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8 June 2020
Statement from United States Attorney Jay E. Town on Fallen Moody Police Lt. Stephen WilliamsRead the Press Release
“Fallen Moody PD Lt. Stephen Williams was laid to rest today. Law enforcement from around Alabama and the entire country gathered to pay tribute to a brother whose end of watch came much too soon. I was honored to be among them. We must forever remember his sacrifice in the protection and service to his community. My thoughts and prayers are with the Williams family, Moody PD, and all who knew him.”
Statement from Assistant Attorney General Eric Dreiband and Oregon U.S. Attorney Billy Williams on Oregon Governor’s Reopening Plan for Places of WorshipRead the Press Release
Assistant Attorney General for Civil Rights Eric Dreiband and U.S. Attorney for Oregon Billy Williams issued the following statement:
"We thank Governor Kate Brown for extending religious freedom protections to people of faith as part of Phase 2 of the Reopening Oregon Plan. Places of worship in counties that qualify for Phase 2 will be able, based on an order issued by the governor Thursday, to hold gatherings with social distancing and hygiene measures for up to 250 people, depending on the size of the facility. Phase 1 raised some concerns about discrimination against places of worship by limiting them to 25 congregants, regardless of social distancing and hygiene measures, while allowing restaurants and fitness classes to operate with no numerical cap so long as they engaged in social distancing and adhered to hygiene measures. Governor Brown’s new guidelines will allow places of worship that choose to reopen with the flexibility they need to serve their congregations while undertaking social distancing and hygiene protocols.
“The right to the free exercise of religion is one of our most cherished rights, and the Department of Justice is committed to ensuring that this right, and other fundamental rights, are preserved during the COVID-19 pandemic. As Attorney General Barr has stated, ‘even in times of emergency, when reasonable and temporary restrictions are placed on rights, the First Amendment and federal statutory law prohibit discrimination against religious institutions and religious believers.’ The Department of Justice will continue to prioritize Attorney General Barr’s Memorandum regarding Balancing Public Safety with the Preservation of Civil Rights.
“We look forward to continuing to work with Governor Brown, and other Governors”
Statement of U.S. Attorney Geoffrey S. Berman Responding to Statement Issued Today by Law Firm Representing Prince AndrewRead the Press Release
Today, Prince Andrew yet again sought to falsely portray himself to the public as eager and willing to cooperate with an ongoing federal criminal investigation into sex trafficking and related offenses committed by Jeffrey Epstein and his associates, even though the Prince has not given an interview to federal authorities, has repeatedly declined our request to schedule such an interview, and nearly four months ago informed us unequivocally – through the very same counsel who issued today’s release – that he would not come in for such an interview. If Prince Andrew is, in fact, serious about cooperating with the ongoing federal investigation, our doors remain open, and we await word of when we should expect him.
St. Paul Man Charged in Minneapolis Police Third Precinct ArsonRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Erica H. MacDonald today announced a federal criminal complaint against BRANDEN MICHAEL WOLFE, 23, charging him with aiding and abetting arson at the Minneapolis Police Department’s Third Precinct. WOLFE will make his initial appearance on June 9, 2020, at 1 p.m. before Magistrate Judge Hildy Bowbeer in U.S. District Court in St. Paul, Minnesota.
According to the allegations in the complaint, on the night of May 28, 2020, the Minneapolis Police Department’s Third Precinct was overrun and heavily damaged due to vandalism and arson. Investigators identified multiple separate fires had been started in the building. On June 3, 2020, St. Paul police officers responded to a home improvement store in St. Paul after receiving a complaint that an individual, later identified as WOLFE, wearing body armor and a law enforcement duty belt and carrying a baton was trying to get into the store. According to employees, WOLFE had been employed as a security guard at the store but was fired earlier that day after referring to social media posts about stealing items from the Third Precinct. Officers located WOLFE and took him into custody. At the time of the arrest, WOLFE was wearing multiple items stolen from the Third Precinct, including body armor, a police-issue duty belt with handcuffs, an earphone piece, baton, and knife. WOLFE’s name was handwritten in duct tape on the back of the body armor. Law enforcement later recovered from WOLFE’s apartment additional items belonging to the Minneapolis Police Department, including a riot helmet, 9mm pistol magazine, police radio, and police issue overdose kit.
According to the allegations in the complaint, during a law enforcement interview, WOLFE admitted to being inside the Third Precinct the night of the arson, to taking property from the building, and to pushing a wooden barrel into the fire. WOLFE also identified himself in multiple witness photographs depicting WOLFE in front of the Third Precinct holding a police baton, with smoke and flames visible in the background. In his statement to law enforcement, WOLFE confirmed that he pushed a wooden barrel into the fire, knowing that it would help keep the fire burning. Investigators recovered from the scene charred metal barrel rings.
The ATF and FBI urge the public to report suspected arson, use of explosive devices, or violent, destructive acts associated with the recent unrest. Anyone with information specifically related to the Third Precinct fire or other business fires in the Twin Cities can call 1-888-ATF-TIPS (1-888-283-8477), email [email protected] or submit information anonymously via ReportIt.com. In addition to fires, the FBI is looking for people who may have incited or promoted violence of any kind. Anyone with digital material or tips can call 1-800-CALLFBI (800-225-5324) or visit tips.fbi.gov.
This case is the result of an investigation conducted jointly by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), the FBI, the St. Paul Police Department, the Minneapolis Police Department, and the Minnesota State Fire Marshal Division.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Harry M. Jacobs and Joseph H. Thompson.
The charges contained in the complaint are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Defendant Information:
BRANDEN MICHAEL WOLFE, 23
St. Paul, Minn.
Charges:
- Aiding and abetting arson, 1 count
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Springfield Sex Offender Sentenced to 10 Years for Child PornographyRead the Press Release
SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – A Springfield, Missouri, man with a prior conviction for transporting child pornography was sentenced in federal court today for another child pornography offense.
David Todd Beresky, 43, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Brian C. Wimes to 10 years in federal prison without parole. The court also sentenced Beresky to a lifetime of supervised release following incarceration, and ordered him to pay a total of $24,000 in restitution to seven child victims.
On Dec. 2, 2019, Beresky pleaded guilty to possessing child pornography.
At the time of the offense, Beresky was on supervised release following his incarceration for a 2005 federal conviction of transporting child pornography. His probation officer learned he was working as a pizza delivery driver, which was not permitted. Beresky’s probation officer confronted him at work and inspected his cell phone. Beresky’s cell phone contained multiple images of child pornography.
This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Ami Harshad Miller. It was investigated by the FBI and the Southwest Missouri Cyber Crimes Task Force.
Project Safe Childhood
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc . For more information about Internet safety education, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc and click on the tab "resources."Springfield Man Pleads Guilty to Meth Conspiracy, Faces at Least 15 Years in PrisonRead the Press Release
SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – A Springfield, Missouri, man pleaded guilty in federal court today to his role in a large-scale methamphetamine conspiracy that involved multi-pound shipments of methamphetamine transported from Arizona to Missouri.
Gregory L. Hopper, 35, pleaded guilty before U.S. Chief Magistrate Judge David P. Rush to one count of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and one count of possessing firearms in furtherance of a drug-trafficking crime.
By pleading guilty today, Hopper admitted that he participated in a conspiracy to distribute at least 7.2 kilograms of methamphetamine in Greene, Christian, and Taney counties from June 2017 to March 18, 2019. Hopper also admitted that he possessed 15 firearms – including four assault rifles, 10 handguns and a shotgun – in furtherance of a drug-trafficking crime.
On Feb. 21, 2019, Springfield police officers executed a search warrant at Hopper’s residence. Officers seized 220 grams of black tar heroin, a Bulldog handgun, a Dan Wesson handgun, a Jimenez handgun, a Ruger handgun, a Romak-Romarm/Cugir 10/63 assault rifle, a Smith and Wesson assault rifle, an Anderson assault rifle, and a Strum assault rifle, a drug ledger, and a plastic bag that contained methamphetamine from one bedroom. Also found in the residence were additional firearms, including a Cobray .45/410 handgun, a Walther PPS handgun, a Rock Island handgun (reported stolen), a Ruger LCP handgun, a Stevens 12-gauge shotgun, a Glock 42 handgun, and a Glock 26 handgun. Officers found a total of 63 grams of methamphetamine in the residence. Officers seized $2,257 from a safe, $1,103 from a glass jar inside a bedroom closet, and $3,423 from Hopper’s wallet.
Hopper is the seventh defendant to plead guilty in this case.
Under federal statutes, Hopper is subject to a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years in federal prison without parole, up to a sentence of life in federal prison without parole. The maximum statutory sentence is prescribed by Congress and is provided here for informational purposes, as the sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the court based on the advisory sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors. A sentencing hearing will be scheduled after the completion of a presentence investigation by the United States Probation Office.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Abram McGull II. It was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; Immigration and Custom Enforcement’s (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HIS); the Branson, Mo., Police Department; the Christian County, Mo., Sheriff’s Department; the Ozark, Mo., Police Department; the Springfield, Mo., Police Department; the Missouri State Highway Patrol; the Silver City, N.M., Police Department; and the Oklahoma Highway Patrol.
Spanish Fort Woman Sentenced to Five Years Probation for Forging Prescriptions for HydrocodoneRead the Press Release
Richard W. Moore, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Alabama, announces that Lane Hamblin (40, of Spanish Fort) has been sentenced to five years probation after pleading guilty to obtaining hydrocodone using forged prescriptions.
As part of her plea agreement, Hamblin admitted the following facts about this case:
Prior to her arrest in this case, Hamblin worked as an office manager at a dental practice in Mobile County, where she was able to gain access to blank prescription papers in the fall of 2017.
Starting in October 2017, Hamblin began accessing the office’s computer system to create unauthorized hydrocodone prescriptions in the names of either actual or fictitious patients. Once a prescription was created in the computer system, Hamblin printed it out on the blank prescription papers, and then went back into the computer system to try to delete any trace of what she had done. Thereafter, Hamblin forged the name of one of the dentists who formerly practiced in that office. Finally, Hamblin filled the forged hydrocodone prescriptions at various pharmacies around Mobile and Baldwin County.
Between October 13, 2017 and her arrest outside the Publix Pharmacy in Daphne on November 6, 2019, Hamblin successfully acquired hydrocodone pills using forged prescriptions on approximately 170 occasions.
This case was investigated by DEA-Mobile, and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher J. Bodnar.
Scituate Man Charged in Project Guardian InvestigationRead the Press Release
PROVIDENCE – A Scituate man who is the subject of a domestic no-contact order and who is facing felony larceny charges in Rhode Island state court was arraigned before a federal court magistrate judge today, charged in a Project Guardian investigation with allegedly making false statements on a federal application to purchase two firearms.
Brandon Andreason, 31, appeared today before U.S. District Court Magistrate Judge Lincoln D. Almond on a federal criminal complaint charging him with making false statements in an application to purchase firearms, announced United States Attorney Aaron L. Weisman and Special Agent in Charge of the Boston Field Division of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) Kelly D. Brady.
Project Guardian is the Department of Justice’s signature initiative to reduce gun violence and enforce federal firearms laws.
It is alleged in court documents that Andreason, who is the subject of a domestic no-contact order and is facing multiple felony charges in Rhode Island state court, made false statements on a Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives federal application when attempting to purchase a handgun and a shotgun from a federally licensed firearms dealer.
It is alleged that Andreason answered no to questions that asked if he was under indictment or information in any court for a felony, or any other crime, for which he could be imprisoned for more than one year, and if he is the subject of a court order restraining him from harassing, stalking, or threatening a child or an intimate partner.
Andreason is currently awaiting trial in Rhode Island state courts on felony charges of larceny greater than $1,500 and less than $5,000, receiving stolen goods greater than $1,500 and less than $5,000, and possession of a stolen vehicle.
A federal criminal complaint is merely an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
This Project Guardian case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Ronald R. Gendron.
