Latest Records
Newest first across public DOJ and U.S. Attorney press releases.
Friday 20 March 2020
Eastern District of North Carolina U.S. Attorney Robert J. Higdon, Jr. Announces More Than $65 Million Available to Fight Human Trafficking and Help Trafficking VictimsRead the Press Release
Robert J. Higdon, Jr., United States Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina, announced today that more than $65 million in Department of Justice grants is available to help communities combat human trafficking and serve adults and children who are victimized in trafficking operations.
“Our nation is facing difficult challenges, none more pressing than the scourge of human trafficking. Human traffickers pose a dire threat to public safety and countering this threat remains one of the Administration’s top domestic priorities,” said Katharine T. Sullivan, Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General for the Office of Justice Programs. “The Department of Justice is front and center in the fight against this insidious crime. OJP is making historic amounts of grant funding available to ensure that our communities have access to innovative and diverse solutions.”
“The trafficking of human beings is one of the most outrageous and shocking crimes committed. The victims are often terrorized day after day after day – manipulated through violence, drugs, emotional abuse, and by depriving them of any independent means of support. Sadly, there are many of these cases and we are committed to aggressive investigation and prosecution wherever we find them, but we need the public’s assistance. The funds made available through these OJP grants will greatly assist our communities in developing, continuing, and reasearching both new and proven means for addressing and preventing this horrendous crime,” stated United States Attorney Higdon.
The funding is available through OJP, the federal government’s leading source of public safety funding and crime victim assistance in state, local and tribal jurisdictions. OJP’s programs support a wide array of activities and services, including programs that support human trafficking task forces and services for human trafficking survivors.
A number of funding opportunities are currently open, with several more opening in the near future:
Missing and Exploited Children Training and Technical Assistance Program
https://ojjdp.ojp.gov/funding/opportunities/ojjdp-2020-17351
Total Available $1.8 million Deadline 4/6/2020 (Extended)
Multidisciplinary Task Force Program to Combat Human Trafficking
Total Available $22 million Opens week of 3/16/2020
Preventing Trafficking of Girls
Total Available $1.7 million Opens week of 3/16/2020
Research and Evaluation on Trafficking in Persons
https://nij.ojp.gov/funding/opportunities/nij-2020-17324
Total Available $2.5 million Deadline 4/20/2020
Services for Victims of Human Trafficking
Total Available $16.5 million Opens week of 3/16/2020
Specialized Training and Technical Assistance on Housing for Victims of Human Trafficking
Total Available $2 million Opens week of 3/16/2020
Human Trafficking Training and Technical Assistance Program
Total Available $5 million Opens week of 3/16/2020
Improving Outcomes for Child and Youth Victims of Human Trafficking
Total Available $6 million Opens week of 3/16/2020
Integrated Services for Minor Victims of Labor Trafficking
Total Available $8 million Opens week of 3/16/2020
For more information regarding all OJP funding opportunities, visit https://www.ojp.gov/funding/explore/current-funding-opportunities
Eastern District of North Carolina U.S. Attorney Robert J. Higdon, Jr. Announces More Than $163 Million Available to Fight Addiction CrisisRead the Press Release
RALEIGH – Robert J. Higdon, Jr., United States Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina, announced today that more than $163 million in Department of Justice grants is available to help communities address America’s addiction crisis.
“Our nation is facing the difficult challenge of curbing substance addiction, which threatens public safety and is among the Administration’s top domestic priorities,” said Katharine T. Sullivan, Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General for the Office of Justice Programs. “The Department of Justice is front and center in the fight to meet this challenge. OJP is making historic amounts of grant funding available to ensure that our communities have access to innovative and diverse solutions.”
“As we struggle to come to grips with the enormity of the opioid threat in our state and in our nation, we recognize that we must employ a ‘whole-of-government approach’ to end this crisis. The funds made available through these OJP grants will greatly assist our communities in developing, continuing, and reasearching both new and proven means for addressing the scourge of opioid abuse,” stated United States Attorney Higdon.
The funding is available through OJP, the federal government’s leading source of public safety funding and crime victim assistance in state, local and tribal jurisdictions. OJP’s programs support a wide array of activities and services, including programs designed to prevent overdose deaths and break the cycle of addiction and crime.
A number of funding opportunities that address the addiction crisis are currently open:
Adult Drug Court and Veterans Treatment Court Discretionary Grant Program
https://bja.ojp.gov/funding/opportunities/bja-2020-17098
Total Available $1.75 million Deadline 5/14/2020
Comprehensive Opioid, Stimulant, and Substance Abuse Site-based Program
https://bja.ojp.gov/COSSAP20
Total Available $27 million Deadline 5/21/2020
Enhancing Community Responses to America's Addiction Crisis: Serving Our Youngest Crime Victims
https://www.ovc.gov/grants/pdftxt/fy-2020-enhancing-community-responses-to-drug-crisis.pdf
Total Available: $19 million Deadline: 5/4/2020
Family Drug Court Program
https://ojjdp.ojp.gov/funding/opportunities/ojjdp-2020-17090
Total Available $18.2 million Deadline 4/8/2020 (Extended)
Harold Rogers Prescription Drug Monitoring Program
https://bja.ojp.gov/funding/opportunities/bja-2020-17754
Total Available $28.1 Deadline 5/5/2020
Juvenile Drug Treatment Court Program
https://ojjdp.ojp.gov/funding/opportunities/ojjdp-2020-17051
Total Available $7.2 million Deadline 4/13/2020 (Extended)
Mentoring Opportunities for Youth Initiative
https://ojjdp.ojp.gov/funding/opportunities/ojjdp-2020-16930
Total Available $48 million Deadline 4/13/2020
Opioid Affected Youth Initiative
https://ojjdp.ojp.gov/funding/opportunities/ojjdp-2020-17352
Total Available $9 million Deadline 4/20/2020
Research and Evaluation on Drugs and Crime https://nij.ojp.gov/funding/opportunities/nij-2020-17275
Total Available $1 million Deadline 4/20/2020
Residential Substance Abuse Treatment for State Prisoners
https://bja.ojp.gov/RSAT20
Total Available $4.5 million Deadline 4/6/2020
For more information regarding all OJP funding opportunities, visit https://www.ojp.gov/funding/explore/current-funding-opportunities
Eastern District of North Carolina U.S. Attorney Robert J. Higdon, Jr. Announces Nearly $60 Million in Grants Available to Support Prisoners’ Successful Reentry into Their CommunitiesRead the Press Release
Robert J. Higdon, Jr., United States Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina, announced today that nearly $60 million in Department of Justice grants is available to help communities address public safety by supporting successful reentry of adult and juvenile offenders into their communities.
“Our nation is facing difficult public safety challenges that demand strong and immediate action. The high rate of recidivism poses a dire threat to community safety and is being met with a robust response by this Administration,” said Katharine T. Sullivan, Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General for the Office of Justice Programs. “The Department of Justice is front and center in the fight to meet this persistent challenge. OJP is making historic amounts of grant funding available to ensure that our communities have access to innovative and diverse solutions.”
“Money supporting reentry programs is critical to the success of organizations working to reintegrate offenders back as productive members of society. Since the vast majority of those in prison will one day be released, these funds will help that transition and reduce or eliminate the risk that the offender ends up back in the criminal justice system. This, in turn, will reduce the numbers of those victimized by crime and the strain on the prisons across our District,” said United States Attorney Robert J. Higdon, Jr.
The funding is available through OJP, the federal government’s leading source of public safety funding and crime victim assistance in state, local and tribal jurisdictions. OJP’s programs support a wide array of activities and services, including adult and juvenile reentry initiatives and research projects designed to improve our knowledge of what works in reentry programming.
A number of funding opportunities are currently open, with several more opening in the near future.
Correctional Adult Reentry Education, Employment, and Recidivism Reduction Strategies Program
https://bja.ojp.gov/funding/opportunities/bja-2020-17104
Total Available $7.2 million Deadline 4/27/2020
Improving Community Supervision Outcomes Through Swift, Certain, and Fair Responses
https://bja.ojp.gov/funding/opportunities/bja-2020-17096
Total Available $3 million Deadline 4/28/2020
Improving Reentry for People with Substance Use Disorders Program
https://bja.ojp.gov/SCASUD20
Total Available $13.2 million Deadline 4/27/2020
Innovations in Reentry Initiative: Building System Capacity & Testing Strategies to Reduce Recidivism
https://bja.ojp.gov/funding/opportunities/bja-2020-17281
Total Available $4 million Deadline 5/4/2020
Research and Evaluation on Promising Reentry Initiatives
https://nij.ojp.gov/funding/opportunities/nij-2020-17295
Total Available $6 million Deadline 5/5/2020
Review and Validation of the First Step Act Risk Assessment Tool
https://nij.ojp.gov/funding/opportunities/nij-2020-fsa
Total Available: Determined after selection Deadline 4/10/2020
Second Chance Act Community-Based Reentry Program
https://bja.ojp.gov/funding/opportunities/bja-2020-17110
Total Available $13.5 million Deadline 5/4/2020
Second Chance Act Evaluation Participation Support
https://bja.ojp.gov/funding/opportunities/bja-2020-17680
Total Available $4 million Deadline 4/28/2020
Second Chance Act Youth Offender Reentry Program
https://ojjdp.ojp.gov/sites/g/files/xyckuh176/files/media/document/ojjdp-2020-17350.pdf
Total Available $7 million Deadline 4/28/2020
For more information regarding all OJP funding opportunities, visit https://www.ojp.gov/funding/explore/current-funding-opportunities
Clinton Man Pleads Guilty to Food Stamp FraudRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Clinton man pleaded guilty today in U.S. District Court in Worcester to food stamp fraud.
Thomas Laverty, 39, pleaded guilty to one count of theft of government funds and is scheduled to be sentenced on May 15, 2020 by U.S. District Court Judge Timothy S. Hillman. Co-defendant, Andrea Laverty, pleaded guilty and will be sentenced on drug and money laundering charges at a date to be determined. Another co-defendant, Charles Laverty, was convicted at trial but has since passed away, and his conviction has been vacated.
Laverty was convicted at trial in January 2020 of drug and money laundering charges arising from his role in a large-scale marijuana grow operation. Laverty received income from this marijuana business, but at the same time was receiving Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (“SNAP”) benefits. Eligibility for SNAP benefits is need-based, and is determined on the basis of a household’s income and resources. On pertinent paperwork provided to the Massachusetts Department of Transitional Assistance (which administers SNAP benefits in Massachusetts), Laverty made material misrepresentations regarding his income and living status. For example, in October 2016, Laverty represented that no one in his household was working, and in April 2017 he certified that there were no changes to his household income. During this time, Laverty was receiving income from the family marijuana business. Laverty also concealed the fact that he was living with his wife, who herself was receiving SNAP benefits but was using a different address than that of her actual residence.
Laverty was charged with the food stamp fraud at the same time he was indicted on drug and money laundering offenses, although the fraud count was severed from the other charges prior to trial. On the drug conspiracy charge, Laverty faces a sentence of between ten years and life in prison, a fine of $8,000,000, and a term of supervised release between 8 years and life. On the money laundering charge,
On the money laundering charges, Laverty faces up to 20 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of $500,000. On the food stamp fraud count, Laverty faces up to 10 years in prison, up to three years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
United States Attorney Andrew E. Lelling; Brian D. Boyle, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration’s New England Division; and Kristina O’Connell, Special Agent in Charge of the Internal Revenue Service’s Criminal Investigations in Boston made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Bill Abely and Phil Cheng of Lelling’s Criminal Division are prosecuting the case.
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Carjacker Sentenced to 168 months in PrisonRead the Press Release
A man who committed two carjackings in Tulsa was sentenced Thursday in federal court, announced U.S. Attorney Trent Shores.
U.S. District Judge Claire V. Eagan sentenced Kameron Todd Myers, 32, to 168 months in federal prison to be followed by five years of supervised release. In December 2019, Myers pleaded guilty to two counts of carjacking; two counts of carrying, using, and brandishing a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence, and one count of felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition.
“Kameron Myers’ decision to engage in a carjacking will cost him 14 years in federal prison. Other criminals should take notice. My office fights for victims and holds violent criminals accountable,” said U.S. Attorney Trent Shores. “Assistant U.S. Attorneys Eric Johnston and Mark Morgan, along with the Tulsa Police Department and FBI, should be commended for bringing Myers to justice.”
In his plea agreement, Myers admitted that on June 2 and June 4, 2019, he used force, fear and intimidation during two carjackings. Myers stated that he brandished a pistol and threatened to harm the owners of the vehicles during the crimes. On June 10, Tulsa Police officers found a Glock .45 caliber pistol in the car driven by Myers at the time of his arrest. Because he was previously convicted of a felony, Myers is prohibited from possessing a firearm and ammunition.
The Tulsa Police Department and FBI conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Eric O. Johnston and Mark R. Morgan prosecuted the case.
COVID-19 Fraud to Be ProsecutedRead the Press Release
ALBANY, NEW YORK –United States Attorney Grant C. Jaquith urged the public to report suspected fraud schemes related to COVID-19 (the Coronavirus) by calling the National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) hotline (1-866-720-5721) or by emailing the NCDF e-mail address [email protected].
In coordination with the Department of Justice, Attorney General William Barr has directed U.S. Attorneys to prioritize the investigation and prosecution of Coronavirus fraud schemes. The NCDF Hotline can receive and enter complaints into a centralized system that can be accessed by all U.S. Attorneys, as well as Justice Department litigating and law enforcement components to identify, investigate and prosecute fraud schemes.
“The full law enforcement resources of the United States will be employed to investigate and prosecute fraud committed during this time of national crisis,” said United States Attorney Grant C. Jaquith.
Some examples of these schemes include:
- Individuals and businesses selling fake cures for COVID-19 online and engaging in other forms of fraud.
- Phishing emails from entities posing as the World Health Organization or the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
- Malicious websites and apps that appear to share Coronavirus-related information to gain and lock access to your devices until payment is received.
- Seeking donations for illegitimate or non-existent charitable organizations.
- Medical providers obtaining patient information for COVID-19 testing and then using that information to fraudulently bill for other tests and procedures.
In a memorandum to U.S. Attorneys issued March 19, Deputy Attorney General Jeffrey Rosen also directed each U.S. Attorney to appoint a Coronavirus Fraud Coordinator to serve as the legal counsel for the federal judicial district on matters relating to the Coronavirus, direct the prosecution of Coronavirus-related crimes, and to conduct outreach and awareness activities. The Northern District of New York Coronavirus Fraud Coordinator is Assistant U.S. Attorney Joshua Rosenthal.
To find more about Department of Justice resources and information, please visit www.justice.gov/coronavirus.
Brazilian national extradited from Bogota, Colombia for conspiracy to import more than 700 kilograms of cocaineRead the Press Release
A Brazilian national made his initial appearance in federal court today on charges related to his alleged conspiracy to import more than 700 kilograms of cocaine into the United States.
Trevor Rodrigues, age 39, arrived at Cleveland Hopkins International Airport this week after being extradited from Colombia. The indictment unsealed today charges Rodrigues with conspiracy to unlawfully import more than 5 kilograms of cocaine from Colombia to the United States.
Rodrigues was indicted on February 28, 2018, in U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Ohio. With the assistance of Colombian authorities, Rodrigues was arrested in Bogota, Colombia by the Colombian National Police on February 16, 2019. The Government of Colombia approved the extradition on January 22, 2020. He was then extradited to the United States by the United States Marshals Service on March 18, 2020.
