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Wednesday 18 March 2020
Statement of U.S. Attorney William M. McSwain on U.S. Attorney’s Office Operations during Coronavirus Outbreak and on Coronavirus-Related ScamsRead the Press Release
PHILADELPHIA – As our government responds to the ramifications of the coronavirus and more restrictions are put in place, the virus’ impact on our lives continues to evolve. I want to update the public on the measures that my Office is taking to ensure that we continue to fulfill our mission to protect the citizens of the Eastern District of Pennsylvania.
During this rapidly evolving situation, one thing remains certain: the prosecutors and staff in my Office are on duty and stand ready to ensure that our essential law enforcement functions operate effectively. We will work together with our law enforcement partners to punish and deter illegal activity, and we will do so in a manner that promotes everyone’s health and safety. This is not “anything goes” time for criminals.
To that end, we have taken a proactive approach with our justice system partners to provide a coordinated response. Together with the Federal Community Defenders’ Office and the Chief Judge in our District, we are working together to identify the best strategies for making sure that we perform our mission critical functions while taking every precaution to protect those who make our justice system work. We also remain in constant contact with our local, state, and federal law enforcement partners and will continue to investigate and prosecute criminals who violate federal law.
Our doors do not close – especially in times of crisis. We will remain vigilant in detecting, investigating, and prosecuting wrongdoing. And we will be particularly ready to act to root out any crimes that feed on, and exploit, the coronavirus pandemic. The Justice Department, and my Office, have received reports of fraudsters seeking to profit financially from the crisis. For example, there have been reports of wrongdoers selling fake cures for the virus online, sending phishing emails from entities posing as the World Health Organization or the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to unwitting targets, and engaging in other forms of fraud. There also have been reports of malware being installed onto computers and mobile apps if the recipients of phishing emails click on links or attachments provided.
This Office will perform its public safety function – coronavirus or no coronavirus. And fraudsters and hackers should pay particular attention, as this Office will not tolerate any shameful exploitation of the virus to turn an illegal profit.
We are working with our federal partners to put a stop to any such scams, and we will succeed in doing so. If you or someone you know has been the victim of a coronavirus-related scam, please call the FBI at 215-418-4000 or visit tips.fbi.gov. If the coronavirus scam is specifically Internet-related, please visit the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center at ic3.gov.
We will continue to monitor and respond to this evolving situation and provide updates as needed.
Statement from the U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia on COVID-19 Scam Prevention MeasuresRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON — As the District of Columbia and this nation face the unprecedented public health emergency posed by the pandemic outbreak of the novel coronavirus, COVID-19, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia is working with law enforcement, the court system, and community partners to ensure that essential law enforcement functions continue to operate during the crisis. My Office is committed to safeguarding our justice system and protecting the safety and security of this city and our nation.
Among the threats posed by the COVID-19 outbreak is criminal wrongdoing related to the public health crisis. In particular, we are receiving reports of scams aimed at exploiting fears and spreading disinformation about the pandemic. For example, there are reports of individuals and businesses using the internet to sell fake cures for COVID-19, market products falsely claiming to mitigate COVID-19, and fraudulently retail COVID-19 supplies, such as face masks and hand sanitizer. We are also aware of reports of phishing emails from entities posing as the World Health Organization or the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) 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. This sort of conduct cannot be tolerated.
The Attorney General has therefore directed every U.S. Attorney’s Office in the country to prioritize the detection, investigation, and prosecution of all criminal conduct related to the current pandemic. My Office intends to do just that. Consistent with the Attorney General’s direction, we are taking the following steps.
First, my Office is committed to pushing back against disinformation campaigns and supporting efforts to educate the public about the COVID-19 pandemic outbreak. Although our in-person community outreach programs, such as community meetings and school based programs, are curtailed for now, we will work to ensure that citizens in contact with my Office receive truthful information about COVID-19. Let me start by saying this: as public health authorities have said, there is no cure or treatment for COVID-19, there are no home test kits for the disease, and the FDA has not licensed any preventative products. Websites or retailers claiming otherwise are part of a scam. I encourage citizens to consult the website of the CDC for the latest information about COVID-19 and how citizens can prevent its spread. The CDC’s website is available at www.cdc.gov.
Second, as detailed in a joint press release with the District of Columbia’s Office of Attorney General, my Office is partnering with them to detect COVID-19 scams, prevent citizens from falling prey to them, and hold fraudsters accountable. Today, we are launching a COVID-19 Pandemic Fraud Hotline, 202-252-7022 and [email protected] through which citizens can report suspected scams related to the pandemic. The Hotline will prompt callers to leave a message reporting suspected scams, including whatever detailed information they can provide that might aid law enforcement in identifying and stopping fraudsters. We will monitor the Hotline’s voicemail and email accounts and provide appropriate leads to law enforcement partners, such as the FBI, U.S. Postal Inspector, Metropolitan Police Department, and other local and federal authorities. District of Columbia residents can also submit complaints of suspected scams, fraud, or other consumer complaints to the Office of the Attorney General for the District of Columbia by calling its Consumer Protection Hotline at 202-442-9828 or by emailing [email protected].
Third, my Office will appoint a COVID-19 Pandemic Fraud Coordinator, who will lead the investigation and federal prosecution of these frauds in the District of Columbia, and who will serve as the principal liaison with the D.C. Office of the Attorney General, local and federal law enforcement agencies, other U.S. Attorney’s Offices, and the U.S. Department of Justice. The Pandemic Fraud Coordinator will work with these partners to develop strategies to detect fraud schemes and prevent them.
The challenges posed by the spread of COVID-19 threaten the safety and security of the District of Columbia and our nation. My Office will not allow those threats to be multiplied, or for citizens’ understandable anxiety to be exploited, by criminals looking to profit on a public health emergency. We are committed to detecting, investigating, and prosecuting these fraudsters and will devote whatever time, energy, and resources are necessary to do so.
Statement from U.S. Attorney Jay E. Town Regarding Operations as a Result of COVID-19Read the Press Release
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – “During this time of uncertainty, what is certain is our resolve to protect the citizens of the Northern District of Alabama. We continue to work closely with our federal, state and local partners to protect the public and ensure that mission-critical operations remain constant. The Birmingham and Huntsville offices are open and our operations are in lockstep with guidance issued by the Office of Management and Budget, the Department of Justice, and the federal courts. I am thankful for all of the dedicated public servants who are committed to ensure that the mission of the office is carried out at all times. Members of law enforcement, first responders, and medical personnel continue to race the sunrise each day to keep us safe. We should all be eternally grateful.”
Statement from U.S. Attorney David C. Joseph Regarding Operations as a Result of COVID-19 and a Warning Against Fraud and Scams Related to CoronavirusRead the Press Release
SHREVEPORT/LAFAYETTE/ALEXANDRIA/LAKE CHARLES/MONROE, La. – In response to the rapidly changing situation surrounding the coronavirus disease of 2019 (COVID-19), the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Louisiana is continuing operations, while working to mitigate risks to individual employees and the general public.
“My office and our federal law enforcement partners are closely monitoring the COVID-19 situation,” said U.S. Attorney David C. Joseph. “The public should rest assured that the U.S. Attorney’s Office remains open and is working on a daily basis with our federal, state, and local law enforcement partners to protect the public and ensure critical law enforcement operations continue without interruption. I am grateful to our attorneys and staff, as well as our law enforcement partners, for their unwavering dedication and commitment during this time.”
“Unfortunately, in troublesome times there are some in our society who try to take advantage of people with schemes designed to defraud them out of their money,” said Joseph. “People should be aware that there are now fraudsters selling false “cures” for COVID-19. The public should get information related to this coronavirus from reputable sources, such as the Louisiana Department of Health (LDH) and the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), to avoid falling victim to scams. I would also ask that anyone who believes they have been targeted in any scam to report it to a law enforcement agency at the earliest opportunity.”
You can also learn more about coronavirus scams here: ftc.gov/coronavirus.
The public should continue to monitor the bulletins from the CDC (www.cdc.gov/COVID19) for the most accurate and up-to-date information on the fight against COVID-19.
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St. Francis Man Indicted on Cocaine, Marijuana, and Firearm ChargesRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a St. Francis, South Dakota, man has been indicted by a federal grand jury for Conspiracy to Distribute Cocaine and Marijuana, and Possession of a Firearm by a Prohibited Person.
Antonio Marshall, age 21, was indicted on March 9, 2020. He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno on March 13, 2020, and pled not guilty to the Indictment.
The maximum penalty upon conviction is up to 20 years in federal prison and/or a $1,000,000 fine, up to a lifetime of supervised release, and $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Restitution may also be ordered.
The Indictment alleges that on beginning on or about the 1st day of January 2017, through the 1st day of March 2018, Marshall knowingly and intentionally, combined, conspired, confederated, and agreed with persons known and unknown, to knowingly and intentionally distribute and possess with intent to distribute cocaine and marijuana. Further, on January 16, 2018, Marshall, knowing he was an unlawful user of and addicted to a controlled substance, knowingly possessed three firearms.
The charges are merely accusations and Marshall is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
Drug trafficking is an inherently violent activity. Firearms are tools of the trade for drug dealers. It is common to find drug traffickers armed with guns in order to protect their illegal drug product and cash, and enforce their illegal operations.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. The Department of Justice reinvigorated PSN in 2017 as part of its renewed focus on targeting violent criminals, directing all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to work in partnership with federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement and local communities to develop effective, locally-based strategies to reduce violent crime.
This case is also part of Project Guardian, the Department of Justice’s signature initiative to reduce gun violence and enforce federal firearms laws. Initiated by the Attorney General in the fall of 2019, Project Guardian draws upon the Department’s past successful programs to reduce gun violence; enhances coordination of federal, state, local, and tribal authorities in investigating and prosecuting gun crimes; improves information-sharing by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives when a prohibited individual attempts to purchase a firearm and is denied by the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS), to include taking appropriate actions when a prospective purchaser is denied by the NICS for mental health reasons; and ensures that federal resources are directed at the criminals posing the greatest threat to our communities. For more information about Project Guardian, please see: https://www.justice.gov/projectguardian.
The investigation is being conducted by the Northern Plains Safe Trails Drug Enforcement Task Force, the Rosebud Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Assistant U.S. Attorney Meghan N. Dilges is prosecuting the case.
Marshall was released on bond pending trial. A trial date has not been set.
Sioux Falls Man Charged with Heroin Trafficking Resulting in DeathRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a Sioux Falls, South Dakota, man has been indicted by a federal grand jury for Distribution of a Controlled Substance Resulting in Death, Distribution of a Controlled Substance Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury, and Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance.
Aaron Anthony Wodzinski, age 23, was indicted on March 9, 2020. He appeared before the Honorable Veronica L. Duffy on March 12, 2020, and pled not guilty to the Indictment.
The maximum penalty upon conviction is up to life in custody and/or a $1 million fine, life of supervised release, and $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Restitution may also be ordered.
Beginning on an unknown date and continuing until on or about May 2019, in the District of South Dakota and elsewhere, Wodzinski did knowingly and intentionally combine, conspire, confederate, and agree together, with others known and unknown, to knowingly and intentionally distribute heroin, a Schedule I controlled substance.
On or about April 23, 2018, Wodzinski did knowingly and intentionally distribute heroin, and the distribution of said heroin resulted in the death of Victim #1. Then, on or about May 6, 2019, in the District of South Dakota, Wodzinski did knowingly and intentionally distribute heroin, and the distribution of said heroin resulted in the serious bodily injury of Victim #2.
The charge is merely an accusation and Wodzinski is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
The investigation is being conducted by the Sioux Falls Area Drug Task Force and Drug Enforcement Administration. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jennifer D. Mammenga is prosecuting the case.
Wodzinski was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service pending trial. A trial date has not been set.
Sioux Falls Man Charged as Felon in Possession of FirearmRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a Sioux Falls, South Dakota, man has been indicted by a federal grand jury for Felon in Possession of a Firearm.
Levi Shanteau, age 24, was indicted on March 3, 2020. He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Veronica L. Duffy on March 16, 2020, and pled not guilty to the Indictment.
The maximum penalty upon conviction is up to 10 years in federal prison and/or a $250,000 fine, 3 years of supervised release, and $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Restitution may also be ordered.
The Indictment alleges that on January 30, 2020, Shanteau, who had previously been convicted of a crime punishable by imprisonment for a term exceeding one year, knowingly possessed a Taurus semi-automatic pistol, that had been shipped and transported in interstate commerce.
The charge is merely an accusation and Shanteau is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. The Department of Justice reinvigorated PSN in 2017 as part of its renewed focus on targeting violent criminals, directing all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to work in partnership with federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement and the local community to develop effective, locally-based strategies to reduce violent crime.
