Latest Records
Newest first across public DOJ and U.S. Attorney press releases.
Thursday 23 April 2020
Terwilliger Joins NCMEC Law Enforcement Advisory CouncilRead the Press Release
ALEXANDRIA, Va. – United States Attorney G. Zachary Terwilliger has accepted an invitation to join the Law Enforcement Advisory Council for the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC).
“I am humbled, grateful, and inspired to join NCMEC’s Law Enforcement Advisory Council,” said Terwilliger. “As a federal prosecutor, I spent multiple years pursuing sex traffickers of children and working closely with the survivors of this modern day slavery. There were no more righteous or rewarding cases than those that brought child predators to justice. The Eastern District of Virginia is a national leader in prosecuting online child exploitation offenses, ranking 3rd nationally in 2019. As a result, EDVA and NCMEC have already forged a strong partnership. This opportunity to serve on the Advisory Council will further strengthen that bond and increase collaboration. NCMEC is a first class operation and I look forward to supporting their life-saving work in any way possible.”
John Clark, CEO and President of NCMEC, said that he is pleased Terwilliger accepted an invitation to join the law enforcement advisory council.
“We are honored to have United States Attorney Terwilliger accept a position on NCMEC’s advisory council,” said Clark. “Terwilliger will serve as the only federal prosecutor currently part of the council and will bring unmatched perspective regarding crimes against children. The members of the law enforcement advisory council are critically important to NCMEC’s mission of finding missing and sexually exploited children. We look forward to expanding our collaborative efforts to continue to make the world safer for children.”
The National Center for Missing & Exploited Children’s Law Enforcement Advisory Council is comprised of federal law enforcement agencies, the National Sheriff’s Association, National District Attorneys Association and the State Attorney General Association. The advisory council provides their law enforcement expertise as subject matter experts to NCMEC.
The National Center for Missing & Exploited Children is a private, non-profit 501(c)(3) corporation whose mission is to help find missing children, reduce child sexual exploitation, and prevent child victimization.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia.
Telemedicine company owner charged in $60 million fraud schemeRead the Press Release
SAVANNAH, GA: A Georgia woman who operated a telemedicine network through two companies has been charged for her alleged participation in an ever-growing healthcare and telemedicine fraud scheme.
Charlene Frame, the operator of Royal Physician Network, LLC and Envision It Perfect, LLC, both Georgia companies, is accused of conspiring to pay medical providers, like physicians and nurse practitioners, in exchange for obtaining orders for durable medical equipment (DME) that would then be sold to DME providers and, ultimately, billed to Medicare. The financial total for orders facilitated through this scheme is alleged to be in excess of $60 million for thousands of patient orders. Medicare beneficiaries were located in the Southern District of Georgia and elsewhere. The defendant was charged by way of an Information, filed in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Georgia.
“Our prosecutors and law enforcement partners will continue to use all available resources to dismantle networks engaging in unlawful schemes that place profit over legitimate medical treatment,” said U.S. Attorney Bobby L. Christine.
This prosecution, arising out of the related “Operation Brace Yourself” and “Operation Double Helix,” together with those previously announced, involve the largest fraud operation in the history of the Southern District of Georgia. Previously charged in this string of cases include eight physicians, two nurse practitioners, two operators of different telemedicine companies, two brokers of patient data, and several owners of durable medical equipment companies. The Medicare and Medicaid beneficiaries whose identities were used as part of the scheme are located throughout the country, including throughout the Southern District of Georgia.
The combined $470 million in fraud charged in the Southern District of Georgia is part of nationwide operations by the Department of Justice that thus far has included allegations involving billions of fraudulent claims for genetic testing, orthotic braces, pain creams, and other items.
“This $60-million fraud scheme is one small piece of a much larger operation that has put tremendous strain on our federally-subsidized healthcare programs,” said Chris Hacker, Special Agent in Charge of FBI Atlanta. “We will always protect our tax paying citizens, who are all victims of greedy providers, especially those who need government assistance for their health care needs.”
“Let this criminal charge be a warning to anyone who feels the need to fraudulently enrich themselves at the expense of our nation’s Medicare beneficiaries,” said Derrick L. Jackson, Special Agent in Charge at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General in Atlanta. “HHS/OIG, along with our partners, vows to continue the fight against such fraudulent schemes.”
“Cases of this magnitude can only be tackled using a strategy that recognizes that the most effective way to fight these large criminal networks is by combining the strengths, resources, and expertise of our federal agencies,” said Resident Agent in Charge Glen M. Kessler of the U.S. Secret Service. “Our nation’s healthcare system cannot tolerate kickbacks to physicians and pharmacies while criminals line their pockets with taxpayer-funded healthcare dollars.”
Indictments or criminal informations contain only charges; defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
This investigation is ongoing. As telemedicine becomes an increasing part of our healthcare system, vigilance in ensuring that fraud and kickbacks do not usurp the legitimate practice of medicine by electronic means is more important than ever. If you are aware of any fraud or kickbacks relating to telemedicine, including COVID-19 fraud, please call the FBI hotline at 1-800-CALL-FBI.
This particular prosecution resulted from a joint investigation of multiple agencies and offices. U.S. Attorney Christine acclaimed the hard work of the investigatory team, led by FBI - Savannah, the Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General, and the United States Secret Service.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys J. Thomas Clarkson and Jonathan A. Porter are prosecuting these cases on behalf of the United States.
Syracuse Man Charged with Assaulting a U.S. Postal EmployeeRead the Press Release
SYRACUSE, NEW YORK – Daniel J. Trammell, age 58, of Syracuse, was arrested and charged yesterday in federal court with assaulting a United States Postal Service employee, announced United States Attorney Grant C. Jaquith and Joseph Cronin, Postal Inspector in Charge of the Boston Division of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service.
The criminal complaint charging Trammell alleges that on April 21, 2020, he entered the Franklin Square Station Post Office in Syracuse, N.Y., shouted at Postal Service employees, and threatened to shoot his former letter carrier. Shortly thereafter, Trammell left the building. Approximately twenty minutes later, Trammell accosted his former letter carrier during his delivery of mail, and attempted to choke him. Trammell is detained in custody pending a hearing.
If convicted of the charges set forth in the complaint, Trammell faces up to 8 years in prison, a maximum fine of up $250,000, and up to 3 years of post-imprisonment supervised release. 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.
The charge in the complaint is merely an accusation. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
This case is being investigated by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service and the Syracuse Police Department, and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Thomas Sutcliffe.
Smuggling Marijuana to St. Thomas Smuggling Marijuana to St. ThomasRead the Press Release
St. Thomas, USVI –United States Attorney Gretchen C.F. Shappert for the District of the Virgin Islands announced that a complaint has been filed against Raquel Rivera for attempting to smuggle marijuana into St. Thomas. Rivera made her initial appearance in federal court Thursday in St. Thomas.
According to the affidavit filed in the case, Rivera was stopped at the Cyril E. King airport after arriving in St. Thomas from Miami, FL. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers then searched bags she was carrying and found in two separate pieces of luggage marijuana totaling over five kilograms.
This case is being investigated by the Department of Homeland Security-Homeland Security Investigations and CBP. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Nathan Brooks.
A complaint is merely a charging document, and it is not evidence of guilt. Every defendant is presumed innocent until and unless found guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Pennsylvania Attorney Pleads Guilty for Role in $2.7 Million Ponzi SchemeRead the Press Release
An Allentown, Pennsylvania, attorney pleaded guilty today for his role in a $2.7 million investment fraud scheme that victimized his law clients.
Assistant Attorney General Brian A. Benczkowski of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, U.S. Attorney William M. McSwain of the Eastern District of Pennsylvania and Special Agent in Charge Michael J. Driscoll of the FBI’s Philadelphia Field Office made the announcement.
Todd H. Lahr, 60, of Nazareth, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Edward G. Smith of the Eastern District of Pennsylvania to one count of conspiracy to commit securities fraud and wire fraud, two counts of securities fraud and four counts of wire fraud. Sentencing is scheduled for Aug. 3, 2020 before Judge Smith.
According to Lahr’s admissions at the plea hearing, from 2012 through 2019, Lahr conspired with others to perpetrate a securities fraud scheme targeting his own law clients, which involved the fraudulent sale of the securities of two entities, THL Holdings LLC and Ferran Global Holdings Inc. Lahr used investor funds to finance his own lifestyle, paying his home mortgage, his child’s school tuition, utility bills and other personal debts. He perpetuated the scheme by using money that he received from new investors to pay money owed to other investors in the scheme. Total investor losses are estimated to be over $2.7 million, Lahr admitted at the plea hearing.
The FBI investigated this case. Trial Attorney Philip Trout of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael J. Rinaldi of the Eastern District of Pennsylvania are prosecuting the case.
The department appreciates the substantial assistance provided by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.
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.
Owner of “the Antique Gallery” Charged with Lacey Act Violations and Tax EvasionRead the Press Release
Anchorage, Alaska – U.S. Attorney Bryan Schroder announced today that Walter Earl, 75, of Anchorage, and owner of “The Antique Gallery,” has been federally charged for illegally buying and selling walrus ivory, and failing to report any of his income to the IRS. The felony information charges Earl with three counts of Lacey Act violations and one count of tax evasion.
The felony information alleges that Earl regularly trafficked in illegal walrus ivory and, specifically, on three separate occasions in 2017, Earl knowingly violated the Lacey Act by illegally purchasing and selling walrus ivory head mounts (skull and ivory tusks). Earl then tried to conceal the illegal nature of his activities by falsifying documents and lying to purchasers about the ivory’s source. The information alleges that Earl falsely claimed the ivory was “Pre-Act,” and falsely claimed he was legally allowed to purchase the walrus ivory because he employed Alaska Natives. It is also alleged that, as part of his scheme to illegally buy and sell walrus ivory, Earl illegally purchased more than 50 walrus tusks that he intended to sell.
The investigation further revealed that Earl knowingly did not file individual income tax returns for the years 2013 through 2017. The gross income Earl received included income from his business, The Antique Gallery, located in Anchorage, which totaled $679,245 for the years 2013 through 2017. To avoid creating records of revenue and income, Earl allegedly committed acts of evasion to include structuring transactions at various financial institutions to avoid reporting requirements, instructing his employees to not report the income they earned, keeping inadequate business records, and use of cash.
If convicted, Earl faces a maximum penalty of up to five years in prison, and a $250,000 fine for each count. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed will be based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Office of Law Enforcement (USFWS); and IRS Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI) conducted the investigation leading to the charges in this case. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) also assisted in the investigation. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Aunnie Steward.
The charges in the information are merely allegations, and the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Nurse Charged with Importation of Marijuana from CanadaRead the Press Release
A registered nurse from Amherstburg, Ontario, was charged in a criminal complaint with conspiracy, possession with intent to distribute, and importing more than 100 pounds of marijuana into the United States from Canada, announced United States Attorney Matthew Schneider.
Schneider was joined in the announcement by Director of Field Operations Christopher Perry, U.S. Customs and Border Protection.
Terri Leanne Maxwell, age 48, will be making her initial appearance in federal court in Ann Arbor this afternoon.
“At a time when health care professionals are working overtime to keep us safe, it’s really shameful that anyone would exploit their status as a nurse to smuggle any kind of drug into our country,” stated United States Attorney Matthew Schneider. “To stop the spread of the Coronavirus, our Canadian border is open only for essential travel — and smuggling in marijuana simply isn’t essential.”
“Even during this pandemic, CBP remains vigilant in our mission to stop transnational criminal organizations who are attempting to exploit processes and essential personnel crossing the border," said CBP Director of Field Operations Christopher Perry. "This case exemplifies the professionalism, partnership and commitment we share with the U.S. Attorney’s office to protect the American people and our communities in which we live and serve."
According to the criminal complaint, on April 22, 2020, at the Detroit Ambassador Bridge, Maxwell applied for admission into the United States and presented her Canadian passport and work permit under the Trade NAFTA agreement, showing she had valid status to work as a registered nurse. Maxwell also had a placard issued by Canada Border Services Agency showing she is a first responder, as a healthcare worker. The placards were implemented to give inspecting officers awareness of the travelers’ essential reason for crossing the border.
CBP officers had Maxwell open her trunk for an enforcement exam and noticed that the trunk was full and that there was an odor of marijuana emanating from the trunk. Upon further inspection officers found 143 vacuum sealed bags of suspected marijuana with a total weight of approximately 153.69 pounds.
If convicted, Maxwell could face up to 20 years in federal prison.
A complaint is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt. Trial cannot be held on felony charges in a complaint. When the investigation is completed a determination will be made whether to seek a felony indictment.
Niagara Falls Man Indicted on Multiple Child Pornography Charges and Fleeing the Western District of New YorkRead the Press Release
CONTACT: Barbara Burns
PHONE: (716) 843-5817
FAX #: (716) 551-3051BUFFALO, N.Y. - U.S. Attorney James P. Kennedy, Jr. announced today that a federal grand jury has returned an indictment charging Carl Anthony, 66, of Niagara Falls, NY, with attempted production, production, and possession of child pornography. The defendant is also charged with contempt of court and conversion of government property. The charges carry a mandatory minimum penalty of 15 years in prison, a maximum of 30 years, and a $250,000 fine.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Charles M. Kruly, who is handling the case, stated that according to the indictment and a previously filed complaint, on June 19, 2019, Town of Niagara Police received a complaint regarding a now-13 year old female (Minor Victim) who had been surreptitiously video recorded while changing and showering. The defendant was identified as the individual responsible for making the recording. On July 9, 2019, a federal search warrant was executed at Anthony's Niagara Falls residence. A hard drive that was seized during the execution of the search warrant was found to contain two videos, both of which showed the Minor Victim changing and showering in a bathroom.
