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26 May 2020
Pendleton County mail carrier charged with attempted election fraudRead the Press Release
ELKINS, WEST VIRGINIA – Thomas Cooper, a mail carrier in Pendleton County, was charged today in a criminal complaint with attempted election fraud, U.S. Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Cooper, age 47, of Dry Fork, West Virginia, is charged with “Attempt to Defraud the Residents of West Virginia of a Fair Election.” According to the affidavit filed with the complaint, Cooper held a U.S. Postal Service contract to deliver mail in Pendleton County. In April 2020, the Clerk of Pendleton County received “2020 Primary Election COVID-19 Mail-In Absentee Request" forms from eight voters on which the voter's party-ballot request appeared to have been altered.
The clerk reported the finding to the West Virginia Secretary of State’s office, which began an investigation. The investigation found five ballot requests that had been altered from “Democrat” to “Republican.” On three other requests, the party wasn’t changed, but the request had been altered.
Cooper was responsible for the mail delivery of the three towns from which the tampered requests were mailed: Onego, Riverton, and Franklin, West Virginia. According to the affidavit, Cooper admitted to altering some of the requests, saying it was a joke.
The complaint was filed after an investigation by the West Virginia Election Fraud Task Force, led by Assistant United States Attorneys from both the Northern and Southern Districts of West Virginia, Special Agents from the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), and investigators from the West Virginia Secretary of State’s Office.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephen D. Warner is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The West Virginia Secretary of State’s Office, the West Virginia Attorney General’s Office, and the U.S. Postal Service Office of Inspector General investigated.
A criminal complaint is merely an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Parent Charged and Agrees to Plead Guilty in College Admissions CaseRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Pennsylvania man will plead guilty today in connection with using fraud and bribery to facilitate his child’s acceptance to Georgetown University.
Robert Repella, 61, of Ambler, Penn., will plead guilty to an Information charging him with one count of conspiracy to commit mail fraud and honest services mail fraud. A plea hearing is scheduled before Judge Allison D. Burroughs today at 10:30 a.m.
According to the terms of Repella’s plea agreement, the government will recommend a sentence of 10 months in prison, one year of supervised release, a fine of $40,000, and restitution. Repella is the 26th parent to plead guilty in this case.
As set forth in the charging documents, Repella, who was not involved in the conspiracy with William “Rick” Singer, agreed to pay the Georgetown tennis coach more than $50,000 directly, in exchange for purporting to recruit his daughter to the Georgetown tennis team. Repella has also agreed to cooperate with the government’s investigation.
Case information, including the status of each defendant, charging documents and plea agreements are available here: https://www.justice.gov/usao-ma/investigations-college-admissions-and-testing-bribery-scheme.
The charge of conspiracy to commit mail fraud and honest services mail fraud provides for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, three years of supervised release, and a fine of $250,000 or twice the gross gain or loss, whichever is greater. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
United States Attorney Andrew E. Lelling; Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Field Division; and Kristina O’Connell, Special Agent in Charge of the Internal Revenue Service’s Criminal Investigations in Boston, made the announcement today. The Department of Education, Office of Inspector General provided assistance with the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Eric S. Rosen, Justin D. O’Connell, Leslie A. Wright, Kristen A. Kearney, Stephen E. Frank and Karin M. Bell of Lelling’s Securities and Financial Fraud Unit are prosecuting the cases.
The details contained in the court documents are allegations and the remaining defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
New Jersey Man Arrested for $45 Million Scheme to Defraud and Price Gouge New York City During COVID-19 PandemicRead the Press Release
Geoffrey S. Berman, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, and Margaret Garnett, the Commissioner of the New York City Department of Investigation (“DOI”), announced the arrest of RONALD ROMANO for attempting to deceive and price gouge New York City (the “City”) into paying him and his co-conspirators approximately $45 million for personal protective equipment that ROMANO did not possess and was not authorized to sell. ROMANO committed this scheme in an attempt to exploit NYC as it was trying to manage the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and obtain these resources to help protect the lives of hospital and other frontline workers. ROMANO is charged in a criminal Complaint, unsealed today, with one count of conspiring to commit wire fraud, one count of wire fraud, and one count of conspiring to violate the Defense Production Act. ROMANO will be presented this afternoon in Manhattan federal court before U.S. Magistrate Judge Ona T. Wang.
U.S. Attorney Geoffrey S. Berman said: “As alleged, used car salesman Ronald Romano saw the current health emergency as an opportunity to cash in, using lies and deception in what he envisioned as a get-rich-quick scheme. Romano allegedly lied repeatedly about his authority and ability to sell large quantities of personal protective equipment to the City – equipment he knew was desperately needed for use by frontline medical workers and first responders. And he allegedly offered to sell this phantom equipment to the City at grossly inflated prices. Now Ronald Romano’s short-lived second career as a purveyor of vital protective gear is over.”
DOI Commissioner Margaret Garnett said: “At a time when the pandemic was ravaging New York City, this defendant greedily preyed on the City’s desperate need for protective equipment to stop the spread of the virus. But, instead of reaping millions of dollars, the scheme received a dose of old-fashioned, New York City skepticism from procurement specialists at the City’s Department of Citywide Administrative Services (DCAS), when the City called the supposed manufacturer to confirm the astronomical asking price. The defendant’s ruse unraveled, and these City workers proved that heroes have an array of titles. I thank the Office of the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York for its partnership on this important investigation, one that demonstrates there is no tolerance, at any time, in particular during this crisis, for individuals who seek to victimize this City by holding essential workers’ safety hostage to price-gouging and fraud.”
According to the allegations in the Complaint unsealed in Manhattan federal court:[1]
In approximately February 2020, ROMANO, a used car dealer, began attempting to obtain for resale large quantities of personal protective equipment (“PPE”), including N95 respirators. In furtherance of the scheme, ROMANO, among other things, created a fictitious authorization letter in March 2020, which falsely represented that ROMANO’s company was authorized to sell millions of units of 3M-brand PPE. Shortly thereafter, in mid-March 2020, brokers acting on ROMANO’s behalf approached New York City (the “City”), which at the time was in critical need of legitimate, potentially lifesaving PPE, including respirators, in order to supply frontline healthcare workers and first responders during the COVID-19 public health emergency. During ensuing negotiations, ROMANO and others repeatedly made false and fraudulent representations regarding, among other things, their authority and ability to supply 3M-brand PPE manufactured in the United States, and their track record in other PPE deals. In an effort to close a deal for seven million N95 respirators, ROMANO, among other things, submitted a false and misleading references document to the City, which, among other things, listed a PPE deal with the Florida Division of Emergency Management (the “FDEM”) that had never occurred and separately provided a co-conspirator as a reference. ROMANO hoped to get profit quickly through the scheme. As he described in a message to a co-conspirator, “I’m working on a few deals that if I get any of them you might be buying a Ferrari.”
In furtherance of this scheme, ROMANO attempted to sell PPE at prices far above the prices at which he hoped to acquire the PPE, including after such PPE was designated as scarce materials under the Defense Production Act on March 25, 2020. ROMANO offered three-ply N99 facemasks to FDEM at prices marked up by more than 500% from the manufacturer’s prices, and he separately offered the City millions of 3M-brand N95 respirators at more than a 400% markup from the list price for such respirators.
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ROMANO, 58, of Manalapan, New Jersey, is charged with one count of conspiring to commit wire fraud and one count of wire fraud, each of which carries a maximum sentence of 30 years in prison, and one count of conspiring to violate the Defense Production Act, which carries maximum sentence of not more than one year in prison. The maximum potential sentences in this case are prescribed by Congress and are provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the judge.
Mr. Berman praised the Special Agents of the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York for their outstanding investigative work, and thanked the New York City Department of Investigation for their invaluable assistance with this matter. Mr. Berman also thanked the 3M Company for its assistance in the investigation.
Mr. Berman thanked the Department of Justice’s COVID-19 Hoarding and Price Gouging Task Force. Attorney General William P. Barr created the COVID-19 Hoarding and Price Gouging Task Force, led by Craig Carpenito, United States Attorney for District of New Jersey, who is coordinating efforts with the Antitrust Division and U.S. Attorneys across the country wherever illegal activity involving protective personal equipment occurs.
This case is being handled by the Office’s Complex Frauds and Cybercrime Unit. Assistant United States Attorneys Nicholas W. Chiuchiolo and Timothy V. Capozzi are in charge of the prosecution.
The charges contained in the Complaint are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
[1] As the introductory phrase signifies, the entirety of the text of the Complaint and the description of the Complaint set forth herein constitute only allegations, and every fact described should be treated as an allegation.
New Hampshire Man Charged in Financial Fraud Scheme Using Stolen IdentitiesRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A New Hampshire man was charged today in federal court in Boston in connection with engaging in a complex scheme to conduct fraudulent financial transactions using stolen account information and other personally identifiable information (PII) of victims in Massachusetts and elsewhere throughout the United States.
Jonathan Nguyen, 23, of Windham, N.H., was charged with conspiring to engage in wire fraud, access-device fraud and identity theft.
According to the charging document, Nguyen and others involved in the scheme used Bitcoin to purchase names, addresses, dates of birth, Social Security numbers, email addresses and passwords as well as credit card account numbers, expiration dates, card verification values and other forms of PII. Nguyen and others then used this information to purchase tickets to sporting events and gift cards that Nguyen sold for profit. Nguyen also created e-commerce websites for sham companies and obtained payment-card processing capabilities for these sham companies in order to cash out the stolen credit cards. He used various technological means to thwart the fraud-detection mechanisms deployed by the internet merchants where he made purchases with the stolen PII.
The charge of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, access-device fraud, and identity theft provides for a sentence of up to five years in prison, up to three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
United States Attorney Andrew E. Lelling and Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Field Division made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was provided by U.S. Customs and Border Protection. Assistant U.S. Attorney David J. D’Addio of Lelling’s Cybercrime Unit is prosecuting the case.
The details contained in the indictment are allegations. The defendant is presumed to be innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Nashville Man Facing Federal Firearms Charge in Elaborate Detention Center PlotRead the Press Release
NASHVILLE, Tenn – May 26, 2020 – A Nashville man is facing a federal firearms charge after an elaborate scheme to hide caches of weapons inside the Davidson County Downtown Detention Center (DDC), announced U.S. Attorney Don Cochran for the Middle District of Tennessee.
An 11-page criminal complaint filed today, charged Alexander Friedmann, 51, with being a convicted felon in possession of a firearm. The complaint detailed allegations of an elaborate scheme carried out by Friedmann during which he hid a variety of weapons and accessories in the DDC while it was under construction.
According to the complaint, in late December 2019, while preparing for the January 2020 opening of the facility, Davidson County Sherriff’s Office (DCSO) employees discovered two keys missing from the facility’s key control room. A review of video surveillance footage revealed that an individual, dressed in clothing consistent with facility construction workers, had entered the room and taken two keys to secure areas of the facility. On January 4, 2020, the same individual, now identified as Friedmann, was located on the property. Friedmann was wearing a yellow reflective vest, a hard hat, protective gloves, and a dust mask covering his face. Friedmann told DCSO employees he was there working but it was determined that he was not employed by the construction company or any of its contractors. Friedmann was detained by the DCSO, and subsequently arrested by the Metropolitan Nashville Police Department. At the time of his arrest, Friedmann had a hand drawn schematic of a portion of the DDC, which he attempted to destroy by chewing up and swallowing.
A subsequent review of historical surveillance footage determined that beginning in August 2019, an individual dressed as a construction worker and alleged to be Friedmann, entered the facility on at least 10 occasions, sometimes accompanied by an accomplice who acted as a lookout. The individual was observed on video on several occasions removing material from the expansion joints in block walls and caulk from window areas, after which he placed items inside and covered the joints with another material. On other occasions, he was observed checking different parts of the facility and making notes. Based on the video evidence, a search of the identified areas of the facility was conducted on February 10, 2020 and investigators recovered three handguns, ammunition, handcuff keys, razor blades and other items.
Subsequent investigation determined that Friedmann owned a condominium in a complex in Nashville and contracted an individual to build a 200 square foot fire-proof storage area in a basement area of one of the buildings. This storage area was constructed out of concrete block. When law enforcement executed a search warrant at this location on March 13, 2020, it appeared that this room was used as a practice facility. Investigators noticed several inconsistencies in the mortar joints of the block walls, similar to what had been discovered earlier at the DDC. It was also determined that Friedmann had recently moved several locked storage crates from the room to a friend’s house on Whites Creek Pike in Joelton, Tennessee.
On March 20, 2020, a search warrant was executed at the Joelton location and investigators recovered several crates, which contained 21 firearms, including assault rifles, handguns, shotguns and a 37mm launcher.
Friedmann has been convicted of prior felonies, including armed robbery; assault with intent to commit first degree murder; and attempted aggravated robbery. If convicted, he faces up to 10 years in prison on the current charge.
This case was investigated by the FBI; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & explosives; the Metropolitan Nashville Police Department and the Davidson County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Rob McGuire is prosecuting the case.
A criminal complaint is merely an accusation. The defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
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Morris County Man Admits Making Bomb Threat to Religious InstitutionRead the Press Release
NEWARK, N.J. – A Morris County, New Jersey, man today admitted maliciously calling in a bomb threat to a religious institution, U.S. Attorney Craig Carpenito announced.
James Triano, 38, of Pompton Plains, New Jersey, pleaded guilty by videoconference before U.S. District Judge Kevin McNulty to an indictment charging him with maliciously conveying false information about an explosive.