This case is also part of Project Guardian, the Department of Justice's signature initiative to reduce gun violence and enforce federal firearms laws. Initiated by the Attorney General in the fall of 2019, Project Guardian draws upon the Department's past successful programs to reduce gun violence; enhances coordination of federal, state, local, and tribal authorities in investigating and prosecuting gun crimes; improves information-sharing by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives when a prohibited individual attempts to purchase a firearm and is denied by the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS), to include taking appropriate actions when a prospective purchaser is denied by the NICS for mental health reasons; and ensures that federal resources are directed at the criminals posing the greatest threat to our communities. For more information about Project Guardian, please see: https://www.justice.gov/projectguardian.
The investigation is being conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives and the Sioux Falls Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeffrey C. Clapper is prosecuting the case.
Shanteau was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service pending trial. A trial date has not been set.
Sioux Falls Man Charged as Felon in Possession of FirearmRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a Sioux Falls, South Dakota, man has been indicted by a federal grand jury for Felon in Possession of a Firearm.
Joseph Mogoliolo, age 49, was indicted on March 3, 2020. He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Veronica L. Duffy on March 12, 2020, and pled not guilty to the Indictment.
The maximum penalty upon conviction is up to 10 years in federal prison and/or a $250,000 fine, a maximum term of 3 years of supervised release, and $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Restitution may also be ordered.
The Indictment alleges that on October 24, 2019, Mogoliolo, who had been previously convicted of a crime punishable by imprisonment for a term exceeding one year, knowingly possessed a Ruger, model SR9C, semi-automatic pistol. Said firearm had been shipped and transported in interstate commerce.
The charge is merely an accusation and Mogoliolo is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. The Department of Justice reinvigorated PSN in 2017 as part of its renewed focus on targeting violent criminals, directing all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to work in partnership with federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement and the local community to develop effective, locally-based strategies to reduce violent crime.
This case is also part of Project Guardian, the Department of Justice's signature initiative to reduce gun violence and enforce federal firearms laws. Initiated by the Attorney General in the fall of 2019, Project Guardian draws upon the Department's past successful programs to reduce gun violence; enhances coordination of federal, state, local, and tribal authorities in investigating and prosecuting gun crimes; improves information-sharing by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives when a prohibited individual attempts to purchase a firearm and is denied by the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS), to include taking appropriate actions when a prospective purchaser is denied by the NICS for mental health reasons; and ensures that federal resources are directed at the criminals posing the greatest threat to our communities. For more information about Project Guardian, please see: https://www.justice.gov/projectguardian.
The investigation is being conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives and the Sioux Falls Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeffrey C. Clapper is prosecuting the case.
Mogoliolo was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service pending trial. A trial date has not been set.
Shreveport Man Convicted of Six Gunpoint Robberies and Firearms CrimesRead the Press Release
SHREVEPORT, La. – Following a four-day trial on Thursday, March 12, 2020, a federal jury in Shreveport convicted Christopher M.K. Dumas, 29, of Hobbs Act robbery, conspiracy to commit Hobbs Act robbery, and related firearms crimes for his participation in five gunpoint robberies in Shreveport and one in Marshall, Texas, announced United States Attorney David C. Joseph.
The evidence at trial established that between March 17, 2017 and April 15, 2017, Dumas robbed at gunpoint, a Metro PCS store, H&S Grocery and Liquor, Inc., Werner Park Grocery, and Rodeway Inn & Suites, all located in Shreveport, and a Boost Mobile store in Marshall, Texas.
“The jury’s verdict holds this defendant responsible for his crime spree that terrorized his victims and the communities in which he operated,” said U.S. Attorney Joseph. “The U.S. Attorney’s Office will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to remove violent offenders from our streets. I would like to thank the prosecutors in my office for a job well done and the law enforcement officers for their hard work investigating this case.”
On March 17, 2017, and March 20, 2017, Dumas entered a Metro PCS store waving a .38 Colt Army revolver, demanding the money from the register and safe. He told one employee to put the money in the bag or he would shoot him in the leg. On March 17, Dumas left with $2,568 and on March 20, with $400. Dumas held-up an H&S Grocery and Liquor clerk at gunpoint on March 30, 3017, and told the clerk “give me all the money or I’ll shoot you.” The clerk gave Dumas all of the cash ($400) in the register.
On April 1, 2017, after having met with his parole officer earlier that morning, Dumas traveled to Marshall, Texas, where he robbed a Boost Mobile store. Dumas entered the store, leaped over the sales counter and pointed a.38 Colt revolver at the store clerk, demanding cash from the register. A neighboring business owner heard the store clerk scream and came to aid her. Dumas shot the business owner hitting him twice in the chest and then fled from the scene. A silver Nissan Versa with a dent on the driver’s side door was seen in the area before, during, and after the robbery and was captured on the surveillance cameras of the Greenwood Police Department traveling back to Shreveport.
On April 4, 2017, Dumas and his co-defendant Stafford King, robbed Werner Park Grocery at gunpoint. King put the revolver against the head of a store clerk and told the clerk to give him money. Dumas pointed his gun at another clerk’s head while also demanding money. Both defendants ran out of the store with an unknown amount of money and got into a silver car with a dent on the left side. On April 15, 2017, Dumas pointed a gun at a Rodeway Inn employee and demanded the money from the register. The clerk complied with Dumas’ demands and Dumas got away with $554. On March 20 and April 15, Dumas was also seen getting into a silver car with damage on the left side. Each robbery was captured by video surveillance.
Later on April 25, 2017, a Shreveport police officer saw the silver Nissan Versa matching the description from the robberies and pulled it over after a traffic violation. King was driving and Dumas was in the passenger seat. Law enforcement officers recovered hoodies, bandanas, and gloves from the car that matched descriptions from the robberies. Police also located 9 millimeter ammunition, consistent with a TEC-9 semi-automatic pistol used in the Werner Park and Rodeway Inn robberies and three other weapons from the Nissan Versa.
Dumas, a previously convicted felon, was on state parole for simple burglary and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon at the time of the robberies. He was released on parole in January 2017 and started robbing in March.
Chief U.S. District Judge S. Maurice Hicks Jr. presided over the trial and set Christopher Dumas’ sentencing for July 22, 2020. Dumas faces 20 years in prison on each Hobbs Act robbery conviction and ten years imprisonment for being a felon in possession of ammunition. In addition, Dumas faces a mandatory minimum of ten years imprisonment for the armed robberies involving a TEC-9, and a mandatory, minimum of seven years imprisonment for the three remaining armed robbery convictions. Each conviction for using a weapon during a crime of violence carries with it a possibility of up to life in prison. Dumas also faces three to five years of supervised release for the various counts of conviction and a $250,000 fine.
Dumas’ co-defendant, Stafford King, pleaded guilty on August 12, 2019, to one violation each of the Hobbs Act and using of a firearm during a crime of violence. King’s sentencing is set for April 9, 2020. King has prior felony convictions for possession of a firearm with an obliterated number, possession of marijuana, illegal possession of stolen things and attempted battery.
The FBI, ATF, Shreveport Police Department, Marshall, Texas Police Department, and Greenwood Police Department investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Cytheria D. Jernigan and Leon H. Whitten are prosecuting the case.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. PSN is 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. To learn more about Project Safe Neighborhoods, go to www.justice.gov/psn.
The year 2020 marks the 150th anniversary of the Department of Justice. Learn more about the history of our agency at www.Justice.gov/Celebrating150Years.
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Rochester-Area Man Indicted for Fraud and Money LaunderingRead the Press Release
SYRACUSE, NEW YORK – Michael Bartusek, age 57, of Fairport, New York, was arrested yesterday on an indictment alleging wire fraud and money laundering stemming from his work as Chief Financial Officer (“CFO”) for a business in New Hartford, New York. The announcement was made by United States Attorney Grant C. Jaquith and Susan Ferensic, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Albany Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).
The indictment alleges that Bartusek was formerly the CFO of a company based in New Hartford, New York, and covertly diverted approximately $776,000 of the firm’s money for personal expenses and to make a high-risk investment in African diamonds for his own benefit.
The charges filed against Bartusek carry a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000 or twice the loss suffered by the victim, and a term of supervised release of up to 3 years. A defendant’s sentence is imposed by a judge based on the particular statute the defendant is charged with violating, the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, and other factors.
Bartusek was arraigned yesterday in Syracuse, before United States Magistrate Judge Thérèse Wiley Dancks and was released pending a trial before Senior United States District Court Judge Thomas J. McAvoy.
The charges in the indictment are merely accusations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
This case is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Michael D. Gadarian and Nico Commandeur.
Pittsburgh Man Charged with Robbing Two Banks and Two Convenience StoresRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, PA - A resident of Pittsburgh, PA, has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on charges of armed bank robbery and the robbery of multiple convenience stores, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.
The four-count Indictment, returned on Feb. 18 and unsealed today, named Michael Eric Buchanan, Jr., 36, as the sole defendant.
According to the Indictment presented to the court, from Oct. 23, 2019 through Nov. 20, 2019, Buchanan robbed two banks (using an apparent bomb) and two conveniences stores. Specifically, the indictment alleges that on Oct. 23, 2019, Buchanan robbed the First National Bank on East Carson Street in Pittsburgh; On Nov. 4, 2019 Buchanan robbed the Citizens Bank in Turtle Creek; on Nov. 16, Buchanan robbed the Uni-Mart on Brownsville Road in Pittsburgh; and on Nov. 20, 2019, Buchanan robbed the Dollar Eagle Discounts store on Broadway Avenue in Pittsburgh’s Beechview neighborhood.
The law provides for a maximum total sentence of 45 years in prison, a fine of $500,000 or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant United States Attorney Nicole Vasquez Schmitt is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police, and the Allegheny County Police Department conducted the investigation leading to the Indictment in this case.
An indictment is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Philadelphia Man Pleads Guilty to Drug and Firearms ChargesRead the Press Release
JOHNSTOWN, Pa. – A resident of Philadelphia, Pa., pleaded guilty in federal court to charges of violating federal narcotics and firearms laws, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.
Gerald Terry, 51, pleaded guilty to the indictment before United States District Judge Kim R. Gibson.
In connection with the guilty plea, between March 30, 2018, and April 4, 2018, Gerald Terry and a co-conspirator conspired to distribute and to possess with the intent to distribute more than 500 grams of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine and cocaine. Further, on April 4, 2018, they were found in possession of a loaded Smith & Wesson M&P Shield .40 caliber semi-automatic pistol.
Judge Gibson scheduled sentencing for August 13, 2020, at 1:00 p.m. The law provides for a maximum sentence of life in prison, a fine of $15,250,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant United States Attorney Arnold P. Bernard, Jr. is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The Laurel Highlands Resident Agency of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Pennsylvania State Police SHIELD Unit and Somerset Turnpike Barracks conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Terry.
Oklahoma City Man to Serve 108 Months for Possessing a Firearm After a Prior Felony ConvictionRead the Press Release
OKLAHOMA CITY – Yesterday, DEREK MICHAEL JONES, 38, of Oklahoma City, was sentenced to serve 108 months in prison for possessing a firearm after a prior felony conviction, announced U.S. Attorney Timothy J. Downing.
Jones was indicted in August 2019 with one count of possession of a firearm after a felony conviction, which stemmed from his May 2019 arrest by Oklahoma City Police Department officers. According to argument made at sentencing, Jones shot at two men after they confronted him about a domestic violence incident. Jones had been previously convicted of felony conviction for Assault with a Dangerous Weapon in Oklahoma County in 2012. Federal firearms laws prohibit convicted felons from possessing firearms or ammunition.
On September 16, 2019, Jones pled guilty to the indictment. Yesterday, U.S. District Judge Joe Heaton sentenced Jones to serve 108 months in prison followed by three years of supervised release. In imposing the sentence, the Court considered the fact that Jones’ fired five shots at two men and also his four prior domestic violence convictions.
This case is the result of investigations by the Oklahoma City Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives. Assistant United States Attorney Wilson D. McGarry prosecuted the case.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods and Project Guardian, the Department of Justice’s signature initiatives to reduce gun violence and enforce federal firearms laws. The local implementation of these initiatives in the Western District of Oklahoma is through "Operation 922" which prioritizes prosecution of federal gun crimes connected to domestic violence.
Nevada U.S. Attorney Appoints Prosecutor to Fight COVID-19 FraudRead the Press Release
LAS VEGAS, Nev. – U.S. Attorney Nicholas A. Trutanich for the District of Nevada today announced the appointment of a COVID-19 Fraud Coordinator to lead investigations and prosecutions of fraud related to the pandemic, and to work with our partners to develop strategies to detect and prevent fraud schemes.