The defendant is also accused of disobeying release conditions set by U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael J. Roemer on December 2, 2019. After being initially charged in the case, Anthony was ordered to remain in his residence at all times except for activities pre-approved by his Probation and Pretrial Services Officer. The defendant’s travel was also restricted to the Western District of New York. Between April 3 and April 14, 2020, Anthony traveled outside the District. He was taken into custody on April 14, 2020, in San Diego, California.
The defendant made an appearance in Federal Court in San Diego and will be returned to the Western District of New York at a later date.
The indictment is the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Buffalo Office, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Gary Loeffert; the U.S. Marshals Service, under the direction of Marshal Charles Salina; and the Town of Niagara Police Department, under the direction of Chief H. James Suitor.
The fact that a defendant has been charged with a crime is merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
# # # #
New York Man Sentenced for Interstate Transportation of Stolen GoodsRead the Press Release
PORTLAND, Maine: A New York man was sentenced today in federal court in Portland for conspiring to transport stolen goods, U.S. Attorney Halsey B. Frank announced.
Chief U.S. District Judge Jon D. Levy sentenced Bunny Hibbert, 37, to time served (approximately 14 months). In addition, Judge Levy ordered Hibbert to pay $115,666.63 in restitution to Home Depot. Hibbert pleaded guilty on February 18, 2020.
According to court documents and information provided at sentencing, from October 2018 until February 2019, Hibbert and two other individuals stole numerous items from Home Depot stores in Maine and four other New England states. They transported the stolen goods to the New York City area and sold them through an online marketplace. They stole merchandise worth $115,666.63. Police arrested Hibbert and one other conspirator in Auburn, Maine on February 21, 2019, when they attempted to steal items from the Auburn Home Depot.
The U.S. Secret Service and the Auburn Police Department investigated the case.
Nevada U.S. Attorney Announces Nearly $7.4 Million Awarded to Nevada to Address COVID-19 PandemicRead the Press Release
LAS VEGAS, Nev. – U.S. Attorney Nicholas A. Trutanich for the District of Nevada today announced that the Department of Justice’s Office of Justice Programs has awarded $7,385,200 in grant funding to the Nevada Department of Public Safety to respond to the public safety challenges posed by the outbreak of COVID-19.
The grant is among the most recent to be awarded through the $850 million available under the Coronavirus Emergency Supplemental Funding program, authorized by the recent stimulus legislation signed by President Trump. This program allows eligible state, local and tribal governments to apply immediately for these critical funds. The Office of Justice Programs is moving quickly, aiming to have funds available for drawdown as soon as possible after receiving an application. In addition to statewide awards, many local jurisdictions within these states are eligible for direct awards. A list of all awards can be found at https://bja.ojp.gov/program/cesf/awards.
U.S. Attorney Nicholas A. Trutanich stated: “We are thankful to the Office of Justice Programs for making over $7.3 million available to the Nevada Department of Public Safety. These funds will provide critical support and help ensure public safety throughout the state during this public health crisis.”
“The outbreak of COVID-19 and the public health emergency it created are sobering reminders that even the most routine duties performed by our nation’s public safety officials carry potentially grave risks,” said Katharine T. Sullivan, Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General for the Office of Justice Programs. “These funds will provide hard-hit communities with critical resources to help mitigate the impact of this crisis and give added protection to the brave professionals charged with keeping citizens safe.”
The Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security, or CARES, Act gives jurisdictions considerable latitude in the use of funds for dealing with COVID-19. Potential uses include hiring personnel, paying overtime, purchasing protective equipment and distributing resources to hard-hit areas. Funds may also be used to help correctional facilities cover costs related to COVID-19, including, but not limited to, sanitation, contagion prevention and measures designed to address the related medical needs of inmates, detainees and correctional personnel.
The solicitation, posted by the Office of Justice Programs' Bureau of Justice Assistance, will remain open for at least 60 days. As a top priority, the Office of Justice Programs will fund successful applicants on a rolling basis as it receives applications. Grantees may apply the funds retroactively to January 20, 2020, subject to federal rules.
Agencies that were eligible for the fiscal year 2019 State and Local Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant Program are candidates for the emergency funding. A complete list of eligible jurisdictions and their allocations is available at https://bja.ojp.gov/program/fy20-cesf-allocations. For more information, please visit https://bja.ojp.gov/funding/opportunities/bja-2020-18553.
The Office of Justice Programs, directed by Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Katharine T. Sullivan, provides federal leadership, grants, training, technical assistance and other resources to improve the nation’s capacity to prevent and reduce crime, assist victims and enhance the rule of law by strengthening the criminal and juvenile justice systems. More information about the Office of Justice Programs and its components can be found at www.ojp.gov.
###
Monroe Woman Who Posed as an FBI Agent on Dating Websites Is Sentenced to PrisonRead the Press Release
CHARLOTTE, N.C. – U.S. Attorney Andrew Murray announced today that Riane Leigh Brownlee, 39, of Monroe, N.C., was sentenced to 37 months in prison for impersonating an FBI agent and illegally possessing a firearm. U.S. District Judge Kenneth D. Bell also ordered Brownlee to serve three years under court supervision upon completion of her prison term.
According to filed court documents and today’s sentencing hearing, Brownlee, who is also known as “Raine Leigh Webb,” and “Alexandria Mancini,” posted on dating websites photographs of herself posing with a fake FBI badge and a firearm. On February 23, 2019, Brownlee falsely told an individual with whom she met on a date that she was an FBI agent conducting a counter-drug operation. After Brownlee was arrested later the same day, she falsely told the same individual that she had to keep her identity secret from law enforcement because she was operating undercover. Court records show that, in addition to the fake FBI badge, law enforcement recovered from the stolen vehicle Brownlee was driving a stolen loaded firearm, and a fake FBI ID bearing Brownlee’s photograph and the name “FBI Special Agent Alexandria Mancini.” Brownlee has multiple prior felony convictions, including Identity Theft, Felony Worthless Checks, and Possession of Stolen Motor Vehicle, and she is prohibited from possessing a firearm or ammunition.
Brownlee is currently in federal custody. In making today’s announcement, U.S. Attorney Murray thanked the FBI and Claremont Police Department for their investigation of this case.
* * *
In a separate case, Judge Bell sentenced Curtis Andre Imes, 38, of Statesville, to 54 months in prison, followed by three years of supervised release. According to court records, on May 23, 2019, law enforcement conducted a traffic stop of the vehicle Imes was driving. Imes’ vehicle matched the description of a vehicle involved in an incident earlier in the day, during which the driver had allegedly pointed a firearm at several people gathered near a school. According to court records, when law enforcement pulled over Imes, he attempted to flee on foot but was quickly apprehended. When officers conducted an inventory of Imes’ vehicle, they located a firearm under the driver’s seat, and crack cocaine and marijuana in the center console. Imes has prior felony convictions for Assault with Deadly Weapon Inflicting Serious Injury, Robbery, and Possession of Firearm by Felon, and he is prohibited from possessing a firearm.
Imes will be transferred to the custody of the federal Bureau of Prisons upon designation of a federal facility. All federal sentences are served without the possibility of parole.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives in coordination with the Statesville Police Department conducted the investigation.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Steven R. Kaufman prosecuted the Brownlee case and represented the Government for the Imes case on behalf of Assistant U.S. Attorney Lambert Guinn, who handled the prosecution.
Mexican Citizen Sentenced for Illegal Re-EntryRead the Press Release
ALBANY, NEW YORK – Maria Utrera-Viveros, a/k/a Maria Utrara-Viveros, age 33, of Veracruz, Mexico, was sentenced today to time served (5 months in jail), for illegal re-entry into the United States.
The announcement was made by United States Attorney Grant C. Jaquith and Robert N. Garcia, Chief Patrol Agent, United States Border Patrol, Swanton Sector.
As part of her guilty plea, Utrera-Viveros admitted that she was removed from the United States to Mexico on October 17, 2014. Utrera-Viveros admitted that she returned to the United States on November 15, 2019 by illegally entering from Canada. That night, she was found to be a passenger in a vehicle that Border Patrol stopped after it left the area of the international border at a high rate of speed.
Following her sentencing, Utrera-Viveros was remanded to the custody of the Department of Homeland Security, for removal proceedings.
The case was investigated by the United States Border Patrol and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Douglas Collyer.
Methamphetamine trafficking sends Laurel man to prisonRead the Press Release
BILLINGS—A Laurel man who admitted to selling methamphetamine in the community was sentenced on Wednesday to six years and eight months in prison followed by four years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme said.
Seth James Todd, 26, pleaded guilty in November to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute meth and to distribution of meth as charged in an indictment.
U.S. District Judge Susan P. Watters presided.
The prosecution said in court documents that in the summer of 2017, drug task force officers worked with a confidential informant to buy meth from a co-conspirator. The co-conspirator, who was convicted in federal court, identified sources of supply in Spokane, where the co-conspirator traveled numerous times and bought about 15 pounds of meth. Fifteen pounds of meth is the equivalent of about 54,360 doses. Individuals from the Billings area traveled with the co-conspirator on those trips to obtain meth for personal use and for resale in the community. Todd made one trip to Spokane with the co-conspirator, who sold a half-pound of meth to Todd. A different confidential informant working with the task force bought meth from Todd.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Lori Suek prosecuted the case, which was investigated by the Eastern Montana High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Task Force.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods, a U.S. Department of Justice initiative to reduce violent crime. According to the FBI’s Uniform Crime Reports, violent crime in Montana increased by 36% from 2013 to 2018. Through PSN, federal, tribal, state and local law enforcement partners in Montana focus on violent crime driven by methamphetamine trafficking, armed robbers, firearms offenses and violent offenders with outstanding warrants.
XXX
Mayville Man Indicted for Possession of A Large Amount of MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
CONTACT: Barbara Burns
PHONE: (716) 843-5817
FAX #: (716) 551-3051BUFFALO, N.Y. -- U.S. Attorney James P. Kennedy, Jr. announced today that a federal grand jury has returned an indictment charging Harry J. Radke, 44, of Mayville, New York, with possessing with intent to distribute five grams or more of methamphetamine. The charge carries a minimum penalty of five years in prison, a maximum penalty of 40 years in prison, and a $5,000,000 fine.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Charles E. Watkins, Jr., who is handling the case, stated that according to the indictment, on January 27, 2020, the Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Office received information that multiple individuals were living in apartments at a residence on South Erie Street in Mayville. After speaking with the owner of the building, deputies learned that, except for one, the apartments were supposed to be empty because the building was in the process of being renovated. Deputies were given permission by the owner to go into the apartment building and clear out the individuals who were not supposed to be in the building.
As deputies were clearing the apartments in the building, they found an unmarked third floor apartment. As they were preparing to make entry, the defendant came out of the apartment and was taken into custody. While clearing the apartment, deputies noticed signs of methamphetamine possession, production, and distribution. As a result, they called the Drug Enforcement Administration for assistance. During a search of the apartment, investigators discovered scales, hypodermic needles, plastic baggies, and a red medical bag. Inside, they found brake fluid bottle with a false bottom. Inside the false bottom was an ounce of methamphetamine. Investigators also found a pair of boots in the apartment with the wallet and the defendant’s identification inside them.
The defendant is currently detained and scheduled to be arraigned before U.S. Magistrate Judge Jeremiah J. McCarthy on Tuesday April 28, 2020, at 2:00 p.m.
The indictment is the result of a joint investigation by the Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Office, under the direction of Sheriff James B. Quattrone, and the Drug Enforcement Administration, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Ray Donovan.
The fact that a defendant has been charged with a crime is merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
# # # #
Martin Man Sentenced to Five Years in Federal Prison for Theft of FirearmsRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a Martin, South Dakota, man convicted of Theft of Firearms was sentenced by Jeffrey L. Viken, U.S. District Judge.
Sidney Marshall, age 26, was sentenced on April 17, 2020, to 5 years in federal prison, followed by 3 years of supervised release, and was ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund and $1,962.30 in restitution.
The conviction stemmed from Marshall breaking into True Value Hardware in Martin and stealing multiple firearms in August 2018.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. The Department of Justice reinvigorated PSN in 2017 as part of its renewed focus on targeting violent criminals, directing all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to work in partnership with federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement and local communities to develop effective, locally-based strategies to reduce violent crime.
This case is also part of Project Guardian, the Department of Justice’ssignature initiative to reduce gun violence and enforce federal firearms laws. Initiated by the Attorney General in the fall of 2019, Project Guardian draws upon the Department’s past successful programs to reduce gun violence; enhances coordination of federal, state, local, and tribal authorities in investigating and prosecuting gun crimes; improves information-sharing by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives when a prohibited individual attempts to purchase a firearm and is denied by the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS), to include taking appropriate actions when a prospective purchaser is denied by the NICS for mental health reasons; and ensures that federal resources are directed at the criminals posing the greatest threat to our communities. For more information about Project Guardian, please see: https://www.justice.gov/projectguardian.
The investigation was conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and the Martin Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Benjamin Patterson prosecuted the case.
Marshall was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Office.