According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:
On March 21, 2017, Triano called a religious institution in Livingston, New Jersey. He told a representative of that institution there was a bomb located in the religious institution’s building that would explode in 30 minutes. Triano conveyed this information about the bomb knowing that it was false. The bomb threat resulted in a substantial disruption to the religious institution, as well as to the public.
The count with which Triano has pleaded guilty is punishable by a maximum potential penalty of 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. Sentencing is scheduled for Sept. 30, 2020.
U.S. Attorney Carpenito credited special agents of the FBI, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Gregory W. Ehrie in Newark, and officers from the Livingston Police Department, under the direction of Police Chief Gary Marshuetz, with the investigation leading to today’s guilty plea.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Catherine R. Murphy of the U.S. Attorney’s Office Criminal Division in Newark.
Mexican National Who Illegally Entered the U.S. Seven Times Sentenced to 16 Years for Meth ConspiracyRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, Mo. – A Mexican national who has illegally entered the United States at least seven times was sentenced in federal court today for his role in a conspiracy to distribute large amounts of methamphetamine in the Kansas City, Missouri, area and in the Springfield, Missouri, area.
Armando Quintana-Galaz, 37, a citizen of Mexico residing in Springfield, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Greg Kays to 16 years and eight months in federal prison without parole.
On Sept. 12, 2019, Quintana-Galaz pleaded guilty to participating in a conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine. He also pleaded guilty to possessing firearms in furtherance of a drug-trafficking crime and to illegally reentering the United States after having been deported.
Quintana-Galaz had been deported from the United States six times before being arrested on Nov. 2, 2017, in Springfield. At that time, he was again illegally present in the United States. When law enforcement officers executed a search warrant at Quintana-Galaz’s residence on that day, they found approximately 3.159 kilograms of pure methamphetamine in a hamper in the master bathroom and approximately 189 grams of pure methamphetamine in a dresser in the master bedroom. They found a Ruger 9mm semi-automatic handgun, a Norinco SKS 762-caliber rifle, various ammunition, a bag that contained approximately four grams of cocaine, and six cell phones. They also found a Taurus 9mm semi-automatic handgun in his Jeep Grand Cherokee.
Officers also found $40,020 in a dresser in the master bedroom, $6,295 in the pocket of his pants that were on a TV stand, and $293 in a suitcase in the master bathroom closet. According to his plea agreement, the $46,608 seized from Quintana-Galaz’s residence would convert to more than 2.6 kilograms (2,642.6 grams) of methamphetamine.
Quintana-Galaz admitted that he sold and distributed methamphetamine, that he received and transported illicit drug proceeds as part of his involvement in the conspiracy, and that he possessed several firearms found at his residence, at least in part, to further his involvement in the drug-trafficking conspiracy. His plea agreement cites several instances in which Quintana-Galaz was involved in the distribution of methamphetamine to cooperating law enforcement sources.
Quintana-Galaz is the fourth defendant in this case to be sentenced. Two more defendants have pleaded guilty and await sentencing.
This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Trey Alford. It was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and Immigration and Customs Enforcement's (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI).
Mexican National Pleads Guilty to $10 Million Marijuana Grow Operation in Daviess CountyRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, Mo. – A Mexican national pleaded guilty in federal court today to his role in a Daviess County, Missouri, marijuana-growing operation where law enforcement officers seized nearly $10 million worth of plants.
Miguel Pulido-Maldonado, also known as “Mona,” 28, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Greg Kays to one count of conspiracy to manufacture and possess with the intent to distribute 1,000 or more marijuana plants, and one count of illegally reentering the United States.
The owners of the three real estate tracts that comprise the property in Daviess County live in California. Law enforcement officers, who had been keeping the marijuana grow site under surveillance, executed a search warrant at the property on Aug. 27, 2018. The plants were in a clearing inside a large area of timber. A distinct path led from a building in the wooded area to the area containing the marijuana plants.
Officers located approximately 2,464 cultivated marijuana plants. With an approximate street value of $1,800 per pound of marijuana, this results in approximately $9,757,440 in marijuana plants seized. Under the terms of today’s plea agreement, Pulido-Maldonado must forfeit that amount to the government as illegal drug-trafficking proceeds. The Daviess County property must also be forfeited to the government.
Pulido-Maldonado, who ran into the woods to escape custody, was arrested on Aug. 30, 2018; he was covered in mud, his arms had numerous bites from either mosquitos or other insects and it appeared he had been outside for several days. Pulido-Maldonado had previously illegally entered the United States and was removed on Jan. 30, 2017.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Brad K. Kavanaugh. It was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Northwest Missouri Drug Task Force, the Missouri State Highway Patrol, the Daviess County, Mo., Sheriff’s Department, the Grundy County, Mo., Sheriff’s Department, the Buchanan County, Mo., Sheriff’s Department, the Livingston County, Mo., Sheriff’s Department, the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Department of Homeland Security.
Massachusetts Man Arrested for Distributing Child Pornography After Being Released from Jail Due to COVID-19Read the Press Release
CONCORD – Russell Graham, 40, of Lowell, Massachusetts was arrested on a federal complaint charging him with distributing child pornography, United States Attorney Scott W. Murray announced today.
The complaint filed in court alleges that in early May 2020, an undercover officer in New Hampshire met Graham in an internet chatroom and that Graham soon began sending the undercover officer videos and images of child pornography. Graham also told the undercover officer that he was wearing an ankle bracelet and had been released from jail because of COVID-19. According to court documents, Graham had in fact been in jail for child pornography-related charges in Massachusetts and was released on April 9, 2020, with a GPS ankle bracelet.
Graham was arrested on May 22, 2020, and appeared before a federal magistrate judge today. He was detained pending further proceedings.
The charges in the complaint are only allegations. The defendant is presumed to be innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
The case was investigated by the Nashua Police Department and Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Georgiana L. Konesky.
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Man admits attempting to export contraband cigarettesRead the Press Release
McALLEN, Texas - An 80-year-old Mission man has entered a guilty plea for attempting to export contraband cigarettes, announced U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Patrick.
Jose Francisco Guerra owned and operated Victor M. Guerra Inc., a customs brokering company in Hidalgo. On Jan. 15, law enforcement stopped a tractor-trailer which later revealed approximately 17 million cigarettes headed for Mexico. The shipping manifest had been falsified as to the vehicle’s contents, and the cigarettes lacked the applicable tax stamp as Texas law requires.
The investigation revealed the cigarettes originated in a warehouse located at 2900 North Depot Road in Hidalgo. Guerra controlled and operated that warehouse and facilitated the storage and sale of the cigarettes. Guerra was also found to be in control of another warehouse in McAllen. Both warehouses contained a combined total of 422,917,800 contraband cigarettes destined to be exported to Mexico.
Guerra admitted to his role in the attempted smuggling event, adding that he knew exporting contraband cigarettes into Mexico was illegal and intended to export additional cigarettes. At his plea today, Guerra also agreed to forfeit his customs broker license, pay a fine and forfeit his interest in the cigarettes and items seized from his warehouse.
The total value of the cigarettes and equipment authorities seized is estimated at approximately $88 million.
In addition to accepting Guerra’s guilty plea, U.S. District Judge Micaela Alvarez entered an order of forfeiture against equipment and cigarettes seized from the truck and Guerra’s warehouses. She will set sentencing at a later date. At that time, Guerra faces up to 10 years in federal prison and a possible $250,000 fine.
He was permitted to remain on bond pending that hearing.
Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations conducted the investigation with the assistance of Texas Department of Public Safety. Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael Mitchell is prosecuting the case.
Man Arrested and Charged in Connection with Fatal Fentanyl OverdoseRead the Press Release
ALEXANDRIA, Va. – A Reston man was arrested today on charges of selling fentanyl to an individual who later overdosed on the drug and died.
According to court documents, Peter Andrew Romm, 35, regularly traveled to Baltimore to buy capsules of heroin and fentanyl that he then sold to customers in Northern Virginia. Romm’s customers included an individual identified in court documents as Victim 1. On Oct. 7, 2019, Romm allegedly sold fentanyl to Victim 1 through a middle-man. Victim 1 later consumed the fentanyl and was found dead in his home the next morning. The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner determined that the cause of death was acute fentanyl poisoning.
As recently as February, Romm was still traveling to Baltimore regularly to buy fentanyl. On February 11, Romm was arrested on his way back from Baltimore in possession of approximately 75 capsules of fentanyl. Only eight days later, on February 19, he was arrested again on his way back from Baltimore with another 72 capsules of fentanyl in his vehicle.
Romm is charged with distribution of fentanyl resulting in serious bodily injury and death. If convicted, he faces a mandatory minimum of 20 years in prison. Actual sentences for federal crimes are typically less than the maximum penalties. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after taking into account the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
G. Zachary Terwilliger, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, and Colonel Edwin C. Roessler Jr., Fairfax County Chief of Police, made the announcement. Assistant U.S. Attorney Katherine E. Rumbaugh and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Karolina Klyuchnikova are prosecuting the case.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. Related court documents and information are located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 1:20-MJ-147.
A criminal complaint is merely an accusation. The defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty.
Licensed Pharmacist Charged with Hoarding and Price Gouging of N95 Masks in Violation of Defense Production ActRead the Press Release
Geoffrey S. Berman, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, Peter C. Fitzhugh, the Special Agent in Charge of the New York Office of Homeland Security Investigations (“HSI”), Philip R. Bartlett, Inspector in Charge of the New York Office of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service (“USPIS”), and Raymond Donovan, Special Agent in Charge of the New York Office of the Drug Enforcement Administration (“DEA”), announced the arrest today of RICHARD SCHIRRIPA, a/k/a “the Mask Man,” a licensed pharmacist, on charges of violating the Defense Production Act by hoarding and price gouging scarce N95 masks; making two false statements to law enforcement; committing healthcare fraud; and committing aggravated identity theft. SCHIRRIPA surrendered today and will be presented before U.S. Magistrate Judge Ona T. Wang in Manhattan federal court.
Manhattan U.S. Attorney Geoffrey S. Berman said: “As alleged, Richard Schirripa exploited an unprecedented crisis to engage in profiteering. He allegedly spent over $200,000 accumulating N95 masks and then sold masks at inflated prices, charging customers up to 50% more than he had paid to acquire those N95 masks. As alleged, during a sale to an undercover officer, Schirripa said, ‘I feel like a drug dealer.’ He also allegedly committed several additional, unrelated crimes, including lying to law enforcement, defrauding Medicare and Medicaid, and exploiting the personal information of his pharmacy’s customers to fill prescriptions.”
HSI Special Agent in Charge Peter C. Fitzhugh said: “At this time when our nation is battling the COVID-19 pandemic and we expect that our healthcare professionals are standing in solidarity with us, the defendant, Richard Schirripa, a licensed pharmacist, allegedly sought to capitalize and profit from the suffering of others. As the pandemic was starting to take shape in March and April of 2020, Schirripa allegedly began hoarding desperately needed Personal Protection Equipment (PPE). As demand for the PPE was peaking, he then purportedly took the opportunity to sell the hoarded PPE at prices as much as 50% above his acquisition costs. HSI, along with law enforcement partners, and the United States Attorney’s Office, Southern District of New York, will tirelessly pursue those in our society who choose to put their personal greed and gain ahead of the laws of the United States and our fellow citizens.”
USPIS Inspector in Charge Philip R. Bartlett said: “As alleged, Mr. Schirripa chose to amass a stockpile of PPE, specifically N95 masks, which were desperately needed for the safety of frontline workers. He then allegedly used this crisis to jack up the price of this equipment. Thankfully, the ‘mask man’ has been unmasked by law enforcement and brought to justice for his alleged greedy crimes.”
DEA Special Agent in Charge Raymond Donovan said: “There is no place in our city for a licensed pharmacist to allegedly victimize New Yorkers, especially at a time when people’s priority is their health and safety. I applaud our law enforcement partners for their collaborative efforts throughout this investigation.”
According to the allegations in the Complaint unsealed today[1]:
SCHIRRIPA engaged in at least three different criminal schemes: (1) hoarding and price gouging of thousands of N95 masks in late March and April 2020, in violation of the Defense Production Act (“DPA”); (2) lying to officers of the Drug Enforcement Administration (“DEA”) on two occasions in early 2020; and (3) causing Medicare and Medicaid to be billed for prescriptions based on false representations, from 2014 to 2019, as well as using his pharmacy patients’ identifying information, without authorization, in connection with his health care fraud scheme.
As for the first scheme, from at least late March to April 2020, during the COVID-19 global pandemic, SCHIRRIPA engaged in hoarding and price gouging of thousands of 3M N95 masks. Between February and April 8, 2020, SCHIRRIPA purchased at least approximately $200,000 worth of N95 masks. On March 25, 2020, the DPA was invoked, making it a crime to engage in hoarding or price gouging of specified equipment, including the types of masks SCHIRRIPA had. SCHIRRIPA admitted to law enforcement that he was aware of the DPA and its restrictions on price gouging and hoarding. Nevertheless, in the two weeks after March 25, 2020, SCHIRRIPA (1) continued to add to his stockpile of N95 masks by buying thousands of additional N95 masks; and (2) charged his customers inflated prices in connection with at least approximately 50 sales that, together, yielded approximately $50,000 in sales revenue. For instance, SCHIRRIPA charged up to $25 per mask for a mask that he purchased for $20 per mask and that generally costs an end-user only approximately $1.27, according to 3M, the manufacturer. Moreover, SCHIRRIPA purchased another model of 3M N95 mask for $10 and repeatedly resold it for as much as $15, which constitutes a markup of 50%. His customers were in eight states and included funeral homes and doctors. Agents recovered approximately 6,660 masks from SCHIRRIPA.