“Wrongdoers seeking to take advantage of individuals – through fraud or force – during this health crisis are now on notice,” U.S. Attorney Trutanich stated. “The U.S. Attorney’s Office COVID-19 Fraud Coordinator will be working with law enforcement at all levels to investigate and prosecute those who exploit the fears of Nevadans for personal gain. This conduct will not be tolerated in Nevada.”
As the State of Nevada and this nation face the spread of COVID-19, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Nevada wants to reinforce to the citizens of Nevada that law enforcement functions and our federal justice system continue to operate effectively during the crisis. The U.S. Attorney’s Office and our partners are committed to upholding the rule of law and protecting the safety and security of Nevadans.
As this is an emerging, rapidly evolving situation, we have adapted operations for the health and safety of our personnel. We are executing on the guidance of the U.S. Attorney General, which makes clear that the critical mission of the Department of Justice — protecting the public — will continue. We are also working closely with the court and other stakeholders on appropriate precautions to protect the health of those who practice in and come before the court.
In addition to ensuring that the federal justice system continues to function, the U.S. Attorney’s Office remains vigilant in detecting, investigating, and prosecuting wrongdoing arising from the crisis. The U.S. Attorney’s Office has made a priority all criminal conduct related to the current pandemic. The U.S. Attorney’s Office will protect Nevadans from fraudsters and criminals who seek to exploit this crisis for their profit and personal advantage. We stand ready to hold accountable wrongdoers who take advantage of emergency response efforts and violate the public safety and other laws of the United States in connection with the manufacturing, distribution, or sale of public health products such as face masks, respirators, and diagnostics.
Nevadans are reminded that the best source of information for prevention and treatment of COVID-19 remains the CDC's website at https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/indcx.html.
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Mt. Vernon Woman Sentenced to 30 Months for Health Care FraudRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced a Mt. Vernon, South Dakota, woman was sentenced on March 16, 2020, by U.S. District Judge Karen E. Schreier.
Nancy Tingle, age 54, of, was sentenced to 30 months in federal prison as a result of her conviction for Health Care Fraud. Following her release from custody, Tingle will serve 3 years of supervised release. She was also ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $462,811.55 and a special assessment of $100.
According to court documents, between on or about 2012 and continuing until the Fall of 2018, Tingle worked as the business office manager at Firesteel Healthcare Community in Mitchell, South Dakota. Tingle defrauded Firesteel Healthcare Community out of Medicaid funds intended for Firesteel Healthcare Community. She knew that she was not authorized to receive the funds and fraudulently used them for personal items and expenditures. The loss attributable to Tingle’s fraudulent conduct exceeded $467,000. She also failed to pay taxes on the taxable income that she obtained through fraud, resulting in over $100,000 in unpaid taxes.
The investigation was conducted by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services – Office of the Inspector General, Office of Investigations. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeremy Jehangiri.
Tingle was released on bond and ordered to self-surrender to the U.S. Marshals Service to begin her sentence in 60 days.
Mt. Lebanon Real Estate Developer Sentenced for Illegally Removing Asbestos from Former Westinghouse FacilityRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, Pa. – A resident of Mt. Lebanon, Pennsylvania, was sentenced in federal court for violating the Clean Air Act, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.
United States District Judge Joy Flowers Conti sentenced Vikas Jain, 48, to one month of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release that will include nine months of home detention.
In connection with the defendant’s guilty plea and sentencing, the Court was advised that the defendant controlled various business entities focusing primarily on residential and commercial real estate development and management. In approximately May 2012, the defendant, through one such entity, purchased the George Westinghouse Research and Technology Park (the Westinghouse Facility), a multi-building commercial and industrial complex located on approximately 150 acres in Churchill, Pennsylvania. The Westinghouse Facility was built between approximately the 1950s and 1970s, and it comprised over one million square feet of testing, laboratory, and office space across more than a dozen buildings. As the defendant acknowledged, he sought to redevelop the Westinghouse Facility and surrounding property for commercial and residential mixed-use purposes.
The defendant further admitted that, prior to completing the purchase of the Westinghouse Facility, he obtained the results of an earlier environmental assessment of the property, which identified the presence of asbestos-containing materials (ACM) in, among other substances, floor tile and pipe insulation located throughout the complex. Between approximately May 2012 and February 2017, the defendant, through entities he controlled, leased space at the Westinghouse Facility to third-party tenants, including television production companies. For the most part, however, the Westinghouse Facility remained unused and unoccupied.
In connection with one licensing agreement in approximately 2015, the defendant obtained two asbestos-abatement permits from the Allegheny County Health Department (ACHD) allowing for the proper removal of ACM in portions of two of the buildings at the Westinghouse Facility. The removal was completed by a licensed abatement contractor. Later, in early 2017, the defendant, through a contractor working on the redevelopment project, obtained a proposal from a different licensed abatement entity to inspect another building that the defendant intended to demolish. The proposal was never consummated.
Rather, as the defendant admitted, beginning no later than approximately February 1, 2017, and continuing until February 28, 2017, he directed various workers to remove previously unabated ACM from two buildings at the Westinghouse Facility, including large quantities of ACM floor tiles, mastic, and pipe insulation. The defendant further directed a worker to rent floor grinders, which the workers then used to remove and pulverize ACM floor tiles and mastic. The defendant did not apply for or obtain an ACHD permit for the abatement activity, and workers conducted the removal of ACM without proper protective clothing or adequate respirators. Once removed, ACM debris was placed in black trash bags and taken by workers via a pick-up truck to a dumpster located outside of one of the defendant’s residential rental properties. As the defendant admitted, the contents of the dumpster, including trash bags containing ACM, were subsequently taken to a local landfill that was not qualified to receive asbestos-contaminated waste.
Finally, the defendant admitted that, after local Churchill authorities and ACHD investigators learned of the illegal asbestos abatement, he took steps to conceal the nature and extent of the removal activity, including by causing grinders to be removed from the Westinghouse Facility, cleaned, and, as to two grinders, returned to the equipment rental company prior to inspection by ACHD. At no time did the defendant inform ACHD that the grinders he presented for subsequent inspection had been cleaned of ACM or otherwise were not the same ones that had been used in the Westinghouse Facility.
Assistant United States Attorney Eric G. Olshan prosecuted this case on behalf of the government, with assistance from Perry D. McDaniel, Regional Criminal Enforcement Counsel of the Environmental Protection Agency. The Federal Bureau of Investigation and Environmental Protection Agency’s Criminal Investigation Division conducted the investigation of the defendant.
Medical Practice to Pay $425,000 to Settle False Claims Act AllegationsRead the Press Release
Montgomery, AL – On Monday, March 16, 2020, Mulberry Medical Associates, P.C. agreed to pay $425,000 in a civil settlement to resolve allegations that it violated the False Claims Act, announced Acting United States Attorney Sandra J. Stewart. The alleged false claims involved the importation and distribution of foreign, non-Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved pharmaceutical products prohibited under the Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act.
Mulberry Medical Associates, P.C. is a group medical practice in Montgomery, Alabama, which specializes in internal medicine.
The government’s investigation revealed that Mulberry Medical Associates purchased and administered certain unlicensed and foreign-made pharmaceutical products, or “subject products,” that were meant to be distributed only in foreign markets. These subject products were less expensive than their FDA counterparts marketed in the United States and included versions of Orthovisc, Supartz, Prolia, and Aclasta, which are used to treat patients with osteoarthritis and osteoporosis.
The settlement addresses allegations that, from September 2011 through March 2017, Mulberry Medical Associates knowingly submitted false claims for and related to the use of the subject products to Medicare, Medicaid and the Federal Employees Health Benefits Program (FEHBP). Federal health care programs reimburse for prescription drugs at a set rate based on the average sales price of the respective FDA approved, physician-administered drug in the United States. Therefore, Mulberry Medical Associates was able to profit from the margin between the reimbursement rates received based on FDA approved drugs, and the lower amounts paid for the unauthorized subject products. The United States contends that the subject products were not eligible for reimbursement by the federal health care programs because they had not received final marketing approval from the FDA.
“This settlement shows that the United States government is working to identify companies that place profit ahead of patient safety, and hold them accountable,” stated Acting U.S. Attorney Stewart. “Maximizing revenues by skirting regulations that are designed to protect patients has no place in our healthcare system. Companies should never allow financial considerations to influence their decision-making process when the health and welfare of the American citizen is at stake.”
“Doctors are entrusted with caring for their patients and obtaining and using safe, U.S. approved drugs on their patients,” said Derrick L. Jackson, Special Agent in Charge at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General in Atlanta. “Mulberry Medical Associates put their financial gain above the health and safety of local residents. HHS-OIG continues to focus resources on those who obtain and use unapproved drugs on patients. Patient safety is a top priority.”
“The OPM OIG will always prioritize protecting patients from harm,” said Thomas W. South, Deputy Assistant Inspector General for Investigations, OPM OIG. “The use of unapproved drugs on patients will not be tolerated and we will always devote our resources to holding these unscrupulous providers accountable.”
This Affirmative Civil Enforcement (ACE) matter was investigated by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services-Office of Inspector General, the U.S. Office of Personnel Management-Office of Inspector General, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration-Office of Criminal Investigations, and the Health Care Fraud Investigator of the U.S. Attorney’s Office. The United States was represented by Assistant United States Attorney Stephen D. Wadsworth of the Office’s Civil Division.
The claims resolved by the settlement are allegations only, and there has been no determination of liability.
Man from Albuquerque faces federal charges for allegedly posting Facebook messages threatening to kill the Governor of New Mexico and law enforcement officersRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – Daniel Mock, 33, of Albuquerque, New Mexico appeared in federal court in Albuquerque today for an initial appearance on a criminal complaint charging him with posting messages on Facebook threatening to kill the Governor of New Mexico, Michelle Lujan Grisham, and law enforcement officers, in violation of federal law.
The criminal complaint charges Mock with allegedly transmitting threatening communications in interstate or foreign commerce. According to the complaint, Mock allegedly posted threatening messages to the governor’s Facebook page on Mar. 2 and Mar. 13.
Mock is currently in custody pending a detention hearing on Friday. He faces up to five years in prison if convicted of this offense. A criminal complaint is only an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
The FBI investigated this case with the U.S. Marshals Service, the New Mexico State Police, and the Albuquerque Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jaymie L. Roybal is prosecuting the case.
daniel_mock_comp_cmecf.pdfLas Vegas and Tennessee Residents Sentenced to Prison for Roles in Fraudulent Scheme Targeting Small Business OwnersRead the Press Release
LAS VEGAS, Nev. – Jason Demko, a Canadian national currently residing in Las Vegas, and Michael Guariglia, of Buffalo Valley, Tennessee, were sentenced today to 46 months in prison and five years of probation, respectively, for defrauding small business owners of nearly 12 million dollars, announced U.S. Attorney Nicholas A. Trutanich for the District of Nevada and Special Agent in Charge Aaron C. Rouse of the FBI.
“Small businesses are an important part of all communities in Nevada and across the country,” said U.S. Attorney Trutanich. “Among other things, they create meaningful jobs, support local neighborhoods, and provide opportunities for entrepreneurs. We appreciate the opportunity to partner with the FBI in bringing these defendants, who targeted small business owners, to justice.”
“The FBI will pursue those who plan, scheme and defraud innocent people for their own personal gain,” said Special Agent in Charge Rouse. “I'd like to thank the men and women of the FBI who work hard every day to identify and apprehend those responsible for taking advantage of trusting citizens; in this case small business owners."
Demko, 43, pleaded guilty on February 14, 2018, and Guariglia, 53, pleaded guilty on March 20, 2018. In addition to the prison term, U.S. District Judge Kent J. Dawson ordered both men to pay restitution (jointly and severally) in the amount of $11,509,087. Demko was also ordered to pay a criminal forfeiture money judgment in the amount of $307,060, and Guariglia was ordered to pay a criminal forfeiture money judgment in the amount of $68,666.
According to court documents, from about December 2009 to February 2014, Demko, Guariglia, their co-defendants, and others operated a telemarketing scam commonly known as the “grant-fee scam” targeting small business owners. In the grant-fee scam, criminals contact small business owners claiming to act as a broker for corporations, charitable foundations, or government agencies looking to give money away. The criminals ask the victims about their businesses, then claim to have found high dollar grants matching the victims’ businesses. For a substantial fee, the criminals offer to file the paperwork needed to obtain the grants, promising that the cost of their services will be covered by the grants the victims will assuredly receive. In reality, no such grants exist. The criminals simply take the victims’ money.
