids such as oxycodone, oxymorphone, and morphine sulfate, to individuals he knew did not have a legitimate medical need for them. OLIVIERI was paid in cash for these prescriptions, often by other individuals, including co-defendant Brady, who arranged with OLIVIERI for individuals posing as “patients” to obtain the prescriptions from OLIVIERI, and then collected the pills for their unlawful re-sale. OLIVIERI deposited more than $1 million in cash into his bank accounts during the scheme.
* * *
OLIVIERI, 73, of Scranton, Pennsylvania, pled guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute controlled substances outside the scope of professional practice and not for a legitimate medical purpose. In addition to the prison term, OLIVIERI was sentenced to three years of supervised release and ordered to forfeit $500,000.
Brady, 35, of Staten Island, New York, pled guilty to one count of conspiracy to unlawfully distribute controlled substances. In addition to the prison term, Brady was sentenced to three years of supervised release and ordered to forfeit $100,000.
Mr. Berman praised the outstanding investigative work of the New York City Police Department, Homeland Security Investigations, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the Office of Inspector General of the United States Department of Health and Human Services.
The case is being handled by the Office’s Narcotics Unit. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Tara La Morte, Robert B. Sobelman, and Daniel C. Richenthal are in charge of the prosecution.
Man from Oglala, South Dakota Sentenced for AssaultRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that an Oglala, South Dakota, man convicted of Assault Resulting in Substantial Bodily Injury to a Spouse, Intimate Partner, or Dating Partner was sentenced by Jeffrey L. Viken, U.S. District Judge.
Eric Anduja, age 48, was sentenced on May 18, 2020, to 17 months in federal prison, followed by 3 years of supervised release, and ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.
Anduja was indicted by a federal grand jury in October 2019. The charge related to Anduja antagonizing and pulling the hair of the victim on March 3, 2019, at Pine Ridge. When the victim defended herself, Anduja was angered and struck the victim repeatedly with a closed fist as she cowered. As a result of the beating, the victim incurred injuries to include extensive bruising, a black eye, severe facial swelling, and a dislodged tooth filling. Anduja and the victim had been in a dating relationship since approximately June of 2018.
This case was investigated by the Oglala Sioux Tribe Department of Public Safety. Assistant U.S. Attorney Heather Sazama prosecuted the case.
Anduja was immediately turned over to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Man Charged in Criminal Complaint with Possessing a Firearm as a FelonRead the Press Release
HAMMOND- Schickell Best, 32, of Gary, Indiana, was charged in a criminal complaint with possessing a firearm as a previously convicted felon, announced U.S. Attorney Kirsch.
The affidavit supporting the criminal complaint alleges that on May 26, 2020, in Merrillville, Indiana, Lake County Police performed a traffic stop on a vehicle driven by Best. Police recovered two firearms from the vehicle. Best has a prior federal felony conviction for possessing a firearm as a felon and a prior state felony conviction for battery on law enforcement.
The United States Attorney’s Office emphasizes that a criminal complaint is merely an allegation and that all persons are presumed innocent until, and unless proven guilty in court.
If convicted, any specific sentence to be imposed will be determined by the judge after a consideration of federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.
This case is being investigated by the ATF/HIDTA Task Force and Lake County Police Department. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Kevin F. Wolff and Caitlin M. Padula.
Man Charged in Criminal Complaint with Making False Statements to Purchase FirearmsRead the Press Release
HAMMOND- Kyle Jackson, 34, was charged in a criminal complaint with making materially false statements in connection with the purchase of firearms from a firearms dealer, announced U.S. Attorney Kirsch.
The affidavit attached to the criminal complaint alleges that on November 23, 2019, Jackson made a false statement about his current residence address while purchasing a firearm at a federally licensed firearms dealer in Schererville, Indiana, stating on an ATF Form 4473 that he lived at one residence in Gary, Indiana, when in fact he lived at a different Gary location. On January 2, 2020, this firearm was recovered by law enforcement in Chicago, Illinois. On May 22, 2020, Jackson made another false statement about his residence address in purchasing three additional firearms from this firearms dealer, and law enforcement made contact with Jackson directly after he purchased these firearms.
“My office is working closely with the ATF to identify individuals making false statements when buying firearms to prevent these illegal purchases,” said U.S. Attorney Kirsch. “We will continue to use all tools and charges available to us to prevent firearms from ending up in the wrong hands.”
The United States Attorney’s Office emphasizes that a criminal complaint is merely an allegation and that all persons are presumed innocent until, and unless proven guilty in court.
If convicted, any specific sentence to be imposed will be determined by the judge after a consideration of federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.
This case is being investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Nicholas J. Padilla.
This case is 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.