Man from Zuni, New Mexico sentenced to 21 months in federal prison for assaulting his wife in Indian CountryRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE – Ferrigno Yuselew, 37, of Zuni, New Mexico, was sentenced on April 22 in federal court in Santa Fe, New Mexico to 21 months in prison for assault of an intimate partner by strangling or suffocating in Indian Country.
Yuselew pleaded guilty to this offense on Dec. 17, 2019. In his plea agreement, he admitted to committing the offense two years earlier, on Dec. 17, 2015, in McKinley County, New Mexico. Yuselew assaulted his wife at their home within the boundaries of Zuni Pueblo. He put his hands around her neck and choked her until she passed out. Their two children were present at the home when the assault occurred. Yuselew is an enrolled member of the Zuni Pueblo.
The Pueblo of Zuni Tribal Police Department investigated this case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Allison Jaros prosecuted the case.
Louisiana Man Pleads Guilty in Business Email Compromise SchemeRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Louisiana man pleaded guilty yesterday in connection with an international business email compromise scheme that defrauded companies of almost $900,000.
Larry Brown Jr., 37, of Lafayette, La., pleaded guilty during a videoconference hearing to conspiracy to commit wire fraud. U.S. District Court Judge Denise J. Casper has not yet scheduled a sentencing date. In April 2019, Brown was charged with co-defendant Paul M. Iwuanyanwu, 39, of Medfield.
Brown and, allegedly, Iwuanyanwu worked with others who breached the email systems of companies and installed unauthorized computer programs that diverted company emails to accounts controlled by the conspirators. As a result, emails sent by or to the companies were first routed through the email accounts where conspirators could view the messages. Conspirators also had the ability to send and respond to emails as if they were representatives of the companies.
It is alleged that conspirators used this unauthorized access to companies’ email accounts to cause the companies to redirect payments intended for legitimate business operations to bank accounts controlled by Brown and Iwuanyanwu.
The charge of wire fraud and conspiracy to commit wire fraud provides for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, three years of supervised release, and a fine of $250,000, or twice the gross gain or loss. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
United States Attorney Andrew E. Lelling and Michael S. Shea, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Homeland Security Investigations in Boston made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Sara Miron Bloom, of Lelling’s Securities & Financial Fraud Unit, and Carol Head, of Lelling’s Asset Recovery Unit, are prosecuting the case.
The details contained in the indictment are allegations. The remaining defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Local woman pleads guilty in meth conspiracy punishable by 10 years up to life in prisonRead the Press Release
COLUMBUS, Ohio – One of six defendants in a Columbus-to-West Virginia methamphetamine ring pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court via video conference to a drug conspiracy crime punishable by 10 years up to life in prison.
Charlee Ann Blankenship, 32, of Columbus, pleaded guilty to conspiring to distribute more than 500 grams of methamphetamine.
According to court documents, in spring 2019, Columbus Division of Police officers received information from law enforcement in West Virginia that large amounts of methamphetamine were being transported from Columbus to be distributed in West Virginia.
Further investigation revealed Blankenship and five others were distributing large quantities of the drug and using various residences in Central Ohio to store and distribute the methamphetamine. Drug premises included residences on Rumsey Road, Lock Avenue and Esther Drive, among others.
Co-conspirators charged in this case include: Joseph Brian Howard, Timothy D. Copley, Samantha Howard, Darin T. Copeland and Marvin C. Bozeman, II.
Blankenship’s plea agreement details that she was responsible for Howard’s drug transactions while he was incarcerated for a post release control violation. While incarcerated, Howard regularly kept track of both quantities of drugs and cash as they were distributed and discussed them with Blankenship in jail calls. Howard also explained in jail calls who had past drug debts for Blankenship to collect.
In a June 14, 2019 jail call, Howard told Blankenship that Blankenship “did almost 10 yesterday” meaning $10,000 in drug sales.
Blankenship also began coordinating the transportation of 9 to 10-pound packages of methamphetamine from Las Vegas to Columbus for the group to distribute. When three such packages went missing in July 2019 within the postal system, Howard told Blankenship in a jail call he got the feeling that “I just lost $42,000.”
In October 2019, law enforcement executed a search warrant at Blankenship’s residence and discovered quantities of suspected heroin, crack and fentanyl, as well as a pink 9mm handgun.
Congress sets the minimum and maximum statutory sentence. Sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the Court based on the advisory sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors.
David M. DeVillers, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio; Chris Hoffman, Special Agent in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Cincinnati Division; and Columbus Police Chief Thomas Quinlan announced the plea entered into yesterday before U.S. District Judge Edmund A. Sargus, Jr. Assistant United States Attorneys Kevin W. Kelley and Elizabeth Geraghty are representing the United States in this case.
# # #
Lewiston Awarded over $85,000 to Address COVID-19 PandemicRead the Press Release
PORTLAND, Maine: United States Attorney Halsey B. Frank announced that the Department of Justice’s Office of Justice Programs (OJP) has awarded $85,314 to the City of Lewiston to address the public safety challenges posed by the outbreak of COVID-19.
OJP awarded the grant as part of $850 million available under the Coronavirus Emergency Supplemental Funding program, authorized by the recent stimulus legislation signed by President Trump. This program allows eligible state, local and tribal governments to apply immediately for these critical funds. OJP is moving quickly, aiming to have funds available for drawdown as soon as possible after receiving an application. OJP has also made statewide awards in addition to awards to local jurisdictions. A list of all awards is at https://bja.ojp.gov/program/cesf/awards.
The Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security, or CARES, Act gives jurisdictions considerable latitude in the use of funds for dealing with COVID-19. Potential uses include hiring personnel, paying overtime, purchasing protective equipment and distributing resources to hard-hit areas. Funds may also be used to help correctional facilities cover costs related to COVID-19, including, but not limited to, sanitation, contagion prevention and measures designed to address the related medical needs of inmates, detainees and correctional personnel. In announcing the grant, U.S. Attorney Frank stated, “my hope is that this grant will help Lewiston combat the coronavirus that has so disrupted our lives.”
Applications are due by May 29, 2020. OJP will fund successful applicants on a rolling basis as it receives applications. Grantees may apply the funds retroactively to January 20, 2020, subject to federal rules.
Agencies that were eligible for the fiscal year 2019 State and Local Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant Program are candidates for the emergency funding. A complete list of eligible jurisdictions and their allocations is available at https://bja.ojp.gov/program/fy20-cesf-allocations. For more information, please visit https://bja.ojp.gov/funding/opportunities/bja-2020-18553.
OJP, directed by Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Katharine T. Sullivan, provides federal leadership, grants, training, technical assistance and other resources to improve the nation’s capacity to prevent and reduce crime, assist victims and enhance the rule of law by strengthening the criminal and juvenile justice systems. More information about OJP and its components is located at www.ojp.gov.
Lehigh Valley Attorney Pleads Guilty to Orchestrating $2.7 Million Ponzi Scheme that Targeted His Own Clients to Invest in Fake Business OpportunitiesRead the Press Release
PHILADELPHIA – United States Attorney William M. McSwain announced that Todd H. Lahr, 60, of Nazareth, PA, pleaded guilty today to one count of conspiracy to commit securities fraud and wire fraud, two counts of securities fraud, and four counts of wire fraud. United States District Judge Edward G. Smith presided over the guilty plea hearing in Easton via video teleconference.
Lahr, an attorney licensed to practice law in Pennsylvania, perpetrated a multiyear securities fraud scheme that targeted his own law clients. The scheme involved the fraudulent sale of the securities of two entities, THL Holdings, LLC and Ferran Global Holdings, Inc. Lahr raised funds for the two companies by soliciting investments from his clients, telling them that their money would be used for a variety of business opportunities which were, in fact, non-existent.
Lahr initially sold THL Holdings investments, promising that the money raised would be used to pursue specific business opportunities, including mining operations in Papua New Guinea and the acquisition of the shares of a penny stock. In reality, the money was used for Lahr’s personal expenses and to make Ponzi scheme payments to prior investors, among other things. Once Lahr realized that he was running out of investor money to pay the THL Holdings investors, he sought investors for a second entity, Ferran. He told the Ferran investors that their money would be used for business opportunities, including even more mining in Papua New Guinea and residential property leases in Spain and England—but, in fact, these funds were used to repay the prior THL Holdings investors and for Lahr’s personal expenses to fund his lifestyle. Among these personal expenses were his home mortgage, his child’s school tuition, utility bills, and other personal debt. Total investor losses are estimated to be over $2.7 million.
Even after he was caught, Lahr continued his deception by lying in sworn testimony before the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). In this testimony, Lahr denied writing checks to his personal accounts from the THL Holdings accounts, when, in fact, he had written at least 25 separate checks to himself over a three-year period.
In addition to these criminal charges, the SEC filed a parallel civil enforcement action in the Eastern District of Pennsylvania last month based on the same course of conduct. The SEC Complaint charges Lahr and another individual, Thomas Megas, with multiple securities fraud violations and seeks disgorgement, prejudgment interest, civil money penalties, and injunctions against future violations of the federal securities laws against both defendants.
“Lahr targeted the very people to whom he owed a duty of loyalty: his own law clients,” said U.S. Attorney McSwain. “He stole millions of dollars from innocent victims who trusted him to serve as their lawyer and provide wise counsel. He betrayed them and served his own greedy impulses instead. My Office will continue to aggressively pursue securities and other financial frauds, particularly when perpetrated by lawyers and other industry professionals who are supposed to protect the rule of law, not defile it.”
“Todd Lahr’s clients felt comfortable investing with their trusted lawyer, expecting he would act in good faith,” said Michael J. Driscoll, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Philadelphia Division. “In reality, Lahr was inventing these great business opportunities, investing client funds only in himself and his teetering Ponzi scheme. The FBI is gratified to help bring to justice the perpetrator of such blatant and damaging fraud.”
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Michael J. Rinaldi and Trial Attorney Philip B. Trout of the U.S. Department of Justice, Criminal Division, Fraud Section. The U.S. Attorney’s Office appreciates the substantial assistance of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission in this matter.
INTERPOL Washington Supports Operation Maharlika IIIRead the Press Release
INTERPOL Washington—the U.S. National Central Bureau (USNCB)—is providing critical system support to INTERPOL-led law enforcement operations throughout Southeast Asia. These database upgrades—made under the auspices of Project TERMINUS—demonstrated their on-going value during a recent INTERPOL operation codenamed Maharlika III which took place February 24th to March 20th.
During this operation, law enforcement partners from Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, and the Philippines coordinated a series of simultaneous border and law enforcement actions leading to the arrest of more than 180 individuals, including one suspected member of the terrorist Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG).
According to an INTERPOL news release, the operation saw 82 victims of human trafficking, mainly young women, rescued by Philippine authorities. In addition, Indonesian authorities identified and rescued a 35 adults and 17 children, arriving from Malaysia. Authorities also seized firearms, illegally assembled explosives made of ammonium nitrate and other illicit goods and substances worth more than one million euros.
Under Project TERMINUS, the USNCB designed and supported custom high-performance INTERPOL screening solutions which enhanced selected Southeast Asian partner nation database integration with INTERPOL’s I-24/7 services, including the Stolen and Lost Travel Document (SLTD) databases. The systems facilitated direct access by Operation Maharlika III units to INTERPOL’s global databases, allowing authorities to run more than 13,000 checks on travel documents, firearms and nominal data. The USNCB team continues to provide onsite consultation for partner nation SLTD screening operation and enhancement.
The United States National Central Bureau’s Project TERMINUS mission is to extend secure global police communication systems in high risk areas and selected Host Nations globally. Due to challenges with technology and expertise, countries are lacking access to INTERPOL’s Stolen and Lost Travel Document Database (SLTD) dataset, containing more than 97 million travel documents. In the fight against terrorism and the need for identification and prevention of Foreign Terrorist Fighters (FTF) movements, lack of access to technology presents a critical situation impeding efforts to identify and interdict FTF’s and other transnational criminals using stolen, lost or revoked documents (passports, identity documents, visa’s). By assisting in ensuring that law enforcement officers have access to INTERPOL’s I-24/7, enables authorized users to search and cross check data in a matter of seconds and share sensitive or urgent police information with their counterparts around the globe, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
A component of the U.S. Department of Justice, INTERPOL Washington is co-managed by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. As the designated representative to INTERPOL on behalf of the Attorney General, INTERPOL Washington serves as the national point of contact for all INTERPOL matters, coordinating international investigative efforts among member countries and the more than 18,000 local, state, federal, and tribal law enforcement agencies in the United States.
Henderson Man Indicted by Federal Grand Jury for Possessing a Firearm After Mental Health AdjudicationRead the Press Release
RALEIGH – United States Attorney Robert J. Higdon, Jr. announces that a federal grand jury sitting in Raleigh indicted MATTHEW SCOTT THOMAS, 34, of Henderson for possessing a firearm after having been adjudicated mentally defective and committed to a mental institution and for making a false statement during the transfer of firearms.
The indictment alleges that on January 26, 2018, THOMAS made false statements on a Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) form during the attempted transfer of firearms. Specifically, THOMAS is alleged to have falsely indicated that he had never been adjudicated mentally defective and not committed to a mental institution, when in fact he had. Additionally, the indictment alleges that on December 4, 2019, THOMAS possessed a firearm after having been so adjudicated. If convicted, he faces up to ten years imprisonment and three years of supervised release on each count.
