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23 June 2020
San Antonio Man Pleads Guilty to Fraudulent Income Tax Return PreparationRead the Press Release
In San Antonio today, Richard Medina, Sr., admitted to the preparation of false U.S. Income Tax Returns which contained fraudulent deductions and making a false statement in U.S. bankruptcy proceedings, announced U.S. Attorney John F. Bash and IRS-Criminal Investigation Special Agent in Charge Richard D. Goss, Houston Field Office.
According to public records, the defendant operated an unnamed and unregistered tax preparation business out of his residence from 2013-2016. He assisted clients in preparing their federal income tax returns. On the tax returns he prepared and submitted to the IRS, Medina admittedly included false credits and itemized deductions. Specifically, on a client’s 2015 Individual Income Tax Return, Medina provided fraudulent figures—$6,245 in Residential Energy Credits and itemized deductions totaling $60,451—to which the tax preparer was not entitled. Medina further admitted that he produced over 30 fraudulent tax returns for others and four personal tax returns for a total loss to the U.S. government of $273,372.
Prior to 2013, Medina and his wife filed for bankruptcy protection under Chapter 13. By pleading guilty, Medina admitted that he failed to report to the U.S. Bankruptcy Trustee income derived from his tax preparation business since 2013. Medina also admitted that he made false statements to the Social Security Administration omitting his income derived from his tax return preparation business in order to obtain Social Security disability benefits he would not have otherwise received.
Medina faces up to three years in federal prison and restitution to the IRS for the false tax return charge and up to five years in federal prison for making a false statement in U.S. bankruptcy proceedings. Medina remains on bond pending sentencing scheduled for September 16, 2020, before U.S. District Judge Xavier Rodriguez.
Agents with the IRS—Criminal Investigation conducted this investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney William R. Harris is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
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The year 2020 marks the 150th anniversary of the Department of Justice. Learn more about the history of our agency at www.Justice.gov/Celebrating150Years.
Romanian National Sentenced to Four Years in Prison for Installing Identity Theft Devices on ATMSRead the Press Release
TRENTON, N.J. – A Romanian national was sentenced today to 48 months in prison for his role in a conspiracy to steal bank account information from thousands of customers by installing secret card-reading devices and pinhole cameras on ATMs throughout New Jersey and elsewhere, U.S. Attorney Craig Carpenito announced.
Ionut Paraschiv, 35, previously pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit bank fraud. U.S. District Judge Peter G. Sheridan imposed the sentence by videoconference this afternoon.
According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:
Paraschiv admitted he was part of an ATM skimming scheme that stole bank account information by installing hidden card-reading devices on ATMs throughout northern and central New Jersey. Paraschiv previously acknowledged that he and his conspirators created bank cards using the fraudulently obtained account information, which they used to unlawfully withdraw large amounts of cash from various ATMs. The scheme, which involved actual and attempted losses exceeding $1.5 million, impacted over 1,000 bank customers.
In addition to the prison term, Judge Sheridan sentenced Paraschiv to three years of supervised release and ordered him to pay $443,277 in restitution.
U.S. Attorney Carpenito credited special agents of the FBI, under the direction of Acting Special Agent in Charge Douglas Korneski, detectives with the Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office, under the direction of Acting Prosecutor Christopher Kubriet, and detectives with the Woodbridge Police Department, under the direction of Police Director Robert Hubner, with the investigation leading to today’s sentencing. He also thanked detectives with the New York Police Department Financial Crimes Task Force in Brooklyn, New York, for their assistance with the case.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Shawn Barnes of the U.S. Attorney’s Office Organized Crime and Drug Enforcement Task Force/Narcotics Unit in Newark.
Rochester Man Going to Prison for Nearly 15 Years for Stealing over 90 Guns from Chinappi's Gun StoreRead the Press Release
CONTACT: Barbara Burns
PHONE: (716) 843-5817
FAX #: (716) 551-3051ROCHESTER, N.Y. - U.S. Attorney James P. Kennedy, Jr. announced today that Dakota J. Sarfaty, 22, of Rochester, NY, who was convicted of theft of firearms from a Federal Firearms Licensee and possession of stolen firearms, was sentenced to serve 175 months in prison by U.S. District Judge Elizabeth A. Wolford. Sarfaty was also ordered to pay $41,500 in restitution to August Chinappi, the victim of the burglary and the former owner of Chinappi’s Firearms & Supplies.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Brett A. Harvey, who handled the case, stated that Sarfaty, along with co-defendants Luis D. Marcano-Agosto and Marcos D. Guzman, broke into Chinappi’s Firearms & Supplies, a gun store located at 5016 West Ridge Road in Spencerport, NY, in the early morning hours of August 16, 2018. Sarfaty entered the basement through a hole in the wall and, together with Marcano-Agosto and Guzman, stole approximately 87 firearms, almost all of which were handguns. Guzman, Sarfaty and Marcano-Agosto then sold many of the firearms on the streets of Rochester. Investigators recovered 14 of the stolen firearms in the days after the theft. Sarafty also broke into Chinappi’s Firearms & Supplies and stole approximately seven firearms on August 12, 2018.
To date, 31 of the stolen firearms have been recovered, while law enforcement authorities are yet to account for 63 stolen firearms.
Co-defendants Marcano-Agosto and Guzman were previously convicted and are awaiting sentencing.
The sentencing is the result of an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge John B. Devito, New York Field Division; the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office, under the direction of Sheriff Todd Baxter; and the Rochester Police Department, under the direction of Chief La’Ron Singletary.
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Pueblo Woman Pleads Guilty to Possession with Intent to Distribute OxycodoneRead the Press Release
DENVER – United States Attorney Jason R. Dunn announced that Connie Gill, age 41, of Pueblo, pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute Oxycodone. The defendant appeared remotely while in custody. She was remanded at the conclusion of the hearing. The DEA joined in this announcement.
According to the stipulated facts contained in the plea agreement, between February 8, 2019 and February 27, 2019, Gill possessed with intent to distribute Oxycodone. During this time period, she created dozens of fake prescriptions for Oxycodone, using the names of at least three medical practitioners without their knowledge or permission. She obtained the necessary supplies from local office supply stores and used a publicly available application on her cell phone to design the prescriptions.
Gill directed other individuals to fill or attempt to fill the fraudulent prescriptions at pharmacies in Pueblo and Colorado Springs. After obtaining the Oxycodone from the pharmacy, the defendant and others would divide the pills. In some cases, the defendant paid the other individuals in cash upon receiving the pills.
On February 27, 2019, a confidential informant arranged to purchase methamphetamine from the defendant at her hotel room in Pueblo. The informant purchased 3.06 grams of methamphetamine from the defendant. That same day, Pueblo Police officers executed a search warrant for the defendant's hotel room. Inside, officers found prescription bottles, printed fake prescriptions, blue prescription paper, a printer filled with prescription paper, a paper cutter, and multiple scales.
In all, based on the fake prescriptions that were filled and those which the defendant created but were not yet filled, the defendant either possessed with the intent to distribute or intended to possess with the intent to distribute at least 16.8 grams of Oxycodone.
Gill faces not more than 20 years in federal prison, and up to a $1,000,000 fine.
The defendant was indicted by a federal grand jury on November 21, 2019. She was then charged by information and pleaded guilty on June 23, 2020. Gill is scheduled to be sentenced on November 13, 2020. U.S. District Judge William J. Martinez presided over the change of plea hearing.
This case was investigated by the Denver Division of the DEA. The defendant was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Rajiv Mohan and Jena Rose Neuscheler.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Colorado. Related court documents can be found on PACER by searching for Case Number 19-cr-485.
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.
Project Parkersburg Update: Parkersburg Woman Sentenced to Five Years in Prison for Meth ConspiracyRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A Parkersburg woman was sentenced to five years in prison for conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine, announced United States Attorney Mike Stuart. Stephanie Eldred, 45, previously admitted that she was part of a drug trafficking ring operating in and around Parkersburg between February and October 2018. At her plea hearing, Eldred stated that she distributed more than 200 grams of methamphetamine that had been supplied by co-defendant Terrence McGuirk.
“Eldred is one of 16 defendants convicted by my office as a result of Project Parkersburg,” said United States Attorney Mike Stuart. “When we took this multi-state network of drug traffickers down, it was a huge win for the City of Parkersburg. An historic quantity of meth, as well as significant amounts of fentanyl, heroin and cocaine were seized. There is no doubt that the collaborative efforts of law enforcement saved lives.”
Eldred is being prosecuted as part of Project Parkersburg – a major takedown and dismantling of a multi-state drug trafficking organization (DTO) responsible for distributing methamphetamine and heroin. Stuart commended the investigative efforts of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the Parkersburg Police Department, the Dayton (Ohio) Police Department, and the Parkersburg Narcotics and Violent Crime Task Force. The long-term, joint investigation resulted in at least 29 individuals being charged in federal and state court and the seizure of 121 pounds of ICE methamphetamine, six kilograms of cocaine, 217 grams of heroin, and 478 grams of fentanyl.
Of the defendants charged in federal court, Todd Land, Jeffrey Hoyler, Nicholas Easton, T.J. Gibson, Edward Marks, Amy Rake, Marshall Polan, and Troy Pastorino have been sentenced. Amanda Atkinson, Aurelius Edmonds, Michael Holley, Terrence McGuirk, Michael Rhodes and Antoine Terry await sentencing later this year. United States District Judge Irene C. Berger imposed the sentence. Assistant United States Attorneys Joshua Hanks and Jeremy Wolfe are handling the prosecution.
Follow us on Twitter: @SDWVNews and @USAttyStuart
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Prisoner Sentenced to 15 Months for Mailing Threatening Letters to New Hampshire Residents from PrisonRead the Press Release
CONCORD - Matthew Oliver, 38, formerly of Everett, Massachusetts, was sentenced to 15 months in federal prison for mailing threatening communications, announced United States Attorney Scott W. Murray.
According to court documents and statements made during a jury trial, Oliver mailed the threatening communications while incarcerated at the Onondaga County Justice Center in Syracuse, New York in 2017. In January of 2017, Oliver mailed a letter to a home in New Hampshire that contained a threat to injure the woman who lived in the home. While still incarcerated at the facility in April of 2017, the defendant mailed another letter to the home that contained a threat to assault the woman’s daughter.
Oliver was found guilty by jury on November 19, 2019.
“Violent threats damage the personal peace and security of victims and are not protected by the First Amendment,” said U.S. Attorney Murray. “Those who send violent threats through the mail are not exercising free speech rights, they are committing crimes that undermine the rights of their victims. We will not tolerate such threats. Rather, we will work closely with our law enforcement partners to identify, prosecute, and incarcerate the criminals who send them.”
“With today’s sentence, Matthew Oliver is finally being held accountable for terrorizing two women with violent threats, causing them to fear for their physical safety,” said Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Boston Division. “Let this case be a warning to others who are seeking to exact revenge while behind bars; the FBI and our law enforcement partners will not hesitate to take swift action against anyone who tries to continue their criminal conduct by sending threatening hate mail."
The Seabrook New Hampshire Police Department, the Onondaga County Sheriff’s Office, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation investigated the case. Assistant United States Attorney Anna Krasinski and former Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert M. Kinsella prosecuted the case.
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Pittsburgh Man Indicted for Possessing Destructive DevicesRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, PA - One resident of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on a charge of violating federal firearms laws, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.
The one-count Indictment named Matthew Michanowicz, 52, as the sole defendant.
According to the Indictment presented to the court, on or about May 31, 2020, Michanowicz knowingly and unlawfully possessed firearms, that is, three destructive devices, which were not registered to him in the National Firearms Registration and Transfer Record. A Criminal Complaint filed previously alleges Michanowicz was responsible for planting a backpack with homemade explosives at 2 PNC Plaza in downtown Pittsburgh on May 31, 2020.
The law provides for a maximum total sentence of not more than ten years in prison, a fine of not more than $250,000.00 or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant United States Attorney Jessica Lieber Smolar is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Pittsburgh Bureau of Police and the Allegheny County Sheriff’s Office conducted the investigation leading to the Indictment in this case.
An indictment is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Pittsburgh Felon Charged with Illegal Gun PossessionRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, PA - A resident of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on charges of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.
The one-count Superseding Indictment named Raymont Wright, 50, as the sole defendant.
According to the Superseding Indictment, on or about July 24, 2014, Raymont Wright, who has previously been convicted two times of Possession with Intent to Distribute a Controlled Substance, and once of Aggravated Assault, was found to be in possession of a 9 millimeter pistol. Federal law prohibits an individual who has been convicted of a felony from possessing a firearm.
The law provides for a maximum total sentence of not less than 15 years and up to life in prison, a fine of $250,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant United States Attorney Cindy K. Chung is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
This case is being prosecuted under Project Safe Neighborhoods, a collaborative effort by federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies, prosecutors, and communities to prevent, deter, and prosecute gun crimes. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Pittsburgh Police Department conducted the investigation leading to the Superseding Indictment in this case.
A superseding indictment is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Pikeville Man Sentenced to 240 Months for Firearm OffensesRead the Press Release
PIKEVILLE, Ky. - A Pikeville man, Richard Starghill, 43, was sentenced on Tuesday, to 240 months in federal prison, by U.S. District Court Judge Karen Caldwell, following his convictions for being a felon in possession of a pistol and sawed-off shotgun.
According to testimony at his trial, the Kentucky State Police responded to a complaint that Starghill had refused to leave another person’s residence. He was then found in possession of a loaded revolver and a sawed-off shotgun. Starghill has a lengthy criminal history, including multiple convictions for drug trafficking and a recent conviction for felony assault.
Under federal law, Starghill must serve 85 percent of his prison sentence and will be under the supervision of the U.S. Probation Office for five years, following his release.
Robert M. Duncan, Jr., United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky; James Robert Brown, Jr., Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Louisville Field Division; and Rodney Brewer, Kentucky State Police Commissioner, jointly announced the conviction.
The investigation was conducted by FBI and KSP. The United States was represented in the case by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jason Parman.