Lead Defendant in Elder Fraud Scheme Sentenced to 10 Years in Federal Prison, Ordered to Pay $273,849.20 in RestitutionRead the Press Release
ST. GEORGE, UT – Frank Gene Powell, age 51, of Hurricane, Utah, the lead defendant in a significant federal elder fraud case targeting an 80-year-old widow in Washington, Utah, will serve 10 years in federal prison and pay $273,849.20 in restitution to the victim of the fraud scheme. U.S. District Judge David Nuffer imposed the sentence Thursday morning in St. George.
Powell pleaded guilty in March to conspiracy to commit wire fraud, money laundering, two counts of destruction of records in a federal investigation, concealment of a document or object in an attempt to impair the object’s integrity or availability for use in an official proceeding, and tampering with a witness.
Powell, who is in custody, will also forfeit two vehicles and be on supervised release for three years following his release from federal prison.
Powell was on state parole at the time of his federal crimes after serving nearly 30 years in state prison for murder. While he was in prison, he received a 1-to-15 year sentence for sexually assaulting an inmate.
As a part of his plea agreement, Frank Powell admitted that from around March 2019 and continuing until about Feb. 6, 2020, he conspired with others to devise a fraud scheme with the specific intent to obtain money or property by means of fraudulent representations or promises. He agreed with his codefendants to engage in a scheme to defraud the victim by soliciting money and assets in exchange for false promises to perform work for the victim. He also admitted he engaged in a fake romantic relationship with the victim as a part of his scheme to defraud her.
He admitted that he purchased a 2019 GMC Sierra using money he received as a part of his scheme to defraud the victim. Using money derived from criminal conduct is money laundering. Several of the counts he pleaded guilty to relate to efforts he took to impede and obstruct the investigation of the case, including concealing cellular phones and money.
Powell also pleaded guilty to witness tampering admitting that in November 2019, he attempted to stop the victim from communicating with law enforcement officers investigating the case. Through written correspondence and phone calls, Powell and his codefendant, Faye Renteria, age 42, of Hurricane, made misleading statements and attempted to get the victim to assist them in avoiding prosecution.
“Powell is a career criminal who has fended off decades of rehabilitative attempts in the Utah state criminal justice system. He’s a convicted murderer and sexual predator, who has now turned his criminal efforts to elder fraud while on state parole,” U.S. Attorney for Utah John W. Huber said today. “With these guilty pleas, he stands convicted of unconscionable crimes against a senior member of the St. George community. A 10-year sentence is very appropriate in this case and will help ensure that Utah will not fall victim to his crimes again.”
"This crime is especially heinous because Frank Powell not only deceived and defrauded the victim, he made it a family affair," said Special Agent in Charge Paul Haertel of the Salt Lake City FBI. "As a society, we should be looking out for the elderly, not exploiting them. Crimes like this will be aggressively investigated, and we encourage the public to immediately report any fraud to law enforcement or the FBI."
Eight defendants were charged in a 10-count superseding indictment returned by a federal grand jury in January. The indictment alleged the defendants, who have family relationships, conspired to obtain money and assets from the victim in exchange for false promises to perform work on her property.
The indictment alleges that starting around March 2019 through October 2019, several of the defendants began soliciting payments from the victim by offering to perform routine repairs and odd jobs on her property. The victim created a list of requested repairs, such as painting the exterior of the house, resurfacing the driveway, doing yard work, hammering protruding nails on the roof, fixing a door handle on a car, removing grease spots on the driveway, and installing carpet on an outdoor deck. To further advance the scheme, Frank Powell engaged in romance fraud by enticing the victim to enter into a romantic relationship. He used the romantic relationship to manipulate the victim into giving him money and assets.
According to the indictment, most of the jobs they promised to do were never completed or the quality of work was extremely poor and fell well below any expectation of professionally done work. The victim paid the defendants at least $273,849.20, both indirectly and directly, for this work.
The indictment included one count of wire fraud conspiracy, five counts of money laundering conspiracy – spending, two counts of destruction or concealment of records and tangible objects in a federal investigation, one count of concealment of a document or object, and one count of tampering with a witness or victim.
Frank Powell’s mother and codefendant, Gloria Jean Powell, age 74, of St. George, was sentenced to time served on May 1, 2020, after pleading guilty to one count of concealment of a document or object, admitting she concealed or attempted to conceal U.S. currency with the intent to impair an FBI investigation. She admitted she aided and abetted her son, Frank Powell, and her daughter, Angela McDuffie, age 53, of Lehi, in the conduct. She also agreed to forfeit a 2010 Toyota Venza as a part of the resolution of her case.
Sentencing is set for July 15, 2020, for Renteria, who pleaded guilty May 7, 2020, to conspiracy to commit wire fraud, wire fraud, two counts of money laundering, two counts of destruction of records or tangible objects designed to impede the FBI’s investigation in the case, and witness tampering. Among other things, she admitted she engaged in misleading conduct involving the victim in the case in an attempt to prevent or delay her from communicating with law enforcement regarding the commission of a federal crime.
