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Newest first across public DOJ and U.S. Attorney press releases.
Tuesday 24 March 2020
U.S. Attorneys David DeVillers and Justin Herdman, Ohio Attorney General and Pharmacy Board Director issue joint statement regarding state pharmacy ruleRead the Press Release
COLUMBUS, Ohio – The United States Attorneys for the Southern and Northern Districts of Ohio, the Ohio Attorney General and the Ohio Board of Pharmacy Executive Director issued a joint statement today regarding the State of Ohio Board of Pharmacy rule prohibiting pharmacists from dispensing chloroquine or hydroxychloroquine for COVID-19 unless a person has tested positive for the virus or is otherwise approved by the pharmacy board’s executive director.
U.S. Attorney David DeVillers, U.S. Attorney Justin Herdman, Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost and Ohio Board of Pharmacy Executive Director Steven Schierholt confirmed awareness of the allegations leading to the state pharmacy order and stated:
“These are extraordinary times for the world, our nation, and the great state of Ohio. While we are seeing the absolute best of our healthcare professionals as they help to address the COVID-19 crisis, we will remain vigilant to address any self-serving behavior by any member of the medical community. Be assured that we will do our due diligence in holding accountable anyone who may be prescribing outside a legitimate medical purpose. Where we find doctors or others who are abusing their professional licenses to help themselves or associates, we will move swiftly to identify and prosecute any wrongdoing that is a violation of federal or state law. We are committed to pursuing all remedies to address misconduct associated with the allegations leading to the Board of Pharmacy action, including seeking criminal penalties where appropriate.”
On March 22, 2020, Governor Mike DeWine authorized the State of Ohio Board of Pharmacy to file emergency rule 4729-5-30.2 of the Administrative Code, which reads:
(A) Unless otherwise approved by the board’s executive director, no prescription for chloroquine or hydroxychloroquine may be dispensed by a pharmacist or sold at retail by a licensed terminal distributor of dangerous drugs unless all the following apply:
(1) The prescription bears a written diagnosis code from the prescriber; and
(2) If written for a COVID-19 diagnosis, the diagnosis has been confirmed by a positive test result, which is documented on the prescription and both of the following apply:
(a) The prescription is limited to no more than a fourteen-day supply; and
(b) No refills may be permitted unless a new prescription is furnished.
Prescriptions for either presumptive positive patients or prophylactic use of chloroquine or hydroxychloroquine related to COVID-19 is strictly prohibited unless otherwise approved by the board’s executive director in consultation with the board president, at which time a resolution shall issue.
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U.S. Attorney urges the public to report suspected COVID-19 fraudRead the Press Release
ATLANTA - U.S. Attorney Byung J. “BJay” Pak is urging the public to report suspected fraud schemes related to COVID-19 (the Coronavirus) by calling the National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) hotline (1-866-720-5721) or to the NCDF e-mail address [email protected].
In coordination with the Department of Justice, Attorney General William Barr has directed U.S. Attorneys to prioritize the investigation and prosecution of Coronavirus fraud schemes.
“The Department of Justice will take swift action to shut down fraud schemes related to COVID-19,” said U.S. Attorney Byung J. “BJay” Pak. “We will use every resource at our disposal to detect these schemes and prosecute those who use this pandemic to perpetrate fraud.”
Some examples of these schemes include:
- Individuals and businesses selling fake cures for COVID-19 online and engaging in other forms of fraud.
- Phishing emails from entities posing as the World Health Organization or the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
- Malicious websites and apps that appear to share Coronavirus-related information to gain and lock access to your devices until payment is received.
- Seeking donations fraudulently for illegitimate or non-existent charitable organizations.
- Medical providers obtaining patient information for COVID-19 testing and then using that information to fraudulently bill for other tests and procedures.
In a memorandum to U.S. Attorneys issued March 19, 2020, Deputy Attorney General Jeffrey Rosen also directed each U.S. Attorney to appoint a Coronavirus Fraud Coordinator to serve as the legal counsel for the federal judicial district on matters relating to the Coronavirus, direct the prosecution of Coronavirus-related crimes, and to conduct outreach and awareness activities. Assistant U.S. Attorney Russell Phillips was named the Northern District of Georgia Coronavirus Fraud Coordinator.
The NCDF can receive and enter complaints into a centralized system that can be accessed by all U.S. Attorneys, as well as Justice Department litigating and law enforcement components to identify, investigate and prosecute fraud schemes. The NCDF coordinates complaints with 16 additional federal law enforcement agencies, as well as state Attorneys General and local authorities.
To find more about Department of Justice resources and information, please visit www.justice.gov/coronavirus.
For further information please contact the U.S. Attorney’s Public Affairs Office at [email protected] or (404) 581-6016. The Internet address for the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Georgia is http://www.justice.gov/usao-ndga.
U.S. Attorney announces $83 million to support school safetyRead the Press Release
Seattle – U.S. Attorney Brian T. Moran of the Western District of Washington today announced that more than $83 million in Department of Justice grants is available to help communities improve school security and protect students, teachers and faculty from threats of violence.
“At a time when we are appropriately focused on a health crisis, we still must look ahead to the difficult problems facing our community and especially our children,” said U.S. Attorney Moran. “I urge school administrators, teachers and district leaders to review these grant offerings and take time now to apply for these important federal resources.”
“School violence is no longer an abstract threat but has become a tragic reality in too many of America’s communities. Moving to meet this challenge is among the Administration’s top domestic priorities,” said Katharine T. Sullivan, Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General for the Office of Justice Programs. “The Department of Justice is front and center in the fight to meet this challenge. OJP is making historic amounts of grant funding available to ensure that our communities have access to innovative and diverse solutions.”
The funding is available through OJP, the federal government’s leading source of public safety funding and crime victim assistance in state, local and tribal jurisdictions. OJP’s programs support a wide array of activities and services, including programs designed to tighten school security and improve the reporting of threats.
A number of funding opportunities for school safety are currently open, with another opening in the near future:
Research and Evaluation on School Safety
https://nij.ojp.gov/funding/opportunities/nij-2020-17308
Total Available $5 million Deadline 4/13/2020STOP Act School Violence Program (FY20)
https://nij.ojp.gov/funding/opportunities/nij-2020-17308
Total Available $71.4 million Deadline 4/13/2020Strategies to Support Children Exposed to Violence:
https://ojjdp.ojp.gov/funding/opportunities/ojjdp-2020-17926
Total Available $7 million Deadline 4/27/2020For more information regarding all OJP funding opportunities, visit https://www.ojp.gov/funding/explore/current-funding-opportunities.
U.S. Attorney Urges Public to Report Suspected COVID-19 FraudRead the Press Release
DES MOINES, Iowa – United States Attorney Marc Krickbaum of the Southern District of Iowa today urged the public to report suspected fraud schemes related to COVID-19 (the Coronavirus) by calling the National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) hotline (1-866-720-5721) or to the NCDF e-mail address [email protected].
In coordination with the Department of Justice, Attorney General William Barr has directed U.S. Attorneys to prioritize the investigation and prosecution of Coronavirus fraud schemes. The NCDF Hotline can receive and enter complaints into a centralized system that can be accessed by all U.S. Attorneys, as well as Justice Department litigating and law enforcement components to identify, investigate and prosecute fraud schemes. The NCDF coordinates complaints with 16 additional federal law enforcement agencies, as well as state Attorneys General and local authorities.
In a memorandum to U.S. Attorneys issued March 19, Deputy Attorney General Jeffrey Rosen directed each U.S. Attorney to appoint a Coronavirus Fraud Coordinator to serve as the legal counsel for the federal judicial district on matters relating to the Coronavirus, direct the prosecution of Coronavirus-related crimes, and to conduct outreach and awareness activities.
“The U.S. Attorney’s Office has appointed a coronavirus coordinator, and we are working with Attorney General Tom Miller, County Attorneys such as John Sarcone, and others across Iowa to identify cases of fraud and abuse,” said U.S. Attorney Krickbaum. “If anyone uses this crisis to exploit others and line their own pockets, we will hold them accountable.”
Some examples of these schemes include:• Individuals and businesses selling fake cures for COVID-19 online and engaging in other forms of fraud.
• Phishing emails from entities posing as the World Health Organization or the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
• Malicious websites and apps that appear to share Coronavirus-related information to gain and lock access to your devices until payment is received.
• Seeking donations fraudulently for illegitimate or non-existent charitable organizations.
• Medical providers obtaining patient information for COVID-19 testing and then using that information to fraudulently bill for other tests and procedures.
U.S. Attorney David J. Freed Urges the Public to Report Suspected Covid-19 FraudRead the Press Release
HARRISBURG – U.S. Attorney David J. Freed of the Middle District of Pennsylvania today urged the public to report suspected fraud schemes related to COVID-19 (the Coronavirus) by calling the National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) hotline (1-866-720-5721) or to the NCDF e-mail address [email protected].
In coordination with the Department of Justice, Attorney General William Barr has directed U.S. Attorneys to prioritize the investigation and prosecution of Coronavirus fraud schemes. The NCDF Hotline can receive and enter complaints into a centralized system that can be accessed by all U.S. Attorneys, as well as Justice Department litigating and law enforcement components to identify, investigate and prosecute fraud schemes.
“As with any crisis, there are criminals who will try to use the situation to their advantage,” said U.S. Attorney Freed. “All of law enforcement is united to help our fellow citizens during this difficult time. The NCDF Hotline will allow us to get the jump on fraudsters and shut them down as quickly as possible.”
Some examples of these schemes include:
- Individuals and businesses selling fake cures for COVID-19 online and engaging in other forms of fraud;
- Phishing emails from entities posing as the World Health Organization or the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention;
- Malicious websites and apps that appear to share Coronavirus-related information to gain and lock access to your devices until payment is received;
- Seeking donations fraudulently for illegitimate or non-existent charitable organizations; and
- Medical providers obtaining patient information for COVID-19 testing and then using that information to fraudulently bill for other tests and procedures.
In a memorandum to U.S. Attorneys issued March 19, Deputy Attorney General Jeffrey Rosen also directed each U.S. Attorney to appoint a Coronavirus Fraud Coordinator to serve as the legal counsel for the federal judicial district on matters relating to the Coronavirus, direct the prosecution of Coronavirus-related crimes, and to conduct outreach and awareness activities. The Middle District of Pennsylvania’s Coronavirus Fraud Coordinator is AUSA Phillip Caraballo.
The NCDF can receive and enter complaints into a centralized system that can be accessed by all U.S. Attorneys, as well as Justice Department litigating and law enforcement components to identify, investigate and prosecute fraud schemes. The NCDF coordinates complaints with 16 additional federal law enforcement agencies, as well as state Attorneys General and local authorities.
To find more about Department of Justice resources and information, please visit www.justice.gov/coronavirus.
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U.S. Attorney Announces More Than $83 Million Available to Support School SafetyRead the Press Release
Tampa, FL – U.S. Attorney Maria Chapa Lopez today announced that more than $83 million in Department of Justice grants is available to help communities improve school security and protect students, teachers and faculty from threats of violence.
“School violence is no longer an abstract threat but has become a tragic reality in too many of America’s communities. Moving to meet this challenge is among the Administration’s top domestic priorities,” said Katharine T. Sullivan, Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General for the Office of Justice Programs. “The Department of Justice is front and center in the fight to meet this challenge. OJP is making historic amounts of grant funding available to ensure that our communities have access to innovative and diverse solutions.”
“The ability to protect our schools hinges upon the lessons learned during previous crises,” said U.S. Attorney Maria Chapa Lopez. “The funding opportunities announced today will provide administrators, educators, counselors, public safety practitioners, parents and students themselves, with essential tools to make our schools safer.”
The funding is available through OJP, the federal government’s leading source of public safety funding and crime victim assistance in state, local and tribal jurisdictions. OJP’s programs support a wide array of activities and services, including programs designed to tighten school security and improve the reporting of threats.
A number of funding opportunities for school safety are currently open, with another opening in the near future:
Research and Evaluation on School Safety
https://nij.ojp.gov/funding/opportunities/nij-2020-17308
Total Available $5 million Deadline 4/13/2020
STOP Act School Violence Program (FY20)
https://nij.ojp.gov/funding/opportunities/nij-2020-17308
Total Available $71.4 million Deadline 4/13/2020
Strategies to Support Children Exposed to Violence
https://ojjdp.ojp.gov/funding/opportunities/ojjdp-2020-17926
Total Available $7 million Deadline 4/27/2020
For more information regarding all OJP funding opportunities, visit https://www.ojp.gov/funding/explore/current-funding-opportunities.
U.S. Attorney Announces More Than $163 Million Available to Fight Addiction CrisisRead the Press Release
Tampa, FL – U.S. Attorney Maria Chapa Lopez today announced that more than $163 million in Department of Justice grants is available to help communities address America’s addiction crisis.
“Our nation is facing the difficult challenge of curbing substance addiction, which threatens public safety and is among the Administration’s top domestic priorities,” said Katharine T. Sullivan, Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General for the Office of Justice Programs. “The Department of Justice is front and center in the fight to meet this challenge. OJP is making historic amounts of grant funding available to ensure that our communities have access to innovative and diverse solutions.”
“Additional resources are critical in stemming the tide of substance abuse and addiction,” stated U.S. Attorney Maria Chapa Lopez. “The funding opportunities announced today allows for increased partnerships among key stakeholders, enhanced community engagement, and the development and delivery of better strategies to combat this crisis.”
The funding is available through OJP, the federal government’s leading source of public safety funding and crime victim assistance in state, local and tribal jurisdictions. OJP’s programs support a wide array of activities and services, including programs designed to prevent overdose deaths and break the cycle of addiction and crime.
A number of funding opportunities that address the addiction crisis are currently open:
Adult Drug Court and Veterans Treatment Court Discretionary Grant Program
https://bja.ojp.gov/funding/opportunities/bja-2020-17098
Total Available $1.75 million Deadline 5/14/2020
Comprehensive Opioid, Stimulant, and Substance Abuse Site-based Program
https://bja.ojp.gov/COSSAP20
Total Available $27 million Deadline 5/21/2020
Enhancing Community Responses to America's Addiction Crisis: Serving Our Youngest Crime Victims
https://www.ovc.gov/grants/pdftxt/fy-2020-enhancing-community-responses-to-drug-crisis.pdf
Total Available: $19 million Deadline: 5/4/2020
Family Drug Court Program
https://ojjdp.ojp.gov/funding/opportunities/ojjdp-2020-17090
Total Available $18.2 million Deadline 4/8/2020 (Extended)
Harold Rogers Prescription Drug Monitoring Program
https://bja.ojp.gov/funding/opportunities/bja-2020-17754
Total Available $28.1 million Deadline 5/5/2020
Juvenile Drug Treatment Court Program
https://ojjdp.ojp.gov/funding/opportunities/ojjdp-2020-17051
Total Available $7.2 million Deadline 4/13/2020 (Extended)
Mentoring Opportunities for Youth Initiative
https://ojjdp.ojp.gov/funding/opportunities/ojjdp-2020-16930
Total Available $48 million Deadline 4/13/2020
Opioid Affected Youth Initiative
https://ojjdp.ojp.gov/funding/opportunities/ojjdp-2020-17352
Total Available $9 million Deadline 4/20/2020
Research and Evaluation on Drugs and Crime
https://nij.ojp.gov/funding/opportunities/nij-2020-17275
Total Available $1 million Deadline 4/20/2020
Residential Substance Abuse Treatment for State Prisoners
https://bja.ojp.gov/RSAT20
Total Available $4.5 million Deadline 4/6/2020
For more information regarding all OJP funding opportunities, visit https://www.ojp.gov/funding/explore/current-funding-opportunities
The Justice Department and the Federal Trade Commission Announce Expedited Antitrust Procedure and Guidance for Coronavirus Public Health EffortsRead the Press Release
The U.S. Department of Justice Antitrust Division and the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) today issued a joint statement detailing an expedited antitrust procedure and providing guidance for collaborations of businesses working to protect the health and safety of Americans during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The expedited procedure notes, for example, that health care facilities may need to work together in providing resources and services to assist patients, consumers, and communities affected by the pandemic and its aftermath. Other businesses may need to temporarily combine production, distribution, or service networks to facilitate production and distribution of COVID-19-related supplies.