The charges and allegations contained in the Indictment are merely accusations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
This case is part of Project Guardian, the Department of Justice’s signature initiative to reduce gun violence and enforce federal firearms laws. Initiated by the Attorney General in the fall of 2019, Project Guardian draws upon the Department’s past successful programs to reduce gun violence; enhances coordination of federal, state, local, and tribal authorities in investigating and prosecuting gun crimes; improves information-sharing by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives when a prohibited individual attempts to purchase a firearm and is denied by the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS), to include taking appropriate actions when a prospective purchaser is denied by the NICS for mental health reasons; and ensures that federal resources are directed at the criminals posing the greatest threat to our communities. For more information about Project Guardian, please see: https://www.justice.gov/projectguardian.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) conducted the investigation in this matter. Assistant United States Attorney Robert J. Dodson is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government.
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.
Hardin County Man Faces Federal Child Exploitation ChargesRead the Press Release
LOUISVILLE, Ky. – United States Attorney Russell Coleman today announced the charging of Matthew Lyons, 33, of Elizabethtown, Kentucky, for sex trafficking of a child, attempted production of child pornography, attempted online enticement, distribution and possession of child pornography.
“Despite the many unknowns of this pandemic some certainties can still be relied upon,” said United States Attorney Russell Coleman. “From the U.S. Attorney’s Office to the Secret Service, and from the Radcliff PD to the professionals of Attorney General Cameron’s Office, Kentucky law enforcement is collaborating like never before to protect our most vulnerable.”
“Partnerships among Kentucky’s law enforcement community are essential in our fight to end the exploitation of children and go after those who commit crimes against them,” said Attorney General Cameron. “I’m grateful to U.S. Attorney Coleman and his team for working with our Cyber Crimes Unit to bring these charges.”
According to the Criminal Complaint filed on April 23, 2020, law enforcement officials became aware of Lyons’s criminal conduct after receiving a complaint that a minor had posted on social media about engaging in sexual activity with an adult in exchange for money. Radcliff Police Detective Richard Carman interviewed two minors, (John Doe 1 and 2), seized their mobile devices, and was granted consent to search those devices by the minors’ legal guardians. Detective Carman identified Lyons as the adult with whom John Doe 1 and 2 had engaged in sexual activity in exchange for money. He learned that Lyons had a prior conviction in 2008 Hardin District Court, Case No. 08-F-00401, for attempted prohibited use of an electronic communication system to procure a minor for sex, a violation of K.R.S. § 510.155(1). Detective Carman obtained and executed a Kentucky state search warrant to seize and search Lyons’s mobile device. Detective Carman turned over the cellular telephones to the Kentucky Attorney General’s Office Department of Criminal Investigations (DCI) Cybercrime Unit for forensic examination.
DCI Detective Michael Littrell conducted the examinations of the cellular telephones. On Lyons’s phone, he discovered more than 1,500 image and video files that were identified by hash values of known child sexual abuse material. In review of the remaining media files, he found hundreds more images and videos that were familiar to Detective Littrell from previous investigations and were obvious depictions of actual minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct. The images were stored in a pin-code protected application in a “Frequently Used” folder on Lyons’s iPhone’s main screen. The images were stored in more than 250 categorized folders.
Further examination of Lyons’s iPhone revealed that on or about April 1, 2020, he was communicating with at least one 14-year-old boy (John Doe 1), on the Grindr social media app. A later interview with John Doe 1 revealed that Lyons exchanged photographs and conversations with the boy via the app, then transitioned to text messaging. Lyons agreed to pay John Doe 1 $50.00 in exchange for Lyons performing oral sex on John Doe 1. Lyons and John Doe 1 agreed to meet at a convenience store in Hardin County, Kentucky. That same day, Lyons traveled to the convenience store and met two 14-year old boys (John Doe 1 and John Doe 2). Lyons picked up the boys in his 2017 Chevrolet Silverado truck and drove them to a Dollar General store parking lot. Lyons performed oral sex on both boys. One of the boys videoed the sex act. The video was recovered from Lyons’s phone as well as the phone of one of the boys. Lyons paid John Doe 1 $70.00 and John Doe 2 $60.00.
While reviewing Lyons’s phone, Detective Littrell also discovered a chat conversation from February 16, 2020, between Lyons and a boy named “Trevor” who indicated he was 16 years old. During this conversation Trevor, at the request and persuasion of Lyons, sent two photos and two videos of himself engaged in sexually explicit conduct. Lyons also sent Trevor sexually explicit images of himself.
Detective Littrell also located a chat conversation between Lyons and another adult, Robert Alan Thompson. Further investigation revealed that Thompson was a middle school teacher in Frankfort, Kentucky, during the 2017-2018 school year after which he moved to the Hardin County School District and continued teaching middle school. Lyons and Thompson engaged in a chat conversation on April 30, 2018. During the conversation, Lyons sent Thompson two photos of actual minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct. Law enforcement officials executed a search warrant on Thompson’s residence and arrested him on state charges earlier this week.
If convicted at trial, and due to his prior conviction, Lyons faces not less than 25 years and not more than 50 years in prison for production of child pornography; not less than 10 years and not more than life for the attempted enticement and sex trafficking of a child; not less than 15 years and not more than 40 years for distribution of child pornography; and not less than 10 years and not more than 20 years for possession of child pornography. The charges also carry terms of at least five years and could be up to any number of years, including life, of supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jo E. Lawless. The Kentucky Attorney General’s Office Department of Criminal Investigations and Radcliff Police Department with assistance from the Kentucky State Police and United States Secret Service conducted the investigation.
####
A Criminal Complaint is an accusation only and
the person is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
####
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.
Gladwin, Michigan Man Charged with Fraud ViolationRead the Press Release
A Gladwin, Michigan man was charged in a criminal complaint with wire fraud related to his work as a tax return preparer, announced United States Attorney Matthew Schneider.
Schneider was joined in the announcement by Special Agent in Charge Sarah Kull, Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation.
Mark Alan Patterson, age 51,, made his initial appearance in federal court today. Patterson was released on bond.
“Investigating tax refund fraud is a top priority for IRS Criminal Investigation,” said IRS Criminal Investigation Special Agent in Charge, Sarah Kull. “Stealing client tax refunds is a serious crime that hurts innocent taxpayers and IRS-CI works tirelessly to hold those that commit refund fraud accountable for their actions.”
According to the criminal complaint, Patterson worked as a tax return preparer for Schuster Tax Service in Beaverton, Michigan. From 2015 until February 2020, it is alleged that Patterson stole various portions of clients’ tax refunds by directing portions of clients’ tax refunds into bank accounts that Patterson controlled. Patterson did not inform the clients that he was taking the money from their tax refunds and instead deceived them by giving them unfiled versions of returns showing that they had a smaller refund amount.
In late February of 2020, Jennifer Schuster Semer, owner of Schuster Tax Service, informed law enforcement officers that one of her former employees had engaged in a potential fraud scheme. Ms. Semer discovered approximately 120 client tax returns dating back to 2015 that had refunds electronically diverted, in part, to bank accounts under Patterson’s control. Ms. Semer calculated an approximate loss to her clients of over $400,000.00 and immediately contacted local authorities.
United States Attorney Matthew Schneider, in announcing the charges, praised the cooperation of Ms, Semer in bringing this case to the attention of law enforcement.
If convicted, Patterson could face 20 years in federal prison.
A complaint is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt. Trial cannot be held on felony charges in a complaint. When the investigation is completed a determination will be made whether to seek a felony indictment.
During Sexual Assault Awareness Month, U.S. Attorney Moran recognizes important DOJ work assisting assault survivorsRead the Press Release
Seattle-April is Sexual Assault Awareness month, and as part of this week’s focus on National Crime Victims’ Rights, U.S. Attorney Brian T. Moran highlighted the important work his office is doing to support and protect victims of sexual assault. Over the past year, the office has prosecuted cases of assaults on tribal lands, military installations, national parks, and on board aircraft. In each case, specially trained members of the Victim Witness Unit work closely with victims to ensure their rights are protected and their voices are heard.
“Throughout my career as a prosecutor at the county, state, and now federal level, I have never forgotten that we do this work for the victims–many of whom have suffered unimaginable trauma,” said U.S. Attorney Moran. “In a system designed to protect the rights of the accused, I commend those who do the critically important work of guiding and assisting victims through the criminal justice system, working to ensure they are not further traumatized by the legal process and that they are heard and given a voice.”
Federal law enforcement has a unique responsibility in tribal communities to investigate and prosecute sexual assault and domestic violence. The U.S. Attorney’s Office works closely with the federally recognized tribes in the Western District of Washington to ensure such cases are investigated and prosecuted in tribal, state, or federal court depending on the jurisdictional complexities unique to each tribal nation.
Similarly, on military installations and federal lands, the U.S. Attorney’s Office works with federal law enforcement to investigate and prosecute cases of sexual assault, child molestation, enticement, and exploitation.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Washington was one of the first to identify and actively pursue cases of sexual assault aboard aircraft. In an awareness campaign with the FBI and Port of Seattle, the U.S. Attorney’s Office highlighted the importance of the public awareness.
Autumn, a young woman who was sexually assaulted on a flight from Alaska to Seattle, said intervention from others was key. “If it hadn’t been for the woman who helped me up and told me to report you, the flight attendant who could tell something was wrong, and the airport staff she contacted, I wouldn’t have reported. I was too scared that no one would care. I was scared that people would judge me for not reacting better. Our youth shouldn’t have to grow up with those fears,” Autumn told the defendant in court at sentencing.
Now as she looks back on her experience with the criminal justice system, Autumn is grateful for the victim advocate, FBI agent and federal prosecutor who guided her through the process. “I was terrified, but I was pleasantly surprised by the process and the people I got to work with… If we don’t report these (assaults) there isn’t going to be any justice. I hadn’t wanted to speak at sentencing, but doing that helped me get some closure.”
Court-ordered restitution is paying for counseling and self-defense training which Autumn says has been valuable so that she can respond differently in the future.
Sadly, sexual assault is vastly underreported–The National Sexual Violence Resource Center cites a statistic that in 2018 only 25% of rapes and other sexual assaults were reported to police. For more information, visit King County Sexual Assault Resource Center at www.kcsarc.org or call 888-99-VOICE.
For more information on National Crime Victims’ Rights Week Call 855–4–VICTIM or visit VictimConnect.org to learn about victims’ rights and options.
Drug trafficker awaiting sentence charged with assaulting officerRead the Press Release
McALLEN, Texas – A 24-year-old Honduran man has been charged with physically assaulting a Starr County Detention Center (SCDC) officer who was performing official federal duties, announced U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Patrick.
Jose Humberto Ordonez made his initial appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge Scott Hacker this morning, at which time he was ordered to remain in custody pending further criminal proceedings.
Ordonez was convicted in 2019 for possession with intent to distribute approximately 211 kilograms of marijuana and has been in custody at the SCDC in Rio Grande City pending his sentencing. The criminal complaint alleges that in April 2020, officers had responded to an incident in Ordonez’s cell where he did not comply with commands and had become combative. Ordonez allegedly repeatedly struck and punched an SCDC officer in the face with a closed fist. The officer suffered a fractured nose and other injuries and was transported to a hospital, according to the charges.
Ordonez is set for sentencing on his drug trafficking conviction and is pending sentencing before U.S. District Judge Ricardo Hinojosa, at which time he faces up to 40 years in federal prison. If convicted of the new charges, he faces an additional 20 years and a possible $250,000 maximum fine.
The U.S. Marshals Service, FBI and Starr County Sheriff’s Office are conducting the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew Redavid is prosecuting the case.
A criminal complaint is a formal accusation of criminal conduct, not evidence.
A defendant is presumed innocent unless convicted through due process of law.Dominican National Pleads Guilty to Fentanyl ConspiracyRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Dominican national previously residing in Lawrence pleaded guilty today in connection with distributing fentanyl.
Angel Rivera-Valle, a/k/a Jose Antonio Serrano, 31, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl, two counts of distribution and possession with intent to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl, and one count of distribution and possession with intent to distribute fentanyl. U.S. Senior District Court Judge Richard G. Stearns scheduled sentencing for Aug. 24, 2020. Rivera-Valle will face deportation proceedings upon completion of his sentence.
Rivera-Valle has been in custody since his arrest along with co-defendant, Andi Guerrero-Lara, a/k/a “Manny Sierra,” in October 2019; he and Guerrero-Lara were subsequently indicted by a federal grand jury in December 2019.
According to court documents, the defendants were members of a drug trafficking organization that regularly sold large quantities of fentanyl and operated in the Merrimack Valley area of Massachusetts. Between September and October 2019, an undercover federal agent purchased fentanyl from the defendants on six separate dates.
This case is part of a coordinated enforcement operation in the Merrimack Valley called “Devil’s Highway.” The operation targeted the distribution of opioids, including fentanyl and heroin, and resulted in charges against a total of 40 people for federal drug offenses, with at least a dozen more individuals facing state charges.
The charges of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl and distribution and possession with intent to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl both carry a minimum mandatory sentence of five years and up to 40 years in prison, at least four years of supervised release, and a fine of up to $5 million. The charge of distribution and possession with intent to distribute fentanyl carries a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, at least three years of supervised release, and a fine of up to $1 million. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
United States Attorney Andrew Lelling and Brian D. Boyle, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration, New England Division, made the announcement. Assistance was provided by the Massachusetts State Police and the Andover Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Alathea E. Porter of Lelling’s Narcotics and Money Laundering Unit is prosecuting the case.