Often, criminals carrying out grant-fee scams then embark on a campaign of “lulling” and “reloading.” Lulling is a series of excuses and distractions designed to make the victims believe that the promised grants are imminent, if only this bit of paperwork or that action were completed. The main purpose of lulling is to delay the victims’ actions to recover the funds and delay the victims’ reports of the crime to law enforcement. Lulling is often done hand-in-hand with reloading, thus scamming more money from victims to pay additional sums for “unanticipated” documents or tax charges to obtain the promised grants. In reality, no such documents or tax charges are needed because no grants exist. Again, the criminals simply take the victims’ money.
Demko, sometimes using the alias Jeff Ross, together with Guariglia, their co-defendants, and others, defrauded hundreds of individuals and families out of nearly 12 million dollars. To carry out their scheme, Demko, Guariglia, their co-defendants, and others made false representations and promises to small business owners to persuade and induce them to pay initial fees, usually between $2,500 and $5,000, for goods and services the victims thought would help them obtain grants for their businesses. The small business owners were told that the total cost for obtaining a grant was between $10,000 and $15,000, depending on the total amount of funding requested, and that the remaining fees would not be charged until the owners received 100 percent of the grant funding. Among other things, Demko, Guariglia, and their co-defendants falsely stated that they had obtained grants for other clients, when in fact they had not done so. The defendants also re-solicited clients for additional fees, including fees for business plans, when they knew that the plans were not going to assist the clients in obtaining any grants. They knew that the true purpose of their solicitations was to obtain funds to personally enrich themselves.
Demko, Guariglia, and their co-defendants operated their scam under JCD Business Services; Foundation Processing Center; Summit Business Consultants, Inc.; Inner Circle Corp., LLC; Sierra Investment Group, Inc.; Valley Business Development; Quid Corp.; Interlan Charitable Foundation; Interlan Financial Corporation; Compass National, LLC; Compass National, Inc.; Direct Business Company, Inc.; Goldcom LLC; and Company Planning LLC.
Co-defendants Lorraine Riddiough (Demko’s mother, a Canadian national residing in Las Vegas who also goes by the name Lorraine Ann Mader) and Lissette Alvarez (a Las Vegas resident) have pleaded guilty. Alvarez was sentenced to three years probation. Riddiough is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Dawson on March 19, 2020.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office and the FBI urge the public to be alert to potential scams. If something sounds too good to be true, it probably is. The Federal Trade Commission posts alerts describing many different types of scams on its website at https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/features/scam-alerts. If you or someone you know has been the victim of a scam, please contact law enforcement without delay.
The case is a result of an investigation by the FBI. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Daniel Cowhig and Kimberly Frayn prosecuted the case.
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Kalamazoo Man Gets 27 Years for Producing Child PornographyRead the Press Release
GRAND RAPIDS, MICHIGAN - U.S. Attorney Andrew Birge announced that Anthony Donal Short, 39, of Kalamazoo, Michigan, was sentenced to serve 27 years in the Federal Bureau of Prisons for coercing and using a minor to produce child pornography. U.S. District Judge Paul L. Maloney also imposed a period of supervised release of 8 years to follow his incarceration.
In sentencing Short, Judge Maloney stated that he was troubled by Short’s abuse and exploitation of a child in his care and the betrayal of trust. Short came to the attention of law enforcement after the victim reported to law enforcement that she had been sexually molested by Short while they were living in Alaska. The FBI confronted Short and he admitted to taking sexually explicit images of the victim. Forensic examination of his computers and cell phones confirmed the crimes. In October 2019, Short pleaded guilty to producing child pornography of the child in January and March 2013, when she was 10 years old, and producing more pornographic images of the child in February 2015, when she was 12.
In announcing the sentence, Birge stated, "Short betrayed the fundamental trust of a child and used her for his own depraved purposes. We will always hold producers of child pornography accountable and seek justice on behalf of the victims."
This case is part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative designed to protect children from online exploitation and abuse. The U.S. Attorney’s Office, county prosecutor's offices, the Internet Crimes Against Children task force (ICAC), federal, state, tribal, and local law enforcement are working closely together to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children. The partners in Project Safe Childhood work to educate local communities about the dangers of online child exploitation, and to teach children how to protect themselves. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit the following web site: www.projectsafechildhood.gov. Individuals with information or concerns about possible child exploitation should contact local law enforcement officials.
This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Daniel Mekaru and investigated by the FBI.
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Illinois Man Sentenced for Simple Possession of FentanylRead the Press Release
St. Croix, USVI – Marshall D. Miller, age 44, of Illinois, was sentenced on Monday, March 16th, to time served (i.e. 69 days) in prison for simple possession of fentanyl, by Magistrate Judge George W. Cannon, announced United States Attorney Gretchen C.F. Shappert. Judge Cannon also sentenced Miller to a term of supervised release to end upon completion of an inpatient substance abuse program at The Village, Virgin Islands Partners in Recovery but not to exceed one year, and ordered him to pay a fine of $1,000.000 and a special assessment of $25.00.
According to court records, a Virgin Islands police officer encountered Miller on January 7, 2020 as he walked towards the Limetree Bay housing facilities in St. Croix. The officer noticed that Miller was wobbling and appeared strange. He approached and inquired whether Miller required assistance and eventually called the ambulance for him. While awaiting arrival of the ambulance, Miller withdrew five plastic baggies from his pockets and threw them on the ground. The baggies contained fentanyl weighing about .7 grams. Miller arrived in St. Croix from Illinois in December of 2019 and was employed by a subcontractor of Limetree Bay. He was a resident of the Limetree Bay housing facility.
This case is the first federal case filed in the Virgin Islands involving fentanyl. In an effort to avoid an adverse impact of the deadly street drug on the Virgin Islands community, the U.S. Attorney’s office will continue to vigorously prosecute those who possess or sell it. Anyone with information that may assist investigators regarding fentanyl or other illegal drugs is encouraged to contact the DEA tip line at www.dea.gov/submit-tip.
The case was investigated by the Virgin Islands Police Department and the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration. It was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Alphonso G. Andrews, Jr.
Former Security Guard Sentenced for Possession of FirearmsRead the Press Release
Defendant had been involuntarily committed to a mental institution
GRAND RAPIDS, MICHIGAN — U.S Attorney Andrew Birge announced that Joseph James Shingola II, 50, of Comstock Park, Michigan, was sentenced today to 36 months’ imprisonment by U.S. District Judge Janet T. Neff. Shingola was committed to a mental institution by the Kent County Probate Court in 1988, after he accidentally shot and killed his best friend. For much of his adult life he was employed as an armed security guard, and had a permit to carry a concealed weapon off duty. Shingola obtained the permit and his weapons by concealing his commitment on applications and background check forms. The commitment was filed before such orders were routinely shared with law enforcement.
In August 2018, agents of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) received a tip that Shingola was a prohibited person in possession of firearms. They learned he had several prior firearms-related contacts with local law enforcement, including recently showing a woman a pistol after a traffic dispute. When agents went to talk to Shingola at his house, he refused, and drove away to hide his weapons at his mother’s house. ATF executed search warrants and recovered an AR-15 style semiautomatic assault rifle, two semiautomatic pistols, several other long guns, magazines and ammunition.
While awaiting trial, Shingola asked his 17-year-old daughter to buy him a gun in her name when she turned 18. She refused and told her mother, whom he assaulted when she confronted him. Shingola afterward pled guilty to domestic violence assault in the 63rd District Court (Kent County) and pled guilty to being a prohibited person in possession of firearms in U.S. District Court. In imposing the three-year sentence, Judge Neff noted the defendant’s history of impulsive and violent behavior, and said "deterrence and protection of the public are of paramount importance." She recommended the Bureau of Prisons house him at a facility specializing in mental health treatment and counseling.
"Consistent with the Department’s Project Guardian, we’re prioritizing the enforcement of federal laws that prohibit possession of a firearm, such as by felons and the mentally ill. Those laws exist for good reason: the risk to the safety of the community," said Birge.
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Former Journalist Convicted at Trial for Attempted Child EnticementRead the Press Release
Geoffrey S. Berman, United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, announced that PETER BRIGHT, a former technology editor for an online publication, was convicted in Manhattan federal court Monday of attempted child enticement. BRIGHT was convicted after a one-week jury trial before U.S. District Judge P. Kevin Castel.
U.S. Attorney Geoffrey S. Berman said: “As the jury found, Peter Bright attempted the basest type of crime, arranging to engage in sex with young children. Thanks to the FBI, Bright is in custody and facing serious prison time.”
According to the allegations contained in the Complaint, Indictment, and the evidence presented at trial:
In April 2019, BRIGHT reached out online to an undercover agent of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (“FBI”), who was posing as the mother of a 7-year-old girl and 9-year-old boy (the “Minors”). Over the course of hundreds of chat communications, BRIGHT discussed with the undercover agent BRIGHT’s plan to meet the Minors to engage in sexual activity. BRIGHT also requested photographs of the Minors.
In May 2019, BRIGHT met the undercover agent at a public park in New York, New York, for the purpose of engaging in sexual activity with the Minors. As BRIGHT and the undercover agent began walking to the Minors’ residence, BRIGHT was arrested.
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BRIGHT, 39, of Brooklyn, New York, was convicted of one count of attempted enticement of a minor to engage in illegal sexual activity, which carries a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years in prison and a maximum sentence of life in prison. The maximum potential sentence is prescribed by Congress and is provided here for informational purposes only, as the sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the judge.
BRIGHT is scheduled to be sentenced on June 29, 2020, at 11:30 a.m.
Mr. Berman praised the outstanding investigative work of the FBI.
The prosecution of this case is being handled by the Office’s General Crimes Unit. Assistant United States Attorneys Alexander Li, Michael D. Maimin, and Timothy T. Howard, and paralegal specialist Ariella Fetman, are in charge of the prosecution.
Felon who opened fire in neighborhood, possessed 12 guns sentenced to prisonRead the Press Release
DAYTON – Bruce Long, 49, of Dayton, was sentenced in federal court this afternoon to 78 months in prison for possessing a firearm after having been previously convicted of felony offenses.
According to court documents, on Sept. 27, 2018, Dayton Police dispatchers received multiple complaints that evening about gunfire in the area of Anna and Second streets. Eyewitnesses observed Long firing a rifle towards an individual near Anna Street. Dayton Police officers also discovered shell casings at the shooting location.
Shortly thereafter, officers encountered Long at his nearby residence and ultimately arrested him. While executing a search warrant at his home, police discovered 12 firearms possessed by Long, including a stolen firearm and a rifle with a large-capacity magazine. Long has six prior felony convictions involving drugs, guns, or violence.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. The Justice Department 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.
David M. DeVillers, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio; Jonathan McPherson, Special Agent in Charge, U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF); and Dayton Police Chief Richard S. Biehl announced the sentence imposed this afternoon by U.S. District Court Judge Walter H. Rice. Assistant United States Attorney Andrew J. Hunt is representing the United States in this case.
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Federal Court Orders Texas Home Health Care Services Company to Pay Employment TaxesRead the Press Release
On March 18, a federal court ordered El Mundo Feliz, a Partnership (El Mundo), and Daniel Martinez Jr. to begin paying employment taxes to the United States on a timely basis, the Justice Department announced today.
The judgment and permanent injunction by consent, entered by Judge Fernando Rodriguez Jr. of the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas, requires El Mundo and Martinez to deposit and pay all employment taxes and make all related tax return filings, and requires Martinez to provide an affidavit to the government on a monthly basis stating that they have done so. The injunction is effective immediately. The order specifies that violation of the injunction may result in civil and criminal sanctions.
According to the government’s complaint, El Mundo, operated by Martinez, provides home adult day care services, with an office located in Brownsville, Texas. The complaint alleges that, for 24 quarters spanning 2012 to 2019, Martinez and the company failed to make required employment tax deposits to the United States, a practice known as “pyramiding.” The complaint further alleges that the defendants’ misconduct has resulted in a balance due to the government of more than $600,000. The court entered judgment in favor of the United States for that amount, as well as for nearly $40,000 in delinquent unemployment taxes, penalties and interest.
Additional information about the Tax Division and its enforcement efforts may be found on the division’s website.
Federal Charges Filed Against Roberts County Man for Aggravated Assault and Felony Child AbuseRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a Roberts County, South Dakota, man has been charged with Assault Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury and Felony Child Abuse and Neglect of a Child.
Michael Robinson, a/k/a Michael O’Brien, Jr., age 21, was indicted on January 7, 2020. He appeared before the U.S. Magistrate Judge in Minneapolis, Minnesota, following his arrest, and he pled not guilty to the Indictment.