Under the expedited procedure for COVID-19 public health projects, the agencies will respond to all COVID-19-related requests, and resolve those addressing public health and safety, within seven calendar days of receiving all information necessary to vet these proposals. The statement sets out the instructions for businesses wishing to take advantage of this procedure.
The expedited COVID-19 procedure offers quicker review than existing FTC and Justice Department programs that are designed to provide guidance to businesses concerned about the legality of proposed conduct under the antitrust laws. The FTC’s “Staff Advisory Opinion” procedure and DOJ’s “Business Review Letter” procedure allow any firm, individual, or group of firms or individuals to submit a proposal to the agencies and to receive a statement advising whether the agencies would challenge the proposed activity under the antitrust laws.
“The Antitrust Division recognizes the importance of providing expeditious clarity on any antitrust obligations in this challenging time,” said Assistant Attorney General Makan Delrahim of the Department of Justice’s Antitrust Division. “Our expedited Business Review Letter procedure will help facilitate businesses that want to work quickly to address the urgent public health and economic needs associated with COVID 19.”
“Under these extraordinary circumstances, we understand that businesses collaborating on public health initiatives may need an expedited response from U.S. antitrust authorities,” said FTC Chairman Joe Simons. “We are committed to doing everything we can to help with these efforts, while continuing to aggressively enforce the antitrust laws.”
The antitrust laws accommodate procompetitive collaborations among competitors. In their joint statement, the FTC and the Department of Justice listed several types of collaborative activities designed to improve the health and safety response to the pandemic that would likely be consistent with the antitrust laws.
At the same time, the agencies also stressed that they will not hesitate to hold accountable those who try to use the pandemic to engage in antitrust violations. In addition, the Department of Justice will criminally prosecute conduct such as price-fixing, bid-rigging, or market allocation.
The expedited procedure requires that an applicant provide the FTC or Justice Department a written description of the proposal, including the parties that would be involved in the effort or activity, and the name and contact information of a person from whom the agencies could obtain additional information. This expedited procedure is for use solely for coronavirus-related public health efforts and may be invoked at the option of the requestor, in lieu of the agencies’ standard procedures for handling requests for advice.
The agencies also committed to expedite requests under the National Cooperative Research and Production Act for flexible treatment of certain standard development organizations and joint ventures.
The statement also notes that the FTC and the Justice Department are addressing actions by individuals and businesses to take advantage of COVID-19 through other fraudulent and illegal schemes. Anyone with information or concerns about this sort of conduct, or other COVID-19-related complaints, should contact the FTC’s Consumer Response Center at 1-877-382-4357 or the National Center for Disaster Fraud Hotline (1-866-720-5721) or e-mail ([email protected]). More information on the FTC’s guidance on potential fraud, deceptive practices, and scams is available here, and to report a complaint go to www.ftc.gov/complaint.
The Department of Justice Files Statement of Interest in Title IX Women's Equal Opportunities CaseRead the Press Release
The Department of Justice today filed a Statement of Interest in federal court in Connecticut against the Connecticut Interscholastic Athletic Conference (CIAC) policy that requires biological males to compete against biological females — despite the real physiological differences between the sexes — if the male is a transgender individual who publicly identifies with the female gender.
“In our pluralistic society we generally try to accommodate how individuals desire to live their lives up to the point where those desires impinge on the other people’s rights,” said Attorney General William P. Barr. “Allowing biological males to compete in all-female sports deprives women of the opportunity to participate fully and fairly in sports and is fundamentally unfair to female athletes. Sports are an important part of education and character development and provide an arena where individual discipline can result in achievement and recognition. The purpose of all-female athletics is to ensure that women have an equal opportunity to participate, compete and excel in this important part of life. Title IX has been a major step forward in the long fight to achieve this equality. As reflected in Title IX, the basis for single-sex athletics, is rooted in the reality of biological differences between the sexes. Clearly then, eligibility to participate on a single-sex team must be based on objective biological fact. Girls should not be forced, through the dismantling of Title IX, to be sidelined in their own sports.”
Title IX and its implementing regulations prohibit discrimination solely “on the basis of sex,” not on the basis of transgender status, and therefore neither require nor authorize CIAC’s transgender policy. One of Title IX’s core purposes is to ensure that women have an “equal athletic opportunity” to participate in school athletic programs. Schools realize that purpose primarily by establishing separate athletic teams for men and women and by ensuring that those teams are on equal footing. Because of the physiological differences between men and women, the existence of women’s sports teams permits women to participate more fully in athletics than they otherwise could.
Under CIAC’s interpretation of Title IX, however, schools may not account for the real physiological differences between men and women. Instead, schools must have certain biological males — namely, those who publicly identify as female — compete against biological females. In doing so, CIAC deprives those women of single-sex athletic competitions and the opportunity to compete on equal athletic footing.
Six Erie Men Indicted in Large-Scale International Cocaine and Heroin Trafficking SchemeRead the Press Release
ERIE, Pa. - Six residents of Erie, Pennsylvania, have been indicted by a federal grand jury in Erie on federal drug and firearms charges relating to an international drug trafficking conspiracy, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.
The 14-count Indictment, returned on March 10 and unsealed today, named Abimael Arroyo-Garcia aka Pepo, Orlando Arroyo-Figueroa aka Lindin, Braulio Arroyo-Figueroa aka Sami, Jonathan Roman Vargas aka Mimo, Alberto Arroyo-Amaro, and Brayan Oma Arroyo-Amaro, as defendants.
According to the Indictment presented to the court, from November 2017 through February 2020 these defendants operated a conspiracy, with others known and unknown to the grand jury, to ship large quantities of cocaine and heroin from Puerto Rico for distribution in Erie, Pennsylvania. The indictment also alleges that on February 10, 2020, Vargas knowingly carried a Beretta 9mm handgun, during and in relation to a drug trafficking crime. On February 10, 2020, investigators seized approximately $250,000 in cocaine destined for Erie from Puerto Rico as part of this conspiracy.
"Through this coordinated effort between federal and state agencies, we disrupted a significant international drug trafficking organization which had been supplying cocaine and heroin to the Erie area for years," said U.S. Attorney Brady. "We want the people of Erie to know that the men and women of law enforcement continue to serve you every day and protect you from drug dealers who poison our communities."
"The culmination of this successful investigation validates the dedication and combination of investigators and resources combatting drug trafficking in the Erie area," said Captain Kreg S. Rodrigues, Director of the Drug Law Enforcement Division of the Pennsylvania State Police, Bureau of Criminal Investigation. "Drug dealers will be held accountable for their actions. The Pennsylvania State Police remains committed to the drug enforcement mission and will continue to partner with the Federal, state and local agencies by working together toward the common goal of improving the quality of life in our communities."
"The Postal Inspection Service is dedicated to protecting the American public," said Acting Inspector in Charge James Giehl. "One of the ways we fulfill this mission is by working tirelessly with other law enforcement agencies in operations just like this one to keep dangerous drugs out of the communities we serve."
The law provides for a maximum total sentence of life imprisonment, a fine of $16,000,000, or both for Orlando Arroyo-Figueroa; life imprisonment, a fine of $13,250,000, or both for Jonathan Roman Vargas; life imprisonment, a fine of $10,000,000, or both for Abimael Arroyo-Garcia; life imprisonment, a fine of $7,000,000, or both for Braulio Arroyo-Figueroa; and life imprisonment, a fine of $5,000,000, or both for Alberto Arroyo-Amaro and Brayan Oma Arroyo-Amaro. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendants.
Assistant United States Attorney Paul S. Sellers is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The Pennsylvania State Police, Homeland Security Investigations and the United States Postal Inspection Service conducted the investigation leading to the Indictment in this case.
An indictment is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Seven Defendants Charged in Manhattan Federal Court with Committing Murder, Robbery, Narcotics, and Firearms OffensesRead the Press Release
Geoffrey S. Berman, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, William F. Sweeney Jr., the Assistant Director-in-Charge of the New York Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (“FBI”), and Dermot Shea, Commissioner of the New York City Police Department (“NYPD”), announced today the unsealing of a Superseding Indictment charging NAZEEM FRANCIS, a/k/a “Naz,” JONATHAN COLON, a/k/a “Johnny Blaze,” a/k/a “JB,” JULIO OZUNA, a/k/a “JJ,” a/k/a “Josh Balla,” a/k/a “Chocolate,” PRINCE GAINES, a/k/a “Poodie,” ERICK OLEAGA, a/k/a “E.D.,” VICTOR MARTINEZ, and KHALIL SUGGS, a/k/a “KI,” with crimes including murder, robbery, robbery conspiracy, narcotics distribution conspiracy, and firearms offenses.
Five defendants were arrested today and will be presented this afternoon before United States Magistrate Judge Sarah L. Cave. Two defendants were already in custody and will be presented at a later date. The case has been assigned to United States District Judge Mary Kay Vyskocil.
Manhattan U.S. Attorney Geoffrey S. Berman said: “As alleged in the indictment, the defendants brought violence and drugs to the streets of the Bronx. Now, thanks to our outstanding law enforcement partners at the FBI and the NYPD, these defendants face charges in federal court.”
FBI Assistant Director-in-Charge William F. Sweeney Jr. said: "This investigation illustrates the extremes violent gang members will go to, all in the pursuit of making easy money. The arrests and announcement today also demonstrate that while much of the world is rightly slowing down, FBI special agents and detectives on the New York FBI Metro Safe Streets Gang Task Force will continue the extremely critical work of keeping criminals from putting more lives in danger."
According to the allegations in the Superseding Indictment[1] unsealed today in Manhattan federal court:
On or about September 3, 2018, FRANCIS, COLON, and OZUNA aided and abetted the shooting and killing of Christopher Pierce in the Bronx, New York, following the attempted robbery of Pierce’s friend, a marijuana dealer. FRANCIS, COLON, and OZUNA are also charged with attempted robbery and robbery conspiracy based on their participation in the botched robbery that led to Pierce’s death.
COLON, OZUNA, GAINES, OLEAGA, MARTINEZ, and SUGGS are charged with participating in a conspiracy to distribute cocaine and crack cocaine from in or about 2018 through in or about March 2020.
On or about November 18, 2019, SUGGS brandished a firearm, and aided and abetted the same, in furtherance of the drug trafficking conspiracy.
On or about January 19, 2020, OZUNA robbed an individual at gunpoint. OZUNA is charged with robbery, robbery conspiracy, and brandishing a firearm based on his participation in that gunpoint robbery.
* * *
A chart containing the names, charges, and maximum and minimum penalties for the defendants is set forth below. The maximum potential sentences in this case are prescribed by Congress and are provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendants will be determined by the judge.
Mr. Berman praised the outstanding investigative work of the FBI’s Safe Streets Task Force, as well as NYPD’s 43rd Police Precinct and Bronx Narcotics.
This case is being handled by the Office’s Violent and Organized Crime Unit. Assistant United States Attorneys Allison Nichols and Jamie Bagliebter are in charge of the prosecution.
The charges contained in the Indictment are merely accusations and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
COUNT
CHARGE
DEFENDANTS
MAX. PENALTY
Count One
Murder through the Use of a Firearm
18 U.S.C. §§ 924(j) and 2
NAZEEM FRANCIS
JONATHAN COLON
JULIO OZUNA
Death or life imprisonment;
Mandatory minimum of five years’ imprisonment
Count Two
Attempted Robbery
18 U.S.C. §§ 1951 and 2
NAZEEM FRANCIS
JONATHAN COLON
JULIO OZUNA
20 years’ imprisonment
Count Three
Robbery Conspiracy
18 U.S.C. § 1951
NAZEEM FRANCIS
JONATHAN COLON
JULIO OZUNA
20 years’ imprisonment
Count Four
Narcotics Conspiracy
21 U.S.C. § 846
JONATHAN COLON
JULIO OZUNA
PRINCE GAINES
KHALIL SUGGS
ERICK OLEAGA
VICTOR MARTINEZ
40 years’ imprisonment
Mandatory minimum of 5 years’ imprisonment
Count Five
Firearm Offense
18 U.S.C. §§ 924(c) and 2
KHALIL SUGGS
Life
Mandatory minimum of 7 years’ imprisonment
Count Six
Robbery
18 U.S.C. §§ 1951 and 2
JULIO OZUNA
20 years’ imprisonment
Count Seven
Robbery conspiracy
18 U.S.C. § 1951
JULIO OZUNA
20 years’ imprisonment
Count Eight
Firearm Offense
18 U.S.C. §§ 924(c) and 2
JULIO OZUNA
Life
Mandatory minimum of 7 years’ imprisonment
[1] As the introductory phrase signifies, the entirety of the text of the Indictment and the description of the Indictment set forth herein constitute only allegations and every fact described should be treated as an allegation.
Reseda Man Arrested on Federal Charges Alleging Storage Unit Burglaries and Sale of Stolen Firearms to Convicted FelonsRead the Press Release
LOS ANGELES – A San Fernando Valley man has been arrested on federal charges alleging he and two other men broke into self-storage units in Los Angeles County, stole dozens of firearms, and sold at least some of the weapons to convicted felons.
Rick Eric Herst, 34, a.k.a. “Loyal,” of Reseda, was taken into federal custody Monday by special agents with the FBI and deputies with the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department.
Herst was arrested pursuant to an eight-count indictment that was unsealed at his arraignment late Monday in United States District Court in downtown Los Angeles. He pleaded not guilty to the charges, and a May 19 trial date was set.
Herst is named in the indictment along with Jeffrey James LaFraniere, 37, of the San Fernando Valley, and Alan Elperin, 29, of Mission Hills, both of whom were arrested by local law enforcement in June 2019 on separate cases and are now in federal custody.
All three defendants are charged with one count of conspiracy, one count of dealing firearms without a license, and two counts of selling stolen firearms.
In addition to these charges, LaFraniere and Herst face charges of selling firearms to convicted felons, and each being a felon in possession of a firearm.
The indictment alleges that from December 2018 to September 2019, LaFraniere, Herst and Elperin burglarized multiple self-storage units in Glendale, Valencia, Culver City, West Los Angeles and elsewhere, where they stole firearms and other valuables. The men allegedly offered the stolen firearms for sale to customers either in person or via text message. LaFraniere and Herst sold the firearms to buyers they knew were convicted felons, according to the indictment.
For example, on May 30, 2019, the men allegedly burglarized a self-storage facility in Valencia and stole 35 firearms, including multiple .45-caliber pistols, 12-gauge shotguns, and high-powered rifles, the indictment alleges. On the same day as the Valencia burglary, LaFraniere and Herst allegedly sold two of the stolen firearms – a .45-caliber pistol and a .40-caliber pistol – to a buyer.
In total, the defendants stole 47 firearms, according to the indictment.
LaFraniere has multiple felony convictions in Los Angeles Superior Court between July 2007 and August 2016 for offenses such as burglary, identity theft and possession of methamphetamine for sale, according to the indictment. Herst’s criminal history includes two felony convictions in Los Angeles Superior Court in 2009 for vehicle theft, the indictment states.
An indictment contains allegations that a defendant has committed a crime. Every defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
If convicted of all charges, LaFraniere and Herst would face a statutory maximum sentence of 60 years in federal prison, and Elperin would face a statutory maximum sentence of 30 years in federal prison.
This case was investigated by the FBI Eurasian Organized Crime Task Force and the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department.
This matter is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Ian V. Yanniello of the International Narcotics, Money Laundering, and Racketeering Section.
Pennsylvania Attorney Indicted for Role in $2.7 Million Ponzi SchemeRead the Press Release
An Allentown, Pennsylvania, attorney has been charged for his role in a $2.7 million investment fraud scheme that victimized his law clients, according to a superseding indictment that was unsealed Monday.
Assistant Attorney General Brian A. Benczkowski of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, U.S. Attorney William M. McSwain of the Eastern District of Pennsylvania and Special Agent in Charge Michael J. Driscoll of the FBI’s Philadelphia Field Office made the announcement.