Project Guardian draws upon the Department of Justice’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 is prosecuting this case with support from the following Project Guardian partners: ATF, Scituate Police Department, and the Rhode Island Department of the Attorney General. For more information about Project Guardian, please see https://www.justice.gov/projectguardian .
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Savage Family Pharmacy to Pay $180,480 in Civil Penalties for Violations of the Controlled Substances ActRead the Press Release
HARRISBURG, PA —The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Savage Family Pharmacy, located in Waynesboro, Pennsylvania, has agreed to pay the United States $180,480 in civil penalties for allegedly failing to comply with recordkeeping and other requirements of the Controlled Substances Act. These alleged violations enabled the diversion of opioids from the pharmacy over an extended period of time.
The Controlled Substances Act, 21 U.S.C. sections 801 et seq. (CSA), was passed to combat illegal distribution and abuse of controlled substances, including prescription medications. The CSA’s recordkeeping and prescribing requirements are to prevent the diversion of controlled substances for illegal purposes. The CSA is enforced by the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Diversion Control Division, whose mission is to prevent, detect, and investigate the diversion of controlled pharmaceuticals and listed chemicals from legitimate sources while ensuring adequate and uninterrupted supply for legitimate medical, commercial, and scientific needs. Under the CSA, entities registered with the DEA who purchase, distribute, dispense, transfer, or sell controlled substances must comply with inventory and documentation requirements. Regulations promulgated under the CSA require that each DEA registrant, including pharmacies, maintain complete and accurate records of each substance manufactured, received, sold, delivered, dispensed or otherwise disposed of by the registrant. These requirements play a vital role in ensuring the appropriate handling, accounting, and distribution of controlled substances. Violations of the record-keeping requirements subject DEA registrants to civil monetary penalties.
According to the allegations, between 2015 and 2019, Savage Family Pharmacy did not adequately monitor the conduct of its employees, and failed to keep complete and accurate inventories and records regarding the receipt and dispensing of Schedule II controlled substances, including but not limited to oxycodone and hydrocodone. These alleged violations enabled the altering of incoming inventory counts, as well as the altering of dispensed counts of the controlled substances over an extended period of time. Inventories, when conducted, were not reconciled with the perpetual log. Additionally, pages of the perpetual log were removed, allegedly, by an employee diverting the controlled substances.
As a result of Savage Family Pharmacy’s alleged actions, tens of thousands of doses of controlled substances went unaccounted for and were potentially diverted for illicit purposes.
An act of employee theft of Controlled Substances at the pharmacy in May of 2019 led to the present civil investigation. Savage Family Pharmacy has since enhanced its recordkeeping and compliance program, including instituting a process of reconciling the inventories to the perpetual log, in response to concerns raised by the DEA in the course of this investigation. This settlement addresses the independent obligation of Savage Family Pharmacy to ensure it has systems in place adequate to prevent theft and fraudulent inventory and dispensing, as required by 21 U.S.C. §§ 827, 842, and associated regulations.
“There is no doubt that diversion and subsequent misuse and abuse of high powered opioids has been devastating to many communities throughout the United States, and the Middle District of Pennsylvania is no exception,” said U.S. Attorney Freed. “The ability to dispense powerful controlled substances carries with it the grave responsibility to appropriately monitor the receipt and distribution of those drugs. In the midst of a crisis, lax controls and shoddy record keeping is not only irresponsible, it is dangerous. I commend the owners of Savage Pharmacy for taking responsibility to correct these problems and ensure that they do not reoccur.”
“Pharmacists are entrusted with securing and properly documenting the dispensing of powerful prescription painkillers such as oxycodone so as to prevent illicit diversion,” said Jonathan A. Wilson, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration’s (DEA) Philadelphia Field Division. “If Savage Family Pharmacy had maintained adequate records and controls they could have prevented or deterred the diversion of tens of thousands of opioids.”
This Settlement Agreement is neither an admission of liability by the pharmacy nor a concession by the United States that its claims are not well founded.
This case was investigated by Drug Enforcement Administration’s Diversion Control Division. The investigation was handled by Assistant United States Attorney, Tamara J. Haken and the Affirmative Civil Enforcement (ACE) Unit within the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
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San Francisco Public Official and Contractors Charged with Crimes Related to Public Corruption and Money Laundering SchemeRead the Press Release
SAN FRANCISCO – Three more people have been charged with crimes related to an investigation into corruption in San Francisco’s City Hall, announced United States Attorney David L. Anderson; Federal Bureau of Investigation Special Agent in Charge John F. Bennett of the San Francisco Division; and Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation, Special Agent in Charge Kareem Carter. The three are San Francisco’s Fix-It Director and Director of the Mayor’s Office of Neighborhood Services, Sandra Zuniga; longtime employee of San Francisco’s Department of Public Works and now Chief Executive Officer and Vice President of San Francisco-based construction engineering firm AzulWorks, Inc., Balmore Hernandez; and San Francisco-based construction company owner Florence Kong.
The criminal charges all relate to the arrest and charging in January of San Francisco’s former Director of the Department of Public Works (DPW), Mohammed Nuru, on public corruption charges. Nuru was charged by criminal complaint for an alleged scheme to bribe a San Francisco Airport Commissioner. The complaint against Nuru also alleged he engaged in several additional schemes, including obtaining free and discounted labor and construction equipment from contractors to help him build a personal vacation home in Stonyford, Calif., while those contractors were also engaging in business with the City. The three complaints unsealed today provide numerous details of the charges leveled in the complaint against Nuru as well as a description of additional crimes that allegedly were committed.
“The federal investigation into City Hall corruption has not been sidetracked by Covid-19 or other recent traumatic events,” said U.S. Attorney Anderson. “Today’s criminal complaints will not be the last. To everyone with a piece of this corruption, again I urge you to help make things right for San Francisco. Run, don’t walk to the FBI, before it is too late for you to cooperate.”
The complaint against Zuniga, 44, of South San Francisco, alleges that she both knew about and benefitted from Nuru’s schemes. In addition, the complaint alleges Zuniga conspired for years with Nuru to launder the proceeds of his honest services wire fraud.
According to the complaint against Zuniga, she was Nuru’s longtime romantic partner and he described to her some of the illegal actions he took in his official position. For example, Nuru allegedly described to Zuniga the actions he took to benefit a billionaire in China who was developing a large multi-million dollar mixed-use project in San Francisco, in exchange for travel and lodging, high-end liquor, and other gifts and benefits.
Further, the complaint against Zuniga charges that she laundered proceeds from Nuru’s schemes in a variety of transactions over a period of several years. The complaint points out that from March 2014 to January 2020, Zuniga made over $135,000 in cash deposits, on top of her City of San Francisco paycheck. She also deposited over $8,000 in checks from associates of Nuru. During the same period, she then engaged in a variety of transactions that benefitted Nuru. For example, for more than three years, Zuniga paid the monthly mortgage on a portion of Nuru’s Colusa County vacation home. She allegedly did so by depositing approximately $1,000 in cash into her checking account almost every month, and then immediately writing a check for $1,000 to Nuru’s lender.
In another example of alleged money laundering, the complaint describes how Zuniga received a $5,000 check in September 2018 from a contractor who had extensive business with DPW and the City of San Francisco, and then used the funds to benefit Nuru. According to the complaint, Zuniga deposited the contractor’s check into her personal checking account and then executed a series of transactions through multiple banks, which the complaint alleges was for the purpose of concealing the source and nature of the payment. In one set of transactions, Zuniga allegedly paid a $2,400 construction bill on Nuru’s vacation home by writing a $2,500 check to herself, depositing it into another bank account, and then sending a check from that account to the contractor as soon as Nuru sent her the bill. Ultimately, according to the complaint, Zuniga sent an email to Nuru reporting to him how she had used the contractor’s $5,000 payment.
Further, the complaint against Zuniga describes how she benefitted from some of Nuru’s schemes. For example, Zuniga traveled with Nuru on a lavish two-week trip to South America in fall 2018, complete with business class flights and a stay at the Ritz-Carlton in Santiago, Chile, all paid for, or heavily subsidized by, a contractor doing business with the City.
The criminal complaint filed against Hernandez, 55, of Burlingame, describes how Hernandez used his relationship with Nuru to obtain advantages with the City for his construction engineering firm. Specifically, the complaint alleges that Hernandez established a continuing course of conduct in which tens of thousands of dollars in labor and materials were provided to Nuru in exchange for his assistance with public contracts and City approvals. In addition, the complaint alleges Hernandez sought Nuru’s assistance to obtain a long term supply contract and lease agreement with the City to operate an asphalt plant on land owned by the Port of San Francisco.
According to the complaint against Hernandez, Nuru owned two adjacent 10-acre parcels of land in Stonyford, Calif., on which Hernandez built a home and made other improvements. Hernandez and Nuru referred to the property as “the ranch.” Between late 2016 and the end of 2018, Hernandez allegedly supplied in excess of $250,000 in labor and materials to help Nuru build the home and make related improvements on the ranch. For example, the complaint describes how Hernandez supplied Nuru with more than $50,000 worth of tile and stone for the vacation home and then asked Nuru for help saving AzulWorks’ bid for a multi-million dollar project for which it had submitted an unqualified proposal. AzulWorks ultimately won that contract and, based on publicly available data, received more than $1.9 million from the City in connection with the project. The complaint also describes how Hernandez sought help from Nuru so that he could appeal an adverse DPW order preventing Hernandez’s company from removing trees at a job site on Van Ness Avenue.
With respect to Kong, 62, of Hillsborough, the complaint filed against her charges that she lied to FBI investigators during the probe of Nuru’s schemes. Kong owns two companies that do business with San Francisco: a construction company called Kwan Wo Ironworks and a construction debris recycling company called SFR Recovery Inc. The complaint describes recorded calls in which Kong sought to obtain business for her companies from DPW. In addition, the complaint alleges that Kong provided Nuru with cash, a Rolex watch worth more than $40,000, expensive meals, and the installation of a gate for his vacation home. Nevertheless, according to the complaint, Kong denied ever discussing business with Nuru. Kong also claimed that Nuru never helped her to obtain contracts with the City; this despite the fact that intercepted calls demonstrate that Nuru helped her with construction contracts for city facilities.
The charges contained in the criminal complaints against Zuniga, Hernandez, and Kong are mere allegations. As in any criminal case, each defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
Zuniga is charged with one count of conspiracy to launder money, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 1956(h). If convicted, she faces a maximum statutory penalty of 20 years in prison, a fine of $500,000 or twice the value of the property involved in the transactions, or both. Hernandez is charged with bribery, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 666(a)(2). If convicted, the maximum statutory penalty is 10 years in prison and a fine of $250,000. Kong is charged with making false statements in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 1001(a)(2). If convicted, the maximum statutory penalty is five years in prison and a fine of $250,000. However, any sentence following conviction would be imposed by the court only after consideration of the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and the federal statute governing imposition of a sentence, 18 U.S.C. § 3553.
Kong and Hernandez made their initial appearances in federal court today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Laurel Beeler, and are expected to make another appearance before the magistrate judge on June 15th for further proceedings to finalize the size and type of bond the magistrate judge will require to secure their release. Zuniga is scheduled to make her initial appearance before Magistrate Judge Beeler on June 10, 2020.
The case is being prosecuted by the Corporate Fraud Strike Force of the U.S. Attorney’s Office. The case is being investigated by the FBI and IRS Criminal Investigation.
Repeat Domestic Violence Offender Sentenced to 30 Years in Federal Prison for Assault Against Wife on Ute Mountain Ute ReservationRead the Press Release
DURANGO – United States Attorney Jason R. Dunn today announced that David Sidney Wells, age 44, of Towaoc, Colorado, was sentenced to serve 360 months (30 years) in federal prison, followed by 10 years on supervised release, for committing a violent sexual and physical assault against his wife on the Ute Mountain Ute Indian Reservation. The FBI and Bureau of Indian Affairs joined in today’s announcement.