This is another case prosecuted as part of the Department of Justice’s “Project Safe Neighborhoods” Program (PSN), which is a nationwide, crime reduction strategy aimed at decreasing violent crime in communities. It involves a comprehensive approach to public safety — one that includes investigating and prosecuting crimes, along with prevention and reentry efforts. In the Eastern District of Kentucky, U.S. Attorney Robert Duncan Jr., coordinates PSN efforts in cooperation with various federal, state, and local law enforcement officials.
This case is also part of Project Guardian, the Department of Justice’s signature initiative to reduce gun violence and enforce federal firearms laws. Initiated by the Attorney General in the fall of 2019, Project Guardian draws upon the Department’s past successful programs to reduce gun violence; enhances coordination of federal, state, local, and tribal authorities in investigating and prosecuting gun crimes; improves information-sharing by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives when a prohibited individual attempts to purchase a firearm and is denied by the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS), to include taking appropriate actions when a prospective purchaser is denied by the NICS for mental health reasons; and ensures that federal resources are directed at the criminals posing the greatest threat to our communities. Click here for more information about Project Guardian.
The year 2020 marks the 150th anniversary of the Department of Justice. Learn more about the history of our agency at www.Justice.gov/Celebrating150Years.
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Pikeville Man Sentenced to 22 Months for Distributing HydrocodoneRead the Press Release
PIKEVILLE, Ky. - A Pikeville man, Jimmy Lee Moore, 69, was sentenced to 22 months, by U.S. District Judge Karen Caldwell, after previously pleading guilty to distributing hydrocodone.
Moore admitted that between 2016 and 2018, he provided hydrocodone and gabapentin to others, in Pikeville, including a minor. Moore also admitted that he stored and distributed the controlled substances on his property.
Moore pleaded guilty in March 2020.
Under federal law, Moore must serve 85 percent of his prison sentence and will be under the supervision of the U.S. Probation Office for three years. Moore will also be required to pay $20,000 in lieu of forfeiture.
Robert M. Duncan, Jr., United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky; James Robert Brown, Jr., Special Agent in Charge of FBI, Louisville Field Division; and Christopher Edmonds, Chief of the Pikeville Police Department, jointly announced the sentencing.
The investigation was conducted by the FBI and the Pikeville Police Department. The United States was represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Hydee Hawkins.
The year 2020 marks the 150th anniversary of the Department of Justice. Learn more about the history of our agency at www.Justice.gov/Celebrating150Years.
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Pass Christian Man Pleads Guilty to Trafficking FentanylRead the Press Release
Gulfport, Miss – Carter Tranh Tran, 43, of Pass Christian, entered a guilty plea yesterday before U.S. District Judge Sul Ozerden to possession with intent to distribute fentanyl, announced U.S. Attorney Mike Hurst and Special Agent in Charge Brad Byerley with the Drug Enforcement Administration (“DEA”).
In 2018, DEA agents were investigating Tran when Tran sold what was purported to be 100 pills of Percocet and 128 pills of Adderall in the parking lot of a Biloxi nightclub. When tested by the DEA lab, the purported Percocet turned out to be methamphetamine and the purported Adderall was actually 56.76 grams of fentanyl. The DEA estimates that fentanyl is lethal in the two milligrams range; therefore, this was enough fentanyl to kill approximately 28,000 people. When DEA arrested Tran, they recovered 14 pounds of marijuana from his home and an additional 13 pounds of marijuana from his business in Gulfport.
Tran will be sentenced by Judge Ozerden on September 28, 2020 at 10:00 a.m., and faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a $1,000,000 fine.
The Gulfport Police Department and the Drug Enforcement Administration investigated the case. Assistant United States Attorney Annette Williams is prosecuting the case.
Parkersburg Man Pleads Guilty to Firearm and Methamphetamine ChargesRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A Parkersburg man pled guilty today to federal charges related to the trafficking of methamphetamine and the possession of a firearm while involved in drug trafficking, announced United States Attorney Mike Stuart. James Daniel Canty, 60, pled guilty to possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and using and carrying a firearm during and in relation to a drug trafficking crime.
“A gun-toting meth dealer with six prior felony convictions,” said United States Attorney Mike Stuart. “Bad actors like Canty endanger our communities and that’s why we are laser-focused on making sure the traffickers and the wrong-doers are caught and prosecuted.”
Canty admitted that on November 30, 2019, following a traffic stop by members of the Parkersburg Police Department on Plum Street near Jefferson Elementary School in Parkersburg, he was found to be in possession of approximately 55 grams of methamphetamine as well as a loaded .25 caliber semi-automatic pistol with an obliterated serial number and a box of .25 caliber ammunition. Canty further admitted that he intended to distribute the methamphetamine that he possessed, and that he possessed the firearm for the purpose of protecting himself and the methamphetamine that he was carrying. Canty has a long criminal history, which includes six prior felony convictions.
Canty faces up to life in prison when sentenced on September 21, 2020.
The Parkersburg Police Department conducted the investigation with the assistance of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). Senior United States District Judge John T. Copenhaver, Jr., presided over the hearing. Assistant United States Attorney Jeremy B. Wolfe is handling the prosecution.
The case is being prosecuted as part of Project Guardian, the Department of Justice’s signature initiative to reduce gun violence and enforce federal firearms laws. Initiated by the Attorney General in the fall of 2019, Project Guardian draws upon the Department’s past successful programs to reduce gun violence; enhances coordination of federal, state, local, and tribal authorities in investigating and prosecuting gun crimes; improves information-sharing by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives when a prohibited individual attempts to purchase a firearm and is denied by the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS), to include taking appropriate actions when a prospective purchaser is denied by the NICS for mental health reasons; and ensures that federal resources are directed at the criminals posing the greatest threat to our communities. The United States Attorney’s Office has prosecuted these cases with support from the Project Guardian partners noted above. For more information about Project Guardian, please see: https://www.justice.gov/projectguardian.
Follow us on Twitter: SDWVNews and USAttyStuart
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Oswego Man Charged with Distributing Child PornographyRead the Press Release
SYRACUSE, NEW YORK – Richard Alvarado, age 26, of Oswego, New York, appeared yesterday in federal court on charges that he distributed and possessed child pornography.
The announcement was made by 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).
According to a criminal complaint, on February 29, 2020, Alvarado distributed videos of child pornography through a group messaging application on his cellular phone, including video files depicting sexual conduct with children between 5 and 9 years old. An examination of his cellular telephone revealed that it contained numerous image and video files depicting child pornography. The charges in the complaint are merely accusations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
If convicted, Alvarado faces at least 5 years and up to 20 years in prison, a term of post-release supervision of at least 5 years and up to life, and a fine of up to $250,000. A defendant’s sentence is imposed by a judge based on the particular statute the defendant is charged with violating, the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, and other factors.
Alvarado appeared today before United States Magistrate Judge Andrew T. Baxter, and was detained pending further proceedings.
This case is being investigated by the FBI and its Child Exploitation Task Force, which includes members of the New York State Police, and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Geoffrey Brown.
This case is prosecuted as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative designed to protect children from online exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys’ Offices, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit http://www.justice.gov/psc/.
Omaha Man Sentenced to 46 Months for Healthcare FraudRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Joe Kelly announced that Nereus Sutko, 38, of Omaha, Nebraska, was sentenced today in federal court in Omaha for healthcare fraud. Chief United States District Judge John M. Gerrard sentenced Sutko to 46 months’ imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal prison system. After his release from prison, Sutko will serve a 3-year term of supervised release. Sutko will also be required to pay $809,561 in restitution and will forfeit certain property, including a Corvette and a speedboat.
In 2017, investigators began receiving reports of suspicious billings by Better Lives, LLC. The investigation showed that between 2010 and 2019, Sutko operated Better Lives, an Omaha-based business purporting to sell durable medical equipment to Medicare and Medicaid beneficiaries. Sutko hosted pizza parties and other gatherings at senior living residences and low-income housing facilities and obtained healthcare program beneficiaries’ personal and insurance information under the guise of providing free items such as heating pads or shoe inserts. Sutko offered gift cards and other rewards to people who referred healthcare beneficiaries to him or provided him with the names and insurance information of beneficiaries. Sutko then billed healthcare programs, including Medicare, Nebraska Medicaid, and Iowa Medicaid for fitted braces and other durable medical equipment that was never prescribed for nor provided to the beneficiary. Investigators interviewed dozens of beneficiaries throughout their investigation. Sutko primarily targeted beneficiaries in the Lincoln and Omaha, Nebraska, and Des Moines, Iowa areas. Between 2010 and 2019, Sutko was paid more than $1.8 million by Medicare, Nebraska Medicaid, and Iowa Medicaid. On May 8, 2019, investigators from multiple federal and state agencies executed a search warrant at Sutko’s residence in Omaha and took Sutko into custody on a federal arrest warrant.
United States Attorney Joe Kelly reminds the public that elder fraud and schemes that target and use the elderly are a priority of the Department of Justice.
“Sutko thought his scams would result in riches, but he failed to account for the commitment of our investigators to root out such fraud,” said Curt L. Muller, Special Agent in Charge for the Office of Inspector General of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. “We will continue working with our Federal and State law enforcement partners to protect taxpayers and the integrity of government health programs.”
This case was investigated by the United States Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General Office of Investigations, the Iowa Medicaid Fraud Control Unit, and the Nebraska Attorney General’s Office Medicaid Fraud and Patient Abuse Unit with assistance from the Social Security Administration Office of Inspector General Office of Investigators.
North Versailles Men Indicted in Fraud Scheme that Used Credit and Debit Card Numbers of OthersRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH - Two residents of North Versailles, PA, have been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on charges of bank and access device fraud, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.
The two-count Indictment, returned on June 17, and unsealed today, named Matthew Holmes, 27, and Justin Livingston, 27, both of North Versailles, PA, as defendants.
According to the Indictment, from in and around July 2018, and continuing thereafter until in and around September 2018, Holmes and Livingston conspired to commit bank fraud and access device fraud. Additionally, during the same time frame, Holmes and Livingston are alleged to have used and attempted to use credit and debit card numbers belonging to other people and as a result, obtained goods valued at more than $1,000.
The law provides for a maximum total sentence of not more than 10 years in prison, a fine of $250,000 or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant United States Attorney Jeffrey R. Bengel is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The United States Postal Inspection Service and Department of Homeland Security/Homeland Security Investigations conducted the investigation leading to the Indictment in this case.
An indictment is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Indictment- Indictment
New York City Man Pleads Guilty to Cyberstalking and Posting Naked Photos of Victim OnlineRead the Press Release
CONTACT: Barbara Burns
PHONE: (716) 843-5817
FAX #: (716) 551-3051ROCHESTER, N.Y. - U.S. Attorney James P. Kennedy, Jr. announced today that Charles Regalbuto, 27, of New York City, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Charles J. Siragusa to cyberstalking. The charge carries a maximum penalty of five years in prison.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Melissa M. Marangola, who is handling the case, stated that beginning in October 2014, the defendant sent multiple text messages to the Victim, threatening to publish naked photographs of the Victim on various social media websites. In one text message, Regalbuto stated: "I'll ruin your life the way you ruined mine." The defendant also sent a threatening text stating that he would kill the Victim and himself.
In 2017, without permission to do so, Regalbuto posted the naked photographs of the Victim on social media sites, resulting in multiple internet users seeing the photos along with the Victim’s name associated with the photos. Several individuals contacted the Victim after seeing the photos and asked if the Victim was the person in the photos, causing the Victim emotional distress.
The plea is the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Acting Special Agent-in-Charge Robert Guyton.
Sentencing is scheduled for October 5, 2020, before Judge Siragusa.
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Natrona Heights Sex Offender Pleads Guilty to Possessing Sexually Exploitive MaterialRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH - A resident of Natrona Heights, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of possession of material depicting the sexual exploitation of a minor, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.
Jack Ulrich, Jr., age 42, pleaded guilty to one count before United States District Judge Marilyn J. Horan.
In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that on October 12, 2018, Ulrich, Jr., unlawfully possessed more than 100 photographs and videos in computer graphics files, which depicted minors, some of whom were under the age of 12 years, engaged in sexually explicit conduct. At the time of the offense, Ulrich was a registered sex offender, having been convicted in 2006 of a sex offense involving minors in the Court of Common Pleas of Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania. Ulrich admitted to possessing and sharing the sexually exploitive material with other individuals using, among other applications, Chatous, Facebook, and Dropbox.
Judge Horan scheduled sentencing for August 13, 2020 at 10:45 a.m. The law provides for a maximum total sentence of not less than 10 years or more than 20 years in prison, a fine of $250,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant United States Attorney Carolyn J. Bloch is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Ulrich.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
Monmouth County Man Charged with Tax Evasion, Corrupt Interference with Administration of Internal Revenue Laws, and Failure to File Tax ReturnsRead the Press Release
NEWARK, N.J. – A Monmouth County, New Jersey, man was charged today with tax evasion, corrupt interference with the administration of the Internal Revenue laws, and failure to file federal tax returns, U.S. Attorney Craig Carpenito announced.
Thomas Bertoli, 62, of Matawan, New Jersey, is charged by indictment with three counts of tax evasion, one count of corrupt interference with the administration of the Internal Revenue laws, and four counts of failure to file tax returns. He will be arraigned at a later date.
According to the indictment:
Bertoli operated the following businesses: The Doormen Inc.; City Street Associates LLC, a/k/a CSA LLC; and Urban Logistics LLC. Individually and through his companies, Bertoli obtained payments from clients for services provided, including payments from developers and construction firms for expediting services on real estate development and construction projects, primarily in Jersey City, New Jersey; and payments from political campaigns for political consulting services in New Jersey. Expediting in the construction industry typically refers to facilitating the acquisition of building permits and other government agency approvals required for the completion of real estate projects.
Bertoli obtained hundreds of thousands of dollars in gross receipts for calendar years 2009 to 2016. Bertoli had not, as of April 18, 2017, filed federal tax returns or paid any of the taxes due, other than a $5,000 nominal payment in September 2014, for those years, despite receiving substantial gross receipts and having a substantial tax due and owing. He concealed and attempted to conceal from the IRS his income and assets through various means; Bertoli cashed at check cashers payments from his clients, made false and fraudulent statements to the IRS, and used the Urban Logistics bank account for personal expenditures.