Todd H. Lahr, 59, of Nazareth, Pennsylvania, was indicted by a federal grand jury in the Eastern District of Pennsylvania on one count of conspiracy to commit securities fraud and wire fraud, two counts of securities fraud, and four counts of wire fraud.
According to the superseding indictment, from 2012 through 2019, Lahr conspired with others to perpetrate a securities fraud scheme targeting his own law clients, which involved the fraudulent sale of the securities of two entities, THL Holdings LLC and Ferran Global Holdings Inc. Lahr used investor funds to finance his own lifestyle, paying his home mortgage, his child’s school tuition, utility bills and other personal debts. He allegedly perpetuated the scheme by using money that he received from new investors to pay money owed to other investors in the scheme.
Total investor losses are estimated to be over $2.7 million, according to the indictment.
An indictment is not a finding of guilt. It merely alleges that crimes have been committed. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
The FBI investigated this case. Trial Attorney Philip Trout of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael J. Rinaldi of the Eastern District of Pennsylvania are prosecuting the case.
The department appreciates the substantial assistance provided by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.
The year 2020 marks the 150th anniversary of the Department of Justice. Learn more about the history of our agency at www.Justice.gov/Celebrating150Years.
Notice regarding service of certain bankruptcy filings on the United States AttorneyRead the Press Release
As a temporary measure due to COVID-19 concerns, service on the United States Attorney shall be made via both email and US mail as follows:
A copy of any filing requesting relief affecting a lien or claim of the United States shall be emailed to [email protected]. A paper copy shall also be mailed to the Civil Process Clerk, United States Attorney’s Office, 1000 Louisiana, Suite 2300, Houston, TX 77002. Hand delivery may not be accepted.
E-mail delivery will not deemed complete until receipt is acknowledged by e-mail from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Texas. This emergency accommodation will expire when the U.S. Bankruptcy Court lifts its public health and safety protocols.
Ryan K. Patrick
United States AttorneyMore Than $163 Million Available to Fight Addiction Crisis Announced by New Jersey U.S. AttorneyRead the Press Release
NEWARK, N.J. –U.S. Attorney Craig Carpenito today announced that more than $163 million in Department of Justice grants is available to help communities address America’s addiction crisis.
“My office devotes substantial resources toward the battle against opioid diversion and abuse, but the problem requires more than just a law enforcement approach,” U.S. Attorney Carpenito said. “These grants provide resources to our partners that can help them tackle opioid addiction, a crisis that afflicts so many of our communities, with solutions focused on treatment and recovery. I encourage them to explore the opportunities listed below.”
“Our nation is facing the difficult challenge of curbing substance addiction, which threatens public safety and is among the Administration’s top domestic priorities,” Katharine T. Sullivan, Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General for the Office of Justice Programs (OJP), said. “The Department of Justice is front and center in the fight to meet this challenge. OJP is making historic amounts of grant funding available to ensure that our communities have access to innovative and diverse solutions.”
The funding is available through OJP, the federal government’s leading source of public safety funding and crime victim assistance in state, local and tribal jurisdictions. OJP’s programs support a wide array of activities and services, including programs designed to prevent overdose deaths and break the cycle of addiction and crime.
A number of funding opportunities that address the addiction crisis are currently open:
Adult Drug Court and Veterans Treatment Court Discretionary Grant Program
https://bja.ojp.gov/funding/opportunities/bja-2020-17098
Total Available $1.75 million Deadline 5/14/2020
Comprehensive Opioid, Stimulant, and Substance Abuse Site-based Program
https://bja.ojp.gov/COSSAP20
Total Available $27 million Deadline 5/21/2020
Enhancing Community Responses to America's Addiction Crisis: Serving Our Youngest Crime Victims
https://www.ovc.gov/grants/pdftxt/fy-2020-enhancing-community-responses-to-drug-crisis.pdf
Total Available: $19 million Deadline: 5/4/2020
Family Drug Court Program
https://ojjdp.ojp.gov/funding/opportunities/ojjdp-2020-17090
Total Available $18.2 million Deadline 4/8/2020 (Extended)
Harold Rogers Prescription Drug Monitoring Program
https://bja.ojp.gov/funding/opportunities/bja-2020-17754
Total Available $28.1 Deadline 5/5/2020
Juvenile Drug Treatment Court Program
https://ojjdp.ojp.gov/funding/opportunities/ojjdp-2020-17051
Total Available $7.2 million Deadline 4/13/2020 (Extended)
Mentoring Opportunities for Youth Initiative
https://ojjdp.ojp.gov/funding/opportunities/ojjdp-2020-16930
Total Available $48 million Deadline 4/13/2020
Opioid Affected Youth Initiative
https://ojjdp.ojp.gov/funding/opportunities/ojjdp-2020-17352
Total Available $9 million Deadline 4/20/2020
Research and Evaluation on Drugs and Crime https://nij.ojp.gov/funding/opportunities/nij-2020-17275
Total Available $1 million Deadline 4/20/2020
Residential Substance Abuse Treatment for State Prisoners
https://bja.ojp.gov/RSAT20
Total Available $4.5 million Deadline 4/6/2020
For more information regarding all OJP funding opportunities, visit: https://www.ojp.gov/funding/explore/current-funding-opportunities
Man from Silver City, New Mexico pleads guilty to federal child pornography chargeRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – Ruben Joseph Castillo, 49, of Silver City, New Mexico pleaded guilty in federal court in Las Cruces, New Mexico today to production of visual depictions of minors engaging in sexually explicit conduct.
According to Castillo’s plea agreement, he admitted searching for underage girls and contacting them on social media. Castillo admitted meeting with a victim on July 21, 2019, and taking photos with his mobile phone camera of the minor victim engaging in sexually explicit conduct.
Castillo is currently in custody awaiting sentencing. He faces from 15 to 30 years in prison.
Homeland Security Investigations and the Silver City Police Department investigated this case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Marisa A. Ong and Ry Ellison are prosecuting the case.
Mail Thief Sentenced for Bank Fraud, Identity TheftRead the Press Release
Defendant used stolen IDs to negotiate forged, stolen checks
GRAND RAPIDS, MICHIGAN — U.S Attorney Andrew Birge announced that Kristine Marie Jung, 36, of Kalamazoo, Michigan was sentenced yesterday to 48 months’ imprisonment by U.S. District Judge Paul L. Maloney. Jung was part of a group of individuals in Kalamazoo involved in a "mailboxing" ring. She and her accomplices stole checks, credit cards, driver’s licenses and other identity documents from residential mailboxes, unattended purses and parked cars. They then forged and altered the checks, and used some of them to purchase merchandise at local retail stores. In some cases, they made them payable to people whose identification documents they had stolen, and impersonated those people in order to cash the checks at financial institutions.
In June 2019, the Kalamazoo County Sheriff’s Department was alerted that someone had used a local resident’s stolen driver’s license to open a fraudulent account. Using surveillance footage, analysis of bank records, and witness interviews, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service determined Jung was the perpetrator. When Jung was arrested that same month, she was found in possession of stolen checks and identification documents, as well as equipment commonly used in forging and counterfeiting checks. These included chemical solvents, sponges and Exacto blades used to remove ink from checks. Jung confessed she had been committing identity theft to support her methamphetamine habit.
Jung’s sentence included three concurrent 24-month terms for bank fraud and two counts of mail theft. She will also serve a mandatory two year consecutive sentence for aggravated identity theft, because she used another person’s identity in the commission of a felony. Three other Kalamazoo "mailboxers" from Jung’s social circle were sentenced last spring by U.S. District Judge Janet T. Neff for similar conduct. Beatrice Michael Brown, Shadow Nicole Kornmiller and Jessica Ann Ledger received sentences of 27, 33 and 51 months respectively.
In imposing the four-year total sentence, Judge Maloney noted the defendant’s long history of retail fraud convictions. He also observed that "The security of the Postal System is important to all Americans," and said those who steal from the mail "need to understand that they will pay a heavy price in the federal court system." Judge Maloney commended the defendant for finishing her GED while awaiting sentencing, and recommended the Bureau of Prisons house her at a facility with a drug treatment program. "It may be easy to steal from residential mailboxes, but it’s hard to escape punishment. Anyone considering it should realize it’s not worth the price they will eventually pay," said U.S. Attorney Birge.
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Lehigh Valley Attorney Indicted for Orchestrating $2.7 Million Ponzi Scheme that Targeted His Own Clients to Invest in Fake Business OpportunitiesRead the Press Release
PHILADELPHIA – United States Attorney William M. McSwain announced that Todd H. Lahr, 60, of Nazareth, PA, was charged by Superseding Indictment with one count of conspiracy to commit securities fraud and wire fraud, two counts of securities fraud, and four counts of wire fraud. The charges were unsealed today in the Eastern District of Pennsylvania.
The Superseding Indictment alleges that Lahr, an attorney licensed to practice law in Pennsylvania, perpetrated a multiyear securities fraud scheme that targeted his own law clients. The scheme involved the fraudulent sale of the securities of two entities, THL Holdings, LLC and Ferran Global Holdings, Inc. Lahr raised funds for the two companies by soliciting investments from his clients, telling them that their money would be used for a variety of business opportunities, most prominently, a mining operation in Papua New Guinea. According to the Superseding Indictment, these opportunities were non-existent; instead, Lahr used the investor funds to finance his own lifestyle, paying his home mortgage, his child’s school tuition, utility bills, and other personal debt. Total investor losses are estimated to be over $2.7 million.
In addition to the criminal charges Lahr is facing, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) filed a parallel civil enforcement action in the Eastern District of Pennsylvania today based on the same course of conduct. The SEC Complaint charges Lahr and another individual, Thomas Megas, with multiple securities fraud violations and seeks disgorgement, prejudgment interest, civil money penalties, and injunctions against future violations of the federal securities laws against both defendants.
“Lawyers are entrusted to uphold the law, not break it,” said U.S. Attorney McSwain. “And what is particularly disturbing here is that Lahr allegedly targeted the very people he owed a duty of loyalty to – his clients. Instead of serving their interests, he allegedly stole almost $3 million from them so he could indulge himself. I want to thank our law enforcement partners at the FBI and SEC, along with the attorneys in the Fraud Section of the Department of Justice, who worked with my Office to put an end to this fraud and hold the defendant accountable.”
“Todd Lahr's clients thought he was a man of his word,” said Michael J. Driscoll, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI's Philadelphia Division. “Little did they know he would take full advantage of that trust, diverting and using their money as his own. The FBI is fighting every day to shut down financial fraudsters like this, find justice for their victims, and protect the public.”
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Michael J. Rinaldi and Trial Attorney Philip B. Trout of the U.S. Department of Justice, Criminal Division, Fraud Section. The U.S. Attorney’s Office appreciates the substantial assistance of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission in this matter.
An Indictment, Information, or Criminal Complaint is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Hazlehurst pharmacy, pharmacist to pay up to $2.1 million for dispensing thousands of illegitimate prescriptionsRead the Press Release
BRUNSWICK, GA: A South Georgia pharmacy and its pharmacist have agreed to settle a federal civil suit alleging they unlawfully dispensed thousands of illegitimate prescriptions for opioids and other controlled substances.
Under the settlement, announced only weeks after the Southern District of Georgia U.S. Attorney’s Office filed the suit on behalf of the United States, Chip’s Discount Drugs and its pharmacist-in-charge, Rogers “Chip” Wood, Jr., of Hazlehurst, Ga., will pay up to $2,153,383 in civil penalties, said U.S. Attorney Bobby L. Christine.
According to the lawsuit, the defendants routinely ignored numerous red flags associated with prescriptions written by Dr. Frank Bynes Jr., who in February 2020 was sentenced to serve 240 months in federal prison on 13 counts of Unlawful Dispensation of Controlled Substances and three counts of Health Care Fraud. The suit alleged the pharmacy dispensed more than 350,000 units of controlled substances prescribed by Bynes over the course of two years, despite obvious evidence Bynes was operating a “pill mill,” including:
- Most patients traveled between four and six hours to obtain prescriptions for commonly-abused controlled substances from an internal medicine doctor without any type of specialty;
- More than 90 percent of Bynes’ patients received a monthly supply of the highest strength of oxycodone, double the opioid potency the Centers for Disease Control advises clinicians to avoid;
- Most of Bynes’ patients received multiple types of immediate-release opioids at the same time;
- Most of Bynes’ patients received the so-called “holy trinity” drug cocktail of opioids, benzodiazepines, and Soma favored by opioid addicts;
- The medications were consistently and disproportionately the highest available strength; and,
- Multiple members of the same household were receiving similar dangerous prescriptions, including one family of three that received more than 17,500 dosage units of controlled substances from the pharmacy in less than two years.
The suit also alleges that the defendants could not account for more than 9,000 oxycodone and hydrocodone pills supplied to the pharmacy as required by the Controlled Substances Act.
“Pharmacists have a responsibility to fill only legitimate prescriptions for controlled substances,” said U.S. Attorney Christine. “Pharmacies that turn a blind eye to this obligation contribute to the opioid epidemic and allow pill-mill doctors to wreak havoc on our community. This settlement makes clear that your U.S. Attorney’s Office will utilize every ethical tool to attack this crisis.”
Robert J. Murphy, Special Agent in Charge of the DEA Atlanta Division stated, ““This pharmacist scarred many lives through his actions. Unfortunately, many of those patients will struggle with addiction for the rest of their lives. DEA will not hesitate to use all its resources to ensure that members of the healthcare community follow the law.”
The suit is part of an ongoing investigation by the U.S. Attorney’s Office and its federal law enforcement partners of the pharmacies who filled illegitimate prescriptions from Dr. Bynes. In addition to the settlement of the civil claims against Chip’s Discount Drugs, U.S. Attorney Christine also announced that Gordon’s Pharmacy of Bloomingdale, Ga., and its pharmacist-in-charge, Steven Keith Gordon, have agreed to pay up to $200,000 to settle claims that they unlawfully filled prescriptions for controlled substances written by Bynes. The U.S. Attorney’s office previously announced criminal and civil prosecutions of Darien Pharmacy of Darien, Ga., and Ray Dixon, the owner of Fulghum Drugs of Baxley, Ga.
Any individuals who have information about illegal prescribing by physicians, dispensing by pharmacies, or other diversion, and any individuals who believe they were victims of Bynes, should call the U.S. Attorney’s Office at (912) 652-4422 and ask for the Opioid Coordinator.
Dispensing drugs in violation of the Controlled Substances Act carries a civil penalty of up to $64,820 per violation, and failing to make, keep, or furnish accurate prescription records carries a civil penalty of up to $15,040 per violation. Claims resolved by civil settlements are allegations only; there has been no determination of liability. Investigations continue as to others arising out of these announced actions.
The cases were investigated by the DEA, and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Bradford C. Patrick and Jonathan A. Porter represented the United States.
Hayesville, N.C. Man Is Sentenced to More Than 21 Years in Federal Prison for Trafficking MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
ASHEVILLE, N.C. – U.S. District Judge Martin Reidinger sentenced Bobby Roger Burch, 48, of Hayesville, N.C. today to 262 months in prison, announced Andrew Murray, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina. Judge Reidinger also ordered Burch to serve five years under court supervision upon completion of his prison sentence.
According to filed court documents and today’s sentencing hearing, Burch was part of a drug conspiracy operating in North Carolina and Georgia, that distributed significant quantities of methamphetamine in and around Clay County and elswhere. Court records show that Burch was the North Carolina-based source of supply for the drug ring. Court records also show that, over the course of the investigation, law enforcement conducted controlled buys and seized significant quantities of methamphetamine from the drug conspiracy. According to court records, law enforcement seized from Burch more than three pounds of methamphetamine, which Burch was transporting from Georgia to North Carolina. In addition to the narcotics, law enforcement seized 39 firearms from Burch’s residence, including an assault rifle. As reflected in court documents, Burch obstructed or attempted to impede the administration of justice by threatening and intimidating some of his co-conspirators whom he suspected were cooperating with law enforcement.