According to the Indictment, on October 3, 2019, Robinson engaged in assaultive and abusive conduct toward a child under the age of seven years. For each charge, the maximum penalty upon conviction is up to life imprisonment with a mandatory minimum of 10 years, a monetary fine, or both, and 3 years of supervised release. Each charge also carries a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Restitution may also be ordered.
The charges are merely accusations and Robinson is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
The investigation is being conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Sisseton-Wahpeton Oyate Sioux Tribe’s Law Enforcement. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeremy R. Jehangiri is prosecuting the case.
Robinson was released on conditions pending trial and ordered to appear in federal court in Aberdeen, South Dakota, on March 31, 2020.
Ex-Stockbrokers Convicted of Conspiring with Long Island Boiler Rooms to Dump Stock on Unsuspecting InvestorsRead the Press Release
Following a six-week trial, a federal jury in Central Islip, New York returned a guilty verdict today on all counts against former registered stock brokers Jeffrey Chartier and Lawrence Isen for their roles in a conspiracy to manipulate and fraudulently promote shares of publicly traded companies Hydrocarb Energy Corp. (HECC), CES Synergies, Inc. (CESX), National Waste Management Holdings, Inc. (NWMH) and Intelligent Content Enterprises, Inc. (ICEIF). Specifically, the defendants were convicted of money laundering conspiracy, wire fraud conspiracy, securities fraud conspiracy, securities fraud and money laundering. Chartier was additionally convicted of attempted obstruction of an official proceeding based upon lies he told to the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) after his arrest in this case.
When sentenced by United States District Judge Joanna Seybert, the defendants each face a maximum sentence of more than 20 years’ imprisonment.
Richard P. Donoghue, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, announced the verdict.
“Chartier, Isen and their co-conspirators lied to investors, including elderly victims, but the jurors here saw the truth – that these defendants were brazenly stealing money through fraudulent investment schemes,” stated United States Attorney Donoghue. Mr. Donoghue thanked the FBI for leading the investigation, and expressed his appreciation to the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, Inc., Criminal Prosecution Assistance Group (FINRA CPAG) for their cooperation and assistance.
From 2013 to 2017, Chartier, Isen and two boiler rooms located in Plainview and Melville, New York – known as, among other names, Elite Stock Research and Power Traders Press – artificially inflated the price and trading volume of the four stocks. They did so through a cold-calling campaign that used lies and high-pressure sales tactics to lure victims, many of whom were elderly, into purchasing stock. The conspiracy’s market manipulation fraudulently inflated the stock price of the four stocks by more than $147 million.
Chartier, who became a major shareholder in CESX and NWMH after persuading those companies to retain him to help take them public, used the boiler rooms to dump nearly $2 million worth of those companies’ shares on unsuspecting victims. He also sold stock to individuals in private transactions without telling them that the stock had been manipulated to trade at an artificially high price and volume. Using some of the proceeds from his fraudulent scheme, he purchased a $350,000 luxury RV equipped with a flat screen television and a fireplace, which he used as a traveling office.
After Chartier was arrested in July 2017, and after waiving his Miranda rights, he lied to FBI Special Agents about his and others’ involvement in the scheme, including that he sold NWMH shares only via purchase agreements.
Isen, who was barred from acting as a broker by FINRA in 1996 and convicted of wire fraud conspiracy in the Southern District of New York in 2000, orchestrated the manipulation of stock belonging to, among others, major HECC shareholder Michael Watts and major ICEIF shareholders located in India. Watts was previously convicted in October 2019 for his role in the stock manipulation scheme following a month-long jury trial and is awaiting sentencing.
Chartier and Isen are the 15th and 16th defendants convicted in this case. Four defendants have been sentenced for their roles in the scheme: Ronald Hardy was sentenced to 10 years’ imprisonment; Dennis Verderosa was sentenced to six years’ imprisonment; McArthur Jean was sentenced to four years’ imprisonment; and Emin Cohen was sentenced to two years’ imprisonment.
The government’s case is being handled by the Office’s Business and Securities Fraud Section. Assistant United States Attorneys Whitman G.S. Knapp and Kaitlin T. Farrell are in charge of the prosecution. Assistant United States Attorney Tanisha R. Payne of the Office’s Asset Forfeiture Section is handling the forfeiture matters.
The Defendants:
JEFFREY CHARTIER
Age: 56
Los Angeles, CaliforniaLAWRENCE ISEN
Age: 66
San Diego, CaliforniaDefendants Who Were Previously Convicted:
RONALD HARDY
Age: 44
Port Jefferson, New YorkMCARTHUR JEAN (also known as “John McArthur”)
Age: 37
Dix Hills, New YorkSTEPHANIE LEE
Age: 48
St. Petersburg, FloridaERIK MATZ
Age: 46
Mt. Sinai, New YorkBRIAN HEEPKE (also known as “Brian Targis”)
Age: 39
Farmingdale, New YorkDENNIS VERDEROSA
Age: 79
Coram, New YorkEMIN L. COHEN (also known as “Ian Grant”)
Age: 36
Coram, New YorkPAUL EWER
Age: 39
Massapequa, New YorkASHLEY ANTOS
Age: 28
Central Islip, New YorkSERGIO RAMIREZ
Age: 46
East Meadow, New YorkROBERT GILBERT
Age: 53
Cold Spring Harbor, New YorkANTHONY VASSALLO
Age: 56
Farmingdale, New YorkMICHAEL WATTS
Age: 63
Sugarland, TexasDocket No. 17-CR-372 (S-3) (JS)
Duo Convicted of Conspiracy to Distribute Crack Cocaine After Jury TrialRead the Press Release
HAMMOND- Antonio Walton, age 43, and Charles Gould, age 36, both of Gary, Indiana, were convicted, late last night, after a jury trial in the Hammond District Court of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 280 grams or more of cocaine base, commonly known as crack cocaine, announced United States Attorney Thomas L. Kirsch II.
U.S. District Court Judge Philip P. Simon presided over this 6-day jury trial.
According to documents in this case, from July 2015 through November 2016, Walton and Gould conspired with other individuals in Gary, Indiana, to distribute and possess with intent to distribute crack cocaine. As part of the conspiracy, cocaine was cooked into crack cocaine, packaged for sale, and distributed by members of the conspiracy in Gary’s Glen Park neighborhood, with armed individuals serving as security for the twenty-four hour a day drug operation. During the investigation, law enforcement executed search warrants at five separate locations and recovered approximately 300 grams of crack cocaine packaged for sale, packaging materials, money, paraphernalia used to cook cocaine into crack cocaine, and a 33-page drug ledger. It is estimated that gross drug sales ran into the hundreds of thousands of dollars. Walton has prior felony convictions for dealing in cocaine, distribution of marijuana, and possession of ammunition as a felon.
To date, seventeen other charged members of the conspiracy have been convicted of drug-related offenses in this case.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Gang Response Investigative Team with the assistance of the Gary and Hobart Police Departments. This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Thomas R. Mahoney and Alexandra McTague.
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Convicted Child Molester Pleads Guilty in Johnstown, PA to Possessing Child Pornography, Illegal Gun and AmmunitionRead the Press Release
JOHNSTOWN, Pa. – A resident of Somerset County pleaded guilty in federal court to charges of violating child pornography and firearms laws, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.
William M. Jones, 51, of Stoystown, Pa., pleaded guilty to the indictment before United States District Judge Kim R. Gibson.
In connection with the guilty plea, on September 18, 2019, knowingly possessed pictures and videos in individual computer graphic files which were produced using prepubescent minors engaging in sexually explicit conduct. Further, Jones was found in possession of a firearm and ammunition. In 2003, Jones was convicted in Howard County, Indiana, of child molestation, which is a crime punishable by imprisonment for a term exceeding one year. Federal law prohibits persons who have been convicted of a crime punishable by a term of imprisonment exceeding one year from possessing firearms.
Judge Gibson scheduled sentencing for August 12, 2020, at 1:30 p.m. The law provides for a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison, a fine of $500,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Jones is detained and was ordered to remain detained pending sentencing.
Assistant United States Attorney Arnold P. Bernard, Jr. is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The Department of Homeland Security Investigations conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Jones.
City of Margate Police Officer Charged with Soliciting A Minor for Visual Depictions of Sexually Explicit ConductRead the Press Release
Jacksonville, Florida – United States Attorney Maria Chapa Lopez announces the arrest and charging by criminal complaint of Andrew Christian Hammock (46, Boca Raton) with soliciting visual depictions of a minor engaged in sexually explicit conduct. If convicted, Hammock faces a mandatory minimum penalty of 15 years, and up to, 30 years in federal prison and a potential life term of supervised release.
According to the
complaint , Hammock was employed by the Margate Police Department as a police officer. From February 14 through March 17, 2020, Hammock engaged in chats using a social media application with whom he believed to be a 14-year-old female child. Hammock solicited the child to produce and send him child pornography on multiple occasions and indicated his desire to engage in sexual conduct with the “child,” who was actually an undercover FBI agent. Hammock was arrested at the City of Margate Police Department on March 17, 2020.This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (Jacksonville Office), with assistance from the Margate Police Department. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Kelly S. Karase.
It is another case brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc. For more information about internet safety education, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc and click on the tab “resources.”
California man sentenced for hacking an Atlanta-based companyRead the Press Release
ATLANTA - Christian William Kight, a/k/a Drillo, has been sentenced for extortion, computer fraud, and wire fraud for hacking into an Atlanta-based computer analytics company and attempting to extort money from the company in exchange for the return of their intellectual property.
“This defendant hid behind his computer to extort companies in this district and elsewhere,” said U.S. Attorney Byung J. “BJay” Pak. “As a result of the exemplary work of law enforcement and the cooperation of the victim, he is headed to federal prison. This case highlights the positive outcomes that are possible for businesses and the community when the private sector works with law enforcement to bring cyber criminals to justice.”
“Kight’s scheme against this company is unfortunately all too common and highlights the ever-growing need to remain vigilant in cybersecurity efforts”, said Chris Hacker, Special Agent in Charge of FBI Atlanta. “Hopefully this sentence sends a message to the thieves hiding behind their computers, if you violate our laws, the FBI will make sure you pay the price.”
“Computer hacking is a serious crime, and the theft of intellectual property threatens the fabric of our economy. The partnership between the Georgia Attorney General’s Office and the United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Georgia is just one example of law enforcement working together to keep Georgia citizens, individual and corporate, safe,” said Georgia Attorney General Chris Carr.
According to U.S. Attorney Pak, the charges and other information presented in court: Kight gained unauthorized access to the computer networks and servers of multiple companies and organizations, including a computer analytics company in the Northern District of Georgia. Once on the victim’s network, Kight concealed his identity, exfiltrated data files, and deleted data and log files. He then sent a series of emails to the victim demanding money in exchange for the release of their data.
When the company announced their intention to contact law enforcement, Kight further threatened to send reputation-harming letters to the company’s clients and disseminate the data he had stolen. The victim nonetheless contacted the FBI and reported the hack and extortion demands. Once identified through the FBI investigation, a search of Kight’s computer equipment and encrypted email account revealed evidence of this crime as well as his scheme to extort multiple victims.
Christian William Kight, a/k/a Drillo, 29, of San Clemente, California, was sentenced by Chief U.S. District Judge Thomas W. Thrash, Jr., to seven years, eight months in prison to be followed by three years of supervised release, a $900 fine, and $42,001.00, in restitution. Kight was convicted on these charges on December 3, 2019, after he pleaded guilty.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation investigated this case.
Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Laura D. Pfister prosecuted the case.
For further information please contact the U.S. Attorney’s Public Affairs Office at [email protected] or (404) 581-6016. The Internet address for the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Georgia is http://www.justice.gov/usao-ndga.
Byram Man Pleads Guilty to Trafficking MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
Jackson, Miss. – Timothy Griffin, 44 of Byram, Mississippi, pled guilty yesterday before Chief U.S. District Judge Daniel P. Jordan III to possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of actual methamphetamine, announced U.S. Attorney Mike Hurst and Special Agent in Charge Brad L. Byerley with the Drug Enforcement Administration.
In June 2018, DEA agents learned that a drug transaction was going to occur on Raymond Road in Jackson. Agents observed a pickup truck pull into the Raymond Road location. The driver of the vehicle was identified as Timothy Griffin. After searching the pickup truck, agents found approximately 425 grams of actual methamphetamine.
Griffin will be sentenced on July 10, 2020, at 9:00 a.m. and faces a maximum penalty of life in prison and a $10,000,000 fine.
