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Sunday 8 March 2020
Arizona Man Sentenced for Role in South Dakota Meth ConspiracyRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a Surprise, Arizona, man convicted of Conspiracy to Distribute 500 Grams of Methamphetamine was sentenced on February 24, 2020, by U.S. District Judge Karen E. Schrerer.
Johnny Gould, age 44, was sentenced to 72 months in federal prison, followed by 3 years of supervised release. He was also ordered to pay $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.
Gould was indicted for Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance by a federal grand jury on February 5, 2019. He pled guilty on November 25, 2019.
Beginning on an unknown date and continuing until on or about September 30, 2017, in the District of South Dakota and elsewhere, Gould did knowingly and intentionally combine, conspire, confederate, and agree together, with others known and unknown, to knowingly and intentionally distribute a mixture and substance containing 500 grams or more of methamphetamine. Gould was the source for approximately twenty pounds of methamphetamine that was distributed in South Dakota.
This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Sioux Falls Area Drug Task Force. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jennifer D. Mammenga prosecuted the case.
Gould was immediately turned over to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Saturday 7 March 2020
Moore Woman Sentenced to 18 Months in Prison for Embezzling More Than $175,000 from Former EmployerRead the Press Release
OKLAHOMA CITY – ANNIKA MARTIN, a.k.a. ANNIKA SCOTT, 35, of Moore, Oklahoma, was sentenced to a 18 months in prison yesterday for embezzling more than $175,000.00 from an Oklahoma City business that specialized in cooling tower and industrial plant repairs.
According an Information filed on July 9, 2019, the business hired Martin back in 2010 as an office accounting assistant. Martin was later promoted, and worked as head office accountant at the business from 2012 until she was fired in August 2016. During her tenure as head accountant, Martin prepared an unauthorized check to be drawn on a business checking account to purchase three money orders, which she used for lifestyle expenses, including a car loan payment. Additional filings in the case detail how, in addition to stealing business checks, Martin gave herself unauthorized pay raises, paid herself overtime salary and vacation that she did not work or earn, reimbursed herself for work expenses that she did not incur, and used a company credit card for personal purchases.
On August 13, 2019, Martin pleaded guilty to the Information. At a hearing yesterday morning, U.S. District Judge Patrick Wyrick sentenced Martin to 18 months’ imprisonment. Martin must also pay restitution in the amount of $175,294.63 to the business.
These charges are the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Oklahoma City Police Department. It was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Julia E. Barry.
Illegal Alien Sentenced to Five Years in Prison for Drug Trafficking and Firearm PossessionRead the Press Release
OKLAHOMA CITY – ARTURO DOMINGO CORRALES-VAZQUEZ, 28, of Eldorado, Sinaloa, Mexico, has been sentenced to serve 60 months in prison for possessing methamphetamine with intent to distribute, as well for being an illegal alien in possession of a firearm, announced U.S. Attorney Timothy J. Downing.
Corrales-Vazquez was indicted in June 2018 with four counts—possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute, possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug-trafficking crime, illegal alien in possession of a firearm, and maintaining a drug-involved premises—all of which stemmed from his May 8, 2018, arrest by Oklahoma City Police Department officers following a search of Corrales-Vazquez’s residence turned up 5.7 kilograms of methamphetamine, a Mossburg 500 shotgun with a pistol grip, and just over $49,000 in drug proceeds. Corrales-Vazquez, who had been previously removed to Mexico once before, subsequently admitted to his involvement and told law enforcement that that the drugs were imported from Mexico.
On July 26, 2018, Corrales-Vazquez pled guilty to possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute and being an illegal alien in possession of a firearm. On March 5, 2020, Senior U.S. District Judge Robin J. Cauthron sentenced Corrales-Vazquez to serve 60 months in prison followed by four years of supervised release. Following his release from prison, Corrales-Vazquez will be subject to deportation proceedings.
This case is the result of an investigation by the Oklahoma City Police Department and the Drug Enforcement Administration, with assistance from the U.S. Marshals Service. Assistant U.S. Attorney David McCrary prosecuted the case.
This case is part of the work of the Organized Crimes and Drug Enforcement Task Force, the Department of Justice’s signature initiatives to address and reduce drug-related criminal activity.
Friday 6 March 2020
Wisconsin Man Pleads Guilty to Lacey Act ViolationsRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Joe Kelly announced that Duane S. Mulvaine, age 40, of Fox Lake, Wisconsin, entered a plea of guilty today in federal court in Omaha, Nebraska, before United States Magistrate Judge Michael D. Nelson for violating the Lacey Act. Mulvaine admitted to six misdemeanor counts involving the illegal taking of wildlife in interstate commerce. Magistrate Judge Nelson set Mulvaine’s sentencing for August 19, 2020, at 9:30 a.m. Mulvaine faces up to one year imprisonment and a fine of $100,000 on each count.