In making today’s announcement, U.S. Attorney Murray said, “The arrest and prosecution of Burch and several of his co-conspirators has positively impacted Clay County and the surrounding areas in North Carolina, which have seen a significant drop in criminal activity following the successful dismantling of this multi-state drug trafficking ring. Working with our law enforcement partners, we will continue to identify, investigate, and prosecute drug trafficking organizations that plague our communities with deadly drugs and drug-fueled crimes.”
“The cocktail of deadly chemicals used to manufacture methamphetamine are a recipe for disaster. These substances are not only volatile and toxic, but they also destroy families, communities and lives. Because of the collective effort between DEA and its local, state and federal law enforcement counterparts and the U.S. Attorney’s Office, this defendant was brought to justice and will spend well-deserved time in prison,” said Robert J. Murphy, the Special Agent in Charge of the DEA Atlanta Field Division.
U.S. Attorney Murray thanked the DEA’s Asheville Post of Duty; the Clay County Sheriff’s Office; the Georgia Bureau of Investigation; the Swain County Sheriff’s Office; the Macon County Sheriff’s Office; the Highlands Police Department; and the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation for handling the investigation.
* * *
In a separate case, Judge Reidinger also sentenced James Kevin Jones, 45, of Candler, N.C. to 188 months in prison followed by four years of supervised release. According to court documents and today’s sentencing hearing, investigators made three controlled buys of methamphetamine from Jones and seized methamphetamine and a loaded firearm from Jones’ residence in Candler during the course of the investigation.
Court documents show that law enforcement also seized an additional quantity of methamphetamine that Jones concealed on his body while in the Buncombe County Detention Center. According to court records and statements made in court today, Jones has multiple prior felony convictions, and committed crimes while he was on state probation for those convictions.
Jones’ investigation was handled by the Buncombe County Anti-Crime Task Force and the Buncombe County Sheriff’s Office.
Both defendants are in custody, and upon designation of a federal facility they will be transferred to the custody of the Federal Bureau of Prisons. All federal sentences are served without the possibility of parole.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Thomas Kent, of the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Asheville, prosecuted both cases.
Former Veterans Affairs Police Officer Pleads Guilty to Criminal Civil Rights Violation and Making False Entries in A ReportRead the Press Release
Tampa, Florida – Norman Nicholson (56, Largo) today pleaded guilty to one count of depriving an individual of his Fourth Amendment right to a reasonable search and seizure under the color of law and one count of knowingly making false entries in a report with the intent to obstruct an investigation within the jurisdiction of a federal agency. Nicholson faces a maximum penalty of 20 years’ imprisonment. A sentencing hearing is scheduled for June 24, 2020.
According to the
plea agreement , while employed as a police officer with Veterans Affairs in Bay Pines, Florida, Nicholson instructed an Army veteran to leave the premises and the veteran complied. Nicholson then followed the veteran outside and arrested him. In doing so, Nicholson swung the veteran around, and placed both of the veteran’s hands behind his back. The veteran did not resist the arrest and moved his left arm behind his back on his own. After the veteran was already handcuffed and in custody, Nicholson used his left hand to shove the veteran’s head against the fence. He then used his right hand to pull the veteran’s legs apart, causing him to fall face first into the fence and then to the ground. Nicholson then forcefully grabbed the veteran from the ground, and lifted him up. While lifting him up, Nicholson used his right hand to grab the veteran by his face and nose.Nicholson then authored two arrest affidavits and a police report in which he made numerous false statements regarding the incident. Specifically, Nicholson stated that the veteran “refused to leave the property…became resistant…pulled away…raised his hand in an aggressive posture…did not obey commands to stop resisting…resisted on the ground…and buckled his knees in an attempt to make himself dead weight.” Those statements were false, and were made with the intent to impede, obstruct, or influence a matter that was within the jurisdiction of the United States Department of Veterans Affairs.
As a result of this arrest, the veteran spent several days in custody at the Pinellas County jail.
This case was investigated by the Department of Veterans Affairs - Office of Inspector General and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Diego F. Novaes.
Federal Prosecutors Move to Revoke Supervised Release for Convicted FelonRead the Press Release
ATHENS, Ga. – A convicted felon with a lengthy criminal history in the Athens-Clarke County area is currently in detention after being accused of multiple new violations, said Charles “Charlie” Peeler, the United States Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia. Shabazz Sangria Wingfield, 27, of Athens, was sentenced in January 2015 by U.S. District Judge C. Ashley Royal to 60 months in prison and five years of supervised release after pleading guilty to one count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. Since Wingfield’s release from federal prison on December 28, 2018, he is accused of committing ten violations of his supervised release. Documents filed in federal court allege the most recent violation occurred on January 30, 2020, when Wingfield was arrested on state charges following accusations that he struck a woman and threatened to kill her. On March 13, 2020, Wingfield pleaded guilty in state court to criminal trespass-family violence arising from the January 30, 2020 incident, in addition to pleading guilty to a state charge of Criminal Trespass from an incident on December 28, 2019.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Charles Weigle ordered Wingfield’s continued detainment at an initial appearance and detention hearing on Tuesday, March 17, 2020. Wingfield is facing a maximum five years in prison for violating the terms of his supervisory release, in addition to any potential state sentences. The final revocation hearing has not been scheduled. Defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty; in this case, the court must find by a preponderance of the evidence that the defendant violated a condition of supervised release before it can be revoked.
“Our office will quickly move to revoke the supervised release of convicted felons who choose to commit violent crimes in our communities after serving their prison sentence,” said U.S. Attorney Charlie Peeler. “Convicted felons caught violating the terms of their supervised release will be prosecuted.”
The case was investigated by the U.S. Probation Office. First Assistant U.S. Attorney Peter Leary is prosecuting the case for the Government. Questions can be directed to Pamela Lightsey, Public Information Officer, United States Attorney’s Office, at (478) 621-2603 or Melissa Hodges, Public Affairs Director (Contractor), United States Attorney’s Office, at (478) 765-2362.
FBI Takes Down a Russian-Based Hacker Platform; Arrests Suspected Russian Site AdministratorRead the Press Release
NEWS RELEASE SUMMARY – March 24, 2020
San Diego – A Russian-based cyber platform known as DEER.IO was shut down by the FBI today, and its suspected administrator – alleged Russian hacker Kirill Victorovich Firsov - was arrested and charged with crimes related to the hacking of U.S. companies for customers’ personal information.
DEER.IO was a Russian-based cyber platform that allowed criminals to purchase access to cyber storefronts on the platform and sell their criminal products or services. DEER.IO started operations as of at least October 2013, and claimed to have over 24,000 active shops with sales exceeding $17 million. The platform was shut down pursuant to a seizure order issued by the Southern District of California Court.
FBI agents arrested Firsov, a Russian cyber hacker, on March 7 in New York City. Firsov not only managed the DEER.IO platform, he also advertised it on other cyber forums, which catered to hackers. Firsov is next scheduled to appear on April 16, 2020, before U.S. Magistrate Judge Allison H. Goddard.
According to a federal complaint, DEER.IO virtual stores offered for sale a variety of hacked and/or compromised U.S. and international financial and corporate data, Personally Identifiable Information (PII), and compromised user accounts from many U.S. companies. Individuals could also buy computer files, financial information, PII, and usernames and passwords taken from computers infected with malicious software (malware) located both in the U.S. and abroad. Law enforcement found no legitimate business advertising its services and/or products through a DEER.IO storefront. Store operators and customers accessed the storefront via the Internet. Specifically, in this case, the FBI made purchases from DEER.IO storefronts hosted on Russian servers.
The DEER.IO platform offered a turnkey online storefront design and hosting platform, from which cybercriminals could advertise and sell their products (such as harvested credentials and hacked servers) and services (such as assistance performing a panoply of cyber hacking activities). The DEER.IO online stores were maintained on Russian-controlled infrastructure. The DEER.IO platform provided shop owners with an easy-to-use interface that allowed for the automated purchase and delivery of criminal goods and services.
Once shop access was purchased via the DEER.IO platform, the site then guided the newly-minted shop owner through an automated set-up to upload the products and services offered through the shop and configure crypto-currency wallets to collect payments for the purchased products and/or services.
As of 2019, a cybercriminal who wanted to sell contraband or offer criminal services through DEER.IO could purchase a storefront directly from the DEER.IO website for 800 Rubles (approximately $12.50) per month. The monthly fee was payable by Bitcoin or a variety of online payment methods such as WebMoney, a Russian based money transfer system similar to PayPal.
A cybercriminal who wanted to purchase from storefronts on the DEER.IO platform could use a web browser to navigate to the DEER.IO domain, which resolved to DEER.IO storefronts. DEER.IO contained a search function, so individuals could search for hacked accounts from specific companies or PII from specific countries, or the user could navigate through the platform, scanning stores advertising a wide array of hacked accounts or cyber criminal services for sale. Purchases were also conducted using cryptocurrency, such as Bitcoin, or through the Russian-based money transfer systems.
On or about March 4, 2020, the FBI purchased approximately 1,100 gamer accounts from the DEER.IO store ACCOUNTS-MARKET.DEER.IS for under $20 in Bitcoin. Once payment was complete, the FBI obtained the gamer accounts, including the user name and password for each account. Out of the 1,100 gamer accounts, 249 accounts were hacked Company A accounts. Company A confirmed that if a hacker gained access to the user name and password of a user account, that hacker could use that account. A gamer account provides access to the user’s entire media library. The accounts often have linked payment methods, so the hacker could use the linked payment method to make additional purchases on the account. Some users also have subscription-based services attached to their gamer accounts.
On or about March 5, 2020, the FBI purchased approximately 999 individual PII accounts from the DEER.IO store SHIKISHOP.DEER.IS for approximately $170 in Bitcoin. On that same date, the FBI purchased approximately 2,650 individual PII accounts from the DEER.IO store SHIKISHOP.DEER.IS for approximately $522 in Bitcoin. From those identities, the FBI identified names, dates of birth and U.S. Social Security numbers for multiple individuals who reside in San Diego County, including G.V. and L.Y.
“There is a robust underground market for hacked stolen information, and this was a novel way to try to market it to criminals hoping not to get caught,” said U.S. Attorney Robert Brewer. “Hackers are a threat to our economy, and our privacy and national security, and cannot be tolerated.”
FBI Special Agent in Charge Omer Meisel stated, “Deer.io was the largest centralized platform, which promoted and facilitated the sale of compromised social media and financial accounts, personally identifiable information (PII) and hacked computers on the internet. The seizure of this criminal website represents a significant step in reducing stolen data used to victimize individuals and businesses in the United States and abroad. The FBI will continue to be at the forefront of protecting Americans from foreign and domestic cyber criminals.”
The office extends its appreciation to the New York Division of U.S. Customs and Border Protection operating at John F. Kennedy International Airport and to private sector cyber-security company Black Echo LLC, which provided assistance throughout the investigation.
Report cyber crimes by filing a complaint with the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center, by calling your local FBI office or 1800 CALL FBI.
DEFENDANT Case Number: 20MJ1029
Kirill Victorovich Firsov Age: 28
SUMMARY OF CHARGE
Unauthorized Solicitation of Access Devices, 18 USC Sec. 1029(a)(6)(A)
Maximum Penalty: Ten years in prison, $250,000 fine, restitution.
AGENCIES
Federal Bureau of Investigation
Employee of Drug Testing Facility Charged with Accepting Bribes in Exchange for Falsifying Drug Test Results Sent to U.S. Probation OfficeRead the Press Release
LAS VEGAS, Nev. — Billy Joe West, 57, of Las Vegas, made his initial appearance Monday on a federal charge alleging that he misused his position as an employee at a federally contracted drug testing facility to solicit and accept bribes from individuals on federal probation, in exchange for concealing their positive and missed drug tests, announced U.S. Attorney Nicholas A. Trutanich for the District of Nevada and Special Agent in Charge Aaron C. Rouse of the FBI.
“Employees of federal contractors must put the public interest over their own self interests,” said U.S. Attorney Trutanich. “Our law enforcement partners and our office will continue to investigate violations of the public trust.”
“Obstructing justice by accepting bribes in exchange for false reporting is unacceptable,” said Special Agent in Charge Rouse. “The FBI will use every resource available to assist our law enforcement partners in holding individuals accountable for their actions.”
According to the complaint, West was an employee at WestCare Nevada, Inc., a federal contractor that conducted, among other services, court-ordered urinalysis drug testing of supervisees (on federal probation and supervised release). West’s responsibilities included administering that drug testing.
The complaint alleges that West devised a scheme to solicit and accept payments from supervisees in exchange for reporting a false negative drug test to the U.S. Probation Office. During January and February 2020, in exchange for cash bribes, West helped an individual falsify drug testing results on at least three occasions. On the first two occasions, West received $400 in exchange for reporting a negative drug test even though the individual was not tested.
A preliminary hearing has been scheduled before U.S. Magistrate Judge Daniel J. Albregts on April 13, 2020.
If convicted, West faces a statutory maximum sentence of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine for the honest services wire fraud charge. The maximum statutory sentence is prescribed by Congress and is provided here for informational purposes only. If convicted of any offense, the sentencing of a defendant will be determined by the court based on the advisory Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
A criminal complaint is a formal accusation of criminal conduct for purposes of establishing probable cause, not evidence of guilt. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
This case was the product of an investigation by the FBI.
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Department of Justice Requests Citizens Be Aware of and Report COVID-19 FraudRead the Press Release
For accurate and up-to-date information on COVID-19, please visit the CDC’s website at cdc.gov/covid19.
The Department of Justice is remaining vigilant in detecting, investigating, and prosecuting wrongdoing related to the crisis. In a memo to U.S. Attorneys, Attorney General Barr said, "The pandemic is dangerous enough without wrongdoers seeking to profit from public panic and this sort of conduct cannot be tolerated."Be aware that criminals are attempting to exploit COVID-19 worldwide through a variety of scams. There have been reports of:
- Individuals and businesses selling fake cures for COVID-19 online and engaging in other forms of fraud.
- Phishing emails from entities posing as the World Health Organization or the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
- Malicious websites and apps that appear to share virus-related information to gain and lock access to your devices until payment is received.
- Seeking donations fraudulently for illegitimate or non-existent charitable organizations.
Criminals will likely continue to use new methods to exploit COVID-19 worldwide.If you think you are a victim of a scam or attempted fraud involving COVID-19, you can report it without leaving your home though a number of platforms. Go to:
- Contact the National Center for Disaster Fraud Hotline at 866-720-5721 or via email at [email protected]
- Report it to the FBI at www.fbi.gov/coronavirus#Report-Fraud.
- If it's a cyber scam, submit your complaint through https://www.ic3.gov/default.aspx
For more information regarding Federal Efforts, Department of Justice Resources, and Coronavirus Fraud News, please visit the Department of Justice COVID-19 Fraud Page at https://www.justice.gov/coronavirus.Columbus man charged federally for allegedly setting up fake online sales to lure victims, steal their money & shoot themRead the Press Release
COLUMBUS, Ohio – A Columbus man allegedly pretended to be selling a car and pretended to be an online escort in order to rob victims at gunpoint. Further, the man allegedly brandished a firearm during the robberies and shot and struck two victims.
Keith Jorel Hudson, 34, was charged federally today and is scheduled to appear in federal court tomorrow afternoon.
According to an affidavit filed in support of the criminal complaint, on March 5, Hudson met up with a victim who had communicated with Hudson on Facebook Messenger regarding a post stating Hudson was selling a black Honda Accord.
It is alleged that when the victim arrived at a meetup location on Spencer Court in Columbus, Hudson brandished a firearm and demanded the victim drop his wallet and keys.
The affidavit details that the victim complied. As Hudson reached to pick up the wallet, the victim grabbed his own keys and attempted to flee in his car. Hudson allegedly blocked the victim from entering his car, pistol whipped the victim, and shot him in the back of the neck. The round entered and exited the victim’s neck, leaving a flesh wound and shattering the victim’s car window.
The victim was able to flag down a Columbus police officer a short distance away and was transported to Grant Hospital.
On March 20, according to the affidavit, a second victim responded to an online advertisement. This post was a dating advertisement on a personals webpage.