Bertoli is charged with evasion of payment of taxes for calendar years 2009 to 2013 and evasion of assessment of taxes for calendar years 2014 and 2015. He also is charged with corrupt interference with the administration of the Internal Revenue laws and failing to file tax returns for calendar years 2013 to 2016.
Each charge of tax evasion carries a maximum potential penalty of five years in prison and a maximum $250,000 fine. The charge of corrupt interference with the administration of the Internal Revenue laws carries a maximum potential penalty of three years in prison and a $250,000 fine. Each charge of failing to file a tax return carries a maximum potential penalty of one year in prison and a $100,000 fine.
U.S. Attorney Carpenito credited special agents of IRS-Criminal Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Michael Montanez and special agents of the FBI, under the direction of Acting Special Agent in Charge Douglas Korneski in Newark with the investigation leading to today’s indictment.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorneys J Fortier Imbert and Jihee G. Suh of the U.S. Attorney’s Office’s Special Prosecutions Division.
The charges and allegations contained in the indictment are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Mercer County Man Facing Federal Drug and Gun Charges in Project Guardian CaseRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH - A resident of Farrell, Pennsylvania, has been indicted by a federal grand jury on charges of violating federal narcotics and firearms laws, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.
The three-count Indictment named Laron McKinnon, age 37, as the sole defendant.
According to the Indictment, McKinnon was charged with possession with the intent to distribute a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of cocaine and cocaine base. The Indictment further alleges that McKinnon possessed a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking despite being prohibited from owning a firearm.
The law provides for a maximum total sentence of not less than Five years and up to life in prison, a fine not to exceed $1,500,000.00, a term of supervised release of at least three years, or a combination thereof. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant United States Attorney Benjamin J. Risacher is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The Drug Enforcement Administration conducted the investigation leading to the Indictment in this case.
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 enhances coordination of federal, state, and local 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 Pennsylvania Instant Criminal Background Check System (PICS), to include taking appropriate actions when a prospective purchaser is denied 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 following Project Guardian partner: the Drug Enforcement Administration. For more information about Project Guardian, please see: https://www.justice.gov/projectguardian.
An indictment is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Maximum Prison Term Given to Man for Making On-Line Threats to Injure and Kill HispanicsRead the Press Release
MIAMI – Today, a federal judge in South Florida sentenced Eric Lin, 35, of Clarksburg, Maryland, to five years in prison, plus three years of supervised release after prison, for making repeated on-line threatening communications that targeted Hispanics. The judge imposed the maximum sentence under the statute.
Ariana Fajardo Orshan, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Florida and George L. Piro, Special Agent in Charge, FBI, Miami Field Office, made the announcement.
According to court documents, between May 30, 2019, and August 14, 2019, Lin made multiple threatening communications via Facebook to injure and kill a South Florida resident and to kill all Hispanics in Miami and other places. These included messages like “I’m coming to Rape and kill you” and “I will stop at Nothing until you, your family, your friends, your entire WORTHLESS LATIN RACE IS RACIALLY EXTERMINATED!” In Lin’s messages, he also discussed mass shootings of Hispanics and the idolization of Adolf Hitler.
On January 14, 2020, Lin pled guilty to the felony charge of knowingly and intentionally transmitting a threatening communication in interstate commerce. (Case No. 19cr20551).
U.S. Attorney Fajardo Orshan commended the investigative efforts of the FBI and the City of Miami Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Maria Medetis and Jonathan Kobrinski.
Related court documents and information may be found on the website of the District Court for the Southern District of Florida at www.flsd.uscourts.gov or on http://pacer.flsd.uscourts.gov.
Massachusetts Man Arrested for Unlawful Firearm Possession During an ATF Undercover OperationRead the Press Release
The Office of the United States Attorney for the District of Vermont announced that Eric LaFrance, 34, of Westfield, Massachusetts, was arrested yesterday for unlawful possession of a firearm during an ATF undercover operation in Brattleboro, Vermont. LaFrance appeared before the Honorable John M. Conroy, United States Magistrate Judge, this afternoon, and was ordered detained pending a detention hearing.
According to court records, LaFrance attempted to arrange to purchase a firearm from a Vermont Federal Firearms Licensee (FFL) despite being a resident of Massachusetts. LaFrance’s repeated efforts concerned the FFL, who reported the incident to the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF). ATF investigated LaFrance’s criminal record, and determined LaFrance had an arrest history in Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and North Dakota that dates back to 2003. A review of court records revealed that LaFrance had sustained a 2016 conviction for Larceny Over $250, which prohibited LaFrance from lawfully possessing firearms.
An ATF Special Agent working in an undercover capacity contacted LaFrance and offered to sell him a firearm. LaFrance expressed interest in purchasing all three firearms and ammunition that the agent had listed as being for sale. LaFrance stated to the undercover agent that although he possessed a .22 caliber pistol, he needed to upgrade his firearm after a recent violent confrontation. LaFrance eventually agreed to trade an older revolver, marijuana, and U.S. Currency for a GLOCK Model 22 .40 caliber semi-automatic pistol and ammunition. On June 22, 2020, in Brattleboro, Vermont, LaFrance met with the undercover agent, and provided the undercover agent $340, an amount of marijuana, and an Iver Johnson Arms and Cycle Works .38 caliber revolver. The undercover agent then provided the GLOCK to LaFrance, who was arrested moments later.
If convicted, LaFrance faces a maximum of ten years of imprisonment. The actual sentence however, would be determined by the Court with guidance from the advisory Federal Sentencing Guidelines. The United States Attorney emphasizes that the charges in the complaint are merely accusations, and that the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until he is proven guilty.
United States Attorney Christina E. Nolan commended the investigative efforts of ATF.
The United States is represented in this matter by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jonathan Ophardt. Defendant LaFrance is represented by the Office of the Federal Public Defender.
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 enhances coordination of federal, state, local, and tribal authorities in investigating and prosecuting firearm use and possession crimes; prioritizes prosecuting persons who make false statements when attempting to obtain firearms; improves information-sharing by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives concerning persons who attempt to obtain firearms illegally; coordinates responses to persons prevented from obtaining firearms for mental health reasons; and ensures the use of modern intelligence tools and technology to focus on the criminals posing the greatest threat to our communities. For more information, please see https://www.justice.gov/projectguardian.
Man from Santa Fe pleads guilty to residential burglary in Indian CountryRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – Bryan Bencomo Mendoza, 22, of Santa Fe, New Mexico pleaded guilty in federal court in Albuquerque on June 22 to an indictment charging him with residential burglary in Indian Country.
According to the indictment and other public court records, Mendoza committed this offense on the Pueblo of Pojoaque in Santa Fe County on June 21, 2018. Mendoza broke into the apartment of tribal members while they were at work. Mendoza stole a video game console and sold it to a store in Espanola, New Mexico
Mendoza is currently in custody pending sentencing. He faces up to three years in prison.
The Bureau of Indian Affairs investigated this case with assistance from the Pojoaque Tribal Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Joseph Spindle is prosecuting the case.
Louisiana U.S. Attorneys Join Department of Justice in Announcing $42 Million to Combat Illegal Manufacture and Distribution of Methamphetamines and OpioidsRead the Press Release
Today, United States Attorneys Brandon J. Fremin, Middle District of Louisiana, Peter G. Strasser, Eastern District of Louisiana, and David C. Joseph, Western District of Louisiana, joined the Department of Justice‘s Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS Office) to announce nearly $42 million in funding to support state-level law enforcement agencies in combating the illegal manufacturing and distribution of methamphetamine, heroin, fentanyl, carfentanil, and prescription opioids.
In the State of Louisiana, the Louisiana State Police Department will receive $2,998,794.00 in funding to support investigations into trafficking in heroin, fentanyl, or carfentanil or the unlawful distribution of prescription opioids.
U.S. Attorney Fremin stated, “This funding is a tremendous boost enabling the Louisiana State Police to enhance their efforts in combatting opioid-related issues across the state. This grant serves as another demonstration of the Department’s commitment to support law enforcement’s front line efforts in protecting the communities they serve.”
“With the allocation of this funding, the Louisiana State Police will have the necessary capital to develop strategies to investigate illicit activities related to the distribution of heroin, fentanyl, and carfentanil; the unlawful distribution of prescription opioids; and unlawful heroin and prescription opioid traffickers through statewide collaboration,” said U.S. Attorney Strasser. “The announcement of this COPS award highlights the commitment from the Department of Justice to ensure our state and local partners have the tools they need to enhance public safety and combat illicit drug use throughout our community.”
“The fight against opioid abuse is among our nation’s most pressing law enforcement and public health initiatives,” said U.S. Attorney Joseph. “This funding will help the Louisiana State Police continue their collaboration with federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies to disrupt and dismantle illegal opioid distribution networks throughout the state. This funding shows the Department’s commitment to address the opioid epidemic and improve public safety for Louisiana citizens.”
“The scourge of opioid and methamphetamine use continues to take a devastating toll on our nation’s communities,” said COPS Office Director Phil Keith. “By providing these resources to law enforcement to help combat the further spread, the COPS Office is demonstrating our commitment to this Administration’s priority of reducing drug use and protecting our citizens from this public health and safety crisis.”
Drug overdose deaths and opioid-involved deaths continue to increase in the United States. Deaths from drug overdose are up among both men and women, all races, and adults of nearly all ages, with more than three out of five drug overdose deaths involving an opioid. More than 130 people die every day in the United States after overdosing on opioids, while methamphetamine continues to be one of the most commonly misused stimulant drugs in the world and is the drug that most contributes to violent crime.
The COPS Office is awarding more than $29.7 million in grant funding to 14 state law enforcement agency task forces through the Anti-Heroin Task Force Program (AHTF). AHTF provides three years of funding directly to state-level law enforcement agencies with multijurisdictional reach and interdisciplinary team (e.g., task force) structures, in states with high per capita rates of primary treatment admissions for heroin, fentanyl, carfentanil, and other opioids. This funding will support the location or investigation of illicit activities through statewide collaboration related to the distribution of heroin, fentanyl, or carfentanil or the unlawful distribution of prescription opioids.
- Louisiana State Police $2,998,794.00
Through the COPS Anti-Methamphetamine Program (CAMP), the COPS Office is also awarding $12 million to 12 state law enforcement agencies. These state agencies have demonstrated numerous seizures of precursor chemicals, finished methamphetamine, laboratories, and laboratory dump seizures. State agencies are being awarded three years of funding through CAMP to support the location or investigation of illicit activities related to the manufacture and distribution of methamphetamine, including precursor diversion, laboratories, or methamphetamine trafficking.
The AHTF and CAMP funding has a tremendous impact on state investigative and seizure work. During the five month period between October 2019 and February 2020, current AHTF grantees reported the seizure of over $4 million in cash and 1,213 firearms. Similarly, for CAMP, grantees reported seizures of more than $7 million in cash and 1,577 firearms.
The complete list of Anti-Heroin Task Force Program award recipients, including funding amounts, can be found here: https://cops.usdoj.gov/ahtf-award
The complete list of COPS Anti-Methamphetamine Program award recipients, including funding amounts, can be found here: https://cops.usdoj.gov/camp-award
The COPS Office is a federal agency responsible for advancing community policing nationwide. Since 1994, the COPS Office has invested more than $14 billion to advance community policing, including grants awarded to more than 13,000 state, local and tribal law enforcement agencies to fund the hiring and redeployment of approximately 135,000 officers and provide a variety of knowledge resource products including publications, training and technical assistance. For additional information about the COPS Office, please visit www.cops.usdoj.gov.
The year 2020 marks the 150th anniversary of the Department of Justice. Learn more about the history of our agency at www.Justice.gov/Celebrating150Years.
Louisiana U.S. Attorneys Join Department of Justice in Announcing $42 Million to Combat Illegal Manufacture and Distribution of Methamphetamine and OpioidsRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS – Today, United States Attorneys Peter G. Strasser, Eastern District of Louisiana, David C. Joseph, Western District of Louisiana, and Brandon J. Fremin, Middle District of Louisiana joined the Department of Justice‘s Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS Office) to announce nearly $42 million in funding to support state-level law enforcement agencies in combating the illegal manufacturing and distribution of methamphetamine, heroin, fentanyl, carfentanil, and prescription opioids.
In the State of Louisiana, the Louisiana State Police Department will receive $2,998,794.00 in funding to support investigations into trafficking in heroin, fentanyl, or carfentanil or the unlawful distribution of prescription opioids.
“With the allocation of this funding, the Louisiana State Police will have the necessary capital to develop strategies to investigate illicit activities related to the distribution of heroin, fentanyl, and carfentanil; the unlawful distribution of prescription opioids; and unlawful heroin and prescription opioid traffickers through statewide collaboration,” said U.S. Attorney Strasser. “The announcement of this COPS award highlights the commitment from the Department of Justice to ensure our state and local partners have the tools they need to enhance public safety and combat illicit drug use throughout our community.”
“The fight against opioid abuse is among our nation’s most pressing law enforcement and public health initiatives,” said U.S. Attorney Joseph. “This funding will help the Louisiana State Police continue their collaboration with federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies to disrupt and dismantle illegal opioid distribution networks throughout the state. This funding shows the Department’s commitment to address the opioid epidemic and improve public safety for Louisiana citizens.”
U.S. Attorney Fremin stated, “This funding is a tremendous boost allowing Louisiana State Police to enhance their efforts in combatting heroin-related issues across the state. This grant serves as another demonstration of the Department’s commitment to support law enforcement’s front line efforts in protecting the communities they serve.”
“The scourge of opioid and methamphetamine use continues to take a devastating toll on our nation’s communities,” said COPS Office Director Phil Keith. “By providing these resources to law enforcement to help combat the further spread, the COPS Office is demonstrating our commitment to this Administration’s priority of reducing drug use and protecting our citizens from this public health and safety crisis.”