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 August 2015 through October 30, 2017, Mulvaine traveled to Hidden Hills Outfitters, a commercial big game guiding and outfitting business located near Broken Bow, Nebraska, to conduct wildlife hunts. The investigation determined that during a number of these hunts, Mulvaine engaged in hunting activities which included hunting over bait, hunting from a public roadway at night, and hunting with prohibited weapons, all of which are in violation of Nebraska State law or regulation.
The change of plea hearing today is part of the ongoing prosecution of numerous defendants related to violations committed by owners, guides, and clients of Hidden Hills Outfitters. To date, twenty-four defendants have pleaded guilty and have been sentenced and ordered to pay a total of $151,398 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.
Wichita Man Sentenced for Robbing a BankRead the Press Release
WICHITA, KAN. - A Wichita man was sentenced today to 30 months in federal prison for bank robbery, U.S. Attorney Stephen McAllister said.
Jeremy Vos, 21, Wichita, Kan., pleaded guilty to one count of bank robbery. In his plea, he admitted that on July 23, 2019, he robbed Intrust Bank at 5500 E. Harry. He gave the teller a handwritten note saying, “This is a robbery. No (dye) bags. I have a gun.” Police arrested Vos the same day as the robbery.
Wichita police reported Vos had made a false report to 911 shortly before the robbery.
McAllister commended the Wichita Police Department, the FBI and Assistant U.S. Jason Hart for their work on the case.
Washington DC Man Sentenced to Nine Years in Federal Prison for the Armed Robbery of a Capitol Heights BarbershopRead the Press Release
Greenbelt, Maryland – U.S. District Judge Theodore D. Chuang today sentenced Akeem Bolton, age 29, of Washington, D.C., to nine years in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release, for an armed commercial robbery and for brandishing a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence.
The sentence was announced by United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Robert K. Hur; Special Agent in Charge Jennifer C. Boone of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Baltimore Field Office; and Chief Henry P. Stawinski III of the Prince George’s County Police Department.
According to Bolton’s guilty plea, on November 26, 2018, Bolton and his co-defendant drove to a barbershop in Capitol Heights, Maryland, and spoke with two employees outside of the shop, pretending to be potential customers. The two left and went to a convenience store across the street, then returned to the barbershop. Bolton’s co-defendant sat in the barbershop chair while an employee prepared to cut his hair. The co-defendant drew a handgun and pointed it at the employee, while Bolton struck a second employee in the back of the head with a handgun.
As detailed in the plea agreement, Bolton and his co-defendant then forced the employees to the back of the store and pulled the blinds down over the windows of the barbershop. Bolton and the co-conspirator forced the employees to strip naked and lie face down on the floor with their hands behind their heads, and ordered them to count to 1,000. Bolton and the co-conspirator robbed the employees of their cellphones, money, and jewelry. The robbers threatened to kill the employees if they moved while they counted to 1,000. Bolton and the co-conspirator demanded to know where additional money was located in the store and threatened to kill the employees when they were unable to locate additional money. Bolton and the co-conspirator again threatened to kill the employees if they reported the robbery, then left the barbershop with the personal belongings of the employees.
When Bolton was arrested, a black 9mm semi-automatic pistol, which was used in the robbery, was recovered from his person. A search of the co-defendant’s residence recovered a distinctive silver necklace stolen from one of the barbershop employees and a silver and black .40-caliber semi-automatic pistol.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) is the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
United States Attorney Robert K. Hur commended the FBI and the Prince George’s County Police Department for their work in the investigation. Mr. Hur thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney Catherine K. Dick and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Jared Hernandez, who are prosecuting the case.
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WDLA News Round-Up for Week of March 2, 2020Read the Press Release
LAFAYETTE, MONROE, ALEXANDRIA, La. – United States Attorney David C. Joseph announced the resolution of several cases this week, all of which are separately noted.
SENTENCING – TORY DARBY MONTGOMERY
LAFAYETTE, La. - On March 3, Tory Darby Montgomery, 23, of Youngsville, Louisiana, was sentenced to 32 months in federal prison for possession of a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon. Lafayette Police Department responded to a complaint on June 21, 2018, of two males walking with a firearm in the Louisiana Avenue area. The officers located two males who matched the description provided by the complaint and made contact with them. One male ran from the officers, but Montgomery stayed and cooperated. Montgomery acknowledged that he had a loaded Smith & Wesson .357 Magnum in his waistband. Montgomery is a convicted felon and prohibited under federal law from possessing a firearm and ammunition. In July 2015, he was convicted in the 15th Judicial District Court of simple burglary and accessory after the fact, simple burglary. This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) and the Lafayette Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jamilla A. Bynog prosecuted the case. U.S. District Judge Michael J. Juneau presided at the sentencing hearing.