SCHIRRIPA made various statements during this scheme. During a recorded call with an undercover agent (the “UC”), SCHIRRIPA said, “We’re in a time of emergency and shortage,” but added, “when you have something no one else has, it’s not a high price.” In a text message dated April 2, 2020, SCHIRRIPA bragged to a potential customer that he “saw it coming” and the “good thing is no one has them.” SCHIRRIPA repeatedly sold masks out of his car, including to the UC; during that sale, SCHIRRIPA told the UC, “I feel like a drug dealer standing out here.”
Second, in both January and February 2020, SCHIRRIPA made material false statements to the DEA. On each occasion, SCHIRRIPA falsely represented that as part of the recent closure of his pharmacy in New York, New York, he had transferred to others, sold, or destroyed all controlled substances. In fact, SCHIRRIPA remained in possession of thousands of controlled substance pills/patches, including fentanyl, oxycodone, and oxymorphone. These substances were all recovered from a safe in SCHIRRIPA’s home. When agents executed a search warrant at SCHIRRIPA’s home in April 2020, SCHIRRIPA acknowledged that these controlled substances were from his pharmacy and he needed to destroy them. There were nearly 4,000 pills/patches, in total.
Third, SCHIRRIPA caused Medicare and Medicaid to be billed for these controlled substance prescriptions, and he falsely represented that these prescriptions were for patients of his pharmacy. In fact, these prescriptions were not for patients of his pharmacy, and SCHIRRIPA himself possessed those prescriptions at his home on Long Island. In connection with this scheme, SCHIRRIPA used the personal identifying information of his pharmacy’s patients, without their authorization.
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SCHIRRIPA, 66, of Fort Salonga, New York, is charged with one count of violating the Defense Production Act, which carries a maximum sentence of one year in prison; two counts of making false statements, each of which carries a maximum sentence of five years in prison; one count of healthcare fraud, which carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison; and one count of aggravated identity theft, which carries a mandatory minimum sentence of two years in prison, which must run consecutively to any other sentence of imprisonment.
Mr. Berman praised the outstanding investigative work of HSI-NY, working in conjunction with the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, the DEA, the New York City Police Department, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, the Internal Revenue Service, and the Port Authority Police Department. He also expressed gratitude to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, the New York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision, and the Northvale, New Jersey, Police Department. He noted that the investigation is ongoing.
Mr. Berman thanked the Department of Justice’s COVID-19 Hoarding and Price Gouging Task Force. Attorney General William P. Barr created the COVID-19 Hoarding and Price Gouging Task Force, led by Craig Carpenito, United States Attorney for District of New Jersey, who is coordinating efforts with the Antitrust Division and U.S. Attorneys across the country wherever illegal activity involving protective personal equipment occurs.
This matter is being handled by the Office’s Complex Frauds and Cybercrime Unit. Assistant United States Attorney Michael D. Neff is in charge of the prosecution.
The charges contained in the Complaint are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
[1] As the introductory phrase signifies, the entirety of the text of the Complaint and the description of the Complaint set forth below constitute only allegations, and every fact described should be treated as an allegation.
Leader of Rochester Drug Trafficking Ring Pleads Guilty to Conspiracy ChargeRead the Press Release
CONTACT: Barbara Burns
PHONE: (716) 843-5817
FAX #: (716) 551-3051ROCHESTER, N.Y. - U.S. Attorney James P. Kennedy, Jr. announced today that Jose Casado, 32, of Rochester, NY, pleaded guilty to conspiring to possess with intent to distribute, and distributing, quantities of fentanyl, heroin, cocaine, and crack cocaine, before Chief U.S. District Judge Frank P. Geraci, Jr. The charge carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison, and a $1,000,000 fine.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew T. McGrath, who is handling the case, stated that the defendant was the leader of a Rochester-based drug trafficking conspiracy. Between December 2017 and May 15, 2019, Casado conspired with multiple co-defendants to sell fentanyl, heroin, cocaine, and crack cocaine out of drug houses located on Clifford Avenue and Treyer Street in Rochester. The defendant obtained bulk quantities of the drugs from various suppliers, which he and other members of the conspiracy would then repackage for individual sale. During the course of the conspiracy, the Drug Enforcement Administration made 13 controlled purchases from the defendant or a co-defendant.
On March 14, 2019, a search warrant was executed at 467 Clifford Avenue. Investigators recovered 19 bags of fentanyl, nine bags of powder cocaine, nine bags of crack cocaine, materials used to package controlled substances for distribution, 1,800 rounds of .22 caliber ammunition, and 50 shotgun shells. On May 15, 2019, a second search warrant was executed at 467 Clifford Avenue. During that search, investigators recovered a .22 caliber pistol. Also on May 15, 2019, a search warrant was executed at 125 William Warfield Drive in Rochester, and investigators found and seized $3,970.00 in cash hidden in a heating duct.
The plea is the result of an investigation by the Rochester Police Department, under the direction of Chief La’Ron Singletary, and the Drug Enforcement Administration, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Ray Donovan, New York Field Division.
Sentencing is scheduled for August 25, 2020, at 2:00 p.m. before Judge Geraci.
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La Crosse Man Sentenced to 90 Months for Possessing Mix of Fentanyl & Heroin for DistributionRead the Press Release
MADISON, WIS. – Scott C. Blader, United States Attorney for the Western District of Wisconsin, announced that David Wims, 41, La Crosse, Wisconsin, pleaded guilty and was sentenced on May 21 by U.S. District Judge William M. Conley to 90 months in federal prison for possessing a mixture of fentanyl and heroin for distribution.
The amount of the fentanyl and heroin mixture attributable to Wims was over 70 grams. This is the defendant’s first sentence in federal court, though he has a long history in the state criminal justice system. Judge Conley noted the “disturbing predatory element” of the crime because the defendant elected to sell a substance that he, himself, did not abuse. The judge found it unlikely that Wims was unaware of the heightened dangers of fentanyl-laced drug combinations.
Wims was on community supervision in the Wisconsin state system when he committed the federal crime and Judge Conley ordered the federal sentence to run consecutive to any state sentence that Wims is currently serving.
The charge against Wims was the result of an investigation conducted by the La Crosse Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Diane Schlipper handled the prosecution of the case.
Justice Department Files Statement of Interest Regarding Section 201 of the Voting Rights ActRead the Press Release
The Department of Justice filed a Statement of Interest Monday in an Alabama federal court to promote the proper and uniform interpretation of the Voting Rights Act. The Statement of Interest is part of the Department of Justice’s continuing efforts around the country to enforce our nation’s federal voting rights laws.
The lawsuit in question, brought by private plaintiffs, includes constitutional and statutory challenges to Alabama’s witness requirement for absentee ballots. Although certain of private plaintiffs’ claims relate to the COVID-19 pandemic, plaintiffs have also asked the court to enjoin Alabama’s witness requirement permanently as a violation of Section 201 of the Voting Rights Act.
The Statement of Interest explains that Section 201 prohibits denial of the right to vote to citizens who fail to prove their qualifications by the voucher of registered voters or members of any other class. Alabama’s absentee witness requirement, however, does not violate Section 201. The Statement of Interest does not take a position on any of the private plaintiffs’ other claims.
“The Voting Rights Act outlaws certain practices that deprive Americans of the right to vote because of race and other protected traits. The Voting Rights Act does not outlaw all voting-related requirements enacted by the States,” said Assistant Attorney General Eric Dreiband for the Civil Rights Division. “Congress has entrusted the U.S. Department of Justice with enforcement of the Voting Rights Act and the other federal voting rights laws. These laws protect the right of Americans to vote for their preferred candidates. We will continue to enforce them fairly, including by explaining to courts the legal framework that governs challenges to the voting laws enacted by the States.”
Section 201 of the Voting Rights Act is a permanent, nationwide prohibition on the use of tests and devices in our elections. These unlawful procedures include literacy tests, educational achievement or knowledge tests, good moral character requirements, and voucher requirements.
More information about the Voting Rights Act and other federal voting rights laws is available on the Department of Justice website at https://www.justice.gov/crt/voting-section. Complaints about possible violations of the federal voting rights laws may be reported to the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division at 1-800-253-3931.
Irish National Extradited to the United States from Ireland for Trafficking of Rhinoceros HornsRead the Press Release
An Irish national who was arrested on Aug. 1, 2019, in Ireland pursuant to an extradition request by the United States, was extradited on May 22 for his role in trafficking horns from black rhinoceros, announced Assistant Attorney General Jeffrey Bossert Clark for the Justice Department’s Environment and Natural Resources Division.
On May 13, 2014, a federal grand jury sitting in Waco, Texas, returned an indictment that has since been unsealed, charging John Slattery and a co-defendant, Patrick Sheridan, with conspiring to traffic in horns from black rhinoceros. In addition to conspiracy, the indictment charges substantive violations of the Lacey Act for wildlife trafficking and making a false wildlife document.
According to the indictment, Slattery, along with Sheridan and Michael Slattery Jr., used a “straw buyer” to purchase two black rhinoceros horns from a taxidermist in Texas, which the group then transported to New York, where they sold the horns. In January 2014, Slattery Jr. pleaded guilty and was sentenced to 14 months in prison for his role in the conspiracy. In September 2015, Sheridan was extradited to the United States from the United Kingdom. Sheridan was returned to the Western District of Texas where he pleaded guilty and was also sentenced to 14 months in prison. In addition to the trafficking, the indictment charges Slattery and Sheridan with making a fictitious and fraudulent bill of sale in connection with the rhinoceros horns, in an attempt to make their illegal purchase of the horns appear legal.
The transport of Slattery to the Western District of Texas to face these charges concluded the extradition process from Ireland, a process governed by an extradition treaty between the United States and Ireland. Slattery made his initial appearance today in federal court before U.S. Magistrate Judge Jeffrey C. Manske.
The charges contained in the indictment are merely accusations and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
The case was investigated by agents from U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Office of Law Enforcement. The case is being prosecuted by Trial Attorney Gary N. Donner of the Environment and Natural Resources Division’s Environmental Crimes Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Greg Gloff for the Western District of Texas. The Criminal Division’s Office of International Affairs provided significant support in securing and coordinating Slattery’s arrest and extradition. The Justice Department extends its gratitude to the government of Ireland for its cooperation and assistance.
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.
Hudson County Man Admits Role in Bank Robberies and Impersonating Federal AgentRead the Press Release
NEWARK, N.J. – A Hudson County, New Jersey, man today admitted his role in two bank robberies and one attempted bank robbery and to impersonating a federal agent, U.S. Attorney Craig Carpenito announced.
William Tedeschi, 48, of Jersey City, New Jersey, pleaded guilty by videoconference before U.S. District Judge Brian R. Martinotti to an indictment charging him with one count of bank robbery, one count of attempted bank robbery, and one count of impersonating a federal agent. Tedeschi was previously charged by indictment in December 2019, and his co-defendants were charged in the same indictment for their roles in a Union City bank robbery.
According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:
On Sept. 8, 2019, Tedeschi entered a Jersey City business purporting to be an FBI agent soliciting donations for a fictitious charity benefitting law enforcement. On Nov. 5, 2019, Tedeschi and his co-defendants robbed a bank in Union City, New Jersey, and split the robbery proceeds. On Nov. 16, 2019, Tedeschi attempted to rob a bank in Newark, and on Nov. 26, 2019, Tedeschi robbed a bank in Elizabeth, New Jersey. During the two completed robberies and the attempted robbery, Tedeschi handed the bank tellers notes demanding cash.
The bank robbery charges to which Tedeschi pleaded guilty carry a maximum potential penalty of 20 years in prison and $250,000 fine; the impersonation of a federal officer charge carries a maximum penalty of three years and a $250,000 fine. Tedeschi’s sentencing is scheduled for Oct. 1, 2020.
U.S. Attorney Carpenito credited special agents of the FBI, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Gregory W. Ehrie in Newark, with the investigation leading to today’s guilty plea. He also thanked the Jersey City Police Department, Elizabeth Police Department, Newark Police Department, and Union City Police Department for their assistance.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Cymetra M. Williams of the U.S. Attorney’s Office Health Care Fraud Unit in Newark.
The charge and allegations against the remaining defendants are merely accusations, and they are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Honduran National Involved in New Haven Drug Ring Sentenced to 5 Years in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that GABRIEL ROMERO ESCALERA-ROMERO, 29, a citizen of Honduras, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Stefan R. Underhill to 60 months of imprisonment for trafficking cocaine.
Pursuant to the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act), the court proceeding occurred via videoconference.
This matter stems from a joint investigation headed by the DEA New Haven Task Force, FBI and New Haven Police Department that included the use of court-authorized wiretaps, controlled purchases of heroin and cocaine, and seizures of bulk heroin and cocaine. The investigation revealed that Duane Filyaw, of New Haven, operated a heroin and cocaine trafficking ring in which he conspired with others to purchase narcotics from suppliers and then distribute the drugs to other suppliers of street-level dealers in and around New Haven. Escalera-Romero, who was residing in Bridgeport, worked with his associate, Neftali Fernandez, to supply Filyaw and others with bulk quantities of cocaine.