The second victim arrived at the Hickory Creek Apartments complex to meet a female and pay her for sexual activity. Instead, Hudson allegedly approached him and pointed a handgun at him, demanding cash from him.
The victim gave Hudson the $30 he had in his possession and began to leave. The victim attempted to take a picture of Hudson’s license plate when Hudson began shooting at the victim. The victim attempted to flee and Hudson pursued the victim in his vehicle. Hudson fired his gun again near the intersection of Schrock Road and Ambleside Drive and struck the victim in his hand. The gunfire also disabled the victim’s car.
Shortly thereafter, Hudson was located by Columbus Police officers and arrested.
Hudson is charged with two counts of robbery and two counts of discharging a firearm during a crime of violence. Congress sets the maximum statutory sentence. Sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the Court based on the advisory sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors.
David M. DeVillers, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio; Jonathan McPherson, Special Agent in Charge, U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF); and Columbus Police Chief Thomas Quinlan announced the charges. Assistant United States Attorney Timothy Prichard is representing the United States in this case.
A criminal complaint merely contains allegations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.
If you believe you are also a victim or have any information related to this alleged conduct, please contact Columbus Police Detectives Brian Boesch at 614-230-3173 or John Herman at 614-645-4665.
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Cedar Rapids Man Sentenced to Nearly a Decade in Federal Prison for Unlawfully Possessing a Gun During Home InvasionRead the Press Release
A Cedar Rapids man who went with an associate to rob others of money and drugs using a firearm was sentenced March 23, 2020, to 114 months in federal prison.
Carl McArthur, age 40, from Cedar Rapids, Iowa, received the prison sentence following an October 24, 2019 jury verdict. The jury deliberated for nine hours before finding McArthur guilty of one count of being in possession of a firearm, specifically a Taurus .45LC/.410 caliber “Judge” handgun, after having been convicted of a 2003 misdemeanor domestic abuse assault in Linn County, Iowa, and a 2009 federal felony firearm conviction.
The evidence at trial and sentencing showed that on March 17, 2018, McArthur and an associate entered a house on the southwest side of Cedar Rapids. They were armed with firearms. McArthur and his associate planned to rob the occupants of the house of any money or methamphetamine in their possession. Three of the occupants of the house testified that McArthur and his associate forced their way into the house, assaulted them, and threatened to shoot them and pour hot grease on them in an effort to get money and drugs from them. One of the occupants called 911, and officers from the Cedar Rapids Police Department responded within minutes. The officers found McArthur inside the residence, and his associate was outside. The associate fled the scene, leaving behind the ski mask he wore to conceal his identity. Officers searched the house and found a Taurus .45LC/.410 caliber “Judge” handgun, a 9mm handgun, methamphetamine, and drug paraphernalia.
McArthur was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Judge C.J. Williams. McArthur was sentenced to 114 months’ and 20 days’ imprisonment. He must also serve a three-year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Ashley Corkery and Patrick Reinert and was investigated by Cedar Rapids Safe Streets Task Force. The task force is composed of representatives from the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Cedar Rapids Police Department.
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. The United States Attorney’s Office has prosecuted this case with support from its Project Guardian partners. For more information about Project Guardian, please see /media/1122011/dl?inline.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 18-CR-0102.
Follow us on Twitter @USAO_NDIA.
COVID-19 FraudRead the Press Release
On March 13, 2020, President Donald J. Trump declared the outbreak of COVID-19 (the coronavirus) in the United States to be a national emergency. Unfortunately, criminals and scammers are trying to take advantage of the crisis for their own profit. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Texas through its United States Attorney, Ryan Patrick, has made it a top priority to detect, investigate, and prosecute anyone who attempts to exploit the anxiety and uncertainty surrounding the COVID-19 outbreak to defraud other people.
For example, there are reports of fraudsters falsely claiming to be from legitimate health organizations, selling fake medicines, vaccines, tests, medical supplies, and using phishing scams to steal personal and financial information. Please don’t fall victim to these frauds and crimes. If you see these frauds being attempted or if you are a victim of one of these frauds, please report them to:
National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF)
Telephone hotline:1-866-720-5721
Email address:[email protected]Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI):
Submit a complaint online at https://tips.fbi.gov/
For cyber or internet related scams, submit your complaint at https://www.ic3.gov/default.aspx
Telephone:713-693-5000,Southern District of Texas COVID-19 Fraud Coordinator, Assistant U.S. Attorney Justin R. Martin
Telephone:713-567-9000
Email:[email protected]Please be on the lookout for any of these COVID-19 scams:
- Treatment scams: Scammers are selling fake vaccines, medicines, and cures for COVID-19.
- Supply scams: Scammers are claiming they have in-demand products, like cleaning, household, health, and medical supplies, but when an order is placed, the scammer takes the money and never delivers the order.
- Charity scams: Scammers are fraudulently soliciting donations for non-existent charities to help people affected by the COVID-19 crisis. Scammers often use names that are similar to the names of real charities. The FTC offers tips for avoiding charity scams: https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/features/how-donate-wisely-and-avoid-charity-scams
- Phishing scams: Scammers, posing as national and global health authorities, such as the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), are sending fake emails or texts to trick the recipient into sharing their personal information like account numbers, Social Security numbers, or login IDs and passwords. The FTC offers tips for avoiding phishing scams: https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/articles/how-recognize-and-avoid-phishing-scams
- App scams: Scammers are creating COVID-19 related apps that contain malware designed to steal the user’s personal information after it is downloaded.
- Provider scams: Scammers pretending to be doctors and hospitals that have treated a friend or relative for COVID-19, and demand payment for that treatment.
- Investment scams: Scammers are promoting the stock of small companies, which have limited publicly available information, using false or misleading claims that the companies’ stock will increase dramatically due to the COVID-19 outbreak, such as claims that a company can prevent, detect, or cure COVID-19.
For the most up to date information on the COVID-19 outbreak and the federal response, check https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html
Bronx Man Charged with Queens MurderRead the Press Release
Geoffrey S. Berman, United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, and Darcel D. Clark, Bronx District Attorney, announced the unsealing yesterday of a Superseding Indictment charging JERRY ROJAS, a/k/a “Feddi,” with the January 13, 2020, murder of Vladimir Olivo, 42, in the vicinity of Northern Boulevard and 208th Street in Queens, New York. The case has been assigned to United States District Judge Jesse M. Furman. ROJAS was arrested yesterday and presented before U.S. Magistrate Judge Thérèse Wiley Dancks in the Northern District of New York.
U.S. Attorney Geoffrey S. Berman said: “As alleged in the Indictment, Jerry Rojas murdered Vladimir Olivo earlier this year. Thanks to the outstanding work of the NYPD, DEA, and the Special Agents of our Office, Rojas now faces federal murder charges for this terrible crime. I want to specially thank District Attorney Clark for the collaboration between our offices that helped make this prosecution possible.”
As alleged in the Superseding Indictment unsealed yesterday in Manhattan federal court[1]:
JERRY ROJAS, a/k/a “Feddi,” is a member of the Black Stone Gorilla Gang, a racketeering enterprise that operates principally in the New York City metropolitan area and in the jails and prisons of New York City and the State of New York. In order to enrich the enterprise, preserve and protect the power of the enterprise, and enhance its criminal operations, BSGG members and associates committed, conspired, attempted, and threatened to commit acts of violence, including murder and assaults; distributed and possessed with intent to distribute narcotics; committed robberies; engaged in bank fraud and wire fraud; and obtained, possessed, and used firearms. BSGG members also evaded prosecution by law enforcement authorities through acts of intimidation and violence against potential witnesses to crimes committed by the gang.
On or about January 13, 2020, ROJAS shot and killed Vladimir Olivo in the vicinity of Northern Boulevard and 208th Street in Queens.
ROJAS is also charged with participating in a conspiracy to distribute heroin, cocaine, cocaine base, oxycodone, and marijuana from in or about 2011 through in or about March 2020, and using a firearm in furtherance of that conspiracy.
* * *
ROJAS, 26, is charged in the following counts of the Superseding Indictment:
COUNT
CHARGE
MAX. PENALTY
Count One
Racketeering Conspiracy
18 U.S.C. § 1962(d)
Life imprisonment
Count Ten
Narcotics Conspiracy
21 U.S.C. § 846
Life
Mandatory minimum of 10 years’ imprisonment
Count Eleven
Firearms Offense
18 U.S.C. §§ 924(c) and 2
Life
Mandatory minimum of 5 years’ imprisonment
Count Twelve
Murder in Aid of Racketeering
18 U.S.C. §§ 1959 and 2
Death or life imprisonment;
Mandatory minimum of life imprisonment
Count Thirteen
Murder through the Use of a Firearm
18 U.S.C. §§ 924(j) and 2
Death or life imprisonment;
Mandatory minimum of five years’ imprisonment
Mr. Berman praised the outstanding investigative work of the NYPD, DEA, and the Special Agents of the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York. Mr. Berman also thanked the New York/New Jersey Regional Fugitive Task Force of the United States Marshals Service for its work in apprehending ROJAS.
This case is being handled by the Office’s Violent and Organized Crime Unit. Assistant United States Attorneys Danielle R. Sassoon, Andrew K. Chan, and Brandon Harper, and Special Assistant United States Attorney Jaclyn Wood, are in charge of the prosecution.
The charges contained in the Indictment are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
[1] As the introductory phrase signifies, the entirety of the text of the Indictment and the descriptions of the Indictment constitute only allegations, and every fact described should be treated as an allegation.
Monday 23 March 2020
United States Attorney’s Office Takes Steps to Protect Consumers and Prevent Civil Rights Violations Amidst COVID-19 Public Health EmergencyRead the Press Release
SACRAMENTO, Calif.—Today, U.S. Attorney McGregor W. Scott announced a series of steps aimed at protecting consumer financial safety amidst the COVID-19 (Coronavirus) outbreak.
U.S. Attorney Scott has appointed a COVID-19 fraud coordinator to lead investigations into known and suspected occurrences of consumer financial fraud resulting from the nation’s ongoing public health emergency.
U.S. Attorney Scott stated, “The investigation and prosecution of crime remains the mission of the U.S. Attorney’s Office. We will continue to vigilantly guard the public from wrongdoers, including those who might try to take advantage of the COVID-19 crisis. Those who violate federal law will be held accountable.”
If you think you are a victim of a scam or attempted fraud involving COVID-19, you can report it without leaving your home though a number of platforms. Go to:
- Contact the National Center for Disaster Fraud Hotline at 866-720-5721 or via email at [email protected]
- Report it to the FBI at tips.fbi.gov
- If it’s a cyber-scam, submit your complaint through https://www.ic3.gov/default.aspx
The U.S. Attorney’s Office COVID-19 fraud coordinator will be notified of tips submitted via any of the above reporting methods.
Taking into account the general orders filed by Chief U.S. District Judge Kimberly Mueller related to COVID-19, the U.S. Attorney’s Office has taken necessary precautions to protect the health and safety of its staff during this health emergency while continuing to fulfill its public safety mission. Essential law enforcement functions including investigations, the signing and execution of warrants, filing of charges, and case litigation will continue. Eastern District of California prosecutors and support staff will continue working with federal, state, local and tribal law enforcement partners to safeguard our justice system and protect the safety and security of our nation during this difficult time.
United States Attorney Shares Tips for Avoiding COVID-19 ScamsRead the Press Release
SACRAMENTO, Calif.—Today, U.S. Attorney McGregor W. Scott warned of several new fraud schemes seeking to exploit the evolving COVID-19 (Coronavirus) public health emergency often targeting vulnerable populations.
Scammers have already devised numerous methods for defrauding people in connection with COVID-19. They are setting up websites, contacting people by phone and email, and posting disinformation on social media platforms. Some examples of scams linked to COVID-19 include:
- Testing scams: Scammers are selling fake at-home test kits or going door-to-door performing fake tests for money.
- Treatment scams: Scammers are offering to sell fake cures, vaccines, and advice on unproven treatments for COVID-19.
- Supply scams: Scammers are creating fake shops, websites, social media accounts, and email addresses claiming to sell medical supplies currently in high demand, such as surgical masks. When consumers attempt to purchase supplies through these channels, fraudsters pocket the money and never provide the promised supplies.
- Provider scams: Scammers are contacting people by phone and email, pretending to be doctors and hospitals that have treated a friend or relative for COVID-19, and demanding payment for that treatment.
- Charity scams: Scammers are soliciting donations for individuals, groups, and areas affected by COVID-19.
- Phishing scams: Scammers posing as national and global health authorities, including the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), are sending phishing emails designed to trick recipients into downloading malware or providing personal identifying and financial information.
- App scams: Scammers are creating and manipulating mobile apps designed to track the spread of COVID-19 to insert malware that will compromise users’ devices and personal information.
- Investment scams: Scammers are offering online promotions on various platforms, including social media, claiming that the products or services of publicly traded companies can prevent, detect, or cure COVID-19, and that the stock of these companies will dramatically increase in value as a result. These promotions are often styled as “research reports,” make predictions of a specific “target price,” and relate to microcap stocks, or low-priced stocks issued by the smallest of companies with limited publicly available information.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office urges Californians to take the following precautionary measures to protect themselves from known and emerging scams:
- Independently verify the identity of any company, charity, or individual that contacts you regarding COVID-19.
- Check the websites and email addresses offering information, products, or services related to COVID-19. Be aware that scammers often employ addresses that differ only slightly from those belonging to the entities they are impersonating. For example, they might use “cdc.com” or “cdc.org” instead of “cdc.gov.”
- Be wary of unsolicited emails offering information, supplies, or treatment for COVID-19 or requesting your personal information for medical purposes. Legitimate health authorities will not contact the general public this way.
- Do not click on links or open email attachments from unknown or unverified sources. Doing so could download a virus onto your computer or device.
- Make sure your computer’s anti-malware and anti-virus software is operating and up to date.
- Ignore offers for a COVID-19 vaccine, cure, or treatment. Remember, if there is a medical breakthrough, you won’t hear about it for the first time through an email, online ad, or unsolicited sales pitch.
- Check online reviews of any company offering COVID-19 products or supplies. Avoid companies whose customers have complained about not receiving items.
- Research any charities or crowdfunding sites soliciting donations in connection with COVID-19 before giving. Remember, an organization may not be legitimate even if it uses words like “CDC” or “government” in its name or has reputable looking seals or logos on its materials. For online resources on donating wisely, visit the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) website.
- Be wary of any business, charity, or individual requesting payments or donations in cash, by wire transfer, gift card, or through the mail. Don’t send money through any of these channels.
- Be cautious of “investment opportunities” tied to COVID-19, especially those based on claims that a small company’s products or services can help stop the virus. If you decide to invest, carefully research the investment beforehand. For information on how to avoid investment fraud, visit the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) website.
- For the most up-to-date information on COVID-19, visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and World Health Organization (WHO) websites.
On March 23, U.S. Attorney Scott announced the appointment of a COVID-19 fraud coordinator to lead investigations into known and suspected occurrences of financial fraud related to the nation’s ongoing public health emergency.
If you think you are a victim of a scam or attempted fraud involving COVID-19, you can report it without leaving your home though a number of platforms. Go to:
- Contact the National Center for Disaster Fraud Hotline at 866-720-5721 or via email at [email protected]
- Report it to the FBI at tips.fbi.gov
- If it’s a cyber-scam, submit your complaint through https://www.ic3.gov/default.aspx
The U.S. Attorney’s Office COVID-19 fraud coordinator will be notified of tips submitted via the above reporting method.
U.S. Attorney urges the public to report suspected COVID-19 fraud Assistant U.S. Attorney John Neal Appointed as Coronavirus Fraud CoordinatorRead the Press Release
DETROIT, Michigan – U.S. Attorney Matthew Schneider today urged the public to report suspected fraud schemes related to COVID-19 (the Coronavirus) by calling the National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) hotline (1-866-720-5721) or to the NCDF e-mail address [email protected]. U.S. Attorney Schneider also urged the public to report suspected price gouging to the Michigan Attorney General’s Office by calling 877-765-8388 or reporting online at www.michigan.gov/ag.
