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Tuesday 21 April 2020
Department of Justice Commemorates National Crime Victims’ Rights WeekRead the Press Release
DETROIT - U.S. Attorney Matthew Schneider joins the Department of Justice and communities nationwide in observing National Crime Victims’ Rights Week, celebrating victims’ rights, protections and services throughout the week. This year’s observance takes place April 19-25 and features the theme, “Seek Justice| Ensure Victims' Rights | Inspire Hope.”
“Every year, millions of Americans suffer the shock and trauma of criminal victimization, affecting their well-being and sense of security and dignity,” said Attorney General William P. Barr. “To these victims, we affirm our unwavering commitment to supporting them in their hour of need. We also commend the thousands of victim advocates and public safety professionals who labor tirelessly to secure victims’ rights and support survivors.”
“We must always support and defend crime victims, and this is especially important now, when criminals across the country are being released from jails and prisons due to the Coronavirus,” said United States Attorney Matthew Schneider. “Even though our annual Crime Victims’ Rights Week event honoring the courage and strength of crime victim survivors and those who help victims of crime has been postponed, our staff of professionals continue to ensure that victims’ rights are protected and that they have access to services in their time of need.”
“While we have made tremendous progress driving down crime and violence across the country, far too many Americans continue to suffer the pain and loss of criminal victimization,” said Katharine T. Sullivan, Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General of the Office of Justice Programs. “This week, we stand by these survivors and their families, and we pledge our ongoing support to the countless men and women who serve them with such extraordinary skill and compassion.”
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.
Some 3.3 million Americans age 12 and older were victims of violent crime in 2018, according to the National Crime Victimization Survey. The Office for Victims of Crime (OVC), part of the Justice Department’s Office of Justice Programs, supports more than 7,000 local victim assistance programs and victim compensation programs in every state and U.S. territory. Funds for these programs come from the Crime Victims Fund, which is made up of federal criminal fines, penalties and bond forfeitures.
During National Crime Victims’ Rights Week, victim advocacy organizations, community groups and state, local and tribal agencies traditionally host rallies, candlelight vigils, and other events to raise awareness of victims’ rights and services. This year, many communities are organizing virtual gatherings and online public awareness campaigns.
This year’s commemoration began yesterday, 25 years to the day when a truck bomb exploded in front of the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, taking the lives of 168 people, including 19 children, as well as injuring hundreds of others. The mass murder remains the worst act of domestic terrorism in our nation’s history and led to the establishment of the Antiterrorism Emergency Reserve, which is administered by OVC, and has been used to provide direct services to hundreds of victims of mass violence and terrorism.
“Crime victims deserve to know that they have the encouragement and support of the American people,” said OVC Director Jessica E. Hart. “I hope that citizens throughout the nation will take the opportunity this week to remember all victims of crime and their heroic stories of survival. I encourage everyone to also find meaningful ways to express their appreciation to the many committed and compassionate service providers across the country who work tirelessly supporting these survivors.”
This year, the annual National Crime Victims’ Service Awards Ceremony will be postponed until a time when we can honor this year’s award recipients in person. During the ceremony, OVC will present awards recognizing individuals and organizations from across the nation for their outstanding service on behalf of crime victims. The awardees will be selected from public nominations in 11 categories, including federal service, special courage, public policy, and victim services. Visit www.ovc.gov/gallery to learn more about past recipients.
For more information on how to create your own public campaigns to raise awareness about crime victims’ rights online and at events throughout the year, please visit: https://ovc.ncjrs.gov/ncvrw2020/overview.html.
Department of Justice Commemorates National Crime Victims’ Rights WeekRead the Press Release
HARRISBURG – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania joins with the Justice Department to raise public awareness of victims’ rights in observance of National Crime Victims’ Rights Week.
“Every year, millions of Americans suffer the shock and trauma of criminal victimization, affecting their well-being and sense of security and dignity,” said Attorney General William P. Barr. “To these victims, we affirm our unwavering commitment to supporting them in their hour of need. We also commend the thousands of victim advocates and public safety professionals who labor tirelessly to secure victims’ rights and support survivors.”
“There is no greater honor for a prosecutor than to speak on behalf of a victim of crime,” said U.S. Attorney David J. Freed. “There can be no justice if the rights of victims of crime are not upheld. We are proud to join with our federal, state and local partners to commemorate Crime Victims’ Rights Week 2020.”
“While we have made tremendous progress driving down crime and violence across the country, far too many Americans continue to suffer the pain and loss of criminal victimization,” said Katharine T. Sullivan, Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General of the Office of Justice Programs. “This week, we stand by these survivors and their families, and we pledge our ongoing support to the countless men and women who serve them with such extraordinary skill and compassion.”
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.
Some 3.3 million Americans age 12 and older were victims of violent crime in 2018, according to the National Crime Victimization Survey. The Office for Victims of Crime (OVC), part of the Justice Department’s Office of Justice Programs, supports more than 7,000 local victim assistance programs and victim compensation programs in every state and U.S. territory. Funds for these programs come from the Crime Victims Fund, which is made up of federal criminal fines, penalties and bond forfeitures.
During National Crime Victims’ Rights Week, victim advocacy organizations, community groups and state, local and tribal agencies traditionally host rallies, candlelight vigils, and other events to raise awareness of victims’ rights and services. This year, many communities are organizing virtual gatherings and online public awareness campaigns.
This year’s commemoration began yesterday, 25 years to the day when a truck bomb exploded in front of the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, taking the lives of 168 people, including 19 children, as well as injuring hundreds of others. The mass murder remains the worst act of domestic terrorism in our nation’s history and led to the establishment of the Antiterrorism Emergency Reserve, which is administered by OVC, and has been used to provide direct services to hundreds of victims of mass violence and terrorism.
“Crime victims deserve to know that they have the encouragement and support of the American people,” said OVC Director Jessica E. Hart. “I hope that citizens throughout the nation will take the opportunity this week to remember all victims of crime and their heroic stories of survival. I encourage everyone to also find meaningful ways to express their appreciation to the many committed and compassionate service providers across the country who work tirelessly supporting these survivors.”
This year, the annual National Crime Victims’ Service Awards Ceremony will be postponed until a time when we can honor this year’s award recipients in person. During the ceremony, OVC will present awards recognizing individuals and organizations from across the nation for their outstanding service on behalf of crime victims. The awardees will be selected from public nominations in 11 categories, including federal service, special courage, public policy, and victim services. Visit www.ovc.gov/gallery to learn more about past recipients.
For more information on how to create your own public campaigns to raise awareness about crime victims’ rights online and at events throughout the year, please visit: https://ovc.ncjrs.gov/ncvrw2020/overview.html.
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Department of Justice Commemorates National Crime Victims’ Rights WeekRead the Press Release
BILLINGS – U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme joins the Department of Justice and communities nationwide in observing National Crime Victims’ Rights Week, celebrating victims’ rights, protections and services throughout the week. This year’s observance takes place April 19-25 and features the theme, “Seek Justice| Ensure Victims' Rights | Inspire Hope.”
“Every year, millions of Americans suffer the shock and trauma of criminal victimization, affecting their well-being and sense of security and dignity,” said Attorney General William P. Barr. “To these victims, we affirm our unwavering commitment to supporting them in their hour of need. We also commend the thousands of victim advocates and public safety professionals who labor tirelessly to secure victims’ rights and support survivors.”
“Violent crime in Montana increased 36% since 2013. Each of those crimes had victims who suffered pain, loss and trauma, sometimes for the rest of their lives. We all need to work together to ensure that people in our communities stay safe from dangerous criminals. I want to thank those who came forward, and especially the courageous victims, to report crimes and to ensure the attackers didn’t hurt anyone else. I also want to commend our federal, state, tribal and local prosecutors, law enforcement and especially our victim specialists who work every day to seek justice for victims and provide them support,” U.S. Attorney Alme said.
“While we have made tremendous progress driving down crime and violence across the country, far too many Americans continue to suffer the pain and loss of criminal victimization,” said Katharine T. Sullivan, Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General of the Office of Justice Programs. “This week, we stand by these survivors and their families, and we pledge our ongoing support to the countless men and women who serve them with such extraordinary skill and compassion.”
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.
Some 3.3 million Americans age 12 and older were victims of violent crime in 2018, according to the National Crime Victimization Survey. The Office for Victims of Crime (OVC), part of the Justice Department’s Office of Justice Programs, supports more than 7,000 local victim assistance programs and victim compensation programs in every state and U.S. territory. Funds for these programs come from the Crime Victims Fund, which is made up of federal criminal fines, penalties and bond forfeitures.
During National Crime Victims’ Rights Week, victim advocacy organizations, community groups and state, local and tribal agencies traditionally host rallies, candlelight vigils, and other events to raise awareness of victims’ rights and services. This year, many communities are organizing virtual gatherings and online public awareness campaigns.
This year’s commemoration began yesterday, 25 years to the day when a truck bomb exploded in front of the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, taking the lives of 168 people, including 19 children, as well as injuring hundreds of others. The mass murder remains the worst act of domestic terrorism in our nation’s history and led to the establishment of the Antiterrorism Emergency Reserve, which is administered by OVC, and has been used to provide direct services to hundreds of victims of mass violence and terrorism.
“Crime victims deserve to know that they have the encouragement and support of the American people,” said OVC Director Jessica E. Hart. “I hope that citizens throughout the nation will take the opportunity this week to remember all victims of crime and their heroic stories of survival. I encourage everyone to also find meaningful ways to express their appreciation to the many committed and compassionate service providers across the country who work tirelessly supporting these survivors.”
This year, the annual National Crime Victims’ Service Awards Ceremony will be postponed until a time when we can honor this year’s award recipients in person. During the ceremony, OVC will present awards recognizing individuals and organizations from across the nation for their outstanding service on behalf of crime victims. The awardees will be selected from public nominations in 11 categories, including federal service, special courage, public policy, and victim services. Visit www.ovc.gov/gallery to learn more about past recipients.
For more information on how to create your own public campaigns to raise awareness about crime victims’ rights online and at events throughout the year, please visit: https://ovc.ncjrs.gov/ncvrw2020/overview.html.
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Department of Justice Commemorates National Crime Victims’ Rights WeekRead the Press Release
SIOUX FALLS, SD – United States Attorney Ron Parsons joined the Department of Justice and communities nationwide in observing National Crime Victims’ Rights Week and announced that nine individuals in the District of South Dakota are being honored by the U.S. Attorney’s Office in recognition of their outstanding dedication, service, and contributions on behalf of crime victims. This year’s observance takes place April 19-25 and features the theme: “Seek Justice. Ensure Victims' Rights. Inspire Hope.”
The Department of Justice’s Office for Victims of Crime will join communities nationwide in observing National Crime Victims’ Rights Week and celebrating victims’ rights, protections, and services. Unfortunately, due to COVID-19, official award ceremonies are postponed indefinitely.
“Every year, millions of Americans suffer the shock and trauma of criminal victimization, affecting their well-being and sense of security and dignity,” said Attorney General William P. Barr. “To these victims, we affirm our unwavering commitment to supporting them in their hour of need.”
“The Department of Justice is committed to supporting the survivors of crime and their families,” said U.S. Attorney Parsons. “We also commend the many victim advocates and public safety professionals who tirelessly work to support the survivors of crime, secure their dignity, and protect their rights with dedication and compassion. This year’s honorees are shining examples of that extraordinary commitment.”
Those being honored by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of South Dakota as part of National Crime Victim’s Week are:
- Emily’s Hope, a non-profit organization founded by Angela Kennecke as a means of channeling the heartbreak of her daughter’s death due to fentanyl poisoning into action to help prevent others from suffering a similar tragedy, is recognized for its outstanding efforts to raise awareness of the opioid epidemic, ease the stigma of addiction, and assist the victims of drug trafficking by helping to offset the cost of treatment. In its first year alone, Emily’s Hope was able to raise $250,000 to fund scholarships for patients seeking treatment at the Avera Addiction Care Center in Sioux Falls.
- Amanda Liebl, a forensic interviewer with Child’s Voice in Sioux Falls, is commended for her outstanding professional conduct in forensically interviewing a 13 year-old girl that was physically and sexually abused by a family member.
- Dr. Brooke Jones, a pediatrician with Child’s Voice in Sioux Falls, is recognized for her medical treatment and care for a 13 year-old girl that was physically and sexually abused by a family member and providing expert testimony at a jury trial resulting in a conviction and justice for the victim.
- Dr. Deb McParland, a psychiatrist at Our Home in Parkston, is recognized for her outstanding efforts in providing a safe and nurturing environment to a 13 year-old girl that was physically and sexually abused by a family member. Known as "Dr. Deb" by the residents, she assisted in providing the nurturing and stable environment necessary for the victim to regain her health. Dr. McParland went the extra mile by accompanying the victim to court to support her during her trial testimony against her abuser.
- Alex Chasing-Sainz, a Yankton Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Officer, is commended for his remarkable investigation that led to the swift apprehension of the attacker of two elderly women in the Yankton Sioux Tribe community.
- Patricia Irons, a resident of Marty, is recognized for her brave and outstanding cooperation with law enforcement to assist in the investigation of a violent crime against a neighbor.
- Curt L. Muller, Special Agent in Charge, Kansas City Region, Office of Inspector General - Office of Investigations, U.S. Department of Health & Human Services – Special Agent in Charge Muller’s tireless efforts in investigating Dr. Stanley Patrick Weber, starting in 2015, resulted in Weber’s conviction for eight child sex related convictions, and ultimate life sentences for his prolific abuse of children on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation in South Dakota and the Blackfeet Indian Reservation in Montana spanning over 30 years. Special Agent in Charge Muller conducted over 200 interviews, assisted in the preparations for a complicated trial, and arranged for his agency to provide unprecedented support for the case and victims of Weber’s crimes.
- Fred Bennett, former Special Agent for the Bureau of Indian Affairs traveled extensively to obtain evidence vital to Stanley Weber’s convictions. It was his work with several victims that obtained their cooperation, despite the difficulty in that process. Special Agent Bennett was the first law enforcement official to persuade one of Weber’s victims to go on the record about the crimes committed against him, which led to the cases being prosecuted.
- Justin Christman, Special Agent, Office of Inspector General – Office of Inspection, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Special Agent Christman assisted in the investigation and trial preparation for the Stanley Weber case.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of South Dakota and the Department of Justice commend these outstanding advocates for the victims of crime and thank them for their extraordinary service to our communities.
President 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.
Some 3.3 million Americans age 12 and older were victims of violent crime in 2018, according to the National Crime Victimization Survey. The Office for Victims of Crime (OVC), part of the Justice Department’s Office of Justice Programs, supports more than 7,000 local victim assistance programs and victim compensation programs in every state and U.S. territory. Funds for these programs come from the Crime Victims Fund, which is made up of federal criminal fines, penalties and bond forfeitures.
For additional information about the 2020 National Crime Victims’ Rights Week, visit: http://www.ovc.gov/
- Emily’s Hope, a non-profit organization founded by Angela Kennecke as a means of channeling the heartbreak of her daughter’s death due to fentanyl poisoning into action to help prevent others from suffering a similar tragedy, is recognized for its outstanding efforts to raise awareness of the opioid epidemic, ease the stigma of addiction, and assist the victims of drug trafficking by helping to offset the cost of treatment. In its first year alone, Emily’s Hope was able to raise $250,000 to fund scholarships for patients seeking treatment at the Avera Addiction Care Center in Sioux Falls.
Department of Justice and U.s. Attorney Mike Hurst Commemorate National Crime Victims’ Rights WeekRead the Press Release
Jackson, Miss. – U.S. Attorney Mike Hurst joined the Department of Justice and communities nationwide today in observing National Crime Victims’ Rights Week, celebrating victims’ rights, protections and services throughout the week. This year’s observance takes place April 19-25 and features the theme, “Seek Justice| Ensure Victims' Rights | Inspire Hope.”
“Every year, millions of Americans suffer the shock and trauma of criminal victimization, affecting their well-being and sense of security and dignity,” said Attorney General William P. Barr. “To these victims, we affirm our unwavering commitment to supporting them in their hour of need. We also commend the thousands of victim advocates and public safety professionals who labor tirelessly to secure victims’ rights and support survivors.”
“We rightly honor crime victims every year during this week. And every day, the U.S. Attorney’s Office works tirelessly to afford victims their rights under the law and to ensure that justice is done. I want to thank our office’s victim coordinator, Lisa Futvoye, as well as the countless victim advocates, partners, and other professionals who work so vigorously to care for victims. Crime victims deserve justice, and, as long as I am U.S. Attorney, they will get it from this office,” said U.S. Attorney Hurst.
“While we have made tremendous progress driving down crime and violence across the country, far too many Americans continue to suffer the pain and loss of criminal victimization,” said Katharine T. Sullivan, Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General of the Office of Justice Programs. “This week, we stand by these survivors and their families, and we pledge our ongoing support to the countless men and women who serve them with such extraordinary skill and compassion.”
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.
Some 3.3 million Americans age 12 and older were victims of violent crime in 2018, according to the National Crime Victimization Survey. The Office for Victims of Crime (OVC), part of the Justice Department’s Office of Justice Programs, supports more than 7,000 local victim assistance programs and victim compensation programs in every state and U.S. territory. Funds for these programs come from the Crime Victims Fund, which is made up of federal criminal fines, penalties and bond forfeitures.
During National Crime Victims’ Rights Week, victim advocacy organizations, community groups and state, local and tribal agencies traditionally host rallies, candlelight vigils, and other events to raise awareness of victims’ rights and services. This year, many communities are organizing virtual gatherings and online public awareness campaigns.
This year’s commemoration began yesterday, 25 years to the day when a truck bomb exploded in front of the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, taking the lives of 168 people, including 19 children, as well as injuring hundreds of others. The mass murder remains the worst act of domestic terrorism in our nation’s history and led to the establishment of the Antiterrorism Emergency Reserve, which is administered by OVC, and has been used to provide direct services to hundreds of victims of mass violence and terrorism.
“Crime victims deserve to know that they have the encouragement and support of the American people,” said OVC Director Jessica E. Hart. “I hope that citizens throughout the nation will take the opportunity this week to remember all victims of crime and their heroic stories of survival. I encourage everyone to also find meaningful ways to express their appreciation to the many committed and compassionate service providers across the country who work tirelessly supporting these survivors.”