The details contained in the indictment are allegations. The remaining defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Department of Justice Awards More Than $20 Million to State and Local Governmental Entities in Northern Illinois to Address COVID-19 PandemicRead the Press Release
CHICAGO — John R. Lausch, Jr., United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois, today announced that state and local governmental entities in northern Illinois received more than $20 million in Department of Justice grants to respond to challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic.
The grants were made pursuant to the Coronavirus Emergency Supplemental Funding program, which was authorized by recent legislation signed by President Trump. Additional grants are expected to be made soon. The law gives jurisdictions considerable latitude in the use of these funds for dealing with COVID-19. Potential uses include hiring personnel, paying overtime, purchasing protective equipment, and distributing resources to hard-hit areas. Funds may also be used to help correctional facilities cover costs related to the virus, including, but not limited to, sanitation, contagion prevention, and measures designed to address the related medical needs of inmates, detainees, and correctional personnel.
“These substantial federal funds will provide crucial resources to northern Illinois agencies working to keep people safe during the pandemic,” said U.S. Attorney Lausch. “The Justice Department is committed to helping offset the tremendous costs incurred by our state and local partners in the fight against COVID-19.”
The recipients and awards announced today are as follows:
- Illinois Criminal Justice Information Authority: $19,956,148
- Winnebago County: $58,008
- City of Calumet City: $54,203
- Will County: $32, 313
For a list of all awards across the country thus far, visit the Coronavirus Emergency Supplemental Funding program webpage.
The Justice Department is moving quickly, awarding grants on a rolling basis and aiming to have funds available for drawdown as soon as possible after receiving applications. Local jurisdictions can determine if they are eligible and apply immediately by visiting the website of the Bureau of Justice Assistance, a component of the Office of Justice Programs (OJP).
“The outbreak of COVID-19 and the public health emergency it created are sobering reminders that even the most routine duties performed by our nation’s public safety officials carry potentially grave risks,” said Katharine T. Sullivan, Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General for OJP. “These funds will provide hard-hit communities with critical resources to help mitigate the impact of this crisis and give added protection to the brave professionals charged with keeping citizens safe.”
OJP provides federal leadership, grants, training, technical assistance and other resources to improve the nation’s capacity to prevent and reduce crime, assist victims and enhance the rule of law by strengthening the criminal and juvenile justice systems. More information about OJP and its components can be found at www.ojp.gov.
Clarksville Restaurant Owners Facing Federal Alien Harboring and Tax Fraud ChargesRead the Press Release
NASHVILLE, Tenn. – April 23, 2020 – A federal indictment was unsealed today charging the owners of the New China Buffett and Grill (NCBG) in Clarksville, Tennessee, with conspiracy and tax fraud charges relating to the employment of undocumented workers from China and Guatemala, announced U.S. Attorney Don Cochran for the Middle District of Tennessee.
Quanwei Shi and Chongqiang Chen, both 29, of Clarksville, were indicted last month and charged with conspiracy to harbor illegal aliens; harboring illegal aliens; money laundering; income tax fraud; and employment tax fraud. Shi was arrested at his home in Clarksville on March 17 and Chen surrendered to U.S. Marshals earlier today in the Eastern District of New York.
According to the indictment, between 2017 and April 2019, Shi and Chen, as the owners of the NCBG in Clarksville, conspired to conceal and harbor illegal aliens from China and Guatemala, profiting from their employment at NCBG. The undocumented workers were not required to complete any forms related to immigration status and were paid in cash, outside the regular payroll system. In addition, the indictment alleges that the undocumented workers lived with Shi and Chen at their residence; were transported to NCBG and back daily; and were assigned to work in the kitchen where they would not be able to interact with the patrons of the restaurant.
The indictment further alleges that Shi evaded payroll taxes by failing to withhold $175,455.00 from the undocumented workers’ payments. These income and FICA taxes were not paid over to the IRS as required, but instead were used for commercial advantage and private financial gain. Additionally, the indictment alleges that Shi signed and caused false forms to be filed with the IRS that under reported NCBG gross receipts for tax years 2017and 2018.
The indictment also contains a forfeiture allegation against real property located at 403 D Street in Clarksville and vehicles and bank accounts used in furtherance of the conspiracy.
If convicted, the defendants face up to 20 years in prison and a $500,000 fine.
This case was investigated by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security Investigations; the IRS-Criminal Investigation; the Diplomatic Security Service of the U.S. Department of State; the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation; the Tennessee Bureau of Workers Compensation; the Clarksville Police Department; and the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Sara Beth Myers and Robert Levine are prosecuting the case.
An indictment is merely an accusation. The defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
# # # # #
California Con Man Returns to Prison for Running New Fraud Scheme While on Supervised ReleaseRead the Press Release
PORTLAND, Ore.—Bryan Scott Gunn, 45, of Victorville, California, was sentenced today to 63 months in federal prison and three years’ supervised release for orchestrating a fraud scheme that netted more than $344,000 from unknowing victims while he was on federal supervised release.
According to court documents, less than two weeks after completing a 22-month federal prison sentence for a similar fraud scheme, Gunn registered a new fictitious company called Legacy Funding Group. According to a website Gunn created, Legacy Funding Group was a financing company “with access to many private banking institutions and other professional relationships” that “specialized in structured asset based financing and equipment leasing.”
Gunn went to great lengths to make Legacy Funding Group appear legitimate, opening corresponding bank accounts, registering email addresses, falsely claiming to lease high-end commercial office space, and attempting to disassociate his true identity from the company. His scheme worked. In a matter of months, Gunn had successfully cheated 11 clients out of more than $344,000. Gunn convinced his victims, many of whom were in agriculture or agriculture-related industries, to pay him various upfront costs in order to obtain promised financing or loans.
Once he received his clients’ money, Gunn moved it between several bank accounts using cash, cashier’s checks, and temporary checks. His cash withdrawals alone exceeded $100,000. When his clients complained about the lack of financing and demanded their money be returned, Gunn referred them via email to a fictitious legal department. In the end, Gunn did not obtain any financing or loans for his clients and diverted all of their money to personal use.
During sentencing, U.S. District Court Judge Michael W. Mosman ordered Gunn to pay $363,453 in restitution to his victims.
On February 24, 2020, Gunn pleaded guilty to one count each of wire fraud and money laundering.
The case was investigated by IRS-Criminal Investigation and prosecuted by Scott E. Bradford, Assistant U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon.
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.
Avowed Member of White Supremacist Gang Is Sentenced to More Than 13 Years in Federal Prison for Drug TraffickingRead the Press Release
ASHEVILLE, N.C. – U.S. Attorney Andrew Murray announced today that Jonathan Ray Adams a/k/a Jon Boy, 34, of Asheville, was sentenced to 163 months in prison. U.S. District Judge Martin Reidinger also ordered Adams to serve five years under court supervision after he is released from prison.
Joining U.S. Attorney Murray in making today’s announcement are Ronnie Martinez, Special Agent in Charge of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) in North Carolina; Robert J. Murphy, Special Agent in Charge of the Atlanta Field Division of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), which oversees the Asheville Post of Duty; Sheriff Lowell S. Griffin of the Henderson County Sheriff’s Office; and Chief Shawn Freeman of the Black Mountain Police Department.
According to filed court documents and today’s sentencing hearing, Adams and his co-defendant, Linda Suzanne Higgins, are avowed members of the Aryan Brotherhood, which is a white supremacist gang. Court records show that from at least January 2019 to May 2019, Adams and Higgins trafficked methamphetamine, which they obtained from a source of supply in the Atlanta, Georgia area. The co-defendants then transported the methamphetamine back to Western North Carolina, where they redistributed it to local drug networks in Henderson and Buncombe Counties, including to other members of the Aryan Brotherhood. Over the course of the investigation, federal and local law enforcement working together seized a portion of a 38 ounce shipment of methamphetamine in Buncombe County and a portion of a 10 ounce shipment of methamphetamine in Henderson County.
Adams and Higgins previously pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute and to posess with intent to distribute methamphetamine. Higgins is currently awaiting sentencing.
In making today’s announcement, U.S. Attorney Murray commended the Henderson County Sheriff’s Office; the Black Mountain Police Department; HSI’s Henderson County Office; and the DEA’s Asheville Post of Duty for their cooperation and coordination throughout this investigation.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Thomas Kent of the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Asheville prosecuted the case.
Ambulance Provider Agrees to Settle False Claims Act AllegationsRead the Press Release
ALEXANDRIA, Va. – An ambulance transportation company that operates throughout Virginia has agreed to pay $110,000 to settle allegations that the company submitted false claims to Medicare for ambulance transports, in violation of the False Claims Act.
The United States government alleged that, for a two-year period between 2014 to 2016, some of the claims submitted for reimbursement for non-emergency ambulance services provided to Medicare beneficiaries by LifeCare Medical Transports, Inc. (LifeCare), headquartered in Fredericksburg, were not medically reasonable or necessary, and/or not supported by the medical record. As a result, LifeCare allegedly received funds to which it was not entitled.
The settlement announced today resolves a lawsuit filed under the whistleblower provision of the False Claims Act. The government’s claims are based on a whistleblower suit filed by a former employee of LifeCare. A whistleblower suit, or qui tam action under the False Claims Act, is commenced by an individual, known as a “relator,” filing a complaint under seal in the U.S. District Court, and providing a copy of the complaint and other evidence to the local U.S. Attorney. The United States then has an opportunity to investigate the claims. The False Claims Act provides the whistleblowers with a share of the government’s recovery.
The resolutions obtained in this matter were the result of a coordinated effort between the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia, Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General, and the FBI. Assistance was provided by the Defense Criminal Investigation Service and the Office of Personnel Management.
This matter was investigated by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Ilene Albala and Monika Moore. The civil claims settled by this False Claims Act agreement are allegations only; there has been no determination of civil liability.
Related court documents and information from the civil lawsuit are on PACER by searching for Case No. 1:17-cv-1327.
A copy of this press release may be found on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia.
Akron couple sentenced for role in drug trafficking conspiracyRead the Press Release
Donte L. Gibson, age 41, and Audrey J. Gibson, age 36, of Akron were sentenced today for their roles in a conspiracy to bring large amounts of fentanyl and carfentanil into the United States from China and then sell the drugs in Akron and Lorain, as well as firearms and money laundering violations. Donte Gibson was sentenced to 300 months in prison with five years of supervised release, and Audrey Gibson was sentenced to 130 months in prison with 3 years of supervised release.
Donte and Audrey Gibson were the last of nine codefendants sentenced in this matter. All nine defendants were indicted on charges of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute more than 200 grams of carfentanil.
“These two defendants were the leaders of a drug trafficking ring that used illegal weapons and brought large amounts of fentanyl and carfentanil into our neighborhoods, endangering the lives of so many in our community,” said U.S. Attorney Justin Herdman. “Today’s sentencing reaffirms our commitment to keeping dangerous drugs and weapons off our streets.”
“This case demonstrates the lengths drug dealers will go to obtain deadly drugs to feed the addiction of their customers,” said FBI Special Agent in Charge Eric B. Smith. “This group flaunted their lucrative drug trafficking organization proceeds by purchasing homes, cars and other items in an attempt to hide their cash. The FBI will continue working with our law enforcement partners to help rid our communities of the individuals that bring poison to our streets.”
"These defendants not only fueled the Opioid drug problem in Northern Ohio, but they supported addiction in several parts of the country,” said Bryant Jackson, Special Agent in Charge, IRS Criminal Investigation, Cincinnati Field Office. “Criminals and criminal organizations use money laundering as a way to inject their illicit proceeds into our local economies. The laundering of illegal drug profits is as important and essential to drug traffickers as the very distribution of their illegal drugs. Without these ill-gotten gains, the traffickers could not finance their organizations. Today's sentencings are a direct result of the excellent partnership between the IRS, the U.S. Attorney’s Office, and the FBI’s Safe Streets Task Force.”
“Fentanyl and carfentanil continue to be the deadliest illegal drugs that we are up against in the law enforcement community,” said HSI Special Agent in Charge Vance Callender. “HSI has uniquely built a network of domestic and international law enforcement partnerships to bring consequences to criminal enterprises that operate on a global scale to profit from distributing this lethal poison in our local communities.”
Between May 2016 and February 2018, Mr. and Mrs. Gibson purchased fentanyl and carfentanil from China over the internet and had the drugs shipped to various locations in the Akron-Canton area through the U.S. Postal Service. The Gibsons then directed others to open post office boxes throughout the area, and used co-conspirators to pick-up the packages. The Gibsons then distributed the drugs to others for sale in Akron and Lorain.
Previously sentenced on this matter were:
- Lori E. Martin, age 59, of Barberton was sentenced on January 28, 2019 on one count of conspiracy to commit money laundering to two years of probation.
- Dontaysha S. Gibson, age 23, of Akron was sentenced on January 16, 2019 on one count each of conspiracy to possess and distribute fentanyl and carfentanil and money laundering to 15 months in prison.
- Derrick A. Adams II, age 24, of Akron was sentenced on January 24, 2019 on one count each of conspiracy to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute fentanyl and carfentanil and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime to 120 months in prison.
- Lisa A, Richardson, age, 56 of Akron was sentenced on February 28, 2019 on one count each of conspiracy to possess and distribute fentanyl and carfentanil and conspiracy to commit money laundering to 51 months in prison.
- Ajarae C. Hisle, age 29, of Lorain was sentenced on February 19, 2019 on one count of conspiracy to possess and distribute fentanyl and carfentanil to one month in prison and seven months of home confinement.