During the investigation, law enforcement officers seized more than 500 grams of heroin, more than 300 grams of fentanyl, more than one kilogram of cocaine, three firearms, over $90,000 in cash, vehicles, jewelry and precious metals.
On April 19, 2018, a grand jury in New Haven returned an indictment charging Escalera-Romero, Filyaw, Fernandez and 16 other individuals with narcotics trafficking offenses. Escalera-Romero and several other members of the conspiracy were arrested on April 25, 2018.
Escalera-Romero has been detained since his arrest. On January 16, 2020, he pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine.
Escalera-Romero faces deportation proceedings when he completes his prison term.
Filyaw and Hernandez have pleaded guilty and await sentencing.
The DEA New Haven Task Force includes participants from the U.S. Marshals Service, Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation Division, and the New Haven, Hamden, West Haven, North Haven, Branford, Ansonia, Meriden, Derby, Middletown, Naugatuck and Waterbury Police Departments. The Connecticut Department of Correction, Milford Police Department and East Haven Police Department have assisted the investigation.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys H. Gordon Hall and Patrick F. Caruso.
Harris Teeter Manager Sentenced for Role in Firearm Purchase SchemeRead the Press Release
RALEIGH, N.C. – A Raleigh man was sentenced today to 30 months in prison for making false statements during the purchases of firearms.
According to court documents, William John Shaw, Jr., 37, co-manager of Harris Teeter in Raleigh from October 2016 until present, was named in an eight-count Criminal Information filed in the Eastern District of North Carolina on December 20, 2019. On February 10, 2020, with a written Plea Agreement, the defendant pled guilty to all eight counts of making False Statement During Purchase of a Firearm.
An investigation was initiated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) Washington Group II, following the receipt of information from local law enforcement regarding numerous recovered firearms in Washington, D.C., and Maryland, some of which had been used in crimes. Investigators determined that between 2013 and 2019, Shaw had purchased numerous firearms at various stores and pawn shops located in Wake County and Johnston County and sold those firearms to individuals in Washington, D.C., and Maryland. During these firearm purchases, Shaw knowingly made false statements related to the acquisition and intended ownership of the firearms. Investigators determined that Shaw filled out numerous ATF Form 4473 and stated that he was the actual transferee/buyer of the purchased firearm(s) and that he was not acquiring the firearm(s) on behalf of another person. Investigators determined this to be false because Shaw was not purchasing firearms for himself, but rather for other individuals. In 2019, Shaw made unprotected admissions to ATF agents that he purchased and sold approximately 30 to 40 firearms to relatives and other unknown individuals.
“One of the priorities of the Justice Department is to shut down the illegal gun pipeline that feeds firearms into some of our largest and most crime ridden communities,” commented U.S. Attorney Higdon. “William Shaw was running a gun pipeline between here and Washington. But, no more. The people of the Eastern District as well as the people of Washington are safer now because his pipeline has been shut down.”
Robert J. Higdon, Jr., U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina made the announcement after sentencing by U.S. District Judge James C. Dever III. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives Washington Group, II investigated the case and Assistant U.S. Attorney Daniel W. Smith prosecuted the case.
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.
Related court documents and information are located on the website of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina or on PACER by searching for Case No. 5:19-cr-00532-D.
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The year 2020 marks the 150th anniversary of the Department of Justice. Learn more about the history of our agency at www.Justice.gov/Celebrating150Years.
Georgia couple indicted on multiple federal child pornography chargesRead the Press Release
SAVANNAH, GA: A Georgia couple has been indicted on multiple child pornography charges in a virtual U.S. District Court grand jury session necessitated by the COVID-19 pandemic.
John Paul Joseph Keegan, 29, of Midway, Ga., is charged with three counts of Production of Child Pornography, and one count each of Receipt of Child Pornography and Possession of Child Pornography, while Sharon Elizabeth Keegan, 28, of Midway, Ga., is charged with one count each of Production of Child Pornography, Distribution of Child Pornography, and Possession of Child Pornography, said Bobby L. Christine, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Georgia. The most serious charges carry a penalty of up to 30 years in prison, along with substantial financial penalties followed by a period of supervised release.
There is no parole in the federal system.
“This case represents a substantial cooperative effort between local and federal law enforcement agencies in investigating and bringing charges,” said U.S. Attorney Christine. “Together with our law enforcement partners we are shining our light in the dark corners where vulnerable victims need our help most.”
Undercover agents monitoring messaging applications were alerted to images of child pornography and notified Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), leading law enforcement agencies to the Keegans’ residence and the subsequent discovery of images exploiting two minor victims on electronic devices in possession of the Keegans.
“The production of child pornography and the associated victimization of the child in producing such material tears at the heart of every parent out there,” said acting Special Agent in Charge Robert Hammer, who oversees HSI operations in Georgia and Alabama. “HSI and all of its partners will continue to prioritize production investigations as there is always a child in the shadows crying out for help to escape.”
“This indictment shows the dedicated work of law enforcement to investigate and prosecute crimes against children,” said Vic Reynolds, Director of the Georgia Bureau of Investigation. “The Georgia Bureau of Investigation is committed to working with our local, state, and federal partners to combat the epidemic of child sexual exploitation.”
Criminal indictments contain only charges; defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
This investigation took place under the umbrella of the U.S. Department of Justice’s Project Safe Childhood, and was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations, the Georgia Bureau of Investigation, the Liberty County Sheriff’s Office and the Richmond Hill Police Department. The case is being prosecuted for the United States by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jennifer Kirkland and Project Safe Childhood Coordinator Tara M. Lyons.
Fruitland Park Woman Sentenced to Federal Prison for Defrauding Social SecurityRead the Press Release
Ocala, Florida – U.S. District Judge John Antoon II has sentenced Darlene Nanette Rodriguez (46, Fruitland Park) to one year and one day in federal prison for theft of government property. The court also ordered Rodriguez to forfeit $173,619.40, which are proceeds of the offense. She had pleaded guilty on March 12, 2020.
According to court documents, over a period of approximately 15 years, Rodriguez collected disability benefits while concealing her full-time employment from the Social Security Administration. This concealment included forging pay stubs, letters, and other documentation and sending it to the Social Security Administration so she could continue to receive benefits. These forged documents falsely claimed that Rodriguez was ill, had only worked for short periods of time, or underreported her actual income. Rodriguez ultimately collected $173,619.40 in benefits to which she was not entitled.
This case was investigated by the Social Security Administration Office of the Inspector General. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney William S. Hamilton.
Frankfort Woman Pleads Guilty to Money Laundering and Filing False Tax ReturnRead the Press Release
FRANKFORT, Ky. - A Frankfort woman, Lesley Wade, pled guilty in federal court on Tuesday, before U.S. District Judge Gregory Van Tatenhove, to money laundering and filing a materially false tax return.
Wade was a long time employee of the Franklin County Board of Education (FCBOE), most recently serving as the FCBOE’s Financial Director. In Wade’s guilty plea agreement, she admitted that, starting in February 2011 and continuing through about June 25, 2019, she wrote unauthorized checks of FCBOE money to herself, then falsified the necessary FCBOE records and invoices to cover up her crimes.
Wade also served as Treasurer of Leestown Gospel Church in Frankfort, where she essentially had plenary control over its financial management, with little oversight or internal controls. Wade also admitted to periodically using her control over the Church’s finances to launder money she had stolen from the FCBOE, using the Church’s account before writing checks to herself, attempting to avoid detection and making the checks appear legitimate.
Her theft of funds, which took place over a term of years, resulted in the FCBOE losing a total of $1,624,593. Further hiding her theft of funds, Wade also admitted that she willfully filed false individual income tax returns, for the years 2011-2018, by intentionally failing to report the income from her fraudulent scheme. The total amount of tax loss is $315,677.
Robert M. Duncan, Jr., United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky; James Robert Brown, Jr., Special Agent in Charge for the Louisville Division of FBI; and Bryant Jackson, Special Agent in Charge, Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation; jointly announced the guilty plea.
The investigation was conducted by the FBI and IRS. The United States was represented by Special Assistant U.S. Attorney James Chapman.
Wade is scheduled to be sentenced on September 17, 2020. For the money laundering charge, she faces up to 20 years in prison and a maximum fine of $500,000. For the tax charge, she faces up to three years in prison and a maximum fine of $250,000. However, any sentence will be imposed by the Court after consideration of the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and the federal sentencing statutes.
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Fort Campbell Soldier Sentenced to 192 Months for Attempted Online Enticement of a MinorRead the Press Release
FRANKFORT, Ky. - A Fort Campbell soldier, Daniel J. Zulawski, was sentenced in federal court on Tuesday, to 192 months in prison, by U.S. District Judge Gregory F. Van Tatenhove, following his conviction for using the internet to attempt to persuade, induce, or entice a minor to engage in sexual activity.
According to testimony at trial, Zulawski traveled from Lexington to Frankfort after communicating with an undercover officer on the Kik application. During this communication, they discussed his engaging in sexual relations with the undercover officer and her fictitious 11 and 13 year-old children. Evidence revealed that Zulawski initially responded to a Craigslist ad, posted by the undercover officer, which indicated she was a mother interested in incest.
Zulawski was indicted in May 2018. The criminal conduct occurred in January 2018. He traveled from Lexington, where he was staying for a week of training for the U.S. Army, to Frankfort on January 17, 2018, when he was arrested. He was convicted during a three-day trial in November of 2019.
Under federal law, Zulawski must serve 85 percent of his prison sentence; and upon his release, he will be under the supervision of the United States Probation Office for 20 years.
Robert M. Duncan, Jr., United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky; Ralph A. Gerdes, Assistant Special Agent in Charge, Louisville Field Office of the United States Secret Service; and Daniel Cameron, Kentucky Attorney General, jointly made the announcement.
The investigation was conducted by the U.S. Secret Service, U.S. Army Criminal Investigation Command at Ft. Campbell, and the Kentucky Office of Attorney General’s Cyber Crimes Branch. The United States represented in the case by Assistant U.S. Attorneys David Marye and Will Moynahan.
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Former Employee of Nebraska Hunting and Outfitting Business Sentenced for Lacey Act ViolationsRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Joe Kelly announced that Jordan Cook, age 32, of Boerne, Texas, was sentenced today in federal court in Omaha, Nebraska, for violating the Lacey Act. The Lacey Act prohibits the trafficking in interstate commerce "tainted" (i.e., taken in violation of a law or regulation) wildlife, fish, or indigenous plants. Cook admitted to six misdemeanor counts of the illegal taking of wildlife in interstate commerce and was sentenced by United States Magistrate Judge Michael D. Nelson to five years of probation. Cook was ordered to pay a $50,000 fine and $39,150 in restitution.
A joint investigation conducted by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service, Office of Law Enforcement and the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission, Law Enforcement Division determined that between May 2014 and May 2017, Cook was employed by Hidden Hills Outfitters (HHO), a commercial big game guiding and outfitting business located near Broken Bow, Nebraska, and provided hunting and guiding services to HHO clients. The investigation determined that during a number of these hunts, Cook guided and assisted HHO clients in unlawful hunting activities which included hunting and taking white-tailed deer, mule deer, and wild turkey within baited areas, from a public roadway, at night, without a valid permit, in excess of the bag limit, and with prohibited weapons, all of which are in violation of Nebraska State law or regulation.
In April 2015, Cook guided a Virginia resident and HHO turkey hunting client whom Cook knew only possessed one spring turkey permit. Cook aided and directed the client in unlawfully killing at least three turkeys, knowing that the client's permit authorized only one turkey. During November 2015, Cook guided a New York resident and HHO white-tailed deer rifle hunting client. Cook, knowing and previously participating in HHO's unlawful establishment and use of numerous baited areas, guided, accompanied, and assisted the client taking a trophy-sized white-tailed deer from an elevated tree stand placed less than 50 yards from an HHO bait site located west of Brewster, Nebraska. During December 2015, Cook guided an Indiana resident and HHO muzzleloader mule deer hunting client. Cook guided and assisted the client unlawfully taking the mule deer with a shotgun, knowing the weapon was prohibited by Nebraska law during the muzzleloader season. Each of the hunts involved wildlife taken and possessed in violation of Nebraska state law that was subsequently transported in interstate commerce from HHO to the clients' respective residence or elsewhere.
In January 2017, Cook transported antlers and hides from two trophy-sized mule deer and one trophy-sized white-tailed deer in interstate commerce. Cook, knowing the unlawful nature of the hunts, transported parts from deer taken during the 2016 season from HHO to a taxidermist located near Clifton, Colorado, on behalf of their respective owners, which included a 6 X 9 set of antlers scoring in excess of 200 inches originating from a mule deer taken unlawfully by an HHO owner without a permit, during night-time closed season hours, from the roadway, and with a suppressed rifle during archery season; a 5 X 6 set of 195-inch antlers originating from a mule deer taken unlawfully by another HHO guide without a permit and with a suppressed rifle during the muzzleloader season; and a 6 X 6 set of 180-inch antlers originating from a white-tailed deer taken unlawfully by an HHO client without a permit, during night-time closed season hours, from the roadway, and with a suppressed rifle during muzzleloader season. Both mule deer taken unlawfully without permits by the HHO owner and guide were submitted to the Colorado taxidermist with hunting permits falsely representing them as being killed by other HHO clients in order to conceal the fact they were killed unlawfully without a permit. In addition, Cook knew the 200-inch-plus set of mule deer antlers and a second trophy-sized mule deer were taken by the HHO owner who, after unlawfully killing the deer with a suppressed rifle and at night, severed the trophy heads/antlers, abandoned the headless deer carcasses at the kill site and intentionally failed to salvage any edible meat, and transported and concealed both sets of trophy heads/antlers at a remote wooded location near Brewster, Nebraska, referred to by HHO associates as "The Contraband Lot." Cook was present and personally assisted an HHO owner guiding two HHO clients who unlawfully took a total of three white-tailed deer and two mule deer in three days, including the 180-inch white-tailed deer he transported to the Colorado taxidermist.