This year, the annual National Crime Victims’ Service Awards Ceremony will be postponed until a time when we can honor this year’s award recipients in person. During the ceremony, OVC will present awards recognizing individuals and organizations from across the nation for their outstanding service on behalf of crime victims. The awardees will be selected from public nominations in 11 categories, including federal service, special courage, public policy, and victim services. Visit www.ovc.gov/gallery to learn more about past recipients.
For more information on how to create your own public campaigns to raise awareness about crime victims’ rights online and at events throughout the year, please visit: https://ovc.ncjrs.gov/ncvrw2020/overview.html.
Cumberland County Attorney Admits Tax EvasionRead the Press Release
CAMDEN, N.J. – A Cumberland County, New Jersey-based attorney today admitted evading more than $250,000 in federal taxes on income generated from his law firm, U.S. Attorney Craig Carpenito announced.
Douglas M. Long, 54, of Upper Deerfield, New Jersey, pleaded guilty by video conference before U.S. District Judge Noel. L Hillman in Camden federal court to an information charging him with one count of federal income tax evasion.
According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:
From 2012 through 2015, Long, managing partner of the Woodbury, New Jersey, law firm Long & Marmero LLP, exercised primary control over the firm’s finances and supervised the firm’s bookkeeper. Many of Long’s personal expenses, including school tuition for his children, utilities and service fees for his personal residences, student loan payments for Long and his spouse, and other expenses, repeatedly were paid out of the law firm’s bank accounts. Long directed the bookkeeper to falsely classify these payments as law firm business expenses to avoid his tax obligations. He also falsely declared, under penalty of perjury, that his personal tax returns for tax years 2012 through 2015 were true and accurate when they were not. Long ultimately concealed over $800,000 in personal income and evaded payment of over $250,000 in taxes owed to the IRS during tax years 2012 through 2015, including $368,000 in income and $120,000 in taxes for tax year 2014.
The tax evasion charge is punishable by a maximum penalty of five years in prison and a potential fine of $250,000 or twice the gross gain or loss from the offense. In connection with his plea, Long also agreed to pay restitution to the IRS. Sentencing is scheduled for Sept. 11, 2020.
U.S. Attorney Carpenito credited special agents of IRS-Criminal Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge John R. Tafur, and the FBI, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Gregory W. Ehrie, with the investigation leading to today’s guilty plea.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Gabriel J. Vidoni of the Office’s Camden branch and Bruce P. Keller of Special Prosecutions Division.
Covina Man Arrested on Federal Charge Alleging He Cyberstalked and Threatened Violence Against Teenage Girls via Social MediaRead the Press Release
LOS ANGELES – Special agents with the FBI this morning arrested a San Gabriel Valley man and online promoter of the involuntary celibate (incel) subculture on a federal cyberstalking charge that he conducted an internet harassment campaign against two teenage girls who rejected his sexual advances.
Carl Bennington, 33, of Covina, was arrested pursuant to a criminal complaint unsealed today in United States District Court in Los Angeles. Bennington will remain in federal custody pending the outcome of detention hearing scheduled for Thursday. His arraignment is scheduled for May 11.
The complaint alleges that, from at least February 2016 to March 2020, Bennington repeatedly used various social media accounts to harass young girls and women, including by sending hundreds of messages threatening to commit acts of physical and sexual violence against them if they did not submit to his sexual advances.
Neither victim ever met Bennington in person, according to the complaint. When one of the victims demanded that Bennington stop harassing her, Bennington replied that he was going to kill her and her family.
Social media records show that, in addition to the threatening and harassing messages he sent to young women and girls, Bennington frequently made statements on internet groups promoting incel ideology. According to court documents, incels are persons who are unable to find a willing sex partner. Incel ideology promotes the view that women oppress men and have too much freedom to choose their own sexual partners. The ideology ranges in tone from sad and self-loathing to advocating the “absolute hatred” of women, according to court documents.
The complaint charges Bennington with cyberstalking, a felony offense that carries a statutory maximum sentence of five years in federal prison.
A criminal complaint contains allegations that a defendant has committed a crime. Every defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
The FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force investigated this matter.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney David T. Ryan of the Terrorism and Export Crimes Section.
Chipotle Mexican Grill Agrees to Pay $25 Million Fine to Resolve Charges Stemming from More Than 1,100 Cases of Foodborne IllnessRead the Press Release
LOS ANGELES – Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc. has agreed to pay a $25 million criminal fine and institute a comprehensive food safety program to resolve criminal charges that it adulterated food that sickened more than 1,100 people across the United States from 2015 to 2018.
The Justice Department today charged the Newport Beach-based Chipotle with two counts of violating the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act by adulterating food while held for sale after shipment in interstate commerce.
In conjunction with the criminal information filed in United States District Court in Los Angeles, prosecutors also filed a deferred prosecution agreement (DPA) in which Chipotle agreed to pay $25 million – the largest fine ever imposed in a food safety case.
The criminal charges stem, in part, from incidents related to outbreaks in Chipotle restaurants of norovirus, a highly contagious pathogen that can be easily transmitted by infected food workers handling ready-to-eat foods and their ingredients. Norovirus can cause severe symptoms, including diarrhea, vomiting and abdominal cramping.
“Chipotle failed to ensure that its employees both understood and complied with its food safety protocols, resulting in hundreds of customers across the country getting sick,” said United States Attorney Nick Hanna. “Today’s steep penalty, coupled with the tens of millions of dollars Chipotle already has spent to upgrade its food safety program since 2015, should result in greater protections for Chipotle customers and remind others in the industry to review and improve their own health and safety practices.”
“This case highlights why it is important for restaurants and members of the food services industry to ensure that managers and employees consistently follow food safety policies,” said Assistant Attorney General Jody Hunt of the Department of Justice’s Civil Division. “The Department of Justice will vigorously enforce food safety laws in order to protect public health.”
“The FDA will hold food companies accountable when they endanger the public’s health by purveying adulterated food that causes outbreaks of illness,” said FDA Commissioner Stephen M. Hahn, M.D. “We will continue to investigate and bring to justice any company whose food products present a health hazard to consumers.”
As the company admitted in the DPA: “From approximately 2015 to 2018, Chipotle faced at least five food safety incidents at various restaurants around the country, which stemmed primarily from store-level employees’ failure to follow Chipotle’s food safety policies and procedures, including the policy requiring the exclusion of restaurant employees who were sick or recently had been sick, as well as a failure by restaurant employees to hold food at appropriate temperatures to prevent and control for the growth of foodborne pathogens.” These incidents primarily stemmed from store-level employees’ failure to follow company food safety protocols at company-owned restaurants in Los Angeles; Simi Valley, California; Boston; Sterling, Virginia; and Powell, Ohio.
In August 2015, 234 consumers and employees of a Chipotle restaurant in Simi Valley reported becoming ill. On August 19, 2015, an employee of that restaurant was sent home because he vomited. Although company policies required the restaurant to report such illnesses to Chipotle safety officials and to implement food safety procedures, the restaurant did not do so until two days afterward – and only after multiple consumers reported illnesses.
In December 2015, over the course of nine days, 141 people reported illness related to a norovirus incident at a Chipotle restaurant in Boston, most likely the result of an ill employee who was ordered to continue working after vomiting inside the restaurant – a clear violation of company policy. Two days later, the apprentice manager returned to work and helped package a catering order for a Boston College basketball team, whose members were among the consumers sickened by the outbreak.
In July 2018, over the course of at least eight days, approximately 647 people who dined at a Chipotle restaurant in Powell, Ohio reported illness related to Clostridium perfringens, a bacteria that grows rapidly when food is not held at appropriate temperatures. The local health department determined that the restaurant had critical violations of the local food regulations, including those specific to time and temperature controls for lettuce and beans.
Some Chipotle employees reported stressful working conditions, as well as inadequate staffing and training opportunities, according to the DPA. During the period from 2015 to 2018, store-level Chipotle employees, many of whom were teenagers and young adults, felt that they could not stay at home when they were sick. Due to the pressure of not wanting to let their teammates down, or of finding people to cover their work shifts, these employees reported feeling pressure to work while sick, even though this was against Chipotle’s sick-exclusion policies.
In the DPA, Chipotle also agreed to develop and follow a comprehensive food safety compliance program. As part of this program, Chipotle will work with its Food Safety Council to evaluate, among other things, the company’s food safety audits, restaurant staffing and employee training to mitigate the issues that led to the outbreaks from 2015 to 2018. If the company complies with the deferred prosecution agreement for three years, the government will move to dismiss the criminal information.
This matter was investigated by the Food and Drug Administration’s Office of Criminal Investigations.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Joseph O. Johns, Chief of the Environmental and Community Safety Crimes Section; Assistant United States Attorney Mark A. Williams and Special Assistant United States Attorney Sonia W. Nath, both of the Environmental and Community Safety Crimes Section; and Trial Attorney Daniel E. Zytnick of the Justice Department’s Consumer Protection Branch.
Chipotle Mexican Grill Agrees to Pay $25 Million Fine and Enter a Deferred Prosecution Agreement to Resolve Charges Related to Foodborne Illness OutbreaksRead the Press Release
Chipotle Mexican Grill Inc. will pay $25 million to resolve criminal charges related to the company’s involvement in foodborne illness outbreaks that sickened more than 1,100 people between 2015 and 2018, the Department of Justice announced today.
A criminal information filed today in federal court in Los Angeles charges Chipotle with adulterating food in violation of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act. The Newport Beach, California-based company agreed to a three-year deferred prosecution agreement (DPA) that will allow it to avoid conviction if it complies with an improved food safety program. Chipotle also agreed to pay the $25 million criminal fine, the largest ever in a food safety case, as part of the DPA.
“This case highlights why it is important for restaurants and members of the food services industry to ensure that managers and employees consistently follow food safety policies,” said Assistant Attorney General Jody Hunt of the Department of Justice’s Civil Division. “The Department of Justice will vigorously enforce food safety laws in order to protect public health.”
“Chipotle failed to ensure that its employees both understood and complied with its food safety protocols, resulting in hundreds of customers across the country getting sick,” said U.S. Attorney Nick Hanna for the Central District of California. “Today’s steep penalty, coupled with the tens of millions of dollars Chipotle already has spent to upgrade its food safety program since 2015, should result in greater protections for Chipotle customers and remind others in the industry to review and improve their own health and safety practices.”
“The FDA will hold food companies accountable when they endanger the public’s health by purveying adulterated food that causes outbreaks of illness,” said Food and Drug Administration Commissioner Stephen M. Hahn, M.D. “We will continue to investigate and bring to justice any company whose food products present a health hazard to consumers.”
The charges stem in part from incidents related to outbreaks of norovirus, a highly infective pathogen that easily can be transmitted by food workers handling ready-to-eat foods and their ingredients. Norovirus can cause severe illness, including diarrhea, vomiting, nausea, and stomach pain.
According to the factual statement in the DPA, which the company agreed was true, Chipotle was implicated in at least five foodborne illness outbreaks between 2015 and 2018 connected to restaurants in the Los Angeles area, Boston, Virginia, and Ohio. These incidents primarily stemmed from store-level employees’ failure to follow company food safety protocols at company-owned restaurants, including a Chipotle policy requiring the exclusion of employees who were sick or recently had been sick.
For example, in August 2015, 234 consumers and employees of a Chipotle restaurant in Simi Valley, California reported becoming ill. Although company policies required the restaurant to report certain employee illnesses to Chipotle safety officials and to implement enhanced food safety procedures, the restaurant did not pass along information regarding an ill employee until multiple consumers already had reported being sick.
In December 2015, a norovirus incident at a Chipotle restaurant in Boston sickened 141 people. According to the DPA, that outbreak likely was the result of an ill apprentice manager who was ordered to continue working in violation of company policy after vomiting in the restaurant. Two days later, the same employee helped package a catering order for a Boston College basketball team, whose members were among the consumers sickened by the outbreak.
In July 2018, approximately 647 people who dined at a Chipotle restaurant in Powell, Ohio reported illness related to Clostridium perfringens, a pathogen that grows rapidly when food is not held at appropriate temperatures. The local health department found critical violations of local food regulations, including those specific to time and temperature controls for lettuce and beans.
As set out in the DPA, some store-level Chipotle employees from the 2015 to 2018 time period reported inadequate staffing and food safety training. Employees also reported pressure to work while sick, even though that was against Chipotle’s sick-exclusion policies.
Chipotle agreed in the DPA to develop and follow an improved, comprehensive food safety compliance program. Chipotle agreed to work with its Food Safety Council to evaluate the company’s food safety audits, restaurant staffing, and employee training, among other areas, to mitigate the issues that led to the outbreaks.
This investigation was conducted by the Food and Drug Administration-Office of Criminal Investigations. The government is represented by Trial Attorney Daniel E. Zytnick of the Justice Department’s Consumer Protection Branch, and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Joseph O. Johns and Mark A. Williams and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Sonia W. Nath of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Central District of California’s Environmental and Community Safety Crimes Section.
For more information about the Consumer Protection Branch and its enforcement efforts, visit its website at http://www.justice.gov/civil/consumer-protection-branch. For more information about the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Central District of California, visit its website at https://www.justice.gov/usao-cdca.
Armed Trafficker Pleads GuiltyRead the Press Release
CONTACT: Barbara Burns
PHONE: (716) 843-5817
FAX #: (716) 551-3051ROCHESTER, N.Y. - U.S. Attorney James P. Kennedy, Jr. announced today that Billy B. Sanders, 37, of Rochester, New York, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Charles J. Siragusa to being a felon in possession of ammunition, which carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison, a fine of $250,000, or both.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Charles Moynihan, who is handling the case, stated that the defendant was arrested on May 2, 2019, after New York State Parole officers went to Sander’s residence on Saratoga Avenue in Rochester, for a compliance check. During that check, parole officers found a Polymer 80 semiautomatic pistol loaded with eight rounds of ammunition inside a backpack. The handgun did not have a serial number on it. During his plea, Sanders stated that he had the handgun and ammunition because he had been shot and needed the handgun for protection. The defendant admitted he also possessed a small amount of cocaine.
Sanders was previously convicted in April of 2004 in Federal Court of possessing with intent to distribute crack cocaine and carrying and brandishing a firearm during a drug trafficking crime, and was sentenced to serve 105 months in prison. In addition, the defendant was convicted in May of 2004 in Monroe County Court of Robbery in the First Degree, and received a 12 year prison sentence. As a result of those felony convictions, Sanders is legally prohibited from possessing firearms and ammunition.
The matter was brought by the United States Attorney’s Office as part of its Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) initiative. 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.
The plea is the result of an investigation by the New York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision, under the direction of Acting Commissioner Anthony J. Annucci; the Rochester Police Department, under the direction of Chief La’Ron Singletary; and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge John B. Devito, New York Field Division.
Sentencing is scheduled for July 21, 2020, at 9:15 a.m. before Judge Siragusa.
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Arizona Man Pleads Guilty to In-Custody Assault in Hatfield Federal CourthouseRead the Press Release
PORTLAND, Ore.—Kelvin Valentino McDuffie, 34, of Supai, Arizona, pleaded guilty today for assaulting an in-custody defendant in the Hatfield Federal Courthouse in Portland.
“The safety of incarcerated persons in the custody of the Department of Justice is a top priority for federal law enforcement. The U.S. Marshals Service moved quickly to bring this case to our office so it could be swiftly prosecuted,” said Billy J. Williams, U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon. “Assaults on inmates committed with a sexual motive will continue to be prioritized by our office for prosecution.”
“In this case the victim was subjected to abusive sexual contact without permission. Although her dignity was assaulted, it was not surrendered and I thank the U.S. Attorney and the victim for their steadfast pursuit of justice,” said Russel Burger, U.S. Marshal for the District of Oregon.
According to court documents, on July 26, 2019, Deputy U.S. Marshals escorted McDuffie, an adult female victim, and other male and female inmates into a prisoner elevator inside the federal courthouse. The male and female inmates were separated by a metal chain-link screen and McDuffie was restrained with handcuffs and a belly chain.
As the elevator arrived at a floor, McDuffie reached his fingers through the chain-link screen and struck the victim’s inner thigh and buttocks through her clothing with the intent to abuse, humiliate, harass, and degrade the victim and arouse and gratify his own sexual desire.
McDuffie was in the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service after being arrested in the District of Oregon for an alleged violation of the supervised release that had been imposed following a conviction for assaulting a federal officer in the District of Arizona.
On November 21, 2019, a federal grand jury in Portland returned a two-count indictment charging McDuffie with assault and abusive sexual contact. He pleaded guilty today to assault and will be sentenced on July 7, 2020 before U.S. District Court Judge Marco A. Hernandez. The U.S. Attorney’s Office expects to recommend a sentence of one year and one day in federal prison.
This case was investigated by the U.S. Marshals Service and prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Oregon.
The U.S. Department of Justice and U.S. Attorney’s Office are committed to enforcing the Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA). PREA was passed, unanimously, by Congress and signed into law in 2003. PREA required the development and promulgation of “national standards for the detection, prevention, reduction, and punishment of prison rape.” These standards, like the law mandating them, are intended to address a serious public safety, public health, and human rights problem—the incidence of sexual violence in our nation’s confinement facilities. To learn more about PREA, please visit: https://bja.ojp.gov/program/prison-rape-elimination-act-prea/overview.
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.
Monday 20 April 2020
Utah U.S. Attorney’s Office Joins the Department of Justice to Commemorate National Crime Victims’ Rights WeekRead the Press Release
SALT LAKE CITY – The U.S. Attorney’s Office in Utah is joining the Department of Justice and communities nationwide in observing National Crime Victims’ Rights Week, celebrating victims’ rights, protections and services throughout the week. This theme of this year’s observance, which takes place April 19-25, is “Seek Justice, Ensure Victims' Rights, Inspire Hope.”
“Every year, millions of Americans suffer the shock and trauma of criminal victimization, affecting their well-being and sense of security and dignity,” said Attorney General William P. Barr. “To these victims, we affirm our unwavering commitment to supporting them in their hour of need. We also commend the thousands of victim advocates and public safety professionals who labor tirelessly to secure victims’ rights and support survivors.”
“We remember victims of crime every day we come to work, but during this special week, we recognize them and recommit ourselves to serving their needs,” U.S. Attorney John W. Huber said. “While we cannot take back the crime that has traumatized victims, we will always seek justice for them and ensure we hold offenders accountable. We also recognize the many victim advocates and support agencies in Utah who work to support victims of crime.”