This case is the result of an extensive investigation targeting illegal methamphetamine distribution in Central Mississippi. The case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives, U.S. Marshals Service, Hinds County Sheriff’s Office, Jones County Sheriff’s Office, Jackson Police Department, Richland Police Department, Mississippi Bureau of Narcotics and the Internal Revenue Service. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Chris Wansley and Keesha Middleton.
Broken Bow Man Pleads Guilty to Firearm PossessionRead the Press Release
MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that Logan Lawson Cox, age 29, of Broken Bow, Oklahoma, entered a guilty plea to Felon In Possession Of Firearm, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 922(g)(1) and 924(a)(2), punishable by not more than 10 years and not more than life imprisonment, a fine up to $250,000.00, or both.
The Indictment alleged that on or about November 17, 2019, in the Eastern District of Oklahoma, the defendant, having been convicted of a crime punishable by imprisonment for a term exceeding one year, and knowing of said conviction, did knowingly possess in and affecting commerce, a firearm which had been shipped and transported in interstate commerce.
The charges arose from an investigation by the McCurtain County Sheriff’s Office and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
The Honorable Steven P. Shreder, U.S. Magistrate Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, in Muskogee, accepted the plea and ordered the completion of a presentence investigation report.
Assistant United States Attorney Jarrod Leaman represented the United States.
Agency Village Man Guilty of Involuntary ManslaughterRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that an Agency Village, South Dakota, man has pled guilty to involuntary manslaughter.
Felix Duane Johnson, Jr., age 27, was indicted on January 7, 2020. He appeared before Judge William D. Gerdes in March 2020, and pled guilty to the Indictment.
The maximum penalty upon conviction is up to 8 years in custody and/or a $250,000 fine, 3 years of supervised release, and $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Restitution may also be ordered.
According to court documents, on December 17, 2019, in Roberts County, Johnson unlawfully killed a human being without malice. Johnson was the only adult in the residence at the time the minor victim, who was approximately 11 months old, drowned in the bathtub. He was the person who was responsible for taking care of the children in the home because his girlfriend, who is the victim’s mother, was working at the time the child drowned. Johnson admitted that the death of the child was his responsibility and that the death was a result of his gross neglect and lack of due caution and circumspection. Johnson admitted that, while the child was in the bathtub unattended, he kept getting feelings like he should go and check on the child, but he ignored the promptings and became distracted with his mobile phone. The child ultimately drowned in the bathtub.
The investigation is being conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeremy R. Jehangiri is prosecuting the case.
Johnson was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service pending sentencing.
Agency Village Man Charged in Federal Court with Transferring Obscene Material to a MinorRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that an Agency Village/Sioux Falls, South Dakota, man has been charged with two counts of transferring obscene material to a minor.
Aydan Sam Kirk, Jr., age 22, was indicted on March 3, 2020. He appeared before Judge Veronica L. Duffy on March 11, 2020, and pled not guilty to the Indictment.
According to the charging documents, on September 26 and October 2, 2019, Kirk knowingly used a facility and means of interstate commerce, that is, a computer connected to the internet and a mobile phone, to transfer and attempt to transfer obscene matter to an another individual who had not attained the age of 16 years, knowing that such other individual had not attained the age of 16 years.
The maximum penalty upon conviction is up to 10 years in custody and/or a $250,000 fine, 3 years of supervised release, and $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Restitution may also be ordered.
The investigation is being conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeremy R. Jehangiri is prosecuting the case.
Kirk was ordered to home detention pending trial.
14 Defendants Charged with Racketeering, Murder, Firearms, and Narcotics OffensesRead the Press Release
Geoffrey S. Berman, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, Darcel D. Clark, District Attorney for Bronx County, Dermot Shea, Commissioner of the New York City Police Department (“NYPD”), Ray Donovan, Special Agent in Charge of the New York Division of the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (“DEA”), Peter C. Fitzhugh, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in New York (“HSI”), and Cynthia Brann, Commissioner of the New York City Department of Correction (“NYCDOC”), announced today the unsealing of an Indictment charging ALEXANDER ARGUEDAS, a/k/a “Reckless,” MICHAEL DELAGUILA, a/k/a “Grizz,” STEVEN JUSTO, a/k/a “Riko,” DAVONTE BROWN, a/k/a “Tae,” JACOBB PADIN, a/k/a “Chino,” EDGARDO BARANCO, a/k/a “Slime,” ABBAS OZKURT, a/k/a “AB,” JAHVONNE CHAMBERS, a/k/a “JV,” DENISE BULLOCK, a/k/a “Mocha,” SIMONE CORDERO, a/k/a “Mixy,” MATTHEW NIEVES, a/k/a “WB,” TYERANCE MICKEY, a/k/a “Hoodlum,” and MARK BROCK, a/k/a “Rover,” with racketeering, firearms, and narcotics offenses, in connection with their membership and association with the Black Stone Gorilla Gang (“BSGG”). ARGUEDAS is also charged with the December 9, 2012, murder of Gary Rodriguez. ANDRE CURRY, a/k/a “Flex,” is charged with narcotics and firearms offenses.
Seven defendants were arrested today and will be presented this afternoon before United States Magistrate Judge Stewart D. Aaron. Three defendants were already in federal or state custody on other charges. The case has been assigned to United States District Judge Jesse M. Furman.
Manhattan U.S. Attorney Geoffrey S. Berman said: “Today’s indictment charges members and associates of a violent gang that allegedly wreaked havoc in the Bronx for years, committing numerous acts of violence against rival gang members and innocent victims. These charges are the product of a joint effort between our Office and the Bronx District Attorney’s Office, whom we thank for their outstanding partnership, not only in this case, but in our ongoing, shared commitment to keeping the people of the Bronx safe from violence. Because of that partnership, and thanks to the extraordinary efforts of the NYPD, DEA, Department of Correction, HSI, and Special Agents of the U.S. Attorney’s Office, the defendants now face federal charges for their alleged crimes.”
Bronx District Attorney Darcel D. Clark said: “This gang has allegedly brought violence, guns and illicit narcotics to Bronx streets, and my Office’s partnership with U.S. Attorney Geoffrey Berman, the NYPD, the DEA, the Department of Correction, and HSI has now brought them to justice. We remain unrelenting in putting such violent criminal enterprises out of business.”
NYPD Commissioner Dermot Shea said: “The NYPD’s work to identify and dismantle gangs and crews, and prevent the violence so often associated with their activities, continues to be of paramount importance to the NYPD and all our law enforcement partners. I thank the NYPD detectives involved in this case and our law enforcement partners for their hard work which resulted in these arrests.”
DEA Special Agent in Charge Ray Donovan said: “With deep rooted history of violence both in and outside of prison, the Black Stone Gorilla Gang is a fierce threat to New Yorkers. Today’s arrests have put an alleged murderer in jail along with 13 other gang associates allegedly embedded in racketeering, fraud, firearms, narcotics trafficking and/or assaults. I thank our law enforcement partners for their collaboration and partnership.”
NYCDOC Commissioner Cynthia Brann said: “Our Correction Intelligence Bureau works tirelessly to reduce violence and increase safety in our facilities, and we are proud of their hard work in this case, which involved many hours of collaboration with our fellow law enforcement partners. Gang activity drives a disproportionate amount of violence in our city, in both the streets and the jails, and because of these efforts both communities are safer.”
HSI Special Agent in Charge Peter C. Fitzhugh said: “HSI is always willing to assist our law enforcement partners in any criminal investigation where our resources, capabilities and personnel can be of value. Bringing these dangerous individuals to face justice is why we invest in the specialized training and equipment we keep at the ready. HSI and our law enforcement partners will continue to thrive in arresting those most dangerous because of the dedication and teamwork we put forward.”
According to the allegations in the Indictment unsealed today in Manhattan federal court[1]:
ALEXANDER ARGUEDAS, a/k/a “Reckless,” MICHAEL DELAGUILA, a/k/a “Grizz,” STEVEN JUSTO, a/k/a “Riko,” DAVONTE BROWN, a/k/a “Tae,” JACOBB PADIN, a/k/a “Chino,” EDGARDO BARANCO, a/k/a “Slime,” ABBAS OZKURT, a/k/a “AB,” JAHVONNE CHAMBERS, a/k/a “JV,” DENISE BULLOCK, a/k/a “Mocha,” SIMONE CORDERO, a/k/a “Mixy,” MATTHEW NIEVES, a/k/a “WB,” TYERANCE MICKEY, a/k/a “Hoodlum,” and MARK BROCK, a/k/a “Rover,” are members and associates of the Black Stone Gorilla Gang, a racketeering enterprise that operates principally in the New York City metropolitan area and in the jails and prisons of New York City and the State of New York. In order to enrich the enterprise, preserve and protect the power of the enterprise, and enhance its criminal operations, BSGG members and associates committed, conspired, attempted, and threatened to commit acts of violence, including murder and assaults; distributed and possessed with intent to distribute narcotics; committed robberies; engaged in bank fraud and wire fraud; and obtained, possessed, and used firearms. BSGG members also evaded prosecution by law enforcement authorities through acts of intimidation and violence against potential witnesses to crimes committed by the gang.
On or about December 9, 2012, ARGUEDAS shot and killed Gary Rodriguez in the vicinity of 3089 Decatur Avenue in the Bronx, New York.
In or around 2018, ARGUEDAS and others conspired to murder a fellow BSGG member who had fallen out of ARGUEDAS’s favor. At ARGUEDAS’s direction, another gang member shot at that individual.
On or about August 27, 2018, at ARGUEDAS’s direction, CHAMBERS attempted to slash a rival gang member with a scalpel in the Bronx, New York.
On or about November 12, 2019, ARGUEDAS and MICKEY assaulted a fellow BSGG member with a chair in the vicinity of 3063 Hull Avenue in the Bronx, New York.
On or about November 12, 2019, BROCK slashed an individual across the face in Manhattan, New York.
The defendants are also charged with participating in a conspiracy to distribute heroin, cocaine, cocaine base, oxycodone, and marijuana from in or about 2011 through in or about March 2020.
* * *
A chart containing the names, charges, and maximum and minimum penalties for the defendants is set forth below. The maximum potential sentences in this case are prescribed by Congress and are provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendants will be determined by the judge.
Mr. Berman praised the outstanding investigative work of the NYPD’s Gun Violence Suppression Division and Financial Crimes Task Force, the DEA, the NYCDOC Correction Intelligence Bureau, HSI, and the Special Agents of the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
This case is being handled by the Office’s Violent and Organized Crime Unit. Assistant United States Attorneys Danielle R. Sassoon, Andrew K. Chan, and Brandon Harper, and Special Assistant United States Attorney Jaclyn M. Wood, are in charge of the prosecution.
The charges contained in the Indictment are merely accusations and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
COUNT
CHARGE
DEFENDANTS
MAX. PENALTY
Count One
Racketeering Conspiracy
18 U.S.C. § 1962(d)
ALEXANDER ARGUEDAS
MICHAEL DELAGUILA
STEVEN JUSTO
DAVONTE BROWN
JACOBB PADIN
EDGARDO BARANCO
ABBAS OZKURT
DENISE BULLOCK
SIMONE CORDERO
MATTHEW NIEVES
Life imprisonment
JAHVONNE CHAMBERS
20 years’ imprisonment
Count Two
Murder in Aid of Racketeering
18 U.S.C. §§ 1959 and 2
ALEXANDER ARGUEDAS
Death or life Imprisonment;
Mandatory minimum of life imprisonment
Count Three
Murder through the Use of a Firearm
18 U.S.C. §§ 924(j) and 2
ALEXANDER ARGUEDAS
Death or life imprisonment;
Mandatory minimum of five years’ imprisonment
Count Four
Conspiracy to Commit Murder in Aid of Racketeering and Assault with a Dangerous Weapon in Aid of Racketeering
ALEXANDER ARGUEDAS
10 years’ imprisonment
Court Five
Attempted Murder and Assault with a Dangerous Weapon in Aid of Racketeering
18 U.S.C. §§ 1959 and 2
ALEXANDER ARGUEDAS
20 years’ imprisonment
Count Six
Firearms offense
18 U.S.C. §§ 924(c) and 2
ALEXANDER ARGUEDAS
Life imprisonment
Mandatory minimum of ten years’ imprisonment
Count Seven
Attempted Assault with a Dangerous Weapon in Aid of Racketeering
18 U.S.C. §§ 1959 and 2
ALEXANDER ARGUEDAS
JAHVONNE CHAMBERS
3 years’ imprisonment
Count Eight
Assault with a Dangerous Weapon in Aid of Racketeering
18 U.S.C. §§ 1959 and 2
ALEXANDER ARGUEDAS
TYERANCE MICKEY
20 years’ imprisonment
Count Nine
Maiming, Assault with a Dangerous Weapon, and Assault Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury in Aid of Racketeering
18 U.S.C. §§ 1959 and 2
MARK BROCK
20 years’ imprisonment
Count Ten
Narcotics Conspiracy
21 U.S.C. § 846
ALEXANDER ARGUEDAS
MICHAEL DELAGUILA
STEVEN JUSTO
DAVONTE BROWN
JACOBB PADIN
EDGARDO BARANCO
ABBAS OZKURT
DENISE BULLOCK
SIMONE CORDERO
MATTHEW NIEVES
ANDRE CURRY
Life
Mandatory minimum of 10 years’ imprisonment
Count Eleven
Firearms Offense
18 U.S.C. §§ 924(c) and 2
ALEXANDER ARGUEDAS
MICHAEL DELAGUILA
STEVEN JUSTO
JACOBB PADIN
EDGARDO BARANCO
ABBAS OZKURT
MATTHEW NIEVES
ANDRE CURRY
Life
Mandatory minimum of 5 years’ imprisonment
[1] As the introductory phrase signifies, the entirety of the text of the Indictment constitutes only allegations, and every fact described herein should be treated as an allegation.