According to court documents, as well as facts presented during trial and sentencing, Wells became angry with his wife at their shared residence in Towaoc, Colorado, on the Ute Mountain Ute Indian Reservation. As his wife attempted to flee, Wells repeatedly dragged her by the hair away from the door and into a bedroom. There, Wells repeatedly struck his wife with a wooden club and kicked her in the stomach. Wells then sexually assaulted his wife before strangling her to unconsciousness and fleeing the scene. The victim’s injuries resulted in her being medically evacuated by airplane to a hospital in Lakewood, Colorado. At trial, an expert testified that the victim had a substantial chance of dying due to internal bleeding caused by the assault.
Prior to this offense, Wells had over a dozen prior convictions for assaultive conduct, to include at least two prior incidents where he assaulted his current wife. At the time of the assault, Wells had a warrant for his arrest from a case brought by the State of Colorado for Assault in the Second Degree by Strangulation, as an act of domestic violence, for an assault committed against his wife in August of 2018 at a park in Cortez, Colorado. Wells will serve his federal sentence consecutively to the four-year sentence imposed in the prior case, Montezuma Case 18CR276. After the jury’s verdict, Wells violated a Court imposed no-contact order by writing a seven-page letter to his wife.
“The brutality of Mr. Wells’ assault is almost unimaginable,” said U.S. Attorney Jason Dunn. “But with this sentence, it is all but certain that Mr. Wells’ legacy of violent abuse has come to an end. This sentence is also important because it sends a strong signal to perpetrators and tribal victims alike that the U.S. Attorney’s office will not tolerate such acts of domestic violence on tribal lands in Colorado and will aggressively prosecute them every time.”
The sentence was pronounced by U.S. District Court Judge Robert E. Blackburn. Wells appeared at the sentencing hearing in custody and was remanded at its conclusion. Wells was indicted by a federal grand jury on April 5, 2019 and was found guilty of Aggravated Sexual Abuse, Assault with the Intent to Commit Aggravated Sexual Abuse, Assault Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury, and Assault with a Dangerous Weapon, following a week-long trial on February 7, 2020.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Bureau of Indian Affairs. The defendant was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jeff Graves and R. Josh Player.
Reno Man Pleads Guilty to Stealing Hundreds of Surgical Masks from Veterans Affairs Medical CenterRead the Press Release
RENO, Nev. – Peter Lucas, 35, of Reno, pleaded guilty to stealing hundreds of surgical masks from a supply cart at the Ioannis A. Lougaris VA Medical Center in Reno, announced U.S. Attorney Nicholas A. Trutanich for the District of Nevada.
Lucas pleaded guilty Thursday before U.S. District Judge William G. Cobb to an information charging one count of theft in connection with health care. He is scheduled to be sentenced on September 9, 2020.
According to court documents and statements in open court, between March 19 and March 23, 2020, Lucas stole at least four boxes of surgical masks from the VA Medical Center. Officers of the Veterans Affairs Police Department obtained security footage that showed Lucas taking the boxes of surgical masks and concealing them under his clothes before exiting the building. Each box contained 50 masks. Lucas had been a compensated member of the Veteran Affairs’ work therapy program, which helps train, match, and support veterans for competitive jobs and to consult with business and industry regarding their specific employment needs.
The maximum statutory penalty for theft in connection with health care is one year in prison and a $250,000 fine. 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.
The case is a product of an investigation by the VA Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Peter Walkingshaw is prosecuting this case.
The public is urged to report suspected fraud schemes related to COVID-19 by calling the Department of Justice’s National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) Hotline at 1-866-720-5721 or via the NCDF web complaint form at https://www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form. For information about the Department of Justice’s efforts to stop COVID-19 fraud, visit www.justice.gov/coronavirus.
For the most up-to-date information on COVID-19, you may visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and WHO websites.
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Poplar man sentenced to prison for sexual contact with childRead the Press Release
GREAT FALLS—A Poplar man who admitted sexually abusing a child was sentenced today to four years in prison to be followed by five years of supervised release, U. S. Attorney Kurt Alme said.
Lloyd Wallace Youpee, 93, pleaded guilty in January to abusive sexual contact.
U.S. District Judge Brian Morris presided.
The prosecution said in court documents that the sexual contact occurred on or about February 2018 to December 2018 in Poplar on the Fort Peck Indian Reservation. Youpee had sexual contact with the victim, who was under the age of 12. Youpee initially denied touching the victim but then admitted to the sexual assault. During an interview with investigators, Youpee indicated that he did not want kids to be around him while he is drinking. He told investigators that he knows how he is, clarifying that he likes sex.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Cassady Adams prosecuted the case, which was investigated by the FBI and Fort Peck Tribes Department of Law and Justice.
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Operation X-Nation Update: Two Pennsylvania Men Enter Guilty Pleas to Federal Drug CrimesRead the Press Release
BLUEFIELD, W.Va. – Two Pennsylvania men pled guilty today for their participation in a drug trafficking operation in Mercer County, announced United States Attorney Mike Stuart. Sezar Hamilton, 39, pled guilty to conspiracy to distribute hydromorphone and Alonzo Wooden, 44, pled guilty to conspiracy to distribute cocaine and oxymorphone. Both men were charged as a result of a long-term, multi-state investigation known as Operation X-Nation.
“Drug traffickers are off the streets as a result of Operation X-Nation,” United States Attorney Mike Stuart said. “My office will continue to prosecute individuals and organizations that push and peddle their poisons in West Virginia.”
Hamilton admitted that between August 2017 and August 31, 2019, he participated in a drug trafficking organization (DTO) operating in Mercer County, West Virginia. During this time period Hamilton worked with other members of the DTO to acquire and distribute prescription pills in and around Mercer County, within the Southern District of West Virginia. More specifically, Hamilton admitted to selling hydromorphone pills to an individual he now knows was a confidential informant. Hamilton admitted that the informant would call another member of the DTO who would direct the informant to meet Hamilton or other members of the DTO at a specific location. That location was a trailer park in Princeton where the other member owned several trailers. When the informant arrived, Hamilton sold hydromorphone on at least two separate occasions.
Wooden admitted to operating in the same manner. He admitted that between August 2017 and August 31, 2019, he participated in the same drug trafficking organization as Hamilton and others. During this same time period, Wooden admitted to selling drugs on at least four separate occasions. He also admitted that confidential informants would call another member of the DTO, who would direct the informants on where to go. Again, the informants would go to specified locations or trailers owned by the other member of the DTO and then Wooden, or another member, would distribute the controlled substances. Wooden further admitted that on one occasion he distributed cocaine, and on three separate occasions he distributed oxymorphone.
Both Hamilton and Wooden face up to 20 years in federal prison and $1 million fine, to be followed by at least three years of supervised release when they are sentenced on September 14, 2020 in Bluefield.
Stuart commended the cooperative investigative efforts of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), and the Southern Regional Drug and Violent Crime Task Force, which is composed of officers from the West Virginia State Police, the Mercer County Sheriff’s Department, the Princeton Police Department and the Bluefield Police Department. Each agency provided additional and essential support throughout this investigation.
Assistant United States Attorney Timothy D. Boggess is in charge of the prosecutions. The plea hearings were held before Senior United States District Judge David A. Faber.
Follow us on Twitter: SDWVNews and USAttyStuart
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Omaha Woman Sentenced for Possessing Methamphetamine with Intent to DistributeRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Joe Kelly announced that Kayla Marie Miller, age 30, was sentenced in federal court today in Omaha, Nebraska, for possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. Senior United States District Court Judge Laurie Smith Camp sentenced Miller to 120 months’ imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system. After completing her term of imprisonment, Miller will begin a five-year term of supervised release.
Miller was previously convicted and sentenced to probation in Douglas County for her involvement in distributing methamphetamine in October 2018. While on probation, narcotic detectives with the Omaha Police Department became aware that Miller was still selling methamphetamine. On May 16, 2019, during a traffic stop, Miller was in possession of 19 grams of actual methamphetamine.
This case was investigated by the Omaha Police Department.
Niagara Falls Man Pleads Guilty to Selling FentanylRead the Press Release
CONTACT: Barbara Burns
PHONE: (716) 843-5817
FAX #: (716) 551-3051BUFFALO, NY—U.S. Attorney James P. Kennedy Jr. announced today that Jake Seright, 40, of Niagara Falls, NY, pleaded guilty before Senior U.S. District Judge William M. Skretny to possessing with intent to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl. The charge carries a mandatory minimum penalty of 10 years in prison, a maximum penalty of life in prison, and a fine of $8,000,000.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Misha A. Coulson, who is handling the case, stated that between October 2018 and June 2019, the defendant sold fentanyl and cocaine to an individual working with the Drug Enforcement Administration on five separate occasions. On July 19, 2019, investigators obtained a federal search warrant for Seright’s apartment on Zito Drive in Niagara Falls. In anticipation of executing that warrant, investigators conducted surveillance in the vicinity during the afternoon and evening hours of August 5, 2019. At approximately 11:20 p.m., a stop was conducted of the defendant’s vehicle. A quantity of marijuana was recovered from Seright, who was arrested at that time. The defendant was also in possession of approximately $500 in cash and $625 worth of money orders. On August 6, 2019, a search warrant was executed at Seright’s apartment. Investigators recovered a digital scale, suspected cocaine and fentanyl, cutting agents, a kilogram press, and a vacuum sealer with bags.
The plea is the result of an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration, under the direction of Special Agent-in Charge Ray Donovan, New York Field Division, and the Niagara Falls Police Department, under the direction of Superintendent Thomas Licata.
Sentencing is scheduled for September 9, 2020, at 9:00 a.m. before Judge Skretny.
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Naval base trespasser sentencedRead the Press Release
BRUNSWICK, GA: The first of seven defendants in the April 2018 illegal entry and vandalism of Submarine Base Kings Bay was sentenced Monday in U.S. District Court.
Elizabeth McAlister, 80, of New London, Conn., was sentenced to time served – 17 months since her April 2018 arrest – on charges of Conspiracy, Destruction of Property on a Naval Installation, Depredation of Government Property, and Trespass by U.S. District Court Judge Lisa Godbey Wood, said Bobby L. Christine, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Georgia. She also was ordered to pay $33,500 in restitution and to serve three years of supervised release.
McAlister and the other six defendants were found guilty on all charges after a four-day jury trial in October 2019.
“In recent weeks there have been dozens of peaceful protests held throughout the Southern District of Georgia as citizens exercised their constitutional right to peacefully assemble,” said U.S. Attorney Christine. “In contrast, the protesters at Kings Bay broke into a nuclear submarine base where they damaged and vandalized government property. Such violent, illegal behavior will not be tolerated.”
As admitted by the defendants during the trial, with their own videos of the activities shown to jurors, the seven entered an outer security fence at the naval installation after cutting a padlock from a gate during the late hours of April 4, 2018. Once inside, the group damaged and vandalized property inside the facility before being taken into custody by naval security personnel.
The case was prosecuted for the United States by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Karl Knoche, E. Greg Gilluly Jr. and Channell Singh, with assistance from Litigation Technologist Dean Athanasopoulos. Special Agents Thomas Kenney and Barry Clinedinst led the investigation for the Naval Criminal Investigative Service.
Muskogee Man Pleads Guilty to Failure to Register as Sex OffenderRead the Press Release
MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that Yarnell Qudellious Payne, age 36, of Muskogee, Oklahoma entered a guilty plea to Failure To Register As Sex Offender, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 2250(a)(1), 2250(a)(2)(B) and 2250(a)(3), punishable by not more than 10 years imprisonment, a fine up to $250,000.00 or both.
The Indictment alleged that from in or about November 2018, the exact date being unknown to the Grand Jury, until on or about January 29, 2019, in the Eastern District of Oklahoma, and elsewhere, the defendant, an individual required to register as a sex offender under the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act, after having received felony convictions from the State of Nebraska, in Lancaster County, on or about January 4, 2017, for Sexual Assault of a Child, Third Degree, traveled in interstate and foreign commerce and knowingly failed to register and update his registration as required by the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act.
The charges arose from an investigation by the he United States Marshals Service.
The Honorable Kimberly E. West, U.S. Magistrate Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, in Muskogee, accepted the plea and ordered the completion of a presentence investigation report.