Renteria faces sentences of up to 20 years for conspiracy to commit wire fraud, up to 10 years for each count of money laundering, up to 20 years for each count of destruction of records or tangible objects in a federal investigation, and up to 10 years for the witness tampering conviction. Renteria is in custody.
Bubby Mern Shepherd, age 58, of Lodi, California, and Rocky James Powell Mott, age 40, of Hurricane, also have entered guilty pleas. Shepherd pleaded guilty last week to one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud. Mott pleaded guilty Wednesday to the same count. Plea agreements for Shepherd and Mott, who are both in custody, include a stipulated sentence of 21 months in prison for the conviction. The sentence is subject to the approval of the court.
Cases are pending against McDuffie, Terrence Quincy Powell, age 24, of St. George, and Martell Taz Powell, age 25, of Cedar City. A Sept. 22, 2020, trial date is set in the case.
Combatting elder abuse and financial fraud targeted at seniors is a key priority of the U.S. Department of Justice and the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Utah. Elder abuse is a serious crime against some of our nation’s most vulnerable citizens, affecting at least 10 percent of older Americans every year. Together with federal, state, local and tribal partners, the Department of Justice is committed to combatting all forms of elder abuse and financial exploitation through enforcement actions, training and resources, research, victim services, and public awareness. This holistic and robust response demonstrates the Department’s unwavering dedication to fighting for justice for older Americans.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys in Utah are prosecuting the case. The FBI is investigating the case. Agents with Utah Adult Probation and Parole have made signification contributions to the investigation.
Lawrenceburg Man Sentenced to 360 Months for Receiving, Distributing, and Possessing Child PornographyRead the Press Release
FRANKFORT, Ky. - A Lawrenceburg, Kentucky man, William Richard Smith, was sentenced in federal court Thursday, to 360 months in prison, by U.S. District Judge Gregory F. Van Tatenhove, after previously being convicted at trial of receiving, distributing, and possessing child pornography.
According to testimony at trial, Smith distributed twenty-five videos of child pornography to an investigator with the Kentucky Office of Attorney General (OAG), Cyber Crimes Branch, who was performing an undercover investigation using an online peer-to-peer network. After identifying Smith as the individual who distributed the images, a search warrant was executed on Smith’s residence, during which several electronic devices were seized. Forensic examinations of those devices revealed that, in addition to distributing child pornography, Smith also possessed 1,622 sexually explicit visual depictions of minors and had been receiving those visual depictions using a peer-to-peer network since May 2016. Smith was indicted in February 2019.
In November 2019, Smith stood trial in federal court. After deliberating for an hour, following a two-day trial, the jury convicted him of seven counts of receipt, one count of distribution, and one count of possession of visual depictions involving minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct.
Under federal law, Smith must serve 85 percent of his prison sentence; and upon his release, he will be under the supervision of the United States Probation Office for 20 years.
“The receipt, possession, and distribution of child pornography is especially damaging, because it continues to traumatize victims long after the initial exploitation,” said United States Attorney Robert M. Duncan, Jr. “The defendant’s conduct was abhorrent and undoubtedly deserves the substantial penalties imposed by the Court. I commend the efforts of the investigators from the Kentucky Attorney General’s Office and agents from Homeland Security Investigations, whose work helped hold this defendant accountable for his criminal actions.”
United States Attorney Duncan; Jerry Templet, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI); and Daniel Cameron, Kentucky Attorney General, jointly announced the sentence.
The investigation was conducted by the Kentucky OAG Cyber Crimes Branch and HSI. The United States was represented in the case by Assistant U.S. Attorneys David Marye and Mary Melton.
END
Las Vegas Man Indicted for Three Armed RobberiesRead the Press Release
LAS VEGAS, Nev. — Ryan Sanchez, 20, of Las Vegas, was arraigned in federal court today on an indictment charging him for allegedly committing armed robberies of three restaurants in Henderson and Las Vegas, announced U.S. Attorney Nicholas A. Trutanich for the District of Nevada.
Sanchez is charged with three counts of interference with commerce by robbery and three counts of brandishing a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence. A trial is scheduled for July 27, 2020.
According to allegations contained in the criminal complaint and indictment, from February 11, 2020 to April 14, 2020, Sanchez committed three armed robberies in Henderson and Las Vegas at three different sandwich shop locations. In the first robbery on February 11, Sanchez — brandishing a handgun and wearing a surgical mask — allegedly pointed a handgun at an employee and demanded money from the safe. Then on April 9, Sanchez allegedly entered a restaurant, climbed onto the counter while brandishing a handgun, and demanded money from the employee. Lastly, on April 14, Sanchez allegedly pointed a handgun at a restaurant employee and instructed the employee to open the cash register.
If convicted, Sanchez faces a statutory maximum sentence of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine for each count of interference with commerce by robbery and a mandatory minimum sentence of not less than seven years imprisonment for each count of brandishing a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence. In addition to imprisonment and fines, Sanchez also faces a period of supervised release, restitution, and monetary penalties.