Attorney General William Barr has directed U.S. Attorneys to coordinate with the Department of Justice to prioritize the investigation and prosecution of Coronavirus fraud schemes.
“During the pandemic, our office will continue to investigate and prosecute cases, particularly those involving violent and dangerous criminals,” United States Attorney Matthew Schneider stated. “We also plan to prioritize our efforts to go after scammers who exploit the Coronavirus to cheat people. Our job is to protect the public, and we continue to work with our state and local partners to preserve public safety during these challenging times.”
Some examples of these schemes include:
- Individuals and businesses selling fake cures for COVID-19 online and engaging in other forms of fraud.
- Phishing emails from entities posing as the World Health Organization or the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
- Malicious websites and apps that appear to share Coronavirus-related information to gain and lock access to your devices until payment is received.
- Seeking donations fraudulently for illegitimate or non-existent charitable organizations.
- Medical providers obtaining patient information for COVID-19 testing and then using that information to fraudulently bill for other tests and procedures.
In a memorandum to U.S. Attorneys issued March 19, Deputy Attorney General Jeffrey Rosen also directed each U.S. Attorney to appoint a Coronavirus Fraud Coordinator to serve as the legal counsel for the federal judicial district on matters relating to the Coronavirus, direct the prosecution of Coronavirus-related crimes, and to conduct outreach and awareness activities. The Eastern District of Michigan Coronavirus Fraud Coordinator is Assistant United States Attorney John Neal, who serves as Chief of the White Collar Crime Unit in the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
The NCDF can receive and enter complaints into a centralized system that can be accessed by all U.S. Attorneys, as well as Justice Department litigating and law enforcement components to identify, investigate and prosecute fraud schemes. The NCDF coordinates complaints with 16 additional federal law enforcement agencies, as well as state Attorneys General and local authorities.
To find more about Department of Justice resources and information, please visit www.justice.gov/coronavirus.
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U.S. Attorney urges the public to report suspected COVID-19 fraudRead the Press Release
HAMMOND – In coordination with the Department of Justice, Attorney General William Barr has directed U.S. Attorneys to prioritize the investigation and prosecution of Coronavirus fraud schemes.
“Our mission will not change during this national emergency,” said United States Attorney Thomas L. Kirsch. “We will continue to prosecute criminals, including fraudsters, who wish to prey on our citizens, either by fraud or force. Our law enforcement partnerships remain strong and committed to reducing crime throughout the District.”
Some examples of these COVID-19 schemes include:
- Individuals and businesses selling fake cures for COVID-19 online and engaging in other forms of fraud.
- Phishing emails from entities posing as the World Health Organization or the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
- Malicious websites and apps that appear to share Coronavirus-related information to gain and lock access to your devices until payment is received.
- Seeking donations fraudulently for illegitimate or non-existent charitable organizations.
- Medical providers obtaining patient information for COVID-19 testing and then using that information to fraudulently bill for other tests and procedures.
In a memorandum to U.S. Attorneys issued March 19, Deputy Attorney General Jeffrey Rosen also directed each U.S. Attorney to appoint a Coronavirus Fraud Coordinator to serve as the legal counsel for the federal judicial district on matters relating to the Coronavirus, direct the prosecution of Coronavirus-related crimes, and to conduct outreach and awareness activities. The Northern District of Indiana Coronavirus Fraud Coordinator is Assistant United States Attorney Gary Bell.
The public is urged to report any suspected fraud schemes related to COVID-19 (the Coronavirus) to Assistant United States Attorney Gary Bell at 219-937-5656, the Indiana FBI at 317-595-4000, and the report it to the Department of Justice’s National Center for Disaster Fraud by calling the National Hotline at (866) 720-5721 or by via the https://www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form.
The NCDF can receive and enter complaints into a centralized system that can be accessed by all U.S. Attorneys, as well as Justice Department litigating and law enforcement components to identify, investigate and prosecute fraud schemes. The NCDF coordinates complaints with 16 additional federal law enforcement agencies, as well as state Attorneys General and local authorities.
To find more about Department of Justice resources and information, please visit www.justice.gov/coronavirus.
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U.S. Attorney urges the public to report suspected COVID-19 fraudRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS – U.S. Attorney Peter G. Strasser of the District of Louisiana today urged the public to report suspected fraud schemes related to COVID-19 (the Coronavirus) by calling the National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) hotline (1-866-720-5721) or to the NCDF e-mail address [email protected].
In coordination with the Department of Justice, Attorney General William Barr has directed U.S. Attorneys to prioritize the investigation and prosecution of Coronavirus fraud schemes.
“Along with our federal, state and local law enforcement partners, we continue to stand ready to enforce the laws of the United States and to address the public safety needs of our community”, said U.S. Attorney Peter G. Strasser. “Unfortunately, during times of crisis, criminals continue their efforts to victimize the public. However, we are ready for them. To assist with the Department of Justice COVID-19 strategy, I have appointed Assistant U.S. Attorney (AUSA) Edward Rivera, a seasoned federal prosecutor, as our district’s COVID-19 Fraud Coordinator. AUSA Rivera will serve as the district’s legal counsel on COVID-19 fraud related matters and will participate in the prosecution of coronavirus fraud cases. AUSA Rivera will also conduct public outreach activities relating to COVID-19 fraud schemes. The public should know that the Department of Justice, joined by its state and local law enforcement partners, will vigorously pursue all those who violate federal law and prey upon our citizens in the Eastern District of Louisiana.
Some examples of these schemes include:
- Individuals and businesses selling fake cures for COVID-19 online and engaging in other forms of fraud.
- Phishing emails from entities posing as the World Health Organization or the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
- Malicious websites and apps that appear to share Coronavirus-related information to gain and lock access to your devices until payment is received.
- Seeking donations fraudulently for illegitimate or non-existent charitable organizations.
- Medical providers obtaining patient information for COVID-19 testing and then using that information to fraudulently bill for other tests and procedures.
In a memorandum to U.S. Attorneys issued March 19, Deputy Attorney General Jeffrey Rosen also directed each U.S. Attorney to appoint a Coronavirus Fraud Coordinator to serve as the legal counsel for the federal judicial district on matters relating to the Coronavirus, direct the prosecution of Coronavirus-related crimes, and to conduct outreach and awareness activities. The Eastern District of Louisiana Coronavirus Fraud Coordinator is Assistant U.S. Attorney Edward Rivera.
The NCDF can receive and enter complaints into a centralized system that can be accessed by all U.S. Attorneys, as well as Justice Department litigating and law enforcement components to identify, investigate and prosecute fraud schemes. The NCDF coordinates complaints with 16 additional federal law enforcement agencies, as well as state Attorneys General and local authorities.
To find more about Department of Justice resources and information, please visit www.justice.gov/coronavirus.
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U.S. Attorney urges the public to report suspected COVID-19 fraudRead the Press Release
Memphis, TN – U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant of the Western District of Tennessee today urged the public to report suspected fraud schemes related to COVID-19 (the Coronavirus) by calling the National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDC) hotline (1-866-720-5721) or to the NCDF e-mail [email protected].
In coordination with the Department of Justice, Attorney General William Barr has directed U.S. Attorneys nationwide to remain vigilant in detecting, investigating and prosecuting criminal activity associated with the Coronavirus crisis, and to prioritize the prosecution of COVID-19 fraud schemes. The NCDF Hotline can receive and enter complaints into a centralized system that can be accessed by all U.S. Attorneys, as well as Justice Department litigating and law enforcement components to identify, investigate and prosecute fraud schemes.
As part of the COVID-19 strategy, U.S. Attorney Dunavant has appointed Assistant U.S. Attorney Tony Arvin, a veteran federal prosecutor and Senior Litigation Counsel in the office, to serve as the district’s COVID-19 Coordinator. The coordinator serves as legal counsel for the district on matters relating to the Coronavirus, prosecute or assist in the prosecution of Coronavirus cases, and conduct public outreach and awareness related to the virus.
United States Attorney D. Michael Dunavant said, "Our office is absolutely committed to bringing to justice those who would seek to take advantage of our friends, family, and neighbors during this challenging and uncertain time, but we need the public’s help. If you see, hear of it, or suspect it - report it. Like everything else we are doing as a nation right now, we can combat COVID-19 fraud, but we have to do it together. The message is clear: Good guys - we have your back and need your help. Bad guys - we are coming after you."
Some examples of these schemes include:
• Individuals and businesses selling fake cures for COVID-19 online and engaging in other forms of fraud.
• Phishing emails from entities posing as the World Health Organization or the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
• Malicious websites and apps that appear to share Coronavirus-related information to gain and lock access to your devices until payment is received.
• Seeking donations fraudulently for illegitimate or non-existent charitable organizations.
• Medical providers obtaining patient information for COVID-19 testing and then using that information to fraudulently bill for other tests and procedures.
In a memorandum to U.S. Attorneys issued March 19, Deputy Attorney General Jeffrey Rosen also directed each U.S. Attorney to appoint a Coronavirus Fraud Coordinator to serve as the legal counsel for the federal judicial district on matters relating to the Coronavirus, direct the prosecution of Coronavirus-related crimes, and to conduct outreach and awareness activities. The Western District of Tennessee Coronavirus Fraud Coordinator is Assistant U.S. Attorney Tony Arvin.
The NCDF can receive and enter complaints into a centralized system that can be accessed by all U.S. Attorneys, as well as Justice Department litigating and law enforcement components to identify, investigate and prosecute fraud schemes. The NCDF coordinates complaints with 16 additional federal law enforcement agencies, as well as state Attorneys General and local authorities.
U.S. Attorney urges public to report any suspected COVID-19 fraudRead the Press Release
COLUMBUS, Ohio – United States Attorney David M. DeVillers today urged the public to report suspected fraud schemes related to COVID-19 (the Coronavirus) by calling the National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) hotline (1-866-720-5721) or to the NCDF e-mail address [email protected].
In coordination with the Department of Justice, Attorney General William Barr has directed U.S. Attorneys to prioritize the investigation and prosecution of Coronavirus fraud schemes.
“This U.S. Attorney’s Office is open for business and we still have plenty of room in jail for those who try to line their own pockets through fraud during this pandemic,” U.S. Attorney DeVillers said. “I’ve instructed my district to ignore dollar amount or victim number thresholds usually needed for federal prosecutions. Those reprehensible enough to take advantage of our worried citizens will pay the price.”
Some examples of these schemes include:
- Individuals and businesses selling fake cures for COVID-19 online and engaging in other forms of fraud.
- Phishing emails from entities posing as the World Health Organization or the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
- Malicious websites and apps that appear to share Coronavirus-related information to gain and lock access to your devices until payment is received.
- Seeking donations fraudulently for illegitimate or non-existent charitable organizations.
- Medical providers obtaining patient information for COVID-19 testing and then using that information to fraudulently bill for other tests and procedures.
In a memorandum to U.S. Attorneys issued March 19, Deputy Attorney General Jeffrey Rosen also directed each U.S. Attorney to appoint a Coronavirus Fraud Coordinator to serve as the legal counsel for the federal judicial district on matters relating to the Coronavirus, direct the prosecution of Coronavirus-related crimes, and to conduct outreach and awareness activities. DeVillers named Assistant United States Attorney Peter Glenn-Applegate as the Southern District of Ohio’s Coronavirus Fraud Coordinator.
The NCDF can receive and enter complaints into a centralized system that can be accessed by all U.S. Attorneys, as well as Justice Department litigating and law enforcement components to identify, investigate and prosecute fraud schemes. The NCDF coordinates complaints with 16 additional federal law enforcement agencies, as well as state Attorneys General and local authorities.
To find more about Department of Justice resources and information, please visit www.justice.gov/coronavirus.
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U.S. Attorney Urging Utahns to Report Suspected Fraud Schemes Related to Covid-19 to National HotlineRead the Press Release
SALT LAKE CITY– U.S. Attorney John W. Huber is urging Utahns to report suspected fraud schemes related to COVID-19 (the Coronavirus) by calling the National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) hotline (1-866-720-5721) or to the NCDF e-mail address [email protected].
In coordination with the Department of Justice, Attorney General William Barr has directed U.S. Attorneys to prioritize the investigation and prosecution of Coronavirus fraud schemes.
“For most of us, times like these bring out the best in us as we look out for our family, neighbors, and care for the vulnerable,” U.S. Attorney John W. Huber said. “However, fraudsters are always looking for a new way to make money and exploit the fears of those who are at risk. They will start touting miracle cures for COVID-19 and ask for money to support fraudulent causes or cures. Those who get involved in these fraud schemes are no different than the snake oil salesmen of the past.”
Huber said he is particularly concerned about senior citizens in Utah who are often vulnerable to fraud schemes. “Those who seek to profit by scamming others, especially our elders, must be stopped,” Huber said. “Anyone who hears about a suspected fraud scheme related to COVID-19 should report it immediately through the National Center for Disaster Fraud hotline.”
There is currently no known cure for COVID-19, and citizens should avoid interacting with or buying anything from those who claim there is.
Examples of these schemes include:
- Individuals and businesses selling fake cures for COVID-19 online and engaging in other forms of fraud.
- Phishing emails from entities posing as the World Health Organization or the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
- Malicious websites and apps that appear to share Coronavirus-related information to gain and lock access to your devices until payment is received.
- Seeking donations fraudulently for illegitimate or non-existent charitable organizations.
- Medical providers obtaining patient information for COVID-19 testing and then using that information to fraudulently bill for other tests and procedures.
The Department of Justice has directed U.S. Attorneys around the nation to appoint a Coronavirus Fraud Coordinator to serve as the legal counsel for matters relating to the Coronavirus, direct the prosecution of Coronavirus-related crimes, and to conduct outreach and awareness activities. The Coronavirus Fraud Coordinator in Utah is Assistant U.S. Attorney Jacob Strain.
The NCDF can receive and enter complaints into a centralized system that can be accessed by all U.S. Attorneys, as well as Justice Department litigating and law enforcement components to identify, investigate and prosecute fraud schemes. The NCDF coordinates complaints with 16 additional federal law enforcement agencies, as well as state Attorneys General and local authorities.
To find more about Department of Justice resources and information, please visit www.justice.gov/coronavirus.
U.S. Attorney Urges the Public to Report Suspected Fraud Related to the Covid-19 OutbreakRead the Press Release
CONCORD – U.S. Attorney Scott W. Murray of the District of New Hampshire today urged the public to report suspected fraud schemes related to COVID-19 (the Coronavirus) by calling the National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) hotline (1-866-720-5721) or to the NCDF e-mail address [email protected]. The public also can report fraud to the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center at www.IC3.gov.
In coordination with the Department of Justice, Attorney General William Barr has directed U.S. Attorneys to prioritize the investigation and prosecution of Coronavirus fraud schemes.
“During this national emergency, a small number of cruel and self-serving individuals are seeking to profit from the public’s fear of COVID-19,” said U.S. Attorney Murray. “There are reports of fraudsters selling counterfeit products and fake cures or setting up malicious websites in order to take advantage of people who are attempting to protect themselves from the virus. Such criminal exploitation will not be tolerated and will receive the full attention of federal law enforcement. I urge anyone who becomes aware of this type of fraud to report it. We will work closely with all of our law enforcement partners to end these despicable schemes and bring the criminals to justice.”
In addition to the NCDF hotline, citizens also can report fraud to the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) by visiting www.IC3.gov.
“With the outbreak of COVID-19, scammers have found a platform that preys on people’s fears and could make them more likely to be victimized,” said Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Boston Division. “We want you to help us stop these fraudsters by reporting suspicious activity, fraud, and attempted fraud at ic3.gov. We also want you to avoid falling prey to these scams. So don't click on links within emails from senders you don't recognize, always independently verify the information originates from a legitimate source, never supply your login credentials or financial data in response to an email, and visit websites by inputting their domains manually. By working together, we can help stop this type of activity."
Some examples of the fraudulent schemes related to COVID-19 include:
- Individuals and businesses selling fake cures for COVID-19 online and engaging in other forms of fraud.