Drug overdose deaths and opioid-involved deaths continue to increase in the United States. Deaths from drug overdose are up among both men and women, all races, and adults of nearly all ages, with more than three out of five drug overdose deaths involving an opioid. More than 130 people die every day in the United States after overdosing on opioids, while methamphetamine continues to be one of the most commonly misused stimulant drugs in the world and is the drug that most contributes to violent crime.
The COPS Office is awarding more than $29.7 million in grant funding to 14 state law enforcement agency task forces through the Anti-Heroin Task Force Program (AHTF). AHTF provides three years of funding directly to state-level law enforcement agencies with multijurisdictional reach and interdisciplinary team (e.g., task force) structures, in states with high per capita rates of primary treatment admissions for heroin, fentanyl, carfentanil, and other opioids. This funding will support the location or investigation of illicit activities through statewide collaboration related to the distribution of heroin, fentanyl, or carfentanil or the unlawful distribution of prescription opioids.
- Louisiana State Police $2,998,794.00
Through the COPS Anti-Methamphetamine Program (CAMP), the COPS Office is also awarding $12 million to 12 state law enforcement agencies. These state agencies have demonstrated numerous seizures of precursor chemicals, finished methamphetamine, laboratories, and laboratory dump seizures. State agencies are being awarded three years of funding through CAMP to support the location or investigation of illicit activities related to the manufacture and distribution of methamphetamine, including precursor diversion, laboratories, or methamphetamine trafficking.
The AHTF and CAMP funding has a tremendous impact on state investigative and seizure work. During the five month period between October 2019 and February 2020, current AHTF grantees reported the seizure of over $4 million in cash and 1,213 firearms. Similarly, for CAMP, grantees reported seizures of more than $7 million in cash and 1,577 firearms.
The complete list of Anti-Heroin Task Force Program award recipients, including funding amounts, can be found here: https://cops.usdoj.gov/ahtf-award
The complete list of COPS Anti-Methamphetamine Program award recipients, including funding amounts, can be found here: https://cops.usdoj.gov/camp-award
The COPS Office is a federal agency responsible for advancing community policing nationwide. Since 1994, the COPS Office has invested more than $14 billion to advance community policing, including grants awarded to more than 13,000 state, local and tribal law enforcement agencies to fund the hiring and redeployment of approximately 135,000 officers and provide a variety of knowledge resource products including publications, training and technical assistance. For additional information about the COPS Office, please visit www.cops.usdoj.gov.
The year 2020 marks the 150th anniversary of the Department of Justice. Learn more about the history of our agency at www.Justice.gov/Celebrating150Years.
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Louisiana U.S. Attorneys Join Department of Justice in Announcing $42 Million to Combat Illegal Manufacture and Distribution of Methamphetamine and OpioidsRead the Press Release
SHREVEPORT/LAFAYETTE/ALEXANDRIA/LAKE CHARLES/MONROE, La. – Today, United States Attorneys David C. Joseph, Western District of Louisiana, Brandon J. Fremin, Middle District of Louisiana, and Peter G. Strasser, Eastern District of Louisiana, joined the Department of Justice‘s Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS Office) to announce nearly $42 million in funding to support state-level law enforcement agencies in combating the illegal manufacturing and distribution of methamphetamine, heroin, fentanyl, carfentanil, and prescription opioids.
In the State of Louisiana, the Louisiana State Police will receive $2,998,794 in funding to support investigations into trafficking in heroin, fentanyl, or carfentanil or the unlawful distribution of prescription opioids.
“The fight against opioid abuse is among our nation’s most pressing law enforcement and public health initiatives,” said U.S. Attorney Joseph. “This funding will help the Louisiana State Police continue their collaboration with federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies to disrupt and dismantle illegal opioid distribution networks throughout the state. This funding shows the Department’s commitment to address the opioid epidemic and improve public safety for Louisiana citizens.”
U.S. Attorney Fremin stated, “This funding is a tremendous boost allowing Louisiana State Police to enhance their efforts in combatting heroin-related issues across the state. This grant serves as another demonstration of the Department’s commitment to support law enforcement’s front line efforts in protecting the communities they serve.”
“With the allocation of this funding, the Louisiana State Police will have the necessary capital to develop strategies to investigate illicit activities related to the distribution of heroin, fentanyl, and carfentanil; the unlawful distribution of prescription opioids; and unlawful heroin and prescription opioid traffickers through statewide collaboration,” said U.S. Attorney Strasser. “The announcement of this COPS award highlights the commitment from the Department of Justice to ensure our state and local partners have the tools they need to enhance public safety and combat illicit drug use throughout our community.”
“The scourge of opioid and methamphetamine use continues to take a devastating toll on our nation’s communities,” said COPS Office Director Phil Keith. “By providing these resources to law enforcement to help combat the further spread, the COPS Office is demonstrating our commitment to this Administration’s priority of reducing drug use and protecting our citizens from this public health and safety crisis.”
Drug overdose deaths and opioid-involved deaths continue to increase in the United States. Deaths from drug overdose are up among both men and women, all races, and adults of nearly all ages, with more than three out of five drug overdose deaths involving an opioid. More than 130 people die every day in the United States after overdosing on opioids, while methamphetamine continues to be one of the most commonly misused stimulant drugs in the world and is the drug that most contributes to violent crime.
The COPS Office is awarding more than $29.7 million in grant funding to 14 state law enforcement agency task forces through the Anti-Heroin Task Force Program (AHTF). AHTF provides three years of funding directly to state-level law enforcement agencies with multijurisdictional reach and interdisciplinary team (e.g., task force) structures, in states with high per capita rates of primary treatment admissions for heroin, fentanyl, carfentanil, and other opioids. This funding will support the location or investigation of illicit activities through statewide collaboration related to the distribution of heroin, fentanyl, or carfentanil or the unlawful distribution of prescription opioids.
- Louisiana State Police - $2,998,794
Through the COPS Anti-Methamphetamine Program (CAMP), the COPS Office is also awarding $12 million to 12 state law enforcement agencies. These state agencies have demonstrated numerous seizures of precursor chemicals, finished methamphetamine, laboratories, and laboratory dump seizures. State agencies are being awarded three years of funding through CAMP to support the location or investigation of illicit activities related to the manufacture and distribution of methamphetamine, including precursor diversion, laboratories, or methamphetamine trafficking.
The AHTF and CAMP funding has a tremendous impact on state investigative and seizure work. During the five month period between October 2019 and February 2020, current AHTF grantees reported the seizure of over $4 million in cash and 1,213 firearms. Similarly, for CAMP, grantees reported seizures of more than $7 million in cash and 1,577 firearms.
The complete list of Anti-Heroin Task Force Program award recipients, including funding amounts, can be found here: https://cops.usdoj.gov/ahtf-award.
The complete list of COPS Anti-Methamphetamine Program award recipients, including funding amounts, can be found here: https://cops.usdoj.gov/camp-award.
The COPS Office is a federal agency responsible for advancing community policing nationwide. Since 1994, the COPS Office has invested more than $14 billion to advance community policing, including grants awarded to more than 13,000 state, local and tribal law enforcement agencies to fund the hiring and redeployment of approximately 135,000 officers and provide a variety of knowledge resource products including publications, training and technical assistance. For additional information about the COPS Office, please visit www.cops.usdoj.gov.
# # #
The year 2020 marks the 150th anniversary of the Department of Justice. Learn more about the history of our agency at www.Justice.gov/Celebrating150Years.
Los Angeles City Councilman Jose Huizar Arrested on Federal RICO Charge that Alleges He Agreed to Accept at Least $1.5 Million in Illicit BenefitsRead the Press Release
COMPLAINTLOS ANGELES – Special agents with the FBI this morning arrested Jose Huizar, an elected member of the Los Angeles City Council, on a federal racketeering charge that alleges he led a criminal enterprise that used his powerful position at City Hall to solicit and accept lucrative bribes and other financial benefits to enrich himself and his close associates in exchange for Huizar taking official actions favorable to the developers and others who financed and facilitated the bribes.
Huizar, 51, of Boyle Heights, was taken into custody at his home without incident and is expected to make his initial appearance this afternoon in United States District Court in downtown Los Angeles.
Huizar was arrested pursuant to a federal criminal complaint filed on June 22 and unsealed this morning. The complaint charges Huizar with one count of conspiring to violate the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) Act and alleges that, as part of the criminal enterprise, he and his associates violated a series of laws, including bribery, honest services fraud, extortion and money laundering.
“This case pulled back the curtain on rampant corruption at City Hall,” said United States Attorney Nick Hanna. “Councilman Huizar violated the public trust to a staggering degree, allegedly soliciting and accepting hundreds of thousands of dollars in bribes from multiple sources over many years. Using the power of his office to approve or stall large building projects, Huizar worked through a web of other corrupt city officials, lobbyists, consultants and developers to line his pockets and maintain his hold on Council District 14, which he turned into a money-making criminal enterprise that shaped the development landscape in Los Angeles.”
“Mr. Huizar was busy enjoying the fruits of his alleged corruption while his criminal enterprise sold the city to the highest bidder behind the backs of taxpayers,” said Paul Delacourt, the Assistant Director in Charge of the FBI’s Los Angeles Field Office. “As we continue to investigate this case, we urge residents, business owners and city employees to come forward with information about bribery and illegal practices in government. The FBI relies on the cooperation of others to build cases that successfully root out corruption in order to restore integrity in public office.”
Huizar has represented Council District 14 (CD-14), which includes downtown Los Angeles and its surrounding communities, since 2005. In addition to representing an area that has experienced a commercial real estate boom in recent years, Huizar for several years was chair of the city’s influential Planning and Land Use Management Committee, a position he lost after the FBI executed search warrants at his city offices and personal residence in November 2018. During the search of Huizar’s home, agents seized approximately $129,000 cash that was stashed in his closet.
“The federal investigation has revealed that Huizar operated a pay-to-play scheme in the City, utilizing and commodifying the powerful Council seat of CD-14, whereby he solicited and accepted financial benefits from international (primarily Chinese) and domestic developers with projects in the City in exchange for favorable official actions,” according to the affidavit in support of the criminal complaint.
The 116-page affidavit alleges that Huizar operated the “CD-14 Enterprise,” along with co-conspirator members, including “Individual 1,” a former general manager of the Los Angeles Department of Building and Safety and former deputy mayor; George Esparza, Huizar’s former special assistant; and real estate development consultant George Chiang. Members and associates of the criminal enterprise referred to Huizar as their “boss,” operated as a criminal organization, and worked together for common purposes, the complaint alleges. The CD-14 Enterprise allegedly had several objectives, including 1) enriching its members and associates through means that included bribery, extortion, and honest services fraud, 2) advancing its political goals and maintaining its control and authority, 3) concealing the enterprise’s financial activities, and 4) protecting the enterprise by concealing its activities and shielding the enterprise from detection by law enforcement, the city, and the public.
In recent weeks, both Esparza and Chiang agreed to plead guilty to the same RICO charge that Huizar now faces.
The CD-14 Enterprise was created in early 2013 by Huizar and Individual 1 “at a time when each of them faced significant threats to their political and professional careers,” according to the affidavit. Individual 1, who maintained close relationships with Chinese developers, introduced Huizar to “Chairman E,” a Chinese billionaire who runs a multinational development firm and who owns a hotel in Huizar’s district.
In 2014, Individual 1 facilitated an arrangement whereby Chairman E provided $600,000 in collateral to fund a settlement of a sexual harassment lawsuit filed against Huizar by a former CD-14 staffer, allegations that threatened his 2015 re-election campaign. In addition, Huizar directly and indirectly accepted cash and casino gambling chips on more than a dozen lavish trips to Las Vegas – trips that included rides on private jets and stays at luxurious casino villas, one of which cost over $38,000 per night. The complaint also alleges Huizar accepted a trip to Australia and other benefits from Chairman E. In exchange, Chairman E asked for a series of favors from Huizar over time.
Ultimately, Chairman E provided over $800,000 in benefits to Huizar so that Huizar would assist Chairman E’s ambitious plans to redevelop his property in CD-14 and build the tallest building west of the Mississippi River, according to the affidavit.
In a second scheme, “Developer C” agreed to pay a $500,000 cash bribe to secure Huizar’s help in resolving a labor organization’s appeal of a major real estate development which, when resolved, would save the developer millions of dollars. After a middleman, Justin Jangwoo Kim, collected $500,000 cash from Developer C, Kim and Esparza decided to keep some of the money for themselves. Kim pleaded guilty on June 3 to bribery charges and admitted facilitating the bribe from Developer C.
A third major bribery scheme outlined in the affidavit involves “Company D,” another Chinese real estate firm that wanted to develop a large mixed-used project in CD-14. In exchange for Huizar’s support of the project, Company D agreed to hire Huizar “Associate 1” as a consultant to perform work – real estate reports that discussed development opportunities – that actually was completed by Chiang. The affidavit alleges that Company D also financed part of a Huizar family trip to China and agreed to contribute $100,000 to a political action committee that would benefit the campaign of Huizar’s close relative, who Huizar intended to replace him on the City Council after he was termed out in 2020.
Other developers made donations to two PACs that would benefit “Relative A-1’s” campaign in exchange for Huizar taking official action to support their projects, the complaint alleges. One series of donations was made by “Company M” and facilitated by “Executive M,” who allegedly furnished Huizar with opposition research against two female staffers who had sued Huizar for sexual harassment in 2018. With Huizar’s help, Company M was able to get final approval in the fall of 2018 to construct a 35-story project in the Arts District with “minimal” affordable housing units and union labor requirements that saved the company an estimated $14 million, the affidavit alleges. Company M later bragged to its employees that this was a “truly amazing” feat “in a wealthy opinionated hipster community,” according to the affidavit.
The complaint alleges a series of additional corrupt acts, including bribes to Huizar from “Businessperson A,” who wanted to develop business opportunities with Huizar’s help. Businessperson A allegedly provided Huizar a $10,000 monthly cash retainer, $10,000 worth of hotel accommodations on 21 separate occasions, and approximately $18,000 in lavish gifts that included suits, shoes and meals.