An indictment merely alleges that crimes have been committed. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
This case is the product of an investigation by the FBI, the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department, and the Henderson Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Brett Ruff is prosecuting the case.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a nationwide program by the Department of Justice that has been historically successful in bringing together all levels of law enforcement to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. The Department has made turning the tide of rising violent crime in America a top priority. In October 2017, as part of a series of actions to address this crime trend, the Department announced the reinvigoration of PSN. For more information about PSN, visit www.justice.gov/usao-nv.
###
Justice Department Requires Divestiture in Order for Communications and Power Industries to Proceed with Acquisition of General Dynamics Satcom TechnologiesRead the Press Release
The Department of Justice announced today that it is requiring Odyssey Investment Partners Fund V, LP (Odyssey), its portfolio company Communications and Power Industries LLC (CPI), and General Dynamics Corporation (General Dynamics) to divest CPI’s wholly-owned subsidiary, CPI ASC Signal Division Inc. (ASC Signal), in order for CPI to proceed with its proposed acquisition of General Dynamics SATCOM Technologies, Inc. (GD SATCOM), a subsidiary of General Dynamics. Without the divestiture, the proposed acquisition would substantially lessen competition for the sale of large geostationary satellite antennas in the United States.
The Justice Department’s Antitrust Division filed a civil antitrust lawsuit today in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia to block the proposed merger. At the same time, the department filed a proposed settlement that, if approved by the court, would resolve the competitive harm alleged in the lawsuit.
“The merger, as originally structured, would have eliminated competition for large geostationary satellite antennas, an essential component of government, military, and commercial satellite communication networks,” said Assistant Attorney General Makan Delrahim of the Justice Department’s Antitrust Division. “Today’s settlement will ensure that the Department of Defense and other purchasers of large geostationary satellite antennas continue to benefit from vigorous competition in the design, manufacture, and sale of these products.”
According to the Justice Department’s complaint, CPI and GD SATCOM are two of only a few firms that design, manufacture, and sell large geostationary satellite antennas. These antennas are critical components in satellite networks that enable secure communications links in remote areas that lack access to the main telecommunications grid. The department’s complaint alleges that competition between CPI and GD SATCOM has resulted in higher quality, lower prices, and shorter delivery times, and has fostered innovation, resulting in large geostationary satellite antennas that are more robust and operate at higher bandwidths. According to the complaint, the combination of CPI and GD SATCOM would leave customers, including the Department of Defense, without a competitive alternative for this critical component of communications networks and likely result in higher prices, less favorable contact terms, and reduced research and development efforts.
Under the terms of the proposed settlement, Odyssey, CPI and General Dynamics must divest the entirety of CPI’s ASC Signal subsidiary, including its facilities in Texas and Ontario, Canada, as well as other assets related to large geostationary satellite antennas.
Odyssey, a private equity fund managed by Odyssey Investment Partners, is a limited partnership organized in Delaware with its headquarters in New York, New York. Odyssey Investment Partners has raised over $5 billion since its inception.
CPI, a portfolio company of Odyssey, is a Delaware corporation headquartered in Palo Alto, California. CPI had sales of approximately $500 million in 2019.
General Dynamics is a Delaware corporation headquartered in Reston, Virginia. Its subsidiary GD SATCOM earned between $200 million and $300 million in revenues in 2019.
As required by the Tunney Act, the proposed settlement, along with a competitive impact statement, will be published in the Federal Register. Any person may submit written comments concerning the proposed settlement during a 60-day comment period to Katrina Rouse, Chief, Defense, Industrials, and Aerospace Section, Antitrust Division, U.S. Department of Justice, 450 Fifth Street, N.W., Suite 8700, Washington, D.C. 20530. At the conclusion of the 60-day comment period, the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia may enter the final judgment upon finding it is in the public interest.
Justice Department Reaches Agreement with Chamberlain School District, South Dakota, under the Voting Rights ActRead the Press Release
The Justice Department announced today that it has entered into an agreement to settle a voting rights lawsuit with the Chamberlain School District in South Dakota. The department’s lawsuit challenges the method of electing the Chamberlain School Board under Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act. Under this agreement, subject to the approval of the federal district court in South Dakota, the School District will change its method of electing its School Board to ensure compliance with the protections of the Voting Rights Act.
The parties’ agreement was filed with the court in conjunction with a lawsuit filed by the department. The department’s complaint alleges that the current at-large method of election for the Chamberlain School Board results in American Indian citizens in the School District having less opportunity than white citizens to participate in the political process and to elect candidates of their choice to the School Board, in violation of Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act. The department’s complaint is based on the well-established case law that follows the Supreme Court’s decision in Thornburg v. Gingles, 478 U.S. 30 (1986). The department’s complaint does not allege that the current method of election was adopted or maintained with discriminatory intent.