“The extradition of this defendant to the United States demonstrates the resolve of our office and the Justice Department, even during this time of national emergency, to protect our communities and enhance public safety,” said U.S. Attorney Herdman. “This defendant is alleged to have engaged in a conspiracy to import more than 700 kilograms of cocaine into our country. As we know all too tragically here in Ohio, cocaine is not a glitzy party drug – it’s a stone-cold killer and responsible for almost half of our overdoses in Cuyahoga County last year. The DEA, the U.S. Marshals Service, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office are still open for business. Drug traffickers, violent criminals, and gang members should be on notice. Whether you’re in Cleveland or Cartagena, if you’re a threat to the Northern District of Ohio, we will find you and deliver you to a courtroom here.”
“We will continue to track down transnational criminals no matter where in the world they reside or do business,” said DEA Special Agent in Charge Keith Martin. “This indictment is a great example of law enforcement and prosecutors from different countries working together to safeguard communities and having an impact on crime on a global scale.”
The charges contained in the indictment are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
This case is being investigated by the Drug Enforcement Agency, Cleveland Office of the Detroit Division, with assistance from DEA offices in the following jurisdictions: Miami, Florida; Freeport, Bahamas, New Haven, Connecticut; Cartagena, Columbia; and West Palm Beach, Florida. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Robert Corts and Patrick Burke are prosecuting the case.
The Justice Department extends it gratitude to the Government of Colombia for making the extradition possible. The United States Marshal’s Service and the Office of International Affairs of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division provided significant assistance in securing the defendant’s extradition from Colombia.
Bowie County Sex Offender Indicted for Possession of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
TEXARKANA, Texas –A 60-year-old Bowie County man has been indicted for possessing child pornography in the Eastern District of Texas, announced U.S. Attorney Joseph D. Brown today.
William Johnson Springer was named in an indictment returned by a federal grand jury on March 18, 2020. Springer appeared in federal court today in Texarkana and will be held in custody until the resolution of this case.
According to the indictment, on Sep. 18, 2019, Springer possessed child pornography on a cell phone. Included among the images of child pornography were videos that depict the rape of a prepubescent minor, an infant, and a child in bondage.
Springer was previously convicted of possession of child pornography in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Oklahoma. On Feb. 9, 2009, he was sentenced to 67 months in federal prison and five years of supervised release as a result of that conviction. Springer also has pending charges for failure to comply with registration requirements in the 202nd District Court in Bowie County.
If convicted, Springer faces not less than ten and not more than 20 years in federal prison.
This case is being investigated by the Texarkana Resident Agency of the Dallas Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jonathan R. Hornok.
An indictment is not evidence of guilt. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Attorney General William P. Barr Urges American Public to Report COVID-19 FraudRead the Press Release
Attorney General William P. Barr is urging the public to report suspected fraud schemes related to COVID-19 (the Coronavirus) by calling the National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) hotline (1-866-720-5721) or by e-mailing the NCDF at [email protected].
This week, Attorney General Barr directed all U.S. Attorneys to prioritize the investigation and prosecution of Coronavirus-related fraud schemes. In a follow-up memorandum issued March 19, Deputy Attorney General Jeffrey Rosen further directed each U.S. Attorney to appoint a Coronavirus Fraud Coordinator to serve as the legal counsel for the federal judicial district on matters relating to the Coronavirus, direct the prosecution of Coronavirus-related crimes, and to conduct outreach and awareness.
Some examples of these schemes include:
- Individuals and businesses selling fake cures for COVID-19 online and engaging in other forms of fraud.
- Phishing emails from entities posing as the World Health Organization or the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
- Malicious websites and apps that appear to share Coronavirus-related information to gain and lock access to your devices until payment is received.
- Seeking donations fraudulently for illegitimate or non-existent charitable organizations.
- Medical providers obtaining patient information for COVID-19 testing and then using that information to fraudulently bill for other tests and procedures.
The NCDF can receive and enter complaints into a centralized system that can be accessed by all U.S. Attorneys, as well as Justice Department litigating and law enforcement components to identify, investigate and prosecute fraud schemes. The NCDF coordinates complaints with 16 additional federal law enforcement agencies, as well as state Attorneys General and local authorities.
To find more about Department of Justice resources and information, please visit www.justice.gov/coronavirus.
Thursday 19 March 2020
Winter Park Man Indicted for Multiple Bank RobberiesRead the Press Release
Jacksonville, Florida – United States Attorney Maria Chapa Lopez announces the return by a grand jury of an indictment charging Michael Edward Cook, Jr. (48, Winter Park) with three counts of bank robbery. If convicted on all counts, Cook faces a maximum penalty of 60 years in federal prison. The indictment also notifies Cook that the United States intends to forfeit the $6,854 he stole from the banks.
According to the indictment, between February 10 and March 6, 2020, Cook robbed three banks. On February 10, 2020, he robbed the TD Bank located at 2501 US 1 South in St. Augustine. Later that month, on February 20th, he robbed the Fifth Third Bank located at 11683 San Jose Boulevard in Jacksonville. On March 6, 2020, Cook robbed the TD Bank located at 2844 W US Highway 90 in Lake City.
An indictment 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 Federal Bureau of Investigation (Jacksonville Office), the St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office, the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office, and the Lake City Police Department, with assistance from the Federal Bureau of Investigation (Tampa/Orlando Resident Agency), the Gainesville Police Department, and the Orlando Police Department Fugitive Investigation Unit. It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney David B. Mesrobian.
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 Middle District of Florida, U.S. Attorney Maria Chapa Lopez coordinates PSN efforts in cooperation with various federal, state, and local law enforcement officials.
West Memphis Man Sentenced to over 17 Years in Prison for Methamphetamine ConspiracyRead the Press Release
LITTLE ROCK-West Memphis man with a prior murder conviction was sentenced today to 210 months in federal prison for his involvement in a methamphetamine conspiracy. Cody Hiland, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Arkansas, announced that Terry Whittier Jr., 39, was sentenced as part of Operation Money Don’t Sleep, which targets drug trafficking in West Memphis and the surrounding areas.
In September 2015, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and West Memphis Police Department began investigating a drug trafficking organization in West Memphis. As part of this investigation, agents received court authorization for numerous interceptions for cell phones, often called wiretaps. Investigators were able to intercept numerous phone calls in which Whittier coordinated drug transactions. Whittier and other coconspirators received their drug supply through the mail with the assistance of a postal employee, Cleavon Shaw, who has also been convicted and sentenced to 90 months in prison. With assistance of the United States Postal Inspection Service, agents seized more than six pounds of methamphetamine.
West Memphis Police later executed a search warrant at Whittier’s apartment, where they located approximately 55 grams of marijuana, 4.7 grams of methamphetamine, digital scales, a Glock pistol, and more than $11,000 in cash. Whittier’s involvement in the methamphetamine conspiracy took place while he was on parole for a second-degree homicide conviction, after he shot and killed Austin Kirkwood in 2002.
On July 11, 2017, a grand jury returned an indictment charging Whittier and others with one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and to distribute methamphetamine. Whittier pleaded guilty on September 18, 2019. In exchange for that plea, the government agreed to dismiss a related case charging Whittier with possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. Today, United States District Court Judge James M. Moody sentenced Whittier to more than 17 years in prison, followed by five years of supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system.
“Drugs and violence go hand in hand, and this defendant’s prior murder conviction demonstrates how important it is to keep our communities free of drug trafficking,” stated U.S. Attorney Hiland. “Today’s lengthy sentence shows that even in the midst of a global pandemic, justice will continue to be served. Criminals should know that law enforcement’s commitment to protect our community from those who would do us harm will remain steadfast and determined.”
“Methamphetamine is a highly addictive drug and one of the most destructive drugs we face today. DEA and our law enforcement partners are working hard to thwart the threat of methamphetamine distribution and abuse here in the West Memphis area and beyond,” said DEA Assistant Special Agent in Charge Justin King. “We have successfully collaborated with our local, state and federal partners in order to put this violent career criminal in federal prison for a long time as a result of his desire to supply the citizens in this community with methamphetamine.”
Operation Money Don’t Sleep is an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force investigation that is being conducted by the DEA and the West Memphis Police Department.
# # #
This news release, as well as additional information about the office of the
United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Arkansas, is available online at
https://www.justice.gov/edar
Twitter:
@EDARNEWS
West Hartford Resident Charged with Distributing Fentanyl While Released on BondRead the Press Release
John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced a federal grand jury in New Haven returned an indictment yesterday charging BRIAN VELEZ, also known as “Whites,” 31, of West Hartford, formerly of Hartford, with distributing fentanyl while released on bond in a federal case.
According to court documents and statements made in court, at approximately 10:20 a.m. on November 27, 2018, a car Velez was operating sped away from Hartford Police officers who were attempting to stop the vehicle in Hartford’s South End. Velez parked in a driveway of a residence on Newbury Street and then ran from the car while carrying a duffel bag. After Velez was apprehended, a detective located the duffel bag in Velez’s path of travel. The bag contained a disassembled Ruger AR 556 semi-automatic rifle.
Velez was detained from the date of his arrest until April 2, 2019, when he was released on a $100,000 bond.
As alleged in court documents, in January 2020, law enforcement received information that Velez was involved in ongoing criminal activity, including the distribution of narcotics. On January 28, 2020, investigators conducted a controlled purchase of 20 bags of fentanyl from Velez in Hartford.
On January 29, 2020, Velez pleaded guilty to possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, stemming from his arrest in November 2018.
Velez has been detained since March 12, 2020, after he was arrested on a criminal complaint charging him with distributing fentanyl.
The indictment charges Velez with possession with intent to distribute, and distribution of fentanyl, which carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years, and committing the offense while on release in a federal case, which carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years.
U.S. Attorney Durham stressed that a complaint is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt. Charges are only allegations, and a defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
This investigation has been conducted by the FBI’s Northern Connecticut Violent Crimes Gang Task Force, the FBI’s Connecticut Violent Crime Task Force, and the Hartford Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Brian P. Leaming.
Uvalde Man Pleads Guilty to Possessing Child PornographyRead the Press Release
In Del Rio today, 20-year-old Uvalde, Texas, resident Pedro Gonzalez, Jr., pleaded guilty to possessing child pornography, announced U.S. Attorney John F. Bash; Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Special Agent in Charge Shane Folden, San Antonio Division; and, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton.
Appearing before U.S Magistrate Judge Victor Garcia, Gonzalez pleaded guilty to one count of possession of child pornography. According to court records, on August 22, 2019, authorities executed a federal search warrant at the defendant’s residence. During the search, authorities seized a computer hard drive belonging to the defendant. A subsequent search of the computer hard drive revealed the presence of numerous images of child pornography.
Gonzalez faces up to 20 years in federal prison for each charge. Sentencing, before U.S. District Judge Alia Moses in Del Rio, has yet to be scheduled.
The investigation was initiated by a lead from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children concerning the uploading of possible child pornography. The Cyber Crimes Unit of the Texas Attorney General’s Office and HSI investigated this case. The Uvalde County Sheriff’s Office assisted in the execution of the search warrant. Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarah E. Spears is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
United States Attorney Mike Stuart Announces More than $163 Million Available to Fight Addiction CrisisRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.VA. – United States Attorney Mike Stuart today announced that more than $163 million in Department of Justice grants is available to help communities address America’s addiction crisis.
“Our nation is facing the difficult challenge of curbing substance addiction, which threatens public safety and is among the Administration’s top domestic priorities,” said Katharine T. Sullivan, Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General for the Office of Justice Programs. “The Department of Justice is front and center in the fight to meet this challenge. OJP is making historic amounts of grant funding available to ensure that our communities have access to innovative and diverse solutions.”
“Especially at this time given the immediate national challenge and the continuing critical need to battle the opiate scourge, these funds are needed now more than ever. The funding provided through Department of Justice grant programs is critical to countering the substance abuse and addiction that have destroyed West Virginia communities and devastated our families,” said United States Attorney Mike Stuart. “Although West Virginia is the epicenter of the opioid epidemic, our state is proving to be a model of how to win this fight through resiliency and innovation. I am appreciative that the Department of Justice continues to make funding available to further our efforts.”
The funding is available through OJP, the federal government’s leading source of public safety funding and crime victim assistance in state, local and tribal jurisdictions. OJP’s programs support a wide array of activities and services, including programs designed to prevent overdose deaths and break the cycle of addiction and crime.
A number of funding opportunities that address the addiction crisis are currently open:
- Adult Drug Court and Veterans Treatment Court Discretionary Grant Program
https://bja.ojp.gov/funding/opportunities/bja-2020-17098
Total Available $1.75 million Deadline 5/14/2020
- Comprehensive Opioid, Stimulant, and Substance Abuse Site-based Program
https://bja.ojp.gov/COSSAP20
Total Available $27 million Deadline 5/21/2020
- Enhancing Community Responses to America's Addiction Crisis: Serving Our Youngest Crime Victims
Total Available: $19 million Deadline: 5/4/2020
- Family Drug Court Program
https://ojjdp.ojp.gov/funding/opportunities/ojjdp-2020-17090
Total Available $18.2 million Deadline 4/8/2020 (Extended)
- Harold Rogers Prescription Drug Monitoring Program
https://bja.ojp.gov/funding/opportunities/bja-2020-17754
Total Available $28.1 Deadline 5/5/2020
- Juvenile Drug Treatment Court Program
https://ojjdp.ojp.gov/funding/opportunities/ojjdp-2020-17051
Total Available $7.2 million Deadline 4/13/2020 (Extended)
- Mentoring Opportunities for Youth Initiative
https://ojjdp.ojp.gov/funding/opportunities/ojjdp-2020-16930
Total Available $48 million Deadline 4/13/2020
- Opioid Affected Youth Initiative
https://ojjdp.ojp.gov/funding/opportunities/ojjdp-2020-17352
Total Available $9 million Deadline 4/20/2020
- Research and Evaluation on Drugs and Crime
https://nij.ojp.gov/funding/opportunities/nij-2020-17275
Total Available $1 million Deadline 4/20/2020
- Residential Substance Abuse Treatment for State Prisoners
https://bja.ojp.gov/RSAT20
Total Available $4.5 million Deadline 4/6/2020
For more information regarding all OJP funding opportunities, visit https://www.ojp.gov/funding/explore/current-funding-opportunities
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US Attorney Scott Blader Says Mission of Justice Department Continues During Current CrisisRead the Press Release
MADISON, WIS. – Scott C. Blader, United States Attorney for the Western District of Wisconsin, announced today that the critical mission of the Justice Department is continuing during the COVID-19 crisis.
“My office remains committed to ensuring the safety and security of the people of Western Wisconsin during these challenging times,” said U.S. Attorney Blader. “At the national level and within each federal district, Justice Department representatives are maintaining our ongoing cooperation and coordination with our local and state law enforcement partners to safeguard our justice system and thus the safety and security of our nation.”
To protect public safety, the U.S. Attorney’s Office will continue to charge and prosecute criminal cases, including national security matters, violent offenders, and all criminal conduct related to the current pandemic. There have been reports of individuals and businesses selling fake cures for COVID-19 online and engaging in other forms of fraud, reports of phishing emails from entities posing as the World Health Organization or the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and reports of malware being inserted into mobile apps designed to track the spread of the virus. Any such criminal conduct occurring in the Western District of Wisconsin will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office in Madison is working closely with the Chief Judge of the Western District of Wisconsin to ensure that every appropriate precaution is being taken to ensure the health of those who are called before the court.