Tuesday 17 March 2020
Wellington Couple Sentenced to Prison for Conspiracy to Commit Theft of Government Property and Aggravated Identity TheftRead the Press Release
Orlando, Florida – U.S. District Judge Gregory A. Presnell has sentenced Billy Altidor (29, Wellington) and Evanie Louis (28, Wellington) to federal prison terms for their roles in conspiracy to commit theft of government funds and aggravated identity theft. Altidor was sentenced to two years’ imprisonment, and Louis was sentenced to one year and a day in federal prison. Each was also ordered to serve two years of supervised release and pay $93,685.60 in restitution.
Altidor and Louis had pleaded guilty on July 29, 2019.
According to court documents, Louis, Altidor, and their co-conspirators used stolen personal identifiable information (PII) to access the “My Social Security” (MySSA) online portal and redirect Social Security benefit payments to accounts controlled by the conspirators. The conspirators accessed or attempted to access MySSA accounts belonging to more than 1,400 different individuals, without the victims’ knowledge or authorization.
Louis, Altidor, and their co-conspirators also used stolen PII to file false tax return and directed the fraudulently obtained tax refunds into accounts controlled by the conspirators. In addition, they used stolen identities to activate debit cards and bank accounts to receive the fraudulent tax refunds.
“Today’s sentencing is a warning to those who would steal and misuse personally identifiable information to defraud federal agencies and American taxpayers,” said Rodregas Owens, Special Agent in Charge of the Social Security Administration Office of the Inspector General, Atlanta Field Division. “We will continue to uphold the integrity and security of Social Security’s systems against this type of fraud. I want to thank the U.S. Attorney’s Office and Special U.S. Attorney Suzanne Huyler, as well as our law enforcement partners, for their efforts in holding these individuals accountable for their crimes.”
“We have made tremendous strides in the effort to combat tax-related identity theft. The vast majority of returns filed using stolen identities are stopped and never processed by the IRS,” stated Special Agent in Charge Mary Hammond of IRS Criminal Investigation. “Would-be identify thieves should know that simply submitting a false claim, even if the crook never receives the refund, is grounds for criminal prosecution. We will continue to tirelessly pursue those who are so audacious as to think that they can sneak through the cracks.”
This case was investigated by the Social Security Administration - Office of the Inspector General, the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation, and the Department of the Treasury - Office of the Inspector General. It was prosecuted by Special Assistant United States Attorney Suzanne Huyler.
Waterford, PA Man Indicted on Charges Related to the Sexual Exploitation of ChildrenRead the Press Release
ERIE, Pa. - A resident of Waterford, Pennsylvania, has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Erie on charges of violating federal laws relating to the sexual exploitation of children, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.
The three-count Indictment named John Douglas Root, Jr., 27, as the sole defendant.
According to the Indictment presented to the court, from April 2017 to March 2018, Root received, distributed and possessed computer and cell phone images depicting prepubescent minors engaging in sexually explicit conduct.
The law provides for a maximum total sentence of 60 years in prison, a fine of $750,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant United States Attorney Christian A. Trabold is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
Homeland Security Investigations conducted the investigation leading to the Indictment in this case. This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (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.
An indictment is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Washington Man Sentenced to 30 Years in Prison for Engaging in Child Exploitation EnterpriseRead the Press Release
PHILADELPHIA – United States Attorney William M. McSwain announced that Sharif El-Battouty, 45, of Puyallup, WA, was sentenced by United States District Court Judge Harvey Bartle III to 30 years’ imprisonment and a lifetime of supervised release for engaging in a child exploitation enterprise and conspiracy to advertise child pornography.
El-Battouty – using the online alias “Fritos” – posted videos and images of child pornography in various text channels on the online-sharing platform Discord. Discord is a public communications service that permits users to create “servers,” or collections of chat rooms. These servers are capable of hosting numerous Discord users who communicate with each other through text chat messages visible to all other users present in that room, post video and image files for other users to download, and send links to material stored elsewhere on the Internet for retrieval by those users.
El-Battouty also actively produced child pornography by communicating directly with scores of minor children over the Internet using manipulation and deception to entice them into transmitting sexually explicit video and images of themselves, which the defendant and his co-conspirators would then record. Two of the Discord servers utilized in this conspiracy, titled “Camgirls” and “Thot Counselors,” facilitated the acquisition and dissemination of child pornography over various video-streaming platforms including Omegle, live.me, Periscope, and Skype.
“Child exploitation offenses are some of the most appalling crimes that we see in our society,” said U.S. Attorney McSwain. “Through his heinous scheme, El-Battouty perpetually victimized children by using Discord to download and share images of their abuse with others. Our community is much safer with the defendant behind bars for decades to come.”
“Sharif El-Battouty manipulated underage girls into sharing explicit images of themselves,” said Michael J. Driscoll, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Philadelphia Division. “He then passed that child pornography to other online predators, furthering his victims’ sexual exploitation. The FBI is gratified to bring him to justice and to know he’ll be behind bars for some time, where he can’t continue to perpetrate such abhorrent acts against innocent children.”
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Kevin Jayne and Department of Justice Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section Attorneys Lauren Britsch and Kaylynn Shoop.
Van Zandt County Man Sentenced for Federal ViolationsRead the Press Release
TYLER, Texas – A 56-year-old Grand Saline, Texas man has been sentenced to federal prison for drug trafficking violations in the Eastern District of Texas announced U.S. Attorney Joseph D. Brown today.
Andrew Mark Harris pleaded guilty on Aug. 26, 2019, to conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine and was sentenced to 71 months in federal prison by U.S. District Judge Jeremy D. Kernodle on March 17, 2020. Judge Kernodle also ordered forfeiture of $1500, representing proceeds received by the defendant because of his drug distribution.
According to information presented in court, on July 14, 2018, Harris was stopped in Van Zandt County, Texas, for a traffic violation. At the time of the stop, he possessed approximately 1.4 grams of a mixture or substance containing methamphetamine, which he possessed with intentions to distribute to others.
Harris admitted to being involved in a conspiracy with others to obtain and distribute methamphetamine from July 2018 through at least May 2019. As part of that conspiracy, he obtained methamphetamine for resale and sold methamphetamine to others. He admitted that he was responsible, directly, for the possession with intent to distribute of at least 50 grams of a mixture or substance containing methamphetamine, and that the value of that methamphetamine was at least $1,500.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Van Zandt County Sheriff’s Office and the Texas Department of Public Safety and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Alan Jackson.
Upshur County man is charged with making a bombRead the Press Release
ELKINS, WEST VIRGINIA – William John Clark, of Buckhannon, West Virginia, was indicted today on firearms charges, U.S. Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Clark, age 62, is charged with one count of “Making a Destructive Device,” one count of “Possession of Unregistered Firearm,” and one count of “Unlawful Possession of a Firearm.” Clark is accused of making an explosive bomb, which wasn’t registered as required by law. Clark, a convicted felon, is also accused of having a .22 caliber pistol and a .22 caliber revolver. The crimes allegedly occurred in March 2020 in Upshur County.
Clark faces at up to 10 years incarceration and a fine of up to $10,000 for the device count and the unregistered firearm count. He faces up to 10 years incarceration and a fine of up to $250,000 for the unlawful possession count. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed will be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Brandon S. Flower is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Upshur County Sheriff’s Office investigated.
This case is part of Project Guardian, the Department of Justice’s signature initiative to reduce gun violence and enforce federal firearms laws. Initiated by the Attorney General in the fall of 2019, Project Guardian draws upon the Department’s past successful programs to reduce gun violence; enhances coordination of federal, state, local, and tribal authorities in investigating and prosecuting gun crimes; improves information-sharing by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives when a prohibited individual attempts to purchase a firearm and is denied by the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS), to include taking appropriate actions when a prospective purchaser is denied by the NICS for mental health reasons; and ensures that federal resources are directed at the criminals posing the greatest threat to our communities. For more information about Project Guardian, please see: https://www.justice.gov/projectguardian.
An indictment is merely an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
U.S. Attorney’s Office Committed to Safety of Employees and Public Safety at the CourthouseRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON — Our mission to protect the citizens of the District of Columbia and the United States is not changed by the COVID-19 outbreak. While we have adapted operations to optimize the health and safety of our employees, we have ensured those employees have the resources and flexibility to continue to safeguard the District and the American people from violence, financial and sexual exploitation, threats against our national security, and other criminal activity.
In continuing our mission, we support the efforts by Chief Judge Howell of the United States District Court for the District of Columbia, Chief Judge Morin of the Superior Court of the District of Columbia, and our law enforcement partners to responsibly address the concerns of public health while maintaining the core functions of our criminal justice system.
U.S. Attorney Brady Appoints Experienced Prosecutor to Fight COVID-19 FraudRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH - United States Attorney Scott W. Brady today announced the appointment of a COVID-19 Fraud Coordinator to lead investigations into potential fraud schemes perpetrated as a result of the coronavirus outbreak.
Attorney General William Barr has asked U.S. Attorneys nationwide to remain vigilant in detecting, investigating and prosecuting wrongdoing 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.
"Scammers are using email phishing schemes claiming to be from legitimate health organizations, advertising counterfeit virus test kits, and fraudulently seeking donations for illegitimate or non-existent charitable organizations, all in an effort to exploit people’s anxiety and uncertainty," said U.S. Attorney Brady. "We will prioritize the investigation and prosecution of fraud related to the COVID-19 virus in order to protect the people of western Pennsylvania. All fraudsters should know that if you cross a state line, use your phone or the internet, DOJ can and will prosecute your crime."
As part of the strategy, Assistant U.S. Attorney Shaun Sweeney, a Senior Litigation Counsel, will serve as the COVID-19 Fraud Coordinator, and will oversee the prosecution of fraud resulting from virus scammers.
"AUSA Sweeney is an experienced and talented federal prosecutor who will lead our work to stop individuals who are taking advantage of the coronavirus outbreak," U.S. Attorney Brady added.
In addition the U.S. Attorney’s Office’s website now contains a front page button where visitors can quickly report fraud to the office and/or to the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Western Pennsylvanians who believe they may have been the target or victim of a virus-related fraud scheme should visit www.justice.gov/usao-wdpa and provide detailed information about their experience.
Two McAlester Individuals Sentenced for Heroin DistributionRead the Press Release
MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced the sentencing of McAlester, Oklahoma residents, Callie Marie Woolsey, age 31, and Darron Ray Aldridge, age 41, for Distribution of Heroin. Woolsey was sentenced to 188 months’ imprisonment, and 3 years of supervised release, and Aldridge to 151 months’ imprisonment, and 3 years of supervised release. They were also ordered to pay $2,539.63 in restitution. The charges arose from an investigation by the McAlester Police Department and the Drug Enforcement Administration.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office alleged that on December 16, 2018, in the Eastern District of Oklahoma, the defendants knowingly and intentionally distributed heroin, a Schedule I controlled substance. The Government’s case included evidence that A.B. died as a result of ingesting the heroin the defendants distributed to A.B.
United States Attorney, Brian J. Kuester said, “When death is avoidable, as it is when caused by drug overdose, it is especially tragic. The needless loss and pain is felt by family, friends, and community. The death that led to the prosecution of these defendants was caused by heroin, an illicit opioid that has inflicted countless deaths across the country. There is no “safe” heroin. Any given dose could end a life. If you are a user please get help. If you are providing others with heroin, whether it be for profit or you think you are doing a friend a favor, stop before it is too late. The consequences are irreversible.”