“While we have made tremendous progress driving down crime and violence across the country, far too many Americans continue to suffer the pain and loss of criminal victimization,” said Katharine T. Sullivan, Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General of the Office of Justice Programs. “This week, we stand by these survivors and their families, and we pledge our ongoing support to the countless men and women who serve them with such extraordinary skill and compassion.”
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.
Some 3.3 million Americans age 12 and older were victims of violent crime in 2018, according to the National Crime Victimization Survey. The Office for Victims of Crime (OVC), part of the Justice Department’s Office of Justice Programs, supports more than 7,000 local victim assistance programs and victim compensation programs in every state and U.S. territory. Funds for these programs come from the Crime Victims Fund, which is made up of federal criminal fines, penalties and bond forfeitures.
During National Crime Victims’ Rights Week, victim advocacy organizations, community groups and state, local and tribal agencies traditionally host rallies, candlelight vigils, and other events to raise awareness of victims’ rights and services. This year, many communities are organizing virtual gatherings and online public awareness campaigns.
This year’s commemoration began yesterday, 25 years to the day when a truck bomb exploded in front of the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, taking the lives of 168 people, including 19 children, as well as injuring hundreds of others. The mass murder remains the worst act of domestic terrorism in our nation’s history and led to the establishment of the Antiterrorism Emergency Reserve, which is administered by OVC, and has been used to provide direct services to hundreds of victims of mass violence and terrorism.
“Crime victims deserve to know that they have the encouragement and support of the American people,” said OVC Director Jessica E. Hart. “I hope that citizens throughout the nation will take the opportunity this week to remember all victims of crime and their heroic stories of survival. I encourage everyone to also find meaningful ways to express their appreciation to the many committed and compassionate service providers across the country who work tirelessly supporting these survivors.”
This year, the annual National Crime Victims’ Service Awards Ceremony will be postponed until a time when award recipients can be honored in person. During the ceremony, OVC will present awards recognizing individuals and organizations from across the nation for their outstanding service on behalf of crime victims. The awardees will be selected from public nominations in 11 categories, including federal service, special courage, public policy, and victim services. Visit www.ovc.gov/gallery to learn more about past recipients.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office in Utah also holds an awards ceremony to recognize individuals for their work providing service for victims. It will be scheduled later.
For more information on how to create your own public campaigns to raise awareness about crime victims’ rights online and at events throughout the year, please visit: https://ovc.ncjrs.gov/ncvrw2020/overview.html.
United States Attorney’s Office Commemorates National Crime Victims’ Rights WeekRead the Press Release
PHOENIX, Ariz. – The United States Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, will join communities nationwide in observing National Crime Victims’ Rights Week and celebrating victims’ rights, protections, and services. This year’s observance takes place April 19-25 and features the theme, “Seek Justice| Ensure Victims' Rights | Inspire Hope.”
“Every year, millions of Americans suffer the shock and trauma of criminal victimization, affecting their well-being and sense of security and dignity,” said Attorney General William P. Barr. “To these victims, we affirm our unwavering commitment to supporting them in their hour of need. We also commend the thousands of victim advocates and public safety professionals who labor tirelessly to secure victims’ rights and support survivors.”
“As prosecutors, we get a close-up view every day of the damage crime does to its victims,” said United States Attorney Michael Bailey. “This week of commemoration is an important reminder, especially during a time of public crisis, that we must identify and meet the needs of those who have been victimized. It’s also a time to celebrate the men and women who have devoted their time to advocating for victims.”
“While we have made tremendous progress driving down crime and violence across the country, far too many Americans continue to suffer the pain and loss of criminal victimization,” said Katharine T. Sullivan, Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General of the Office of Justice Programs, which oversees the Office for Victims of Crime (OVC). “This week, we stand by these survivors and their families, and we pledge our ongoing support to the countless men and women who serve them with such extraordinary skill and compassion.”
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.
Some 3.3 million Americans age 12 and older were victims of violent crime in 2018, according to the National Crime Victimization Survey. The OVC supports more than 7,000 local victim assistance programs and victim compensation programs in every state and U.S. territory. Funds for these programs come from the Crime Victims Fund, which is made up of federal criminal fines, penalties and bond forfeitures.
During National Crime Victims’ Rights Week, victim advocacy organizations, community groups and state, local and tribal agencies traditionally host rallies, candlelight vigils and other events to raise awareness of victims’ rights and services. This year, many communities are organizing virtual gatherings and online public awareness campaigns.
The commemoration for this year began yesterday, 25 years to the day when a truck bomb exploded in front of the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, taking the lives of 168 people, including 19 children, as well as injuring hundreds of others. The mass murder remains the worst act of domestic terrorism in our nation’s history and led to the establishment of the Antiterrorism Emergency Reserve, which is administered by OVC, and has been used to provide direct services to hundreds of victims of mass violence and terrorism.
“Crime victims deserve to know that they have the encouragement and support of the American people,” said OVC Director Jessica E. Hart. “I hope that citizens throughout the nation will take the opportunity this week to remember all victims of crime and their heroic stories of survival. I encourage everyone to also find meaningful ways to express their appreciation to the many committed and compassionate service providers across the country who work tirelessly supporting these survivors.”
The annual United States Attorney’s Office National Crime Victims’ Rights ceremony will be postponed this year until a time when we can honor this year’s award recipients in person. During the ceremony, United States Attorney Bailey will present awards recognizing individuals and organizations from around Arizona for their outstanding service on behalf of crime victims.
For more information on how to create your own public campaigns to raise awareness about crime victims’ rights online and at events throughout the year, please visit: https://ovc.ncjrs.gov/ncvrw2020/overview.html
RELEASE NUMBER: 2020-050_Victims’ Rights Week
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For more information on the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/az/
Follow the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, on Twitter @USAO_AZ for the latest news.United States Attorney’s Office Commemorates National Crime Victims’ Rights WeekRead the Press Release
COLUMBIA, South Carolina --- United States Attorney Peter M. McCoy, Jr., announced today that the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of South Carolina and the Department of Justice’s Office for Victims of Crime will join communities nationwide in observing National Crime Victims’ Rights Week and celebrating victims’ rights, protections and services. This year’s observance takes place April 19-25 and features the theme, “Seek Justice| Ensure Victims' Rights | Inspire Hope.”
“Protecting the victims of criminal activity, and ensuring their rights are honored in the process, is a cornerstone of justice,” said U.S. Attorney McCoy. “I would ask that everyone spend time this week lifting up those victims, who stand tall against the worst of the worst, and inspire all of us.”
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.
Here in South Carolina, in addition to its national partners in support of victims of crime, the U.S. Attorney’s Office works with state partners such as the South Carolina State Human Trafficking Task Force, the South Carolina Victims Assistance Network and the South Carolina Attorney General’s Office of Crime Victims’ Compensation. Together, these groups provide essential services to victims, victim compensation, and many other resources.
“While we have made tremendous progress driving down crime and violence across the country, far too many Americans continue to suffer the pain and loss of criminal victimization,” said Katharine T. Sullivan, Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General of the Office of Justice Programs, which oversees OVC. “This week, we stand by these survivors and their families, and we pledge our ongoing support to the countless men and women who serve them with such extraordinary skill and compassion.”
Some 3.3 million Americans age 12 and older were victims of violent crime in 2018, according to the National Crime Victimization Survey. The Office for Victims of Crime, part of the Justice Department’s Office of Justice Programs, supports more than 7,000 local victim assistance programs and victim compensation programs in every state and U.S. territory. Funds for these programs come from the Crime Victims Fund, which is made up of federal criminal fines, penalties and bond forfeitures.
During National Crime Victims’ Rights Week, victim advocacy organizations, community groups and state, local and tribal agencies traditionally host rallies, candlelight vigils and other events to raise awareness of victims’ rights and services. This year, many communities are organizing virtual gatherings and online public awareness campaigns.
“Crime victims deserve to know that they have the encouragement and support of the American people,” said OVC Director Jessica E. Hart. “I hope that citizens throughout the nation will take the opportunity this week to remember all victims of crime and their heroic stories of survival. I encourage everyone to also find meaningful ways to express their appreciation to the many committed and compassionate service providers across the country who work tirelessly supporting these survivors.”
For more information on how to create your own public campaigns to raise awareness about crime victims’ rights online and at events throughout the year, please visit: https://ovc.ncjrs.gov/ncvrw2020/overview.html.
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The year 2020 marks the 150th anniversary of the Department of Justice. Learn more about the history of our agency at www.Justice.gov/Celebrating150Years.
United States Attorney William M. McSwain Announces Observance of National Crime Victims’ Rights WeekRead the Press Release
PHILADELPHIA – United States Attorney William M. McSwain announced that his Office will be celebrating National Crime Victims’ Rights Week this week, April 19-25. National Crime Victims’ Rights Week creates an opportunity for communities to raise awareness of victims’ rights and services, celebrate the progress achieved, and honor victims and the professionals who serve them. President Ronald Reagan proclaimed the first National Crime Victims’ Rights Week in 1981. This year’s theme is “Seek Justice, Ensure Victims’ Rights, and Inspire Hope.”
“Every year, millions of Americans suffer the shock and trauma of criminal victimization, affecting their well-being and sense of security and dignity,” said Attorney General William P. Barr. “To these victims, we affirm our unwavering commitment to supporting them in their hour of need. We also commend the thousands of victim advocates and public safety professionals who labor tirelessly to secure victims’ rights and support survivors.”
“I am immensely proud of the work my Office does every day to give victims a voice in our criminal justice system and to provide them with the support and services they need,” said U.S. Attorney McSwain. “National Crime Victims’ Rights Week creates a unique opportunity to increase awareness of the services available for crime victims. Our goal is to ensure that victims and witnesses are always treated fairly during the prosecution process and that their rights are vigorously protected.”
The Victim/Witness Assistance Unit professionals in the U.S. Attorney’s Office provide crime victims with case status information, education regarding the criminal justice system, court accompaniment, crisis intervention, and referrals to various social service organizations. For detailed information about the rights federal crime victims have and the victim/witness resources available, please consult our website at https://www.justice.gov/usao-edpa/victim-witness-resources.
The Department of Justice’s Office for Victims of Crime, within the Office of Justice Programs, leads communities across the country in observing National Crime Victims’ Rights Week each year.
U.S. Attorney’s Office recognizes National Crime Victims’ Rights WeekRead the Press Release
Seattle - U.S. Attorney Brian T. Moran today recognized the important role of victims and victim advocates in the criminal justice system, as part of National Crime Victims’ Rights Week. The first victims’ rights week was declared in Philadelphia in 1975 and became a nationally recognized week with a declaration by President Ronald Reagan in 1981. This year April 19-25 is National Crime Victims’ Rights Week.
“The evolution of the rights of crime victims in the criminal justice system is a relatively recent development, and one that is critically important,” said U.S. Attorney Moran. “This week allows us to highlight important messages: Victims will be informed, heard, consulted and respected at all phases of criminal prosecutions. We encourage reporting crimes to law enforcement so that we can provide services and protect victims’ rights.”
In the Western District of Washington, a dedicated team of victim advocates makes sure crime victims are consulted, connected to resources, are notified of each hearing, and are able to participate as much as they want in the criminal process. Whether it is a crime of fraud or a crime of violence, victims can suffer major life disruptions and ongoing trauma. Some fear they will not be believed or may even be blamed for falling victim to a crime.
For victims of financial fraud, such as those who fell prey to Keenan Gracey, being a crime victim was a new experience. “I had never been a victim of a crime. It was scary, I felt violated… But I felt (the victim witness specialist) was going to fight for me. I felt like I knew what to expect,” Laurie said.
Laurie’s son Jason adds, “I got a lot out of it, learning what was happening with the case. I felt like I was actually part of it…. I was able to have my voice heard and I was able to positively contribute to the justice system… By showing up and voicing my opinion it allowed the judge to see the true impact of this crime on the community.”
Both say that by being involved in the justice system and speaking up, they gained closure. “It can happen to you and if it does, speak up and fight back to help the next person who could be victimized by the scheme,” Laurie said. Jason adds “You will feel supported and you will reclaim your strength. It allows you to heal and do so safely.”
The focus on victims’ rights began in the late 1970’s, and the protections were codified federally in the Victim and Witness Protection Act of 1982. Over the years, there have been other important milestones such as the establishment of DOJ’s Office of Victims of Crime (OVC) in 1983, passage of the Violence Against Women Act in 1994, the creation of the FBI’s internet crime site Ic3 in 2000, DOJ’s StopFraud.gov in 2010. As recently as 2019, victim rights were key considerations in the establishment of the Presidential Task Force on Missing and Murdered Native Americans and Alaska Natives, and the Debbie Smith DNA Backlog Grant Program.
The Office for Victims of Crime, part of the Justice Department’s Office of Justice Programs, supports more than 7,000 local victim assistance programs and victim compensation programs in every state and U.S. territory. Funds for these programs come from the Crime Victims Fund, which is made up of federal criminal fines, penalties, and bond forfeitures.
During National Crime Victims’ Rights Week, victim advocacy organizations, community groups and state, local, and tribal agencies traditionally host rallies, candlelight vigils, and other events to raise awareness of victims’ rights and services. This year, due to COVID-19, many communities are organizing virtual gatherings and online public awareness campaigns.
To learn about victims’ rights and options call 855–4–VICTIM or visit VictimConnect.org.
U.S. Attorney’s Office Commemorates National Crime Victims’ Rights WeekRead the Press Release
Anchorage, Alaska – U.S. Attorney Bryan Schroder will join communities nationwide in observing National Crime Victims’ Rights Week (NCVRW) and celebrating victims’ rights, protections and services. This year’s observance takes place April 19-25 and features the theme, “Seek Justice| Ensure Victims' Rights | Inspire Hope.”
“Together with our law enforcement partners, the U.S. Attorney’s Office will continue to seek justice and safeguard victims’ rights for crime victims in Alaska,” said U.S. Attorney Schroder. “This week is a time to come together as a community and give hope to victims, showing them they are not alone.”
“National Crime Victims' Rights Week is an important time in which we are able to amplify the voices of all crime victims and shine a light on the programs and individuals who offer support,” said Victoria Shanklin, Executive Director of Victims for Justice.
During NCVRW, victim advocacy organizations, community groups and state, local and tribal agencies traditionally host rallies, candlelight vigils and other events to raise awareness of victims’ rights and services. This year, many communities are organizing virtual gatherings and online public awareness campaigns. In Alaska, Victims for Justice (VFJ) will be holding the following events in observance of NCVRW:
- U.S. Attorney Schroder will be attending the live-stream of the annual tree ceremony on Facebook today, April 20, 2020, at noon, which is the centerpiece event for the awareness week honoring those affected by violent crime. Colored ribbons, signifying 11 types of violent crime, will be tied onto branches to represent those who have been impacted by violent crime.
- Premiere of “Long Live Leroy” documentary on April 23, 2020: The mother of Leroy Lawrence, Angela Pointer, shares the impact that Leroy’s homicide has on her life and family. She shares her story and raises awareness on victims’ rights and needs. You can watch the video on VFJ’s Facebook Page or YouTube channel.
- Victim Service Awards Announcement on April 25, 2020, at 6:00 P.M. to thank those in our community for their dedication and outstanding contributions to victim services. The announcement can be watched on VFJ’s Facebook Page or YouTube channel.
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.
Some 3.3 million Americans age 12 and older were victims of violent crime in 2018, according to the National Crime Victimization Survey. The Office for Victims of Crime, part of the Justice Department’s Office of Justice Programs, supports more than 7,000 local victim assistance programs and victim compensation programs in every state and U.S. territory. Funds for these programs come from the Crime Victims Fund, which is made up of federal criminal fines, penalties and bond forfeitures.
The Office of Justice Programs, directed by Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Katharine T. Sullivan, provides federal leadership, grants, training, technical assistance and other resources to improve the nation’s capacity to prevent and reduce crime, assist victims and enhance the rule of law by strengthening the criminal and juvenile justice systems. More information about OJP and its components can be found at www.ojp.gov.
- U.S. Attorney Schroder will be attending the live-stream of the annual tree ceremony on Facebook today, April 20, 2020, at noon, which is the centerpiece event for the awareness week honoring those affected by violent crime. Colored ribbons, signifying 11 types of violent crime, will be tied onto branches to represent those who have been impacted by violent crime.
U.S. Attorney’s Office Commemorates National Crime Victims’ Rights WeekRead the Press Release
Portland, Maine: U.S. Attorney Halsey B. Frank joins the Department of Justice and communities nationwide in observing National Crime Victims’ Rights Week, celebrating victims’ rights, protections and services throughout the week. This year’s observance takes place April 19–25 and features the theme, “Seek Justice | Ensure Victims’ Rights | Inspire Hope.”
“Every year, millions of Americans suffer the shock and trauma of criminal victimization, affecting their well-being and sense of security and dignity,” said Attorney General William P. Barr. “To these victims, we affirm our unwavering commitment to supporting them in their hour of need. We also commend the thousands of victim advocates and public safety professionals who labor tirelessly to secure victims’ rights and support survivors.”
“Although we cannot undo the trauma crime victims suffer,” U.S. Attorney Frank said, “we can do everything in our power to ensure that the criminal justice process helps victims to heal and recover. National Crime Victims’ Rights Week is a time for all of us to reaffirm our support for victims and applaud those volunteers, victim service providers and criminal justice professionals who make it their mission to assist them.”
“While we have made tremendous progress driving down crime and violence across the country, far too many Americans continue to suffer the pain and loss of criminal victimization,” said Katharine T. Sullivan, Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General of the Office of Justice Programs. “This week, we stand by these survivors and their families, and we pledge our ongoing support to the countless men and women who serve them with such extraordinary skill and compassion.”
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.
Some 3.3 million Americans age 12 and older were victims of violent crime in 2018, according to the National Crime Victimization Survey. The Office for Victims of Crime (OVC), part of the Justice Department’s Office of Justice Programs, supports more than 7,000 local victim assistance programs and victim compensation programs in every state and U.S. territory. Funds for these programs come from the Crime Victims Fund, which is comprised of federal criminal fines, penalties and bond forfeitures.
During National Crime Victims’ Rights Week, victim advocacy organizations, community groups and state, local and tribal agencies traditionally host rallies, candlelight vigils, and other events to raise awareness of victims’ rights and services. This year, many communities are organizing virtual gatherings and online public awareness campaigns.