“Our free society allows an open exchange of thoughts, ideas and beliefs. However, it is critical that citizens use caution when attempting to find accurate and current information on the pandemic,” said U.S. Attorney Blader. “I urge Wisconsin residents to rely on organizations such as the CDC (www.cdc.gov), the Wisconsin Department of Health Services (www.dhs.wisconsin.gov), your county health department, or your doctor’s office.”
U.S. Attorneys, Florida AG Issue Warning Against COVID-19 Scam ArtistsRead the Press Release
Tampa, Florida – Florida’s three United States Attorneys today joined with Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody to warn scam artists that they will vigorously pursue anyone trying to capitalize on the coronavirus pandemic by cheating Florida consumers, especially the state’s vulnerable elders. The federal law enforcement team is now actively collaborating and cooperating with the state’s top prosecutor team in a concerted effort to stop the scams relating to coronavirus.
The state’s top prosecutors at the federal and state levels vowed that their offices are committed to remaining vigilant in preventing, pursuing, prosecuting, and punishing individuals and businesses that try to take advantage of the crisis for personal profit. They emphasized the importance of this effort in light of Florida’s large elderly population and reports of everything from bogus COVID-19 “cures” to phishing scams that purport to be official government health websites.
“Unfortunately, there are those who seek to exploit others in times of crisis, without regard to who they harm or the damage they cause,” said United States Attorney for the Middle District of Florida, Maria Chapa Lopez. “Those criminals should know that we will combine our resources, at every level, to investigate and prosecute them to the fullest extent of the law.”
“The real threat of this pandemic is bad enough on its own – but we are going to have zero tolerance for the added risk created by lowlife scammers who would prey on Floridians at a time when their focus needs to be on protecting their own health and well-being,” said Lawrence Keefe, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida. “We will be vigilant and aggressive in our efforts to find and stop anyone trying to make even one dirty dollar off the backs of anxious Floridians.”
Ariana Fajardo Orshan, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of Florida, said the risk of scams is particularly high in her district, which is home to a large portion of Florida elders and has seen many of the state’s confirmed COVID-19 cases. “As communities across our nation confront the COVID-19 pandemic, know that my office will not waver in its commitment to protecting South Floridians, including our vulnerable seniors. We are focused on COVID-19 scams and will prioritize prosecuting fraudsters who try to capitalize on this health crisis,” Fajardo Orshan said.
Earlier this week, Florida Attorney General Moody issued a strong consumer alert urging the public to beware of potential coronavirus scams when researching information about COVID-19.
“Floridians are eager for any meaningful guidance they can find about coronavirus, but they must be careful not to believe everything they hear,” said Attorney General Moody. “Scammers are expert at taking advantage of such emotions, but we cannot and will not let them succeed.”
The prosecutors’ warning comes on the heels of U.S. Attorney General William Barr’s directive on Monday for all United States Attorneys around the country to place a high priority on stopping scam artists trying to take advantage of the coronavirus situation. In a memo to the U.S. Attorneys, Barr wrote, “The pandemic is dangerous enough without wrongdoers seeking to profit from public panic and this sort of conduct cannot be tolerated.”
Some common scams being reporting around the nation include:
- Individuals and businesses selling fake cures for COVID-19 online;
- Phishing emails sent from entities posing as the World Health Organization (“WHO”) or the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (“CDC”); and
- Malware being inserted onto mobile phones by apps pretending to track the spread of the virus.
The officials advised the public to remain vigilant during this time. Citizens should not click on computer links from sources they don’t know and be aware when it comes to donations, whether through charities or crowdfunding sites. No one should allow themselves to be rushed by another person into making a donation, and if someone wants donations in cash, by gift card, or by wiring money, don’t do it.
The three U.S. Attorneys said their offices are working with the Department of Justice’s Consumer Protection Branch, Fraud Section, and Antitrust Division to coordinate efforts to stop scammers preying on concerned Floridians. Citizens are asked to report potential scams to the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center at IC3.gov. To find more about Department of Justice resources and information, please visit www.justice.gov/coronavirus.
U.S. Attorneys, Florida AG Issue Warning Against COVID-19 Scam ArtistsRead the Press Release
TALLAHASSEE, FLORIDA – Florida’s three United States Attorneys today joined with Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody to warn scam artists that they will vigorously pursue anyone trying to capitalize on the coronavirus pandemic by cheating Florida consumers, especially the state’s vulnerable elders. The federal law enforcement team is now actively collaborating and cooperating with the state’s top prosecutor team in a concerted effort to stop the scams relating to coronavirus.
The state’s top prosecutors at the federal and state levels vowed that their offices are committed to remaining vigilant in preventing, pursuing, prosecuting, and punishing individuals and businesses that try to take advantage of the crisis for personal profit. They emphasized the importance of this effort in light of Florida’s large elderly population and reports of everything from bogus COVID-19 "cures" to phishing scams that purport to be official government health websites.
"The real threat of this pandemic is bad enough on its own – but we are going to have zero tolerance for the added risk created by lowlife scammers who would prey on Floridians at a time when their focus needs to be on protecting their own health and well-being," said Lawrence Keefe, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida. "We will be vigilant and aggressive in our efforts to find and stop anyone trying to make even one dirty dollar off the backs of anxious Floridians."
Ariana Fajardo Orshan, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of Florida, said the risk of scams is particularly high in her district, which is home to a large portion of Florida elders and has seen many of the state’s confirmed COVID-19 cases. "As communities across our nation confront the COVID-19 pandemic, know that my office will not waver in its commitment to protecting South Floridians, including our vulnerable seniors. We are focused on COVID-19 scams and will prioritize prosecuting fraudsters who try to capitalize on this health crisis," Fajardo Orshan said.
Added United States Attorney for the Middle District of Florida, Maria Chapa Lopez: "Unfortunately, there are those who seek to exploit others in times of crisis, without regard to who they harm or the damage they cause. Those criminals should know that we will combine our resources, at every level, to investigate and prosecute them to the fullest extent of the law."
Earlier this week, Florida Attorney General Moody issued a strong consumer alert urging the public to beware of potential coronavirus scams when researching information about COVID-19.
"Floridians are eager for any meaningful guidance they can find about coronavirus, but they must be careful not to believe everything they hear," said Attorney General Moody. "Scammers are expert at taking advantage of such emotions, but we cannot and will not let them succeed."
The prosecutors’ warning comes on the heels of U.S. Attorney General William Barr’s directive on Monday for all United States Attorneys around the country to place a high priority on stopping scam artists trying to take advantage of the coronavirus situation. In a memo to the U.S. Attorneys, Barr wrote, "The pandemic is dangerous enough without wrongdoers seeking to profit from public panic and this sort of conduct cannot be tolerated."
Some common scams being reporting around the nation include:
• Individuals and businesses selling fake cures for COVID-19 online;
• Phishing emails sent from entities posing as the World Health Organization ("WHO") or the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention ("CDC"); and
• Malware being inserted onto mobile phones by apps pretending to track the spread of the virus.
The officials advised the public to remain vigilant during this time. Citizens should not click on computer links from sources they don’t know and be aware when it comes to donations, whether through charities or crowdfunding sites. No one should allow themselves to be rushed by another person into making a donation, and if someone wants donations in cash, by gift card, or by wiring money, don’t do it.
The three U.S. Attorneys said their offices are working with the Department of Justice’s Consumer Protection Branch, Fraud Section, and Antitrust Division to coordinate efforts to stop scammers preying on concerned Floridians. Citizens are asked to report potential scams to the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center at IC3.gov. In addition, the public can contact the United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida’s Public Trust Unit at [email protected] or by phone at (850) 216-3873.
The United States Attorney's Office for the Northern District of Florida is one of 94 offices that serve as the nation’s principal litigators under the direction of the Attorney General. To access available public court documents online, please visit the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida website. For more information about the United States Attorney’s Office, Northern District of Florida, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/fln/index.html.
U.S. Attorneys Announce Federal Prosecutors to Fight COVID-19 Fraud, Warn Public Against Fraudsters and Unscrupulous SchemesRead the Press Release
Jackson, Miss. – U.S. Attorneys Mike Hurst of the Southern District of Mississippi and Chad Lamar of the Northern District of Mississippi announced today their appointment of federal prosecutors to lead the fight against fraud in the state of Mississippi relating to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Attorney General William Barr has directed U.S. Attorneys nationwide to remain vigilant in detecting, investigating and prosecuting criminal activity related to the crisis. "The pandemic is dangerous enough without wrongdoers seeking to profit from public panic and this sort of conduct cannot be tolerated," Attorney General Barr said.
“In this time of crisis, we are redoubling our efforts to protect Mississippians against fraudsters, and we will bring to justice those who prey upon our fellow citizens in this time of need. Criminals using this pandemic to swindle and defraud others will be met with swift and certain justice,” said U.S. Attorney Hurst.
“I can think of nothing as reprehensible at this critical juncture than to employ this crisis to fraudulently prey upon one’s fellow citizens. Violators will be dealt with severely,” said U.S. Attorney Lamar.
As part of this strategy, U.S. Attorneys Hurst and Lamar have appointed Assistant U.S. Attorneys Lynn Murray of Jackson and Clay Dabbs of Oxford to serve as the COVID-19 Fraud Coordinators for the Southern and Northern Districts of Mississippi, respectively. Together, working with their federal, state and local law enforcement, these federal prosecutors will coordinate and lead investigations and prosecutions of those who attempt to take advantage of people during this time of crisis.
As our nation continues to face the spread of COVID-19, the critical mission of the U.S. Department of Justice must and will continue as we work together to safeguard our justice system and thus the safety and security of the citizens of Mississippi. While there have been reports of individuals and businesses selling fake cures for COVID-19 online and engaging in other forms of fraud, reports of phishing emails from entities posing as the World Health Organization or the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and reports of malware being inserted onto mobile apps designed to track the spread of the virus, our offices stand vigilant with our law enforcement to bring these criminals to justice.
In addition the U.S. Attorney’s Offices’ websites now contain a front page button where visitors can quickly report fraud to the office and/or to the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Mississippians who believe they may have been the target or victim of a virus-related fraud scheme should visit www.justice.gov/SDMS and www.justice.gov/NDMS and provide detailed information about their experience.
U.S. Attorney: Nearly $60 Million Available to Support Prisoner ReentryRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, KAN. – U.S. Attorney Stephen McAllister announced today that nearly $60 million in Department of Justice grants is available to help communities address public safety by supporting successful reentry of adult and juvenile offenders into their communities.
“Our nation is facing difficult public safety challenges that demand strong and immediate action. The high rate of recidivism poses a dire threat to community safety and is being met with a robust response by this Administration,” said Katharine T. Sullivan, Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General for the Office of Justice Programs.
The funding is available through OJP, the federal government’s leading source of public safety funding and crime victim assistance in state, local and tribal jurisdictions. OJP’s programs support a wide array of activities and services, including adult and juvenile reentry initiatives and research projects designed to improve our knowledge of what works in reentry programming.
A number of funding opportunities are currently open, with several more opening in the near future.
Correctional Adult Reentry Education, Employment, and Recidivism Reduction Strategies Program
https://bja.ojp.gov/funding/opportunities/bja-2020-17104
Total Available $7.2 million Deadline 4/27/2020
Improving Community Supervision Outcomes Through Swift, Certain, and Fair Responses
https://bja.ojp.gov/funding/opportunities/bja-2020-17096
Total Available $3 million Deadline 4/28/2020
Improving Reentry for People with Substance Use Disorders Program
https://bja.ojp.gov/SCASUD20
Total Available $13.2 million Deadline 4/27/2020
Innovations in Reentry Initiative: Building System Capacity & Testing Strategies to Reduce Recidivism
https://bja.ojp.gov/funding/opportunities/bja-2020-17281
Total Available $4 million Deadline 5/4/2020
Research and Evaluation on Promising Reentry Initiatives https://nij.ojp.gov/funding/opportunities/nij-2020-17295
Total Available $6 million Deadline 5/5/2020
Review and Validation of the First Step Act Risk Assessment Tool https://nij.ojp.gov/funding/opportunities/nij-2020-fsa
Total Available: Determined after selection Deadline 4/10/2020
Second Chance Act Community-Based Reentry Program
https://bja.ojp.gov/funding/opportunities/bja-2020-17110
Total Available $13.5 million Deadline 5/4/2020
Second Chance Act Evaluation Participation Support
https://bja.ojp.gov/funding/opportunities/bja-2020-17680
Total Available $4 million Deadline 4/28/2020
Second Chance Act Youth Offender Reentry Program
https://ojjdp.ojp.gov/sites/g/files/xyckuh176/files/media/document/ojjdp-2020-17350.pdf
Total Available $7 million Deadline 4/28/2020
For more information regarding all OJP funding opportunities, visit https://www.ojp.gov/funding/explore/current-funding-opportunities
U.S. Attorney: More than $83 Million Available to Support School SafetyRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, KAN. – U.S. Attorney Stephen McAllister announced today that more than $83 million in Department of Justice grants is available to help communities improve school security and protect students, teachers and faculty from threats of violence.
“School violence is no longer an abstract threat but has become a tragic reality in too many of America’s communities. Moving to meet this challenge is among the Administration’s top domestic priorities,” said Katharine T. Sullivan, Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General for the Office of Justice Programs.
The funding is available through OJP, the federal government’s leading source of public safety funding and crime victim assistance in state, local and tribal jurisdictions. OJP’s programs support a wide array of activities and services, including programs designed to tighten school security and improve the reporting of threats.
A number of funding opportunities for school safety are currently open, with another opening in the near future:
Research and Evaluation on School Safety
https://nij.ojp.gov/funding/opportunities/nij-2020-17308
Total Available $5 million Deadline 4/13/2020
STOP Act School Violence Program (FY20)
https://nij.ojp.gov/funding/opportunities/nij-2020-17308
Total Available $71.4 million Deadline 4/13/2020
Strategies to Support Children Exposed to Violence
https://ojjdp.ojp.gov/funding/opportunities/ojjdp-2020-17926
Total Available $7 million Deadline 4/27/2020
For more information regarding all OJP funding opportunities, visit https://www.ojp.gov/funding/explore/current-funding-opportunities.
U.S. Attorney: More than $65 Million Available to Fight Human TraffickingRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, KAN. - U.S. Attorney Stephen McAllister today announced that more than $65 million in Department of Justice grants is available to help communities combat human trafficking and serve adults and children who are victimized in trafficking operations.
“Our nation is facing difficult challenges, none more pressing than the scourge of human trafficking. Human traffickers pose a dire threat to public safety and countering this threat remains one of the Administration’s top domestic priorities,” said Katharine T. Sullivan, Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General for the Office of Justice Programs.
The funding is available through OJP, the federal government’s leading source of public safety funding and crime victim assistance in state, local and tribal jurisdictions. OJP’s programs support a wide array of activities and services, including programs that support human trafficking task forces and services for human trafficking survivors.
A number of funding opportunities are currently open, with several more opening in the near future.