Today’s sentencing is a continuation of the ongoing prosecution of numerous defendants related to violations committed by owners, guides, and clients of Hidden Hills Outfitters. To date, twenty-five defendants have pleaded guilty and have been sentenced and ordered to pay a total of $240,548 in fines and restitution for underlying violations related to deer taken within baited areas; deer, pronghorn, and wild turkeys taken with weapons or firearms prohibited during their respective hunting seasons; deer taken during closed season hours, from the road, or without a valid permit; and mule deer taken within the Mule Deer Conservation Area.
The operation was a joint investigation conducted by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service, Office of Law Enforcement and the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission, Law Enforcement Division.
Former Clay County Sheriff’s Deputy Ordered Detained Pending Trial and Indicted for Online Enticement of A Minor to Engage in Sexual ActivityRead the Press Release
Jacksonville, Florida – United States Attorney Maria Chapa Lopez announces the detention and indictment of Travis Ryan Pritchard (36, Green Cove Springs). Pritchard was initially charged by criminal complaint and, on May 15, 2020, was ordered detained in federal custody pending trial. On May 20, 2020, a grand jury returned an indictment charging Pritchard with online enticement of a minor and attempted online enticement of a minor to engage in sexual activity. If convicted, Pritchard faces a minimum mandatory penalty of 10 years, and up to two life terms, in federal prison.
According to court documents, Pritchard was employed as a deputy with the Clay County Sheriff’s Office. At the time of the alleged offense, he was assigned to the DUI unit. From December 2019 through May 2, 2020, Pritchard used an online chat application to communicate with a 15-year-old girl with whom he had engaged in sexual activity on a weekly basis. Beginning on April 29, 2020, an undercover detective from the Green Cove Springs Police Department assumed the child’s identity and continued chatting with Pritchard using the online chat application. Late in the night of May 1, 2020, and into the early morning hours of the next day, Pritchard encouraged the “child” to sneak out of her home to meet with him for a “quickie.” In anticipation of their meeting, he sent the “child” a photograph of himself from the waist down, wearing only boxer shorts. At approximately 2:00 a.m. on May 2, 2020, Pritchard arrived near the child’s home to pick her up in his patrol vehicle. He sent the “child” a message saying, “I’m here.” A short time later, Pritchard was arrested by officers from the Green Cove Springs Police Department.
An indictment is merely a formal charge that a defendant has committed one or more violations of federal criminal law, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless, and until, proven guilty.
This case was investigated by the Green Cove Springs Police Department and Homeland Security Investigations. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Kelly S. Karase.
Any person who has additional information or knows of someone who may have been a victim is urged to contact the Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations, at 1-866-DHS-2ICE or www.ice.gov/webform/hsi-tip-form.
This 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.justice.gov/psc.
Federal Indictment for Pensacola Man Accused of Possessing Firearms at Veterans Affairs FacilityRead the Press Release
PENSACOLA, FLORIDA – United States Attorney Lawrence Keefe, of the Northern District of Florida, announced today that a federal grand jury has indicted a Pensacola man for the possession of firearms, including a concealed firearm, at the Department of Veterans Affairs Joint Ambulatory
Care Clinic in Pensacola. The three-count indictment alleges that Pensacola resident Howell E.
Camp, 58, illegally possessed a 5.56 millimeter Del-Ton Incorporated rifle and a 9 millimeter Smith
& Wesson pistol at the federal facility. It is alleged that Camp possessed these firearms with the intent to commit a crime on May 6, 2020.“The security of our federal facilities and those who work within them remains a priority of this office and we, along with our law enforcement partners, are deeply committed to protecting such facilities,” said Keefe.
Camp is charged with possession of the firearms with the intent to commit a crime, for which he faces up to five years’ imprisonment. He is also charged with carrying a concealed firearm in violation of law, for which he faces up to three years’ imprisonment. An arraignment date has been set for Thursday, May 28, 2020, at 1:00 p.m., in Pensacola, Florida.
Assistant United States Attorney David L. Goldberg is prosecuting the case following a joint investigation by Veterans Affairs Office of Inspector General - Criminal Investigations Division, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the Florida Department of Law Enforcement.
An indictment is merely an allegation by a grand jury that a defendant has committed a violation of federal criminal law and is not evidence of guilt. All defendants are presumed innocent and entitled to a fair trial, during which it will be the government’s burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt at trial.
The United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida is one of 94 offices that serve as the nation’s principal litigators under the direction of the Attorney General. To access public court documents online, please visit the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of
Florida website. For more information about the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Northern District of
Florida, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/fln/index.html.Eastern District of Louisiana United States Attorney Announces AwardsRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS – United States Attorney Peter G. Strasser, Eastern District of Louisiana, announced today the award of Department of Justice grants to Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff’s Office ($161,045), Terrebonne Parish Sheriff’s Office ($76,357), Washington Parish Sheriff’s Office ($37,639), the City of Kenner, Louisiana ($43,809) and the City of Hammond, Louisiana ($61,855) to respond to the public safety challenges posed by the outbreak of COVID-19.
The grants are available under the Coronavirus Emergency Supplemental Funding program, authorized by the recent stimulus legislation signed by President Trump. The State of Louisiana received $9,688,333 in Coronavirus Emergency Supplemental Funding. In addition to the state award, $5,039,791 has been allocated to local agencies throughout Louisiana, with $2,282,168 being set aside for 22 jurisdictions in the Western District, $1,946,546 for 12 jurisdictions in the Eastern District of Louisiana, and $811,077 for five jurisdictions in the Middle District of Louisiana. These jurisdictions can immediately determine their eligibility for grant funding and apply for such by visiting this website. The Justice Department is moving quickly, awarding grants on a rolling basis and aiming to have funding available as soon as possible after receiving applications. Jurisdictions that have not yet applied for funds may do so until May 29, 2020
“The citizens of Southeast Louisiana have been severely affected by the onslaught of COVID-19 throughout their communities. Without the unwavering dedication and selflessness of first responders and public safety professionals, who are on the frontlines of this battle, our community would be adrift. These awards provide law enforcement in our district the opportunity to continue to safely perform their public safety duties while ensuring their wellbeing and the safety of the community,” said U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Louisiana, Peter G. Strasser.
“The outbreak of COVID-19 and the public health emergency it created are sobering reminders that even the most routine duties performed by our nation’s public safety officials carry potentially grave risks,” said Katharine T. Sullivan, Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General for the Office of Justice Programs. “These funds will provide hard-hit communities with critical resources to help mitigate the impact of this crisis and give added protection to the brave professionals charged with keeping citizens safe.”
The law gives jurisdictions considerable latitude in the use of these funds for dealing with COVID-19. Potential uses include hiring personnel, paying overtime, purchasing protective equipment, and distributing resources to hard-hit areas. Funds may also be used to help correctional facilities cover costs related to COVID-19, including, but not limited to, sanitation, contagion prevention and measures designed to address the related medical needs of inmates, detainees, and correctional personnel.
Agencies that were eligible for the fiscal year 2019 State and Local Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant Program are also candidates for the emergency funding. Local units of government and tribes will receive direct awards separately according to their jurisdictions’ allocations. For a list of all awards thus far, visit the Coronavirus Emergency Supplemental Funding program webpage.
The Office of Justice Programs, directed by Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Katharine T. Sullivan, provides federal leadership, grants, training, technical assistance and other resources to improve the nation’s capacity to prevent and reduce crime, assist victims and enhance the rule of law by strengthening the criminal and juvenile justice systems. More information about OJP and its components can be found at www.ojp.gov.
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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Dorchester Man Sentenced for Being a Felon in Possession of FirearmRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Dorchester man was sentenced today in federal court in Boston for illegally possessing a firearm.
Joquentz Constant, 24, was sentenced by U.S. Senior District Court Judge Douglas P. Woodlock to time served (approximately 19 months in prison) and three years of supervised release. In January 2020, Constant was convicted by a federal jury of one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm. Constant was arrested and charged in January 2019 and has been in custody since.
Constant was found to be in possession of a black Regent. 32 caliber revolver bearing obliterated model and serial numbers and containing five rounds of PPU .32 caliber ammunition and one round of WIN .32 caliber ammunition. Due to prior convictions punishable by more than one year in jail, Constant is prohibited from possessing a firearm.
United States Attorney Andrew E. Lelling; Kelly D. Brady, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives, Boston Field Division; Suffolk County District Attorney Rachael Rollins; and Boston Police Commissioner William Gross made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorneys David J. D’Addio and Mackenzie A. Queenin of Lelling’s Criminal Division prosecuted the case.
DOJ Increases Efforts to Combat Sexual Harassment in Housing During the COVID 19 PandemicRead the Press Release
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — U.S. Attorney McGregor W. Scott is asking anyone who has witnessed or experienced sexual harassment by a landlord, property manager, maintenance worker, or anyone with control over housing to report that conduct to the Department of Justice.
The COVID-19 Pandemic has impacted the ability of many people to pay rent on time and has increased housing insecurity. The Department of Justice has heard reports of housing providers trying to exploit the crisis to sexually harass tenants. Sexual harassment in housing is illegal, and the Department of Justice stands ready to investigate such allegations and pursue enforcement actions where appropriate.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of California will work closely with state and local partners to identify incidents of sexual harassment in housing.
The Justice Department’s Sexual Harassment in Housing Initiative is an effort to combat sexual harassment in housing led by the Civil Rights Division, in coordination with U.S. Attorney’s Offices across the country. The goal of the Initiative is to address sexual harassment by landlords, property managers, maintenance workers, loan officers or other people who have control over housing.
Launched in 2017, the Initiative has filed lawsuits across the county alleging a pattern or practice of sexual harassment in housing and recovered millions of dollars in damages for harassment victims. The Justice Department’s investigations frequently uncover sexual harassment that has been ongoing for years. Many individuals do not know that being sexually harassed by a housing provider can violate federal law or that the Department of Justice may be able to help.
The Department of Justice, through the Civil Rights Division and the U.S. Attorney’s Offices, enforces the Fair Housing Act, which prohibits discrimination in housing on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, familial status, national origin, and disability. Sexual harassment is a form of sex discrimination prohibited by the Act.
The Department encourages anyone who has experienced sexual harassment in housing, or knows someone who has, to contact the Civil Rights Division by calling (844) 380-6178 or emailing [email protected].
Individuals may also file a complaint alleging harassment or discrimination in housing with the Department of Housing and Urban Development through HUD’s website or by calling (800) 669-9777.
Covington Man Sentenced to 132 Months for Armed Drug TraffickingRead the Press Release
COVINGTON, Ky. - A Covington man, Dennis Duane Free, 32, was sentenced in federal court on Tuesday, to 132 months in prison, by U.S. District Judge David Bunning, after previously admitting to conspiring with others to distribute crack cocaine and possessing a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking.
In his plea agreement, Free admitted that he conspired with another individual, Robert Lee Copeland, to distribute crack cocaine between October 1, 2018 and April 2, 2019. On three occasions, Free sold crack cocaine to law enforcement personnel. On April 2, 2019, following his arrest, law enforcement officers seized additional crack cocaine, three firearms, and cash from his residence. In total, 14.2 grams of crack cocaine was seized. Free further admitted that he possessed the firearms found in his residence for protection in furtherance of his drug trafficking activities.
Free has three prior felony convictions, including convictions for felony possession of cocaine and being a convicted felon in possession of firearms.
Under federal law, Free must serve 85 percent of his prison sentence and will be under the supervision of the U.S. Probation Office for three years following his release.
Robert M. Duncan, Jr., United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky, and James Robert Brown, Special Agent in Charge, FBI, Louisville Field Office, jointly made the announcement.
The investigation was directed by the FBI Safe Street’s Task Force. The United States was represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Wade Napier.
This is another case prosecuted as part of the Department of Justice’s “Project Safe Neighborhoods” Program (PSN), which is a nationwide, crime reduction strategy aimed at decreasing violent crime in communities. It involves a comprehensive approach to public safety — one that includes investigating and prosecuting crimes, along with prevention and reentry efforts. In the Eastern District of Kentucky, U.S. Attorney Robert Duncan Jr., coordinates PSN efforts in cooperation with various federal, state, and local law enforcement officials.
This case is also part of Project Guardian, the Department of Justice’s signature initiative to reduce gun violence and enforce federal firearms laws. Initiated by the Attorney General in the fall of 2019, Project Guardian draws upon the Department’s past successful programs to reduce gun violence; enhances coordination of federal, state, local, and tribal authorities in investigating and prosecuting gun crimes; improves information-sharing by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives when a prohibited individual attempts to purchase a firearm and is denied by the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS), to include taking appropriate actions when a prospective purchaser is denied by the NICS for mental health reasons; and ensures that federal resources are directed at the criminals posing the greatest threat to our communities. Click here for more information about Project Guardian.