Huizar allegedly leveraged his official position to pressure developers to make donations to Relative A-1’s campaign to ensure Huizar’s continued influence in the city and to steer work towards companies linked to his associates, including the law firm that employed Relative A-1, regardless of any legitimate business need.
The complaint affidavit concludes by outlining Huizar’s concealment of illicit benefits, including by instructing his special assistant on how to avoid bank reporting requirements, using his family members to launder hundreds of thousands of dollars in bribes, making false statements on a bank loan application and failing to report his illicit benefits on tax returns and ethics disclosure forms. The complaint also alleges that Huizar engaged in obstructionist conduct, including attempting to influence other witnesses and lying to federal prosecutors and the FBI.
A criminal complaint contains allegations that a defendant has committed a crime. Every defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
The RICO conspiracy charge alleged in the complaint carries a statutory maximum sentence of 20 years in federal prison.
The cases against Huizar and his associates in the CD-14 Enterprise are being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Mack E. Jenkins, Chief of the Public Corruption and Civil Rights Section, and Assistant United States Attorneys Veronica Dragalin and Melissa Mills, also of the Public Corruption and Civil Rights Section.
Huizar is the fifth person to be charged in the ongoing corruption investigation being conducted by the FBI and U.S. Attorney’s Office. The other four defendants have agreed to plead guilty.
Chiang is scheduled to plead guilty on June 26 before United States District Judge John F. Walter.
The court has yet to schedule a hearing for Esparza to plead guilty.
Kim is scheduled to be sentenced by Judge Walter on August 17.
Former Los Angeles City Councilman Mitchell Englander is scheduled to plead guilty on July 7 to charges of scheming to falsify material facts related to trips he took to Las Vegas and Palm Springs that were funded by Businessperson A.
Any member of the public who has information related to this or any other public corruption matter in the City of Los Angeles is encouraged to send information to the FBI’s email tip line at [email protected] or to contact the FBI’s Los Angeles Field Office at (310) 477-6565.
London Woman Sentenced to 18 Months for Drug Trafficking and Identity TheftRead the Press Release
LONDON, Ky. - A London woman, Wilma Thompson, 41, was sentenced in on Friday, to 18 months in federal prison, by U.S. District Judge Claria Horn Boom, for obtaining a controlled substance through the registration of another and identity theft.
In her guilty plea agreement, Thompson admitted that she was employed as an office manager for a physician, that prescription pads repeatedly went missing from the office, and that she was observed on multiple occasions taking Xanax at the office. Thompson’s employment with the office ended in October 2017; but in in May 2018, she attempted to obtain 180 Hydrocodone tablets, using a forged prescription bearing her previous employer’s name and DEA registration number.
After obtaining a search warrant, officers seized 582 forged prescriptions, bearing the physician’s name and DEA registration number, and 23 empty prescription bottles. Thompson further admitted that she had been forging prescriptions, monthly, since January 14, 2016, and she had obtained a total of 8,370 hydrocodone tablets and 2,358 alprazolam (Xanax) tablets.
Thompson pleaded guilty in February 2020.
Under federal law, Thompson must serve 85 percent of her prison sentence and will be under the supervision of the U.S. Probation Office for three years, following her release.
Robert M. Duncan, Jr., United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky; James Robert Brown, Jr., Special Agent in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation; and Chief Darrell Kilburn, London Police Department, jointly made the announcement.
The investigation was conducted by the FBI and London Police Department. The United States was represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Nick Rabold.
The year 2020 marks the 150th anniversary of the Department of Justice. Learn more about the history of our agency at www.Justice.gov/Celebrating150Years.
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Lawrence Man Indicted on Identity Fraud ChargesRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Lawrence man who has been living under a false identity was indicted today by a federal grand jury in Boston on charges arising from his use of the name and Social Security number of a U.S. citizen.
An individual referred to as “John Doe” was indicted on charges of misrepresenting a Social Security number, making a false statement concerning a health care benefit program, and aggravated identity theft. He is presently in state custody on unrelated charges and will be appear by videoconference at a later date in the U.S. District Court in Boston for an initial appearance and arraignment.
The charges of misrepresenting a Social Security number and making a false statement concerning a health care benefit program each provide for a sentence of up to five years in prison, up to three years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000. The charge of aggravated identity theft provides for a mandatory sentence of two years in prison, to be served consecutively to any other sentence imposed. 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; Michael Shea, Acting Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in Boston; and Phillip M. Coyne, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Bill Abely of Lelling’s Major Crimes Unit is prosecuting the case.
The details contained in the indictment are allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Lake Delton Man Sentenced to 78 Months on Crack Cocaine ChargeRead the Press Release
MADISON, WIS. - Scott C. Blader, United States Attorney for the Western District of Wisconsin, announced that Jack Washington, 43, Lake Delton, Wisconsin, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge William M. Conley to 78 months in federal prison for possessing 28 grams or more of crack cocaine with intent to distribute. This prison term will be followed by four years of supervised release.
This is Washington’s third felony conviction related to the possession or distribution of crack cocaine. At the time of this offense, he was serving a term of state supervision for similar conduct. Judge Conley ordered the sentence in this case to run consecutively the prison sentence Washington is serving as a result of revoking his state supervision.
The total amount of crack cocaine attributable to the Washington was about 50 grams. In sentencing Washington, Judge Conley recognized that Washington had committed himself to making a living by criminal activity, and to support his own addictions. Judge Conley also noted that a sentence above the five-year mandatory minimum was warranted because Washington’s drug dealing had gotten worse as he got older.
The charge against Washington was the result of an investigation conducted by the Sauk County Sheriff’s Office and Lake Delton Police Department. The prosecution of the case has been handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Taylor L. Kraus.
L.A. County Public Official Sentenced to One Year in Federal Prison for Accepting Bribes and Cheating on Income Tax ReturnsRead the Press Release
LOS ANGELES – A public official in Los Angeles County’s Internal Services Department was sentenced today to 12 months and one day in federal prison for accepting nearly $300,000 in bribes from an electrical contractor and then failing to report the income he received from those bribes and a side business on his federal tax returns.
Mohammad R. Tirmazi, 51, of Upland, was sentenced by United States District Judge R. Gary Klausner, who also ordered Tirmazi to pay $420,010 in restitution to the County of Los Angeles and the Internal Revenue Service.
In May 2019, Tirmazi pleaded guilty to a two-count information charging him with federal program bribery and subscribing to a false tax return.
Tirmazi worked for the county, first as a supervising telecom engineer and then in 2016 as a section manager for the voice video and application division of the county’s Internal Services Department. He accepted bribes from Enrique Contreras, 40, of Newbury Park, the owner of Tel-Pro Voice & Data, Inc., a vendor that performed low voltage electrical wiring for the county. From late 2014 to 2016, the owner of Tel-Pro paid defendant with cash, checks and gifts. In sum, the bribes totaled $299,707.
In exchange for the bribes, Tirmazi approved change orders requested by Contreras for, among other things, work that did not occur and materials that were not used on county projects.
Tirmazi did not report, or did not force Contreras to correct, violations of the county’s Building and Safety Code or the National Electrical Code that Tirmazi uncovered during inspections of Tel-Pro’s work. Some of those violations related to asbestos removal and Tel-Pro’s failure to properly install cables. Tirmazi admitted in his plea agreement that he generally considered Tel-Pro’s work to be “shoddy,” but he overlooked its poor work because of the bribes Contreras paid him.
Tirmazi formed a Whittier-based company called TEQ Solutions, LLC as a way to conceal bribe payments from Contreras, court filings state. Contreras, who bribed Tirmazi with cash and gifts, also paid Tirmazi with checks made payable to TEQ Solutions that were disguised to look like payment for legitimate services rendered. Because TEQ Solutions did no work for Contreras or Tel-Pro, the checks were nothing more than bribes.
To hide his ownership of TEQ Solutions, Tirmazi used a third party to file the business paperwork and open a bank account. To lower TEQ Solutions’ taxable income, and thus keep more of the bribe money he received, Tirmazi issued sham IRS Form 1099s to make it appear as though other individuals had received income from TEQ Solutions for work legitimately performed.
Tirmazi failed to report on his tax returns for years 2014 to 2016 a total of $355,107 of income he received from bribe payments and a side business selling IT equipment.
Contreras pleaded guilty in May 2019 to federal program bribery and subscribing to a false tax return. He admitted in his plea agreement that he failed to report a total of $636,454 of income he received from 2013 to 2017 as a result of his improper deduction of bribe payments and other personal expenses.
In his plea agreement, Contreras also admitted to bribing two county officials—Tirmazi and Thomas M. Shepos, 70, of Palmdale, a public official formerly employed by the county in the Real Estate Division. Shepos pleaded guilty in November 2018 to accepting bribes and is scheduled to be sentenced on December 7. Contreras’s sentencing hearing is scheduled for July 27.
From 2013 to 2016, Contreras made cash payments to Shepos, totaling approximately $200,000 to $300,000, in exchange for Shepos providing non-public county information to Contreras and helping Contreras secure county contracts.
One of the individuals from whom Shepos admitting receiving bribes was real estate developer Arman Gabaee, 59, of Beverly Hills. Gabaee was arrested and subsequently indicted on federal bribery charges in 2018. His trial is currently scheduled for November 3 before United States District Judge George H. Wu.
Tirmazi, Contreras, and Shepos have agreed to cooperate with federal investigators.
These cases were investigated by the FBI and IRS Criminal Investigation.
These cases are being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Ruth C. Pinkel and Lindsey Greer Dotson of the Public Corruption and Civil Rights Section.
Kern County Man Charged with Firearms, Fraud, and Identity Theft OffensesRead the Press Release
FRESNO, Calif. — On June 18, a federal grand jury brought a 19-count indictment against Rogelio Benavides, 34, charging him with being a felon in possession of a firearm, bank fraud, use and possession of unauthorized credit cards, aggravated identity theft, and possession of stolen mail. Benavides was arrested on the indictment today, U.S. Attorney McGregor W. Scott announced.
According to the indictment unsealed today, between November 2018 and September 2019, Benavides obtained and received, without authorization, hundreds of pieces of stolen mail that included checks, checkbooks, and personally identifiable information (PII) belonging to other individuals and businesses. He then altered and forged checks belonging to other individuals or businesses and either cashed the checks or deposited the checks into his own bank accounts. He also used the PII belonging to the other individuals to apply for and receive unauthorized credit cards, which he used to make purchases and cash advances He used the PII belonging to the other individuals and businesses to access their bank accounts and make unauthorized payments for the unauthorized credit cards and for credit cards, loans, and insurance policies in Benavides’ own name and the names of his associates. Benavides’ scheme caused at least $95,000 in fraudulent charges to be made to other individuals’ bank accounts and credit cards.
This case is the product of an investigation by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Vincente Tennerelli and Joseph Barton are prosecuting the case.
If convicted, Benavides faces a maximum statutory penalty of 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000 for being a felon in possession of a firearm, a maximum statutory penalty of 30 years in prison and a fine of up to $1 million for bank fraud, a maximum statutory penalty of 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000 for the counts of unauthorized use and possession of access devices, a mandatory two-year sentence consecutive to other counts for aggravated identity theft, and up to five years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000 for possession of stolen mail. Any sentence, however, would be determined at the discretion of the court after consideration of any applicable statutory factors and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, which take into account a number of variables. The charges are only allegations; the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
Joint Statement from U.S. Attorney Jay E. Town and FBI Special Agent in Charge Johnnie Sharp, Jr. Regarding the Noose Found in NASCAR’s Bubba Wallace’s Garage at Talladega SuperspeedwayRead the Press Release
“On Monday, fifteen FBI special agents conducted numerous interviews regarding the situation at Talladega Superspeedway. After a thorough review of the facts and evidence surrounding this event, we have concluded that no federal crime was committed.
The FBI learned that garage number 4, where the noose was found, was assigned to Bubba Wallace last week. The investigation also revealed evidence, including authentic video confirmed by NASCAR, that the noose found in garage number 4 was in that garage as early as October 2019. Although the noose is now known to have been in garage number 4 in 2019, nobody could have known Mr. Wallace would be assigned to garage number 4 last week.
The decision not to pursue federal charges is proper after reviewing all available facts and all applicable federal laws. We offer our thanks to NASCAR, Mr. Wallace, and everyone who cooperated with this investigation.”
Indiana County Felon Indicted on Gun Charge in Project Safe Neighborhoods CaseRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, PA - A resident of Blairsville, Pennsylvania, has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on a charge of violating federal firearms law, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.
The one-count Indictment named Justin McConnell, age 34, as the sole defendant.
According to Indictment, on October 2, 2019, while on probation for a prior felony conviction, McConnell’s parole officer found McConnell in possession of a 22 LR Caliber GSG pistol, with a loaded magazine containing ammunition. Due to his prior felony conviction, McConnell is not permitted to possess firearms or ammunition.
The law provides for a maximum total sentence of not more than ten (10) years in prison, a fine of not more than $250,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant United States Attorney Rebecca L. Silinski is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives conducted the investigation leading to the Indictment in this case. This case is being prosecuted as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
An indictment is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Independence Man Sentenced to 192 Months for Distributing Child PornographyRead the Press Release
COVINGTON, Ky.- An Independence, Kentucky, man, Michael Clark, 50, was sentenced in on Tuesday to 192 months in federal prison, by U.S. District Judge David Bunning, following conviction of distributing child pornography.
According to the evidence at trial, Clark distributed child pornography, on five different occasions, to a law enforcement officer using BitTorrent, a peer-to-peer file-sharing network. A search warrant was executed at Clark’s residence in April 2018. His computer was seized and a forensic examination revealed the child pornography.
Clark was convicted by a federal jury in September 2019.
Under federal law, Clark must serve 85 percent of his prison sentence and will be under the supervision of the U.S. Probation Office for 20 years, following his release.
Robert M. Duncan, Jr., United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky; L. Jerry Templet, Special Agent in Charge for Homeland Security Investigations; Chief Spike Jones, Kenton County Police Department; and Chief Chris Sorrell, Campbell County Police Department, jointly made the announcement.