- Phishing emails from entities posing as the World Health Organization or the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
- Malicious websites and apps that appear to share Coronavirus-related information to gain and lock access to your devices until payment is received.
- Seeking donations fraudulently for illegitimate or non-existent charitable organizations.
- Medical providers obtaining patient information for COVID-19 testing and then using that information to fraudulently bill for other tests and procedures.
In a memorandum to U.S. Attorneys issued March 19, Deputy Attorney General Jeffrey Rosen also directed each U.S. Attorney to appoint a Coronavirus Fraud Coordinator to serve as the legal counsel for the federal judicial district on matters relating to the Coronavirus, direct the prosecution of Coronavirus-related crimes, and to conduct outreach and awareness activities. The District of New Hampshire Coronavirus Fraud Coordinator is Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew Hunter. AUSA Hunter can be reached through the main number at the U.S. Attorney’s Office – (603) 225-1552.
The NCDF can receive and enter complaints into a centralized system that can be accessed by all U.S. Attorneys, as well as Justice Department litigating and law enforcement components to identify, investigate and prosecute fraud schemes. The NCDF coordinates complaints with 16 additional federal law enforcement agencies, as well as state Attorneys General and local authorities.
To find more about Department of Justice resources and information, please visit www.justice.gov/coronavirus.
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U.S. Attorney Urges the Public to Report Suspected COVID-19 FraudRead the Press Release
CEDAR RAPIDS, IOWA – U.S. Attorney Peter E. Deegan, Jr., of the Northern District of Iowa, today urged the public to report suspected fraud schemes related to COVID-19 (the Coronavirus) by calling the National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) hotline (1-866-720-5721) or go to https://www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form.
In coordination with the Department of Justice, Attorney General William Barr has directed U.S. Attorneys to prioritize the investigation and prosecution of Coronavirus fraud schemes.
“There are people out there who will try and take advantage of COVID-19 for selfish financial benefit. I am asking everyone in our communities to stay vigilant and report suspected fraud,” said U.S. Attorney Deegan. “We also all need to care for the most vulnerable citizens in our society and do our best to prevent them from becoming victims of unscrupulous criminals.”
Some examples of these schemes include:
- Individuals and businesses selling fake cures for COVID-19 online and engaging in other forms of fraud.
- Phishing emails from entities posing as the World Health Organization or the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
- Malicious websites and apps that appear to share Coronavirus-related information to gain and lock access to your devices until payment is received.
- Seeking donations fraudulently for illegitimate or non-existent charitable organizations.
-more- - Medical providers obtaining patient information for COVID-19 testing and then using that information to fraudulently bill for other tests and procedures.
In a memorandum to U.S. Attorneys issued March 19, Deputy Attorney General Jeffrey Rosen also directed each U.S. Attorney to appoint a Coronavirus Fraud Coordinator to serve as the legal counsel for the federal judicial district on matters relating to the Coronavirus, direct the prosecution of Coronavirus-related crimes, and to conduct outreach and awareness activities. The Northern District of Iowa Coronavirus Fraud Coordinator is Assistant U.S. Attorney Timothy Vavricek.
The NCDF can receive and enter complaints into a centralized system that can be accessed by all U.S. Attorneys, as well as Justice Department litigating and law enforcement components to identify, investigate and prosecute fraud schemes. The NCDF coordinates complaints with 16 additional federal law enforcement agencies, as well as state Attorneys General and local authorities.
To find more about Department of Justice resources and information, please visit www.justice.gov/coronavirus..
Follow us on Twitter @USAO_NDIA.
- Individuals and businesses selling fake cures for COVID-19 online and engaging in other forms of fraud.
U.S. Attorney Urges the Public to Report Suspected COVID-19 FraudRead the Press Release
St. Louis – U.S. Attorney Jeff Jensen of the Eastern District of Missouri today urged the public to report suspected fraud schemes related to COVID-19 (the Coronavirus) by calling the National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) hotline (1-866-720-5721) or by contacting the NCDF e-mail address [email protected].
In coordination with the Department of Justice, Attorney General William Barr has directed U.S. Attorneys to prioritize the investigation and prosecution of Coronavirus fraud schemes. The NCDF Hotline can receive and enter complaints into a centralized system that can be accessed by all U.S. Attorneys, as well as Justice Department litigating and law enforcement components to identify, investigate and prosecute fraud schemes. The NCDF coordinates complaints with 16 additional federal law enforcement agencies, as well as state Attorneys General and local authorities.
“My office will continue to work with federal, state and local law enforcement to protect zealously the public from fraudsters who try to take advantage of a vulnerable time for our nation,” said U.S. Attorney Jensen. “A national crisis is in no way a safe harbor for criminal activity.”
Some examples of these schemes include:
- Individuals and businesses selling fake cures for COVID-19 online and engaging in other forms of fraud.
- Phishing emails from entities posing as the World Health Organization or the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
- Malicious websites and apps that appear to share Coronavirus-related information to gain and lock access to your devices until payment is received.
- Seeking donations fraudulently for illegitimate or non-existent charitable organizations.
- Medical providers obtaining patient information for COVID-19 testing and then using that information to fraudulently bill for other tests and procedures.
In connection with a memorandum to U.S. Attorneys issued March 19 by Deputy Attorney General Jeffrey Rosen, the United States Attorney’s Office has appointed a Coronavirus Fraud Coordinator to serve as the legal counsel for the Eastern District of Missouri on matters relating to the Coronavirus, and to direct the prosecution of Coronavirus-related crimes. Anyone with such information concerning such matters is encouraged to contact the United States Attorney’s Office immediately.
U.S. Attorney Urges the Public to Report Suspected COVID-19 FraudRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, Mo. – U.S. Attorney Tim Garrison today urged the public to report suspected fraud schemes related to COVID-19 (the coronavirus) by calling the National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) hotline (1-866-720-5721) or writing to the NCDF email address at [email protected].
The Department of Justice is committed to preventing, pursuing, prosecuting, and punishing individuals and businesses that take advantage of the COVID-19 pandemic as an opportunity to engage in criminal fraud.
“I have no tolerance for criminals who seize upon this public health crisis as an opportunity to prey on anxious Missourians,” said Garrison. “In contrast to the many citizens who are courageously and generously coming forward to help their neighbors, the actions of a few criminals threaten to make a difficult situation more dangerous. I am therefore making it a priority to investigate and prosecute those who try to profit by selling bogus cures, soliciting fake donations, engaging in online or email phishing scams, or engaging in any other fraud.”
Some examples of these fraud schemes include:
• Individuals and businesses selling fake cures for COVID-19 online and engaging in other forms of fraud.
• Phishing emails from entities posing as the World Health Organization or the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
• Malicious websites and apps that appear to share coronavirus-related information to gain and lock access to your devices until payment is received.
• Seeking donations fraudulently for illegitimate or non-existent charitable organizations.
• Medical providers obtaining patient information for COVID-19 testing and then using that information to fraudulently bill for other tests and procedures.Garrison announced the appointment of Assistant U.S. Attorney Kate Mahoney as the designated Coronavirus Fraud Coordinator. Mahoney, who is the chief of the Fraud and Corruption Unit, will serve as the legal counsel on matters relating to the coronavirus, direct the prosecution of coronavirus-related crimes, and conduct outreach and awareness activities.
The NCDF can receive and enter complaints into a centralized system that can be accessed by all U.S. Attorneys, as well as Justice Department litigating and law enforcement components to identify, investigate and prosecute fraud schemes. The NCDF coordinates complaints with 16 additional federal law enforcement agencies, as well as state attorneys general and local authorities.
To find more about Department of Justice resources and information, please visit www.justice.gov/coronavirus.
U.S. Attorney Urges the Public to Report Suspected COVID-19 FraudRead the Press Release
Justin M. Keen Appointed as Coronavirus Fraud Coordinator
TALLAHASSEE, FLORIDA – U.S. Attorney Lawrence Keefe of the Northern District of Florida urges the public to report suspected fraud schemes related to COVID-19 (the Coronavirus) by calling the National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) hotline (1-866-720-5721) or to the NCDF e-mail address [email protected].
In coordination with the Department of Justice, Attorney General William Barr has directed U.S. Attorneys to prioritize the investigation and prosecution of Coronavirus fraud schemes.
"The global and domestic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on families and businesses is unprecedented, and during these worrisome times, criminals are attempting to enrich themselves through fraudulent schemes," said Lawrence Keefe, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida. "The U.S. Attorney’s Office is open for business and will aggressively stop anyone trying to profit from the fear and confusion caused by this worldwide pandemic."
Some examples of these schemes include:
• Individuals and businesses selling fake cures for COVID-19 online and engaging in other forms of fraud.
• Phishing emails from entities posing as the World Health Organization or the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
• Malicious websites and apps that appear to share Coronavirus-related information to gain and lock access to your devices until payment is received.
• Seeking donations fraudulently for illegitimate or non-existent charitable organizations.
• Medical providers obtaining patient information for COVID-19 testing and then using that information to fraudulently bill for other tests and procedures.
In a memorandum to U.S. Attorneys issued March 19, Deputy Attorney General Jeffrey Rosen also directed each U.S. Attorney to appoint a Coronavirus Fraud Coordinator to serve as the legal counsel for the federal judicial district on matters relating to the Coronavirus, direct the prosecution of Coronavirus-related crimes, and to conduct outreach and awareness activities. The Northern District of Florida Coronavirus Fraud Coordinator is Justin M. Keen.
The NCDF can receive and enter complaints into a centralized system that can be accessed by all U.S. Attorneys, as well as Justice Department litigating and law enforcement components to identify, investigate and prosecute fraud schemes. The NCDF coordinates complaints with 16 additional federal law enforcement agencies, as well as state Attorneys General and local authorities.
To find more about Department of Justice resources and information, please visit www.justice.gov/coronaviruss.
The United States Attorney's Office for the Northern District of Florida is one of 94 offices that serve as the nation’s principal litigators under the direction of the Attorney General. To access available public court documents online, please visit the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida website. For more information about the United States Attorney’s Office, Northern District of Florida, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/fln/index.html.
U.S. Attorney Urges Public to Report Suspected COVID-19 FraudRead the Press Release
BOISE – U.S. Attorney Bart M. Davis of the District of Idaho today urged the public to report suspected fraud schemes related to COVID-19 (the Coronavirus) by calling the National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) hotline (1-866-720-5721) or to the NCDF e-mail address [email protected]. Additionally, the U.S. Attorney’s Office can be reached at (208) 334-1211.
In coordination with the Department of Justice, Attorney General William Barr has directed U.S. Attorneys to prioritize the investigation and prosecution of Coronavirus fraud schemes.
“While most Idahoans are finding ways to help their neighbors, unfortunately, there are others who are taking advantage during this time of uncertainty,” said U.S. Attorney Davis. “It is essential that federal, state, tribal, and local law enforcement remain vigilant in detecting, investigating, and prosecuting wrongdoing related to the crisis. The pandemic is difficult enough without wrongdoers seeking to profit from public panic. Such conduct cannot and will not be tolerated.”
Some examples of these schemes include:
- Individuals and businesses selling fake cures for COVID-19 online and engaging in other forms of fraud.
- Phishing emails from entities posing as the World Health Organization or the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
- Malicious websites and apps that appear to share Coronavirus-related information to gain and lock access to your devices until payment is received.
- Seeking donations fraudulently for illegitimate or non-existent charitable organizations.
- Medical providers obtaining patient information for COVID-19 testing and then using that information to fraudulently bill for other tests and procedures.
In a memorandum to U.S. Attorneys issued March 19, Deputy Attorney General Jeffrey Rosen also directed each U.S. Attorney to appoint a Coronavirus Fraud Coordinator to serve as the legal counsel for the federal judicial district on matters relating to the Coronavirus, direct the prosecution of Coronavirus-related crimes, and to conduct outreach and awareness activities. The District of Idaho’s Coronavirus Fraud Coordinator is Assistant U.S. Attorney Josh Hurwit.
The NCDF can receive and enter complaints into a centralized system that can be accessed by all U.S. Attorneys, as well as Justice Department litigating and law enforcement components to identify, investigate and prosecute fraud schemes. The NCDF coordinates complaints with 16 additional federal law enforcement agencies, as well as state Attorneys General and local authorities.
To find more about Department of Justice resources and information, please visit www.justice.gov/coronavirus.
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U.S. Attorney Shappert Urges the Public to Report Suspected COVID-19 Fraud First Assistant U.S. Attorney Carlos Cardona Appointed as Coronavirus Fraud CoordinatorRead the Press Release
DATELINE – U.S. Attorney Gretchen C.F. Shappert of the District of the Virgin Islands today urged the public to report suspected fraud schemes related to COVID-19 (the Coronavirus) by calling the National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) hotline (1-866-720-5721) or by sending an email to the NCDF e-mail address, [email protected]. In coordination with the Department of Justice, Attorney General William Barr has directed U.S. Attorneys to prioritize the investigation and prosecution of Coronavirus fraud schemes identified in their communities.
"Individuals and groups who seek to take unfair advantage of the COVID-19 pandemic will not be tolerated," said U.S. Attorney Gretchen C.F. Shappert. "We are asking the public to notify the NCDF of individuals and businesses selling fake cures for COVID-19 online and engaging in other forms of fraud. Other examples of suspected COVID-19 fraud include: phishing emails from entities posing as the World Health Organization or the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; malicious websites and apps that appear to share Coronavirus-related information to gain and lock access to electronic devices until payment is received; persons seeking donations fraudulently for illegitimate or non-existent charitable organizations; and medical providers obtaining patient information for COVID-19 testing and then using that information to fraudulently bill for other tests and procedures."
In a memorandum to U.S. Attorneys issued March 19, Deputy Attorney General Jeffrey Rosen also directed each U.S. Attorney to appoint a Coronavirus Fraud Coordinator to serve as the legal counsel for the federal judicial district on matters relating to the Coronavirus, direct the prosecution of Coronavirus-related crimes, and to conduct outreach and awareness activities. First Assistant U.S. Attorney Carlos Cardona will serve as the Coronavirus Fraud Coordinator in the U.S Virgin Islands.
The NCDF can receive and enter complaints into a centralized system that can be accessed by all
U.S. Attorneys, as well as Justice Department litigating and law enforcement components to identify, investigate and prosecute fraud schemes. The NCDF coordinates complaints with 16 additional federal law enforcement agencies, as well as state Attorneys General and local authorities. The public is urged to provide information so that the NCDF and federal law enforcement can conduct the necessary investigations.
To find more about Department of Justice resources and information, please visit www.justice.gov/coronavirus.
U.S. Attorney for Southern Illinois Announces Nearly $60 Million in Grants Available to Support Prisoners' Successful Reentry into Their CommunitiesRead the Press Release
U.S. Attorney Steven D. Weinhoeft of the Southern District of Illinois today announced the
availability of nearly $60 million in Department of Justice grants to help communities address
public safety by supporting successful reentry of adult and juvenile offenders into their
communities.“Our nation is facing difficult public safety challenges that demand strong and immediate action.