- Jamar Jackson, age 30, of Lorain was sentenced on February 1, 2019 on one count of conspiracy to possess and distribute fentanyl and carfentanil to 57 months in prison.
- Garret R. Frantz, age 22, of North Canton was sentenced on January 28, 2019 on one count of conspiracy to possess and distribute fentanyl and carfentanil to one day in prison and eight months of home confinement.
Prosecutors were able to secure forfeiture of more than $250,000 in assets, two firearms, and ammunition seized as part of the investigation, as well as a home in Akron.
This case was investigated by the FBI’s Safe Streets Task Force -- which is comprised of agents and officers from the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Homeland Security Investigations, U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Internal Revenue Service and the Akron Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Mark S. Bennett and Danielle Asher.
For more background on this case, click here.
Wednesday 22 April 2020
“Godfather” of North Carolina United Blood Nation Sentenced to Four Consecutive Life Sentences for Rico Conviction and Gang Related MurderRead the Press Release
RALEIGH – United States Attorney Robert J. Higdon, Jr. announced that in federal court, United States District Judge James C. Dever III sentenced DEMETRICE R. DEVINE, a/k/a “Respect,” 37, of Garner, NC, to four consecutive terms of life imprisonment followed by a term of 240 months imprisonment and 5 years supervised release for Conspiracy to Participate in a Pattern of Racketeering (RICO conspiracy), Murder in Aid of Racketeering, Murder with a Firearm During and in Relation to a crime of Violence, Conspiracy to Distribute and Possess with the Intent to Distribute Controlled Substances, and Conspiracy to Commit Witness Tampering. The court also recommended that the defendant serve his life sentences at the “Supermax" Federal Prison in Colorado.
On October 24, 2019, DEMETRICE R. DEVINE and BRANDON JOWAN MANGUM, a/k/a “B-Easy,” 31, of Knightdale, NC, were found guilty of all charges after a two-week jury trial. (More here.) Evidence presented during the trial and other public documents established that DEMETRICE R. DEVINE was the leader or “Godfather” of the Gangsta Killer Bloods (GKB), and then created the Black Mob Gangstas (BMG) and the Donald Gee Family (DGF) organization. The BMG/DGF are sets of the “Bloods” gang whose members committed various crimes in the city of Raleigh and especially in the area of Haywood Street. BRANDON JOWAN MANGUM was another high-ranking member of BMG/DGF. BMG/DGF members committed acts of violence to maintain membership and discipline, both within the gang and against non-gang members. Members committed acts of violence, including murder, attempted murder, and assaults, in order to maintain their positions within the gang and to be promoted within the leadership structure of the gang.
U.S. Attorney Higdon commented, “For the better part of two decades, members of the United Blood Nation, known locally as the Black Mob Gangstas or the Donald Gee Family, have operated and virtually controlled and terrorized the law abiding citizens who live in the Haywood Street area of downtown Raleigh, not more than a mile from our federal courthouse. Last October, during the trial of Mr. Devine and his co-defendant, Brandon Mangum – the jury heard the chilling testimony and saw the uncontroverted evidence presented by the Government of Devine’s role – indeed, his absolute leadership – in a murderous, violent, drug dealing gang of thugs who terrorized Raleigh and the Eastern District for far too long. These street gangs will stop at nothing to attempt to maintain their violent way of life without consequence. Mr. Devine’s multiple life sentences exemplify the consequences for those who join gangs and commit crimes in the Eastern District of North Carolina.”
BMG/DGF, including its leadership, members and associates, constituted an “enterprise” as defined by Title 18, United States Code, Section 1961(4), that is, a group of individuals’ associated-in-fact. The enterprise constituted an ongoing organization, whose members functioned as a continuing unit for a common purpose of achieving the objectives of the enterprise. The enterprise was engaged in, and its activities affected, interstate and foreign commerce. The purpose of the BMG/DGF enterprise included the following:
a. Preserving and protecting the power, territory, reputation, respect, and profits of the enterprise through the use of intimidation, violence, threats of violence, assaults, murder and attempted murder;
b. Promoting and enhancing the enterprise and its members’ and associates’ activities, including, but not limited to, murders, attempted murders, robberies, drug distribution and other criminal activities;
c. Keeping the community and rivals in fear of the enterprise and its members and associates through violence and threats of violence;
d. Providing financial support and information to gang members, including those incarcerated in the United States;
e. Providing assistance to other gang members who committed crimes for and on behalf of the gang; and,
f. Hindering, obstructing, and preventing law enforcement officers from identifying, apprehending, and successfully prosecuting and punishing members of the enterprise.
BMG/DGF also held gang meetings to communicate gang information, to recruit members, issue punishment and collect gang dues from each BMG/DGF member for the benefit of the BMG/DGF organization. A portion of the dues were saved and utilized locally in what was referred to as a “community rent box” while another portion was sent up the chain of command to gang leadership in Virginia and New York. BMG/DGF members were permitted to earn their money for dues through various methods, including, but not limited to, robberies, fraud schemes, and drug distribution. The monies were used locally for loans to gang members, for drug purchases, for firearm purchases, for gifts, and cellular telephones for high-ranking members who were in jail. DEVINE ordered that individuals selling narcotics in and around Haywood Street who were not BMG/DGF members were also required to pay gang dues in order to continue their drug sales in territory controlled by BMG/DGF. Individuals who did not pay gang dues risked being robbed, assaulted, or murdered.
In his leadership position, DEVINE directed members of his gang to shoot a 16 year old rival gang member, Adarius Fowler, who died from gunshot wounds. He also ordered a gang member to shoot a person who provided information to law enforcement regarding the murder of Fowler. While this person was recovering from those gunshot injuries in the hospital, DEVINE ordered that the person be killed.
DEVINE presided over a “beat-in” gang initiation of a BMG/DGF gang member and personally assaulted another gang member whose loyalty he questioned. DEVINE conspired with other gang members to silence and threaten gang members that had been provided subpoenas to testify in a federal proceeding.
MANGUM will be sentenced in May 2020 and also faces a maximum term of imprisonment of life and a term of supervised release following any term of imprisonment.
The prosecution of DEVINE was a part of an Organized Crime and Drug Enforcement Task Force Operation (OCDETF) targeting violent gang members and drug traffickers in Raleigh, North Carolina.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Raleigh Police Department led the investigation with assistance from the North Carolina Department of Public Safety, Wake County Sheriff’s Office, Raleigh/Wake City-County Bureau of Identification, United States Marshal’s Service, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the North Carolina Office of the Chief Medical Examiner. Assistant United States Attorneys Dena King and Scott Lemmon prosecuted this case with Christina Taylor with the U.S. Department of Justice Criminal Division’s Organized Crime and Gang Section.
***
The year 2020 marks the 150th anniversary of the Department of Justice. Learn more about the history of our agency at www.Justice.gov/Celebrating150Years.
Wyoming County Dentist Sentenced for Unlawful Distribution of Controlled SubstancesRead the Press Release
HARRISBURG - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that a Wyoming County dentist, Christopher Bereznak, age 50, of Tunkhannock, Pennsylvania, was sentenced on April 20, 2020, by United States District Court Judge Robert D. Mariani to a term of imprisonment of time served, approximately eight and a half months, on unlawful drug distribution charges.
According to United States Attorney David J. Freed, In August 2019, after a 7-day trial, a federal jury found Bereznak guilty on eight counts of unlawfully distributing controlled substances outside the usual course of professional practice and without a legitimate medical purpose. It was alleged at trial that Bereznak initiated a sexual relationship with a young woman after answering her ad posted on Craig’s list wherein the young woman advertised that she was looking for a “sugar daddy.” Bereznak answered the young woman’s ad and thereafter initiated an intimate and sexual relationship with her. The relationship involved Bereznak providing prescriptions for controlled substances for the young woman in exchange for intimacy and sex. Bereznak’s sexual and unlawful relationship with the young woman was evidenced to the jury, in part, through the introduction of approximately 1,000 text messages between the two.
In addition to the term of imprisonment, Judge Mariani ordered that Bereznak be supervised by a probation officer for three years following his release from prison, and also imposed a $5,000 fine.
Bereznak’s license to practice dentistry in Pennsylvania has been suspended and his DEA registration has been revoked.
The charges stem from an investigation initiated by Drug Diversion Agents located in Scranton, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Scranton, the Olyphant Police Department, and the Lackawanna County District Attorney’s Office. Assistant United States Attorneys Michelle Olshefski and Francis P. Sempa prosecuted the case.
# # #
Wallingford Man Receives Another Year in Prison for Escaping from Hartford Halfway HouseRead the Press Release
New Haven – John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that TIMOTHY ESTRIDGE, 39, of Wallingford, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Janet C. Hall to 12 months and one day of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for escaping from a Hartford halfway house.
Pursuant to the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act), the sentencing occurred via videoconference.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on April 5, 2019, Estridge was sentenced in Hartford federal court to 24 months of imprisonment for illegally distributing amphetamines. An investigation revealed that, on December 1, 2017, Estridge filled a prescription for Adderall, which contains amphetamine, and subsequently distributed the pills to an individual in Wallingford who died of a drug overdose approximately two weeks later. The State of Connecticut Chief Medical Examiner determined the victim’s cause of death to be intoxication of a combination of heroin, fentanyl, oxycodone, alprazolam, amphetamine, and ethanol.
On October 30, 2019, the Federal Bureau of Prisons transferred Estridge to Watkinson House, a halfway house in Hartford, to complete his prison term. On November 26, 2019, after Estridge admitting using fentanyl and facility staff found evidence of intravenous drug use in his room, Estridge left the facility without permission and did not return. On December 5, 2019, Estridge turned himself into the U.S. Marshals Service.
Before his escape, Estridge was estimated to be released from custody on December 8, 2019.
Estridge has been detained since December 5, 2019. On February 24, 2020, he pleaded guilty to escape from custody.
This case was investigated by the U.S. Marshals Service and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Natasha M. Freismuth.
Wagner Man Sentenced for Simple AssaultRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a Wagner, South Dakota, man convicted of Simple Assault was sentenced on April 20, 2020, by Chief Judge Roberto A. Lange, U.S. District Court.
Francis Stanford Stricker, age 48, was sentenced to 2 years of probation, and a special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund in the amount of $10.
Stricker was indicted by a federal grand jury on March 12, 2020. He was found guilty following a two-day jury trial on January 30, 2020, in Pierre, South Dakota.
The conviction stemmed from an incident that occurred on April 7, 2018, in Mission, South Dakota. On that date, Stricker grabbed his girlfriend, knocked her down, and assaulted her with his hands while she attempted to fight him off and escape.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Rosebud Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services. Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael J. Elmore prosecuted the case. Stricker was immediately released.
Utah U.S. Attorney Highlights DOJ China Initiative During Remarks at Salt Lake City Security WebinarRead the Press Release
SALT LAKE CITY – Utah U.S. Attorney John W. Huber shared highlights of the Department of Justice’s China Initiative with law enforcement agents and officers, private sector business representatives, university officials, and others at a Salt Lake City Security Webinar Wednesday morning. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security and the FBI sponsored the webinar.
Huber’s remarks focused on the economic and national security threats China poses to the United States and the importance of defending the country against these efforts.
Huber referenced testimony given by Assistant Attorney General John C. Demers before the Senate Judiciary Committee on Dec. 12, 2018. “In many of the cases we see, China’s strategy is the same: Rob, Replicate, and Replace. Rob the American company of its intellectual property, Replicate the technology, and Replace the American company in the Chinese market and, one day, in the global market,” Demers said in his testimony.
“About 80 percent of all federal economic espionage prosecutions have conduct that would benefit China and around 60 percent of federal trade secret theft cases have some nexus to China,” Huber said.
Utah has experienced its own China-related espionage case, Huber told those participating in the webinar. Ron Rockwell Hansen, a Syracuse, Utah, resident and former Defense Intelligence Agency officer, was sentenced to 10 years in federal prison in September 2019 after admitting to spying and selling classified information to China.
Huber concluded with key takeaways for those involved in the webinar, including identifying trade secrets and valuable intellectual property; instituting protections such as non-disclosure agreements, access controls, and need-to-know rules; employee training; and developing an internal employee reporting mechanism for suspicious activities.
“Utah companies should take affirmative steps to protect their hard-earned intellectual property and trade secrets,” Huber said. “The Department of Justice will respond to the economic aggression and other national security threats from the Chinese government. United States Attorneys will hold accountable, and expose the tactics of those who would steal American innovation.”
United States Reaches $1.1 Million Settlement for Recovery of 2015 Twisp River Fire Suppression CostsRead the Press Release
Spokane – William D. Hyslop, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Washington, announced that a settlement has been reached with Okanogan County Electric Cooperative, Inc. (“OCEC”) and its insurer, requiring the payment of $1.1 million to the United States in fire suppression costs resulting from the Twisp River Fire that began on August 19, 2015.
According to information in the settlement agreement, the $1.1 million settlement recovers a large portion of the United States Forest Service’s costs incurred in suppressing the wildfire. The United States’ $1.1 million recovery was part of a larger settlement of claims that were brought separately by other plaintiffs, including a U.S. Forest Service (USFS) firefighter and the State of Washington, who sought to recover damages for personal injury and property damage caused by the 2015 Twisp River Fire.
The Twisp River Fire ultimately burned approximately 11,200 acres in north-central Washington and claimed the lives of three USFS firefighters and severely injured another USFS firefighter.