The department gave notice to the Chamberlain School District of its intent to bring suit under the Voting Rights Act on December 2, 2019, and the parties worked collaboratively to achieve this agreement. Under the agreement, the District will discontinue use of its current at-large method of electing its School Board. Starting in the 2021 election cycle, the seven members of the School Board will be elected from three two-member districts with one at-large position.
“This agreement reflects the department’s continued and resolute commitment to vigorous enforcement of the Voting Rights Act to protect the right to vote for our citizens in all elections,” said Assistant Attorney General Eric Dreiband for the Civil Rights Division. “We appreciate that the Chamberlain School District has worked very cooperatively with the department to adopt a solution that safeguards the right to vote.”
“This agreement is a victory for good government,” said U.S. Attorney Ron Parsons for the District of South Dakota. “It upholds two of our most important constitutional pillars: representative democracy and equal protection under the law.”
More information about the Voting Rights Act and other federal voting rights laws is available on the Department of Justice website at https://www.justice.gov/crt/voting-section.
Joint Statement of United States Attorney Erica MacDonald and FBI Special Agent in Charge Rainer DrolshagenRead the Press Release
The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Minnesota, the Department of Justice Civil Rights Division and the FBI’s Minneapolis Field Office are conducting a robust criminal investigation into the circumstances surrounding the May 25, 2020, death of George Floyd. The Department of Justice has made the investigation a top priority and has assigned experienced prosecutors and FBI criminal investigators to the matter.
The federal investigation will determine whether the actions by the involved former Minneapolis Police Department officers violated federal law. It is a violation of federal law for an individual acting under color of law to willfully deprive another person of any right protected by the Constitution or laws of the United States.
The Department of Justice asks for cooperation from all witnesses who believe they have relevant information and urges calm as investigators methodically continue to gather facts.
The Department of Justice and FBI’s comprehensive investigation will compile all available information and thoroughly evaluate evidence and information obtained from witnesses. Upon conclusion of the FBI’s investigation, the U.S. Attorney’s Office will determine whether federal criminal charges are supported by the evidence. If it is determined that there has been a violation of federal law, criminal charges will be sought.
Anyone with information can call the FBI at 1-800-CALLFBI (800-225-5324)
###
Additional news available on our website.
Follow us on Twitter and Facebook.
United States Attorney’s Office, District of Minnesota: (612) 664-5600
Jackson County Man Sentenced for Firearm TheftRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – United States Attorney Mike Stuart announced a Jackson County man was sentenced to 14 months in federal prison for stealing firearms from a licensed firearms dealer. James Evans, 19, of Ravenswood, also will serve three years on supervised release and pay $6,341.44 in restitution.
“Twenty-four stolen firearms. Stealing firearms is a serious offense,” said United States Attorney Mike Stuart. “I strongly support the Second Amendment to the Constitution, but those who break our gun laws must be held accountable and pay the price.”
Evans pled guilty in December 2019 to breaking into the Old and New Sports Store in Ravenswood on April 7, 2019 with three other individuals and stealing approximately 24 firearms. Rebecca Ann Sellers, 19, and Destiny Moore, 19, have pled guilty and are scheduled to be sentenced on July 8, 2020. A juvenile was prosecuted in Jackson County Circuit Court.
The Ravenswood Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) conducted the investigation. United States District Judge Irene C. Berger imposed the sentence. Assistant United States Attorney Joshua Hanks handled the prosecution.
This case is part of Project Guardian, the Justice Department’s signature initiative to reduce gun violence and enforce federal firearms laws. Initiated by the Attorney General in the fall of 2019, Project Guardian draws upon the Department’s past successful programs to reduce gun violence; enhances coordination of federal, state, local, and tribal authorities in investigating and prosecuting gun crimes; improves information-sharing by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives when a prohibited individual attempts to purchase a firearm and is denied by the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS), to include taking appropriate actions when a prospective purchaser is denied by the NICS for mental health reasons; and ensures that federal resources are directed at the criminals posing the greatest threat to our communities. The United States Attorney’s Office has prosecuted this case with support from the Project Guardian partners listed above. For more information about Project Guardian, please see: https://www.justice.gov/projectguardian.
Follow us on Twitter: SDWVNews
###
Justice Department Reaches Agreement with Chamberlain School District, South Dakota, Under the Voting Rights ActRead the Press Release
NOTE: The complaint can be found here, and the consent decree can be found here.
WASHINGTON- The Justice Department announced today that it has entered into an agreement to settle a voting rights lawsuit with the Chamberlain School District in South Dakota. The department’s lawsuit challenges the method of electing the Chamberlain School Board under Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act. Under this agreement, subject to the approval of the federal district court in South Dakota, the School District will change its method of electing its School Board to ensure compliance with the protections of the Voting Rights Act.