Missing and Exploited Children Training and Technical Assistance Program
https://ojjdp.ojp.gov/funding/opportunities/ojjdp-2020-17351
Total Available $1.8 million Deadline 4/6/2020 (Extended)
Multidisciplinary Task Force Program to Combat Human Trafficking
Total Available $22 million Opens week of 3/16/2020
Preventing Trafficking of Girls
Total Available $1.7 million Opens week of 3/16/2020
Research and Evaluation on Trafficking in Persons https://nij.ojp.gov/funding/opportunities/nij-2020-17324
Total Available $2.5 million Deadline 4/20/2020
Services for Victims of Human Trafficking
Total Available $16.5 million Opens week of 3/16/2020
Specialized Training and Technical Assistance on Housing for Victims of Human Trafficking
Total Available $2 million Opens week of 3/16/2020
Human Trafficking Training and Technical Assistance Program
Total Available $5 million Opens week of 3/16/2020
Improving Outcomes for Child and Youth Victims of Human Trafficking
Total Available $6 million Opens week of 3/16/2020
Integrated Services for Minor Victims of Labor Trafficking
Total Available $8 million Opens week of 3/16/2020
For more information regarding all OJP funding opportunities, visit https://www.ojp.gov/funding/explore/current-funding-opportunities
U.S. Attorney: More than $163 Million Available to Fight Addiction CrisisRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, KAN. – U.S. Attorney Stephen McAllister today announced that more than $163 million in Department of Justice grants is available to help communities address America’s addiction crisis.
“Our nation is facing the difficult challenge of curbing substance addiction, which threatens public safety and is among the administration’s top domestic priorities,” said Katharine T. Sullivan, Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General for the Office of Justice Programs.
The funding is available through OJP, the federal government’s leading source of public safety funding and crime victim assistance in state, local and tribal jurisdictions. OJP’s programs support a wide array of activities and services, including programs designed to prevent overdose deaths and break the cycle of addiction and crime.
A number of funding opportunities that address the addiction crisis are currently open:
Adult Drug Court and Veterans Treatment Court Discretionary Grant Program
https://bja.ojp.gov/funding/opportunities/bja-2020-17098
Total Available $1.75 million Deadline 5/14/2020
Comprehensive Opioid, Stimulant, and Substance Abuse Site-based Program
https://bja.ojp.gov/COSSAP20
Total Available $27 million Deadline 5/21/2020
Enhancing Community Responses to America's Addiction Crisis: Serving Our Youngest Crime Victims
https://www.ovc.gov/grants/pdftxt/fy-2020-enhancing-community-responses-to-drug-crisis.pdf
Total Available: $19 million Deadline: 5/4/2020
Family Drug Court Program
https://ojjdp.ojp.gov/funding/opportunities/ojjdp-2020-17090
Total Available $18.2 million Deadline 4/8/2020 (Extended)
Harold Rogers Prescription Drug Monitoring Program
https://bja.ojp.gov/funding/opportunities/bja-2020-17754
Total Available $28.1 Deadline 5/5/2020
Juvenile Drug Treatment Court Program
https://ojjdp.ojp.gov/funding/opportunities/ojjdp-2020-17051
Total Available $7.2 million Deadline 4/13/2020 (Extended)
Mentoring Opportunities for Youth Initiative
https://ojjdp.ojp.gov/funding/opportunities/ojjdp-2020-16930
Total Available $48 million Deadline 4/13/2020
Opioid Affected Youth Initiative
https://ojjdp.ojp.gov/funding/opportunities/ojjdp-2020-17352
Total Available $9 million Deadline 4/20/2020
Research and Evaluation on Drugs and Crime https://nij.ojp.gov/funding/opportunities/nij-2020-17275
Total Available $1 million Deadline 4/20/2020
Residential Substance Abuse Treatment for State Prisoners
https://bja.ojp.gov/RSAT20
Total Available $4.5 million Deadline 4/6/2020
For more information regarding all OJP funding opportunities, visit https://www.ojp.gov/funding/explore/current-funding-opportunities
U.S. Attorney Trent Shores Warns of Coronavirus ScamsRead the Press Release
As the United States Attorney’s Office continues its public safety mission, U.S. Attorney Trent Shores cautions the public to be aware of fraud schemes seeking to exploit the evolving COVID-19 public health crisis.
“The U.S. Attorney’s Office is working with federal, tribal, state, and local law enforcement partners to ensure mission critical operations continue and that public safety is guarded,” said U.S. Attorney Trent Shores. “Unfortunately, as our community takes steps to slow the spread of COVID-19, there are fraudsters who would seek to exploit fear and anxiety during this public health crisis. Attorney General Barr charged U.S. Attorneys across our nation to hold accountable any profiteer seeking to exploit the public, and we will do so. Rest assured, my office is committed to pursuing justice for any Oklahoman victimized by a COVID-19 scam.”
Scammers have already devised numerous methods for defrauding people in connection with COVID-19. They are setting up websites, contacting people by phone and email, and posting disinformation on social media platforms. Some examples of scams linked to COVID-19 include:
- Treatment scams: Scammers are offering to sell fake cures, vaccines, and advice on unproven treatments for COVID-19.
- Supply scams: Scammers are creating fake shops, websites, social media accounts, and email addresses claiming to sell medical supplies currently in high demand, such as surgical masks. When consumers attempt to purchase supplies through these channels, fraudsters pocket the money and never provide the promised supplies.
- Provider scams: Scammers are also contacting people by phone and email, pretending to be doctors and hospitals that have treated a friend or relative for COVID-19, and demanding payment for that treatment.
- Charity scams: Scammers are soliciting donations for individuals, groups, and areas affected by COVID-19.
- Phishing scams: Scammers posing as national and global health authorities, including the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), are sending phishing emails designed to trick recipients into downloading malware or providing personal identifying and financial information.
- App scams: Scammers are also creating and manipulating mobile apps designed to track the spread of COVID-19 to insert malware that will compromise users’ devices and personal information.
- Investment scams: Scammers are offering online promotions on various platforms, including social media, claiming that the products or services of publicly traded companies can prevent, detect, or cure COVID-19, and that the stock of these companies will dramatically increase in value as a result. These promotions are often styled as “research reports,” make predictions of a specific “target price,” and relate to microcap stocks, or low-priced stocks issued by the smallest of companies with limited publicly available information.
- Bank/ FDIC scams: The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation has reported an uptick in fraudulent calls, text messages, letters and emails from scammers pretending to be FDIC employees. The scammers falsely claim that banks are limiting access to deposits or that there are security issues with bank deposits. The scammers, along with trying to create distrust, are also after bank account and other personal information. The FDIC does not send unsolicited correspondence asking for money or sensitive personal information. It never will contact people asking for personal details, such as bank account information, credit and debit card numbers, Social Security numbers, or passwords.
The public can take the following steps to help protect themselves against these scams:
- Independently verify the identity of any company, charity, or individual that contacts you regarding COVID-19.
- Check the websites and email addresses offering information, products, or services related to COVID-19. Be aware that scammers often employ addresses that differ only slightly from those belonging to the entities they are impersonating. For example, they might use “cdc.com” or “cdc.org” instead of “cdc.gov.”
- Be wary of unsolicited emails offering information, supplies, or treatment for COVID-19 or requesting your personal information for medical purposes. Legitimate health authorities will not contact the general public this way.
- Do not click on links or open email attachments from unknown or unverified sources. Doing so could download a virus onto your computer or device.
- Make sure the anti-malware and anti-virus software on your computer is operating and up to date.
- Ignore social media and email offers for a COVID-19 vaccine, cure, or treatment. Remember, if there is a medical breakthrough, you won’t hear about it for the first time through an email, online ad, or unsolicited sales pitch.
- Check online reviews of any company offering COVID-19 products or supplies. Avoid companies whose customers have complained about not receiving items.
- Research any charities or crowdfunding sites soliciting donations in connection with COVID-19 before giving. Remember, an organization may not be legitimate even if it uses words like “CDC” or “government” in its name or has reputable looking seals or logos on its materials. For online resources on donating wisely, visit the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) website.
- Be wary of any business, charity, or individual requesting payments or donations in cash, by wire transfer, gift card, or through the mail. Don’t send money through any of these channels.
- Be cautious of “investment opportunities” tied to COVID-19, especially those based on claims that a small company’s products or services can help stop the virus. If you decide to invest, carefully research the investment beforehand. For information on how to avoid investment fraud, visit the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) website.
- For the most up-to-date information on COVID-19, visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and World Health Organization (WHO) websites.
If anyone believes they have been the victim of a COVID-19 fraud scheme, they are encouraged to contact federal, state, and local authorities. You can also report scams to the FBI at ic3.gov.
U.S. Attorney Scott Brady and Pennsylvania Attorney General Josh Shapiro Announce Formation of Joint Western Pennsylvania COVID-19 Task ForceRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH - Scott W. Brady, United States Attorney for the Western District of Pennsylvania, and Pennsylvania Attorney General Josh Shapiro today announced the formation of a joint federal and state Western Pennsylvania COVID-19 Fraud Task Force to investigate and prosecute coronavirus-related fraud.
The Western Pennsylvania COVID-19 Fraud Task Force will bring together federal and state investigative agencies and prosecutors to receive public information on myriad scams being perpetrated on-line and in-person by scammers seeking to exploit the evolving coronavirus public health crisis. The Task Force will marshal the collective investigative power of our federal and state law enforcement agencies by forming joint investigative teams, and prosecutors from both offices will be cross-designated to work on such investigations together.
The Task Force will be led by the U.S. Attorney’s Office COVID-19 Fraud Coordinator and an Executive Deputy Attorney General of Pennsylvania. Task Force members include representatives from the United States Attorney’s Office, the Pennsylvania Office of the Attorney General, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the United States Secret Service, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Immigration and Customs Enforcement/Homeland Security Investigations, Social Security Administration – Office of Inspector General, the U.S. Department of Education – Office of Inspector General and the Pennsylvania State Police.
"Attorney General Shapiro and I have spoken on a regular basis during this crisis," said U.S. Attorney Brady. "In coordinating the response of federal and state law enforcement to COVID19 fraud, we felt it was critical that the United States Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Pennsylvania and the Pennsylvania Attorney General’s Office form a joint COVID19 Fraud Task Force. Our goal is simple: we seek to ensure there is no gap between the shields of federal and state law enforcement in protecting the public from fraudsters – whether here in Pennsylvania or around the globe - who would exploit this crisis in order to harm the citizens of western Pennsylvania. Bad guys should know we are open for business. We will find you and we will stop you. Together, the outstanding men and women of the U.S. Attorney’s Office and the Pennsylvania Attorney General’s Office will continue to work day and night to protect our families, friends and neighbors during this crisis."
"I’m grateful for the partnership between the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General and the U.S. Attorney’s Office during these challenging times," said Attorney General Josh Shapiro. "People across Pennsylvania are concerned about their health and their economic futures, and it is despicable that retailers, distributors, and wholesalers are taking advantage of people. The joint COVID19 Task Force allows my Office, and our federal partners, to quickly combat fraudsters who want to exploit Pennsylvanians. This is a time to band together—not to give into unlawful greed."
The goal of the Task Force is to protect the citizens of western Pennsylvania from fraudsters who seek to take advantage of the fear and confusion many feel surrounding the coronavirus. Fraudsters are targeting vulnerable members of our community, including our seniors, by setting up websites to sell bogus products, and using fake emails, texts, and social media posts as a ruse to take your money and get your personal information. The emails and posts may be promoting awareness and prevention tips, and fake information about cases in your neighborhood. They also may be asking you to donate to victims, offering advice on unproven treatments, or contain malicious email attachments.
Some examples of COVID-19 scams include:
• Treatment scams: Scammers are offering to sell fake cures, vaccines, and advice on unproven treatments for COVID-19.
• Supply scams: Scammers are creating fake shops, websites, social media accounts, and email addresses claiming to sell medical supplies currently in high demand, such as surgical masks. When consumers attempt to purchase supplies through these channels, fraudsters pocket the money and never provide the promised supplies.
• Provider scams: Scammers are also contacting people by phone and email, pretending to be doctors and hospitals that have treated a friend or relative for COVID-19, and demanding payment for that treatment.
• Charity scams: Scammers are soliciting donations for individuals, groups, and areas affected by COVID-19.
• Phishing scams: Scammers posing as national and global health authorities, including the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), are sending phishing emails designed to trick recipients into downloading malware or providing personal identifying and financial information.
• App scams: Scammers are also creating and manipulating mobile apps designed to track the spread of COVID-19 to insert malware that will compromise users’ devices and personal information.
• Investment scams: Scammers are offering online promotions on various platforms, including social media, claiming that the products or services of publicly traded companies can prevent, detect, or cure COVID-19, and that the stock of these companies will dramatically increase in value as a result. These promotions are often styled as "research reports," make predictions of a specific "target price," and relate to microcap stocks, or low-priced stocks issued by the smallest of companies with limited publicly available information.
• Price Gouging scams: Individuals and businesses may sell essential goods, like hand sanitizer, for significantly higher prices than in a non-emergency setting. It is legally considered price gouging when the price of one of these products increases more than 20 percent its price one week prior to an emergency declaration from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
U.S. Attorney Brady and Attorney General Shapiro urge everyone, especially those most at risk of serious illness, to avoid these and similar scams by taking the following steps:
• Independently verify the identity of any company, charity, or individual that contacts you regarding COVID-19.
• Check the websites and email addresses offering information, products, or services related to COVID-19. Be aware that scammers often employ addresses that differ only slightly from those belonging to the entities they are impersonating. For example, they might use "cdc.com" or "cdc.org" instead of "cdc.gov."
• Be wary of unsolicited emails offering information, supplies, or treatment for COVID-19 or requesting your personal information for medical purposes. Legitimate health authorities will not contact the general public this way.
• Do not click on links or open email attachments from unknown or unverified sources. Doing so could download a virus onto your computer or device.
• Make sure the anti-malware and anti-virus software on your computer is operating and up to date.
• Ignore offers for a COVID-19 vaccine, cure, or treatment. Remember, if there is a medical breakthrough, you won’t hear about it for the first time through an email, online ad, or unsolicited sales pitch.
• Check online reviews of any company offering COVID-19 products or supplies. Avoid companies whose customers have complained about not receiving items.
• Research any charities or crowdfunding sites soliciting donations in connection with COVID- 19 before giving. Remember, an organization may not be legitimate even if it uses words like "CDC" or "government" in its name or has reputable looking seals or logos on its materials. For online resources on donating wisely, visit the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) website.
• Be wary of any business, charity, or individual requesting payments or donations in cash, by wire transfer, gift card, or through the mail. Don’t send money through any of these channels.
• Be cautious of "investment opportunities" tied to COVID-19, especially those based on claims that a small company’s products or services can help stop the virus. If you decide to invest, carefully research the investment beforehand. For information on how to avoid investment fraud, visit the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) website.
• For the most up-to-date information on COVID-19, visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and World Health Organization (WHO) websites.
We urge you: don’t fall victim to these frauds. We have set up a dedicated toll free Hotline and dedicated email addresses for the public to report suspected COVID-19 fraud. If you believe you have been a target or victim of these frauds, please report them the Task Force at:
• Western Pennsylvania COVID-19 Fraud Task Force’s Toll Free Hotline:
1-888-C19-WDPA or 1-888-219-9372
• Western Pennsylvania COVID-19 Fraud Task Force’s email address:
• Pennsylvania Attorney General’s price gouging email address:
U.S. Attorney Powell announces more than $163 million available to fight addiction crisisRead the Press Release
MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – U.S. Attorney Bill Powell today announced that more than $163 million in Department of Justice grants is available to help communities address America’s addiction crisis.
“While we are encouraged as we see the overdose numbers decrease, both nationwide and in our district, we still have much work to do. It will continue to take a multi-pronged approach to battle the poison in our communities. These grants can help combat the opioid issue, from prosecution to treatment to prevention, and I encourage all who are eligible to apply,” said Powell.
“Our nation is facing the difficult challenge of curbing substance addiction, which threatens public safety and is among the Administration’s top domestic priorities,” said Katharine T. Sullivan, Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General for the Office of Justice Programs. “The Department of Justice is front and center in the fight to meet this challenge. OJP is making historic amounts of grant funding available to ensure that our communities have access to innovative and diverse solutions.”