The year 2020 marks the 150th anniversary of the Department of Justice. Learn more about the history of our agency at www.Justice.gov/Celebrating150Years.
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Connecticut Man Sentenced to over Nine Years in Prison for Trafficking more than $200,000 Worth of Fentanyl, Heroin, Cocaine, and Cocaine BaseRead the Press Release
The Office of the United States Attorney for the District of Vermont announced that Korey Stewart, aka “Skip,” “Dash,” “Slim,” “Gutta,” and “Corey Adams,” 37 years old, was sentenced last week to 110 months of imprisonment for conspiring to distribute heroin, fentanyl, cocaine, and cocaine base, and conspiring to launder the proceeds of drug trafficking. U.S. District Judge Christina Reiss also sentenced Stewart to a 4-year term of supervised release to follow his imprisonment. In addition, the defendant agreed not to contest the forfeiture of $19,510 in U.S. currency seized during the investigation.
According to Court documents, between approximately 2015 and March of 2018, Stewart conspired with numerous other people to distribute heroin, fentanyl, cocaine, and cocaine base in Vermont, Maine, Connecticut, and elsewhere. Stewart utilized couriers to transport drugs and bulk currency, and “runners” (typically addicted individuals) to distribute drugs on his behalf. Stewart also utilized bank accounts for the funneling of proceeds, requiring “runners” and others to make deposits of drug proceeds into a bank account controlled by his girlfriend and co-conspirator, Amber Williams-Eason. Stewart utilized different aliases in different states, and made frequent use of false identification documents to evade arrest on an outstanding parole violation warrant originally issued in 2012.
Stewart was arrested by agents of the Drug Enforcement Administration in Bangor, Maine on March 15, 2018, in possession of a cellular phone that was being intercepted pursuant to a federal wiretap order. Simultaneous to his arrest, agents executed a search warrant at Stewart’s residence in Danbury, Connecticut, seizing numerous cellular phones Stewart had utilized during the three-year conspiracy to organize the drug trafficking organization.
At sentencing, Judge Reiss found that defendant Stewart acted as an organizer and leader of the conspiracy that involved 5 or more individuals, and found that Stewart committed the drug trafficking offense as part of a pattern of criminal conduct engaged in as a livelihood. Financial records and cash seizures revealed Stewart grossed at least $219,000 from his drug distribution activities over the three-year conspiracy.
United States Attorney Christina E. Nolan commended the investigative efforts of the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Burlington Police Department, and thanked the Vermont State Police, the Winooski Police Department, the South Burlington Police Department, the New Hampshire State Police, and the Maine Drug Enforcement Agency for their assistance. Nolan added: “As this case demonstrates, we will continue to work together at all levels of law enforcement to bring serious consequences to those who profit on the backs of struggling Vermont addicts and their families and communities. Those who line their pockets in the business of addiction are responsible for death and great suffering in Vermont. We will continue to advocate serious jail sentences for those who engage in this grave offense, and we will collaborate with our law enforcement partners to hold them accountable.”
“DEA is committed to investigating and dismantling Poly Drug Trafficking Organizations like this one headed by Mr. Stewart, who are coming from out of state and responsible for distributing lethal drugs like fentanyl and heroin to the citizens of Vermont,” said DEA Special Agent in Charge Brian D. Boyle. “Illegal drug distribution ravages the very foundations of our families and communities so every time we take these poisons off the streets, lives are saved. This investigation demonstrates the strength of collaborative local, state and federal law enforcement efforts and our strong partnership with the U.S. Attorney’s Office.”
Burlington Police Chief Jennifer Morrison stated, “Taking high level distributors off the street is paramount to safe communities. Those who profit at the expense of addicted Vermonters must be held accountable. Complex cases like this can only be solved by teamwork and cross-jurisdictional communication. This case represents a strong effort by many law enforcement partners.”
The United States was represented in this matter by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jonathan A. Ophardt and Spencer Willig. Stewart was represented by Kevin Henry, Esq.
This prosecution is part of an extensive investigation by the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) Program. OCDETF is a joint federal, state, and local cooperative approach to combat drug trafficking and is the nation’s primary tool for disrupting and dismantling major drug trafficking organizations, targeting national and regional level drug trafficking organizations, and coordinating the necessary law enforcement entities and resources to disrupt or dismantle the targeted criminal organization and seize their assets.
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
California Man Sentenced to 30 Months of Confinement for Interstate Threat to Injure Michigan WomanRead the Press Release
GRAND RAPIDS, MICHIGAN — U.S. Attorney Andrew Birge announced today that Juan Lara-Lopez, 34, of South Gate, California was sentenced to 30 months of confinement by Chief U.S. District Judge Robert J. Jonker for making on Facebook an interstate threat to injure a woman residing in West Michigan, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 875(c). Lara-Lopez also received 3 years of supervised release to follow his release from confinement.
Lara-Lopez admitted at the plea hearing that he posted the Facebook threat from his California residence. The Facebook posting included a threat in the Spanish language, stating: "I am paying 3 thousand dollars to whomever can give me the exact address where this whore [Victim 1] is and . . . I will go after her . . . ." Lara-Lopez also made a number of additional threatening social media postings as relevant conduct to the charged offense. At the sentencing hearing, Chief Judge Jonker sentenced Lara-Lopez above the Guideline confinement range because the threats were designed to scare and humiliate the victim, were made repeatedly over an extended period, and were leaked beyond the victim to frighten others in the community as well as the victim.
"These Facebook postings were designed to intimidate and terrorize the victim. Our efforts today recognize that no one deserves online harassment with threats to injure, torture, and kill," U.S. Attorney Andrew Birge said.
"HSI works closely with state and local law enforcement to investigate threats to harm or injure wherever those threats originate," said Homeland Security Investigations SAC Vance Callender. "In this case, the targeted individual was a woman in West Michigan, but we remain committed to safeguarding the rights of all those targeted by online harassment and threats."
The case was investigated by HSI – Grand Rapids. Assistant U.S. Attorney Clay M. West prosecuted the case.
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Beaver County Man Charged with Using Credit Card Numbers Belonging to OthersRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH – A Beaver County resident has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on charges of access device fraud and identity theft, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.
The four-count Indictment, returned on May 19, 2020 and unsealed today, named Danel Cordero, 33, of Midland, Pennsylvania as the sole defendant.
According to the Indictment, in August 2019, possessed and used a number of credit card numbers belonging to other people.
The law provides for a minimum sentence of two years in prison and a maximum total sentence of 14 years in prison, a fine of $250,000 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 Jeffrey R. Bengel is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The Beaver County Police Department, United States Postal Inspection Service, and United States Secret Service conducted the investigation leading to the Indictment in this case.
An indictment is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Indictment- Indictment
Bank Robber Who Escaped from Custody Sentenced for Robbing Two Rochester BanksRead the Press Release
CONTACT: Barbara Burns
PHONE: (716) 843-5817
FAX #: (716) 551-3051
ROCHESTER, N.Y. - U.S. Attorney James P. Kennedy, Jr. announced today that Michael Matzen, 39, of Troy, NY, who was convicted of escaping from federal custody and to two counts of bank robbery, was sentenced to serve 65 months in prison by Chief U.S. District Judge Frank P. Geraci, Jr. In addition, the defendant was also ordered to pay restitution totaling $3,604.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Sean C. Eldridge, who handled the case, stated that Matzen was previously sentenced to a 57 month prison term in the Northern District of New York for two separate bank robberies. On July 26, 2019, Matzen was designated by the Bureau of Prisons to serve the last several months of that sentence at the Residential Reentry Center in Rochester, New York. On August 30, 2019, Matzen was given permission temporarily to leave the facility until 8:00 p.m. that evening. However, Matzen absconded and did not return to the Residential Reentry Center to complete service of his sentence.
On September 3, 2019, four days after absconding, Matzen robbed the Canandaigua National Bank at 210 Alexander Street, Rochester, New York. Matzen entered the bank wearing a hoodie, dark sunglasses, and a bandana that covered most of his face, and handed a teller a note that demanded money. The teller complied, handed Matzen $2,000 in U.S. Currency, and Matzen fled the bank.
On September 19, 2019, Matzen robbed the Key Bank at 1185 University Avenue, Rochester, New York. Matzen entered the bank and handed a teller a note that stated “Give me all big bills, 50-100’s, no GPS or dye pack, top & bottom drawers, all will be OK for you all.” The teller complied and handed Matzen $1,604 in U.S. Currency. Matzen attempted to flee the bank, but was tackled and detained by two bank customers who held Matzen down until police officers arrived.
The sentencing is the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Rochester Area Major Crimes Task Force, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Gary Loeffert, the Rochester Police Department, under the direction of Chief La’Ron D. Singletary, and the United States Marshals Service for the Western District of New York, under the direction of United States Marshal Charles Salina.
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Armed Career Criminal Is Sentenced to More Than 16 YearsRead the Press Release
ASHEVILLE, N.C. – U.S. Attorney Andrew Murray announced today that David Matthew Harold, 42, of Weaverville, N.C., was sentenced to 200 months in prison and five years of supervised release on federal firearms offenses. U.S. District Judge Max O. Cogburn Jr. presided over the sentencing.
According to court documents and today’s sentencing hearing, on multiple occasions between June and July 2017, Harold illegally possessed firearms and ammunition, and was involved in three separate shooting incidents. Court documents show that the first incident occurred on June 25, 2017, during which Harold fired at least four shots in the parking lot of an apartment complex in Burnsville, N.C. There were no injuries resulting from the incident, but at least one of the shots struck an unoccupied parked vehicle. Court records show that, sometime after the incident, Harold told two other individuals that he fired the shots to retaliate against a neighbor for calling the police to register a noise complaint against Harold. Law enforcement recovered four empty shell casings in connection with the shooting incident.
According to court records, the second incident occurred on July 11, 2017, during which Harold discharged a firearm into an occupied residence in Leicester, N.C. At the time of the incident, the individual targeted by Harold was not at home but his parents were, though they were not injured. According to court documents, law enforcement later observed five bullet holes in the house targeted by Harold, and recovered bullets from inside the residence.
According to court documents, the third shooting incident occurred on July 16, 2017, during which Harold discharged a firearm into an occupied residence located in Mars Hill, N.C. In this incident, Harold shot in the leg a minor victim who happened to be standing outside the residence. Court documents show that Harold shot the residence in retaliation, after he accused an individual who resided in the home of being a “snitch.” The minor was taken to the hospital and treated for his injuries. Law enforcement recovered seven spent cartridge casings on the ground outside the residence.
At the time these incidents occurred, Harold was a convicted felon and was an unlawful user of controlled substances, and was therefore prohibited from possessing a firearm or ammunition. Specifically, Harold was previously convicted of common law robbery, felonious breaking and entering, larceny after breaking and entering, and injury to personal property.
At today’s sentencing hearing, the Government presented additional evidence concerning two separate incidents that occurred while Harold was on pretrial confinement, during which Harold assaulted and injured two inmates.
On March 4, 2020, Harold pleaded guilty to possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, and two counts of possession of ammunition by a convicted felon. At today’s sentencing hearing, the Court classified Harold as an “Armed Career Criminal.”
Harold is currently in federal custody and will be transferred to custody of the Federal Bureau of Prisons upon designation of a federal facility. Federal sentences are served without the possibility of parole.
In making today’s announcement U.S. Attorney Murray thanked the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Buncombe County Sheriff’s Office, the Unicoi County Sheriff’s Office in Tennessee, the Mars Hill Police Department and the Burnsville Police Department for their coordination and partnerships throughout the investigation and prosecution of this case.
Assistant United States Attorney Don Gast, of the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Asheville, prosecuted the case.
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.
Alexandria Man on FBI Most Wanted List Indicted on Terrorism ChargesRead the Press Release
A federal grand jury returned an indictment today charging an Alexandria man with conspiring and attempting to provide material support to al-Shabaab, a terrorist organization operating in Somalia.
According to court documents, Liban Haji Mohamed, 34, a Somali-born naturalized United States citizen, allegedly left the United States in July 2012 with the intent to join al-Shabaab in East Africa. Al-Shabaab is a Somali-based insurgent and terrorist group that has claimed responsibility for many bombings in Somalia and Uganda and is known to have recruited Westerners. According to court documents, Mohamed allegedly attempted to recruit an undercover agent to travel to Somalia to provide combat training to al-Shabaab fighters. Mohamed also allegedly planned to use his own media skills to improve al-Shabaab’s propaganda machine, which it has used to recruit Westerners. Mohamed was a close associate of convicted terrorist Zachary Chesser, who was sentenced to 25 years in prison for attempting to provide material support to al-Shabaab.
In July 2012, Interpol, the world’s largest international police organization, issued a red notice seeking Mohamed as a wanted fugitive. In January 2015, the FBI announced the addition of Mohamed to the “Most Wanted Terrorists” list, and is offering a reward of up to $50,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of Mohamed.
Mohamed is charged with conspiring and attempting to provide material support to a designated foreign terrorist organization. If convicted, he faces a maximum penalty of 30 years in prison. Actual sentences for federal crimes are typically less than the maximum penalties. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after taking into account the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Individuals with information concerning Mohamed are asked to contact the FBI or the nearest American Embassy or Consulate. Tips can be submitted anonymously at https://tips.fbi.gov. Additional information regarding Mohamed, including a poster with his picture, and the FBI’s “Most Wanted Terrorists” list can be found at: http://www.fbi.gov/wanted/terrorists/fugitives.htm.