The investigation was conducted by the Homeland Security Investigations, Kenton County Police Department, and Campbell County Police Department’s Electronic Crimes Unit. The United States was represented in the case by Assistant U.S. Attorney Elaine K. Leonhard.
The year 2020 marks the 150th anniversary of the Department of Justice. Learn more about the history of our agency at www.Justice.gov/Celebrating150Years.
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How to Address Police Reform in SpokaneRead the Press Release
Published in The Spokesman-Review
June 21, 2020
https://www.spokesman.com/stories/2020/jun/21/william-d-hyslop-how-to-address-police-reform-in-s/
Our country is engaged in a great national discussion about the role of our police forces.
The tragic deaths of George Floyd, Ahmaud Arbery and others have brought this to the forefront like no other time in recent history.
Demands for police reform are widespread. City leaders are being asked to defund and reform police departments. How we conduct that discussion will have far reaching impacts upon our communities, and will affect our safety and security for years to come. It is critically important there be no “rush to judgment.” Decisions made must be thoughtful, deliberate, and neither reactive nor ill-conceived.
This is not the first time we’ve had this discussion in Spokane. Significant changes in policing have already been made. Spokane is different from some other communities where change is being debated today. Spokane should not be swept up into a national tide of drastic change. Instead, the Spokane Police Department may very well be a national model of how policing should function.
In 2006, Otto Zehm died as a result of an excessive Spokane police encounter. The U.S. Attorney’s Office, which I now represent, prosecuted Officer Karl Thompson. A jury convicted him and he served time in federal prison.
The Use of Force Commission, upon which I served as its Vice Chair, was then created. Twenty-six substantive recommendations for change and improvement were made, and the police department implemented nearly every one
Additionally, the police department asked the U.S. Department of Justice’s Office of Community Oriented Policing Services to conduct its own yearlong review of Spokane’s use of force policies, practices and procedures. A hundred-page report with a very detailed set of recommendations followed, which the police department has been implementing.
As we engage in today’s discussion about policing, our city leaders are encouraged to be educated on the work that has preceded them and the many improvements that have brought the Spokane Police Department to today’s model of professionalism and high standards of conduct.
Use of force is closely monitored and must be justified. Crisis intervention training (CIT) is now mandatory for all officers to give them the skills to try to deescalate incidents when possible rather than resorting to control with elevated levels of force. Chokeholds are a tactic of the past. Most recently, the department revised policy to restrict when a “knee to neck” restraint can be used. Officers are held accountable for their conduct. Police precincts are located in and are responsive to neighborhoods. And these are just some of the changes implemented.
Chief Meidl and his officers are engaged with community leaders and groups like no other time in recent years. The chief’s office door is open for discussion. He listens before he speaks. The Spokane Police Foundation funds additional vital community programs where young people learn police officers truly care and are there to help as much as they are there to protect us from those who break the law.
As the city discusses whether further change is needed, it should first discuss what we expect from our police officers. “Defunding” is a term which is neither realistic nor reasonable. Will removing resources mean a safer and more secure community? Simply stated, “No.”
Likewise, as these discussions occur, it is vital for the police to be included “at the table.” Council members should ask a lot of questions before acting and should take the time to ride with a cop in order to better appreciate what is expected of our police officers. They should meet with the department’s command staff for candid discussion of how far this department has come and why further change is or is not warranted. These officers are professionals. This is their community too, and they each want the best for their community just as much as everyone else does. And most importantly, they know what works and are very willing to discuss what they believe will and won’t promote a safer Spokane. They expect to be held accountable when appropriate, and they should be supported for all the good they do for this community.
We expect a great deal of our police. We should. As we discuss policy change, let us be sure the discussions are deliberative, and that they address actual issues here rather than conditions elsewhere which don’t exist in Spokane.
To do less subjects us to repeating the past and to preventing our police department from being as excellent as we all expect it to be.
William D. Hyslop is the United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Washington
Hot Springs Man Sentenced to 7 Years in Federal Prison for Drug Trafficking and Firearms PossessionRead the Press Release
Hot Springs, Arkansas – David Clay Fowlkes, Acting United States Attorney for the Western District of Arkansas, announced today that Tyler Merle Cable, age 34, of Hot Springs, Arkansas, was sentenced on June 22, 2020 to a total of 84 months in federal prison followed by three years of supervised release on one count of Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine and one count of Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Drug Trafficking Crime. The Honorable Chief Judge Susan O. Hickey presided over the sentencing hearing in the United States District Court in Hot Springs.
In the fall of 2019, Detectives with the 18th Judicial Drug Task Force launched an investigation into drug trafficking in the Western District of Arkansas. In September of 2019, detectives conducted a controlled purchase of methamphetamine and a firearm from Cable.
Cable was indicted by a federal grand jury in November of 2019, and entered a guilty plea in February of 2020.
This case was investigated by the 18th Judicial Drug Task Force and Homeland Security Investigations Fayetteville. Assistant United States Attorney Bryan Achorn prosecuted the case for the Western District of Arkansas.
Homestead Felon Charged with Illegal Possession of a Firearm and AmmunitionRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, PA – A resident of Homestead, Pennsylvania, has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on a charge of violating federal firearms laws, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.
The one-count Indictment named Rahim Thomas, age 25, as the sole defendant.
According to the Indictment, on May 3, 2020, Thomas, a convicted felon, was in possession of a firearm and ammunition. Federal law prohibits an individual who has been convicted of a felony from possessing a firearm.
The law provides for a maximum total sentence of not more than 10 years in prison, a fine of $250,000 or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant United States Attorney Christopher M. Cook is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and City of Pittsburgh Bureau of Police conducted the investigation leading to the Indictment in this case.
Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) is the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
An indictment is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Guatemalan Man Sentenced to Prison for Illegally Reentering the United States After Being Deported Two TimesRead the Press Release
A man who illegally returned to the United States after being deported was sentenced today to more than three months in federal prison.
Jose Cerillo-Cerillo, age 31, a citizen of Guatemala illegally present in the United States and residing in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, received the prison term after a guilty plea today to one count of illegal reentry into the United States.
In a plea agreement, Cerillo-Cerillo admitted he used a fictitious Social Security number and a fraudulent permanent resident card, also known as a “green card,” when he completed employment and tax forms using a fake name in June 2018 at a business in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. The Alien Registration number on the “green card” used by Cerillo-Cerillo was issued to another person. On the employment application, Cerillo-Cerillo falsely claimed to be a lawful permanent resident of the United States. However, Cerillo-Cerillo was previously deported from the United States in October 2012 and January 2013 and illegally reentered the United States without the permission of the United States government. On March 4, 2020, Cerillo-Cerillo was arrested by Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers during the execution of a search warrant as part of an investigation of document fraud in Cedar Rapids.
Cerillo-Cerillo was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Judge C.J. Williams. Cerillo-Cerillo was sentenced to 111 days’ imprisonment. He must also serve a one-year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system.
Cerillo-Cerillo is being held in the United States Marshal’s custody until he can be turned over to immigration officials.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Daniel C. Tvedt and investigated by Department of Homeland Security, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Enforcement and Removal Operations.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 20-CR-23.
Follow us on Twitter @USAO_NDIA.
Georgia Bureau of Investigation awarded nearly $2.5 million grant to fight narcotics traffickingRead the Press Release
SAVANNAH, GA: The Department of Justice‘s Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS Office) today announced nearly $42 million in funding to support state-level law enforcement agencies in combating the illegal manufacturing and distribution of methamphetamine, heroin, fentanyl, carfentanil and prescription opioids. The Georgia Bureau of Investigation will receive $2,474,918 in funding to support investigations into trafficking in heroin, fentanyl, carfentanil or the unlawful distribution of prescription opioids.
“The GBI is a steadfast law enforcement partner in combating the scourge of drug trafficking in the Southern District,” said Bobby L. Christine, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Georgia. “This funding is a welcome boost for our work to seek and destroy the poison piped into our communities.”
“The GBI is honored to receive these grant funds from the Justice Department to enhance our current drug strategy to combat illegal and harmful opioids. Having this additional support from our federal partners will help us in our effort to keep Georgia communities healthy and safe,” said Vic Reynolds, GBI Director.
“The scourge of opioid and methamphetamine use continues to take a devastating toll on our nation’s communities,” said COPS Office Director Phil Keith. “By providing these resources to law enforcement to help combat the further spread, the COPS Office is demonstrating our commitment to this Administration’s priority of reducing drug use and protecting our citizens from this public health and safety crisis.”
“Georgia will benefit greatly from this federal support backing our state’s fight against illegal drug trafficking,” said Charlie Peeler, the U.S. Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia. “The professionals at GBI are heroically engaged in combatting the manufacture and sale of deadly drugs in communities across the Middle District of Georgia. We are all grateful for their relentless effort in this battle.”
“The GBI is a great partner in our efforts to address the heroin and opioid problem in the Northern District through Operation SCOPE (Strategically Combatting Opioids through Prosecution and Enforcement). This grant award will give the State of Georgia much-needed resources to continue our efforts to prosecute drug dealers and doctors who are illegally prescribing and distributing opioids,” said Byung J. “BJay” Pak, U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Georgia.
Drug overdose deaths and opioid-involved deaths continue to increase in the United States. Deaths from drug overdose are up among both men and women, all races, and adults of nearly all ages, with more than three out of five drug overdose deaths involving an opioid. More than 130 people die every day in the United States after overdosing on opioids, while methamphetamine continues to be one of the most commonly misused stimulant drugs in the world and is the drug that most contributes to violent crime.
The COPS Office is awarding more than $29.7 million in grant funding to 14 state law enforcement agency task forces through the Anti-Heroin Task Force Program (AHTF), of which the GBI is a recipient. AHTF provides three years of funding directly to state-level law enforcement agencies with multijurisdictional reach and interdisciplinary team (e.g., task force) structures, in states with high per capita rates of primary treatment admissions for heroin, fentanyl, carfentanil and other opioids. This funding will support the location or investigation of illicit activities through statewide collaboration related to the distribution of heroin, fentanyl, carfentanil or the unlawful distribution of prescription opioids.
Through the COPS Anti-Methamphetamine Program (CAMP), the COPS Office is also awarding $12 million to 12 state law enforcement agencies. These state agencies have demonstrated numerous seizures of precursor chemicals, finished methamphetamine, laboratories, and laboratory dump seizures. State agencies are being awarded three years of funding through CAMP to support the location or investigation of illicit activities related to the manufacture and distribution of methamphetamine, including precursor diversion, laboratories, or methamphetamine trafficking.
The AHTF and CAMP funding has a tremendous impact on state investigative and seizure work. During the five month period between October 2019 and February 2020, current AHTF grantees reported the seizure of over $4 million in cash and 1,213 firearms. Similarly, for CAMP, grantees reported seizures of more than $7 million in cash and 1,577 firearms.
The complete list of Anti-Heroin Task Force Program award recipients, including funding amounts, can be found here: https://cops.usdoj.gov/ahtf-award
The complete list of COPS Anti-Methamphetamine Program award recipients, including funding amounts, can be found here: https://cops.usdoj.gov/camp-award
The COPS Office is a federal agency responsible for advancing community policing nationwide. Since 1994, the COPS Office has invested more than $14 billion to advance community policing, including grants awarded to more than 13,000 state, local and tribal law enforcement agencies to fund the hiring and redeployment of approximately 135,000 officers and provide a variety of knowledge resource products including publications, training and technical assistance. For additional information about the COPS Office, please visit www.cops.usdoj.gov.
Genovese Crime Family Member Sentenced to Four Years in Prison for Racketeering OffensesRead the Press Release
Audrey Strauss, the Acting United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, announced that FRANK GIOVINCO was sentenced yesterday to 48 months in prison for extortion conspiracy and participating in a racketeering conspiracy in connection with the Genovese Crime Family’s control of two local chapters of a labor union. GIOVINCO was convicted on December 3, 2019, following a six-day trial before U.S. District Judge Jed S. Rakoff, who also sentenced GIOVINCO.
Acting U.S. Attorney Audrey Strauss said: “For years, Frank Giovinco, as a member of the Genovese Crime Family, instilled fear in victims and perpetrated kickback schemes to tighten the Family’s stranglehold over two labor unions. For committing these crimes, Giovinco will now spend four years in prison.”
According to the Indictment, evidence admitted at trial, court filings, and statements made in open court:
La Cosa Nostra, also known as the “Mob” or the “Mafia,” operates through entities known as “Families.” The largest of the families operating in the New York City area is the Genovese Crime Family. In the early 1990s, GIOVINCO was inserted by the Genovese Crime Family into a scheme to control the waste carting industry in New York City, and as far back as the late-1990s, GIOVINCO was a member of the Genovese Crime Family.
In more recent years, and continuing until 2017, GIOVINCO conspired with other members and associates of the Genovese Crime Family to commit a wide range of crimes to enrich themselves and the Genovese Crime Family, including multiple acts of extortion, honest services fraud, and bribery. GIOVINCO’s activity for the Genovese Crime Family was centered on two local chapters (the “Unions”) of a labor union. GIOVINCO participated in a host of schemes designed to manipulate and siphon money from the Unions for the benefit of the Genovese Crime Family. Among other things, GIOVINCO extorted a financial adviser (the “Adviser”) and a labor union official (“Official-1”) for a cut of commissions made from union investments. Audio recordings captured GIOVINCO planning to “rattle the cage” of a victim, and to have another victim’s “feet held to the fire.” When Official-1 failed to pay the commissions demanded by GIOVINCO and other members of the Genovese Crime Family, Official-1’s life was threatened by GIOVINCO and his co-conspirators. GIOVINCO further plotted to profit from union investments by paying kickbacks to Official-1 and others, in exchange for a cut of future commissions. GIOVINCO also participated in the long-running extortion of a union president (“Official-2”) for annual tribute payments of more than $10,000, and sought a job at the union for the purpose of exerting control over Official-1 on the Genovese Crime Family’s behalf, and threatening to replace Official-1.
* * *
In addition to the prison term, GIOVINCO, 52, of Syosset, New York, was sentenced to three years of supervised release.