The high rate of recidivism poses a dire threat to community safety and is being met with a robust
response by this Administration,” said Katharine T. Sullivan, Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney
General for the Office of Justice Programs (OJP). “The Department of Justice is front and center in
the fight to meet this persistent challenge. OJP is making historic amounts of grant funding
available to ensure that our communities have access to innovative and diverse solutions.”The funding is available through OJP, the federal government’s leading source of public safety
funding and crime victim assistance in state, local and tribal jurisdictions. OJP’s programs
support a wide array of activities and services, including adult and juvenile reentry initiatives
and research projects designed to improve our knowledge of what works in reentry programming. A
number of funding opportunities are currently open, with several more opening in the near future.Correctional Adult Reentry Education, Employment, and Recidivism Reduction Strategies Program
https://bja.ojp.gov/funding/opportunities/bja-2020-17104
Total Available $7.2 million Deadline 4/27/2020Improving Community Supervision Outcomes Through Swift, Certain, and Fair Responses
https://bja.ojp.gov/funding/opportunities/bja-2020-17096
Total Available $3 million Deadline 4/28/2020
Improving Reentry for People with Substance Use Disorders Program
https://bja.ojp.gov/SCASUD20
Total Available $13.2 million Deadline 4/27/2020Innovations in Reentry Initiative: Building System Capacity & Testing Strategies to Reduce
Recidivism
https://bja.ojp.gov/funding/opportunities/bja-2020-17281
Total Available $4 million Deadline 5/4/2020Research and Evaluation on Promising Reentry Initiatives
https://nij.ojp.gov/funding/opportunities/nij-2020-17295
Total Available $6 million Deadline 5/5/2020Review and Validation of the First Step Act Risk Assessment Tool
https://nij.ojp.gov/funding/opportunities/nij-2020-fsa
Total Available: Determined after selection Deadline 4/10/2020Second Chance Act Community-Based Reentry Program
https://bja.ojp.gov/funding/opportunities/bja-2020-17110
Total Available $13.5 million Deadline 5/4/2020Second Chance Act Evaluation Participation Support
https://bja.ojp.gov/funding/opportunities/bja-2020-17680
Total Available $4 million Deadline 4/28/2020Second Chance Act Youth Offender Reentry Program
https://ojjdp.ojp.gov/sites/g/files/xyckuh176/files/media/document/ojjdp-2020-17350.pdf
Total Available $7 million Deadline 4/28/2020
For more information regarding all OJP funding opportunities,
https://www.ojp.gov/funding/explore/current-funding-opportunities
U.S. Attorney for Southern Illinois Announces More Than $163 Million Available to Fight Addiction CrisisRead the Press Release
U.S. Attorney Steven D. Weinhoeft of the Southern District of Illinois today announced the
availability of more than $163 million in Department of Justice grants to help communities address
America’s addiction crisis.“Our nation is facing the difficult challenge of curbing substance addiction, which threatens
public safety and is among the Administration’s top domestic priorities,” said Katharine T.
Sullivan, Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General for the Office of Justice Programs (OJP).
“The Department of Justice is front and center in the fight to meet this challenge. OJP is making
historic amounts of grant funding available to ensure that our communities have access to
innovative and diverse solutions.”The funding is available through OJP, the federal government’s leading source of public safety
funding and crime victim assistance in state, local and tribal jurisdictions. OJP’s programs
support a wide array of activities and services, including programs designed to prevent overdose
deaths and break the cycle of addiction and crime.A number of funding opportunities that address the addiction crisis are currently open:
Adult Drug Court and Veterans Treatment Court Discretionary Grant Program
https://bja.ojp.gov/funding/opportunities/bja-2020-17098
Total Available $1.75 million Deadline 5/14/2020
Comprehensive Opioid, Stimulant, and Substance Abuse Site-based Program
https://bja.ojp.gov/COSSAP20
Total Available $27 million Deadline 5/21/2020Enhancing Community Responses to America’s Addiction Crisis: Serving Our Youngest Crime Victims
https://ovc.ojp.gov/funding/awards/2020-v3-gx-k162
Total Available: $19 million Deadline: 5/4/2020Family Drug Court Program
https://ojjdp.ojp.gov/funding/opportunities/ojjdp-2020-17090
Total Available $18.2 million Deadline 4/8/2020 (Extended)Harold Rogers Prescription Drug Monitoring Program
https://bja.ojp.gov/funding/opportunities/bja-2020-17754
Total Available $28.1 Deadline 5/5/2020Juvenile Drug Treatment Court Program
https://ojjdp.ojp.gov/funding/opportunities/ojjdp-2020-17051
Total Available $7.2 million Deadline 4/13/2020 (Extended)Mentoring Opportunities for Youth Initiative
https://ojjdp.ojp.gov/funding/opportunities/ojjdp-2020-16930
Total Available $48 million Deadline 4/13/2020Opioid Affected Youth Initiative
https://ojjdp.ojp.gov/funding/opportunities/ojjdp-2020-17352
Total Available $9 million Deadline 4/20/2020Research and Evaluation on Drugs and Crime
https://nij.ojp.gov/funding/opportunities/nij-2020-17275
Total Available $1 million Deadline 4/20/2020Residential Substance Abuse Treatment for State Prisoners
https://bja.ojp.gov/RSAT20
Total Available $4.5 million Deadline 4/6/2020For more information regarding all OJP funding opportunities,
https://www.ojp.gov/funding/explore/current-funding-opportunities
U.S. Attorney David C. Joseph Urges the Public to Report Suspected Fraud Related to the COVID-19 OutbreakRead the Press Release
SHREVEPORT/LAFAYETTE/ALEXANDRIA/LAKE CHARLES/MONROE, La. – U.S. Attorney David C. Joseph of the Western District of Louisiana today urged the public to report suspected fraud schemes related to COVID-19 (the Coronavirus) by calling the National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) hotline at 1-866-720-5721 or to the NCDF e-mail address [email protected].
In coordination with law enforcement agencies, United States Attorney General William Barr has directed U.S. Attorneys to prioritize the investigation and prosecution of Coronavirus fraud schemes.
The NCDF Hotline can receive and enter complaints into a centralized system that can be accessed by all U.S. Attorneys, as well as Justice Department litigating and law enforcement components, to identify, investigate and prosecute fraud schemes. The NCDF coordinates complaints with 16 additional federal law enforcement agencies, as well as state Attorneys General and local authorities.
“During this time of uncertainty related to the COVID-19 outbreak, my first and foremost obligation is to maintain law and order and ensure the safety and security of Louisiana‘s citizens,” said U.S. Attorney Joseph. “While the vast majority of us are acting as a community to focus on our collective health, there are scammers and fraudsters out there using fear and misinformation to target the most vulnerable among us. My office and our law enforcement partners are committed to detecting, investigating, and prosecuting those who use this pandemic to illegally profit. Make no mistake: this type of behavior will be aggressively prosecuted by my office. If anyone suspects fraud or has been victimized in this way, I urge you to report it to the NCDF hotline.”
Some examples of these schemes include:
- Individuals and businesses selling fake cures for COVID-19 online and engaging in other forms of fraud;
- Phishing emails from entities posing as the World Health Organization or the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention;
- Malicious websites and apps that appear to share Coronavirus-related information to gain and lock access to your devices until payment is received;
- Seeking donations fraudulently for illegitimate or non-existent charitable organizations; and
- Medical providers obtaining patient information for COVID-19 testing and then using that information to fraudulently bill for other tests and procedures.
In a memorandum to U.S. Attorneys issued March 19, Deputy Attorney General Jeffrey Rosen also directed each U.S. Attorney to appoint a Coronavirus Fraud Coordinator to serve as the legal counsel for the federal judicial district on matters relating to the Coronavirus, direct the prosecution of Coronavirus-related crimes, and to conduct outreach and awareness activities. U.S. Attorney Joseph has appointed Assistant U.S. Attorney Seth D. Reeg to be the Western District of Louisiana Coronavirus Fraud Coordinator. AUSA Reeg can be reached through the main number at the U.S. Attorney’s Office – (318) 676-3600.
To find more about Department of Justice resources and information, please visit www.justice.gov/coronavirus.
The United States Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Louisiana serves 42 of Louisiana’s 64 parishes.
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U.S. Attorney Brandon J. Fremin Urges the Public to Report Suspected COVID-19 FraudRead the Press Release
U.S. Attorney Brandon J. Fremin of the Middle District of Louisiana, who also serves as the Executive Director of the National Center for Disaster Fraud, today urged the public to report suspected fraud schemes related to COVID-19 (the Coronavirus) by calling the National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) hotline (1-866-720-5721) or to the NCDF e-mail address [email protected].
In coordination with the Department of Justice, Attorney General William Barr has directed U.S. Attorneys to prioritize the investigation and prosecution of Coronavirus fraud schemes.
U.S. Attorney Fremin stated, “My office is committed to protecting the citizens of the Middle District during this unprecedented crisis and has made it a top priority to detect, investigate, and prosecute criminal conduct related to the current pandemic. Always use extreme caution when providing personal identifying or financial information to anyone. I strongly encourage the public to report suspected coronavirus-related waste, fraud, abuse or allegations of criminal conduct by contacting the NCDF.”
Some examples of these schemes include:
- Individuals and businesses selling fake cures for COVID-19 online and engaging in other forms of fraud.
- Phishing emails from entities posing as the World Health Organization or the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
- Malicious websites and apps that appear to share Coronavirus-related information to gain and lock access to your devices until payment is received.
- Seeking donations fraudulently for illegitimate or non-existent charitable organizations.
- Medical providers obtaining patient information for COVID-19 testing and then using that information to fraudulently bill for other tests and procedures.
In a memorandum to U.S. Attorneys issued March 19, Deputy Attorney General Jeffrey Rosen also directed each U.S. Attorney to appoint a Coronavirus Fraud Coordinator to serve as the legal counsel for the federal judicial district on matters relating to the Coronavirus, direct the prosecution of Coronavirus-related crimes, and to conduct outreach and awareness activities. The Middle District of Louisiana Coronavirus Fraud Coordinator is Paul Pugliese, a longtime federal prosecutor who also serves as the Associate Executive Director of the NCDF.
The NCDF can receive and enter complaints into a centralized system that can be accessed by all U.S. Attorneys, as well as Justice Department litigating and law enforcement components to identify, investigate and prosecute fraud schemes. The NCDF coordinates complaints with 16 additional federal law enforcement agencies, as well as state Attorneys General and local authorities.
To find more about Department of Justice resources and information, please visit www.justice.gov/coronavirus.
U.S. Attorney Andrew Murray Urges the Public to Report Suspected COVID-19 FraudRead the Press Release
CHARLOTTE, N.C. – U.S. Attorney Andrew Murray of the District of North Carolina today urged the public to report suspected fraud schemes related to COVID-19 (the Coronavirus) by calling the National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) hotline (1-866-720-5721) or to the NCDF e-mail address [email protected].
In coordination with the Department of Justice, Attorney General William Barr has directed U.S. Attorneys to prioritize the investigation and prosecution of Coronavirus fraud schemes.
“It is utterly despicable that scammers will try to profit from the COVID-19 national crisis, but fraudsters will stop at nothing to make a buck! I strongly encourage everyone to be on heightened alert about potential scams related to COVID-19, and to report the fraud to the National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) hotline (1-866-720-5721) or e-mail NCDF at [email protected]. Reporting scams will help us investigate and prosecute wrongdoers, and track scams so we can warn the public about emerging schemes.”
Some examples of these schemes include:
- Individuals and businesses selling fake cures for COVID-19 online and engaging in other forms of fraud.
- Phishing emails from entities posing as the World Health Organization or the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
- Malicious websites and apps that appear to share Coronavirus-related information to gain and lock access to your devices until payment is received.
- Seeking donations fraudulently for illegitimate or non-existent charitable organizations.
- Medical providers obtaining patient information for COVID-19 testing and then using that information to fraudulently bill for other tests and procedures.
In a memorandum to U.S. Attorneys issued March 19, Deputy Attorney General Jeffrey Rosen also directed each U.S. Attorney to appoint a Coronavirus Fraud Coordinator to serve as the legal counsel for the federal judicial district on matters relating to the Coronavirus, direct the prosecution of Coronavirus-related crimes, and to conduct outreach and awareness activities.
The Coronavirus Fraud Coordinator for the Western District of North Carolina is Assistant U.S. Attorney (AUSA) Jenny Sugar. AUSA Sugar is an experienced prosecutor, and currently serves as Deputy Chief overseeing the district’s White Collar Fraud Unit.
The NCDF can receive and enter complaints into a centralized system that can be accessed by all U.S. Attorneys, as well as Justice Department litigating and law enforcement components to identify, investigate and prosecute fraud schemes. The NCDF coordinates complaints with 16 additional federal law enforcement agencies, as well as state Attorneys General and local authorities.
is the best way to avoid being defrauded by scammers. To find out more about Department of Justice resources and information, please visit www.justice.gov/coronavirus.
Here are some helpful tips to avoid COVID-19 scams:
- Do not purchase items that purport to cure COVID-19. Currently there are no vaccines, pills, drinks, lotions or any other product available on the market that can treat or cure COVID-19.
- Do not click on links or reply to texts from unknown sources as they may download malware and viruses to computers or devices.
- Instead of clicking on emails claiming to be from the CDC or WHO, go directly to websites for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (www.cdc.gov) and the World Health Organization (www.who.int) to obtain information.
- When it comes to donations, do not let a scammer rush you into making a donation. Instead, take the time to do extensive research online.
- Do not make a donation in cash, via gift card, or a wire transfer, and do not provide your banking information or debit card numbers.
Stay alert. Protect yourself from scams and report the fraud. Call the National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) hotline (1-866-720-5721) or e-mail NCDF at [email protected].
U.S. Attorney and FBI Urge the Public to Report Suspected Fraud Related to Tornado Destruction and COVID-19Read the Press Release
NASHVILLE, Tenn. – March 23, 2020 – U.S. Attorney Don Cochran and FBI Special Agent in Charge M.A. Myers today urged the public to report suspected fraud schemes related to COVID-19 (the Coronavirus) and to the recent tornado destruction, by calling the National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) hotline (1-866-720-5721) or to the NCDF e-mail address [email protected].
In coordination with the Department of Justice, Attorney General William Barr has directed U.S. Attorneys to prioritize the investigation and prosecution of Coronavirus fraud schemes. The NCDF Hotline can receive and enter complaints into a centralized system that can be accessed by all U.S. Attorneys, as well as Justice Department litigating and law enforcement components to identify, investigate and prosecute fraud schemes.
“Communities in middle Tennessee have experienced a double-punch with the recent devastating tornadoes and now the escalation of the Coronavirus,” said U.S. Attorney Cochran. “Sadly, these unfortunate scenarios present opportunities for low-life fraudsters to prey upon those who are struggling to get through a single day with hopes of returning to a normal life. We will not allow our current circumstances to become an open door for those who would take advantage of a temporary plight of humanity. Forty-two dedicated federal prosecutors in our office, along with our law enforcement partners, are on duty and eagerly awaiting the opportunity to bring anyone to justice who would attempt to exploit those who find themselves in extreme need during one of the most vulnerable times in our nation’s history.”
Some examples of these schemes include:
- Individuals and businesses selling fake cures for COVID-19 online and engaging in other forms of fraud.
- Phishing emails from entities posing as the World Health Organization or the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
- Malicious websites and apps that appear to share Coronavirus and disaster-related information to gain and lock access to your devices until payment is received.
- Seeking donations fraudulently for illegitimate or non-existent charitable organizations.
- Medical providers obtaining patient information for COVID-19 testing and then using that information to fraudulently bill for other tests and procedures.
M.A. Myers, Special Agent in Charge of the Memphis Division of the Federal Bureau of Investigation is reminding the American public to continue exercising smart cyber hygiene in this uncertain time. Be aware that cyber criminals may exploit concerns surrounding COVID-19 to perpetuate scams designed to steal your money. By remembering these four tips, you can protect yourself and help stop this criminal activity: (1) do not open attachments or click links within emails from senders you don't recognize; (2) always verify the information being shared originates from a legitimate source; (3) do not provide your logins, financial data or other personal information in response to an email; and (4) visit websites by manually inputting their domains to your browser. If you believe you are the victim of an internet scam or want to report suspicious activity, please visit the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center at www.ic3.gov.
In a memorandum to U.S. Attorneys issued March 19, Deputy Attorney General Jeffrey Rosen also directed each U.S. Attorney to appoint a Coronavirus Fraud Coordinator to serve as the legal counsel for the federal judicial district on matters relating to the Coronavirus, direct the prosecution of Coronavirus-related crimes, and to conduct outreach and awareness activities. Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephanie Toussaint is the Coronavirus and Disaster Fraud Coordinator for middle Tennessee.
he NCDF can receive and enter complaints into a centralized system that can be accessed by all U.S. Attorneys, as well as Justice Department litigating and law enforcement components to identify, investigate and prosecute fraud schemes. The NCDF coordinates complaints with 16 additional federal law enforcement agencies, as well as state Attorneys General and local authorities.
To find more about Department of Justice resources and information, please visit www.justice.gov/coronavirus.
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