The funding is available through OJP, the federal government’s leading source of public safety funding and crime victim assistance in state, local and tribal jurisdictions. OJP’s programs support a wide array of activities and services, including programs designed to prevent overdose deaths and break the cycle of addiction and crime.
A number of funding opportunities that address the addiction crisis are currently open:
Adult Drug Court and Veterans Treatment Court Discretionary Grant Program
https://bja.ojp.gov/funding/opportunities/bja-2020-17098
Total Available $1.75 million Deadline 5/14/2020Comprehensive Opioid, Stimulant, and Substance Abuse Site-based Program
https://bja.ojp.gov/COSSAP20
Total Available $27 million Deadline 5/21/2020Enhancing Community Responses to America's Addiction Crisis: Serving Our Youngest Crime Victims
https://www.ovc.gov/grants/pdftxt/fy-2020-enhancing-community-responses-to-drug-crisis.pdf
Total Available: $19 million Deadline: 5/4/2020
Family Drug Court Program
https://ojjdp.ojp.gov/funding/opportunities/ojjdp-2020-17090
Total Available $18.2 million Deadline 4/8/2020 (Extended)Harold Rogers Prescription Drug Monitoring Program
https://bja.ojp.gov/funding/opportunities/bja-2020-17754
Total Available $28.1 Deadline 5/5/2020Juvenile Drug Treatment Court Program
https://ojjdp.ojp.gov/funding/opportunities/ojjdp-2020-17051
Total Available $7.2 million Deadline 4/13/2020 (Extended)Mentoring Opportunities for Youth Initiative
https://ojjdp.ojp.gov/funding/opportunities/ojjdp-2020-16930
Total Available $48 million Deadline 4/13/2020Opioid Affected Youth Initiative
https://ojjdp.ojp.gov/funding/opportunities/ojjdp-2020-17352
Total Available $9 million Deadline 4/20/2020Research and Evaluation on Drugs and Crime
https://nij.ojp.gov/funding/opportunities/nij-2020-17275
Total Available $1 million Deadline 4/20/2020Residential Substance Abuse Treatment for State Prisoners
https://bja.ojp.gov/RSAT20
Total Available $4.5 million Deadline 4/6/2020For more information regarding all OJP funding opportunities, visit https://www.ojp.gov/funding/explore/current-funding-opportunities
U.S. Attorney Moran announces more than $65 million in grants available to fight human trafficking and assist trafficking victimsRead the Press Release
Seattle – U.S. Attorney Brian T. Moran today announced that more than $65 million in Department of Justice grants is available to help communities combat human trafficking and serve adults and children who are victimized in trafficking operations.
“During this unprecedented time of anxiety and fear over COVID-19, it is critical that work continue to assist the vulnerable in our nation, especially the victims of human trafficking – modern day slavery,” said U.S. Attorney Brian Moran. “I want our partners in this work to be able to apply for this federal financial assistance, something that can happen even as we face the pressing need to combat the spread of the virus.”
“Our nation is facing difficult challenges, none more pressing than the scourge of human trafficking. Human traffickers pose a dire threat to public safety and countering this threat remains one of the Administration’s top domestic priorities,” said Katharine T. Sullivan, Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General for the Office of Justice Programs. “The Department of Justice is front and center in the fight against this insidious crime. OJP is making historic amounts of grant funding available to ensure that our communities have access to innovative and diverse solutions.”
The funding is available through OJP, the federal government’s leading source of public safety funding and crime victim assistance in state, local and tribal jurisdictions. OJP’s programs support a wide array of activities and services, including programs that support human trafficking task forces and services for human trafficking survivors.
A number of funding opportunities are currently open, with several more opening in the near future.
Missing and Exploited Children Training and Technical Assistance Program
https://ojjdp.ojp.gov/funding/opportunities/ojjdp-2020-17351
Total Available $1.8 million Deadline 4/6/2020 (Extended)
Multidisciplinary Task Force Program to Combat Human Trafficking
Total Available $22 million Opens week of 3/16/2020
Preventing Trafficking of Girls
Total Available $1.7 million Opens week of 3/16/2020
Research and Evaluation on Trafficking in Persons https://nij.ojp.gov/funding/opportunities/nij-2020-17324
Total Available $2.5 million Deadline 4/20/2020
Services for Victims of Human Trafficking
Total Available $16.5 million Opens week of 3/16/2020
Specialized Training and Technical Assistance on Housing for Victims of Human Trafficking Total Available $2 million Opens week of 3/16/2020
Human Trafficking Training and Technical Assistance Program
Total Available $5 million Opens week of 3/16/2020
Improving Outcomes for Child and Youth Victims of Human Trafficking
Total Available $6 million Opens week of 3/16/2020
Integrated Services for Minor Victims of Labor Trafficking
Total Available $8 million Opens week of 3/16/2020
For more information regarding all OJP funding opportunities, visit https://www.ojp.gov/funding/explore/current-funding-opportunities
U.S. Attorney Justin Herdman announces more than $65 million available to help fight human trafficking and assist victimsRead the Press Release
U.S. Attorney Justin Herdman of the Northern District of Ohio announced today that more than $65 million in Department of Justice grants is available to help communities combat human trafficking and serve adults and children who are victimized in trafficking operations.
“Our nation is facing many difficult challenges right now, but we must continue to keep up the fight against human trafficking,” said U.S. Attorney Justin Herdman. “Human traffickers pose a dire threat to public safety and countering this threat remains one of the Administration’s top domestic priorities. These funds will provide our partners and the greater community with solutions and resources to combat trafficking.”
The funding is available through the Office of Justice Programs (OJP), the federal government’s leading source of public safety funding and crime victim assistance in state, local and tribal jurisdictions. OJP’s programs support a wide array of activities and services, including programs that support human trafficking task forces and services for human trafficking survivors.
A number of funding opportunities are currently open, with several more opening in the near future.
Missing and Exploited Children Training and Technical Assistance Program https://ojjdp.ojp.gov/funding/opportunities/ojjdp-2020-17351
Total available $1.8 million
Deadline 4/6/2020 (Extended)
Multidisciplinary Task Force Program to Combat Human Trafficking
Total available $22 million
Opens week of 3/16/2020
Preventing Trafficking of Girls
Total available $1.7 million
Opens week of 3/16/2020
Research and Evaluation on Trafficking in Persons
https://nij.ojp.gov/funding/opportunities/nij-2020-17324
Total available $2.5 million
Deadline 4/20/2020
Services for Victims of Human Trafficking
Total available $16.5 million
Opens week of 3/16/2020
Specialized Training and Technical Assistance on Housing for Victims of Human Trafficking
Total available $2 million
Opens week of 3/16/2020
Human Trafficking Training and Technical Assistance Program
Total available $5 million
Opens week of 3/16/2020
Improving Outcomes for Child and Youth Victims of Human Trafficking
Total available $6 million
Opens week of 3/16/2020
Integrated Services for Minor Victims of Labor Trafficking
Total available $8 million
Opens week of 3/16/2020
For more information regarding all OJP funding opportunities, visit
https://www.ojp.gov/funding/explore/current-funding-opportunities
U.S. Attorney Downing Appoints Experienced Prosecutor as Coronavirus Fraud CoordinatorRead the Press Release
OKLAHOMA CITY - U.S. Attorney Timothy J. Downing today announced that he has appointed an experienced Assistant U.S. Attorney to coordinate investigations and prosecutions of crimes related to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Brandon Hale, a Deputy Criminal Chief in the office, will serve as the Coronavirus Fraud Coordinator, overseeing federal prosecutions of virus scammers.
Attorney General William Barr has directed all U.S. Attorneys to prioritize the detection, investigation, and prosecution of criminal conduct related to the current pandemic. "The pandemic is dangerous enough," the Attorney General said, "without wrongdoers seeking to profit from public panic and this sort of conduct cannot be tolerated."
"Criminals thinking about trying to scam others during this time of crisis should think again," said U.S. Attorney Downing. "Any type of fraudulent activity related to the COVID-19 outbreak is appalling. AUSA Hale, one of the most talented and experienced prosecutors in my office, will lead our efforts to stop these fraudsters, and he will work with our law enforcement partners to hold accountable those who commit related wrongdoing."
Individuals who believe they may have been the target of a coronavirus-related fraud scheme can file a complaint with the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center at www.ic3.gov. More information about coronavirus scams is also available from the Federal Trade Commission at www.ftc.gov/coronavirus. To download a photo of U.S. Attorney Downing, click here.
U.S. Attorney Davis Assures Public that DOJ Priorities Continue Amidst COVID-19Read the Press Release
BOISE – The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Idaho is managing all resources in a way that aligns with the desired outcome of slowing the transmission of COVID-19. While this aggressive posture may affect some operations, the public can be assured that essential federal law enforcement, criminal prosecution, and national security functions will continue as usual. We continue our work to preserve and protect public safety in the District of Idaho.
“We consider our fundamental mission to ensure public safety and we currently have a plan in place to continue fulfilling that important mission during this current public health emergency,” said U.S. Attorney Bart M. Davis. “My office remains open, but we are taking precautions and have significantly adjusted operations and services to minimize face-to-face interactions.”
In addition to ensuring that the justice system can continue functioning during the current national crisis, it is essential that federal, state, tribal, and local law enforcement remain vigilant in detecting, investigating, and prosecuting wrongdoing related to the crisis. In particular, there have been reports of individuals and businesses selling fake cures for COVID-19 online and engaging in other forms of fraud, reports of phishing emails from entities posing as the World Health Organization or the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and reports of malware being inserted onto mobile apps designed to track the spread of the virus. The pandemic is dangerous enough without wrongdoers seeking to profit from public panic. Such conduct cannot be tolerated. Accordingly, the U.S. Attorney’s Office has prioritized the detection, investigation, and prosecution of all criminal conduct related to the current pandemic.
“We are immensely grateful for the many public health and medical professionals and first responders on the front lines of protecting our communities from the novel coronavirus,” said Davis. “We are also grateful to everyone who is following the guidance of the CDC, whether that means staying home or taking appropriate precautions when they must go out. During this time of uncertainty and fear, it is very important that all Americans act responsibly, look out for one another, act out of compassion and generosity, and look for opportunities to help their neighbors. Likewise, federal law enforcement will continue doing our part to keep our communities safe.”
# # #
U.S. Attorney Bill Powell announces nearly $60 million in grants available to support prisoners’ successful reentry into their communitiesRead the Press Release
WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – U.S. Attorney Bill Powell today announced that nearly $60 million in Department of Justice grants is available to help communities address public safety by supporting successful reentry of adult and juvenile offenders into their communities.
“Reducing the national recidivism rate is an important part of the Attorney General’s Project Safe Neighborhood initiative. While holding people accountable for their crimes, we must also work to prevent them from reappearing in our courtrooms by assisting those exiting the prison system with education and other resources,” said Powell.
“Our nation is facing difficult public safety challenges that demand strong and immediate action. The high rate of recidivism poses a dire threat to community safety and is being met with a robust response by this Administration,” said Katharine T. Sullivan, Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General for the Office of Justice Programs. “The Department of Justice is front and center in the fight to meet this persistent challenge. OJP is making historic amounts of grant funding available to ensure that our communities have access to innovative and diverse solutions.”
The funding is available through OJP, the federal government’s leading source of public safety funding and crime victim assistance in state, local and tribal jurisdictions. OJP’s programs support a wide array of activities and services, including adult and juvenile reentry initiatives and research projects designed to improve our knowledge of what works in reentry programming.
A number of funding opportunities are currently open, with several more opening in the near future.
Correctional Adult Reentry Education, Employment, and Recidivism Reduction Strategies Program
https://bja.ojp.gov/funding/opportunities/bja-2020-17104
Total Available $7.2 million Deadline 4/27/2020Improving Community Supervision Outcomes Through Swift, Certain, and Fair Responses
https://bja.ojp.gov/funding/opportunities/bja-2020-17096
Total Available $3 million Deadline 4/28/2020Improving Reentry for People with Substance Use Disorders Program
https://bja.ojp.gov/SCASUD20
Total Available $13.2 million Deadline 4/27/2020Innovations in Reentry Initiative: Building System Capacity & Testing Strategies to Reduce Recidivism
https://bja.ojp.gov/funding/opportunities/bja-2020-17281
Total Available $4 million Deadline 5/4/2020Research and Evaluation on Promising Reentry Initiatives
https://nij.ojp.gov/funding/opportunities/nij-2020-17295
Total Available $6 million Deadline 5/5/2020Review and Validation of the First Step Act Risk Assessment Tool
https://nij.ojp.gov/funding/opportunities/nij-2020-fsa
Total Available: Determined after selection Deadline 4/10/2020Second Chance Act Community-Based Reentry Program
https://bja.ojp.gov/funding/opportunities/bja-2020-17110
Total Available $13.5 million Deadline 5/4/2020Second Chance Act Evaluation Participation Support
https://bja.ojp.gov/funding/opportunities/bja-2020-17680
Total Available $4 million Deadline 4/28/2020Second Chance Act Youth Offender Reentry Program
https://ojjdp.ojp.gov/sites/g/files/xyckuh176/files/media/document/ojjdp-2020-17350.pdf
Total Available $7 million Deadline 4/28/2020
For more information regarding all OJP funding opportunities, visit https://www.ojp.gov/funding/explore/current-funding-opportunities
U.S. Attorney Announces Nearly $60 Million in Grants Available to Support Prisoners’ Successful Reentry into Their CommunitiesRead the Press Release
Portland, Maine: Nearly $60 million in Department of Justice grants is available to help communities address public safety by supporting successful reentry of adult and juvenile offenders into their communities, U.S. Attorney Halsey B. Frank announced today.
“Our nation is facing difficult public safety challenges that demand strong and immediate action. The high rate of recidivism poses a dire threat to community safety and is being met with a robust response by this Administration,” said Katharine T. Sullivan, Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General for the Office of Justice Programs. “The Department of Justice is front and center in the fight to meet this persistent challenge. OJP is making historic amounts of grant funding available to ensure that our communities have access to innovative and diverse solutions.”
The funding is available through OJP, the federal government’s leading source of public safety funding and crime victim assistance in state, local and tribal jurisdictions. OJP’s programs support a wide array of activities and services, including adult and juvenile reentry initiatives and research projects designed to improve our knowledge of what works in reentry programming.
A number of funding opportunities are currently open, with several more opening in the near future.