Assistant United States Attorney Nalani Ching represented the United States at the change of plea hearing.
Mexican man convicted of alien smuggling after 90-mile chaseRead the Press Release
LAREDO, Texas – A 21-year-old legal permanent resident from Laredo has pleaded guilty to conspiracy to transport undocumented aliens from Guatemala, announced U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Patrick.
Ivan Duran Gachuzo admitted he was transporting illegal aliens to San Antonio for $4,000.
On Jan. 20 at approximately 5:20 p.m., law enforcement attempted to perform a traffic stop on a Chevrolet truck at the Moose Ranch near Freer. Gachuzo was driving. Numerous individuals jumped out of the truck and absconded into the brush. Authorities apprehended three and determined them to be citizens of Guatemala.
Gachuzo then accelerated towards an official vehicle, nearly causing a crash. He continued to flee from law enforcement for approximately 90 miles through four different counties. He attempted to enter Mexico at the Falcon Port of Entry in Roma where he was ultimately apprehended.
Gachuzo admitted he swerved toward the agent’s vehicle because he wanted to get away. He was asked if he knew he could have hurt or killed someone. “I was aware that could happen,” Gachuzo replied.
U.S. District Judge Diana Saldana will impose sentencing at a later date, at which time Gachuzo faces up to 10 years in prison.
He has been and will remain in custody pending sentencing.
Border Patrol conducted the investigation with assistance from Customs and Border Protection, Texas Department of Public Safety and the Jim Hogg County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jennifer Day is prosecuting the case.
Mexican National Sentenced for Immigration FraudRead the Press Release
PROVIDENCE, RI – A Mexican national who was held in federal custody for nearly two years for creating and selling fraudulent immigration and social security documents was sentenced today to time served and faces deportation.
Eufemio Aguilar, 52, previously admitted to the court that, working out of his Providence residence, he created and sold fraudulent federal government documents, such as fraudulent lawful resident cards and social security cards.
According to information presented to the court, on at least three occasions in March 2018, Homeland Security Investigations agents and Providence Police detectives arranged for controlled purchases of fraudulent immigration documents and social security cards created and sold by Aguilar for $100 dollars each. The lawful permanent resident cards contained alien registration numbers of real people.
On May 22, 2018, Homeland Security Investigations agents and Providence Police, with the assistance of Central Falls and Warwick Police, executed a federal court-authorized search warrant at Aguilar’s residence and seized, among other items, five laptop computers, two document producing machines and supplies used in the manufacture of government documents, several fraudulent government documents and $27,150 in cash, which was later administratively forfeited.
Aguilar pleaded guilty on May 8, 2020, to immigration document fraud. He was sentenced today by U.S. District Court William E. Smith to time served, approximately 23 months, and one year supervised release, announced United States Attorney Aaron L. Weisman, Homeland Security Investigations Acting Special Agent in Charge Jason Molina, and Providence Police Chief Colonel High T. Clements, Jr.
Aguilar, who had an application for lawful permanent resident status pending with immigration authorities at the time of his arrest, faces deportation proceedings.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Ly T. Chin.
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Mexican Citizen Sentenced in Methamphetamine Distribution ConspiracyRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Joe Kelly announced that Senior United States District Judge Laurie Smith Camp sentenced Wilfredo Diaz-Lopez today to a term of imprisonment of 63 months. There is no parole in the federal prison system. Diaz-Lopez will be deported from the United States to Mexico after serving his prison term.
Diaz-Lopez, 37, was convicted of conspiring to distribute and possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine with Jose Feliciano Tovar-Quintero in the Omaha area between September and October 2019. Diaz-Lopez and Tovar-Quintero, driving separate cars, were observed by law enforcement meeting in a Menards parking lot in Omaha. Both vehicles were subsequently stopped and searched by officers. During the search of Diaz-Lopez’s vehicle, investigators seized more than 200 grams of methamphetamine.
On May 11, 2020, co-defendant Tovar-Quintero was sentenced to a term of imprisonment of 60 months, after which time he will be deported from the United States to Mexico.
The case was primarily investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, Omaha Field Division, and the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office.
Martinsburg man sentenced for firearms violationRead the Press Release
MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Darnell M. Garnett, of Martinsburg, West Virginia, was sentenced today to 57 months incarceration for a firearms charge, U.S. Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Garnett, age 23, pled guilty to one count of “Unlawful Possession of Firearm” January 2020. Garnett, a person prohibited from having a firearm because of a prior felony conviction, admitted to having a 9mm pistol with an obliterated serial number and a 5.56x45 caliber rifle in October 2018 in Berkeley County.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Lara Omps-Botteicher prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Martinsburg Police Department investigated.
Chief U.S. District Judge Gina M. Groh presided.
Luzerne County Man Sentenced to 27 Months’ Imprisonment for Drug TraffickingRead the Press Release
SCRANTON—The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Jarrett Edmonds, age 37, of Ashley, Pennsylvania, was sentenced on June 4, 2020, by U.S. District Court Judge Robert D. Mariani to 27 months’ imprisonment followed by six years on supervised release for possessing with intent to deliver quantities of heroin, fentanyl and crack cocaine.
According to United States Attorney David J. Freed, Edmonds previously pleaded guilty to possessing with intent to deliver quantities of heroin, fentanyl and crack cocaine in Luzerne County in July 2017.
The case was investigated by task force officers of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Luzerne County Detectives, and Wilkes-Barre Police. Assistant U.S. Attorney Francis P. Sempa prosecuted the case.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. The Department of Justice reinvigorated PSN in 2017 as part of the Department’s renewed focus on targeting violent criminals, directing all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to work in partnership with federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement and the local community to develop effective, locally-based strategies to reduce violent crime.
This case was also brought as part of a district wide initiative to combat the nationwide epidemic regarding the use and distribution of heroin. Led by the United States Attorney’s Office, the Heroin Initiative targets heroin traffickers operating in the Middle District of Pennsylvania and is part of a coordinated effort among federal, state and local law enforcement agencies to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who commit heroin related offenses.
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Lexington Man Sentenced to 100 Months for Series of Commercial RobberiesRead the Press Release
LEXINGTON, Ky. - A Lexington man, Jackie B. Love, 55, was sentenced in federal court on Monday, to 100 months in prison, by U.S. District Judge Karen Caldwell, for a series of five commercial robberies.
In pleading guilty, Love admitted that he robbed five different businesses around Fayette County, on different occasions, from April 19-25, 2019. According to his plea agreement, Love entered the business establishments, demanded money from the cash registers and brandished a firearm in at least three of the robberies. Love admitted to taking $1,255, collectively, from the robberies. The Lexington Police Department arrested Love on April 26, 2019. He pleaded guilty in December 2019.
Under federal law, Love must serve 85 percent of his prison sentence and will be under the supervision of the U.S. Probation Office for three years.
Robert M. Duncan, Jr., United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky; Shawn Morrow, Special Agent in Charge for ATF, Louisville Field Office; and Chief Lawrence Weathers, Lexington Police Department, jointly made the announcement.
The investigation was conducted by ATF and Lexington Police Department. The United States was represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Cynthia Rieker.
This is another case prosecuted as part of the Department of Justice’s “Project Safe Neighborhoods” Program (PSN), which is a nationwide, crime reduction strategy aimed at decreasing violent crime in communities. It involves a comprehensive approach to public safety — one that includes investigating and prosecuting crimes, along with prevention and reentry efforts. In the Eastern District of Kentucky, U.S. Attorney Robert Duncan Jr., coordinates PSN efforts in cooperation with various federal, state, and local law enforcement officials.
This case is also part of Project Guardian, the Department of Justice’s signature initiative to reduce gun violence and enforce federal firearms laws. Initiated by the Attorney General in the fall of 2019, Project Guardian draws upon the Department’s past successful programs to reduce gun violence; enhances coordination of federal, state, local, and tribal authorities in investigating and prosecuting gun crimes; improves information-sharing by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives when a prohibited individual attempts to purchase a firearm and is denied by the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS), to include taking appropriate actions when a prospective purchaser is denied by the NICS for mental health reasons; and ensures that federal resources are directed at the criminals posing the greatest threat to our communities. Click here for more information about Project Guardian.
The year 2020 marks the 150th anniversary of the Department of Justice. Learn more about the history of our agency at www.Justice.gov/Celebrating150Years.
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Justice Department Awards Additional $4.143 Million in Grants to Help Ten Maryland Entities Address Public Safety During Covid-19 PandemicRead the Press Release
BALTIMORE, Maryland – The Department of Justice has awarded more than $4.143 million to help public safety agencies in Maryland respond to the challenges posed by the outbreak of COVID-19, as part of the Coronavirus Emergency Supplemental Funding program.
“These resources will help support law enforcement agencies’ efforts to promote public safety as they face extraordinary challenges as a result of the coronavirus pandemic,” said U.S. Attorney Robert K. Hur.
The Bureau of Justice Assistance in the Justice Department’s Office of Justice Programs (OJP) has funded grants on a rolling basis as applications are received. Funds may be used to hire personnel, pay overtime costs, cover protective equipment and supplies, address correctional inmates’ medical needs, and defray expenses related to the distribution of resources to hard-hit areas, among other activities. Grant funds may be applied retroactively to January 20, 2020, subject to federal supplanting rules.
Agencies that were eligible for the fiscal year 2019 State and Local Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant Program are candidates for this emergency funding. Since June 2, 2020, ten cities, counties, and municipalities received a total of $4,143,689 in grant funds, including $2,770,154 awarded to the City of Baltimore. The other entities receiving funds are: the cities of Laurel, Salisbury, and Hagerstown; Anne Arundel, Montgomery, Charles, Frederick, and St. Mary’s Counties; and the town of Elkton. Four candidates previously received grants—Baltimore and Allegany Counties, and the Cities of Cumberland and Cambridge. In addition, the Governor’s Office of Crime Prevention, Youth, and Victim Services received a grant of more than $11 million to assist Maryland State agencies and other law enforcement entities that did not directly receive FY 2019 Byrne Grants. A complete list of eligible jurisdictions and their allocations can be found at https://bja.ojp.gov/program/fy20-cesf-allocations.
For more information about the Coronavirus Emergency Supplemental Funding program, please visit https://bja.ojp.gov/funding/opportunities/bja-2020-18553. For more information about the Office of Justice Programs, please visit https://www.ojp.gov/.
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Jacksonville Man Charged with Possessing Molotov Cocktail at ProtestRead the Press Release
Jacksonville, Florida– United States Attorney Maria Chapa Lopez announces the filing of a criminal complaint charging Ivan Jacob Zecher (27, Jacksonville) with possessing a firearm as a convicted felon and unlawful possession of an unregistered firearm. If convicted, Zecher faces up to 10 years in federal prison on each count.
“The cooperation and expertise of our local, state, and federal partners in this case has led to a swift arrest without further incident,” said United States Attorney Maria Chapa Lopez. “We will continue to work with our law enforcement and community partners to ensure that the rights of all individuals are protected during these protests and beyond.”
According to the complaint, on May 31, 2020, during a protest in downtown Jacksonville that was related to the death of George Floyd while in police custody in Minneapolis, Minnesota, Zecher was part of a group of protesters blocking traffic and throwing items such as water bottles and rocks at police officers and cars. After refusing orders to disperse, Zecher was arrested by officers from the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office for unlawful assembly. An officer removed Zecher’s backpack to place him in flexcuffs and noticed a liquid leaking from it. A search of the backpack revealed a liquor bottle that smelled strongly of gasoline, a lighter, and a hatchet. Zecher admitted that he was holding the bottle in his backpack for an associate, and that he knew the bottle contained gasoline. Preliminary analysis by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives determined that the bottle – which contained gasoline (a flammable liquid) and polystyrene (a flammable gel), and the cork to which was coated with polystyrene – constituted a “Molotov cocktail,” which is an incendiary bomb and destructive device, and therefore considered a firearm under federal law. As a previously convicted felon, he is prohibited from possessing a firearm.