Ms. Strauss praised the outstanding investigative work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the U.S. Department of Labor’s Office of Inspector General and Office of Labor-Management Standards, the New York City Police Department, and the Special Agents of the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York.
The case is being prosecuted by the Office’s Violent and Organized Crime Unit. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kimberly J. Ravener, Jason A. Richman, and Justin V. Rodriguez are in charge of the prosecution.
GBI receives $2.4 million Department of Justice opioid grantRead the Press Release
ATLANTA - The Department of Justice‘s Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS Office) today announced nearly $42 million in funding to support state-level law enforcement agencies in combating the illegal manufacturing and distribution of methamphetamine, heroin, fentanyl, carfentanil and prescription opioids. The Georgia Bureau of Investigation will receive $2,474,918 in funding to support investigations into trafficking in heroin, fentanyl, carfentanil or the unlawful distribution of prescription opioids.
“The GBI is a great partner in our efforts to address the heroin and opioid problem in the Northern District through Operation SCOPE (Strategically Combatting Opioids through Prosecution and Enforcement),” said U.S. Attorney Byung J. “BJay” Pak. “This grant award will give the State of Georgia much-needed resources to continue our efforts to prosecute drug dealers and doctors who are illegally prescribing and distributing opioids.”
“The GBI is honored to receive these grant funds from the Justice Department to enhance our current drug strategy to combat illegal and harmful opioids. Having this additional support from our federal partners will help us in our effort to keep Georgia communities healthy and safe,” said Vic Reynolds, GBI Director.
“The scourge of opioid and methamphetamine use continues to take a devastating toll on our nation’s communities,” said COPS Office Director Phil Keith. “By providing these resources to law enforcement to help combat the further spread, the COPS Office is demonstrating our commitment to this Administration’s priority of reducing drug use and protecting our citizens from this public health and safety crisis.”
“The GBI is a steadfast law enforcement partner in combatting the scourge of drug trafficking in the Southern District,” said Bobby L. Christine, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Georgia. “This funding is a welcome boost for our work to seek and destroy the poison piped into our communities.”
“Georgia will benefit greatly from this federal support backing our state’s fight against illegal drug trafficking,” said Charlie Peeler, the U.S. Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia. “The professionals at GBI are heroically engaged in combatting the manufacture and sale of deadly drugs in communities across the Middle District of Georgia. We are all grateful for their relentless effort in this battle.”
Drug overdose deaths and opioid-involved deaths continue to increase in the United States. Deaths from drug overdose are up among both men and women, all races, and adults of nearly all ages, with more than three out of five drug overdose deaths involving an opioid. More than 130 people die every day in the United States after overdosing on opioids, while methamphetamine continues to be one of the most commonly misused stimulant drugs in the world and is the drug that most contributes to violent crime.
The COPS Office is awarding more than $29.7 million in grant funding to 14 state law enforcement agency task forces through the Anti-Heroin Task Force Program (AHTF), of which the GBI is a recipient. AHTF provides three years of funding directly to state-level law enforcement agencies with multijurisdictional reach and interdisciplinary team (e.g., task force) structures, in states with high per capita rates of primary treatment admissions for heroin, fentanyl, carfentanil and other opioids. This funding will support the location or investigation of illicit activities through statewide collaboration related to the distribution of heroin, fentanyl, carfentanil or the unlawful distribution of prescription opioids.
Through the COPS Anti-Methamphetamine Program (CAMP), the COPS Office is also awarding $12 million to 12 state law enforcement agencies. These state agencies have demonstrated numerous seizures of precursor chemicals, finished methamphetamine, laboratories, and laboratory dump seizures. State agencies are being awarded three years of funding through CAMP to support the location or investigation of illicit activities related to the manufacture and distribution of methamphetamine, including precursor diversion, laboratories, or methamphetamine trafficking.
The AHTF and CAMP funding has a tremendous impact on state investigative and seizure work. During the five month period between October 2019 and February 2020, current AHTF grantees reported the seizure of over $4 million in cash and 1,213 firearms. Similarly, for CAMP, grantees reported seizures of more than $7 million in cash and 1,577 firearms.
The complete list of Anti-Heroin Task Force Program award recipients, including funding amounts, can be found here: https://cops.usdoj.gov/ahtf-award.
The complete list of COPS Anti-Methamphetamine Program award recipients, including funding amounts, can be found here: https://cops.usdoj.gov/camp-award.
The COPS Office is a federal agency responsible for advancing community policing nationwide. Since 1994, the COPS Office has invested more than $14 billion to advance community policing, including grants awarded to more than 13,000 state, local and tribal law enforcement agencies to fund the hiring and redeployment of approximately 135,000 officers and provide a variety of knowledge resource products including publications, training and technical assistance. For additional information about the COPS Office, please visit www.cops.usdoj.gov.
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.
GBI Receives $2.4 Million Department of Justice Opioid GrantRead the Press Release
MACON, Ga. – The Department of Justice‘s Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS Office) today announced nearly $42 million in funding to support state-level law enforcement agencies in combating the illegal manufacturing and distribution of methamphetamine, heroin, fentanyl, carfentanil and prescription opioids. The Georgia Bureau of Investigation will receive $2,474,918 in funding to support investigations into trafficking in heroin, fentanyl, carfentanil or the unlawful distribution of prescription opioids.
“Georgia will benefit greatly from this federal support backing our state’s fight against illegal drug trafficking,” said Charlie Peeler, the U.S. Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia. “The professionals at GBI are heroically engaged in combatting the manufacture and sale of deadly drugs in communities across the Middle District of Georgia. We are all grateful for their relentless effort in this battle.”
“The GBI is a steadfast law enforcement partner in combatting the scourge of drug trafficking in the Southern District,” said Bobby L. Christine, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Georgia. “This funding is a welcome boost for our work to seek and destroy the poison piped into our communities.”
“The GBI is a great partner in our efforts to address the heroin and opioid problem in the Northern District through Operation SCOPE (Strategically Combatting Opioids through Prosecution and Enforcement). This grant award will give the State of Georgia much-needed resources to continue our efforts to prosecute drug dealers and doctors who are illegally prescribing and distributing opioids,” said Byung J. “BJay” Pak, U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Georgia.
“The scourge of opioid and methamphetamine use continues to take a devastating toll on our nation’s communities,” said COPS Office Director Phil Keith. “By providing these resources to law enforcement to help combat the further spread, the COPS Office is demonstrating our commitment to this Administration’s priority of reducing drug use and protecting our citizens from this public health and safety crisis.”
“The GBI is honored to receive these grant funds from the Justice Department to enhance our current drug strategy to combat illegal and harmful opioids. Having this additional support from our federal partners will help us in our effort to keep Georgia communities healthy and safe,” said Vic Reynolds, GBI Director.
Drug overdose deaths and opioid-involved deaths continue to increase in the United States. Deaths from drug overdose are up among both men and women, all races, and adults of nearly all ages, with more than three out of five drug overdose deaths involving an opioid. More than 130 people die every day in the United States after overdosing on opioids, while methamphetamine continues to be one of the most commonly misused stimulant drugs in the world and is the drug that most contributes to violent crime.
The COPS Office is awarding more than $29.7 million in grant funding to 14 state law enforcement agency task forces through the Anti-Heroin Task Force Program (AHTF), of which the GBI is a recipient. AHTF provides three years of funding directly to state-level law enforcement agencies with multijurisdictional reach and interdisciplinary team (e.g., task force) structures, in states with high per capita rates of primary treatment admissions for heroin, fentanyl, carfentanil and other opioids. This funding will support the location or investigation of illicit activities through statewide collaboration related to the distribution of heroin, fentanyl, carfentanil or the unlawful distribution of prescription opioids.
Through the COPS Anti-Methamphetamine Program (CAMP), the COPS Office is also awarding $12 million to 12 state law enforcement agencies. These state agencies have demonstrated numerous seizures of precursor chemicals, finished methamphetamine, laboratories, and laboratory dump seizures. State agencies are being awarded three years of funding through CAMP to support the location or investigation of illicit activities related to the manufacture and distribution of methamphetamine, including precursor diversion, laboratories, or methamphetamine trafficking.
The AHTF and CAMP funding has a tremendous impact on state investigative and seizure work. During the five month period between October 2019 and February 2020, current AHTF grantees reported the seizure of over $4 million in cash and 1,213 firearms. Similarly, for CAMP, grantees reported seizures of more than $7 million in cash and 1,577 firearms.
The complete list of Anti-Heroin Task Force Program award recipients, including funding amounts, can be found here: https://cops.usdoj.gov/ahtf-award
The complete list of COPS Anti-Methamphetamine Program award recipients, including funding amounts, can be found here: https://cops.usdoj.gov/camp-award
The COPS Office is a federal agency responsible for advancing community policing nationwide. Since 1994, the COPS Office has invested more than $14 billion to advance community policing, including grants awarded to more than 13,000 state, local and tribal law enforcement agencies to fund the hiring and redeployment of approximately 135,000 officers and provide a variety of knowledge resource products including publications, training and technical assistance. For additional information about the COPS Office, please visit www.cops.usdoj.gov.
Questions can be directed to Pamela Lightsey, Public Information Officer, United States Attorney’s Office, at (478) 621-2603 or Melissa Hodges, Public Affairs Director (Contractor), United States Attorney’s Office, at (478) 765-2362. 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.
Fourteen Defendants Charged for Roles in Violent Drug Trafficking Ring After Joint Federal, State, and Local OperationRead the Press Release
Columbia, South Carolina --- United States Attorney Peter M. McCoy, Jr. announced today that a joint team of more than 200 federal, state, and local law enforcement officers arrested fourteen people who have all been charged in federal court for their roles in an alleged violent drug trafficking ring in the Midlands area of South Carolina.
According to court records, beginning in July 2018, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), through its Columbia Violent Gang Task Force, began investigating an uptick in gang-related violence spanning Lexington, Richland, and Kershaw counties in South Carolina. The Columbia Violent Gang Task Force is an FBI-led joint task force consisting of the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED), Richland County Sheriff’s Department, and the Columbia Police Department. The task force also partnered with the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and utilized the assistance of a number of local law enforcement agencies, including the Lexington County Sherriff’s Department and the Kershaw County Sheriff’s Office.
Through this coordinated effort, the law enforcement agencies obtained information that a series of shootings, armed robberies, carjackings, and drug trafficking operations were being committed by gang members around Columbia and throughout the Midlands. Much of the violence occurring in these areas was a direct result of competing drug trafficking organizations disputing over distribution territory.
After a multi-year investigation consisting of controlled purchases, telephones calls, and confidential sources, the law enforcement agencies were able to execute the early morning arrests today without incident.
“The criminal complaint in this case speaks for itself,” said U.S. Attorney McCoy. “However, in these trying times, it is critical that the people of South Carolina know that this office and our federal, state, and local law enforcement partners are here to help keep them safe and prosecute those who put that safety at risk.”
"Today’s arrests demonstrate that even in the midst of a pandemic, the FBI and its task forces will continue to find and arrest drug traffickers who work against the people of South Carolina,” said Jody Norris, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI. “I thank our federal, state, and local partners for their steadfast dedication to the communities we all protect.”
The fourteen arrested defendants have been charged in a federal criminal complaint with a conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine, crack cocaine, fentanyl, heroin, and oxycodone.
NELSON DURAN ESCOBAR, a/k/a “Macho,” 37, was attributed five kilograms or more of cocaine in the conspiracy;
MAURICE ANTWAIN LEACH, a/k/a “Blue,” 33, was attributed five kilograms or more of cocaine, 280 grams or more of crack cocaine, and a quantity of oxycodone in the conspiracy;
ANTHONY CHARLES BRITT, a/k/a “Mallet” a/k/a “Amp” a/k/a “King Coke,” 31, was attributed five kilograms or more of cocaine in the conspiracy;
JAMES MORRIS, a/k/a “Dollar,” 34, was attributed 500 grams or more of cocaine and a quantity of oxycodone in the conspiracy;
CHRISTOPHER DAQUAN MELTON, a/k/a “Gunner,” 27, was attributed five kilograms or more of cocaine and a quantity of oxycodone in the conspiracy;
DEVONTE JABAR SIMON, a/k/a “Ammo,” 27, was attributed five kilograms or more of cocaine in the conspiracy;
DAVID LANARD BALLARD, a/k/a “Dave,” 37, was attributed 280 grams or more of crack cocaine in the conspiracy;
ASHLEY BRYON FISHER, a/k/a “Ponchie,” 38, was attributed 280 grams or more of crack cocaine in the conspiracy;
TOMMY NOVACK LLOYD, a/k/a “T-Lloyd,” 42, was attributed 500 grams or more of cocaine in the conspiracy;
ERIC TRAVAS COWAN, 60, was attributed 500 grams or more of cocaine in the conspiracy;
REGINALD KEITH FURGESS, a/k/a “Reggie” a/k/a “Fat Boy,” 61, was attributed 28 grams or more of crack cocaine and a quantity of cocaine in the conspiracy;
TRINETTE L. MELTON, a/k/a “Ma” a/k/a “Auntie,” 45, was attributed a quantity of cocaine in the conspiracy;
JAMEEL DARU ANDERSON, a/k/a “Who-Bang,” 32, was attributed a quantity of heroin, a quantity of cocaine, a quantity of fentanyl, and a quantity of oxycodone in the conspiracy; and
JANIE ROBINSON, a/k/a “J,” 36, was attributed a quantity of oxycodone in the conspiracy.
During the course of the investigation into this drug trafficking ring, agents have seized illegal narcotics, currency, and firearms.
The case was investigated by the FBI, DEA, SLED, Richland County Sheriff’s Department, Columbia Police Department, Lexington County Sheriff’s Department, and Kershaw County Sheriff’s Office.
This case is being prosecuted as part of the joint federal, state, and local Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime. Assistant United States Attorneys Sloan P. Ellis and Brandi B. Hinton are prosecuting the case.
The United States Attorney stated that all charges against these defendants are merely accusations and that all defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
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The year 2020 marks the 150th anniversary of the Department of Justice. Learn more about the history of our agency at www.Justice.gov/Celebrating150Years.