Correctional Adult Reentry Education, Employment, and Recidivism Reduction Strategies Program
https://bja.ojp.gov/funding/opportunities/bja-2020-17104
Total Available $7.2 million Deadline 4/27/2020
Improving Community Supervision Outcomes through Swift, Certain and Fair Responses
https://bja.ojp.gov/funding/opportunities/bja-2020-17096
Total Available $3 million Deadline 4/28/2020
Improving Reentry for People with Substance Use Disorders Program
https://bja.ojp.gov/SCASUD20
Total Available $13.2 million Deadline 4/27/2020
Innovations in Reentry Initiative: Building System Capacity & Testing Strategies to Reduce Recidivism
https://bja.ojp.gov/funding/opportunities/bja-2020-17281
Total Available $4 million Deadline 5/4/2020
Research and Evaluation on Promising Reentry Initiatives
https://nij.ojp.gov/funding/opportunities/nij-2020-17295
Total Available $6 million Deadline 5/5/2020
Review and Validation of the First Step Act Risk Assessment Tool
https://nij.ojp.gov/funding/opportunities/nij-2020-fsa
Total Available: Determined after selection Deadline 4/10/2020
Second Chance Act Community-Based Reentry Program
https://bja.ojp.gov/funding/opportunities/bja-2020-17110
Total Available $13.5 million Deadline 5/4/2020
Second Chance Act Evaluation Participation Support
https://bja.ojp.gov/funding/opportunities/bja-2020-17680
Total Available $4 million Deadline 4/28/2020
Second Chance Act Youth Offender Reentry Program
https://ojjdp.ojp.gov/sites/g/files/xyckuh176/files/media/document/ojjdp-2020-17350.pdf
Total Available $7 million Deadline 4/28/2020
For more information regarding all OJP funding opportunities, visit https://www.ojp.gov/funding/explore/current-funding-opportunities
U.S. Attorney Announces Nearly $60 Million in Grants Available to Support Prisoners' Successful Reentry into Their CommunitiesRead the Press Release
MEMPHIS – U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant of Western District of Tennessee today announced that nearly $60 million in Department of Justice grants is available to help communities address public safety by supporting successful reentry of adult and juvenile offenders into their communities.
"Our nation is facing difficult public safety challenges that demand strong and immediate action. The high rate of recidivism poses a dire threat to community safety and is being met with a robust response by this Administration," said Katharine T. Sullivan, Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General for the Office of Justice Programs. "The Department of Justice is front and center in the fight to meet this persistent challenge. OJP is making historic amounts of grant funding available to ensure that our communities have access to innovative and diverse solutions."
U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant said: "The mission of the Department of Justice is to reduce crime by using all available strategies and resources. One of the best ways to reduce recidivism is to provide meaningful support and resources to offenders upon release so that they will have the best chance of successful reentry into the community. Our office is committed to reentry programs that impact public safety in a positive way, and these OJP grant opportunities will facilitate success for reentrants by providing services to released felons that promote successful reintegration into society, education and employment opportunities, and the ability to lead productive, law-abiding lives."
The funding is available through OJP, the federal government’s leading source of public safety funding and crime victim assistance in state, local and tribal jurisdictions. OJP’s programs support a wide array of activities and services, including adult and juvenile reentry initiatives and research projects designed to improve our knowledge of what works in reentry programming.
A number of funding opportunities are currently open, with several more opening in the near future.
Correctional Adult Reentry Education, Employment, and Recidivism Reduction Strategies Program
https://bja.ojp.gov/funding/opportunities/bja-2020-17104
Total Available $7.2 million Deadline 4/27/2020Improving Community Supervision Outcomes Through Swift, Certain, and Fair Responses
https://bja.ojp.gov/funding/opportunities/bja-2020-17096
Total Available $3 million Deadline 4/28/2020Improving Reentry for People with Substance Use Disorders Program
https://bja.ojp.gov/SCASUD20
Total Available $13.2 million Deadline 4/27/2020Innovations in Reentry Initiative: Building System Capacity & Testing Strategies to Reduce Recidivism
https://bja.ojp.gov/funding/opportunities/bja-2020-17281
Total Available $4 million Deadline 5/4/2020Research and Evaluation on Promising Reentry Initiatives
https://nij.ojp.gov/funding/opportunities/nij-2020-17295
Total Available $6 million Deadline 5/5/2020Review and Validation of the First Step Act Risk Assessment Tool
https://nij.ojp.gov/funding/opportunities/nij-2020-fsa
Total Available: Determined after selection Deadline 4/10/2020Second Chance Act Community-Based Reentry Program
https://bja.ojp.gov/funding/opportunities/bja-2020-17110
Total Available $13.5 million Deadline 5/4/2020Second Chance Act Evaluation Participation Support
https://bja.ojp.gov/funding/opportunities/bja-2020-17680
Total Available $4 million Deadline 4/28/2020Second Chance Act Youth Offender Reentry Program
https://ojjdp.ojp.gov/sites/g/files/xyckuh176/files/media/document/ojjdp-2020-17350.pdf
Total Available $7 million Deadline 4/28/2020For more information regarding all OJP funding opportunities, visit https://www.ojp.gov/funding/explore/current-funding-opportunities
U.S. Attorney Announces Nearly $60 Million in Grants Available to Support Prisoners' Successful Reentry into Their CommunitiesRead the Press Release
DENVER – U.S. Attorney Jason R. Dunn today announced that nearly $60 million in Department of Justice grants is available to help communities address public safety by supporting successful reentry of adult and juvenile offenders into their communities.
“My office has had a dedicated Assistant U.S. Attorney and an in-office task force addressing prisoner reentry,” said U.S. Attorney Jason Dunn. “These funds will help our partners address the issues inmates face when leaving prison and reentering society.”
“Our nation is facing difficult public safety challenges that demand strong and immediate action. The high rate of recidivism poses a dire threat to community safety and is being met with a robust response by this Administration,” said Katharine T. Sullivan, Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General for the Office of Justice Programs. “The Department of Justice is front and center in the fight to meet this persistent challenge. OJP is making historic amounts of grant funding available to ensure that our communities have access to innovative and diverse solutions.”
The funding is available through OJP, the federal government’s leading source of public safety funding and crime victim assistance in state, local and tribal jurisdictions. OJP’s programs support a wide array of activities and services, including adult and juvenile reentry initiatives and research projects designed to improve our knowledge of what works in reentry programming.
A number of funding opportunities are currently open, with several more opening in the near future.
Correctional Adult Reentry Education, Employment, and Recidivism Reduction Strategies Program
https://bja.ojp.gov/funding/opportunities/bja-2020-17104
Total Available $7.2 million Deadline 4/27/2020
Improving Community Supervision Outcomes Through Swift, Certain, and Fair Responses
https://bja.ojp.gov/funding/opportunities/bja-2020-17096
Total Available $3 million Deadline 4/28/2020
Improving Reentry for People with Substance Use Disorders Program
https://bja.ojp.gov/SCASUD20
Total Available $13.2 million Deadline 4/27/2020
Innovations in Reentry Initiative: Building System Capacity & Testing Strategies to Reduce Recidivism
https://bja.ojp.gov/funding/opportunities/bja-2020-17281
Total Available $4 million Deadline 5/4/2020
Research and Evaluation on Promising Reentry Initiatives https://nij.ojp.gov/funding/opportunities/nij-2020-17295
Total Available $6 million Deadline 5/5/2020
Review and Validation of the First Step Act Risk Assessment Tool https://nij.ojp.gov/funding/opportunities/nij-2020-fsa
Total Available: Determined after selection Deadline 4/10/2020
Second Chance Act Community-Based Reentry Program
https://bja.ojp.gov/funding/opportunities/bja-2020-17110
Total Available $13.5 million Deadline 5/4/2020
Second Chance Act Evaluation Participation Support
https://bja.ojp.gov/funding/opportunities/bja-2020-17680
Total Available $4 million Deadline 4/28/2020
Second Chance Act Youth Offender Reentry Program
https://ojjdp.ojp.gov/sites/g/files/xyckuh176/files/media/document/ojjdp-2020-17350.pdf
Total Available $7 million Deadline 4/28/2020
For more information regarding all OJP funding opportunities, visit https://www.ojp.gov/funding/explore/current-funding-opportunities
U.S. Attorney Announces More than $83 Million Available to Support School SafetyRead the Press Release
Portland, Maine: More than $83 million in Department of Justice grants is available to help communities improve school security and protect students, teachers and faculty from threats of violence, U.S. Attorney Halsey B. Frank announced today.
“School violence is no longer an abstract threat but has become a tragic reality in too many of America’s communities. Moving to meet this challenge is among the Administration’s top domestic priorities,” said Katharine T. Sullivan, Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General for the Office of Justice Programs. “The Department of Justice is front and center in the fight to meet this challenge. OJP is making historic amounts of grant funding available to ensure that our communities have access to innovative and diverse solutions.”
The funding is available through OJP, the federal government’s leading source of public safety funding and crime victim assistance in state, local and tribal jurisdictions. OJP’s programs support a wide array of activities and services, including programs designed to tighten school security and improve the reporting of threats.
A number of funding opportunities for school safety are currently open, with another opening in the near future:
Research and Evaluation on School Safety
https://nij.ojp.gov/funding/opportunities/nij-2020-17308
Total Available $5 million Deadline 4/13/2020
STOP Act School Violence Program (FY20)
https://nij.ojp.gov/funding/opportunities/nij-2020-17308
Total Available $71.4 million Deadline 4/13/2020
Strategies to Support Children Exposed to Violence
https://ojjdp.ojp.gov/funding/opportunities/ojjdp-2020-17926
Total Available $7 million Deadline 4/27/2020
For more information regarding all OJP funding opportunities, visit https://www.ojp.gov/funding/explore/current-funding-opportunities.
U.S. Attorney Announces More than $65 Million Available to Fight Human Trafficking and Help Trafficking VictimsRead the Press Release
Portland, Maine: More than $65 million in Department of Justice grants is available to help communities combat human trafficking and serve adults and children who are victimized in trafficking operations, U.S. Attorney Halsey B. Frank announced today.
“Our nation is facing difficult challenges, none more pressing than the scourge of human trafficking. Human traffickers pose a dire threat to public safety and countering this threat remains one of the Administration’s top domestic priorities,” said Katharine T. Sullivan, Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General for the Office of Justice Programs. “The Department of Justice is front and center in the fight against this insidious crime. OJP is making historic amounts of grant funding available to ensure that our communities have access to innovative and diverse solutions.”
The funding is available through OJP, the federal government’s leading source of public safety funding and crime victim assistance in state, local and tribal jurisdictions. OJP’s programs support a wide array of activities and services, including programs that support human trafficking task forces and services for human trafficking survivors.
A number of funding opportunities are currently open, with several more opening in the near future.
Missing and Exploited Children Training and Technical Assistance Program
https://ojjdp.ojp.gov/funding/opportunities/ojjdp-2020-17351
Total Available $1.8 million Deadline 4/6/2020 (Extended)
Multidisciplinary Task Force Program to Combat Human Trafficking
Total Available $22 million Opens week of 3/16/2020
Preventing Trafficking of Girls
Total Available $1.7 million Opens week of 3/16/2020
Research and Evaluation on Trafficking in Persons https://nij.ojp.gov/funding/opportunities/nij-2020-17324
Total Available $2.5 million Deadline 4/20/2020
Services for Victims of Human Trafficking
Total Available $16.5 million Opens week of 3/16/2020
Specialized Training and Technical Assistance on Housing for Victims of Human Trafficking
Total Available $2 million Opens week of 3/16/2020
Human Trafficking Training and Technical Assistance Program
Total Available $5 million Opens week of 3/16/2020
Improving Outcomes for Child and Youth Victims of Human Trafficking
Total Available $6 million Opens week of 3/16/2020
Integrated Services for Minor Victims of Labor Trafficking
Total Available $8 million Opens week of 3/16/2020
For more information regarding all OJP funding opportunities, visit https://www.ojp.gov/funding/explore/current-funding-opportunities
U.S. Attorney Announces More than $163 Million Available to Fight Addiction CrisisRead the Press Release
Portland, Maine: More than $163 million in Department of Justice grants is available to help communities address America’s addiction crisis, U.S. Attorney Halsey B. Frank announced today.
“Our nation is facing the difficult challenge of curbing substance addiction, which threatens public safety and is among the Administration’s top domestic priorities,” said Katharine T. Sullivan, Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General for the Office of Justice Programs. “The Department of Justice is front and center in the fight to meet this challenge. OJP is making historic amounts of grant funding available to ensure that our communities have access to innovative and diverse solutions.”
The funding is available through OJP, the federal government’s leading source of public safety funding and crime victim assistance in state, local and tribal jurisdictions. OJP’s programs support a wide array of activities and services, including programs designed to prevent overdose deaths and break the cycle of addiction and crime.
A number of funding opportunities that address the addiction crisis are currently open:
Adult Drug Court and Veterans Treatment Court Discretionary Grant Program
https://bja.ojp.gov/funding/opportunities/bja-2020-17098
Total Available $1.75 million Deadline 5/14/2020
Comprehensive Opioid, Stimulant, and Substance Abuse Site-based Program
https://bja.ojp.gov/COSSAP20
Total Available $27 million Deadline 5/21/2020
Enhancing Community Responses to America's Addiction Crisis: Serving Our Youngest Crime Victims
https://www.ovc.gov/grants/pdftxt/fy-2020-enhancing-community-responses-to-drug-crisis.pdf
Total Available: $19 million Deadline: 5/4/2020
Family Drug Court Program
https://ojjdp.ojp.gov/funding/opportunities/ojjdp-2020-17090
Total Available $18.2 million Deadline 4/8/2020 (Extended)
Harold Rogers Prescription Drug Monitoring Program
https://bja.ojp.gov/funding/opportunities/bja-2020-17754
Total Available $28.1 Deadline 5/5/2020
Juvenile Drug Treatment Court Program
https://ojjdp.ojp.gov/funding/opportunities/ojjdp-2020-17051
Total Available $7.2 million Deadline 4/13/2020 (Extended)
Mentoring Opportunities for Youth Initiative
https://ojjdp.ojp.gov/funding/opportunities/ojjdp-2020-16930
Total Available $48 million Deadline 4/13/2020
Opioid Affected Youth Initiative
https://ojjdp.ojp.gov/funding/opportunities/ojjdp-2020-17352
Total Available $9 million Deadline 4/20/2020
Research and Evaluation on Drugs and Crime
https://nij.ojp.gov/funding/opportunities/nij-2020-17275
Total Available $1 million Deadline 4/20/2020
Residential Substance Abuse Treatment for State Prisoners
https://bja.ojp.gov/RSAT20
Total Available $4.5 million Deadline 4/6/2020
For more information regarding all OJP funding opportunities, visit https://www.ojp.gov/funding/explore/current-funding-opportunities
U.S. Attorney Announces More Than $83 Million Available to Support School SafetyRead the Press Release
MEMPHIS – U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant of the Western District of Tennessee today announced that more than $83 million in Department of Justice grants is available to help communities improve school security and protect students, teachers and faculty from threats of violence.
"School violence is no longer an abstract threat but has become a tragic reality in too many of America’s communities. Moving to meet this challenge is among the Administration’s top domestic priorities," said Katharine T. Sullivan, Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General for the Office of Justice Programs. "The Department of Justice is front and center in the fight to meet this challenge. OJP is making historic amounts of grant funding available to ensure that our communities have access to innovative and diverse solutions."
The funding is available through OJP, the federal government’s leading source of public safety funding and crime victim assistance in state, local and tribal jurisdictions. OJP’s programs support a wide array of activities and services, including programs designed to tighten school security and improve the reporting of threats.
U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant said: "Promoting school safety and preventing targeted violence against our school faculty, administrators and students is a top priority, and demands urgent actions to strengthen school security and provide accurate assessment, identification, and quick response to potential threats. These grant resources from the Office of Justice Programs will allow our state and local partners to focus on the emerging area of school safety in a comprehensive way."
A number of funding opportunities for school safety are currently open, with another opening in the near future:
Research and Evaluation on School Safety
https://nij.ojp.gov/funding/opportunities/nij-2020-17308
Total Available $5 million Deadline 4/13/2020STOP Act School Violence Program (FY20)
https://nij.ojp.gov/funding/opportunities/nij-2020-17308
Total Available $71.4 million Deadline 4/13/2020Strategies to Support Children Exposed to Violence
https://ojjdp.ojp.gov/funding/opportunities/ojjdp-2020-17926
Total Available $7 million Deadline 4/27/2020For more information regarding all OJP funding opportunities, visit https://www.ojp.gov/funding/explore/current-funding-opportunities.