A criminal complaint is merely a formal charge that a defendant has committed one or more violations of federal criminal law, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless, and until, proven guilty.
This case was investigated by the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office, the FBI-Jacksonville Joint Terrorism Task Force, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney David B. Mesrobian.
High School Student Charged with Coercion and Sexual Exploitation of a MinorRead the Press Release
PROVIDENCE – An 18-year-old Providence high school student has been charged in U.S. District Court in Providence with allegedly coercing a 10-year-old Utah girl to disrobe and engage in sexually explicit conduct in front of a live online camera.
It is alleged in court documents that Akinola Akinlapa, with the online user name of Melissa#7384, messaged and provided a 10-year-old girl with a link to what he told her was an online children’s gaming platform. After that link and a second link allegedly sent to the girl by Akinlapa opened to blank pages, a video call was initiated between the two.
It is alleged that Akinlapa told the young girl that the links she had clicked transmitted a virus to her computer and that her personal information had been taken from the computer. Akinlapa instructed the 10-year-old to undress in front of the camera if she failed to do so her personal information would be posted to the Internet.
It is alleged in court documents that when the 10-year-old undressed and stood in front of the camera, Akinlapa instructed the girl to perform sexually explicit acts. The girl pretended to comply, cut off the communications, and notified her mother who in turn contacted the West Valley City, Utah Police Department. An investigation by the West Valley City Police Department and FBI agents in Salt Lake City, Utah, and in Providence identified an IP address at Akinlapa’s Providence residence as being the source of communications with the 10-year-old Utah girl.
On June 2, 2020, members of the Providence FBI Violent Crimes Against Children Task Force, to include law enforcement officers and agents from the FBI and Providence and Warwick Police Departments, executed a federal court-authorized search of computers and smart phones at Akinlapa’s residence. A brief forensic review of the contents of a smart phone allegedly belonging to Akinlapa was found to contain images of at least two pre-pubescent females that were also allegedly discovered by investigators to be contained in an online account belonging to Akinlapa.
According to information presented to the court, investigators have determined that Akinlapa allegedly communicated with more than a dozen pre-pubescent girls in much the same way it is alleged that he communicated with the 10-year-old Utah girl.
Akinlapa was arrested on June 3, 2020, on a federal criminal complaint charging him with sexual exploitation of a child, possession of visual depiction of a minor engaged in sexually explicit conduct, coercion and enticement of a minor, and possession of child pornography, announced United States Attorney Aaron L. Weisman and Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Boston Division Joseph R. Bonavolonta.
A federal criminal complaint is merely an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Milind M. Shah.
United States Attorney Aaron L. Weisman and Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Boston Division Joseph R. Bonavolonta thank the United States Marshal Service, Rhode Island State Police and the Cranston, Woonsocket, Pawtucket, and Central Falls for their assistance in the investigation of this matter.
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Hardin County Teacher Charged Federally for Child ExploitationRead the Press Release
LOUISVILLE, Ky. – United States Attorney Russell Coleman today announced the charging of Robert Alan Thompson, 33, of Hodgenville, Kentucky, for online enticement of a minor and production of child pornography.
“Our most basic job in law enforcement is to protect families from violence and safe from predators; when the later are wolves in a sheep‘s clothing of a teacher, that becomes even more urgent,” said U.S. Attorney Russell Coleman. “As this result shows, the federal partnership with AG Cameron and local partners like the Radcliff Police Department are delivering to protect our most vulnerable Kentuckians.”
“We won’t stand for child exploitation in the Commonwealth, and we’re going after anyone who tries to take advantage of children,” said Attorney General Cameron. “I appreciate the work of our Cyber Crimes Unit and the strong partnership with U.S. Attorney Coleman, which were instrumental in bringing these charges.”
According to the Complaint Affidavit, following execution of a state search warrant, Thompson told investigators that he had received two pictures of underage boys (13-14 years old), from Matthew Lyons. Lyons, 33, was previously charged by the United States Attorney’s Office in April 2020, for several child exploitation offenses, including sex trafficking of a child, online enticement, and attempted production of child pornography.
Thompson is a former middle school teacher in both Franklin and Hardin counties. Hardin County fired Thompson following his arrest on related state charges in April 2020. A Detective with the Kentucky Attorney General’s Office Department of Criminal Investigations conducted a digital forensic examination of Thompson’s phone. During the examination, the Detective discovered Thompson’s social media discussions with a minor (John Doe 1). Further investigation revealed that John Doe 1 was Thompson’s former middle school student. During the online communications, Thompson urged John Doe 1 to send him (Thompson), sexually explicit images. John Doe 1 complied.
The online enticement charge carries penalties of not less than 10 years and not more than life in prison. The production of child pornography charge carries a mandatory minimum term of 15 years in prison and a maximum of 30 years in prison. A conviction under either or both charge also involves fines and Supervised Release of at least five years and could be any number of years up to an including life.
A federal complaint is a written statement of the essential facts of the offenses charged and must be made under oath before a United States Magistrate Judge. Charges set forth in a complaint are merely accusations and the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty. Assistant United States Attorney Jo E. Lawless is prosecuting the case. The Kentucky Office of Attorney General, Department of Criminal Investigations, with assistance from the United States Secret Service, Kentucky State Police, and Radcliffe Police Department, conducted the investigation.
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Greece Man Pleads Guilty to Threatening to Kill Senator Charles Schumer and Congressman Adam SchiffRead the Press Release
CONTACT: Barbara Burns
PHONE: (716) 843-5817
FAX #: (716) 551-3051ROCHESTER, N.Y. - U.S. Attorney James P. Kennedy, Jr. announced today that Salvatore Lippa II, 57, of Greece, NY, pleaded guilty before Chief U.S. District Judge Frank P. Geraci, Jr. to two counts of threatening a United States official. The charge carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine, or both.
According to Assistant U.S. Attorney Sean C. Eldridge, who is handling the case, on January 23, 2020, the defendant called the Washington D.C. office of Congressman Adam Schiff at approximately 8:20 p.m. and left a threatening voicemail message. Lippa threatened to assault and murder Congressman Schiff. Part of the message stated, “I dare you to come to New York, because I will put a bullet in your (expletive) forehead.” The defendant admitted that he made the threatening call because he was upset about impeachment proceedings against President Trump.
On February 4, 2020, Lippa made a similar call to the Albany, New York office of Senator Charles Schumer. The defendant once again left a voicemail message threatening to assault and murder Senator Schumer. The defendant stated: “let me tell you something, somebody wants to assassinate you, I'm going to be the driver.” Lippa admitted that at the time of that call, the Senate was set to vote on the Articles of Impeachment against President Donald Trump brought by the House of Representatives on the next day, February 5, 2020.
“Free speech protection under the First Amendment ends where true threats begin,” stated U.S. Attorney Kennedy. “This Office will not hesitate to prosecute those who make such threats.”
The plea is the result of an investigation by the United States Capitol Police, under the direction of Chief Steven A. Sund, with assistance from the Greece Police Department, under the direction of Chief Patrick D. Phelan, and the United States Marshals Service, under the direction of Marshal Charles Salina.
Sentencing is scheduled for September 1, 2020, at 10 a.m. before Judge Geraci.# # # #
Grant County man sentenced for firearms violationRead the Press Release
MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – William Jonathan Turner, of Petersburg, West Virginia, was sentenced today to 46 months incarceration for a firearms charge, U.S. Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Turner, age 40, pled guilty to one count of “Unlawful Possession of Firearms” in January 2020. Turner, a person prohibited from having a firearm, admitted to having three pistols and a rifle in March 2018 in Hampshire County.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN). Project Safe Neighborhoods 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.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Lara Omps-Botteicher prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the West Virginia State Police, and the Potomac Highlands Drug & Violent Crimes Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, investigated.
Chief U.S. District Judge Gina M. Groh presided.
Grand Island Man Sentenced for Possession with Intent to Distribute MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Joe Kelly announced that Senior United States District Judge Laurie Smith Camp sentenced Dilson Villatoro, 36, of Grand Island, to a 108-month term of imprisonment today for possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. Villatoro will serve a 3-year term of supervised release following his release from the Bureau of Prisons. There is no parole in the federal system. Villatoro, a Lawful Permanent Resident of the United States, will likely be deported from the United States to Guatemala after serving his prison term.
In October of 2019, a patrol officer stopped Villatoro’s vehicle after he failed to signal a turn. After the vehicle came to a complete stop, Villatoro got out and began walking away from the scene at a brisk pace. The officer instructed him to stop, and he was escorted back to his vehicle and frisked. The patrol officer found a pipe used for smoking methamphetamine in Villatoro’s pants pocket. Officers subsequently recovered more than 200 grams of methamphetamine from two Ziploc baggies found on the passenger side floorboard of his vehicle.
The case was primarily investigated by the Grand Island Police Department.
Georgia Woman Pleads Guilty to Organizing Numerous Shipments of Methamphetamine from Mexico Through the Port of TampaRead the Press Release
Tampa, Florida – Yolanda Herrera (41, Georgia) has pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and heroin, and attempted possession with the intent to distribute methamphetamine and heroin. She faces a maximum penalty of life imprisonment. A sentencing date has not yet been set.
According to the plea agreement, between October 24, 2018, and March 18, 2019, Herrera organized and coordinated the shipment of numerous containers of methamphetamine and heroin aboard the cargo ship Leticia, which repeatedly traveled from Altamira, Mexico, to the Port of Tampa.
On or about March 11, 2019, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agents at the Port of Tampa inspected a container onboard the Leticia that, according to the ship’s manifest, contained stone blocks typically used for the building of stone fountains. Agents with the Department of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) imaged the blocks and observed that several of them contained anomalies. After breaching the blocks, the agents uncovered 14 large packages that had been shrink-wrapped with black carbon paper, which contained more than 50 kilograms of methamphetamine and 3 kilograms of heroin.
On March 15, 2019, HSI agents observed the blocks being loaded into a yellow rental truck. They then followed the truck as it exited the Port of Tampa and continued to Atlanta, Georgia. On March 16, 2019, at approximately 10:00 a.m., agents arrested two Mexican nationals, Nestor Vazquez-Morales and Adan Martinez-Onofre, as they attempted to offload the truck outside a residential home.
Agents searched Vazquez-Morales’s residence in Georgia and seized approximately two kilograms of heroin, three firearms (including a rifle), $12,725 in U.S. currency, and one stone block that was identical to the blocks discovered in the Port of Tampa. Next to the stone block, agents found some clear plastic wrapping that contained a square white sticker with black letters displaying the message “Hecho en Mexico” (Made in Mexico). This same sticker was also found on the narcotics from March 11, 2019.
Cellphones obtained from the individuals showed that Herrera, who flew from Tampa to Atlanta after the shipment had arrived in Tampa, was actively planning and coordinating the pickup of the narcotics from the port to their eventual destination.
Between October 2018 and March 2019, Herrera rented six other trucks. During that time, Herrera’s co-conspirators completed seven shipments on the Leticia, all of which departed from Mexico, arrived in Tampa, and were identified as stone fountains in the cargo manifest. GPS data obtained from the rental trucks showed that the trucks were all rented in Tampa, and dropped off in Atlanta, with stops at the same Atlanta residence.
On September 18, 2019, Herrera was arrested in Atlanta. During an interview, she admitted that she had been hired and paid to coordinate, supervise, and organize the transportation of narcotics sent from Mexico to Tampa, and to deliver them to Georgia. Federal agents searched Herrera’s home and found a stone block in her backyard. That stone block contained the same “Hecho en Mexico” sticker as the stone blocks shipped on the Leticia.
Vazquez-Morales and Martinez-Onofre both previously pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and heroin, and possession with the intent to distribute methamphetamine and heroin. Vazquez-Morales is scheduled to be sentenced on June 25, 2020, and Martinez-Onofre is scheduled to be sentenced on July 9, 2020.
This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Diego F. Novaes.
Former Police Chief Sentenced for Making a False StatementRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Joe Kelly announced that Jeffrey Treu, former police chief of Wisner, Nebraska, was sentenced today by Senior United States District Judge Laurie Smith Camp to 12 months of probation for making a false statement to a special agent from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). He will also be required to pay a $1,000 fine and a $100 special assessment.