The United States claimed the Twisp River Fire ignited due to contact between a tree branch and OCEC’s electrical distribution line. The United States further claimed OCEC failed to properly maintain a vegetation management plan designed to detect and prevent the tree branch from contacting the distribution line. OCEC denied these allegations.
By its terms and as is standard for settlements of claims, the settlement agreement is not an admission of any wrongful conduct or liability by OCEC, nor is it a concession that the United States’ contentions are not well founded. Rather, it is a resolution of claims disputed by parties.
United States Attorney Hyslop said, “Nothing can undo the losses suffered by our brave fire fighters and others affected by this – as well as other – wildfires that have plagued our communities in recent years. Everyone, including individuals, businesses and power companies, must be vigilant to protect our state and our citizens from the ravages of forest fires. This settlement should send a clear message that the United States is serious about holding accountable those who cause or contribute to wildfires, and will pursue aggressively the recovery of costs incurred by the United States taxpayers in fighting these fires.”
“Firefighting is a brave and selfless act performed by highly-skilled women and men within our Agency,” said Glenn Casamassa, Pacific Northwest Regional Forester. “While this settlement doesn’t bring back the firefighters who lost their lives in this wildfire, recovering the costs of these efforts helps to allow this important work to continue.”
The case was investigated by the USFS and the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The United States’ claim was prosecuted by Joseph P. Derrig, Assistant United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Washington, Civil Division.
U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Iowa and IRS-CI warn taxpayers against fraud schemes related to COVID-19 Economic Impact PaymentsRead the Press Release
The United States Attorney's Office for the Northern District of Iowa and the Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigations (IRS-CI), St. Louis Field Office, are warning taxpayers to be on the lookout for scam artists trying to use the COVID-19 economic impact payments as cover for schemes to steal personal information and money.
Peter Deegan, U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Iowa, and Karl Stiften, Special Agent in Charge, Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI), St. Louis Field Office, made the announcement today in an effort to prevent taxpayers from falling victim to criminals using the recently approved economic impact payments as an opportunity to commit a crime.
Automatic COVID-19 economic impact payments started being deposited into taxpayers’ accounts on April 11. For most Americans, this will be a direct deposit into your bank account. For the unbanked, retirees or other groups who have traditionally received tax refunds via paper check, they will receive their economic impact payment in this manner as well. Scammers may try to get you to sign over your check to them or use this as an opportunity to get you to “verify” your filing information in order to receive your money, and then use your personal information at a later date to file false tax returns in an identity theft scheme. Because of this, everyone receiving a COVID-19 related economic impact payment from the government is at risk.
Karl Stiften, Special Agent in Charge of the IRS-CI St. Louis Field Office warned “The existence of a deadly national pandemic will not stop criminals seeking to capitalize on the fears and difficulties faced by the public as they try to line their own pockets by stealing your money or your personal information.”
Special Agent in Charge Stiften offers the following information and tips to spot a scam and understand how the COVID-19 related economic impact payments will be issued.
- The IRS will deposit your check into the direct deposit account you previously provided on your tax return (or, in the alternative, send you a paper check).
- The IRS will not call and ask you to verify your payment details. Do not give out your bank account or any other account information - even if someone claims it's necessary to get your check. It's a scam.
- If you receive a call, don't engage with scammers or thieves, even if you want to tell them that you know it's a scam, or you think that you can beat them. Just hang up.
- If you receive texts or emails claiming that you can get your money faster by sending personal information or clicking on links, delete them. Don't click on any links in those emails or texts.
- Reports are also swirling about bogus checks. If you receive a check that requires that you verify the check online or by calling a number, it’s a fraud.
In these uncertain and trying times, we need to stand together united with purpose. Don’t become a victim by allowing criminals to exploit your emotions. Stay strong, tell your family, friends and neighbors about these scams.
“We remain committed to protecting our communities from fraud during this pandemic,” said United States Attorney Peter Deegan. “As we commemorate National Crime Victims Week, it is important for everyone to remain vigilant and prevent these crimes from occurring. Protect yourself and your loved ones, especially the most vulnerable among us, by reporting any suspected fraud related to COVID-19 or economic impact payments to the IRS or the National Center for Disaster Fraud Hotline at 866-720-5721 or via email at [email protected].”
“IRS Criminal Investigation alongside the U.S. Department of Justice are prioritizing these types of investigations to help protect taxpayers and the tax system, especially those looking to prey on vulnerable taxpayers,” said Special Agent in Charge Stiften. “Remember, go directly and solely to IRS.gov for official information.”
For more information, visit the IRS website at www.irs.gov/coronavirus. You can always report scams to the IRS on the website at https://www.irs.gov/privacy-disclosure/report-phishing.
U.S. Attorney's Office and IRS-CI Warn Taxpayers against Fraud Schemes Related to COVID-19 Economic Impact PaymentsRead the Press Release
ST. LOUIS, MISSOURI - The United States Attorney's Office for the Eastern District of Missouri and Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigations (IRS-CI), St. Louis Field Office, are warning taxpayers to be on the lookout for scam artists trying to use the COVID-19 economic impact payments as cover for schemes to steal personal information and money.
Jeff Jensen, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Missouri, and Karl Stiften, Special Agent in Charge, Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation (IRSCI), St. Louis Field Office, made the announcement today in an effort to prevent taxpayers from falling victim to criminals using the recently approved economic impact payments as an opportunity to commit a crime.
Automatic COVID-19 economic impact payments started being deposited into taxpayers’ accounts on April 11. For most Americans, this will be a direct deposit into your bank account, or a paper check delivered via U.S. mail. Scammers may try to get you to sign over your check to them or use this as an opportunity to get you to “verify” your filing information in order to receive your money, and then use your personal information at a later date to file false tax returns in an identity theft scheme. Because of this, everyone receiving a COVID-19 related economic impact payment from the government is at risk.
Karl Stiften, Special Agent in Charge of the IRS-CI St. Louis Field Office warned, “The existence of a deadly national pandemic will not stop criminals seeking to capitalize on the fears and difficulties faced by the public as they try to line their own pockets by stealing your money or your personal information.”
Special Agent in Charge Stiften offers the following information and tips to spot a scam and understand how the COVID-19 related economic impact payments will be issued.
- The IRS will deposit your check into the direct deposit account you previously provided on your tax return (or, in the alternative, send you a paper check).
- The IRS will not call and ask you to verify your payment details. Do not give out your bank account or any other account information - even if someone claims it's necessary to get your check. It's a scam.
- If you receive a call, don't engage with scammers or thieves, even if you want to tell them that you know it's a scam, or you think that you can beat them. Just hang up.
- If you receive texts or emails claiming that you can get your money faster by sending personal information or clicking on links, delete them. Don't click on any links in those emails or texts.
- Reports are also swirling about bogus checks. If you receive a check that requires that you verify the check online or by calling a number, it’s a fraud.
In these uncertain and trying times, we need to stand together united with purpose. Do not become a victim by allowing criminals to exploit your emotions. Stay strong; tell your family, friends and neighbors about these scams.
“We are working closely with our law enforcement partners like IRS Criminal Investigation to protect zealously the public from fraudsters who try to take advantage of a vulnerable time for our nation,” said U.S. Attorney Jensen. “We need the public to partner with us by following the simple IRS guidance for protecting privacy and guarding against fraud.”
"IRS Criminal Investigation alongside the U.S. Department of Justice are prioritizing these types of investigations to help protect taxpayers and the tax system, especially those looking to prey on vulnerable taxpayers,” said Special Agent in Charge Stiften. “Remember, go directly and solely to IRS.gov for official information.”
For more information, visit the IRS website at www.irs.gov/coronavirus. You can always report scams to the IRS on the website at https://www.irs.gov/privacydisclosure/report-phishing
U.S. Attorney and IRS-CI Warn Taxpayers against Fraud Schemes Related to COVID-19 Economic Impact PaymentsRead the Press Release
DES MOINES, Iowa – The United States Attorney's Office for the Southern District of Iowa and Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigations (IRS-CI), St. Louis Field Office, are warning taxpayers to be on the lookout for scam artists trying to use the COVID-19 economic impact payments as cover for schemes to steal personal information and money.
United States Attorney Marc Krickbaum and Karl Stiften, Special Agent in Charge, Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI), St. Louis Field Office, made the announcement today in an effort to prevent taxpayers from falling victim to criminals using the recently approved economic impact payments as an opportunity to commit a crime.
Automatic COVID-19 economic impact payments started being deposited into taxpayers’ accounts on April 11. For most Americans, this will be a direct deposit into your bank account. For the unbanked, retirees or other groups who have traditionally received tax refunds via paper check, they will receive their economic impact payment in this manner as well. Scammers may try to get you to sign over your check to them or use this as an opportunity to get you to “verify” your filing information in order to receive your money, and then use your personal information at a later date to file false tax returns in an identity theft scheme. Because of this, everyone receiving a COVID-19 related economic impact payment from the government is at risk.
Karl Stiften, Special Agent in Charge of the IRS-CI St. Louis Field Office warned “The existence of a deadly national pandemic will not stop criminals seeking to capitalize on the fears and difficulties faced by the public as they try to line their own pockets by stealing your money or your personal information.”
“Today, we need to be just as careful about our financial information as we are about our health,” stated U.S. Attorney Krickbaum. “Don’t give out your financial or personal information—or your money – over the phone, or in response to emails or texts. And look out for your elderly neighbors, friends, and relatives to help prevent them from falling victim to scammers.”Special Agent in Charge Stiften offers the following information and tips to spot a scam and understand how the COVID-19 related economic impact payments will be issued.
• The IRS will deposit your check into the direct deposit account you previously provided on your tax return (or, in the alternative, send you a paper check).
• The IRS will not call and ask you to verify your payment details. Do not give out your bank account or any other account information - even if someone claims it's necessary to get your check. It's a scam.
• If you receive a call, don't engage with scammers or thieves, even if you want to tell them that you know it's a scam, or you think that you can beat them. Just hang up.
• If you receive texts or emails claiming that you can get your money faster by sending personal information or clicking on links, delete them. Don't click on any links in those emails or texts.
• Reports are also swirling about bogus checks. If you receive a check that requires that you verify the check online or by calling a number, it’s a fraud.
In these uncertain and trying times, we need to stand together united with purpose. Don’t become a victim by allowing criminals to exploit your emotions. Stay strong, tell your family, friends and neighbors about these scams.
"IRS Criminal Investigation alongside the U.S. Department of Justice are prioritizing these types of investigations to help protect taxpayers and the tax system, especially those looking to prey on vulnerable taxpayers,” said Special Agent in Charge Stiften. “Remember, go directly and solely to IRS.gov for official information.”
For more information, visit the IRS website at www.irs.gov/coronavirus. You can always report scams to the IRS on the website at https://www.irs.gov/privacy-disclosure/report-phishingU.S. Attorney Jay E. Town Sends Letter to Law Enforcement PartnersRead the Press Release
Birmingham, Ala. — U.S. Attorney Jay E. Town sent a letter to law enforcement partners in Northern Alabama today, encouraging continued partnerships in preventing a public health crisis from becoming a public safety crisis.
“While this pandemic has brought to the fore the very best among us, we are unfortunately becoming increasingly aware of myriad coronavirus-related criminal activities in our District and around the country,” Town said. “The COVID-19 pandemic has created many legal challenges for every member and layer of law enforcement. I am proud of the partnerships that we have forged and it is precisely those relationships that will provide the citizens of Alabama the best ability to avoid becoming victims of coronavirus-related frauds and crimes. Together we will resolve to prevent a public health crisis from becoming a public safety crisis.”
The letter was sent to law enforcement in Northern Alabama, as part of a coordinated, nationwide effort to combat COVID-19 related fraud. On March 20, Attorney General William Barr directed all 93 U.S. Attorneys to prioritize the investigation and prosecution of COVID-19 fraud.
U.S. Attorney Town encourages the public to report COVID-19 related fraud to the National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) hotline at 1-866-720-5721or to the email address [email protected].
Read U.S. Attorney Town’s letter to law enforcement partners below.
Tifton Bank Robber Pleads Guilty, Facing Max 20 Years in PrisonRead the Press Release
ALBANY, Ga. – A man who robbed a bank after threatening to blow it up has pleaded guilty to his crime, announced Charlie Peeler, the U.S. Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia. Randy Angelo Hill, 34, of Tifton, pleaded guilty to one count of bank robbery during a video teleconference hearing before U.S. District Judge Louis Sands on Tuesday, April 21, 2020. Hill is facing a maximum 20 years in prison. He remains in custody pending his sentencing, which has not yet been scheduled.
According to the facts he admitted under oath before the Court, Hill robbed the South Georgia Banking Company located at 725 West 2nd Street on October 2, 2018. Undisguised, Hill dropped a plastic bag over the teller counter and told an employee, “This is a robbery. I have a bomb. Put money in the bag. I will blow everybody up here.” Hill fled on foot with stolen cash, and was apprehended by Tifton Police that day.
“The defendant is facing serious consequences for striking terror into the bank’s hard working employees and customers. Violent criminal acts will not be tolerated in the Middle District of Georgia,” said U.S. Attorney Charlie Peeler. “I want to commend the Tifton Police Department and the Tift County Sheriff’s Office for quickly apprehending the defendant, and working alongside the FBI investigating this crime.”