Fort Defiance Man Sentenced to 17.5 Years for Second Degree MurderRead the Press Release
PHOENIX, Ariz. – Yesterday, Lodi Gene Bitsie II, 25, of Fort Defiance, Arizona, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Steven P. Logan to 17.5 years in prison. Bitsie previously pleaded guilty to second degree murder.
On April 7, 2019, Bitsie began an argument with the victim, punched him, produced a large knife, and then stabbed the victim in the chest. The victim died as a result. Agents of the Federal Bureau of Investigation promptly began an investigation, which led to Bitsie’s arrest and prosecution. Bitsie is a member of the Navajo Nation, as was the victim, and the crime occurred in Fort Defiance on the Navajo Nation Indian Reservation.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation conducted the investigation. Assistant United States Attorney William G. Voit, District of Arizona, Phoenix, handled the prosecution.
CASE NUMBER: CR 19-08082-SPL
RELEASE NUMBER: 2020-060_Bitsie# # #
For more information on the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/az/
Follow the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, on Twitter @USAO_AZ for the latest news.Fort Atkinson Man Sentenced to 150 Months for Distributing Child PornographyRead the Press Release
MADISON, WIS. - Scott C. Blader, United States Attorney for the Western District of Wisconsin, announced that Kyle A. Riggs, 34, Fort Atkinson, Wisconsin, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge William M. Conley to 150 months in prison for distributing child pornography. This term of imprisonment is to be followed by 10 years of supervised release. Riggs pleaded guilty to this charge on January 13, 2020.
In May 2019, an undercover officer created a profile on a social networking and dating application, portraying himself as an 11-year-old girl, “Miranda.” Riggs reached out to “Miranda” and began sending sexualized statements. The two then continued their conversation on Kik. Despite believing “Miranda” was 11, Riggs indicated he wanted to have sex with her and film it. He also repeatedly asked “Miranda” to send him pictures.
On October 5, 2019, Riggs sent “Miranda” a video showing an adult male sexually assaulting a prepubescent girl. He claimed the video showed him sexually assaulting a neighbor. While that proved to be false, the investigation revealed that Riggs had sexually assaulted a different child, and will likely face state charges for that in the future.
At sentencing, Riggs blamed marijuana and alcohol for his actions but Judge Conley found that to be “at most a little too easy” of an excuse. Judge Conley determined that a lengthy sentence was necessary because the defendant’s crimes were so serious and damaging to its victims.
The charge against Riggs was the result of an investigation conducted by the Wisconsin Department of Justice Division of Criminal Investigation, the Eau Claire and Fort Atkinson Police Departments, the Jefferson and Shawano County Sheriffs’ Offices, and the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources. The prosecution of the case has been handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Elizabeth Altman.
Former Transit Union Official Admits EmbezzlementRead the Press Release
NEWARK, N.J. – A former finance officer for a labor union today admitted stealing $117,000 from his union’s operating accounts, U.S. Attorney Craig Carpenito announced.
Angel L. Garcia, 57, of Tampa, Florida, pleaded guilty by videoconference before U.S. District Judge Stanley R. Chesler to an information charging him with one count of embezzling from the Amalgamated Transit Workers Union Local 1614, in Sussex County, New Jersey.
According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:
Garcia was a bus driver who held a part-time position at Local 1614. Garcia was elected by the membership, every three years, as the union’s financial secretary, and served in that position from June 2014 through May 2019. As such, Mr. Garcia was a fiduciary who occupied a position of trust and was obligated to act solely in the interests of the membership. As the financial secretary, he alone was responsible for maintaining the check book and other financial documents of the union. However, without executive board approval, Garcia withdrew approximately $117,000 from the union’s three bank accounts to pay for his rent, utilities, telephone and other personal goods and services.
The embezzlement charge carries a maximum penalty of five years in prison and a $250,000 fine. Sentencing is scheduled for Nov. 17, 2020.
U.S. Attorney Carpenito credited the investigators of the U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Labor Management Standards, under the direction of Adriana Vamvakas, Regional Director; and special agents of the Department of Labor (OIG), New York Region, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Michael Mikulka, with the investigation leading to today’s guilty plea.
The government is represented by Senior Litigation Counsel V. Grady O’Malley of the U.S. Attorney’s Office’s Organized Crime/Gangs Unit.
Former Jacksonville Healthcare Worker Sentenced to Five Years in Federal Prison for Opioid Distribution ConspiracyRead the Press Release
Jacksonville, Florida – U.S. District Judge Brian J. Davis today sentenced Rhiannon Rader (34, St. Marys, Georgia) to five years in federal prison for conspiracy to distribute oxycodone, hydrocodone, and alprazolam (Xanax). Rader had pleaded guilty on October 29, 2019.
According to court documents, as an employee of a Jacksonville Beach physician’s office, Rader had access to her employer’s prescription pad. Without her employer’s knowledge, Rader sold fraudulent prescriptions for controlled substances, including oxycodone, hydrocodone, and Xanax, to drug dealers. She also filled fraudulent prescriptions for drugs in her own name.
Pharmacy records show that between March and September 2016, in Duval County and Nassau County, 44 different pharmacies filled approximately 116 fraudulent prescriptions for 46 individuals who were not actually patients of Rader’s employer. Records from multiple pharmacies show that on certain occasions, when pharmacy employees called the physician’s office to confirm whether such prescriptions were genuine, Rader falsely represented that the prescriptions were legitimate. As part of her guilty plea, Rader admitted that her actions resulted in the illegal distribution of nearly 7,000 doses of controlled substances.
Rader is the eleventh member of this drug distribution ring to be sentenced in federal court. Sandra Arnold (35, Nolensville, Tennessee) was sentenced to 24 months’ imprisonment; Christopher John Bates (27, Jacksonville) was sentenced to 42 months’ imprisonment; Christopher Lee Calhoun Jr. (25, Fernandina Beach) was sentenced to three years’ probation, including six months of home detention; Jon’quill Holmes (31, Jacksonville) was sentenced to three years’ probation; Otis Kirkland (33, Jacksonville) was sentenced to 63 months’ imprisonment; LaRhonda Lukes (32, Jacksonville) was sentenced to three years’ probation, including two months of home detention; Christopher Oquendo Martinez (28, Baldwin, Georgia) was sentenced to 51 months’ imprisonment; Reginald Ray (34, Jacksonville) was sentenced to time served or approximately 19 months’ imprisonment; Carleigh Wilson (25, Jacksonville) was sentenced to time served or approximately four months’ imprisonment; and Sarah Yocom (30, Kingsland, Georgia) was sentenced to one year of probation.
This case was investigated by the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office, the Nassau County Sheriff’s Office, and the Drug Enforcement Administration. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Michael J. Coolican.
Former Accountant Sentenced to Five Years in Prison for Bank FraudRead the Press Release
LITTLE ROCK—A former accountant from Northeast Arkansas was sentenced today for bank fraud after stealing more than $9 million from his client in Trumann, Arkansas. Edward Cooper, 71, of Mammoth Springs, was sentenced to 60 months in federal prison by Chief U.S. District Judge D.P. Marshall, Jr.
Cooper worked as an accountant with the Osborn & Osborn accounting firm in Jonesboro and handled a number of financial affairs for Roach Manufacturing Corporation, a family business in Trumann. Beginning in approximately 1996, when he prepared dividend distribution checks and tax checks for Roach Manufacturing, he requested extra checks and then made them payable to himself.
Cooper deposited these checks into his own account without the permission or knowledge of Roach Manufacturing. In this way, he took approximately 138 unauthorized checks from 1996 through 2018, totaling over $9 million. In the fall of 2017, Roach Manufacturing hired a financial manager who detected the fraud, leading to the criminal case.
“This defendant took advantage of a family business that had placed their trust in him,” stated Cody Hiland, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Arkansas. “His years of deceit have finally caught up with him. This sentence demonstrates our office’s commitment to prosecuting those who cheat our citizens out of their hard-earned money."
“Over the course of 20 years, Mr. Cooper embezzled over $9,000,000 from a local Arkansas company,” said FBI Little Rock Special Agent in Charge Diane Upchurch. “His sentencing today shows that the FBI and our partners will never stop seeking justice for victims of fraud. We encourage all Arkansas businesses to report suspicious activity to us immediately."
Cooper pleaded guilty in January 2020 to an Information charging him with one count of bank fraud. In addition to 60 months in prison, Chief Judge Marshall sentenced Cooper to two years of supervised release following his term of imprisonment. Cooper was also ordered to pay $7,401,744.82 in restitution. The case was investigated by the FBI.
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This news release, as well as additional information about the office of the
United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Arkansas, is available online at
https://www.justice.gov/edar
Twitter:
@EDARNEWS
Federal Jury Convicts Honduran National of KidnappingRead the Press Release
CHARLOTTE, N.C. – U.S. Attorney Andrew Murray announced today that a federal jury sitting in Charlotte has convicted Luis Analberto Pineda-Anchecta, 38, a Honduran national, of kidnapping following a two-day trial. U.S. District Judge Robert J. Conrad Jr. presided over the trial.
Ronnie Martinez, Special Agent in Charge of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) in Charlotte, and Chief Kerr Putney of the Charlotte Mecklenburg Police Department (CMPD), join U.S. Attorney Murray in making today’s announcement.
According to filed court documents, evidence presented at trial and witness testimony, on or about May 15, 2019, CMPD officers arrested Pineda-Anchecta on several state charges, including Assault on a Female and Communicating Threats against his ex-girlfriend, identified in court documents as F.M. Two days following his arrest, Pineda-Anchecta was released from state custody on bond. As trial evidence established, in the evening of May 21, 2019, F.M. was approached by two masked men as she was walking to her vehicle parked at her apartment complex in Charlotte. The victim recognized one of the masked men as Pineda-Anchecta, who proceeded to grab the victim by the arm, stuff a cloth in her mouth, and then wrap a cord or rope around her head so the cloth would stay in place. Pineda-Anchecta and the other masked man forced F.M. against her will into the passenger seat of a vehicle, and Pineda-Anchecta told F.M. “I love you and I’m going to kill you.” According to trial evidence, the other masked individual did not accompany Pineda-Anchecta and F.M. in the vehicle.
Pineda-Anchecta then drove his vehicle on Lancaster Highway. Trial evidence established that while Pineda-Anchecta was driving, he maintained a tight grip on the plastic rope tied around the victim’s face. After traveling a short while on Lancaster Highway, Pineda-Anchecta parked his vehicle on the side of the road near a wooden area and turned off the vehicle’s engine. Pineda-Anchecta maintained his grip on the plastic rope around F.M.’s face, and pulled the victim out of the car. Witness testimony revealed that Pineda-Anchecta dragged the victim to wooded area off of Lancaster Highway with which he was familiar, as the defendant had gone fishing there on previous occasions.
Following a struggle between Pineda-Anchecta and F.M., the victim was able to escape and run into the middle of the highway, and was assisted by motorists who stopped to offer help. According to trial evidence, the victim identified Pineda-Anchecta as the person who had assaulted her. Pineda-Anchecta left the scene on foot. After obtaining a search warrant, CMPD officers searched Pineda-Anchecta’s vehicle, from which they recovered a spool of plastic rope similar to the rope wrapped around the victim’s face during the course of the kidnapping. Law enforcement also located the victim’s phone in Pineda-Anchecta’s vehicle.
Pineda-Anchecta is currently in federal custody. He was previously convicted of illegal reentry by a deported alien, and, on January 7, 2020, he was sentenced to seven months in prison. The kidnapping charge carries a maximum term of life in prison. A sentencing date has not been set.
In making today’s announcement U.S. Attorney Murray commended ICE’s Homeland Security Investigations and CMPD for their investigation of this case. He also thanked ICE’s Enforcement and Removal Operations for their assistance.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kenneth Smith and Regina Pack, of the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Charlotte, are prosecuting the case.
East Longmeadow Man Indicted on Charges of Attempted Arson at Longmeadow Senior Health Care FacilityRead the Press Release
BOSTON – An East Longmeadow man was indicted today by a federal grand jury in connection with an attempted arson at a Longmeadow senior health care facility in April 2020.
John Michael Rathbun, 36, was indicted on one count of attempting to transport or receive explosive devices in interstate or foreign commerce with the knowledge or intent that the device will be used to kill, injure, or intimidate any individual or unlawfully to damage or destroy any building, vehicle and one count of attempting to maliciously damage or destroy, by means of fire or an explosive, any building, vehicle, or other real or personal property used in interstate or foreign commerce. On April 15, 2020, Rathbun was arrested and charged by criminal complaint; he has been detained in federal custody since April 17, 2020.
According to the indictment, on the morning of April 2, 2020, police discovered a homemade incendiary device next to the driveway entrance – and within feet of a widely used pedestrian walkway – to Jewish Geriatric Services Lifecare, Inc. (“JGS”), a nonprofit organization in Longmeadow, Mass. whose mission is to provide health, education, and social services guided by Jewish traditions and values. The device consisted of a 5-gallon Scepter fuel canister, approximately one-third filled with gasoline, and a partially charred Christian religious pamphlet placed in the nozzle of the canister.
Anyone with questions or information about this case can contact the U.S. Attorney’s Office at 888-221-6023.
The charge of attempting to transport or receive explosive devices in interstate or foreign commerce with the knowledge or intent that the device will be used to kill, injure, or intimidate any individual or unlawfully to damage or destroy any building, vehicle, or other real or personal property provides for a sentence of up to 10 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000. The charge of attempting to maliciously damage or destroy, by means of fire or an explosive, any building, vehicle, or other real or personal property used in interstate or foreign commerce provides for a mandatory minimum sentence of five years and a maximum of 10 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000. Sentences are imposed based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
United States Attorney Andrew E. Lelling and Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Feld Division made the announcement today. The investigation was led by the FBI’s Western Massachusetts Joint Terrorism Task Force with valuable assistance also provided by the Longmeadow and East Longmeadow Police Departments and the Massachusetts State Police. Assistant U.S. Attorney Steven H. Breslow of Lelling’s Springfield Branch Office and Trial Attorney Risa Berkower of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division are prosecuting the case.
The details contained in the indictment are allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.