The parties’ agreement was filed with the court in conjunction with a lawsuit filed by the department. The department’s complaint alleges that the current at-large method of election for the Chamberlain School Board results in American Indian citizens in the School District having less opportunity than white citizens to participate in the political process and to elect candidates of their choice to the School Board, in violation of Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act. The department’s complaint is based on the well-established case law that follows the Supreme Court’s decision in Thornburg v. Gingles, 478 U.S. 30 (1986). The department’s complaint does not allege that the current method of election was adopted or maintained with discriminatory intent.
The department gave notice to the Chamberlain School District of its intent to bring suit under the Voting Rights Act on December 2, 2019, and the parties worked collaboratively to achieve this agreement. Under the agreement, the District will discontinue use of its current at-large method of electing its School Board. Starting in the 2021 election cycle, the seven members of the School Board will be elected from three two-member districts with one at-large position.
“This agreement reflects the department’s continued and resolute commitment to vigorous enforcement of the Voting Rights Act to protect the right to vote for our citizens in all elections,” said Assistant Attorney General Eric Dreiband for the Civil Rights Division. “We appreciate that the Chamberlain School District has worked very cooperatively with the department to adopt a solution that safeguards the right to vote.”
“This agreement is a victory for good government,” said U.S. Attorney Ron Parsons for the District of South Dakota. “It upholds two of our most important constitutional pillars: representative democracy and equal protection under the law.”
More information about the Voting Rights Act and other federal voting rights laws is available on the Department of Justice website at https://www.justice.gov/crt/voting-section.
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.
Investigations in Stanly County Result in Three Men Sentenced for Federal Firearms and Drug OffensesRead the Press Release
GREENSBORO, N.C. – Two Albemarle residents and a Mount Gilead resident were all sentenced within the past two weeks by United States District Judge William L. Osteen, Jr. following investigations conducted by law enforcement in Albemarle, North Carolina, announced Matthew G.T. Martin, United States Attorney for the Middle District of North Carolina.
WILLIAM WEBSTER CAGLE, 27, a resident of Albemarle, pled guilty on January 9, 2020, to one count of possession of a firearm by a previously convicted felon. On May 18, 2020, CAGLE was sentenced by Judge Osteen to 28 months of imprisonment, followed by 3 years of supervised release, including 1 year of home detention.
KAUNDRE TYREE CHARLES MCKILLIAN, 26, a resident of Albemarle, pled guilty on January 9, 2020, to one count of possession of a firearm by a previously convicted felon. On May 26, 2020, MCKILLIAN was sentenced by Judge Osteen to 44 months of imprisonment, followed by 3 years of supervised release, including 90 days with a curfew and location monitoring.
On March 27, 2019, law enforcement officers with the Stanly County Narcotic Task Force met and executed a search warrant at CAGLE’s residence on Leonard Avenue in Albemarle, North Carolina. CAGLE and MCKILLIAN were located within the home during the search and each was found in possession of a handgun. CAGLE possessed a Springfield Armory, model XD9, 9mm handgun, which had been reported stolen out of Denver, North Carolina, as well as approximately 10 grams of marijuana. MCKILLIAN also possessed a separate Springfield Armory, model XD9, 9mm handgun. Both CAGLE and MCKILLIAN had previously been convicted of felony offenses. CAGLE was convicted of Felony Possession of Cocaine in Stanly County Superior Court on June 9, 2016, and had also been convicted in Stanly County of Possession with Intent to Sell and Deliver Marijuana on August 3, 2009 and Possession with Intent to Sell and Deliver Ecstasy on September 13, 2010. MCKILLIAN was convicted of Felony Conspiracy to Commit Robbery with a Dangerous Weapon and Felony Common Law Robbery on July 18, 2012, and Felony Larceny on January 21, 2016, in Stanly County Superior Court.
RAKEEM JOHNTA’ BALDWIN, 23, a resident of Mount Gilead, pleaded guilty on January 9, 2020, to one count of possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine. On May 28, 2020, BALDWIN was sentenced by Judge Osteen to 120 months of imprisonment, followed by 5 years of supervised release.
On April 11, 2019, detectives with the Albemarle Police Department, using a confidential informant, conducted a “buy-bust” operation on BALDWIN for two ounces of methamphetamine (approximately 56.7 grams). Officers with the Stanly County Narcotics Task Force assisted by providing surveillance around an ABC Store in Albemarle, North Carolina where the drug transaction was to occur. BALDWIN arrived in a Nissan passenger car and was identified by the confidential informant. Officers closed in on BALDWIN and he attempted to run from the car. He was seen throwing a baggie containing approximately 56 grams of methamphetamine to the ground and was apprehended shortly after. In the Nissan, officers located a large bag containing approximately 475 grams of methamphetamine and digital scales. An iPhone and $1,281 in United States currency was also seized from BALDWIN. Laboratory analysis confirmed that BALDWIN possessed 515.32 grams of methamphetamine of approximately 99-100 percent purity.
These cases were investigated by Homeland Security Investigations, the Albemarle Police Department, and the Stanly County Sheriff's Office, with assistance from the Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, and the U.S. Customs and Border Protection Laboratories and Scientific Services Directorate. The cases were prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Craig M. Principe for the Middle District of North Carolina.