Upon leaving his employment as a Deputy with the Antelope County Sheriff’s Office in 2007, Treu failed to return a firearm, which had been modified into a fully automatic law enforcement weapon. When the Antelope County Sheriff’s Office discovered the firearm missing from the inventory in early 2019, they contacted ATF to investigate. Treu was subsequently questioned and lied to authorities, indicating he had previously returned the gun. After being presented with contradictory statements and information known to ATF agents, Treu admitted to lying to investigators and led them to the location of the firearm, which was found within his home.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives.
Felon in Possession of a Firearm Sentenced in Federal CourtRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Richard W. Moore of the Southern District of Alabama announced that Scott Allen Bagley, 38 of Bay Minette, Alabama, was sentenced in federal court today for his illegal possession of a firearm after having been convicted of a felony. Bagley pled guilty to the charge in November of 2019.
United States District Court Judge Jeffery U. Beaverstock imposed a sentence of 51 months imprisonment, which will be followed by a supervised release term of three years. The judge did not impose a fine, but ordered that Bagley pay the $100 special assessment. The judge also ordered the forfeiture of the illegally possessed firearm.
The case was investigated by the Mobile County Sheriff’s Office and the Department of Homeland Security Investigations. It was prosecuted in the United States Attorney’s Office by Assistant United States Attorney Gloria Bedwell.
Federal Jury Convicts Star Man in Drug Distribution CaseRead the Press Release
BOISE – A federal jury sitting in Boise convicted Brooks Allan Case, 32, of Star, Idaho, of distribution of methamphetamine, U.S. Attorney Bart M. Davis announced today. Case was indicted by a federal grand jury on November 13, 2019. The trial began on Monday, June 1, 2020, and concluded on Thursday afternoon when the jury returned their verdict.
In order to protect the health of the jurors, parties, and court staff amid the COVID-19 pandemic, the U.S. District Court consulted with an epidemiologist and ensured all persons involved with the trial practiced appropriate social distancing and wore face coverings. “This jury trial is one of the first, if not the first, held in the Ninth Circuit since the pandemic began,” said U.S. Attorney Bart Davis. “While the epidemic has altered our daily lives in many ways, I commend the jury in this case for fulfilling their civic duty and for their important role in securing the defendant’s right to a speedy and public trial. I also commend the United States District Court for their professional efforts in safely empaneling a jury and conducting trial. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Idaho is committed to fulfilling our critical mission of maintaining public safety and upholding the rule of law amidst this public health crisis.”
Case’s charge stemmed from an investigation into the West Side Loma gang that spanned from October 2018 to October 2019. Investigators utilized a confidential informant who arranged to purchase methamphetamine from codefendant Vanessa Campos. When the informant went to purchase the methamphetamine from Campos on April 25, 2019, Campos did not have the drugs. A short while later, Case arrived and provided the methamphetamine to Campos, who in turn sold the methamphetamine to the informant.
Sentencing is scheduled for September 2, 2020, before U.S. District Judge B. Lynn Winmill at the federal courthouse in Boise. Distribution of five grams or more of pure methamphetamine is punishable by a mandatory minimum of five years and up to forty years in federal prison and at least four years of supervised release.
This case was investigated by Treasure Valley Metro Violent Crimes Task Force. The Task Force is comprised of federal, state, and local agencies. These agencies include the Federal Bureau of Investigation; Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; Ada County Sheriff’s Office; Boise Police Department; Caldwell Police Department; Canyon County Sheriff’s Office; Meridian Police Department; Nampa Police Department; and Idaho Department of Correction, Bureau of Probation and Parole.
This indictment was the result of a joint investigation by the Organized Crime and Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF). The OCDETF program is a federal multi-agency, multi-jurisdictional task force that supplies supplemental federal funding to federal and state agencies. The principal mission of the OCDETF program is to identify, disrupt and dismantle the most serious drug trafficking, weapons trafficking and money laundering organizations, and those primarily responsible for the nation’s illegal drug supply. Program participants include Federal Bureau of Investigation; Drug Enforcement Administration; Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations; Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation; and U.S. Marshals Service.
This case was prosecuted by the Special Assistant U.S. Attorney hired by the Treasure Valley Partnership and the State of Idaho to address gang crimes. The Treasure Valley Partnership is comprised of a group of elected officials in southwest Idaho dedicated to regional coordination, cooperation, and collaboration on creating coherent regional growth. For more information, visit www.treasurevalleypartners.org.
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Federal Inmate Pleads Guilty in Scheme to Distribute Synthetic Cannabinoids in PrisonRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH – Robert Korbe pleaded guilty to conspiring to distribute Schedule I synthetic cannabinoid controlled substances while in federal prison between 2017 and 2019, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.
Korbe, age 51, formerly of Allegheny County, pleaded guilty before United States District Judge J. Nicholas Ranjan. Judge Ranjan scheduled sentencing to occur on August 3, 2020, at 10:30 a.m. Korbe was serving a federal prison sentence at FCI-Loretto in 2018 when he conspired to distribute the synthetic cannabinoid controlled substances soaked into paper, sometimes referred to as "K2 paper," supplied by former federal inmates who had been released to supervised release.
The law provides for a maximum sentence of up to 30 years in prison and a fine of up to $2,000,000. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed will be based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history of the defendant.
Assistant United States Attorney Craig W. Haller is prosecuting this case on behalf of the United States.
The Drug Enforcement Administration, the Internal Revenue Service, the Federal Bureau of Prisons, and the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General led the multi-agency investigation that also included the United States Postal Inspection Service, the Beaver County District Attorney’s Office, the Department of Homeland Security/Homeland Security Investigations, the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police, the United States Marshals Service, the Pennsylvania State Police, the Munhall Police Department, the Robinson Township Police Department, the McKees Rocks Police Department, the Stowe Township Police Department, the Etna Police Department, and the Erie County District Attorney’s Office.
This case is part of the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force program, known as OCDETF. OCDETF was established in 1982 to support comprehensive investigations and prosecutions of major drug trafficking and money laundering organizations. It is the keystone of the drug reduction strategy of the Department of Justice. By combining the resources and expertise of federal agencies and their state and local law enforcement partners, OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the most serious drug trafficking, money laundering, and transnational criminal organizations.
Federal Criminal Complaint Filed Charging Cedar Park Man with Possession of Unregistered Destructive Device during Protest in AustinRead the Press Release
Today, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Texas filed a federal criminal complaint against 25-year-old Cyril Laurence Lartigue of Cedar Park, TX, for constructing and possessing a Molotov cocktail during a protest last week in Austin, announced U.S. Attorney John F. Bash and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) Special Agent in Charge Fred Milanowski, Houston Division.
The criminal complaint charges Lartigue with one count of possessing an unregistered destructive device. According to the criminal complaint, on the evening of May 30, 2020, video cameras captured the defendant manufacturing a destructive device while in a parking lot directly adjacent to the Austin Municipal Court entrance. While making the device, the defendant was interrupted by the oncoming presence of Austin Police Department officers heading in his direction. Lartigue fled the area, leaving the device behind. Within minutes, Lartigue returned to retrieve the destructive device he had manufactured. Subsequently, APD officers arrested Lartigue located inside a nearby portable toilet where he had changed clothes. Inside his backpack, officers recovered materials used to manufacture an explosive device including a bottle containing lighter fluid, cloth rags, a butane lighter and the clothes he was previously wearing.
Upon conviction, Lartigue faces up to ten years in federal prison. He remains in federal custody at this time.
“The constitutional line is clear. Speech and peaceful assembly are protected; violence is not. If you bring a Molotov cocktail onto the streets of Austin, you can expect to go to federal prison,” stated U.S. Attorney Bash.
“Destructive devices are volatile and inherently dangerous; ATF is proud to work with the Austin Police Department to keep our city safe,” stated ATF Special Agent in Charge Milanowski.
The ATF, Austin Police Department, Austin Fire Department, and the Texas Department of Public Safety are investigating this matter. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Keith Henneke and Grant Sparks are prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
A criminal complaint is merely a charge and should not be considered as evidence of guilt. The defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
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The year 2020 marks the 150th anniversary of the Department of Justice. Learn more about the history of our agency at www.Justice.gov/Celebrating150Years.
Department of Justice Awards Nearly $400 Million for Law Enforcement Hiring to Advance CommunityRead the Press Release
Over $1.3 Million Awarded to Hazleton Police Department
HARISBURG – The Department of Justice and U.S. Attorney David J. Freed announced nearly $400 million in grant funding through the Department’s Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS Office) COPS Hiring Program (CHP), with more than $1.3 million going to the Hazleton Police Department in the Middle District of Pennsylvania.
The Attorney General announced the awards to 596 law enforcement agencies across the nation, which allows those agencies to hire 2,732 additional full-time law enforcement professionals.
“The Department of Justice is committed to providing the police chiefs and sheriffs of our great nation with needed resources, tools, and support. The funding announced today will bolster their ranks and contribute to expanding community policing efforts nationwide,” said Attorney General William P. Barr. “A law enforcement agency’s most valuable assets are the men and women who put their lives on the line every day in the name of protecting and serving their communities.”
“In the Middle District of Pennsylvania, we value nothing more highly than our strong relationships with our partners in state and local law enforcement,” said U.S. Attorney Freed. “We are proud to work with the elected leaders of the City of Hazleton and their police department to provide resources for more officers. Hazleton is a dynamic community that is working hard to confront the challenges of 21st century policing. More officers means more opportunities to build relationships across the community and more ways to serve and protect.”
Of the eight grants awarded in Pennsylvania, one of them is to Hazleton Police Department in the Middle District of Pennsylvania. This grant of $1,342,497 will allow Hazleton Police Department to hire four additional full-time officers.
CHP applicants were required to identify a specific crime and disorder problem focus area and explain how the funding will be used to implement community policing approaches to that problem focus area. 43 percent of the awards announced today will focus on violent crime, while the remainder of the awards will focus on a variety of issues including school-based policing to fund school resource officer positions, building trust and respect, and opioid education, prevention, and intervention. The COPS Office received nearly 1,100 applications requesting more than 4,000 law enforcement positions.
The complete list of awards can be found here: https://cops.usdoj.gov/pdf/2020AwardDocs/chp/Award_List.pdf?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery. To learn more about CHP, please visit https://cops.usdoj.gov/chp. For additional information about the COPS Office, please visit www.cops.usdoj.gov.
The year 2020 marks the 150th anniversary of the Department of Justice. Learn more about the history of our agency at www.Justice.gov/Celebrating150Years.
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Dallas Man Charged with Theft of Firearms During ProtestsRead the Press Release
A third Dallas man who exploited the chaos of the Black Lives Matter protests to steal firearms has been charged with gun crimes, announces U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Texas Erin Nealy Cox.
Erick Montgomery, 18, was charged via criminal complaint with theft from a Federal Firearms Licensee (FFL) and possession of stolen firearms.
Montgomery is the third defendant in a criminal trio which includes Demonte Kelly, 18, and Lejael Rudley, 19, all charged with burglary of DFW Gun Range in Dallas, Texas.
According to the complaint, a surveillance camera recorded three men exiting DFW Gun Range around 1:45 a.m. on Sunday, May 31, shortly after the theft of more than 40 firearms.
In the span of just 80 seconds, the men allegedly pried open the side entrance of the facility, grabbed three rifles posted on the wall, and smashed glass cases to snatch several dozen handguns stored inside.
Following ATF’s release of the surveillance video, the Dallas Police Department received a credible lead in the investigation. A tipster claimed to know the identities of the three men, including Montgomery, that were shown in the surveillance video which aired on a local news channel.
ATF Special Agents tracked Montgomery to a Dallas apartment where he waived is Miranda rights and agreed to speak with agents. Montgomery admitted that he was present the night of the gun range burglary and stole multiple firearms.