This year’s commemoration began yesterday, 25 years to the day when a truck bomb exploded in front of the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, taking the lives of 168 people, including 19 children, as well as injuring hundreds of others. The mass murder remains the worst act of domestic terrorism in our nation’s history and led to the establishment of the Antiterrorism Emergency Reserve, which is administered by OVC, and has been used to provide direct services to hundreds of victims of mass violence and terrorism.
“Crime victims deserve to know that they have the encouragement and support of the American people,” said OVC Director Jessica E. Hart. “I hope that citizens throughout the nation will take the opportunity this week to remember all victims of crime and their heroic stories of survival. I encourage everyone to also find meaningful ways to express their appreciation to the many committed and compassionate service providers across the country who work tirelessly supporting these survivors.”
This year, the annual National Crime Victims’ Service Awards Ceremony will be postponed until a time when we can honor this year’s award recipients in person. During the ceremony, OVC will present awards recognizing individuals and organizations from across the nation for their outstanding service on behalf of crime victims. The awardees will be selected from public nominations in 11 categories, including federal service, special courage, public policy, and victim services. Visit www.ovc.gov/gallery to learn more about past recipients.
For more information on how to create your own public campaigns to raise awareness about crime victims’ rights online and at events throughout the year, please visit: https://ovc.ncjrs.gov/ncvrw2020/overview.html.
U.S. Attorney’s Office Commemorates National Crime Victims’ Rights WeekRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH – U.S. Attorney Scott W. Brady joins the Department of Justice and communities nationwide in observing National Crime Victims’ Rights Week, celebrating victims’ rights, protections and services throughout the week. This year’s observance takes place April 19-25 and features the theme, "Seek Justice| Ensure Victims' Rights | Inspire Hope."
"Every year, millions of Americans suffer the shock and trauma of criminal victimization, affecting their well-being and sense of security and dignity," said Attorney General William P. Barr. "To these victims, we affirm our unwavering commitment to supporting them in their hour of need. We also commend the thousands of victim advocates and public safety professionals who labor tirelessly to secure victims’ rights and support survivors."
"Whether a victim of violent crime, sexual assault, child exploitation, hate crimes, domestic violence, elder abuse or financial fraud, all crime victims need and deserve to be protected, and to be assured that those who caused their suffering will be brought to justice," said U.S. Attorney Brady. "National Crime Victims’ Rights Week provides an opportunity to recognize the work being done on behalf of crime victims and to highlight the real difference we make in victims’ lives."
In 1981, President Ronald Reagan proclaimed the first Victims’ Rights Week. In so doing, he brought national attention to the trauma suffered by victims of crime, and prioritized the protection of victims’ rights in his Administration. 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 the Department of Justice carry on President Reagan’s legacy, implementing historic levels of support for victim assistance and victim compensation.
According to the National Crime Victimization Survey, 3.3 million Americans age 12 and older were victims of violent crime in 2018. The Office for Victims of Crime (OVC), part of the Justice Department’s Office of Justice Programs, supports more than 7,000 local victim assistance programs and victim compensation programs in every state and U.S. territory. Funds for these programs come from the Crime Victims Fund, which is made up of federal criminal fines, penalties and bond forfeitures.
During National Crime Victims’ Rights Week, victim advocacy organizations, community groups and state, local and tribal agencies traditionally host rallies, candlelight vigils, and other events to raise awareness of victims’ rights and services. This year, many communities are organizing virtual gatherings and online public awareness campaigns.
This year’s commemoration began yesterday, 25 years to the day when a truck bomb exploded in front of the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, taking the lives of 168 people, including 19 children, as well as injuring hundreds of others. The mass murder remains the worst act of domestic terrorism in our nation’s history and led to the establishment of the Antiterrorism Emergency Reserve, which is administered by OVC, and has been used to provide direct services to hundreds of victims of mass violence and terrorism.
"While we have made tremendous progress driving down crime and violence across the country, far too many Americans continue to suffer the pain and loss of criminal victimization," said Katharine T. Sullivan, Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General of the Office of Justice Programs. "This week, we stand by these survivors and their families, and we pledge our ongoing support to the countless men and women who serve them with such extraordinary skill and compassion."
"Crime victims deserve to know that they have the encouragement and support of the American people," said OVC Director Jessica E. Hart. "I hope that citizens throughout the nation will take the opportunity this week to remember all victims of crime and their heroic stories of survival. I encourage everyone to also find meaningful ways to express their appreciation to the many committed and compassionate service providers across the country who work tirelessly supporting these survivors."
This year, the annual National Crime Victims’ Service Awards Ceremony will be postponed until a time when we can honor this year’s award recipients in person. During the ceremony, OVC will present awards recognizing individuals and organizations from across the nation for their outstanding service on behalf of crime victims. The awardees will be selected from public nominations in 11 categories, including federal service, special courage, public policy, and victim services. Visit www.ovc.gov/gallery to learn more about past recipients.
For more information on how to create your own public campaigns to raise awareness about crime victims’ rights online and at events throughout the year, please visit: https://ovc.ncjrs.gov/ncvrw2020/overview.html.
U.S. Attorney’s Office Commemorates National Crime Victims’ Rights WeekRead the Press Release
WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – U.S. Attorney Bill Powell joins the Department of Justice and communities nationwide in observing National Crime Victims’ Rights Week, celebrating victims’ rights, protections and services throughout the week. This year’s observance takes place April 19-25 and features the theme, “Seek Justice| Ensure Victims' Rights | Inspire Hope.”
“Every year, millions of Americans suffer the shock and trauma of criminal victimization, affecting their well-being and sense of security and dignity,” said Attorney General William P. Barr. “To these victims, we affirm our unwavering commitment to supporting them in their hour of need. We also commend the thousands of victim advocates and public safety professionals who labor tirelessly to secure victims’ rights and support survivors.”
“We refuse to allow victims to suffer in silence. They must be supported, and it is a priority and a privilege to do so. We honor all crime victims this week, but we are there for them every day of every week and every week of the year in the Northern District of West Virginia,” said Powell.
“While we have made tremendous progress driving down crime and violence across the country, far too many Americans continue to suffer the pain and loss of criminal victimization,” said Katharine T. Sullivan, Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General of the Office of Justice Programs. “This week, we stand by these survivors and their families, and we pledge our ongoing support to the countless men and women who serve them with such extraordinary skill and compassion.”
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.
Some 3.3 million Americans age 12 and older were victims of violent crime in 2018, according to the National Crime Victimization Survey. The Office for Victims of Crime (OVC), part of the Justice Department’s Office of Justice Programs, supports more than 7,000 local victim assistance programs and victim compensation programs in every state and U.S. territory. Funds for these programs come from the Crime Victims Fund, which is made up of federal criminal fines, penalties and bond forfeitures.
During National Crime Victims’ Rights Week, victim advocacy organizations, community groups and state, local and tribal agencies traditionally host rallies, candlelight vigils, and other events to raise awareness of victims’ rights and services. This year, many communities are organizing virtual gatherings and online public awareness campaigns.
This year’s commemoration began yesterday, 25 years to the day when a truck bomb exploded in front of the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, taking the lives of 168 people, including 19 children, as well as injuring hundreds of others. The mass murder remains the worst act of domestic terrorism in our nation’s history and led to the establishment of the Antiterrorism Emergency Reserve, which is administered by OVC, and has been used to provide direct services to hundreds of victims of mass violence and terrorism.
“Crime victims deserve to know that they have the encouragement and support of the American people,” said OVC Director Jessica E. Hart. “I hope that citizens throughout the nation will take the opportunity this week to remember all victims of crime and their heroic stories of survival. I encourage everyone to also find meaningful ways to express their appreciation to the many committed and compassionate service providers across the country who work tirelessly supporting these survivors.”
This year, the annual National Crime Victims’ Service Awards Ceremony will be postponed until a time when we can honor this year’s award recipients in person. During the ceremony, OVC will present awards recognizing individuals and organizations from across the nation for their outstanding service on behalf of crime victims. The awardees will be selected from public nominations in 11 categories, including federal service, special courage, public policy, and victim services. Visit www.ovc.gov/gallery to learn more about past recipients.
For more information on how to create your own public campaigns to raise awareness about crime victims’ rights online and at events throughout the year, please visit: https://ovc.ncjrs.gov/ncvrw2020/overview.html.
U.S. Attorney's Office Joins in Recognizing National Crime Victims' Rights Week, April 19-25, 2020Read the Press Release
PORTLAND—Every April, the Justice Department’s Office for Victims of Crime (OVC) leads communities across the country in observing National Crime Victims’ Rights Week (NCVRW) to honor crime victims, promote their rights and recognize those who advocate on their behalf. This year’s observance takes place April 19-25, with the theme: Seek Justice | Ensure Victims’ Rights | Inspire Hope.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office joins its federal, state, local and tribal law enforcement partners in taking this opportunity to highlight the importance of providing necessary services at the earliest possible stage of victimization and litigation. Early intervention helps prevent further victimization and encourages victim involvement in the criminal justice system, mitigating the cycle of violence and restoring hope for the future.
“Protecting the rights and dignity of crime victims is central to our mission of ensuring the fair administration of justice. Crime victims are so much more than statistics—they are real people whose lives have been unfairly and, at times, tragically impacted by crime. The courage they demonstrate every day in courtrooms across the country is inspiring to many in law enforcement including myself,” said Billy J. Williams, U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon. “I also want to recognize the bravery and perseverance of victim advocates from all levels of government and in non-profit organizations. They work tirelessly every day to create change and hope for victims in need.”
“While we have made tremendous progress driving down crime and violence across the country, far too many Americans continue to suffer the pain and loss of criminal victimization,” said Katharine T. Sullivan, Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General of the Office of Justice Programs, which oversees OVC. “This week, we stand by these survivors and their families, and we pledge our ongoing support to the countless men and women who serve them with such extraordinary skill and compassion.”
“Crime victims deserve to know that they have the encouragement and support of the American people,” said OVC Director Jessica E. Hart. “I hope that citizens throughout the nation will take the opportunity this week to remember all victims of crime and their heroic stories of survival. I encourage everyone to also find meaningful ways to express their appreciation to the many committed and compassionate service providers across the country who work tirelessly supporting these survivors.”
During National Crime Victims’ Rights Week, victim advocacy organizations, community groups and state, local, and tribal agencies traditionally host rallies, candlelight vigils, and other events to raise awareness of victims’ rights and services. This year, many communities are organizing virtual gatherings and online public awareness campaigns.
OVC and the U.S. Attorney’s Office encourages widespread participation in the week’s virtual events and in other victim-related observances throughout the year. For additional information about this year’s National Crime Victims’ Rights Week and how to assist victims in your community, please visit OVC’s website at www.ovc.gov.
Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the Justice Department has announced that OVC’s National Crime Victims’ Service Awards Ceremony in Washington, D.C., held annually to honor outstanding individuals and programs that serve victims of crime, has been postponed. To be notified when a new date for this event is announced, please subscribe to OVC’s NCVRW email notifications at https://ovc.ncjrs.gov/ncvrw/subscribe/.
If you or someone you know are in immediate danger, please call 911. If you believe you’ve been the target or victim of a crime, please contact your local law enforcement agency or your nearest FBI field office immediately. The FBI Portland Field Office can be reached at (503) 224-4181 or by submitting tips online at tips.fbi.gov.
U.S. Attorney's Office Commemorates National Crime Victims' Rights WeekRead the Press Release
SHREVEPORT/LAFAYETTE/ALEXANDRIA/LAKE CHARLES/MONROE, La. – United States Attorney David C. Joseph joins the Department of Justice and communities nationwide in observing National Crime Victims’ Rights Week, celebrating victims’ rights, protections and services throughout the week. This year’s observance takes place April 19-25 and features the theme, “Seek Justice, Ensure Victims' Rights, and Inspire Hope.”
“We all know those whose lives have been touched by crime – they are our family, our friends, and our neighbors,” Joseph stated. “I want the public to know that my office is committed to both prosecuting those who victimize others and providing support to crime victims throughout the legal process. This week serves as a reminder to all of us to keep victims of crime in our thoughts and prayers.”
“Every year, millions of Americans suffer the shock and trauma of criminal victimization, affecting their well-being and sense of security and dignity,” said Attorney General William P. Barr. “To these victims, we affirm our unwavering commitment to supporting them in their hour of need. We also commend the thousands of victim advocates and public safety professionals who labor tirelessly to secure victims’ rights and support survivors.”
“While we have made tremendous progress driving down crime and violence across the country, far too many Americans continue to suffer the pain and loss of criminal victimization,” said Katharine T. Sullivan, Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General of the Office of Justice Programs. “This week, we stand by these survivors and their families, and we pledge our ongoing support to the countless men and women who serve them with such extraordinary skill and compassion.”
During National Crime Victims’ Rights Week, victim advocacy organizations, community groups and state, local and tribal agencies traditionally host rallies, candlelight vigils, and other events to raise awareness of victims’ rights and services. This year, many communities are organizing virtual gatherings and online public awareness campaigns.
Some 3.3 million Americans age 12 and older were victims of violent crime in 2018, according to the National Crime Victimization Survey. The Office for Victims of Crime (OVC), part of the Justice Department’s Office of Justice Programs, supports more than 7,000 local victim assistance programs and victim compensation programs in every state and U.S. territory.
Funds for these programs come from the Crime Victims Fund, which is made up of federal criminal fines, penalties and bond forfeitures.
This year’s commemoration began April 19, 2020, 25 years to the day when a truck bomb exploded in front of the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, taking the lives of 168 people, including 19 children, as well as injuring hundreds of others. The mass murder remains the worst act of domestic terrorism in our nation’s history and led to the establishment of the Antiterrorism Emergency Reserve, which is administered by OVC, and has been used to provide direct services to hundreds of victims of mass violence and terrorism.
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.
This year, the annual National Crime Victims’ Service Awards Ceremony will be postponed until a time when we can honor this year’s award recipients in person. During the ceremony, OVC will present awards recognizing individuals and organizations from across the nation for their outstanding service on behalf of crime victims. The awardees will be selected from public nominations in 11 categories, including federal service, special courage, public policy, and victim services. Visit www.ovc.gov/gallery to learn more about past recipients. To be notified when a new date for this event is announced, please subscribe to OVC’s NCVRW email notifications at: https://ovc.ncjrs.gov/ncvrw/subscribe/.
“Crime victims deserve to know that they have the encouragement and support of the American people,” said OVC Director Jessica E. Hart. “I hope that citizens throughout the nation will take the opportunity this week to remember all victims of crime and their heroic stories of survival. I encourage everyone to also find meaningful ways to express their appreciation to the many committed and compassionate service providers across the country who work tirelessly supporting these survivors.”
The Office of Justice Programs, directed by Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Katharine T. Sullivan, provides federal leadership, grants, training, technical assistance and other resources to improve the nation’s capacity to prevent and reduce crime, assist victims and enhance the rule of law by strengthening the criminal and juvenile justice systems. More information about OJP and its components can be found at www.ojp.gov.
For more information on how to create your own public campaigns to raise awareness about crime victims’ rights online and at events throughout the year, please visit: https://ovc.ncjrs.gov/ncvrw2020/overview.html. You may also contact the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Louisiana Victim Witness Program at 318-676-3600.
The year 2020 marks the 150th anniversary of the Department of Justice. Learn more about the history of our agency at www.Justice.gov/Celebrating150Years.
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U.S. Attorney's Office Commemorates National Crime Victims' Rights WeekRead the Press Release
CHARLOTTE, N.C. – U.S. Attorney Andrew Murray joins the Department of Justice and communities nationwide in observing National Crime Victims’ Rights Week, celebrating victims’ rights, protections and services throughout the week. This year’s observance takes place April 19-25 and features the theme, “Seek Justice| Ensure Victims' Rights | Inspire Hope.”
“Every year, millions of Americans suffer the shock and trauma of criminal victimization, affecting their well-being and sense of security and dignity,” said Attorney General William P. Barr. “To these victims, we affirm our unwavering commitment to supporting them in their hour of need. We also commend the thousands of victim advocates and public safety professionals who labor tirelessly to secure victims’ rights and support survivors.”
“National Crime Victims’ Rights Week is an opportunity to collectively remember loved ones lost to crime, support crime survivors, and pledge our unwavering commitment to the advancement of victims’ rights,” said U.S. Attorney Andrew Murray. “My office’s Victim Witness Unit works tirelessly to ensure that crime victims and their families have access to the services they are entitled to and need to restore their lives, and to ensure their rights are protected so they can get the justice they deserve.”
“While we have made tremendous progress driving down crime and violence across the country, far too many Americans continue to suffer the pain and loss of criminal victimization,” said Katharine T. Sullivan, Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General of the Office of Justice Programs. “This week, we stand by these survivors and their families, and we pledge our ongoing support to the countless men and women who serve them with such extraordinary skill and compassion.”
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.
Some 3.3 million Americans age 12 and older were victims of violent crime in 2018, according to the National Crime Victimization Survey. The Office for Victims of Crime (OVC), part of the Justice Department’s Office of Justice Programs, supports more than 7,000 local victim assistance programs and victim compensation programs in every state and U.S. territory. Funds for these programs come from the Crime Victims Fund, which is made up of federal criminal fines, penalties and bond forfeitures.
During National Crime Victims’ Rights Week, victim advocacy organizations, community groups and state, local and tribal agencies traditionally host rallies, candlelight vigils, and other events to raise awareness of victims’ rights and services. This year, many communities are organizing virtual gatherings and online public awareness campaigns.
This year’s commemoration began yesterday, 25 years to the day when a truck bomb exploded in front of the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, taking the lives of 168 people, including 19 children, as well as injuring hundreds of others. The mass murder remains the worst act of domestic terrorism in our nation’s history and led to the establishment of the Antiterrorism Emergency Reserve, which is administered by OVC, and has been used to provide direct services to hundreds of victims of mass violence and terrorism.
“Crime victims deserve to know that they have the encouragement and support of the American people,” said OVC Director Jessica E. Hart. “I hope that citizens throughout the nation will take the opportunity this week to remember all victims of crime and their heroic stories of survival. I encourage everyone to also find meaningful ways to express their appreciation to the many committed and compassionate service providers across the country who work tirelessly supporting these survivors.”