###
U.S. Attorney Announces More Than $65 Million Available to Fight Human Trafficking and Help Trafficking VictimsRead the Press Release
MEMPHIS – U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant of the Western District of Tennessee today announced that more than $65 million in Department of Justice grants is available to help communities combat human trafficking and serve adults and children who are victimized in trafficking operations.
"Our nation is facing difficult challenges, none more pressing than the scourge of human trafficking. Human traffickers pose a dire threat to public safety and countering this threat remains one of the Administration’s top domestic priorities," said Katharine T. Sullivan, Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General for the Office of Justice Programs. "The Department of Justice is front and center in the fight against this insidious crime. OJP is making historic amounts of grant funding available to ensure that our communities have access to innovative and diverse solutions."
The funding is available through OJP, the federal government’s leading source of public safety funding and crime victim assistance in state, local and tribal jurisdictions. OJP’s programs support a wide array of activities and services, including programs that support human trafficking task forces and services for human trafficking survivors.
U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant said: "Human trafficking of minors and adults for commercial sex purposes is an unconscionable crime that preys on the most vulnerable in our society. The Department of Justice is committed to providing meaningful resources to our state and local law enforcement partners to strategically combat human trafficking by finding and rescuing victims, and imposing severe consequences on offenders. We appreciate the commitment of Attorney General Barr and the Office of Justice Programs in providing enhanced financial support to help us better address some of the most pressing issues impacting public safety in communities across West Tennessee."
A number of funding opportunities are currently open, with several more opening in the near future.
Missing and Exploited Children Training and Technical Assistance Program
https://ojjdp.ojp.gov/funding/opportunities/ojjdp-2020-17351
Total Available $1.8 million Deadline 4/6/2020 (Extended)Multidisciplinary Task Force Program to Combat Human Trafficking
Total Available $22 million Opens week of 3/16/2020Preventing Trafficking of Girls
Total Available $1.7 million Opens week of 3/16/2020Research and Evaluation on Trafficking in Persons
https://nij.ojp.gov/funding/opportunities/nij-2020-17324
Total Available $2.5 million Deadline 4/20/2020Services for Victims of Human Trafficking
Total Available $16.5 million Opens week of 3/16/2020Specialized Training and Technical Assistance on Housing for Victims of Human Trafficking
Total Available $2 million Opens week of 3/16/2020Human Trafficking Training and Technical Assistance Program
Total Available $5 million Opens week of 3/16/2020Improving Outcomes for Child and Youth Victims of Human Trafficking
Total Available $6 million Opens week of 3/16/2020Integrated Services for Minor Victims of Labor Trafficking
Total Available $8 million Opens week of 3/16/2020For more information regarding all OJP funding opportunities, visit https://www.ojp.gov/funding/explore/current-funding-opportunities
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U.S. Attorney Announces More Than $163 Million Available to Fight Addiction CrisisRead the Press Release
Memphis – U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant of the Western District of Tennessee today announced that more than $163 million in Department of Justice grants is available to help communities address America’s addiction crisis.
"Our nation is facing the difficult challenge of curbing substance addiction, which threatens public safety and is among the Administration’s top domestic priorities," said Katharine T. Sullivan, Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General for the Office of Justice Programs. "The Department of Justice is front and center in the fight to meet this challenge. OJP is making historic amounts of grant funding available to ensure that our communities have access to innovative and diverse solutions."
The funding is available through OJP, the federal government’s leading source of public safety funding and crime victim assistance in state, local and tribal jurisdictions. OJP’s programs support a wide array of activities and services, including programs designed to prevent overdose deaths and break the cycle of addiction and crime.
U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant said: "Addiction causes a tremendous amount of pain and suffering, not just for those addicted to drugs, but also for their families, friends, and communities. Addressing the opioid crisis in our communities requires a comprehensive approach which includes prevention, education, treatment, and enforcement. Thanks to these OJP grant opportunities, crucial resources will be provided to identify and stop sources of supply, punish and deter drug dealers, prevent new users, refer addicts to evidence-based treatment options, deploy Narcan to hotspots, reduce overdose deaths, and save lives."
A number of funding opportunities that address the addiction crisis are currently open:
Adult Drug Court and Veterans Treatment Court Discretionary Grant Program
https://bja.ojp.gov/funding/opportunities/bja-2020-17098
Total Available $1.75 million Deadline 5/14/2020Comprehensive Opioid, Stimulant, and Substance Abuse Site-based Program
https://bja.ojp.gov/COSSAP20
Total Available $27 million Deadline 5/21/2020Enhancing Community Responses to America's Addiction Crisis: Serving Our Youngest Crime Victims
https://www.ovc.gov/grants/pdftxt/fy-2020-enhancing-community-responses-to-drug-crisis.pdf
Total Available: $19 million Deadline: 5/4/2020Family Drug Court Program
https://ojjdp.ojp.gov/funding/opportunities/ojjdp-2020-17090
Total Available $18.2 million Deadline 4/8/2020 (Extended)Harold Rogers Prescription Drug Monitoring Program
https://bja.ojp.gov/funding/opportunities/bja-2020-17754
Total Available $28.1 Deadline 5/5/2020Juvenile Drug Treatment Court Program
https://ojjdp.ojp.gov/funding/opportunities/ojjdp-2020-17051
Total Available $7.2 million Deadline 4/13/2020 (Extended)Mentoring Opportunities for Youth Initiative
https://ojjdp.ojp.gov/funding/opportunities/ojjdp-2020-16930
Total Available $48 million Deadline 4/13/2020Opioid Affected Youth Initiative
https://ojjdp.ojp.gov/funding/opportunities/ojjdp-2020-17352
Total Available $9 million Deadline 4/20/2020Research and Evaluation on Drugs and Crime
https://nij.ojp.gov/funding/opportunities/nij-2020-17275
Total Available $1 million Deadline 4/20/2020Residential Substance Abuse Treatment for State Prisoners
https://bja.ojp.gov/RSAT20
Total Available $4.5 million Deadline 4/6/2020For more information regarding all OJP funding opportunities, visit https://www.ojp.gov/funding/explore/current-funding-opportunities
U.S. Attorney Announces More Than $163 Million Available to Fight Addiction CrisisRead the Press Release
DENVER – U.S. Attorney Jason R. Dunn today announced that more than $163 million in Department of Justice grants is available to help communities address America’s addiction crisis.
“The opioid and addiction crisis a top priority for me and my office,” said U.S. Attorney Jason Dunn. “We are throwing everything we have at stopping these drugs from getting into the hands of those who illegally prescribe and dispense them and those who chose to use them without a valid prescription. These funds in particular will help our partners continue and expand their hard work on this important effort.”
“Our nation is facing the difficult challenge of curbing substance addiction, which threatens public safety and is among the Administration’s top domestic priorities,” said Katharine T. Sullivan, Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General for the Office of Justice Programs. “The Department of Justice is front and center in the fight to meet this challenge. OJP is making historic amounts of grant funding available to ensure that our communities have access to innovative and diverse solutions.”
The funding is available through OJP, the federal government’s leading source of public safety funding and crime victim assistance in state, local and tribal jurisdictions. OJP’s programs support a wide array of activities and services, including programs designed to prevent overdose deaths and break the cycle of addiction and crime.
A number of funding opportunities that address the addiction crisis are currently open:
Adult Drug Court and Veterans Treatment Court Discretionary Grant Program
https://bja.ojp.gov/funding/opportunities/bja-2020-17098
Total Available $1.75 million Deadline 5/14/2020
Comprehensive Opioid, Stimulant, and Substance Abuse Site-based Program
https://bja.ojp.gov/COSSAP20
Total Available $27 million Deadline 5/21/2020
Enhancing Community Responses to America's Addiction Crisis: Serving Our Youngest Crime Victims
https://www.ovc.gov/grants/pdftxt/fy-2020-enhancing-community-responses-to-drug-crisis.pdf
Total Available: $19 million Deadline: 5/4/2020
Family Drug Court Program
https://ojjdp.ojp.gov/funding/opportunities/ojjdp-2020-17090
Total Available $18.2 million Deadline 4/8/2020
Harold Rogers Prescription Drug Monitoring Program
https://bja.ojp.gov/funding/opportunities/bja-2020-17754
Total Available $28.1 Deadline 5/5/2020
Juvenile Drug Treatment Court Program
https://ojjdp.ojp.gov/funding/opportunities/ojjdp-2020-17051
Total Available $7.2 million Deadline 4/13/2020
Mentoring Opportunities for Youth Initiative
https://ojjdp.ojp.gov/funding/opportunities/ojjdp-2020-16930
Total Available $48 million Deadline 4/13/2020
Opioid Affected Youth Initiative
https://ojjdp.ojp.gov/funding/opportunities/ojjdp-2020-17352
Total Available $9 million Deadline 4/20/2020
Research and Evaluation on Drugs and Crime https://nij.ojp.gov/funding/opportunities/nij-2020-17275
Total Available $1 million Deadline 4/20/2020
Residential Substance Abuse Treatment for State Prisoners
https://bja.ojp.gov/RSAT20
Total Available $4.5 million Deadline 4/6/2020
For more information regarding all OJP funding opportunities, visit https://www.ojp.gov/funding/explore/current-funding-opportunities
U.S. Attorney Andrew Murray Issues Warning for COVID-19 ScamsRead the Press Release
CHARLOTTE, NC – Today, U.S. Attorney Andrew Murray and the FBI issued a warning, urging the public to remain vigilant against COVID-19 scams.
“I encourage everyone to be on heightened alert about potential scams related to COVID-19,” said U.S. Attorney Murray. “At the request of the United States Attorney General, I have directed federal prosecutors in my office to prioritize the detection, investigation and prosecution of criminal conduct related to COVID-19. We will not allow scammers to profit from this outbreak.”
Possible types of COVID-19 scams are:
- Individuals or businesses selling fake cures for COVID-19.
- Online offers for vaccinations and test kits.
- Phishing emails or texts from entities posing as the World Health Organization (WHO) or the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
- Malware inserted in mobile apps designed to track the spread of COVID-19 that can steal information stored on devices.
- Malicious COVID-19 websites and apps that can gain and lock access to devices until a ransom payment is made.
- Solicitations for donations to fake charities or crowdfunding sites.
Here are some tips to help avoid COVID-19 scams:
- Do not purchase items that purport to cure COVID-19. Currently there are no vaccines, pills, drinks, lotions or any other product available on the market that can treat or cure COVID-19.
- Do not purchase COVID-19 test kits on line.
- Do not click on links or reply to texts from unknown sources as these may download malware and viruses to computers or devices.
- Be particularly aware of emails claiming to be from the CDC or WHO, claiming to have vital information about the virus. Instead, go directly to websites for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (www.cdc.gov) and the World Health Organization (www.who.int).
- When it comes to donations, do not let a scammer rush you into making a donation. Instead, take the time to do extensive research online.
- Do not make a donation in cash, via gift card, or a wire transfer, and do not provide your banking information or debit card numbers.
Education is the best way to avoid being defrauded by scammers. To learn more about COVID-19 scams and for help with recognizing and avoiding fraud schemes please visit the Federal Trade Commission website. Report suspected fraud to the FBI at www.ic3.gov.
U.S. Attorney Andrew E. Lelling Issues Stern Warning Regarding Scams and Other Crimes Related to the Covid-19 OutbreakRead the Press Release
“As our communities take extraordinary measures to confront the coronavirus outbreak, some may view this as an opportunity to prey on the public’s fears and anxieties. The Department of Justice is now focused on cybercrime, sale of counterfeit goods, treatment scams and other healthcare and investment scams arising from the pandemic. My office will aggressively prosecute anyone engaged in this kind of activity,” said U.S. Attorney Lelling.
“With the outbreak of COVID-19, scammers have found a platform that preys on people’s fears and could make them more likely to be victimized,” said Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Boston Division. “We want you to avoid falling prey to these scams and help us stop them by reporting it at ic3.gov.”
Massachusetts residents who believe they are victims of fraud or other criminal activity related to the pandemic should contact the United States Attorney’s Office at [email protected] or call 1-888-221-6023 and leave a message. Members of the public can also contact the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) by visiting www.IC3.gov. If you or someone you know are in immediate danger, please call 911.
Takedown Results in Six Arrested on Drug Trafficking ChargesRead the Press Release
RICHMOND, Va. – Over 80 federal, state, and local law enforcement officers and agents executed a coordinated takedown today in several Richmond neighborhoods resulting in six arrests of individuals on drug trafficking charges and the recovery of multiple firearms, ammunition, magazines, and illegal drugs.
“This operation was strategically centered on some of the hardest hit areas in Richmond,” said G. Zachary Terwilliger, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia. “This federal, state, and local violent crime suppression operation focused on alleged violent offenders, gang members, drug traffickers, and illegal firearm possessors who are allegedly responsible for an outsized contribution to violence in Richmond communities. Lest there be any doubt, crime doesn’t self-quarantine and our brave law enforcement partners will not allow the rule of law to disintegrate amidst this pandemic.”
The operation was primarily executed in the Mosby Court, Creighton Court, and Whitcomb Court communities. Additionally, law enforcement officers conducted four search warrants at various locations within Richmond that resulted in the seizure of four firearms, magazines and ammunition, $1500 in cash, and illicit narcotics including heroin, crack, and marijuana.
Defendants Estee Washington, Straughter, Rowe, Mitchell Washington, Lance, and Williams were all arrested this morning and made their initial appearances this afternoon in federal court in Richmond. Defendants Ross and Harris were already in custody.
Below is a table listing the defendants, age, hometown, and respective charges.
Name, Age
Hometown
Charge(s)
Estee Washington, 29
Richmond
Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute a controlled substance
Japorium Straughter, 28
Richmond
Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute a controlled substance
Kamal Ross, 27
Richmond
Distribution of Cocaine
Chanrelle Harris, 29
Richmond
Distribution of Fentanyl
Clarence Rowe, 48
Richmond
Distribution of Fentanyl and Cocaine
Mitchell Washington, 45
Richmond
Distribution of Heroin and Fentanyl
Tirelle Lance, 32
Richmond
Distribution of Cocaine
Tavarus Jermaine Williams, 40
Richmond
Distribution of Heroin and Fentanyl
G. Zachary Terwilliger, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia; Ashan M. Benedict, Special Agent in Charge of the ATF’s Washington Field Division; Colonel Gary T. Settle, Virginia State Police Superintendent; William C. Smith, Chief of Richmond Police; Jesse R. Fong, Special Agent in Charge for the Drug Enforcement Administration’s (DEA) Washington Field Division; Nick Proffitt, U.S. Marshal for the Eastern District of Virginia; David W. Archey, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Richmond Field Office; Raymond Villanueva, Special Agent in Charge of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Washington, D.C.; and Mark Herring, Virginia Attorney General, made the announcement. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Erik S. Siebert, Heather Hart Mansfield, Kenneth R. Simon, Jr., Stephen E. Anthony, and Janet Jin Ah Lee are prosecuting the cases.
The Richmond Redevelopment and Housing Authority provided significant assistance to law enforcement during this operation.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. Related court documents and information are located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case Nos. 3:20-mj-44; 45; 46; 47; 48; 50.
A criminal complaint is merely an accusation. The defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty.