Assistant Attorney General for National Security John C. Demers, G. Zachary Terwilliger, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, and Larissa L. Knapp, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Washington Field Office's Counterterrorism Division, made the announcement. Assistant U.S. Attorneys James P. Gillis and John T. Gibbs, and Trial Attorney Rebecca A. Magnone for the National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section are prosecuting the case.
An indictment is merely an accusation. The defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty.
Alexandria Man on FBI Most Wanted List Indicted on Terrorism ChargesRead the Press Release
ALEXANDRIA, Va. – A federal grand jury returned an indictment today charging an Alexandria man with conspiring and attempting to provide material support to al-Shabaab, a terrorist organization operating in Somalia.
According to court documents, Liban Haji Mohamed, 34, a Somali-born naturalized United States citizen, allegedly left the United States in July 2012 with the intent to join al-Shabaab in East Africa. Al-Shabaab is a Somali-based insurgent and terrorist group that has claimed responsibility for many bombings in Somalia and Uganda and is known to have recruited Westerners. According to court documents, Mohamed allegedly attempted to recruit an undercover agent to travel to Somalia to provide combat training to al-Shabaab fighters. Mohamed also allegedly planned to use his own media skills to improve al-Shabaab’s propaganda machine, which it has used to recruit Westerners. Mohamed was a close associate of convicted terrorist Zachary Chesser, who was sentenced to 25 years in prison for attempting to provide material support to al-Shabaab.
In July 2012, Interpol, the world’s largest international police organization, issued a red notice seeking Mohamed as a wanted fugitive. In January 2015, the FBI announced the addition of Mohamed to the “Most Wanted Terrorists” list, and is offering a reward of up to $50,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of Mohamed.
Mohamed is charged with conspiring and attempting to provide material support to a designated foreign terrorist organization. If convicted, he faces a maximum penalty of 30 years in prison. Actual sentences for federal crimes are typically less than the maximum penalties. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after taking into account the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Individuals with information concerning Mohamed are asked to contact the FBI or the nearest American Embassy or Consulate. Tips can be submitted anonymously at https://tips.fbi.gov. Additional information regarding Mohamed, including a poster with his picture, and the FBI’s “Most Wanted Terrorists” list can be found at: https://www.fbi.gov/wanted/terrorism.
G. Zachary Terwilliger, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia; John C. Demers, Assistant Attorney General for National Security; and Larissa L. Knapp, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Washington Field Office's Counterterrorism Division, made the announcement. Assistant U.S. Attorneys James P. Gillis and John T. Gibbs, and Trial Attorney Rebecca A. Magnone of the U.S. Department of Justice Counterterrorism Section are prosecuting the case.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. Related court documents and information are located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 1:20-cr-115.
An indictment is merely an accusation. The defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty.
A Wheeling man and a Pennsylvania man admit to their roles in a drug distribution operationRead the Press Release
WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Two men have admitted to drug distribution in the Wheeling area, U.S. Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Albert Lee Brooks also known as “B,” of New Castle, Pennsylvania, pled guilty today to one count of “Distribution of Cocaine Base within 1000 feet of a Protected Location.” Brooks, age 48, admitted to selling “crack” cocaine near Luau Manor in Ohio County in March 2019.
Damend Lavel Pollard, also known as “Skills,” of Wheeling, pled guilty to one count of “Distribution of Methamphetamine within 1000 feet of a Protected Location.” Pollard, age 49, admitted to selling methamphetamine near Luau Manor in Ohio County in March 2019.
Brooks and Pollard each face at least one and up to 40 years incarceration and a fine of up to $2,000,000. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed will be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Shawn M. Adkins is prosecuting the cases on behalf of the government. The Ohio Valley Drug & Violent Crimes Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, investigated.
U.S. Magistrate Judge James P. Mazzone presided.
25 May 2020
Statement by Attorney General William P. Barr on Memorial DayRead the Press Release
Attorney General William P. Barr issued the following statement:
“Today we pause to remember that freedom is not free. It was bought with the price of lives lost and sacrifices made by countless Americans and their families. Generations of Americans answered the call and many paid the ultimate price to preserve our freedom. We honor their memory today by thanking them and their families for their service and sacrifice and resolving to continue to preserve our freedom for generations to come.”
Memorial Day Message from Assistant Attorney General Eric DreibandRead the Press Release
On the final Monday in May each year we pause as a nation to pay our respects to those members of the Armed forces who have devoted themselves and risked their lives to the defense of our nation. This year, while all else has changed, we continue this important task. In our country’s history, members of our armed forces have sacrificed in order to protect Americans on every continent. Now, the battle is at home. And the fight is against an invisible foe. Nevertheless, members of our armed forces have stood up in our defense.
In every state across our nation, members of our armed forces are working together with first responders to battle the COVID-19 pandemic. States have activated over 47,000 National guard soldiers and airmen to participate in the response to COVID-19.
For example, the New York National Guard (NYNG) is currently operating five antibody testing sites, and thousands of tests have been administered. The NYNG is also operating a hand sanitizer delivery mission, where more than 60,000 gallons of sanitizer have been distributed in the lower Hudson Valley. National Guard members have taken on further initiatives to address food supply issues. In the state of Washington, farmers who could not sell their produce to restaurants or food establishments donated hundreds of tons of potatoes, and the National Guard has distributed more than 200,000 pounds of potatoes in Tacoma.
And Guard members continue to transform facilities into COVID-19 relief centers. For example, Air Force Airman 1st Class Arielle Robles, an administration specialist with the Connecticut Air National Guard’s 103rd Airlift Wing, assisted in building a recovery center on her college campus.
Sadly, we have new names to add to the venerated list of those individuals who sacrificed their lives for our country. Captain Douglass Hickok, a 57-year-old physician assistant in the New Jersey National Guard, was the first servicemember to succumb to COVID-19. In total the Department of Defense has reported that 25 servicemembers and civilian contractors have lost their lives to this virus, and they and their families are in our thoughts and prayers on this day.
The Department of Justice remains committed to doing everything in its power to assist our servicemembers as they operate in this complex and dynamic battlefield. The department also remains solidly committed to continue fighting for our servicemembers and veterans. On this day especially, as we remember those who have fought and died for us, we thank all servicemembers, veterans, and their families for their service, dedication, and sacrifice.
Eric S. Dreiband
Assistant Attorney General, Civil Rights Division
23 May 2020
Portland, Biddeford and Auburn Awarded Funds to Address COVID-19 PandemicRead the Press Release
PORTLAND, Maine: United States Attorney Halsey B. Frank announced that the Department of Justice’s Office of Justice Programs (OJP) has awarded $219,535 to the City of Portland, $96,714 to the City of Biddeford, and $38,979 to the City of Auburn to address the public safety challenges posed by the outbreak of COVID-19.
OJP awarded the grants as part of $850 million available under the Coronavirus Emergency Supplemental Funding program, authorized by the stimulus legislation President Trump signed in March. This program allows eligible state, local and tribal governments to apply immediately for these critical funds. Since the program was launched in early April, OJP has awarded almost $596 million to state, local and tribal agencies and organizations.
“The Department of Justice has to date awarded almost $4 million to Maine jurisdictions to assist public safety professionals who are keeping us safe during this pandemic,” said U.S. Attorney Frank. “Our state, local and tribal partners continue to step up in this unprecedented time, and I’m glad the Department can assist them.”
The Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security, or CARES, Act gives jurisdictions considerable latitude in the use of funds for dealing with COVID-19. Potential uses include hiring personnel, paying overtime, purchasing protective equipment and distributing resources to hard-hit areas. Funds may also be used to help correctional facilities cover costs related to COVID-19, including, but not limited to, sanitation, contagion prevention and measures designed to address the related medical needs of inmates, detainees and correctional personnel.
Jurisdictions that have not yet applied for funds may do so until May 29, 2020. OJP will fund successful applicants on a rolling basis as it receives applications. Grantees may apply the funds retroactively to January 20, 2020, subject to federal rules.
Agencies that were eligible for the fiscal year 2019 State and Local Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant Program are candidates for the emergency funding. A complete list of eligible jurisdictions and their allocations is available at https://bja.ojp.gov/program/fy20-cesf-allocations. For more information, please visit https://bja.ojp.gov/funding/opportunities/bja-2020-18553.
OJP, directed by Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Katharine T. Sullivan, provides federal leadership, grants, training, technical assistance and other resources to improve the nation’s capacity to prevent and reduce crime, assist victims and enhance the rule of law by strengthening the criminal and juvenile justice systems. More information about OJP and its components is located at www.ojp.gov.
22 May 2020
Woman Sleeping on Couch with Lockbox Containing Meth Sentenced to Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
A woman who law enforcement found asleep on a couch in possession of meth she intended to distribute was sentenced May 18, 2020, to more than three years in federal prison.
Michelle Rae Simmermaker, age 44, from Prairie du Chien, Wisconsin, received the prison term after a January 2, 2020 guilty plea to possession of methamphetamine with the intent to distribute.
Evidence during a previous hearing showed that Simmermaker was asleep on the couch in a home in Tipton, Iowa, when law enforcement officers arrived to search the home. Simmermaker had a lockbox with her that contained over ten grams of methamphetamine, which she intended to sell to others. Also present at the residence were two minor children, including Simmermaker’s granddaughter.
Simmermaker was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Judge C.J. Williams. Simmermaker was sentenced to 37 months’ imprisonment. She must also serve a three-year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system.
Simmermaker is being held in the United States Marshal’s custody until she can be transported to a federal prison. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Emily K. Nydle and investigated by the Tipton Police Department, the Cedar County Sheriff’s Office, and the Muscatine County Drug Task Force.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 19-cr-55.
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University of San Francisco Agrees to Pay over $2.5M for Alleged False Claims in Its Administration of AmeriCorps GrantsRead the Press Release
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — The University of San Francisco (USF) has agreed to pay $2,561,727 to resolve allegations under the False Claims Act that it knowingly presented false and fraudulent claims to the Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS) in order to secure federal grant funds under the AmeriCorps State and National Program. CNCS is an independent federal agency that administers the AmeriCorps national service program.
USF obtained AmeriCorps funding to support the San Francisco Teacher Residency Program that allowed students working towards teaching degrees to earn living allowances and money towards their tuition costs by serving as teacher apprentices in high‑needs schools within the San Francisco Unified School District. To receive an AmeriCorps education award, among other requirements, each volunteer had to serve a specified number of hours that were required to be timely and accurately documented.
Based on its investigation, the United States contends that USF, through the director of the San Francisco Teacher Residency Program, falsified over 1,500 timesheets and falsely certified approximately 61 education awards during the 2014, 2015, and 2016 grant years to qualify its program and students for receipt of more than $1.7 million in federal grant funds administered by CNCS. When the United States brought these issues to the attention of senior USF management, USF voluntarily relinquished the grant and actively cooperated during the investigation.
“When federal grantees commit fraud to get or keep federal grant money, the United States Attorney’s Office and our federal law enforcement partners will pursue these wrongdoers, seeking damages and substantial civil penalties where warranted,” stated U.S. Attorney Scott. “In this case, USF’s cooperation with federal investigators was a key factor in determining an appropriate resolution.”
“One whistleblower stepped forward to expose a brazen fraud. Our thanks go to him, to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of California for its vigorous action and the cooperation of USF to make the public whole,” said CNCS Inspector General Deborah J. Jeffrey.
The allegations resolved by this settlement were first raised in a lawsuit filed against USF under the qui tam, or whistleblower, provisions of the False Claims Act by the former assistant director of the San Francisco Teacher Residency (No. 2:16-cv-2789). The False Claims Act allows private citizens with knowledge of fraud to bring civil actions on behalf of the government and to share in any recovery.
This investigation was conducted jointly by the CNCS Office of Inspector General and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of California. Assistant U.S. Attorney Geoffrey Wilson handled the matter for the United States.
The claims resolved by the settlement are allegations only; there has been no determination of liability.
United States Attorney’s Office Indicts 14 Cases and 21 DefendantsRead the Press Release
SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico – Last week, two federal grand juries in the District of Puerto Rico returned 14 indictments charging 21 defendants during the first week that the United States District Court in Puerto Rico reconvened grand jury proceedings after implementation of health and safety precautions related to the COVID-19 pandemic, announced W. Stephen Muldrow, United States Attorney for the District of Puerto Rico. The indictments include charges of firearms violations, drug trafficking, sexual exploitation of minors, cash smuggling, assault on a federal employee, and illegal reentry. The Federal Bureau of Investigation; the Drug Enforcement Administration; Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Homeland Security Investigations; U.S. Customs and Border Protection Caribbean Air and Marine Operations; and the Puerto Rico Police Bureau were in charge of the different investigations.
“I would like to commend those who enabled our office to present cases to these federal grand jury panels, including United States District Court Chief Judge Gustavo A. Gelpí, Clerk of Court María Antongiorgi-Jordan, and their personnel, who implemented health and safety measures to allow these grand juries to meet,” said U.S. Attorney Muldrow. “The federal grand jury, composed of dedicated citizens willing to serve, is a bedrock of our federal criminal justice system and a Constitutionally-protected right for all members of society. These indictments demonstrate the resolve of our office and our federal and local law enforcement partners to continue our public safety mission, notwithstanding the current COVID-19 pandemic.”