###
IT manager sentenced for hacking into and sabotaging his former employer’s computer networkRead the Press Release
ATLANTA – Charles E. Taylor has been sentenced to federal prison for hacking his former Atlanta-based employer and sabotaging their internal communications network, causing more than $800,000 in damage.
“Taylor deliberately sabotaged the computer network he had been entrusted to protect because he was upset with his former employer,” said U.S. Attorney Byung J. “BJay” Pak. “Corporate insiders like Taylor cause significant losses through hacking activity each year, and companies must remain vigilant against insider threats to their network security.”
“Taylor used sabotage to betray the trust placed in him by his employer, causing extreme hardship for the company and his fellow employees,” said Chris Hacker, Special Agent in Charge of FBI Atlanta. “No amount of subterfuge will protect cyber criminals from being unmasked, arrested and prosecuted by FBI investigators and federal prosecutors.”
According to U.S. Attorney Pak, the charges and other information presented in court: In 2013, Taylor, a resident of Jacksonville, Arkansas, was hired as a systems administrator for a lumber and building materials wholesaler. In early 2018, a large Atlanta-based building products distributor acquired the company. Taylor kept his job as a senior systems engineer after the merger, but he was unhappy with the newly combined company and resigned in July 2018.
A month after his departure, Taylor conducted a multi-stage sabotage campaign targeting the company’s network. Using information he gained in his employment, Taylor logged into the network remotely without authorization and used encryption methods to hide his network connections. In mid-August 2018, Taylor changed passwords for network routers located at dozens of company warehouses. Company employees were unable to access the routers, and the company replaced them shortly thereafter at a cost of roughly $100,000.
Days later, Taylor issued a shutdown command for a central command server on the company’s network, crippling internal communications at the company. As the company worked to restore its network over a two-day period, employees at several of its branches were forced to take customer orders by hand and field incoming orders using their personal cell phones. In total, the server sabotage cost the company over $700,000 dollars in lost profits and remediation costs.
Charles E. Taylor, 60, of Jacksonville, Arkansas, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge J.P. Boulee to one year and six months in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release - one year of which will be served on home detention - and ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $834,510. Taylor was convicted of computer fraud on February 19, 2020, after he pleaded guilty.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation investigated this case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Nathan P. Kitchens, Deputy Chief of the Cyber and Intellectual Property Crimes Section, prosecuted the case.
For further information please contact the U.S. Attorney’s Public Affairs Office at [email protected] or (404) 581-6016. The Internet address for the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Georgia is http://www.justice.gov/usao-ndga.
Holyoke Man Pleads Guilty to Heroin DistributionRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Holyoke man plead guilty today in federal court in Springfield to distributing heroin.
Jayson Quinones, 36, pleaded guilty to distributing and possessing with intent to distribute heroin. U.S. District Court Judge Mark G. Mastroianni scheduled sentencing for Sept. 28, 2020.
Quinones sold heroin on Oct. 7, 2019 in Holyoke. The arrest was the result of a multi-agency investigation into heroin trafficking in Holyoke dubbed “Operation Open Air.”
The charging statute provides for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, at least three years of supervised release, and a fine of $1 million. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based on the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
United States Attorney Andrew E. Lelling; Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Field Division; Colonel Christopher Mason, Superintendent of the Massachusetts State Police; and Holyoke Police Chief Manny Febo made the announcement today. Assistant United States Attorney Todd E. Newhouse of Lelling’s Springfield Branch Office is prosecuting the case.
Hazleton Man Sentenced to 144 Months’ Imprisonment for Drug TraffickingRead the Press Release
SCRANTON - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that on May 28, 2020, Roberto Sanchez, age 42, formerly of Hazleton, Pennsylvania, was sentenced to 144 months’ imprisonment and five years of supervised release by United States District Court Judge Malachy E. Mannion, for conspiring to distribute heroin and cocaine.
According to United States Attorney David J. Freed, Sanchez pleaded guilty to conspiring to distribute heroin and crack cocaine in Pennsylvania from approximately 2013 through March 2015. Sanchez admitted to trafficking in excess of five kilograms of cocaine and 10 kilograms of heroin, the latter of which is the equivalent of approximately 400,000 potentially fatal doses of heroin.
Sanchez was originally scheduled for sentencing in August 2017, but failed to appear. He remained a fugitive until his apprehension, in New York, in March 2019, and has remained in custody since. The United States seized and forfeited over $54,000 from Sanchez.
The case was investigated by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Phillip J. Caraballo and Sean A. Camoni prosecuted the case.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. The Department of Justice reinvigorated PSN in 2017 as part of the Department’s renewed focus on targeting violent criminals, directing all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to work in partnership with federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement and the local community to develop effective, locally-based strategies to reduce violent crime.