This year, the annual National Crime Victims’ Service Awards Ceremony will be postponed until a time when we can honor this year’s award recipients in person. During the ceremony, OVC will present awards recognizing individuals and organizations from across the nation for their outstanding service on behalf of crime victims. The awardees will be selected from public nominations in 11 categories, including federal service, special courage, public policy, and victim services. Visit www.ovc.gov/gallery to learn more about past recipients.
For more information on how to create your own public campaigns to raise awareness about crime victims’ rights online and at events throughout the year, please visit: https://ovc.ncjrs.gov/ncvrw2020/overview.html.
U.S. Attorney for the Middle District of Alabama and the Department of Justice Commemorates National Crime Victims’ Rights WeekRead the Press Release
Montgomery, Alabama – United States Attorney Louis V. Franklin, Sr. joins the Department of Justice and communities nationwide in observing National Crime Victims’ Rights Week, celebrating victims’ rights, protections and services throughout the week. This year’s observance takes place April 19-25 and features the theme, “Seek Justice| Ensure Victims' Rights | Inspire Hope.”
“Every year, millions of Americans suffer the shock and trauma of criminal victimization, affecting their well-being and sense of security and dignity,” said Attorney General William P. Barr. “To these victims, we affirm our unwavering commitment to supporting them in their hour of need. We also commend the thousands of victim advocates and public safety professionals who labor tirelessly to secure victims’ rights and support survivors.”
“Law Enforcement is sworn to serve and protect,” stated U.S. Attorney Louis V. Franklin, Sr. “This oath is carried out by protecting the rights of our citizens and by seeking justice for victims of crime. This week we honor those that have been victimized by a crime committed against them, and also the family members and friends that share in their suffering. Their strength and endurance is truly inspiring. We also recognize the tremendous work of victim advocates that are on the front lines battling the tragic consequences of crime and we should never forget that each and every person impacted by crime deserves our support.”
“While we have made tremendous progress driving down crime and violence across the country, far too many Americans continue to suffer the pain and loss of criminal victimization,” said Katharine T. Sullivan, Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General of the Office of Justice Programs. “This week, we stand by these survivors and their families, and we pledge our ongoing support to the countless men and women who serve them with such extraordinary skill and compassion.”
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.
Some 3.3 million Americans age 12 and older were victims of violent crime in 2018, according to the National Crime Victimization Survey. The Office for Victims of Crime (OVC), part of the Justice Department’s Office of Justice Programs, supports more than 7,000 local victim assistance programs and victim compensation programs in every state and U.S. territory. Funds for these programs come from the Crime Victims Fund, which is made up of federal criminal fines, penalties and bond forfeitures.
During National Crime Victims’ Rights Week, victim advocacy organizations, community groups and state, local and tribal agencies traditionally host rallies, candlelight vigils, and other events to raise awareness of victims’ rights and services. This year, many communities are organizing virtual gatherings and online public awareness campaigns.
This year’s commemoration began yesterday, 25 years to the day when a truck bomb exploded in front of the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, taking the lives of 168 people, including 19 children, as well as injuring hundreds of others. The mass murder remains the worst act of domestic terrorism in our nation’s history and led to the establishment of the Antiterrorism Emergency Reserve, which is administered by OVC, and has been used to provide direct services to hundreds of victims of mass violence and terrorism.
“Crime victims deserve to know that they have the encouragement and support of the American people,” said OVC Director Jessica E. Hart. “I hope that citizens throughout the nation will take the opportunity this week to remember all victims of crime and their heroic stories of survival. I encourage everyone to also find meaningful ways to express their appreciation to the many committed and compassionate service providers across the country who work tirelessly supporting these survivors.”
This year, the annual National Crime Victims’ Service Awards Ceremony will be postponed until a time when we can honor this year’s award recipients in person. During the ceremony, OVC will present awards recognizing individuals and organizations from across the nation for their outstanding service on behalf of crime victims. The awardees will be selected from public nominations in 11 categories, including federal service, special courage, public policy, and victim services. Visit www.ovc.gov/gallery to learn more about past recipients.
For more information on how to create your own public campaigns to raise awareness about crime victims’ rights online and at events throughout the year, please visit: https://ovc.ncjrs.gov/ncvrw2020/overview.html.
U.S. Attorney McAllister Marks National Crime Victims’ Rights WeekRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, KAN. – U.S. Attorney Stephen McAllister joins communities nationwide in observing National Crime Victims’ Rights Week and celebrating victims’ rights, protections and services. This year’s observance takes place April 19-25 and features the theme, “Seek Justice| Ensure Victims' Rights | Inspire Hope.”
“The Crime Victims’ Rights Act has been of great interest in Congress recently, with many amendments to expand victims’ rights being proposed and seriously considered,” McAllister said. “So there is certainly some strong sentiment that prosecutors should be doing more, not less, to be sensitive to the concerns and needs of victims. In that regard, our staff members who work with victims are tireless advocates for victim rights.”
The Department of Justice has postponed this year’s National Crime Victims’ Service Awards Ceremony until a time when award recipients can be honored in person. During the ceremony, the Office for Victims of Crime will present awards recognizing individuals and organizations from across the nation for their outstanding service on behalf of crime victims. The awardees will be selected from public nominations in 11 categories, including federal service, special courage, public policy and victim services. Visit www.ovc.gov/gallery to learn more about past recipients.
“While we have made tremendous progress driving down crime and violence across the country, far too many Americans continue to suffer the pain and loss of criminal victimization,” said Katharine T. Sullivan, Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General of the Office of Justice Programs, which oversees OVC. “This week, we stand by these survivors and their families, and we pledge our ongoing support to the countless men and women who serve them with such extraordinary skill and compassion.”
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.
Some 3.3 million Americans age 12 and older were victims of violent crime in 2018, according to the National Crime Victimization Survey. The Office for Victims of Crime, part of the Justice Department’s Office of Justice Programs, supports more than 7,000 local victim assistance programs and victim compensation programs in every state and U.S. territory. Funds for these programs come from the Crime Victims Fund, which is made up of federal criminal fines, penalties and bond forfeitures.
During National Crime Victims’ Rights Week, victim advocacy organizations, community groups and state, local and tribal agencies traditionally host rallies, candlelight vigils and other events to raise awareness of victims’ rights and services. This year, many communities are organizing virtual gatherings and online public awareness campaigns.
“Crime victims deserve to know that they have the encouragement and support of the American people,” said OVC Director Jessica E. Hart. “I hope that citizens throughout the nation will take the opportunity this week to remember all victims of crime and their heroic stories of survival. I encourage everyone to also find meaningful ways to express their appreciation to the many committed and compassionate service providers across the country who work tirelessly supporting these survivors.”
For more information on how to create your own public campaigns to raise awareness about crime victims’ rights online and at events throughout the year, please visit: https://ovc.ncjrs.gov/ncvrw2020/overview.html
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.
U.S. Attorney McAllister Announces $6 Million Award to Address Covid-19 Pandemic in KansasRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, KAN. – U.S. Attorney Stephen McAllister today announced that the state of Kansas received $6 Million in Department of Justice grants to respond to the public safety challenges posed by the outbreak of COVID-19.
The grant awarded to the Executive Office of the State Of Kansas is available under the Coronavirus Emergency Supplemental Funding program, authorized by the recent stimulus legislation signed by President Trump. In addition, $3.2 million has been allocated for local jurisdictions in Kansas. 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.
“This money can be used to support a broad range of activities to prevent, prepare for and respond to coronavirus,” said McAllister. “That includes overtime, supplies such as gloves, masks and sanitizer and addressing the medical needs of inmates in prisons, jails and detention centers.”
“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.”
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. Local units of government and tribes will receive direct awards separately according to their jurisdictions’ allocations.
The Office of Justice Programs 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.
Sacramento Man Pleads Guilty to Impersonating an FBI AgentRead the Press Release
SACRAMENTO, Calif. —Daniel Arushanov, 27, of Sacramento, pleaded guilty today to impersonating an officer or employee of the United States, U.S. Attorney McGregor W. Scott announced.
According to court documents, on Feb. 11, Arushanov entered a Red Roof Inn in Sacramento and identified himself to the hotel clerk as a special agent with the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Arushanov claimed to be involved in an investigation into underage prostitution and demanded to see a guest list for the hotel. When asked to show his badge, Arushanov refused and instead told a hotel employee to call the FBI. Arushanov left after the hotel employee called the FBI to report the incident. One of the hotel employees later identified Arushanov as the individual who posed as an FBI agent. Arushanov was arrested for impersonating a peace officer.
“We depend on the cooperation of the public,” said Special Agent in Charge Sean Ragan of the FBI Sacramento Field Office. “It is essential that people trust us to be who we say we are. If contacted by the FBI, the public can always call their local FBI office or law enforcement agency to verify that contact as genuine. Please call 911 if you feel you are in danger.”
This case is the product of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Sacramento County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Shea J. Kenny is prosecuting the case.
Arushanov is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Kimberly J. Mueller on June 15. Arushanov faces a maximum statutory penalty of three years in prison and a $250,000 fine. The actual sentence, however, will be determined at the discretion of the court after consideration of any applicable statutory factors and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, which take into account a number of variables.
Rowan County Man Sentenced to 60 Month in Federal Prison for Drug OffenseRead the Press Release
GREENSBORO, N.C. - A resident of Salisbury, North Carolina, was sentenced today by a federal judge sitting in Greensboro on a charge of distributing heroin, announced United States Attorney Matthew G.T. Martin of the Middle District of North Carolina.
RENNEL JEFFERY PARSON, JR., age 28, was sentenced to a 60 month term of imprisonment by United States District Judge William L. Osteen, Jr. In addition to prison time, PARSON was ordered to serve three years of supervised release and pay a special assessment of $100.00. PARSON pleaded guilty on January 6, 2020 to Count One of the Indictment.
Court records show that on June 23, 2017, and June 26, 2017, investigators with the Rowan County Sheriff’s Department utilized a confidential informant to purchase heroin from PARSON. Both transactions took place in the parking lot of a Salisbury grocery store.
“Today’s sentencing reflects our continued commitment to work with state and local law enforcement agencies to address violent crime and drug activity that plagues our communities,” said U.S. Attorney Martin. “It also highlights our strong working relationship with the Rowan County Sheriff’s Office, the Salisbury Police Department, the Rowan County District Attorney, and other local law enforcement agencies through Project Safe Neighborhoods to ensure all the people of Rowan County live in safe, drug free neighborhoods. I commend the excellent work done in this case by the Department of Homeland Security and the Rowan County Sheriff’s Office.”
The case was investigated by the Department of Homeland Security Investigations and the Rowan County Sheriff’s Office. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Terry M. Meinecke.
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Passenger Arrested at Cyril E. King Airport for Smuggling 9 Kilograms of Marijuana into St. ThomasRead the Press Release
St. Thomas, USVI – Michael Ervin Fuller, 21, of Baytown, Texas, made his initial appearance before United States Magistrate Judge Miller today on a criminal complaint charging him with possession with intent to distribute marijuana, United States Attorney Gretchen C.F. Shappert announced.
According to the affidavit filed in the case, after Fuller arrived at the Cyril E. King Airport on an American Airlines Flight from Miami, Florida, a U.S. Customs and Border Protection Office of Field Operations (CBP OFO) drug-detection dog alerted to Fuller’s carry-on bag. Upon opening the bag, CBP officers discovered a total of 16 cellophane wrapped bundles of a green leafy substance. One of the bundles was field tested and reacted positive for the characteristics of marijuana. Collectively, the 16 bundles weighed approximately 9.69 kilograms. “During this global pandemic, CBP OFO frontline officers continue to work every day while putting themselves at risk to protect and stop the illegal introduction of contraband into the territory,” stated Area Port Director Todd Bellew. “CBP will continue its efforts to combat any illegal activities.”
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.
Northern Ohio Commemorates National Crime Victims’ Rights WeekRead the Press Release
U.S. Attorney Justin Herdman joins the Department of Justice and communities nationwide in observing National Crime Victims’ Rights Week, celebrating victims’ rights, protections and services throughout the week. This year’s observance takes place April 19-25 and features the theme, “Seek Justice| Ensure Victims' Rights | Inspire Hope.”
“Every year, millions of Americans suffer the shock and trauma of criminal victimization, affecting their well-being and sense of security and dignity,” said Attorney General William P. Barr. “To these victims, we affirm our unwavering commitment to supporting them in their hour of need. We also commend the thousands of victim advocates and public safety professionals who labor tirelessly to secure victims’ rights and support survivors.”
“It is important that we take the time this week to recognize survivors of crime and the rights of victims during National Crime Victims’ Rights Week,” said U.S. Attorney Justin Herdman. “Anyone who has been victimized by crime deserves justice. Our office continues to work non-stop, every day, to fight on the behalf of victims and prosecute those who would do harm.”
“While we have made tremendous progress driving down crime and violence across the country, far too many Americans continue to suffer the pain and loss of criminal victimization,” said Katharine T. Sullivan, Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General of the Office of Justice Programs. “This week, we stand by these survivors and their families, and we pledge our ongoing support to the countless men and women who serve them with such extraordinary skill and compassion.”
During National Crime Victims’ Rights Week, victim advocacy organizations, community groups and state, local and tribal agencies traditionally host rallies, candlelight vigils, and other events to raise awareness of victims’ rights and services. This year, many communities are organizing virtual gatherings and online public awareness campaigns.
Some 3.3 million Americans age 12 and older were victims of violent crime in 2018, according to the National Crime Victimization Survey. The Office for Victims of Crime (OVC), part of the Justice Department’s Office of Justice Programs, supports more than 7,000 local victim assistance programs and victim compensation programs in every state and U.S. territory.
Funds for these programs come from the Crime Victims Fund, which is made up of federal criminal fines, penalties and bond forfeitures.
This year’s commemoration began yesterday, 25 years to the day when a truck bomb exploded in front of the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, taking the lives of 168 people, including 19 children, as well as injuring hundreds of others. The mass murder remains the worst act of domestic terrorism in our nation’s history and led to the establishment of the Antiterrorism Emergency Reserve, which is administered by OVC, and has been used to provide direct services to hundreds of victims of mass violence and terrorism.
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.
This year, the annual National Crime Victims’ Service Awards Ceremony will be postponed until a time when award recipients may be honored in person. During the ceremony, OVC will present awards recognizing individuals and organizations from across the nation for their outstanding service on behalf of crime victims. The awardees will be selected from public nominations in 11 categories, including federal service, special courage, public policy, and victim services. Visit www.ovc.gov/gallery to learn more about past recipients.
“Crime victims deserve to know that they have the encouragement and support of the American people,” said OVC Director Jessica E. Hart. “I hope that citizens throughout the nation will take the opportunity this week to remember all victims of crime and their heroic stories of survival. I encourage everyone to also find meaningful ways to express their appreciation to the many committed and compassionate service providers across the country who work tirelessly supporting these survivors.”
For more information on how to create public campaigns to raise awareness about crime victims’ rights online and at events throughout the year, please visit: https://ovc.ojp.gov/.
North Dakota U.S. Attorney’s Office and IRS-CI warn taxpayers against fraud schemes related to COVID-19 Economic Impact PaymentsRead the Press Release
BISMARCK - The United States Attorney's Office for the District of North Dakota 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.
Drew H. Wrigley, U.S. Attorney for the District of North Dakota, and Karl A. 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 A. 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.
"The global pandemic has created opportunities for fraudulent schemes that attempt to pray on uncertainty," said United States Attorney Drew H. Wrigley, "but this much is certain: law enforcement remains committed to public safety and 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/privacy-disclosure/report-phishing
Nashua Man Sentenced to 48 Months for Drug TraffickingRead the Press Release
CONCORD - Anthony Nieves, 26, of Nashua, was sentenced to 48 months in federal prison for distributing fentanyl and crack cocaine, United States Attorney Scott W. Murray announced today.
According to court documents and statements made in court, in May of 2019, an undercover law enforcement officer made controlled purchases of fentanyl and crack cocaine from Nieves and his co-defendant, Yheresis Millan, on two separate occasions. Both transactions took place in Nashua.
Nieves previously pleaded guilty on January 3, 2020. Millan also pleaded guilty and is scheduled to be sentenced on June 1, 2020.
“Drug dealers cause serious damage to the communities where they do business,” said U.S. Attorney Murray. “Through Operation S.O.S., we are working closely with the Nashua Police Department and other law enforcement agencies to identify, prosecute, and incarcerate the traffickers who sell fentanyl and other dangerous drugs in Hillsborough County. By taking these dangerous drug dealers off the street, we will improve public health and safety in the Granite State.”
This matter was investigated by the Nashua Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Joachim H. Barth.
This case is part of Operation Synthetic Opioid Surge (S.O.S.). In July of 2018, Attorney General Jeff Sessions announced the creation of S.O.S., which is being implemented in the District of New Hampshire and nine other federal districts. The goal of S.O.S. is to combat the large number of overdoses and deaths associated with fentanyl and other synthetic opioids. In New Hampshire, the U.S. Attorney’s Office is focusing its efforts on prosecuting synthetic opioid trafficking cases arising in Hillsborough County, which includes Manchester and Nashua.
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Mission Man Sentenced on Meth Trafficking and Firearm ChargesRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a Mission, South Dakota, man convicted of Conspiracy to Distribute Methamphetamine, Possession of Firearms in Furtherance of a Drug Trafficking Crime, and Drug User in Possession of Firearms was sentenced on April 20, 2020, by Chief Judge Roberto A. Lange, U.S. District Court.
Eli Erickson, a/k/a Black, age 33, was sentenced to a total of 188 months in federal prison, followed by 5 years of supervised release, a $1,000 fine, and a $500 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Four firearms were also ordered forfeited due to the convictions.
Erickson was indicted by a federal grand jury on November 14, 2018, and a Superseding Indictment was filed on September 10, 2019. A jury convicted him on five of the aforementioned felony charges after a three-day trial on November 7, 2019.
The convictions stemmed from a conspiracy that lasted between 2015 and 2018, wherein Erickson knowingly and intentionally conspired with others to distribute and possess with intent to distribute more than 500 grams of methamphetamine. The trial testimony showed the conspiracy involved importing pounds of methamphetamine from Nebraska and distributing it on the Rosebud Sioux Indian Reservation. During this time, Erickson possessed two firearms in furtherance of his drug trafficking operation, namely, by using the weapons to protect his home in Mission, from which he sold methamphetamine. Erickson also possessed these firearms and two other firearms while being a methamphetamine user.