"The FBI's commitment to protecting citizens and upholding the Constitution is only achieved with the partnerships of our local, state and federal law enforcement partners, and this case is another perfect example," said Chris Hacker, Special Agent in Charge of FBI Atlanta. "Because of the quick reaction of the Tifton Police Department and the Tift County Sheriff Office, this suspect won't be able to terrorize more innocent citizens in possible future crimes."
“This is good news for our community and South Georgia Bank, and we certainly hope this sends a message to others that have considered doing robberies that it doesn't pay, nor will it be tolerated in our community. We are appreciative of the Tift County Sheriff's Office, Department of Natural Resources K-9 Team for their assistance, along with the U.S. Attorney's Office,” said Tifton Police Chief Steve Hyman.
This case is being investigated by the FBI, the Tifton Police Department and the Tift County Sheriff’s Office. Criminal Division Chief Michael Solis is prosecuting the case for the Government. 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.
Three Puerto Rican Men Caught Smuggling over $3 Million Cash into St. Thomas Onboard a Vessel Near Brewer’s BayRead the Press Release
St. Thomas, USVI – Jose Ramon Pimentel-Rivera, 29, Jerry Kirkland-Marrero, 29, and Kalihel Ramos de Jesus, 27, all of Puerto Rico, made their initial appearances before United States Magistrate Judge Miller today on a criminal complaint charging all three with concealing more than $100,000 onboard a vessel outfitted for smuggling, in violation of federal law, United States Attorney Gretchen C.F. Shappert announced.
According to the affidavit filed in the case, on the night of April 21, 2020, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Air and Marine (AMO) agents were on patrol on a vessel near the entrance to Brewer’s Bay, St. Thomas, VI, when they noticed a vessel approaching without its navigation lights illuminated. The CBP AMO agents initiated a stop of the vessel by engaging the blue lights. In response, the three occupants of the vessel began throwing duffel bags overboard before coming to a stop.
After CBP AMO agents boarded the vessel and detained the three occupants, later identified as Pimentel Rivera, Kirkland-Marrero, and Ramos de Jesus, the agents recovered three duffel bags from the water that had been thrown overboard. A fourth duffel bag was discovered on the vessel. Agents estimate that the bags collectively contained at least $3 million dollars. One of the duffel bags was equipped with a GPS tracker. The vessel, which is registered in Puerto Rico, was outfitted with five fuel tanks.
This case is being investigated by CBP and the Department of Homeland Security. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Meredith Edwards.
A complaint is merely a charging document, and it is not evidence of guilt. Every defendant is presumed innocent until and unless found guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Sheltering in a Crime SceneRead the Press Release
American society’s discussion on crime typically focuses on those who threaten our communities and hurt us – the crooks, the abusers, the bad guys, the worst among us. But what those in law enforcement know is that the victims of heinous acts belong at the forefront as well. After all the crime victim drives our criminal justice system.
Ronald Reagan proclaimed the first Victims’ Rights Week in 1981, putting crime victims' rights, needs, and concerns in a prominent spot on the American agenda. He also established the President's Task Force on Victims of Crime, which laid the groundwork for a national network of services and legal safeguards for crime victims. President Trump and his administration have implemented historic levels of support for victim assistance and victim compensation.
While most violent crime is continuing to decrease during the pandemic, domestic violence calls for service are on the rise. People are more isolated. Abusive partners are under more stress. The options for escape are limited, if not cut off entirely.
Victims of crime are also without support services during this pandemic. Courts, shelters, or even other family members are frequently out of reach. Victims of domestic abuse are then forced to stay with their abusers.
Conversely, while domestic violence calls to law enforcement are increasing, protection from abuse orders are decreasing and becoming more difficult to secure as courts grapple with continuing operations while balancing the health of courthouse and courtroom personnel.
It is no solution to await the eventual end of social distancing to address the on-going and ever-present dangers endured by victims of domestic abuse. The public’s trust in our justice system hinges upon protecting victims and holding offenders accountable. Overcoming the challenges that a pandemic presents to our society and its public institutions demands our best. Our resolve to maintain the rule of law must not be one of the casualties of the coronavirus.
Prosecutors and law enforcement have proven that resolve, and shown their mettle, during this pandemic. Together, they stand at the ready to defend victims and seek justice against their abusers. But we are doing more than just arresting and prosecuting criminals.
Indeed, the hope and relief that our justice system provides should never be out of reach of victims just because they cannot physically pass through the doors of a courthouse. The recently enacted Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act – or CARES Act – provides $850 million dollars in Justice Department grants to aid in building and supporting community-based responses to the coronavirus.
In fact, the Justice Department makes hundreds of millions of dollars available each year to support victim services – the most, by far, in the history of the Crime Victims Fund. Most of that funding supports domestic violence shelters, rape crisis centers, child advocacy programs, homicide support groups, identity theft services, and local victim assistance programs.
Also, through initiatives such as Project Guardian and Project Safe Neighborhoods, the Justice Department is using more data, resources, and technology than ever before to prevent firearms from illegally coming into possession of known domestic abusers and violent offenders. And because of the partnerships forged between state and federal prosecutors, those defendants are going to federal prison…where there is no sanctuary of parole.
Being stuck inside has many challenges for all of us. But this National Crime Victims’ Rights Week, and moving forward, we need to remember that there are those among us, perhaps unknown to us, who are simply stuck. The justice system must continue to provide legal options for victims of crime, especially victims of domestic violence and abuse, during this pandemic.
U.S. Attorney General William Barr noted this week that: “Every year, millions of Americans suffer the shock and trauma of criminal victimization, affecting their well-being and sense of security and dignity.” He affirmed the Department of Justice’s “unwavering commitment to supporting them in their hour of need.” Indeed, this week is an opportunity for the men and women of the Department to recommit ourselves once again to ensuring that crime victims are protected and continue to have a voice in our legal system.
Especially at the time of the coronavirus, a public health crisis must not be allowed to expand into a public safety crisis. While all victims of crime are priorities of the criminal justice system, it is critical that we consider how sheltering in place can be especially challenging for victims of domestic violence or abuse. Their homes, too often, are neither shelters nor safe spaces.
They are crime scenes.
Romanian Man Sentenced to over Three Years in Federal Prison for Card Skimming OffensesRead the Press Release
A Romanian man who used more than fifty counterfeit debit or credit cards containing “skimmed” account information at an ATM in Hiawatha, Iowa, was sentenced on April 21, 2020, to more than three years in federal prison.
Romica Martuica, age 21, from Romania, received the prison term after a November 5, 2019 guilty plea to illegal transactions with an access device and aggravated identity theft.
Information in a plea agreement and at sentencing showed that Martuica entered the United States illegally in 2016. On February 16, 2019, Hiawatha police officers arrested him at an ATM. At the time of his arrest, Martuica and two individuals with him had more than ninety counterfeit cards in their possession. These cards contained account information that had been acquired by card “skimmers,” which are devices placed on ATMs or other point-of-sale machines to capture credit or debit card information. Martuica made or attempted over seventy transactions at the ATM using these cards and successfully withdrew $8,685 before the police arrived.
Martuica was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Judge C.J. Williams. Martuica was sentenced to 42 months’ imprisonment. He was ordered to make $8,685 in restitution to victims of the offense. He must also serve a three-year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system.
Martuica is being held in the United States Marshal’s custody until he can be transported to a federal prison.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Kyndra Lundquist and investigated by Homeland Security Investigations and the Hiawatha Police Department.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 19-cr-62.
Follow us on Twitter @USAO_NDIA.
Pryor man sentenced to prison for assault on elderly manRead the Press Release
BILLINGS—A Pryor man convicted by a jury of beating an elderly man and causing facial injuries was sentenced today to 54 months in prison and three years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme said.
After a two-day trial, a jury on Nov. 13, 2019 found Joseph Nathan Smells, 34, guilty of assault resulting in serious bodily injury.
U.S. District Judge Susan P. Watters presided.
“Our senior citizens deserve our respect, not abuse. Elder abuse is an all too common crime in our communities. We will prosecute those who harm our elders to the full extent of the law. I want to thank Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeanne Torske, Legal Intern Ryan Warner, the Bureau of Indian Affairs and the FBI for investigating and prosecuting this case,” U.S. Attorney Alme said.
In documents filed in the case, the prosecution presented evidence that Smells assaulted the victim, an elderly man, by head-butting and punching him on Feb. 13, 2019. The victim suffered multiple facial injuries that required surgery.
The assault occurred in Pryor, on the Crow Indian Reservation, as the victim was sitting in a vehicle. While dropping off another passenger, the group in the vehicle passed a house. The driver noticed that the door had been kicked in and stopped to investigate. The driver walked toward the house and saw Smells just inside the house and another man. The driver told them both to leave. Smells and the driver argued, and as the driver tried to call police, Smells walked to the vehicle, where the victim was a passenger. Smells spoke briefly to the victim, then jerked open the door and began assaulting him. After the fight, Smells ran away.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeanne Torske and Legal Intern Ryan Warner prosecuted the case, which was investigated by the Bureau of Indian Affairs and the FBI.
XXX
Pittsburgh Felon Sentenced on Illegal Gun Possession, False Statements, and Theft ChargesRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH - A former resident of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced in federal court to a term of imprisonment of time served to be followed by three years of supervised release on his conviction of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, false statements to the government, and theft of government money, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.
United States District Judge Joyce Flowers Conti imposed the sentence on Octavio Rodrizuez Shipman, age 54. This defendant has been in some type of federal/state custody since his arrest on January 2, 2019.
Previously, in connection with Shipman’s guilty plea, the court was advised that in April 2018, Shipman’s paramour purchased a 9mm semi-automatic Canik pistol, which he took possession of shortly after. Around the end of April 2018, Shipman sold the Canik pistol to another individual in McKees Rocks. Shipman had been convicted of 8 offenses in 5 different cases between 1992 and 2002. Federal law prohibits anyone who has been convicted of a crime punishable by a term of imprisonment exceeding one year from possessing a firearm.
The court was further advised that on or around July 12, 2018, Shipman falsely represented to federal law enforcement agents that another individual had sold him two bags of cocaine in exchange for $2,800.00 when in fact he and the other individual knowingly obtained a non-narcotic substance from a retail store, which Shipman represented to law enforcement agents was cocaine that he had purchased. The court was advised that Shipman willfully converted $2,800 in U.S. currency from the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration for his own use.
Assistant United States Attorney David Lew prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Drug Enforcement Administration, and the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police, conducted the investigation leading to the
guilty pleas in this case. These cases were brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods. 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.
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 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. For more information about Project Guardian, please see: https://www.justice.gov/projectguardian.
On 50th Anniversary of Earth Day, the Justice Department’s Environment and Natural Resources Division Celebrates Achievements in Environmental LawRead the Press Release
On the 50th anniversary of Earth Day, the Department of Justice’s Environment and Natural Resources Division (ENRD) celebrated its latest accomplishments and reflected on half a century of the division’s impact on environmental and natural resource law in the United States.
“This report covers my first year as the Assistant Attorney General for the Division, and I deeply appreciate this opportunity to serve the American people and support President Trump’s ambitious agenda,” said Jeffrey Bossert Clark, Assistant Attorney General for ENRD. “I continue to believe that environmental law must always be guided by the bedrock principles enshrined in our Constitution. These principles have guided our nation for almost a quarter of a millennium, and they serve as a guidepost for everything we do in ENRD.”
“More American families are breathing clean air and drinking clean water due to the efforts of the Environment and Natural Resources Division,” said Claire McCusker Murray, Principal Deputy Associate Attorney General. “ENRD’s tremendous work is essential to the department’s mission of faithfully enforcing the law and defending the interests of the United States.”
In fiscal year 2019, the ENRD remained focused on several key objectives: vigorously enforcing pollution abatement and wildlife protection laws, particularly in cases of fraud or abuse; promoting energy independence and economic growth by defending the reduction of regulatory burdens and supporting infrastructure development; strengthening national security and border protection; promoting federalism; and protecting the public fisc. ENRD worked on approximately 3,077 cases and matters, while maintaining a robust docket of over 6,110 active cases and matters. The division obtained over $858 million in civil and criminal fines, penalties, and costs recovered. The estimated value of federal injunctive relief obtained—including cleanup and pollution-prevention actions funded by private parties—exceeded $3.4 billion.
Fifty years ago, on April 22, 1970, over 20 million people participated in a wide variety of public gatherings as part of the nation’s first Earth Day. From coast to coast, the American people provided a powerful civic response to environmental degradation and a clear demand for broad national measures to protect the environment and conserve natural resources.
Over the next 10 years, Congress passed many of the foundational environmental and natural resources statutes of the modern era, including the Clean Air Act (1970), the Federal Water Pollution Control Act (1972), the Coastal Zone Management Act (1972), the Marine Mammal Protection Act (1972), the Endangered Species Act (1973), the Safe Drinking Water Act (1974), the Federal Land Policy and Management Act (1976), the National Forest Management Act (1976), the Magnuson Fishery Conservation and Recovery Act (1976), the Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act (1977), and the Public Rangelands Improvement Act (1978).
Throughout this flurry of legislative activity, ENRD grew and adapted to enforce these new statutes and defend client agencies’ decisions under them. This latest Accomplishments Report contains a special section on how over the last 50 years, ENRD’s diverse practice has played an essential role in shaping and defending the legislative and regulatory responses to pollution and conservation. The achievements described in the report continue to highlight ENRD’s efforts to advance environmental values since the first Earth Day in 1970.
Read more about ENRD history and accomplishments here.
Watch a Video about ENRD’s history since the first Earth Day here.
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.