This case also was brought as part of a district wide initiative to combat the nationwide epidemic regarding the use and distribution of heroin. Led by the United States Attorney’s Office, the Heroin Initiative targets heroin traffickers operating in the Middle District of Pennsylvania and is part of a coordinated effort among federal, state and local law enforcement agencies to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who commit heroin related offenses.
# # #
Great Falls man sentenced to more than 21 years for sexually exploiting childRead the Press Release
HELENA—A Great Falls man was sentenced to 21 years and eight months in prison and a lifetime of supervised release today after he admitted to taking sexually explicit photographs of a minor, U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme said.
Virgil Allen Wolfe, 54, pleaded guilty in May 2019 to sexual exploitation of a child.
Senior U.S. District Judge Charles Lovell presided.
The prosecution said in court records that law enforcement had received a report that Wolfe used a camera to take photographs of the victim in the nude and then uploaded them to his computer. The victim was younger than 12 years of age.
Law enforcement with Homeland Security Investigations and the Cascade County Sheriff’s Office executed a search warrant at Wolfe’s residence in June 2017 and seized computers, a phone and a digital camera. A forensic analysis of the devices found child pornography images on a computer and on a memory card inside the camera. The images were taken in 2008 and 2009.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Tom Bartleson prosecuted the case, which was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations, the U.S. Border Patrol and the Cascade County Sheriff’s Office.
XXX
Georgia man charged with attempting to fraudulently sell 50 million N-95 masksRead the Press Release
SAVANNAH, GA: A Georgia man has been charged with attempting to sell 50 million non-existent facemasks to a foreign government.
Paul Penn, together with others, is accused of attempting to defraud a foreign government in connection with an attempted sale of 50 million 3M Model 1860 Respirator Masks, which he and his associates did not actually possess, said Bobby L. Christine, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Georgia.
Penn, through his company, Spectrum Global Holdings, LLC, agreed to act as a middleman in exchange for a cut of the $317 million sales price. The negotiated sales price for these masks was more than 500 percent higher than the previous normal market value for N-95 masks. Penn falsely represented that the N-95 Masks were owned by a group in which he was associated. Based on representations from Penn and others, the buyer, a foreign government, wired the funds to complete the purchase, which was disrupted by the U.S. Secret Service just before the transaction could be completed. The defendant was charged by way of an Information, filed in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Georgia.
“Using a worldwide pandemic as an opportunity to take advantage of those searching for badly needed personal protective equipment is reprehensible,” said U.S. Attorney Christine. “Our office, together with our colleagues at the COVID-19 Hoarding and Price Gouging Task Force and our law enforcement partners, will aggressively seek out any fraudsters who exploit this crisis as a way to make a quick buck.”
“This case should serve as a strong deterrent to those considering exploiting the COVID-19 pandemic to enrich themselves through fraud. The nation’s citizens, businesses and our international partners are counting on the U.S. Secret Service and its federal law enforcement and private sector partners to safeguard it and maintain the public trust,” said Resident Agent in Charge Glen M. Kessler of the Secret Service Savannah Office. “Tackling the threat of cyber-enabled COVID-19 scams requires an immediate response to safeguard our nation during these unprecedented times.”
Criminal informations contain only charges; defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Attorney General William P. Barr created the COVID-19 Hoarding and Price Gouging Task Force, led by Craig Carpenito, United States Attorney for District of New Jersey, who is coordinating efforts with the Antitrust Division and U.S. Attorneys across the country wherever illegal activity involving protective personal equipment occurs. The Secretary of Health and Human Services has issued a Notice designating categories of health and medical supplies that must not be hoarded or sold for exorbitant prices.
Please report COVID-19 fraud, hoarding or price-gouging to the National Center for Disaster Fraud’s National Hotline at (866) 720-5721, or go to justice.gov/disastercomplaintform.
U.S. Attorney Christine acclaimed the hard work of the investigatory team, led by the U.S. Secret Service, for disrupting the scheme.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys J. Thomas Clarkson and Patrick J. Schwedler are prosecuting this case on behalf of the United States.
Gang Member Sentenced to Federal Prison for Possessing a Firearm During Struggle with DetectivesRead the Press Release
GREENVILLE, N.C. – A Jacksonville man was sentenced today to 30 months in prison for possessing a firearm as a convicted felon.
According to court documents, Dasean Clifton Moore, 34, attempted to pull a loaded .25 caliber handgun on Onslow County Sheriff’s detectives while they were serving him with warrants for drug-related crimes. After a prolonged struggle over the handgun, the Onslow County detectives were able to disarm and arrest Moore. Moore is a high-ranking member of the United Blood Nation street gang in the Jacksonville area.
Robert J. Higdon, Jr., U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina made the announcement after sentencing by Chief U.S. District Judge Terrence W. Boyle. The Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Onslow County Sheriff’s Office investigated the case and Assistant U.S. Attorney John Parris prosecuted the case.
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-00174-BO-1