Drug trafficking is an inherently violent activity. Firearms are tools of the trade for drug dealers. It is common to find drug traffickers armed with guns in order to protect their illegal drug product and cash, and enforce their illegal operations.
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’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.
This case was investigated by the Rosebud Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services; the Stanley County Sherriff’s Office; the Lexington, Nebraska, Police Department; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; the Northern Plains Safe Trails Drug Enforcement Task Force; and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Cameron J. Cook prosecuted the case.
Erickson was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Marijuana User Sentenced to over Two Years in Federal Prison for Unlawfully Possessing a GunRead the Press Release
An illegal user of controlled substances who unlawfully possessed a handgun was sentenced today to over two years in federal prison.
Corey Dunn, Jr., age 20, from Waterloo, Iowa, received the prison term after an October 29, 2019, guilty plea to being an unlawful user of controlled substances in possession of a firearm.
Information in a plea agreement and at sentencing showed that on June 6, 2019, Dunn was a passenger in a car that was stopped by the Waterloo Police Department. During the traffic stop, officers found a loaded .38 caliber revolver and over 70 grams of marijuana near where Dunn was sitting in the car. In a plea agreement, Dunn admitted he unlawfully possessed the gun as a marijuana user. He also admitted he planned to distribute the marijuana and that he possessed the gun in connection with his drug trafficking.
Dunn was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Judge C.J. Williams. Dunn was sentenced to 27 months’ imprisonment. He must also serve a three-year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN). 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 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 /media/1122011/dl?inline.
Dunn 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 Anthony Morfitt and investigated by a Federal Task Force composed of the Waterloo Police Department, Federal Bureau of Investigation, and Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco and Firearms assisted by the Black Hawk County Sheriff’s Office and Cedar Falls Police Department.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 19-cr-2056.
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Manhattan U.S. Attorney Announces Criminal Charges Against Industrial Bank of Korea for Violations of the Bank Secrecy ActRead the Press Release
Geoffrey S. Berman, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, and Jeffrey E. Peterson, the Special Agent-in-Charge of the Anchorage, Alaska, Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (“FBI”), announced criminal charges against Industrial Bank of Korea (“IBK” or the “Bank”) consisting of a one-count felony information charging IBK with violating the Bank Secrecy Act (the “BSA”) by willfully failing to establish, implement, and maintain an adequate anti-money laundering (“AML”) program at IBK’s New York branch (“IBKNY”), a failure that permitted the processing of more than $1 billion in transactions in violation of the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (“IEEPA”). The case is assigned to United States District Judge Denise L. Cote.
Manhattan U.S. Attorney Geoffrey S. Berman said: “As they have admitted today, the Industrial Bank of Korea and its New York branch enabled years-long access to and exploitation of the U.S. banking system for prohibited transactions. As detailed in an extensive Statement of Facts, IBK failed to institute the effective anti-money laundering program repeatedly requested by its own New York-based compliance officer. As a result, IBKNY failed to detect and report $10 million in illegal U.S. dollar payments from Korean entities to Iranian ones. Nor did IBK report the balance of the $1 billion of such sanctioned transactions between those parties. Banks conducting business in the U.S. have a responsibility to ensure that they establish safeguards against the exploitation of the banking system by sanctioned entities that foster, promote, or engage in terrorism. This Office remains committed to enforcing the law against banks that willfully fail to do so.”
FBI Anchorage Special Agent-in-Charge Jeffrey E. Peterson said: “Today’s forfeiture is another important step in the FBI’s investigation of the Industrial Bank of Korea’s illegal movement of millions of dollars through the U.S. financial system on behalf of sanctioned Iranian entities. The FBI remains committed to protecting and upholding the integrity of the American financial system and ensuring global banking institutions adhere to U.S. laws, including sanctions against potentially hostile countries.”
Mr. Berman also announced an agreement (the “Agreement”) under which IBK agreed to accept responsibility for its conduct by stipulating to the accuracy of an extensive Statement of Facts, pay penalties totaling $86 million to prosecutors and regulators, refrain from all future criminal conduct, and implement remedial measures as required by its regulators. Assuming IBK’s continued compliance with the Agreement, the Government has agreed to defer prosecution for a period of two years, after which time the Government will seek to dismiss the charges.
The federal penalty shall be collected through IBK’s forfeiture to the United States of $51 million in a civil forfeiture action also filed today. Of that amount, one half shall be transferred to the United States Victims of State Sponsored Terrorism Fund, pursuant to the Justice for United States Victims of State Sponsored Terrorism Act. In addition, IBK has reached a separate agreement with the New York State Department of Financial Services (“DFS”) covering various regulatory violations, under which it shall pay an additional $35 million penalty.
The Government entered into this resolution due, in part, to IBK’s acceptance and acknowledgement of responsibility under the laws of the United States for its conduct, as exhibited by its undertaking of a thorough internal investigation and transactional analysis, providing frequent and regular updates to the U.S. Attorney’s Office, collecting and producing evidence located in other countries to the full extent permitted under applicable laws and regulations, and making employees located in other countries available for interviews in the United States. These factors and IBK’s willingness to enter into the commitments set forth in the Agreement, along with all other relevant factors and considerations, collectively weighed in favor of deferral of prosecution, and outweighed in this particular case IBK’s failure to self-report the full extent of its involvement in processing transactions that violated United States sanctions laws, failure to preserve certain electronic evidence relevant to those transactions, and failure to remediate fully and promptly the deficiencies in its compliance programs, as described below.
According to the documents filed today in Manhattan federal court:
IBK and IBKNY’s Failure to Maintain an Adequate AML Program
From at least in or about 2011, and continuing until at least in or about 2014, IBK and IBKNY violated United States law by willfully failing to establish, implement, and maintain an adequate AML program at IBKNY. Among other things, despite requests and admonitions from regulators and IBKNY’s own compliance officer (the “Compliance Officer”), IBK and IBKNY failed to provide the resources, staffing, and training necessary to maintain an adequate AML program by declining to take steps to implement an automated transaction review program or to provide the Compliance Officer with any support staff or assistance. This failure permitted, among other things, the processing through IBKNY and other U.S. financial institutions of approximately $1 billion in transactions on behalf of one or more IBK customers that violated IEEPA.
From at least 2006 until approximately January 2013, IBKNY used a manual process for reviewing transactions processed by the branch. By at least early 2010, both outside regulators and the Compliance Officer had come to view the manual review as insufficient and flagged the need to enhance the branch’s transaction monitoring system with additional resources. In 2010 and 2011, the Compliance Officer made repeated requests, including to IBKNY’s branch manager and to IBK’s Compliance Committee for an automated transaction review system, at one point noting that the “current [manual review] process is manually intensive, excessively time consuming to complete and prone to error, thereby exposing IBKNY to significant Bank Regulatory Sanctions.”
In 2010 and 2011, the Compliance Officer was the only compliance employee at IBKNY. During the same time period when the Compliance Officer was documenting the deficiencies in the IBKNY transaction review program, the Compliance Officer also made “a formal request for one additional IBKNY professional compliance staff” member. In response, IBKNY senior leadership, including IBKNY’s branch manager, first proposed assigning bank interns to assist the Compliance Officer, and ultimately assigned one of IBKNY’s IT employees to assist the Compliance Officer on a part-time basis while still maintaining responsibility for IT work. That employee, who had limited English language ability, had no experience in compliance and was of limited use to the Compliance Officer.
In March 2011, the Compliance Officer wrote another memo, in which he highlighted the significant problems caused by the continued need to engage in manual review of all transactions, adding that he had fallen so far behind at that point that “it would take approximately six months to get caught up enough to meet regulatory expectations.” The Compliance Officer thus wrote that “it is imperative that IBKNY immediately recruit additional experienced AML/BSA resources” and recommended that, given the delay in starting the automated review of transactions, IBKNY hire additional experienced BSA/AML staff. No meaningful action was taken on the Compliance Officer’s request for additional personnel. Rather, the Branch Manager agreed to authorize overtime for the Compliance Officer and the IT employee assisting him so that they could devote extra hours to the manual review process.
Due to the lack of an automated screening program and the lack of sufficient, adequately trained compliance staff to engage in the manual review process, the Compliance Officer fell months behind in his review of transactions being processed on behalf of IBK through IBKNY. As a result, IBKNY did not detect or flag significant suspicious transactions that were processed through the branch until months after those transactions had been completed.
IEEPA-Violating Transactions by Kenneth Zong and His Co-Conspirators
In particular, IBKNY and IBK failed to promptly identify a series of transactions that violated the United States’ economic sanctions against Iran (the “Zong Transactions”): From January 2011 until July 2011, Kenneth Zong,[1] an American citizen, and various primarily Iranian co-conspirators exploited bank accounts that had been established at IBK and at another bank to permit certain forms of trade between Korea-based entities and Iran (the “CBI Won Accounts”), to transfer U.S. Dollars (“USD”) unlawfully to Iranian-controlled entities. In order to evade U.S. sanctions, Zong and his co-conspirators set up shell companies in Korea, Iran, and elsewhere, which engaged in sham trade transactions and submitted fictitious documentation to Korean banks, including IBK, in order to facilitate the transfer of Iranian funds from the CBI Won Accounts to Korean entities’ accounts, the conversion of the funds into USD, and the subsequent transfer of USD from those entities through U.S. financial institutions to other accounts controlled by Zong and his co-conspirators and/or for the benefit of Zong and his co-conspirators.
IBKNY did not review and identify the Zong Transactions as unlawful until more than five months after they began to be processed through IBK, after IBK had already processed more than $1 billion worth of such transactions.
IBK and IBKNY’s Continued Failure to Implement an Adequate AML Program
Shortly after the Compliance Officer flagged the Zong Transactions, he again alerted IBK’s management to the dire state of IBKNY’s AML program, noting in a memo to senior leadership at IBK’s Head Office that:
[C]urrently the branch AML monitoring program is behind 8 monthly BSA reviews due to insufficient resources. Branch management has refused to accept my repeated recommendation to increase resources. . . . Regulation H of the Federal Reserve mandates a branch have a BSA program that includes an effective BSA review process with sufficient resources to be able to detect and report suspicious activity within a reasonable time frame. Under these requirements, the branch is deficient in both areas.
Nevertheless, IBKNY did not take immediate steps to remedy these deficiencies. While IBK initiated a process to select a vendor to install an automated system in August 2011, the system did not become operational for another 18 months. Moreover, while the system commenced operation in January 2013, it was not validated by IBKNY’s external auditor until 2014. Nor did IBKNY hire even a second full-time compliance employee until October 2014.
Even after these fundamental improvements were made, IBK did not fully remediate IBKNY’s broader BSA/AML deficiencies for years, even after entering into a Written Agreement with their primary regulators to correct such deficiencies in February 2016.
IBK’s Failure to Disclose Its Wrongdoing in a Timely Manner
While IBKNY filed a suspicious activity report regarding the subset of Zong’s transactions that had been processed through IBKNY (approximately $10 million worth of transactions) and made a disclosure regarding those transactions to the U.S. Department of the Treasury, Office of Foreign Assets Control (“OFAC”) in August 2011, IBK never self-reported to OFAC its involvement in the remaining $990 million worth of Zong’s illegal transactions. Similarly, IBK did not self-disclose its willful violations of the Bank Secrecy Act prior to the Government’s investigation.
* * *
Mr. Berman praised the outstanding investigative work of the Anchorage Field Office of the FBI. He also thanked the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Alaska, the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, and the New York State Department of Financial Services for their assistance with this matter. The Office of the New York State Attorney General also conducted its own investigation alongside the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York on this investigation.
The prosecution is being handled by the Office’s Money Laundering and Transnational Criminal Enterprises Unit. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Edward B. Diskant, Benet J. Kearney, and Alexander Wilson are in charge of the prosecution.
[1] On or about December 14, 2016, Zong was indicted in the District of Alaska and charged with violations of IEEPA and money laundering offenses. The entirety of the text of that indictment and the description of the indictment set forth herein constitute only allegations, and every fact described should be treated as an allegation.
Manhattan U.S. Attorney Announces Additional Distribution of More Than $378 Million to Victims of Madoff Ponzi SchemeRead the Press Release
Geoffrey S. Berman, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, Assistant Attorney General Brian A. Benczkowski of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, and William F. Sweeney Jr., the Assistant Director-in-Charge of the New York Field Division of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (“FBI”), announced today that the Madoff Victim Fund established by the Department of Justice began its fifth distribution to victims of funds forfeited to the United States Government in connection with the Bernard L. Madoff Investment Securities LLC (“BLMIS”) fraud scheme. The distribution will include $378.5 million in additional funds, bringing the total distributed to date to approximately $2.7 billion. The funds will be sent to more than 26,000 victims worldwide, the fifth payment to victims that will bring their total recovery from all sources of compensation to 73.65 % of their losses. The Madoff Victim Fund will ultimately return to victims more than $4 billion in assets that have been recovered as compensation for losses suffered by the collapse of BLMIS, following the largest fraud in history. Another $5 billion in assets recovered by the U.S. Attorney’s Office are being separately paid to Madoff victims through the BLMIS Customer Fund administered by the Securities Investor Protection Act Trustee.
Manhattan U.S. Attorney Geoffrey S. Berman said: “This Office continues its efforts to seek justice for victims of history’s largest Ponzi scheme. Today’s additional payment of more than $378 million by this Office and the U.S. Department of Justice Criminal Division’s Money Laundering and Asset Recovery Section represents the fifth in an on-going series of distributions that will leave victims with compensation for more than 73 percent of their losses. But our work is not yet finished, and this extraordinary level of recovery represents this Office’s ongoing and tireless commitment to compensating the victims who suffered as a result of Madoff’s predatory criminal scheme.”
Assistant Attorney General Brian A. Benczkowski said: “It is entirely fitting during this Crime Victims’ Rights Week that the department is able to make the latest distribution from the Madoff Victims Fund. With the $378 million distributed today, the department has now returned $2.7 billion to Madoff’s victims, allowing them to recover almost 74 percent of their losses. All of this has been made possible by the department’s steadfast commitment to the pursuit of the proceeds of fraud through civil forfeiture.”
Since the early 1970s, BERNARD L. MADOFF (“MADOFF”) used his position as Chairman of BLMIS, the investment advisory business he founded, to steal billions from his clients. On March 12, 2009, MADOFF pled guilty to 11 federal felonies, admitting that he had turned his wealth management business into the world’s largest Ponzi scheme, benefitting himself, his family, and select members of his inner circle. On June 29, 2009, United States District Judge Denny Chin sentenced MADOFF to 150 years in prison for running the largest fraudulent scheme in history. Judge Chin ordered MADOFF to forfeit $170,799,000,000 as part of MADOFF’s sentence.
The Madoff Victim Fund is funded through recoveries by the U.S. Attorney’s Office in various criminal and civil forfeiture actions, and is overseen by Richard Breeden, the former Chairman of the United States Securities and Exchange Commission, in his capacity as Special Master appointed by the Department of Justice to assist in connection with the victim remission proceedings.
Of the approximately $4.05 billion that will be made available to victims through the Madoff Victim Fund, approximately $2.2 billion was collected as part of the civil forfeiture recovery from the estate of deceased MADOFF investor Jeffry Picower. An additional $1.7 billion was collected as part of a Deferred Prosecution Agreement with JPMorgan Chase Bank N.A. for MADOFF-related Bank Secrecy Act violations. Additional funds were collected through criminal and civil forfeiture actions against MADOFF and his co-conspirators, and certain MADOFF investors.
Mr. Berman praised the work of the FBI and the Madoff Victim Fund, and thanked the Money Laundering and Asset Recovery Section of the Department of Justice’s Criminal Division for their assistance.
For more information about the Madoff Victim Fund, compensation to victims of BLMIS, eligibility criteria, and payment information, please visit www.madoffvictimfund.com.
The case is being handled by the Office’s Money Laundering and Transnational Criminal Enterprises Unit. Assistant United States Attorney Louis A. Pellegrino is in charge of the case. The remission of these forfeited funds is being handled by the Office and the U.S. Department of Justice Criminal Division’s Money Laundering and Asset Recovery Section.
Man sentenced for illegal gun possession in Baker deer poaching investigationRead the Press Release
BILLINGS—A Louisiana man who admitted illegally having a firearm after confessing to shooting a mule deer buck in the Baker area was sentenced today to 15 months in prison and to three years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme said.
Matthew Stephen Hays, 32, of Rayville, LA, pleaded guilty in November to prohibited person in possession of a firearm.
U.S. District Judge Susan P. Watters presided.
The prosecution said in court documents that Hays was convicted of felony theft of a firearm in Louisiana in 2014. In January 2019, Montana Department of Fish, Wildlife and Parks wardens were investigating reports of deer poaching in eastern Montana. While on Sheep Mountain Road, the wardens saw a small pickup truck, heard four shots and saw the truck drive away. The wardens drove to where the truck had stopped and found a mule deer buck thrashing in sage brush about 150 yards from the road. The wardens hiked to the animal and found it dead from several gunshot wounds.
Four days later, one of the wardens saw in a Baker parking lot a truck matching the description of the truck that had been seen on Sheep Mountain Road. There were deer antlers in the back of the pickup and a rifle and several boxes of ammunition in the back seat of the cab. Hays emerged from a nearby store and walked to the truck. He confessed to the warden that he shot mule deer buck with his .22-caliber rifle. During a search of the truck, the warden recovered a .22-caliber rifle and a second firearm. Hay also told the warden he had a prior felony conviction.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Karla Painter prosecuted the case, which was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
This case is part of Project Guardian, the U.S. Department of Justice’s recent initiative to reduce gun violence and enforce federal firearms laws, and Project Safe Neighborhoods, the USDOJ’s initiative to reduce violent crime. According to the FBI’s Uniform Crime Reports, violent crime in Montana increased by 36% from 2013 through 2018. Through these initiatives, 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.
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Macy Man Sentenced for Domestic AssaultRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Joe Kelly announced that Lamonte J. Bertucci, Sr., 53, of Macy, Nebraska, was sentenced today in federal court in Omaha for domestic assault. Senior United States District Judge Laurie Smith Camp sentenced Bertucci to 12 months and 1 day of imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal prison system. After his release from prison, Bertucci will serve a three-year term of supervised release.