The following defendants were indicted:
- Sean Díaz De León and Juan Carlos Pagán Bonilla were charged with aiding and abetting each other, using a firearm during a carjacking, and causing the deaths of two transgender women.
- Jimmy Andrés Díaz Rosa and Reinaldo Rodríguez Colón were charged with attempted online enticement of a minor to engage in illegal sexual activity.
- Andrés Martínez was charged with conspiracy and possession with intent to distribute controlled substances.
- Enrique José Félix Velázquez, Juan Manuel Cruz Hernández, Benjamín Pérez Encarnación, and Brian Cruz-Rodríguez were charged with conspiracy to smuggle more than $100,000 in currency on board of a vessel; and conspiracy to jettison property from a vessel. The defendants are facing a forfeiture allegation of approximately 1.3 million dollars.
- Jonathan Ortiz-Castrodad was charged with illegal possession of a machinegun.
- Ángel L. López-Estevez, a convicted felon, was charged with illegal possession of a firearm by a prohibited person.
- Wilfredo Fontanez-Reyes was charged with assault on a federal officer. Fontanez-Reyes punched and caused bodily injuries to a postal service employee at the United States Post Office in Comerío, Puerto Rico, while the employee was engaged in his official duties.
- Juan Carlos Fuentes Pérez was charged with possession of a machinegun in furtherance of a drug-trafficking crime, possession with intent to distribute controlled substances, and possession of a firearm and ammunition after having been convicted of a felony offense.
- Cristopher Lee Villanueva Díaz was charged with possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug-trafficking crime, and possession with intent to distribute controlled substances.
- Fernando Miguel Velázquez-Pérez was charged with attempted coercion and enticement of a minor. He attempted to engage in sexual activity with someone he believed to be a 13 year-old minor.
- Harold Bryan Declet-Rivera was charged with attempted coercion and enticement of a minor. He attempted to engage in sexual activity with someone he believed to be a 13 year-old minor. He was also charged with possession of child pornography.
- Juan Sánchez, an illegal alien, was charged with reentry after having been previously removed from the United States in June 2001.
- Ian Carlos De Jesús-Martir was charged with possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance, Oxycodone pills; and importation of a controlled substance.
- Francisco Rosario-Escolástico, Jesús Manuel Quiñones-Otero, and Gregory Polanco were charged with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute a controlled substance, attempted possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance, and obstruction of justice. The defendants are facing a forfeiture allegation of $143,047 in cash, and a Mini-Cooper vehicle.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys José A. Contreras, Ginette Milanes, Marie C. Amy, Jeanette Collazo, Linet Suárez, Juan C. Reyes, John Hutchins, and Desirée Laborde-Sanfiorenzo of the District of Puerto Rico are in charge of the prosecution of the cases. Indictments contain only charges and are not evidence of guilt. Defendants are presumed to be innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
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UVM ER Doctor Charged with Production and Possession of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
The Office of the United States Attorney for the District of Vermont stated that Eike Blohm, 38, of South Burlington, Vermont, was charged by criminal complaint in United States District Court in Burlington, Vermont, with one count of production of child pornography, and one count of possession of child pornography. Blohm made his initial appearance to answer the complaint in federal court on May 22, 2020. At the hearing, U.S. Magistrate Judge John M. Conroy ordered Blohm detained pending trial. Blohm is next scheduled to appear in Federal court on June 1, 2020.
According to court records and proceedings, an employee at the University of Vermont Medical Center (UVM MC) discovered a camera hidden in a unisex employee bathroom in the Emergency Department. Investigators with the Chittenden Unit for Special Investigations (CUSI) recovered the camera and discovered approximately 1,300 videos on the camera. Approximately 900 videos depicted hospital employees in at least two bathrooms at UVM MC. Approximately 21 videos showed a minor child bathing nude at a location associated with Blohm. The child’s identity is known to law enforcement, and a number of those videos showed the minor’s genitalia. In addition, investigators searched, pursuant to a search warrant, Blohm’s iPad. Investigators found approximately 132 images of child pornography that did not involve the known minor.
U.S. Attorney Christina Nolan emphasized that the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty. If convicted, Blohm’s sentence will be determined by the advisory United States Sentencing Guidelines and the impact, if any, of any mandatory minimum prison terms applicable to any count of conviction.
U.S. Attorney Nolan commended the efforts of the Chittenden Unit for Special Investigations and Homeland Security Investigations.
Barbara A. Masterson, Assistant U.S. Attorney for the District of Vermont, and James E. Burke IV, Trial Attorney with the Department of Justice’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, are handling the prosecution of Blohm. Lisa B. Shelkrot of Langrock Sperry & Wool, LLP, represents Blohm.
U.S. Attorney Nolan noted that this prosecution is part of the U.S. Department of Justice's Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative designed to protect children from online exploitation and abuse. Led by the U.S. Attorney's Offices, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
The year 2020 marks the 150th anniversary of the Department of Justice. Learn more about the history of our agency at www.Justice.gov/Celebrating150Years.
U.S. Attorney: Webinar Will Focus on National Elder Fraud HotlineRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, KAN. – A free public webinar June 17 will focus on the services available from the new U.S. Department of Justice National Elder Fraud Hotline, which will provide services to older adults who may be victims of financial fraud, U.S. Attorney Stephen McAllister said.
“Fraud and romance scams aimed at older adults resulted in losses of more than $184 million in 2018,” McAllister said. “Many crimes go unreported because victims are scared, embarrassed, or don’t know who to call. That’s why DOJ created the hotline.”
At 3 p.m. June 17, 2020, the Office for Victims of Crime Training and Technical Assistance Center will present an online Expert Q&A discussion with Lori A. McGee and Helen Supanich on "The U.S. Department of Justice National Elder Fraud Hotline to Assist Victims of Financial Fraud."
The public is invited to participate by registering in advance at https://www.ovcttac.gov/expert-qa/
The hotline is on the web at https://stopelderfraud.ovc.ojp.gov/
U.S. Attorney and DOJ Civil Rights Provide Update on COVID-19 Related Religious Liberties CaseRead the Press Release
ALEXANDRIA, Va. – United States Attorney G. Zachary Terwilliger and Assistant Attorney General Eric S. Dreiband of the U.S. Department of Justice’s Civil Rights Division today announced an update on the status of the Department of Justice’s efforts to protect religious liberties during the COVID-19 pandemic by supporting a lawsuit brought in federal district court by Lighthouse Fellowship Church, a congregation in Chincoteague Island, Virginia that serves, among others, recovering drug addicts and former prostitutes.
On May 3, the Department of Justice filed a Statement of Interest supporting Lighthouse Fellowship Church’s emergency request for an injunction pending appeal of the district court’s ruling of May 1, which denied Lighthouse Fellowship Church’s emergency motion for a temporary restraining order and preliminary injunction. Yesterday, the district court denied the church’s request for an injunction pending appeal. Lighthouse Fellowship Church previously appealed to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit the district court’s denial of its emergency motion for a temporary restraining order and preliminary injunction. The Department of Justice is assessing its options with regard to participating in that appeal.
“Our First Amendment right to freely exercise religion does not disappear during a pandemic,” said Terwilliger. “Public safety is critical while COVID-19 remains with us, but we must also preserve our fundamental liberties.”
“The First Amendment to the United States Constitution protects the right of all people in our country to exercise their religion freely and without undue restrictions imposed by government,” said Dreiband. “As President Trump again reminded us earlier today, houses of worship are essential to people of faith, and those people include the recovering drug addicts and former prostitutes who allege that the Commonwealth of Virginia is unlawfully denying their ability to exercise right religion.”
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. Related court documents and information are located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER.
U.S. Attorney Observes National Moment of Remembrance on Memorial DayRead the Press Release
MACON, Ga. – On Memorial Day, Charlie Peeler, the U.S. Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia, will observe the National Moment of Remembrance at 3 p.m. and invites all citizens to pause from their activities and join with him to pay tribute to our fallen heroes with a minute of silence.
The National Moment of Remembrance, which was established by Congress in 2000, encourages all American citizens, including federal agency personnel, to pause for one minute to remember the men and women who lost their lives fighting for our nation and its values of freedom and peace. Memorial Day was established following the Civil War, and was made a national holiday honoring those who died in all American wars in 1971. Memorial Day is Monday, May 27, 2020.
“Despite COVID-19 restrictions, we can honor the countless Americans who have paid the ultimate sacrifice for our nation by joining together in silence and reflection this Memorial Day,” said U.S. Attorney Charlie Peeler. “We owe our courageous servicemen and women a debt of gratitude for the freedoms we enjoy, a debt that we can never fully repay. Memorial Day is a time to remember all those brave men and women who courageously fought and died for our country. We are eternally grateful for the service of all of our fallen heroes, their families, veterans and members of our military.”
To learn more about the Department of Justice’s Servicemembers and Veterans Initiative, please visit www.justice.gov/servicemembers. Questions can be directed to Pamela Lightsey, Public Information Officer, United States Attorney’s Office, at (478) 621-2603 or Melissa Hodges, Public Affairs Director (Contractor), United States Attorney’s Office, at (478) 765-2362.
U.S. Attorney Brady Announces $119K Grant to Address COVID-19 Pandemic in McKeesportRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH - U.S. Attorney Scott W. Brady today announced that the City of McKeesport, Pennsylvania, received $119,006 in Department of Justice grants to respond to the public safety challenges posed by the outbreak of COVID-19.
The grant is available under the Coronavirus Emergency Supplemental Funding program, authorized by the recent stimulus legislation signed by President Trump. In addition, the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency has been awarded $17.6 million in grants that can be distributed to eligible governmental agencies throughout Pennsylvania, including western Pennsylvania. The Justice Department is moving quickly, awarding grants on a rolling basis and aiming to have funds available for drawdown as soon as possible after receiving applications, which are not due until May 29, 2020.
From the moment these grants became available, U.S. Attorney Brady has dedicated staff to ensure that all eligible agencies in western Pennsylvania have the opportunity to apply and receive funds promptly. Since then, the Office has worked with eligible applicants to assist them in the grant process.
"McKeesport police officers shoulder a great responsibility in carrying out their sworn duty to protect and serve, especially during this public health crisis," U.S. Attorney Brady said. "I am hopeful this $119,006 from the Justice Department will help McKeesport police officers in their public safety duties while also ensuring their own health and safety. I also encourage all of our local law enforcement agencies to apply for these critical grants."
"We are extremely grateful to receive funding from the U.S. Department of Justice to better equip the McKeesport Police Department with the manpower, personal protective equipment, and cleaning supplies necessary to ensure our officers’ safety during these uncertain times when our society is deeply affected by COVID-19," McKeesport Mayor Michael Cherepko said. "Our daily procedures and interactions are impacted by the standards set forth by national and state leaders, and McKeesport police will continue to operate under the recommended guidelines thanks to this funding."
The public safety funds being made available through DOJ’s Coronavirus Emergency Supplemental Funding program can be used for the most pressing needs of our state and local partners, including new hiring and overtime pay, training, critical personal protective equipment and supplies, and the medical needs of prisoners.
Agencies that were eligible for the fiscal year 2019 State and Local Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant Program are candidates for the emergency funding. Local units of government and tribes will receive direct awards separately according to their jurisdictions’ allocations.
The Office of Justice Programs, directed by Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Katharine T. Sullivan, provides federal leadership, grants, training, technical assistance and other resources to improve the nation’s capacity to prevent and reduce crime, assist victims and enhance the rule of law by strengthening the criminal and juvenile justice systems. More information about OJP and its components can be found at www.ojp.gov.
U.S. Attorney Bill Powell announces $44,250 award to address COVID-19 pandemic in MorgantownRead the Press Release
CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – U.S. Attorney Bill Powell of the Northern District of West Virginia today announced that the city of Morgantown received $44,250 in Department of Justice grants to respond to the public safety challenges posed by the outbreak of COVID-19.
The grant, awarded to the city of Morgantown is available under the Coronavirus Emergency Supplemental Funding program, authorized by the recent stimulus legislation signed by President Trump. Those jurisdictions can find out if they are eligible and apply immediately by visiting this website. The Justice Department is moving quickly, awarding grants on a rolling basis and aiming to have funds available for drawdown as soon as possible after receiving applications.
“The city of Morgantown will put this funding to good use, working to keep its residents and visitors safe during the COVID-19 pandemic. I am proud to announce this additional funding to assist with this good work,” said Powell.
“The outbreak of COVID-19 and the public health emergency it created are sobering reminders that even the most routine duties performed by our nation’s public safety officials carry potentially grave risks,” said Katharine T. Sullivan, Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General for the Office of Justice Programs. “These funds will provide hard-hit communities with critical resources to help mitigate the impact of this crisis and give added protection to the brave professionals charged with keeping citizens safe.”
The law gives jurisdictions considerable latitude in the use of these funds for dealing with COVID-19. Potential uses include hiring personnel, paying overtime, purchasing protective equipment, distributing resources to hard-hit areas and addressing inmates’ medical needs.
Agencies that were eligible for the fiscal year 2019 State and Local Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant Program are candidates for the emergency funding. Local units of government and tribes will receive direct awards separately according to their jurisdictions’ allocations.
The Office of Justice Programs, directed by Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Katharine T. Sullivan, provides federal leadership, grants, training, technical assistance and other resources to improve the nation’s capacity to prevent and reduce crime, assist victims and enhance the rule of law by strengthening the criminal and juvenile justice systems. More information about OJP and its components can be found at www.ojp.gov.