A criminal complaint is merely an allegation of wrongdoing, not evidence. Montgomery is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
ATF has recovered a total of eight firearms from the burglary. ATF and the U.S. Attorney’s Office urge the public to report any information they have on the whereabouts of the outstanding stolen weapons: 888-ATF-TIPS, [email protected], http://atf.gov/contact/atftips, @Reportitcom, or text ATFDAL to 63975.
Montgomery made his initial appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge Rebecca Rutherford today. If convicted, Montgomery, Kelly, and Rudley each face up to 20 years in federal prison.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives and the Dallas Police Department conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Gary Tromblay, Joe Magliolo, and Keith Robinson are prosecuting the case.
California man who falsely claimed ties to Moroccan royal family in $10 million dollar advance fee fraud scheme is sentencedRead the Press Release
ATLANTA - Hassan Ra El, a/k/a Rasheem Harrson Crockett has been sentenced to federal prison for defrauding business owners around the country to pay over $10 million dollars in advance fees for business loans, a scheme in which he falsely claimed to be a member of the Moroccan Royal Family.
“The defendant has been held responsible for his elaborate advance fee loan scheme that took advantage of individuals and businesses that hoped to raise needed capital,” said U.S. Attorney Byung J. “BJay” Pak. “We encourage consumers and business owners to be careful about whom they enter business relationships with, and to scrutinize websites and marketing materials carefully for any indication of fraud.”
“Postal Inspectors unraveled a sophisticated advanced fee scheme by following the financial tracks of this defendant,” said Tommy D. Coke, Inspector in Charge of the Atlanta Division. “The sentencing handed down in this case should serve as a warning to individuals who intend to misuse the U.S. Mails through deceptive practices.”
According to U.S. Attorney Pak, the charges and other information presented in court: Hassan Ra El operated a scheme to defraud business owners across the country who were seeking loans. El claimed that he was a wealthy investor and a member of the Moroccan Royal Family. El fraudulently claimed that he had access to Moroccan Royal Family funds that would be used to fund business loans. El created fraudulent documentation showing that insurance companies were offering default insurance policies on the loans. El convinced prospective loan applicants that they had to pay default insurance fees, typically 10% of the loan amount, before the loans would fund. When the loans failed to fund, El used fees from later loan applicants to partially refund fees from previous loan applicants.
In furtherance of the scheme, El created fraudulent bank statements purportedly showing that he or companies that he controlled had millions in bank accounts. El also created fraudulent email accounts and correspondence purportedly from insurance executives stating that loans had been approved. El used fees from loan applicants to fund his lifestyle, pay his living expenses, and to rent high-end automobiles, including a Ferrari, Range Rover and Lamborghini. El fraudulently induced victims to pay over $10 million dollars in advance fees. Neither El nor his companies funded any of the promised loans and loan applicants lost over $5 million dollars in the fraud scheme.
Hassan Ra El, a/k/a Rasheem Harrson Crockett, 45, of Chino Hills, California, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge William M. Ray II to 13 years and 11 months in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release, and ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $5,510,001. El was convicted of mail fraud on January 15, 2020, after he pleaded guilty. He was previously convicted of two counts of felony theft by deception in Douglas County, Georgia, for defrauding loan clients in 2006. After his convictions in Douglas County, El formerly changed his name from Rasheem Harrson Crockett to Hassan Ra El and continued to defraud prospective business owners seeking capital.
This case is being investigated by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jeffrey Brown and Erin Sanders are prosecuting the case.
For further information please contact the U.S. Attorney’s Public Affairs Office at [email protected] or (404) 581-6016. The Internet address for the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Georgia is http://www.justice.gov/usao-ndga.
CBL/BFL Member Who Participated in Multiple Attempted Murders of Rival Gang Members Going to Jail for 19 YearsRead the Press Release
CONTACT: Barbara Burns
PHONE: (716) 843-5817
FAX #: (716) 551-3051BUFFALO, N.Y. – U.S. Attorney James P. Kennedy, Jr. announced today that Maurice Rice, of Buffalo, NY, who was convicted of racketeering conspiracy and conspiracy to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl, was sentenced to serve 19 years in prison by U.S. District Judge Lawrence J. Vilardo.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Paul C. Parisi and Seth T. Molisani, who handled the case, stated that the defendants were members of the CBL/BFL Gang, which stands for, among other things, “Cash Been Long” and “Brothers for Life.” The gang, which was involved in the illegal possession and distribution of narcotics, was formed around 2009 and operated primarily in the City of Buffalo at the Towne Gardens Housing Complex. The gang used violence, including murder and attempted murder, threats, and intimidation to defend their territory against rivals and anyone deemed to be a threat to the gang. Defendant Rice participated in the following acts:
In 2013 and 2014, Rice and others recorded several music videos in and around the Towne Gardens during which they displayed firearms and United States currency, and exhibited their association with the enterprise.
On August 21, 2015, the defendant was in a vehicle on Dodge Street in Buffalo with co-conspirators and shot at a rival gang member (Victim 1), attempting to kill him, in retaliation for the shooting of a co-conspirator. On August 30, 2015, Rice was in a vehicle at Genesee and Crossman Streets in Buffalo with co-conspirators and shot at another rival gang member (Victim 2), attempting to kill him in retaliation for the shooting of a co-conspirator. On September 21, 2015, on East Ferry Street in Buffalo, the defendant was in a vehicle with co-conspirators. He exited the vehicle and fired a gun numerous times at a third rival gang member (Victim 3), attempting to kill him. As Victim 3 sought refuge in a store, Rice opened the door and began to shoot inside of the store. He then re-entered the vehicle, which drove away. Victim 3 was struck in the arm and suffered injuries.
On July 29, 2016, Rice was stopped by Buffalo Police while driving a vehicle at Peckham and Watson Streets. While being questioned by officers, the defendant drove away at a high rate of speed with officers in pursuit. Rice crashed his vehicle, got out, and threw away a .40 caliber semi-automatic pistol.
Between 2015 and 2018, the defendant sold crack cocaine and heroin on multiple occasions. On February 1, 2017, investigators executed a search warrant at a building in Buffalo associated with the defendant. They recovered firearms, metal spoons, digital scales, grinders, and kilogram presses inside the apartment. They also recovered various bags containing mixtures of fentanyl, heroin, butyryl fentanyl, furanyl fentanyl, and U-47700.
On February 19, 2018, Rice sold suspected heroin to an individual identified as M.S. who was found unresponsive a day later on February 20, 2018 in her Lackawanna residence. Lackawanna Police responded and found M.S. deceased from an apparent drug overdose. Officers found drug related text messages between M.S. and a number associated with Rice on her cell phone. An autopsy determined that M.S.’s cause of death was butyryl fentanyl intoxication. On February 25, 2018, Lackawanna officers conducted a controlled purchase of crack cocaine and butyryl fentanyl from the defendant. As officers attempted to arrest Rice, he fled and eventually crashed his vehicle into a tree in Hamburg, NY. As he fled, the defendant threw a bag of crack cocaine and a bag of butyryl fentanyl on the street. He also broke a phone in half and threw half into the street.
A total of 13 defendants were charged and convicted in this case. Rice is the seventh defendant to be convicted.
The sentencing is the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Acting Special Agent-in-Charge Robert Guyton; the Buffalo Police Department, under the direction of Commissioner Byron Lockwood; the New York State Police, under the direction of Major James Hall; the Erie County Sheriff’s Department, under the direction of Sheriff Timothy Howard; the Cheektowaga Police Department, under the direction of Chief Michael Sliwinski; Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Homeland Security Investigations, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Kevin Kelly; the Drug Enforcement Administration, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Ray Donovan, New York Field Division; the Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge John B. Devito, New York Field Division; the Lackawanna Police Department under the direction of Chief Mark Packard; and the Erie Crime Analysis Center. Additional assistance was provided by the Erie County District Attorney’s Office, under the direction of District Attorney John Flynn.
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Buffalo Woman Pleads Guilty to Lying to the Grand Jury About Her Cousin's Role in A Murder at the Towne Gardens Apartment ComplexRead the Press Release
CONTACT: Barbara Burns
PHONE: (716) 843-5817
FAX #: (716) 551-3051BUFFALO, N.Y. - U.S. Attorney James P. Kennedy, Jr. announced today that Shanna Smith, 25, of Buffalo, NY, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Lawrence J. Vilardo to making false declarations before a federal grand jury and obstruction of justice. The charges carry a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Seth T. Molisani, who is handling the case, stated that on July 31, 2018, the defendant, while under oath, lied to a federal grand jury regarding the murder of Xavier Wimes on January 1, 2017, and the role of her cousin, Dalvon Curry, in that murder. Curry was a member of the CBL/BFL Gang. Smith testified that she was with Curry the night that Wimes was shot dead outside the Towne Gardens Apartments. The defendant stated that there were approximately 20 guys around Wimes at the time he was shot: “Zave was fighting them, but I didn't - then I heard gunshots, but I didn't see who shot him. I just heard gunshots.” Smith also testified that as police officers arrived, she saw the gun on the ground in the grass near the sidewalk. Smith denied seeing someone throw it. The defendant also stated: “Dal picked it up. I mean, he was probably trying to take it, but he threw it in the bushes when he saw the cops.”
In February 2020, a federal jury convicted Dalvon Curry, of murder in aid of racketeering for the death of Xavier Wimes. He is awaiting sentencing.
The plea is the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Acting Special Agent-in-Charge Robert Guyton; the Buffalo Police Department, under the direction of Commissioner Byron Lockwood; the New York State Police, under the direction of Major James Hall; the Erie County Sheriff’s Department, under the direction of Sheriff Timothy Howard; the Cheektowaga Police Department, under the direction of Chief Michael Sliwinski; Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Homeland Security Investigations, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Kevin Kelly; the Drug Enforcement Administration, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Ray Donovan, New York Field Division; the Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge John B. Devito, New York Field Division; the Lackawanna Police Department, under the direction of Chief James Michel; the U.S. Marshals Service, under the direction of Marshal Charles Salina; and the Erie Crime Analysis Center. Additional assistance was provided by the Erie County District Attorney’s Office, under the direction of District Attorney John Flynn.
Sentencing is scheduled for October 16, 2020, before Judge Vilardo.
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Billings man charged in coercion of minors, child pornography investigationRead the Press Release
BILLINGS – A Billings man accused of multiple crimes concerning an investigation into coercion of minors, sex trafficking, and child pornography appeared for arraignment today, U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme said.
Brandon Frank Stricker, 47, pleaded not guilty to a seven-count indictment charging him with coercion and enticement, receipt of child pornography, attempted sex trafficking of a minor, animal crushing and attempted witness tampering.
If convicted of the most serious crime, Stricker faces a minimum mandatory 10 years to life in prison, a $250,000 fine and five years to life of supervised release.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Timothy J. Cavan presided. Stricker was detained pending further proceedings.
The indictment is merely an accusation and defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty.
The indictment alleges that Stricker used the Internet, Facebook, and a cellular telephone to coerce four individuals who were younger than age 18 to engage in sexual activity from about June 2018 to about April 2020. The indictment charges Stricker with receiving child pornography by a computer and attempting to traffic a minor girl for commercial sex. In addition, the indictment charges Stricker with creating animal crush videos and with attempting to tamper with a witness.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Zeno Baucus is prosecuting the case, which was investigated by the FBI.
Pacer case reference. 20-46.
If the above case is f interest to your media organization and the community it serves, we encourage you to monitor its progress through the U.S. District Court calendar and the PACER system.
To establish a PACER account, which will allow you to review documents filed in the case, please go to, http://www.pacer.gov/register.html. To access the district court’s calendar, please go to https://ecf.mtd.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/PublicCalendar.pl.
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Berkeley County woman sentenced for theft of government propertyRead the Press Release
MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Crystal M. Tress, of Martinsburg, West Virginia, was sentenced today to three years probation for stealing government property, U.S. Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Tress, age 42, pled guilty to one count of “Theft of Government Property” in January 2020. Tress admitted to embezzling more $5,309.20 that belonged to the United States government while she was employed at the Veterans Canteen Service. The crime took place from April 2018 to March 2019 in Berkeley County.