Statement of U.S. Attorney William M. McSwain in Response to District Attorney Larry Krasner’s Excuses about the Murder of Sergeant James O’ConnorRead the Press Release
On March 16, 2020, I issued a statement detailing the reasons why the pro-violent defendant policies of Philadelphia District Attorney Larry Krasner led directly to the murder of Philadelphia Police Officer James O’Connor. More specifically, I explained how it was inexcusable: (a) that Krasner made no attempt to detain Elliott after he directly violated his parole by being arrested for cocaine possession, and (b) that Krasner voluntarily withdrew the cocaine case against Elliott, a known gang-banger wanted for murder.
We now have some additional facts:
- Officer O’Connor has been posthumously promoted from Corporal to Sergeant, and his handcuffs were used to formally arrest Elliott. I hope this brings his family some comfort.
- Elliott himself is alleged to have fired the bullets that killed Sergeant O’Connor when he was attempting to serve a warrant for a murder that Elliott had allegedly committed previously. Elliott allegedly lay in ambush behind a closed door and fired over a dozen bullets from an assault rifle as Sergeant O’Connor prepared to enter the residence.
- Three other dangerous felons were with Elliott in the room that he was shooting from, where a staggering 10 firearms were recovered following Sergeant O’Connor’s murder.
- In a March 17 press release full of omissions, inaccuracies and outright lies, Krasner has made plain that his pro-violent defendant policies are responsible for Sergeant O’Connor’s murder.
The most notable aspect of Krasner’s press release is that he makes no attempt to address the fact that his office ignored Elliott’s many serious parole violations, which allowed him to stay on the street and resulted in Sergeant O’Connor’s murder. In particular, as I explained in my March 16 statement, Elliott’s arrest for cocaine possession in January 2019 was a direct violation of his parole on a firearms conviction from 2018 and therefore should have landed him back in prison.
Despite many opportunities and avenues to detain Elliott after his cocaine arrest, the District Attorney’s Office did nothing. It did not ask for a detainer and it did not ask for high bail – in fact, it did not ask for any bail at all, as Elliott was released on his own recognizance. Krasner allowed this known gang-banger – who had been identified by the Philadelphia Police Department as an Operation Pinpoint target offender, making him one of the worst violent offenders in the City – to walk freely on the streets. And why? Because for Krasner, the name of the game is decarceration: he wants violent offenders out of prison, not in it.
To make matters worse, as I explained in my March 16 statement, Krasner voluntarily withdrew the cocaine case against Elliott – further rewarding him for his criminal behavior and ensuring that he would remain on the streets. My statement already anticipated and debunked all the lies that Krasner was likely to serve up regarding the withdrawal. He went ahead and made them, anyway, living up to my low expectations.
Here are the details:
- First, Krasner asserts that the cocaine case was “fatally flawed because the police actions . . . violate the Fourth Amendment and will result in the suppression of the evidence.” But he provides no explanation of how this case supposedly involved an illegal search or seizure. He just says that the Fourth Amendment is violated and expects everyone unthinkingly to nod their heads in agreement. The reality is that this was an open and shut case: Elliott disobeyed lawful commands from the officers, led them on a dangerous foot pursuit, reeked of marijuana and was caught red-handed with multiple packets of cocaine in his pockets.
- Second, Krasner claims that a potential problem with the credibility of one of the officers involved in the drug case warranted the withdrawal. As I already explained in my previous statement, this potential problem was irrelevant because the primary officer who recovered the cocaine in Elliott’s pockets had no credibility problems and easily could have testified to all aspects of the case. The other officer was not needed at trial. Krasner has no answer for this. Instead, he prefers to seize upon an irrelevant issue as an excuse to keep a murderous gang-banger on the street.
- Third, Krasner is flat-out lying about his supposed reason for the withdrawal. As I explained in my previous statement, the possible credibility problem with the one officer had nothing to do with the District Attorney’s Office’s withdrawal of the drug case. That is why the transcript of the court hearing from March 27, 2019 – when the case was withdrawn – says nothing about it, nor does the court docket sheet. As if any additional proof than that were needed, I have confirmed that the District Attorney’s Office is still sending court notices to this particular officer for active cases for next week and even into May. In other words, the office has been continually working with this officer since the time of the withdrawal and sees no problem with using him in court. You can’t have it both ways. You can’t say you withdrew a drug case against a murderous gang-banger because you can’t work with a particular officer and then continue to send that officer numerous court notices for the next 12 months. Krasner is lying, pure and simple. His office withdrew the cocaine case against Elliott and let him roam the streets because Krasner doesn’t care about drug possession cases – regardless of what dangerous drugs or violent offenders are involved. He considers them an impediment to his radical, decarceration agenda. And now Sergeant O’Connor is dead because of it.
Krasner’s March 17 press release concludes with a final insult: he claims to join the City in “mourning” the loss of Sergeant O’Connor. It would be hard to imagine emptier words.
Krasner’s radical ideology has brought this City nothing but increased crime, violence, shootings, murder, misery and disrespect for law enforcement. And it is only going to get worse, unless the decent people of the City decide that they have had enough. Let us honor Sergeant O’Connor’s memory by rejecting the ideology that took him from his family and from us. That is the only way to prevent the next tragedy that no family deserves to suffer.
- Officer O’Connor has been posthumously promoted from Corporal to Sergeant, and his handcuffs were used to formally arrest Elliott. I hope this brings his family some comfort.
Statement from U.S. Attorney Brandon J. Fremin Regarding Operations as a Result of COVID-19 and a Warning Against Fraud and Scams Related to CoronavirusRead the Press Release
In response to the rapidly evolving situation involving the Coronavirus disease of 2019 (COVID-19), the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Louisiana remains operational, while working to mitigate risks to staff and the general public.
U.S. Attorney Fremin stated, “Our office is closely monitoring the situation surrounding the Coronavirus and, in the interest of the health and safety of our staff, has modified operations to abide by the guidance of the President, the Department of Justice, the Centers for Disease Control, and recent District Court orders. My commitment to the Middle District is to remain vigilant to the public safety needs of our citizens, while balancing the health and safety concerns we all share. Prosecutors and staff are prepared to react to any situation that requires immediate federal law enforcement attention and remain committed to fulfilling our obligations to the American people. I am in regular contact with our local, state and federal law enforcement partners, as well as the U.S. Courts, as we all adjust our operations to this unprecedented crisis.”
“Sadly, during times like these, scam artists tend to take advantage of vulnerable populations,” said Fremin. “The public should be aware that there are already reports of individuals and businesses selling fake cures for COVID-19 online, reports of phishing emails from those posing as the World Health Organization and the CDC, and other COVID-19 related scams. The Department of Justice and my office have made it a top priority to detect, investigate, and prosecute criminal conduct related to the current pandemic and will continue our mission to bring justice to those who violate federal criminal law.”
Statement from U.S. Attorney Thomas L. Kirsch IIRead the Press Release
HAMMOND- “We are in the midst of a national emergency. The good citizens of Indiana are concerned. They are concerned about their health, their families and friends, their children’s schools, their jobs, and the economy, among other things. One thing that should not be a concern for our citizens is being a victim of crime, by either fraud or by force. Unfortunately, criminals will attempt to take advantage of this situation in multiple ways. New scams will emerge, particularly those that target the elderly, the sick, and the economically disadvantaged. Ongoing scams will continue, as will violent and property crime.
“During this time, my office will remain open and vigilant. Our mission has not changed. The good women and men of the U.S. Attorney’s Office will continue to serve the community in a steady, professional manner.
“Criminals, including fraudsters, will not find a safe harbor. My office will work closely with our state and local counterparts and with federal, state, and local law enforcement to aggressively pursue and punish criminal wrong doers, especially those who prey upon the most vulnerable during this time. If you considering ways in which to criminally take advantage of our vulnerabilities, I strongly urge you to consider the severe consequences you will face when you are caught.
“To quickly respond to emerging fraud schemes, I have appointed Assistant United States Attorney Gary Bell, who heads the office’s Criminal Division, to coordinate the investigation and prosecution of COVID-19 schemes.
“I strongly encourage anyone with information about fraud schemes to call the Indiana FBI at 317 595-4000 or Assistant United States Attorney Gary Bell of my office at 219 937-5656.”
Sixty-Year-Old Zephyrhills Man Charged with Attempted Online Enticement of A Minor to Engage in Sexual ActivityRead the Press Release
Jacksonville, Florida – United States Attorney Maria Chapa Lopez announces the arrest and charging by criminal complaint of Lavern Lee Renninger (60, Zephyrhills) with attempted online enticement of a minor to engage in illegal sexual activity. If convicted, Renninger faces a mandatory minimum penalty of 10 years, and up to life, in federal prison and a potential life term of supervised release.
According to the
complaint , from March 3 through March 18, 2020, Renninger engaged in chats, through an online classified advertising site and through text messaging, with an individual he believed to be the mother of two minor female children. On multiple occasions during those conversations, Renninger indicated to the “mother,” actually an undercover St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office detective, his desire to engage in sexual activity with those minor children.This case was investigated by the St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office and Homeland Security Investigations. It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Ashley Washington.
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 United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
Project Safe Neighborhoods -- Two Felons Appear in Federal Court for Gun CrimesRead the Press Release
HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – Two felons appeared before United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers this week for gun crimes, announced United States Attorney Mike Stuart.
Terry James Cox, age 35, of Huntington, was sentenced to 27 months in prison for being a felon in possession of a firearm. Cox previously pled guilty and admitted that on August 9, 2019, he possessed a Kel-Tec .380 pistol. Cox also admitted that he had been convicted of unlawful wounding and attempt to commit a felony in 2005 and 2010, respectively, and, as a result, was prohibited from carrying a firearm. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), along with the Huntington Drug Task Force and the Huntington Police Department, conducted the investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Greg McVey handled the prosecution.
In a separate case, Anthony Smith, 44, of Wayne, pled guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm. On April 8, 2019, Troopers with the West Virginia State Police searched Smith’s vehicle in the parking lot of the Speedway gas station on 5th Street Road in Huntington. Troopers located a loaded sawed off shotgun in the vehicle. Smith admitted the gun was his. Smith was prohibited from possessing a firearm under federal law because of a 2005 conviction for the felony offense of Aggravated Assault with a deadly weapon in Davidson County, Tennessee. Smith faces up to 10 years in prison when he is sentenced on June 15, 2020. The West Virginia State Police conducted the investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Stephanie S. Taylor is handling the prosecution.
These cases are 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. Attorney General Jeff Sessions 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.
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Philadelphia Man Arrested for Crimes Related to Cambridge HomicideRead the Press Release
The Office of the United States Attorney for the District of Vermont announced today that Taylor Ruffin Herrington, a.k.a. “Tee,” 34, of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, was arrested today in Philadelphia by the FBI on an outstanding arrest warrant issued last week in the District of Vermont. Herrington made his initial appearance today in the U.S. District Court in Philadelphia before U.S. Magistrate Judge David Strawbridge. He was detained pending his transfer to Vermont.
According to court documents, on March 3, 2020, at or about 2:50 a.m., Michael Haines and Amy Pudvah contacted the Vermont State Police, reporting that an individual known by the nickname “Tee” was attempting to enter their residence in Cambridge, Vermont. According to the callers, Tee was with a person named “Sam Simms,” in Simms’ truck. Tee left in the truck but then returned to the residence a short time later and asked Haines for his (Tee’s) duffle bag. Haines threw the bag over the back deck. A short time later, while Haines was on the phone with a Vermont State Police trooper, Haines told the trooper he had been shot. Pudvah was in the residence with Haines and, after Haines was shot, she ran upstairs to her two juvenile children who were also in the residence. Tee was later identified as Taylor Ruffin Herrington.
Investigation in the case further revealed that Pudvah had picked up Herrington in Burlington on March 2 at Haines’s request. Herrington got in the car and put a duffle bag in the trunk. Pudvah brought Herrington back to the Cambridge residence where Haines and Herrington hung out together. Haines and Herrington eventually left Cambridge and went back to Burlington. Haines then suddenly left Burlington, without Herrington, and returned home. Around this same time, Haines went to a friend’s house, again without Herrington, and showed the friend a large amount of heroin in a ziplock baggie. After Haines was killed, investigators searched Haines’s residence and found a large amount of heroin in a ziplock bag hidden inside the residence.
On March 12, 2020, the grand jury sitting in Burlington returned an indictment charging Herrington with carrying and using a firearm during and in relation to a drug trafficking crime, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 924(c)(1)(A), and conspiracy to distribute heroin, in violation of 21 U.S.C. §§ 841(a)(1), 846. If convicted of the firearm charge, Herrington faces a maximum sentence of life imprisonment and up to a $250,000 fine. For the drug charge, Herrington faces a maximum sentence of 20 years and up to a $500,000 fine. The actual sentence, however, would be determined by the Court with guidance from the advisory Federal Sentencing Guidelines. The United States Attorney emphasizes that the charges in the indictment are merely accusations, and that the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until he is proven guilty.
United States Attorney Christina Nolan commended the collaborative investigation of federal, state, and local law enforcement. She specifically thanked the Vermont State Police, the FBI in Vermont and Philadelphia, and the Lamoille County State’s Attorney’s Office. She stated: “Thanks to the tremendous teamwork of Vermont and Philadelphia law enforcement, this crime was efficiently investigated and the suspect swiftly identified and apprehended. We will be unflagging in our efforts to protect Vermonters, fight for the rights of victims, and promote public safety. We will continue to prioritize prevention and punishment of violent crime, and those who engage in crimes like this will find themselves facing severe penalties.”
“When crimes occur, the Vermont State Police works diligently to identify offenders, apprehend them and bring them to court to answer charges,” said Maj. Dan Trudeau, commander of the Criminal Division for the state police.
“We’re grateful to have federal partners including the FBI and the U.S. Attorney’s Office that are equally dedicated to pursuing justice. That’s what we owe to victims, their families and the public,” Trudeau added. “In this case, the arrest of a suspect in Philadelphia just over two weeks after a homicide in Cambridge, Vermont, is due in no small part to the tireless work and seamless collaboration between the Vermont State Police, the Vermont Drug Task Force, the Lamoille County State’s Attorney’s Office, the FBI and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Vermont. We’re incredibly thankful for the joint effort that led to this arrest.”
This case was investigated by the Vermont State Police and the FBI, both in Vermont and Philadelphia, PA. This case is part of the Department of Justice’s Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) Program. PSN is the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
The year 2020 marks the 150th anniversary of the Department of Justice. Learn more about the history of our agency at www.Justice.gov/Celebrating150Years.
The United States is represented in this matter by Assistant U.S. Attorney Wendy Fuller. Taylor Ruffin Herrington is represented by Assistant Federal Public Defender Steven Barth.
Palmer Man Arrested and Charged for Production of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
Anchorage, Alaska – U.S. Attorney Bryan Schroder announced today that Oliver Stewart Reing, 21, of Palmer, has been charged with five counts of production and attempted production of child pornography; and two counts of coercion and enticement and attempted coercion and enticement of a minor. Reing was arrested on March 17, 2020, and was arraigned on the charges yesterday in federal court.
According to the indictment, in June, July, and December 2018, in Alaska, Reing allegedly coerced five minors, including one 14-year-old female in Michigan, to engage in sexually explicit conduct for the purpose of producing visual depictions of such conduct.
If the public has any further information regarding Reing’s activities,
please contact the Alaska State Troopers at (907) 375-7723
If convicted, Reing faces a mandatory minimum of 10 years to life in federal prison. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed will be based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
The Alaska State Troopers (AST) conducted the investigation leading to the charges in this case. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Kyle Reardon.
The investigation is also 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 U.S. Attorneys’ Offices, Project Safe Childhood combines federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
The charges in the indictment are merely allegations, and the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.