In May 2019, officers with the Omaha Nation Law Enforcement Services contacted a woman who had just been released from the hospital after being treated for numerous injuries including an orbital fracture and a wrist fracture. The woman reported that Bertucci had punched her in the face during an argument while at someone else’s residence. The woman and Bertucci then left the residence. When they got to the stairwell leading to the woman’s apartment, the woman told Bertucci that he could not stay with her at the apartment. As the woman started down the stairs, she felt Bertucci push or kick her, causing her to fall down the stairs.
This case was investigated by the Omaha Nation Law Enforcement Services and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
La Fiscalía Federal del Distrito de Puerto Rico y el Elder Justice Task Force Lanzan Iniciativa de Pruebas COVID-19 en Hogares de Cuido ProlongadoRead the Press Release
SAN JUAN, P.R. – El Fiscal Federal de los Estados Unidos para el Distrito de Puerto Rico W. Stephen Muldrow y el Elder Justice Task Force (EJTF, por sus siglas en inglés) anunciaron hoy el lanzamiento de una iniciativa de toma de pruebas COVID-19 a todos los residentes y empleados en los hogares y centros de cuido prolongado para adultos mayores de Puerto Rico. Esta iniciativa multi-agencial y multisectorial cubrirá más de 1,000 instalaciones, 28,000 residentes y 9,000 empleados y cuidadores durante las próximas tres semanas. Este esfuerzo ha sido posible con el apoyo del Departamento de Salud de P.R., el Task Force Médico de la Gobernadora de P.R., el Departamento de la Familia de P.R., la Unidad de Control de Fraudes contra Medicaid del Departamento de Justicia de P.R., la Guardia Nacional de P.R., la Oficina del Procurador de Personas de Edad Avanzada, así como los Centros de Salud Federalmente Calificados (Centros 330) participantes, con subvenciones de Direct Relief, una organización humanitaria cuya misión es mejorar la salud y la vida de las personas afectadas por pobreza o emergencias.
Durante las últimas semanas, los miembros del EJTF desarrollaron protocolos y guías para prevenir y contener la propagación de la COVID-19 en los hogares de cuido prolongado de Puerto Rico. Cuando Puerto Rico comenzó con el cierre y la cancelación de visitas en éstas instituciones a mediados de marzo, quedó claro que debía establecerse un protocolo para manejar casos sospechosos de la COVID-19 en los centros de cuido de adultos de edad avanzada. El EJTF, con ayuda de especialistas, desarrolló un algoritmo para manejar casos sospechosos de la COVID-19 en estas instalaciones.
La semana pasada, el Departamento de Salud de P.R. proporcionó 50,000 kits de pruebas rápidas para la iniciativa, que serán respaldados por pruebas moleculares (PCR, por sus siglas en inglés), de conformidad con los protocolos acordados. Hoy lanzamos esta iniciativa en tres hogares de ancianos, y también nos embarcamos en una iniciativa proactiva más amplia con la cooperación de la Guardia Nacional de P.R. Con la asistencia de la Guardia Nacional, esperamos evaluar a todos los residentes y empleados en los hogares de cuido prolongado de Puerto Rico en las próximas tres semanas.
Una vez que la iniciativa se implemente completamente, hasta 100 equipos estarán en el campo diariamente realizando pruebas de la COVID-19. Como parte de la estrategia se ha incorporado una plataforma en línea creada por el Departamento de la Familia de P.R. para ingresar los datos y generar informes con los resultados de las pruebas, al terminar las misiones diarias. La Oficina de Epidemiología del Departamento de Salud de P.R. también ha expresado su compromiso con este esfuerzo, y llevará a cabo el seguimiento de contactos, asesorará a los centros y ayudará con la colocación de los residentes, de ser necesario.
El Fiscal Federal Muldrow declaró: “El bienestar de nuestros ciudadanos de edad avanzada durante esta pandemia es una de nuestras principales prioridades. Elogio los esfuerzos del Elder Justice Task Force y aquellos que se han unido a nuestra misión durante esta emergencia. Su compromiso desinteresado con esta causa es admirable y un testimonio de la resistencia del espíritu humano".
La misión del Elder Justice Task Force es apoyar y coordinar los esfuerzos programáticos y de cumplimiento del Departamento de Justicia Federal para combatir el abuso, la negligencia y el fraude financiero y las estafas que tienen como blanco a las personas de edad avanzada de nuestra nación. Los esfuerzos del Task Force en Puerto Rico están dirigidos por la Coordinadora de EJTF, la Fiscal Federal Auxiliar Jacqueline Novas. Para informar sobre casos sospechosos de la COVID-19 en los hogares de cuido prolongado puede llamar al número de teléfono: (787) 523-0802.
Justice Department Observes National Crime Victims’ Rights Week April 19-25, 2020Read the Press Release
St. Thomas, USVI – United States Attorney Gretchen C.F. Shappert joins the Department of Justice in observance of National Crime Victims’ Rights Week, April 19-25, 2020. “Here in the U.S. Virgin Islands, prosecutors and staff recognize our continuing obligation to support and defend the victims of crime in the federal courts,” Shappert said. “It is imperative that the voices of victims are heard and that the rights of victims are acknowledged and defended. Advocacy on behalf of victims helps to ensure justice for all.”
President Ronald Reagan proclaimed the first Victims’ Rights Week in 1981, placing crime victims' rights, needs and concerns as a focal point on the American agenda. President Reagan also established the President's Task Force on Victims of Crime, which laid the foundation for a national network of services and legal safeguards to support crime victims. Since 1981, National Crime Victims’ Rights Week (NCVRW) has challenged the Nation to confront and remove barriers to achieving justice for all victims of crime.
The scope of the problem is significant. Some 3.3 million Americans age 12 and older were victims of violent crime in 2018, according to the National Crime Victimization Survey. The Office for Victims of Crime, part of the Justice Department’s Office of Justice Programs, supports more than 7,000 local victim assistance programs and victim compensation programs in every state and U.S. territory. Funds for these programs come from the Crime Victims Fund, which is made up of federal criminal fines, penalties and bond forfeitures
Each year in April, the Department of Justice and U.S. Attorneys’ offices observe NCVRW by taking time to honor victims of crime and those who advocate on their behalf. In addition, the Justice Department and U.S. Attorneys’ offices organize events to honor the victims and advocates, as well as bring awareness to services available to victims of crime. This year’s observance takes place April 19-25, with the theme: Seek Justice | Ensure Victims’ Rights | Inspire Hope.
This year, the annual National Crime Victims’ Service Awards Ceremony will be postponed until a time when we can honor this year’s award recipients in person. During the ceremony, OVC will present awards recognizing individuals and organizations from across the nation for their outstanding service on behalf of crime victims. The awardees will be selectedf rom public nominations in 11 categories, including federal service, special courage, public policy, and victim services. Visit www.ovc.gov/gallery to learn more about past recipients.
For more information on how to create your own public campaigns to raise awareness about crime victims’ rights online and at events throughout the year, please visit:https://ovc.ncjrs.gov/ncvrw2020/overview.html.
Justice Department Issues Business Review Letter to AmerisourceBergen Supporting Distribution of Critical Medicines Under Expedited Procedure for COVID-19 Pandemic ResponseRead the Press Release
The Department of Justice announced today that it will not challenge collaborative efforts of AmerisourceBergen Corporation (AmerisourceBergen) to identify global supply opportunities, ensure product quality, and facilitate product distribution of medications and other healthcare supplies to treat COVID-19 patients.
AmerisourceBergen’s collaborative efforts form yet another part of the emergency response developed and led by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to address urgent supply needs across the nation arising from the COVID-19 pandemic.
“We commend AmerisourceBergen’s efforts to assist the United States in responding to the COVID-19 pandemic through improved supply of medicines to those most in need,” stated Assistant Attorney General Makan Delrahim of the department’s Antitrust Division. “We also appreciate AmerisourceBergen’s intention to comply with the antitrust laws, regardless of circumstances. Division staff worked expeditiously to resolve its request for a Business Review Letter within our ambitious seven-day target.”
AmerisourceBergen is working on a number of initiatives under the direction of the government to help resolve supply challenges presented by the pandemic. These initiatives are focused on facilitating the government’s efforts to guide medications and other healthcare supplies to the places where they are needed most. This includes the distribution of hydroxychloroquine from the government’s Strategic National Stockpile to health care providers in areas of greatest need. AmerisourceBergen is instructed on volumes and ship-to destinations, and then leverages its distribution network. AmerisourceBergen’s conduct falls within the same emergency response efforts that dictated the Medical Supplies Distributors’ conduct evaluated in a previous Business Review Letter. The response, therefore, leverages the same analytical framework.
AmerisourceBergen submitted its business review request pursuant to the expedited, temporary review procedure detailed in the Joint Antitrust Statement Regarding COVID-19 (Joint Statement) issued by both the department and the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) on March 24, 2020. In the Joint Statement, the department announced its aim to resolve COVID-19-related business review requests within seven calendar days of receiving all necessary information.
Copies of the business review request and the department’s response are available on the Antitrust Division’s website at https://www.justice.gov/atr/business-review-letters-and-request-letters, as well as in a file maintained by the Antitrust Documents Group of the Antitrust Division. After a 30-day waiting period, any documents supporting the business review will be added to the file, unless a basis for their exclusion for reasons of confidentiality has been established under the business review procedure. Supporting documents in the file will be maintained for a period of one year, and copies will be available upon request to the FOIA/Privacy Act Unit, Antitrust Documents Group at [email protected].
Justice Department Commemorates National Crime Victims’ Rights WeekRead the Press Release
ALEXANDRIA, Va. – The Eastern District of Virginia joins the entire Department of Justice and communities nationwide in observing National Crime Victims’ Rights Week, celebrating victims’ rights, protections and services throughout the week.
This year’s observance takes place April 19-25 and features the theme, “Seek Justice | Ensure Victims' Rights | Inspire Hope.”
“Every year, millions of Americans suffer the shock and trauma of criminal victimization, affecting their well-being and sense of security and dignity,” said Attorney General William P. Barr. “To these victims, we affirm our unwavering commitment to supporting them in their hour of need. We also commend the thousands of victim advocates and public safety professionals who labor tirelessly to secure victims’ rights and support survivors.”
“While we have made tremendous progress driving down crime and violence across the country, far too many Americans continue to suffer the pain and loss of criminal victimization,” said Katharine T. Sullivan, Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General of the Office of Justice Programs. “This week, we stand by these survivors and their families, and we pledge our ongoing support to the countless men and women who serve them with such extraordinary skill and compassion.”
“Seeking justice for victims of crime is, and has always been, a critical element of our public safety mission,” said G. Zachary Terwilliger, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia. “National Crime Victims’ Rights Week is the perfect opportunity to recognize the rights of all victims and survivors, and engage with our federal, state, and local law enforcement partners in support of those rights across the Eastern District. This week should also serve as a poignant reminder of victims’ continued need for support, recovery, and justice.”
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.
Some 3.3 million Americans age 12 and older were victims of violent crime in 2018, according to the National Crime Victimization Survey. The Office for Victims of Crime (OVC), part of the Justice Department’s Office of Justice Programs, supports more than 7,000 local victim assistance programs and victim compensation programs in every state and U.S. territory. Funds for these programs come from the Crime Victims Fund, which is made up of federal criminal fines, penalties and bond forfeitures.
During National Crime Victims’ Rights Week, victim advocacy organizations, community groups and state, local and tribal agencies traditionally host rallies, candlelight vigils, and other events to raise awareness of victims’ rights and services. This year, many communities are organizing virtual gatherings and online public awareness campaigns.
This year’s commemoration began yesterday, 25 years to the day when a truck bomb exploded in front of the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, taking the lives of 168 people, including 19 children, as well as injuring hundreds of others. The mass murder remains the worst act of domestic terrorism in our nation’s history and led to the establishment of the Antiterrorism Emergency Reserve, which is administered by OVC, and has been used to provide direct services to hundreds of victims of mass violence and terrorism.
“Crime victims deserve to know that they have the encouragement and support of the American people,” said OVC Director Jessica E. Hart. “I hope that citizens throughout the nation will take the opportunity this week to remember all victims of crime and their heroic stories of survival. I encourage everyone to also find meaningful ways to express their appreciation to the many committed and compassionate service providers across the country who work tirelessly supporting these survivors.”
This year, the annual National Crime Victims’ Service Awards Ceremony will be postponed until a time when we can honor this year’s award recipients in person. During the ceremony, OVC will present awards recognizing individuals and organizations from across the nation for their outstanding service on behalf of crime victims. The awardees will be selected from public nominations in 11 categories, including federal service, special courage, public policy, and victim services. Visit www.ovc.gov/gallery to learn more about past recipients.
For more information on how to create your own public campaigns to raise awareness about crime victims’ rights online and at events throughout the year, please visit: https://ovc.ncjrs.gov/ncvrw2020/overview.html.
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.
Justice Department Commemorates National Crime Victims' Rights WeekRead the Press Release
MADISON, WIS. – U.S. Attorney Scott C. Blader joins the Department of Justice and communities nationwide in observing National Crime Victims’ Rights Week, celebrating victims’ rights, protections and services throughout the week. This year’s observance takes place April 19-25 and features the theme, “Seek Justice| Ensure Victims' Rights | Inspire Hope.”
“Every year, millions of Americans suffer the shock and trauma of criminal victimization, affecting their well-being and sense of security and dignity,” said Attorney General William P. Barr. “To these victims, we affirm our unwavering commitment to supporting them in their hour of need. We also commend the thousands of victim advocates and public safety professionals who labor tirelessly to secure victims’ rights and support survivors.”
“This week is an important opportunity for us to show our unyielding support of all victims and renew our commitment to keeping our communities safe,” said U.S. Attorney Blader. “My office will support and fight for those individuals who have been victimized, to ensure that they continue to have a voice in our legal system and to secure justice for them.”
“While we have made tremendous progress driving down crime and violence across the country, far too many Americans continue to suffer the pain and loss of criminal victimization,” said Katharine T. Sullivan, Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General of the Office of Justice Programs. “This week, we stand by these survivors and their families, and we pledge our ongoing support to the countless men and women who serve them with such extraordinary skill and compassion.”
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.
Some 3.3 million Americans age 12 and older were victims of violent crime in 2018, according to the National Crime Victimization Survey. The Office for Victims of Crime (OVC), part of the Justice Department’s Office of Justice Programs, supports more than 7,000 local victim assistance programs and victim compensation programs in every state and U.S. territory. Funds for these programs come from the Crime Victims Fund, which is made up of federal criminal fines, penalties and bond forfeitures.
During National Crime Victims’ Rights Week, victim advocacy organizations, community groups and state, local and tribal agencies traditionally host rallies, candlelight vigils, and other events to raise awareness of victims’ rights and services. This year, many communities are organizing virtual gatherings and online public awareness campaigns.
This year’s commemoration began yesterday, 25 years to the day when a truck bomb exploded in front of the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, taking the lives of 168 people, including 19 children, as well as injuring hundreds of others. The mass murder remains the worst act of domestic terrorism in our nation’s history and led to the establishment of the Antiterrorism Emergency Reserve, which is administered by OVC, and has been used to provide direct services to hundreds of victims of mass violence and terrorism.
“Crime victims deserve to know that they have the encouragement and support of the American people,” said OVC Director Jessica E. Hart. “I hope that citizens throughout the nation will take the opportunity this week to remember all victims of crime and their heroic stories of survival. I encourage everyone to also find meaningful ways to express their appreciation to the many committed and compassionate service providers across the country who work tirelessly supporting these survivors.”
This year, the annual National Crime Victims’ Service Awards Ceremony will be postponed until a time when we can honor this year’s award recipients in person. During the ceremony, OVC will present awards recognizing individuals and organizations from across the nation for their outstanding service on behalf of crime victims. The awardees will be selected from public nominations in 11 categories, including federal service, special courage, public policy, and victim services. Visit www.ovc.gov/gallery to learn more about past recipients.
For more information on how to create your own public campaigns to raise awareness about crime victims’ rights online and at events throughout the year, please visit: https://ovc.ncjrs.gov/ncvrw2020/overview.html.
Justice Department Announces Additional Distribution of More than $378 Million to Victims of Madoff Ponzi SchemeRead the Press Release
At the start of National Crime Victims’ Rights Week, the Department of Justice today announced that on April 20, the Madoff Victim Fund (MVF) began its fifth distribution of approximately $378.5 million in funds forfeited to the U.S. Government in connection with the Bernard L. Madoff Investment Securities LLC (BLMIS) fraud scheme, bringing the total distributed to over $2.7 billion to nearly 38,000 victims worldwide.
In this distribution, payments will be sent to over 26,000 victims across the globe, bringing their total recovery to 73.65 percent. This distribution represents the fifth in a series of payments that will eventually return over $4 billion to victims as compensation for losses they suffered from the collapse of the BLMIS. The MVF has received over 65,000 petitions from victims in 136 countries.
“It is entirely fitting during this Crime Victims’ Rights Week that the department is able to make the latest distribution from the Madoff Victims Fund,” said Assistant Attorney General Brian A. Benczkowski of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “With the $378 million distributed today, the department has now returned $2.7 billion to Madoff’s victims, allowing them to recover almost 74 percent of their losses. All of this has been made possible by the department’s steadfast commitment to the pursuit of the proceeds of fraud through civil forfeiture.”
“This office continues its efforts to seek justice for victims of history’s largest Ponzi scheme. Today’s additional payments of more than $378 million by this office and the U.S. Department of Justice Criminal Division’s Money Laundering and Asset Recovery Section represents the fifth in an on-going series of distributions that will leave victims with compensation for more than 73 percent of their losses,” said U.S. Attorney Geoffrey S. Berman of the Southern District of New York. “But our work is not yet finished, and this extraordinary level of recovery represents this Office’s ongoing and tireless commitment to compensating the victims who suffered as a result of Madoff’s heinous crimes.”
For decades, Bernard L. Madoff used his position as Chairman of BLMIS, the investment advisory business he founded in 1960, to steal billions from his clients. On March 12, 2009, Madoff pleaded guilty to 11 federal felonies, admitting that he had turned his wealth management business into the world’s largest Ponzi scheme, benefitting himself, his family and select members of his inner circle. On June 29, 2009, U.S. District Judge Denny Chin sentenced Madoff to serve 150 years in prison for running the largest fraudulent scheme in history. Of the approximately $4.05 billion that will be made available to victims, approximately $2.2 billion was collected as part of the historic civil forfeiture recovery from the estate of deceased Madoff investor Jeffry Picower. An additional $1.7 billion was collected as part of a deferred prosecution agreement with JPMorgan Chase Bank N.A. and civilly forfeited in a parallel action. The remaining funds were collected through a civil forfeiture action against investor Carl Shapiro and his family, and from civil and criminal forfeiture actions against Bernard L. Madoff, Peter B. Madoff and their co-conspirators.