Tress was also ordered to pay $5,309.20 in restitution.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Kimberley D. Crockett prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Department of Veterans Affairs Police investigated.
Chief U.S. District Judge Gina M. Groh presided.
Assistant Attorney General Makan Delrahim to Participate in Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) Virtual Meeting and Chair WP3 Session on Criminalization of CartelsRead the Press Release
Assistant Attorney General Makan Delrahim and other senior officials from the U.S. Department of Justice, Antitrust Division will participate in the virtual meeting of the OECD Competition Committee over the next two weeks.
“Our continued participation in the global dialogue on competition law enforcement has been a top priority for the Antitrust Division over the past three years,” said Assistant Attorney General Delrahim. “We very much value our partners abroad and the constructive role these meetings play in convergence of sound competition policy that benefits consumers and innovation.”
The OECD Competition Committee includes 38 member countries and the European Union, as well as non-member participants, experts, and other invitees. The Committee brings together leaders of the world’s major competition authorities for a dialogue on competition policy issues, including best practices and standards, and promotes market-oriented reforms.
The roundtables scheduled for the upcoming virtual meeting include the Criminalization of Cartels and Bid-Rigging Conspiracies; Conglomerate Effects of Mergers; Consumer Data Rights and Impact on Competition; Start-ups, Killer Acquisitions, and Merger Control Thresholds; and Competition Policy in Times of COVID-19. The U.S. submissions on some of these topics, as well as submissions by other OECD members, are available on the OECD Competition Committee’s website at http://www.oecd.org/daf/competition/roundtables.htm.
On June 9, Assistant Attorney General Makan Delrahim, who chairs the working party 3, that focuses on enforcement and cooperation, will host the Criminalization of Cartels and Bid-Rigging Conspiracies roundtable.
On June 16, the Antitrust Division will present on the Department’s new Procurement Collusion Strike Force (PCSF) to the global community as part of a discussion on developments on competition in public procurement. Additional information about the PCSF can be found on the Department of Justice’s website at https://www.justice.gov/procurement-collusion-strike-force.
Antitrust Division officials presenting at the OECD meeting include Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Barry Nigro, Deputy Assistant Attorney General Rene Augustine, Deputy Assistant Attorney General Richard Powers, Counsel to the Assistant Attorney General Doha Mekki, and Counsel to the Assistant Attorney General Taylor Owings.
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.
Armed Drug Dealer Sentenced in Federal CourtRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Richard W. Moore of the Southern District of Alabama announced that Donald Andrew Johnson, also known as “Big Worm,” 38, of Semmes, Alabama, was sentenced in federal court today for his participation in the distribution of methamphetamine while armed with a firearm, which he could not lawfully possess because he was previously convicted of a felony offense. Johnson pled guilty to possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking felony, and illegal possession of a firearm after having been previously convicted of a felony.
United States District Court Judge Callie V.S. Granade imposed a sentence of 77 months and one week imprisonment, consisting of 17 months and one week on the drug and felon in possession of a firearm charges, to run concurrently, and 60 months mandatory consecutive imprisonment for possessing the firearm during the drug crime. Johnson’s imprisonment will be followed by supervised release terms of three years and five years, which will run concurrently. The judge also ordered the forfeiture of the illegally possessed firearm.
The case was investigated by the Mobile County Sheriff’s Office and the Department of Homeland Security Investigations. It was prosecuted in the United States Attorney’s Office by Assistant United States Attorney Gloria Bedwell.
Arizona Federal Prosecutors Team up with FBI and AARP to Host Telephonic Town Hall on ScamsRead the Press Release
PHOENIX, Ariz. – Prosecutors from the United States Attorney’s Office, along with a special agent from the FBI, will participate in a telephonic town hall coordinated through the AARP to provide information to Arizona residents to help them identify and avoid fraudulent schemes, including scams related to COVID-19.
The telephonic town hall will happen on Tuesday, June 9 from 10 a.m. until 11 a.m. PDT. During the event, an FBI special agent and two federal prosecutors will discuss various scams relating to COVID-19 and provide tips for avoiding them. A discussion about other scams targeting the elderly will also be highlighted. Participants from Arizona will be allowed to ask questions during the presentation.
The AARP Fraud Watch Network is providing the infrastructure for the event. Approximately 100,000 AARP member households will receive a phone call Tuesday morning inviting them to participate in the town hall. Those who wish to receive an invitation can sign up on this AARP registration page: https://vekeo.com/aarparizona/#.
On June 9 at 10 a.m., participants can join the call by dialing 877-299-8493 and entering the following ID: 114737#. Participants can also join the town hall via Facebook by going to @aarparizona to listen.
During the current health crisis, federal investigators and prosecutors continue to fulfill their critical mission of protecting public safety. Federal officials have prioritized the disruption, investigation and prosecution of crimes related to COVID-19, including fraudulent schemes, unapproved treatments, and scams related to stimulus money. During the virtual town hall meeting, federal officials will discuss the types of schemes currently being seen, along with tips on how to avoid becoming a victim.
The FBI continues to warn the public about these schemes, some of which have already been seen in Arizona and other parts of the country:
- Scammers are setting up websites, contacting people by phone and email, and posting disinformation on social media platforms.
- Individuals and businesses selling fake cures for COVID-19 online.
- 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 fraudulent donations for illegitimate or non-existent charitable organizations.
- Obtaining patient information for COVID-19 testing and then using that information to fraudulently bill for other tests and procedures.
If you think you are a victim of COVID-19 fraud, immediately report it the FBI (visit ic3.gov, tips.fbi.gov, or call 1-800-CALL-FBI).
In addition, the public is urged to report suspected fraud schemes related to COVID-19 by calling the National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) hotline (1-866-720-5721).
To find out more about Department of Justice resources and information, please visit: www.justice.gov/coronavirus.
RELEASE NUMBER: 2020-056_AARP Town Hall
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For more information on the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/az/
Follow the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, on Twitter @USAO_AZ for the latest news.- Scammers are setting up websites, contacting people by phone and email, and posting disinformation on social media platforms.
Albany Man Charged with Unlawful Possession of a FirearmRead the Press Release
ALBANY, NEW YORK – Zaiqua Acosta, age 21, of Albany, was arrested on June 4 on the charge of unlawfully possessing a firearm as a felon.
The announcement was made by United States Attorney Grant C. Jaquith; John B. Devito, Special Agent in Charge of the New York Field Division of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF); and Eric Hawkins, Chief of the Albany Police Department.
The complaint alleges that Acosta, a felon, possessed a handgun in Albany on May 5, 2020. The charge in the complaint is merely an accusation. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
The charge carries a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000, and a term of post-imprisonment supervised release of up to 3 years. A defendant’s sentence is imposed by a judge based on the particular statute the defendant is charged with violating, the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other factors.
Acosta was released on conditions following an initial appearance on June 5 before United States Magistrate Daniel J. Stewart.
This case is being investigated by the Albany Police Department and ATF, and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Rachel L. Williams.
7 June 2020
United States Attorney's Office Statement Concerning June 2, 2020 IncidentRead the Press Release
St. Louis – The US Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Missouri, the Civil Rights Division at the Department of Justice and the FBI are aware of the situation regarding a Florissant police detective who hit a man with his unmarked vehicle and will review all available evidence to determine what federal response is warranted. Experienced prosecutors and agents have been assigned to review the matter for potential federal civil rights violations.
U.S. Attorney Matthew Krueger delivers remarks regarding demonstrations in Milwaukee, prosecuting violent crimes, and police accountabilityRead the Press Release
Following are remarks from U.S. Attorney Matthew Krueger as prepared for a press conference to announce federal charges against a Milwaukee man for an attempted arson.
“Good afternoon. Thank you for coming here today. I’ll be announcing federal charges that have been filed related to an attempted arson last Sunday evening in Milwaukee.
The charges arose out of the civil unrest that swept over Milwaukee last weekend following the killing of George Floyd. I wish to again express my deepest sympathies to the family of George Floyd. I was appalled and deeply troubled by the video of the police conduct depicted there.
There will be accountability for his death. State charges have already been issued. The Justice Department is conducting an independent, federal investigation into his death. That is part of what the Justice Department routinely does. The Department has a long-standing commitment to enforcing civil rights laws. That commitment exists here in Milwaukee, too, where my office and the FBI regularly review alleged civil rights violations.
The protests, of course, are not only about George Floyd’s death. The protests are also about all of the individuals who, over the years, have been unjustifiably killed or had their rights violated by people entrusted with their protection.
Law enforcement officers are held—and should be held—to the highest standards to enforce the law fairly, to protect all lives, and to ensure that racism plays no role in law enforcement. That is the promise of our Constitution. That is the commitment of state and local law enforcement leaders here in Wisconsin. That is the commitment of the Justice Department.
The past week has seen a second challenge to the rule of law. Although most have expressed their grief and anger peacefully, others have exploited the situation to commit crimes. We’ve seen in cities across the country rioting, looting, arsons, and attacks on police and other individuals. The individuals engaging in such acts are tearing us apart at a time when we need to come together, and they are drowning out voices that call for constructive change. That has to stop. That leads to the charges I’m announcing today.
A federal criminal complaint charges Tyshaun Smith with attempted arson of a Boost Mobile store at 949 North 27th Street. According to the complaint, on May 31, 2020, at approximately 11:03 p.m., Milwaukee Police Department (MPD) officers responded to a 911 call regarding an entry into the Boost Mobile store. When officers arrived, Tyshaun Smith and two other individuals were standing outside of the store next to a broken window. Smith was holding what appeared to be a burning Molotov cocktail. An officer observed Smith throw the Molotov cocktail into the store. Smith and others then ran from the scene. Smith fell and was arrested. When arrested, Smith’s sweatshirt and gloves were coated in gasoline, and he was in possession of a loaded 9 mm firearm. Police were able to extinguish the burning Molotov cocktail in the store before it caused substantial damage, and recovered it.
The complaint charges Smith with attempted arson and with possession of a destructive device. If convicted of the attempted arson, he faces a mandatory minimum of 5 years and a maximum of 20 years in federal prison. If convicted of possession of the destructive device, he would face up to 10 years in federal prison. Please note that a criminal complaint states allegations only, and no one is guilty until proven so beyond a reasonable doubt. The case was investigated by the Milwaukee Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco Firearms and Explosives (ATF).
In the past week, over 100 businesses in Milwaukee have been damaged in various ways. The Boost Mobile store damaged in this case served Milwaukee residents. Its owners and employees had done nothing wrong and yet were victimized.
It is not just Milwaukee’s local businesses that have been harmed during the unrest. Last Friday night, a Milwaukee police officer suffered a minor gunshot injury. We’re thankful that it was not worse. Two nights ago, two officers and a pedestrian were injured by a reckless driver. The pedestrian was hospitalized with significant injuries. Again, last night, after midnight, there were large groups of vehicles driving recklessly, endangering the drivers and others. These are not actions of protest. These actions are not First Amendment speech. These actions are not helping our community. They are senseless acts of violence that create more victims.
That is why the Justice Department is working closely with our state and local partners to address this violence and ensure public safety. Now, to be clear, law enforcement is not trying to prevent peaceful protests. From my vantage point of speaking with federal officials across the country, I can say that the law enforcement response in Milwaukee has generally been excellent. Law enforcement officers working long hours are seeking to ensure peaceful protests can continue, while still protecting lives and property from damage. Late at night, after the organized protests have ended, men and women in uniform are generally acting very professionally, with restraint, even in the face of angry crowds threatening police buildings and vehicles.
Ask yourself, what if law enforcement did not have the resources to react quickly to the entry at the Boost Mobile store? The Boost Mobile store would have likely been destroyed. Mr. Smith would not be brought to justice.
This is a time to come together in peaceful ways, to hear from each other, and to build trust. Lawlessness by anyone—by police, or by rioters—prevents that dialogue. So, I want to say thanks again to the men and women of uniform who have been working such long hours to allow constructive dialogue to continue while preventing further harm to innocent people in our city.”
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