“Those who distribute drugs do so for one purpose, to make a profit,” said DEA Special Agent in Charge, Eduardo A. Chávez. “The DEA will never stop seeking justice for those who prey on others’ addictions.”
The Honorable Ronald A. White, U.S. District Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, in Muskogee, presided over the hearings. Assistant United States Attorney Sarah McAmis represented the United States.Two Canadian Nationals Sentenced to Federal Prison for Bitcoin FraudRead the Press Release
PORTLAND, Ore.— Karanjit Singh Khatkar, 23, and Jagroop Singh Khatkar, 24, residents of Surrey, British Columbia, Canada, were sentenced today to 24 months in federal prison and three years’ supervised release for conspiring to commit wire fraud and money laundering in a scheme to steal bitcoin from an Oregon resident.
According to the indictment, beginning in October 2017 and continuing until August 2018, the defendants used a Twitter account with the name @HitBTCAssist to trick victims into thinking they were communicating with a customer service representative from HitBTC, a Hong Kong-based online platform used to exchange virtual currency. HitBTC provides its customers with web-based “wallets” to store virtual currency and make transactions.
Using the fraudulent Twitter account, the defendants responded to the Oregon victim’s questions about withdrawing virtual currency from her HitBTC account. The defendants convinced the victim to send information they could use to log on and take over her email, HitBTC and Kraken accounts. Kraken is a U.S.-based online platform that offers services similar to HitBTC.
The defendants initiated transfers of 23.2 bitcoins from the victim’s HitBTC account to Karanjit Khatkar’s Kraken account. Karanjit Khatkar in turn transferred approximately 11.6 in stolen bitcoins to Jagroop Khatkar’s Kraken account.
Two days after illegally accessing the victim’s account, Karanjit Khatkar bought a Mercedes-Benz with $56,598 in Canadian dollars. The Khatkars also traveled to casinos. Karanjit Khatkar gambled with tens of thousands of dollars while staying at high-end casinos in Las Vegas, Nevada.
On July 18, 2019, Karanjit Khatkar was arrested upon arrival at the McCarran International Airport in Las Vegas and later ordered detained pending trial. Jagroop Khatkar appeared voluntarily for his arraignment and change of plea on December 16, 2019.
On December 16, 2019, the Khatkars pleaded guilty to conspiring to commit wire fraud and money laundering. As mandated by their plea agreements, the Khatkars delivered a check of $142,349 as a prepayment of restitution to their victim at their change of plea hearing.
At sentencing, the Khatkars were ordered to pay an additional $42,162 to their victim for a total restitution order of $184,511.
This case was investigated by FBI and prosecuted by Quinn P. Harrington and Julia E. Jarrett, Assistant U.S. Attorneys for the District of Oregon.
The year 2020 marks the 150th anniversary of the Department of Justice. Learn more about the history of the department at www.Justice.gov/Celebrating150Years.
Three Marshall Men Arrested for Trafficking MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
MARSHALL, Texas - U.S. Attorney Joseph D. Brown announced today that three individuals have been arrested pursuant to a federal indictment charging them with drug and firearms violations in the Eastern District of Texas.
A federal grand jury returned the 15-count indictment on Feb. 19, 2020, charging Danny Brian Hernandez, 27; Ronald Charles Parker, 31; and Armando Ivan De La Torre, 24, all of Marshall, with being involved in a conspiracy to traffic methamphetamine in the area.
According to court documents, the defendants have been charged with one count of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine, 13 counts of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, and one count of carrying a firearm during a drug offense. Hernandez, Parker, and De La Torre were arrested today in Marshall. If convicted, the defendants face up to life in federal prison.
This case is the result of a joint investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; Texas Department of Public Safety; Marshall Police Department, and Harrison County Sheriff's Office. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Lucas Machicek.
An indictment is not evidence of guilt. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Support of Law EnforcementRead the Press Release
RALEIGH - The United States Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina, Robert J. Higdon, Jr., stands in support of law enforcement during the COVID-19 pandemic and has stated:
“As the country grapples with the effects of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, and as daily activities are altered or discontinued, we know that your work remains unchanged. If anything, your efforts to deal with violent crime, drug trafficking and scams against our citizens will become more intense.”
“I want you to know that the men and women of the United States Attorney’s Office here in the Eastern District remain on duty and fully able to partner with you as you enforce federal criminal laws and work to keep all of Eastern North Carolina safe and secure. We will continue to work alongside you and to proudly stand with you in the federal courts all across this District. Our commitment to you, and to the mission we share, is unaffected by the health challenges the country faces. And, we renew our commitment to work with you to “Take Back North Carolina” from the criminals and wrong doers who would victimize our communities.”
Sunset Mesa Funeral Home Operators Arrested for Illegal Body Part SchemeRead the Press Release
DENVER – United States Attorney Jason R. Dunn today announced that the operators of Sunset Mesa Funeral Home in Montrose, Colorado, were arrested for illegally selling body parts or entire bodies without the consent of the family of the deceased. The two operators, Megan Hess, age 43, and her mother, Shirley Koch, age 66, appeared virtually before a U.S. Magistrate Judge in Grand Junction, where they were advised of their rights and the charges pending against them. The Denver Field Office of the FBI and the Department of Transportation Office of the Inspector General joined in today’s announcement.
According to a recently unsealed grand jury indictment, from 2010 through 2018, Hess and Koch operated Sunset Mesa Funeral Directors (SMFD), which purported to provide burial and cremation services. Hess, and at times Koch, would meet with families seeking cremation services, and would offer to cremate the decedents’ bodies and provide the remains back to the families. SMFD would charge $1,000 or more for cremations, but many never occurred.
In 2009, Hess also created a nonprofit called Sunset Mesa Funeral Foundation, d/b/a Donor Services, a body broker service operated out of the same location as SMFD.
In at least dozens of instances, Hess and Koch did not follow family wishes, and neither discussed nor obtained authorization for Donor Services to transfer decedents’ bodies or body parts to third parties. In the few instances where families agreed to donation, Hess and Koch sold the remains of those decedents beyond what was authorized by the family, which was often limited to small tissue samples, tumors, or portions of skin. Hess and Koch also delivered cremains to families with the representation that the cremains were that of the deceased when, frequently, that was not the case.
Hess and Koch would also ship bodies and body parts that tested positive for, or belonging to people who had died from, infectious diseases, including Hepatitis B and C, and HIV, after certifying to buyers that the remains were disease free. These shipments would be through the mail or on commercial air flights in violation of Department of Transportation regulations regarding the transportation of hazardous materials.
This investigation was complex and involved a detailed forensic review of evidence. At a later date, the U.S. Attorney’s Office will be conducting a victim-only meeting to provide additional information and answer victim questions.
Both defendants have been charged with six counts of mail fraud and three counts of illegal transportation of hazardous materials. If convicted of mail fraud, each defendant faces up to 20 years in federal prison, per count. If convicted of transportation of hazardous materials, each defendant faces up to 5 years in federal prison, per count. They each also face up to a $250,000 fine, per count.
“The defendants are charged with committing a blatant fraud on many, many victim. This betrays a fundamental trust during one of the worst times in a person’s life – having to make arrangements for a deceased loved one,” said U.S. Attorney Jason Dunn. “It is hard to imagine the pain and worry of those who used Sunset Mesa and not knowing what happened to their loved ones’ remains.”
“I also want to recognize the hard work of the men and women of the FBI who conducted this investigation,” added U.S. Attorney Dunn. “This was an extremely complex case and would not have resulted in charges absent their dogged work.”
“Let today’s actions serve notice to those who would commit such self-serving acts of callous greed, we will diligently and tirelessly work to bring you to justice,” said FBI Denver Assistant Special Agent in Charge Dameon Hutto.
“Today’s indictment stemming from the illegal transportation of hazardous materials is a clear signal that such illegal acts will not be tolerated,” stated Lisa Glazzy, Acting Regional Special Agent-in-Charge, U.S. Department of Transportation Office of Inspector General (DOT-OIG). “Working with our law enforcement and prosecutorial colleagues, we will continue to protect the public’s safety from those who would seek to circumvent DOT-related laws and regulations.”
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeremy Chaffin from the U.S. Attorneys Grand Junction Office and Assistant U.S. Attorney Tim Neff in the Denver office.
The information provided today, as well as the information contained in the indictment, are allegations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Statement of United States Attorney James P. Kennedy, Jr. on COVID-19Read the Press Release
CONTACT: Barbara Burns
PHONE: (716) 843-5817
FAX #: (716) 551-3051As a community and a nation, we come together in times of crisis. Ironically, when it comes to COVID-19, our unification is best done in a metaphorical rather than literal sense.
In that spirit of unity, I ask that everyone in the community reflect on the brave men and women of law enforcement and those who work throughout the criminal justice system, who despite these difficult times, come together each day on a shared mission to serve, protect, and uphold the rule of law. Every individual working in law enforcement, whether as a law enforcement officer or prosecutor, began their career with an oath. Because that oath engendered a promise, it also carried with it a moral obligation. In the case of those working in the criminal justice system, that obligation includes a promise to support and defend the Constitution of the United States and to uphold our Nation’s laws. But their obligation—our obligation—does not end there. As Americans—no matter our occupation, no matter who we are, and not matter what we do—each of us are part of what our Founding Father’s characterized as the “great experiment” in self-governance. Yet, I fear that too many of us have come to view self-governance as a descriptor of how we go about choosing our leaders more than it is a characterization for how we ought to go about living our lives. Indeed, our very identity, as a Nation and as citizens, is predicated upon our ability to engage in self-governance. That is, the responsibility and obligation that each of us have to control and govern our own behavior—to live morally.
In times such as this—when we are tested—we must reaffirm our commitment to engage in self-governance and to unify in order to uphold those aspirational values which lie at the heart of our identity as Americans. As Americans, our identity depends not on where we came from, who we are, or what we have, but instead it is all about what we honor and uphold. Notions such as equality, justice, fairness—and perhaps the greatest legal precept ever—the Golden Rule—serve as the signposts on our collective journey toward unification and continued survival. We call it the American way, and it is our commitment to that American way that has guided us through troubled and uncharted waters in the past and it will carry us through these difficult times as well.
Those of us working in the criminal justice system at all levels remain committed to ensuring that the justice system will continue to function during this national crisis. The tremendous men and women who serve in my office will follow the guidance of the Attorney General, which makes it clear that the critical mission of the Department of Justice will continue. We will work closely with our partners in law enforcement and with the judiciary in order to ensure that health of those public servants who selflessly do their best each day to live up to their oaths of office. Together, we will continue to hold accountable those who fail to live up to their moral obligation as Americans.
Finally, my Office and the entire Department of Justice will remain particularly vigilant in detecting, investigating, and prosecuting wrongdoing related to the crisis. 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 will not be tolerated.
Together, we will pull through this crisis and reaffirm to the world that, nearly 250 years after the “great experiment” in self-governance, our people, our communities, and our Nation remain resilient, vital, and healthy.
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Statement from United States Attorney Mike Stuart Regarding COVID-19Read the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – United States Attorney Mike Stuart issued the following statement regarding the continuity of office operations and defending against scams relating to the COVID-19 pandemic:
“My office is following the guidance of Attorney General Barr, which makes it clear that the critical mission of the Department of Justice continues. All office locations (Charleston, Huntington and Beckley) remain open and members of my team are continuing the administration of justice, enforcement of the Rule of Law, and the protection and safety of the people of West Virginia. I am grateful for the commitment and dedication of my team and our law enforcement partners during this unprecedented time. I am doing all I can to protect the health and safety of my team even as we continue with the critical mission of ensuring the health and safety of the people of West Virginia.
It is an absolute priority for me and my team to detect, investigate and prosecute all criminal conduct related to the pandemic. Citizens should remain vigilant -- scammers & fraudsters never let an opportunity to scam and defraud go to waste. Fraud against our seniors or against consumers is despicable -- especially when it is intended to take advantage of the natural fear and anxiety of a National Emergency and the COVID-19 situation. When it comes to the COVID-19 situation, whether it’s a fake “charitable” cause or a fake “cure,” don’t be duped. Use common sense, never give out your personal info, banking info or Social Security number, and never buy a gift card because someone wants paid “right now.” If you’re confused or unsure, you should consult a friend or family member, and if you suspect fraud, report it to law enforcement and the FTC at consumer.ftc.gov. If you are aware of such misconduct, please notify law enforcement as quickly as possible. My office will be working with our federal, state and local law enforcement partners to ensure that all appropriate enforcement tools are made available to punish wrongdoers.”
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