The MVF’s payouts would not have been possible without the extraordinary efforts of the Criminal Division’s Money Laundering and Asset Recovery Section, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York, and the FBI in the prosecution of these crimes and the recovery of assets supporting the forfeiture in this case. The MVF is overseen by Richard Breeden, former Chairman of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, in his capacity as Special Master appointed by the Department of Justice to assist in connection with the victim remission proceedings. The Department of Justice also acknowledges the sacrifice of numerous individuals during this period of quarantine due to COVID-19 to ensure that this distribution occurred and remained on schedule.
More information about MVF and its compensation to victims of BLMIS is available on the MVF website at www.madoffvictimfund.com, such as eligibility criteria, process updates, and frequently asked questions. Further questions may be directed to the MVF at 866-624-3670 or [email protected].
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.
Illegal Firearms Dealer Who Used “Glock Switches” to Convert Pistols into Machine Guns Is Sentenced to PrisonRead the Press Release
CHARLOTTE, N.C. – U.S. District Robert J. Conrad Jr. sentenced today Charlton Christian Allen, 37, of Monroe, N.C. to 42 months in prison followed by one year of supervised release, for dealing in firearms without a license and possession of a machine gun, announced the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of North Carolina
According to filed court documents and today’s sentencing hearing, from April 2014 to February 2019, Allen engaged in the business of dealing in firearms without being a licensed firearms dealer. Court records show that over the course of an investigation into a drug trafficking organization (DTO) operating in the greater Charlotte area, law enforcement learned that Allen supplied the DTO with firearms in exchange for drugs and cash.
On May 15, 2019, federal agents arrested Allen at his residence. Inside Allen’s home, they found a Remington shotgun, a homemade firearm, a .22 caliber handgun, a .22 caliber rifle, numerous firearm parts, approximately 2,000 rounds of ammunition, a drill press, and instruction manuals for gun modifications. The agents also seized two Glock conversion devices, commonly known as “Glock switches,” used to illegally convert Glock pistols into machineguns.
On August 16, 2019, Allen pleaded guilty to dealing in firearms without a license and possession of a machine gun. He has been in federal custody since May 2019. Details about the federal prosecution of the DTO members Allen was selling firearms to can be found here.
The ATF and the FBI investigated the case, which is the result of the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF). OCDETF is a joint federal, state and local cooperative approach to combat drug trafficking and is the nation’s primary tool for disrupting and dismantling major drug trafficking organizations, targeting national and regional drug trafficking organizations and coordinating the necessary law enforcement entities and resources to disrupt or dismantle the targeted criminal organization and seize their assets.
Assistant United States Attorney Erik Lindahl, of the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Charlotte prosecuted the case.
Former VSU Employee Charged for Threatening Campuses, Individuals Across the CountryRead the Press Release
VALDOSTA, Ga. – A former Valdosta State University employee is in custody, charged by criminal complaint for sending threatening emails to victims at universities across the country. Shawn Charles Merdinger, 50, of Lake Park, Georgia, had an initial appearance today at 2:30 p.m. before U.S. Magistrate Judge Charles Weigle from the Tift County Jail, where the defendant is currently in custody. The hearing was conducted remotely via videoconferencing due to social distancing restrictions in place since the outbreak of Coronavirus (COVID-19). A detention hearing is set for Thursday, April 23 at 2:30 p.m.
The complaint alleges that Merdinger sent several emails between April 16 and April 19 to addresses affiliated with individuals employed at the University of California at Santa Barbara, University of Indiana, University of Texas, University of Texas at Austin, the University System of Georgia and Valdosta State University. The messages contained threats of extreme violence to the victims and himself, as well as general threats of harm, including a specific statement targeted toward the University of Texas at Austin emailed on April 18, “I am going to roll on faculty and execute you in your homes in alphabetical order. You might as well shut that place down. Here on out, any school faculty or student is going to be a personal, high value target for me. I’m coming in there. You better run.” Merdinger was taken into custody by the FBI on April 19 at his Lake Park home.
“Maintaining the safety of our citizens is a top priority for our office and law enforcement throughout the Middle District of Georgia,” said Charlie Peeler, U.S. Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia. “I am grateful to the FBI and our state and local law enforcement partners for reacting quickly to shut down this alleged threat.”
"The FBI must take any threat to human life seriously," said Chris Hacker, Special Agent in Charge of FBI Atlanta. "This arrest would not have been possible without help from the Valdosta State University Police Department, the Lowndes County Sheriff Office and the universities who received these terrorizing threats."
A criminal complaint is allegation of unlawful conduct. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of competent jurisdiction. This case is being investigated by the FBI and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert McCullers. 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.
Department of Justice and U.S. Attorney Trent Shores Commemorate National Crime Victims’ Rights WeekRead the Press Release
U.S. Attorney Trent Shores joins the Department of Justice and communities nationwide in observing National Crime Victims’ Rights Week, celebrating victims’ rights, protections and services throughout the week. This year’s observance takes place April 19-25 and features the theme, “Seek Justice| Ensure Victims' Rights | Inspire Hope.”
“Every year, millions of Americans suffer the shock and trauma of criminal victimization, affecting their well-being and sense of security and dignity,” said Attorney General William P. Barr. “To these victims, we affirm our unwavering commitment to supporting them in their hour of need. We also commend the thousands of victim advocates and public safety professionals who labor tirelessly to secure victims’ rights and support survivors.”
“I am proud to publicly reaffirm our commitment to victims’ rights. The men and women of the United States Attorney’s Office work tirelessly to secure justice for victims of crime and to support them throughout a prosecution,” said U.S. Attorney Trent Shores. “From victims of violent crime to white collar crime, my team will ensure every victim’s voice is heard and their rights are protected.”
“While we have made tremendous progress driving down crime and violence across the country, far too many Americans continue to suffer the pain and loss of criminal victimization,” said Katharine T. Sullivan, Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General of the Office of Justice Programs. “This week, we stand by these survivors and their families, and we pledge our ongoing support to the countless men and women who serve them with such extraordinary skill and compassion.”
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.
Some 3.3 million Americans age 12 and older were victims of violent crime in 2018, according to the National Crime Victimization Survey. The Office for Victims of Crime (OVC), part of the Justice Department’s Office of Justice Programs, supports more than 7,000 local victim assistance programs and victim compensation programs in every state and U.S. territory. Funds for these programs come from the Crime Victims Fund, which is made up of federal criminal fines, penalties and bond forfeitures.
During National Crime Victims’ Rights Week, victim advocacy organizations, community groups and state, local and tribal agencies traditionally host rallies, candlelight vigils, and other events to raise awareness of victims’ rights and services. This year, many communities are organizing virtual gatherings and online public awareness campaigns.
This year’s commemoration began yesterday, 25 years to the day when a truck bomb exploded in front of the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, taking the lives of 168 people, including 19 children, as well as injuring hundreds of others. The mass murder remains the worst act of domestic terrorism in our nation’s history and led to the establishment of the Antiterrorism Emergency Reserve, which is administered by OVC, and has been used to provide direct services to hundreds of victims of mass violence and terrorism.
“Crime victims deserve to know that they have the encouragement and support of the American people,” said OVC Director Jessica E. Hart. “I hope that citizens throughout the nation will take the opportunity this week to remember all victims of crime and their heroic stories of survival. I encourage everyone to also find meaningful ways to express their appreciation to the many committed and compassionate service providers across the country who work tirelessly supporting these survivors.”
This year, the annual National Crime Victims’ Service Awards Ceremony will be postponed until a time when we can honor this year’s award recipients in person. During the ceremony, OVC will present awards recognizing individuals and organizations from across the nation for their outstanding service on behalf of crime victims. The awardees will be selected from public nominations in 11 categories, including federal service, special courage, public policy, and victim services. Visit www.ovc.gov/gallery to learn more about past recipients.
For more information on how to create your own public campaigns to raise awareness about crime victims’ rights online and at events throughout the year, please visit: https://ovc.ncjrs.gov/ncvrw2020/overview.html.
Department of Justice Commemorates National Crime Victims’ Rights WeekRead the Press Release
The Department of Justice will join communities nationwide in observing National Crime Victims’ Rights Week, celebrating victims’ rights, protections and services throughout the week. This year’s observance takes place April 19-25 and features the theme, “Seek Justice | Ensure Victims' Rights | Inspire Hope.”
“Every year, millions of Americans suffer the shock and trauma of criminal victimization, affecting their well-being and sense of security and dignity,” said Attorney General William P. Barr. “To these victims, we affirm our unwavering commitment to supporting them in their hour of need. We also commend the thousands of victim advocates and public safety professionals who labor tirelessly to secure victims’ rights and support survivors.”
“While we have made tremendous progress driving down crime and violence across the country, far too many Americans continue to suffer the pain and loss of criminal victimization,” said Katharine T. Sullivan, Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General of the Office of Justice Programs. “This week, we stand by these survivors and their families, and we pledge our ongoing support to the countless men and women who serve them with such extraordinary skill and compassion.”
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.
Some 3.3 million Americans age 12 and older were victims of violent crime in 2018, according to the National Crime Victimization Survey. The Office for Victims of Crime (OVC), part of the Justice Department’s Office of Justice Programs, supports more than 7,000 local victim assistance programs and victim compensation programs in every state and U.S. territory. Funds for these programs come from the Crime Victims Fund, which is made up of federal criminal fines, penalties and bond forfeitures.
During National Crime Victims’ Rights Week, victim advocacy organizations, community groups and state, local and tribal agencies traditionally host rallies, candlelight vigils, and other events to raise awareness of victims’ rights and services. This year, many communities are organizing virtual gatherings and online public awareness campaigns.
This year’s commemoration began yesterday, 25 years to the day when a truck bomb exploded in front of the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, taking the lives of 168 people, including 19 children, as well as injuring hundreds of others. The mass murder remains the worst act of domestic terrorism in our nation’s history and led to the establishment of the Antiterrorism Emergency Reserve, which is administered by OVC, and has been used to provide direct services to hundreds of victims of mass violence and terrorism.
“Crime victims deserve to know that they have the encouragement and support of the American people,” said OVC Director Jessica E. Hart. “I hope that citizens throughout the nation will take the opportunity this week to remember all victims of crime and their heroic stories of survival. I encourage everyone to also find meaningful ways to express their appreciation to the many committed and compassionate service providers across the country who work tirelessly supporting these survivors.”
This year, the annual National Crime Victims’ Service Awards Ceremony will be postponed until a time when we can honor this year’s award recipients in person. During the ceremony, OVC will present awards recognizing individuals and organizations from across the nation for their outstanding service on behalf of crime victims. The awardees will be selected from public nominations in 11 categories, including federal service, special courage, public policy, and victim services. Visit www.ovc.gov/gallery to learn more about past recipients.
For more information on how to create your own public campaigns to raise awareness about crime victims’ rights online and at events throughout the year, please visit: https://ovc.ncjrs.gov/ncvrw2020/overview.html.
The year 2020 marks the 150th anniversary of the Department of Justice. Learn more about the history of our agency at www.Justice.gov/Celebrating150Years.
Department of Justice Commemorates National Crime Victims’ Rights WeekRead the Press Release
HONOLULU, Hawaii – U.S. Attorney Kenji M. Price joins the Department of Justice and communities nationwide in observing National Crime Victims’ Rights Week, celebrating victims’ rights, protections and services throughout the week. This year’s observance takes place April 19-25 and features the theme, “Seek Justice| Ensure Victims' Rights | Inspire Hope.”
“Every year, millions of Americans suffer the shock and trauma of criminal victimization, affecting their well-being and sense of security and dignity,” said Attorney General William P. Barr. “To these victims, we affirm our unwavering commitment to supporting them in their hour of need. We also commend the thousands of victim advocates and public safety professionals who labor tirelessly to secure victims’ rights and support survivors.”
“Promoting victim rights is a critical part of our work as a federal law enforcement community. While we cannot turn back the hands of time and fill the void left by many of the devious behaviors and acts of violence that damage our communities, we are committed to doing our part to care for victims, advocate on their behalf, and create a pathway for them to be heard in criminal proceedings,” said U.S. Attorney Kenji M. Price for the District of Hawaii. “We thank our victim advocates for all of the hours of work they devote to advancing the victim rights in our communities.”
“While we have made tremendous progress driving down crime and violence across the country, far too many Americans continue to suffer the pain and loss of criminal victimization,” said Katharine T. Sullivan, Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General of the Office of Justice Programs. “This week, we stand by these survivors and their families, and we pledge our ongoing support to the countless men and women who serve them with such extraordinary skill and compassion.”
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.
Some 3.3 million Americans age 12 and older were victims of violent crime in 2018, according to the National Crime Victimization Survey. The Office for Victims of Crime (OVC), part of the Justice Department’s Office of Justice Programs, supports more than 7,000 local victim assistance programs and victim compensation programs in every state and U.S. territory. Funds for these programs come from the Crime Victims Fund, which is made up of federal criminal fines, penalties and bond forfeitures.
During National Crime Victims’ Rights Week, victim advocacy organizations, community groups and state, local and tribal agencies traditionally host rallies, candlelight vigils, and other events to raise awareness of victims’ rights and services. This year, many communities are organizing virtual gatherings and online public awareness campaigns.
This year’s commemoration began yesterday, 25 years to the day when a truck bomb exploded in front of the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, taking the lives of 168 people, including 19 children, as well as injuring hundreds of others. The mass murder remains the worst act of domestic terrorism in our nation’s history and led to the establishment of the Antiterrorism Emergency Reserve, which is administered by OVC, and has been used to provide direct services to hundreds of victims of mass violence and terrorism.
“Crime victims deserve to know that they have the encouragement and support of the American people,” said OVC Director Jessica E. Hart. “I hope that citizens throughout the nation will take the opportunity this week to remember all victims of crime and their heroic stories of survival. I encourage everyone to also find meaningful ways to express their appreciation to the many committed and compassionate service providers across the country who work tirelessly supporting these survivors.”
This year, the annual National Crime Victims’ Service Awards Ceremony will be postponed until a time when we can honor this year’s award recipients in person. During the ceremony, OVC will present awards recognizing individuals and organizations from across the nation for their outstanding service on behalf of crime victims. The awardees will be selected from public nominations in 11 categories, including federal service, special courage, public policy, and victim services. Visit www.ovc.gov/gallery to learn more about past recipients.
For more information on how to create your own public campaigns to raise awareness about crime victims’ rights online and at events throughout the year, please visit: https://ovc.ncjrs.gov/ncvrw2020/overview.html.
Department of Justice Commemorates National Crime Victims' Rights WeekRead the Press Release
RALEIGH – United States Attorney Robert J. Higdon, Jr. joins the Department of Justice and communities nationwide in observing National Crime Victims’ Rights Week, celebrating victims’ rights, protections and services throughout the week. This year’s observance takes place April 19-25 and features the theme, “Seek Justice| Ensure Victims' Rights | Inspire Hope.”
“Every year, millions of Americans suffer the shock and trauma of criminal victimization, affecting their well-being and sense of security and dignity,” said Attorney General William P. Barr. “To these victims, we affirm our unwavering commitment to supporting them in their hour of need. We also commend the thousands of victim advocates and public safety professionals who labor tirelessly to secure victims’ rights and support survivors.”
U.S. Attorney Higdon commented: “Helping and supporting the victims of crime is central to the mission of the Department of Justice and to the work of my office. Every year we have the sad privilege of coming alongside them as we work to help them restore their lives and overcome the effects of the crimes committed against them. We will remain steadfast in our commitment to reduce crime in the Eastern District so we reduce the number of our citizens who are victimized. But we also renew our commitment to support and assist those who are victimized. And, we honor the dedication and work of victim advocates and members of the law enforcement community who lead the fight for the victims of crime.”
“While we have made tremendous progress driving down crime and violence across the country, far too many Americans continue to suffer the pain and loss of criminal victimization,” said Katharine T. Sullivan, Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General of the Office of Justice Programs. “This week, we stand by these survivors and their families, and we pledge our ongoing support to the countless men and women who serve them with such extraordinary skill and compassion.”
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.
Some 3.3 million Americans age 12 and older were victims of violent crime in 2018, according to the National Crime Victimization Survey. The Office for Victims of Crime (OVC), part of the Justice Department’s Office of Justice Programs, supports more than 7,000 local victim assistance programs and victim compensation programs in every state and U.S. territory. Funds for these programs come from the Crime Victims Fund, which is made up of federal criminal fines, penalties and bond forfeitures.
During National Crime Victims’ Rights Week, victim advocacy organizations, community groups and state, local and tribal agencies traditionally host rallies, candlelight vigils, and other events to raise awareness of victims’ rights and services. This year, many communities are organizing virtual gatherings and online public awareness campaigns.
This year’s commemoration began yesterday, 25 years to the day when a truck bomb exploded in front of the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, taking the lives of 168 people, including 19 children, as well as injuring hundreds of others. The mass murder remains the worst act of domestic terrorism in our nation’s history and led to the establishment of the Antiterrorism Emergency Reserve, which is administered by OVC, and has been used to provide direct services to hundreds of victims of mass violence and terrorism.
“Crime victims deserve to know that they have the encouragement and support of the American people,” said OVC Director Jessica E. Hart. “I hope that citizens throughout the nation will take the opportunity this week to remember all victims of crime and their heroic stories of survival. I encourage everyone to also find meaningful ways to express their appreciation to the many committed and compassionate service providers across the country who work tirelessly supporting these survivors.”
This year, the annual National Crime Victims’ Service Awards Ceremony will be postponed until a time when we can honor this year’s award recipients in person. During the ceremony, OVC will present awards recognizing individuals and organizations from across the nation for their outstanding service on behalf of crime victims. The awardees will be selected from public nominations in 11 categories, including federal service, special courage, public policy, and victim services. Visit www.ovc.gov/gallery to learn more about past recipients.
For more information on how to create your own public campaigns to raise awareness about crime victims’ rights online and at events throughout the year, please visit: https://ovc.ncjrs.gov/ncvrw2020/overview.html.