SENTENCING – DERRICK CURRY
MONROE, La. - On March 4, Derrick Wayne Curry, 50, of Monroe, Louisiana, was sentenced to 51 months in federal prison for possession of a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon. On July 12, 2018, Ouachita Parish Sheriff’s deputies observed Curry on a bicycle violating traffic laws by traveling down a street against the flow of oncoming traffic, and without a functioning rear light. When the deputies attempted to make contact with him, Curry jumped off of his bike and started to run, while throwing an object in the air that he had pulled from his waistband. When the deputies caught up to Curry, they found him wearing a black nylon gun holster attached to his belt, and found a Taurus, Model: PT-92 AF, 9 mm-caliber pistol, loaded with 16 rounds of 9 mm bullets, 10 feet from where he was taken into custody. Curry is a convicted felon and prohibited under federal law from possessing a firearm and ammunition. In May 1990, he was convicted of armed robbery. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) and Ouachita Parish Sheriff’s Office investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jessica D. Cassidy and Cytheria D. Jernigan prosecuted the case. U.S. District Judge Terry A. Doughty presided at the sentencing hearing.
SENTENCING – JMARREON D. MACK
MONROE, La. - On March 4, Jmarreon D. Mack, 38, of Monroe, was sentenced to 17 and a half years in federal prison for felon in possession of a firearm, possession with intent to distribute marijuana, and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. Mack was found guilty on November 14, 2019, following a two-day jury trial in Monroe. Evidence presented during trial revealed that an officer with Louisiana State Police initiated a stop of Mack’s vehicle on April 12, 2018, for a traffic violation. As the trooper approached the vehicle, he smelled marijuana coming from inside. During a search of the vehicle, the trooper and an officer with the Monroe Police Department found a Glock .45 caliber semi-automatic pistol loaded with 10 rounds of ammunition in the magazine and one round in the chamber. In addition to the firearm, officers also found approximately 23.5 grams of marijuana in a bag on the front driver’s seat, a marijuana cigar, a marijuana grinder, and a digital scale. The gun that Mack possessed had been reported stolen. Jmarreon Mack has prior felony convictions in Ouachita Parish for possession of cocaine (2005 and 2014), attempted distribution of cocaine (2005), and possession with intent to distribute cocaine (2008). The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), Louisiana State Police, Monroe Police Department, Richland Parish Sheriff’s Office and Rayville Police Department investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Cadesby Cooper and Earl M. Campbell prosecuted the case. U.S. District Judge Terry A. Doughty presided at the sentencing hearing.
SENTENCING – JACOB STAGGS
MONROE, La. - On March 4, Jacob Staggs, 38, of West Monroe, Louisiana, was sentenced to 57 months in federal prison for felon in possession of a firearm. West Monroe Police Department officers encountered Staggs during a traffic stop on April 24, 2019. Staggs was the passenger in the vehicle. During the course of the traffic stop, the officers discovered a loaded Smith & Wesson .380 pistol located in the back right pocket of Staggs’ pants. Officers also found a pill bottle containing Etizolam, Buprenorphine, Acetyl Fentanyl, Fentanyl, Tramadol, ANPP, Carisoprodol, and Tapentadol in Staggs’ front left pants pocket. Staggs is a convicted felon and prohibited under federal law from possessing a firearm and ammunition. He has previous felony convictions for possession of Methamphetamine, possession of Diazepam, possession of Methadone, and resisting an officer with force of violence (December 2018). The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and West Monroe Police Department investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Brian C. Flanagan prosecuted the case. U.S. District Judge Terry A. Doughty presided at the sentencing hearing.
SENTENCING – WILLIE JAMES COOK
MONROE, La. - On March 4, Willie James Cook, 29, of Monroe, was sentenced to 57 months in federal prison for felon in possession of a firearm. On August 29, 2018, officers with the Monroe Police Department executed a search warrant at an apartment on Dixie Avenue. During that search, officers discovered a loaded Springfield Armory .40 caliber semi-automatic handgun inside Cook’s backpack in a bedroom where he had been staying. Cook is a convicted felon and prohibited under federal law from possessing a firearm and ammunition. Cook’s prior felony convictions in the 4th Judicial District Court include simple battery (2010 and 2016), possession of cocaine (2015), domestic abuse battery (2015), and resisting an officer (2016). The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and Monroe Police Department investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael T. Shannon prosecuted the case. U.S. District Judge Terry A. Doughty presided at the sentencing hearing.
SENTENCING – BRANDON HARRIS
MONROE, La. - On March 4, Brandon Keith Harris, 32, of Bastrop, Louisiana, was sentenced to seven and a half years in federal prison for possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, which will run concurrent to Harris’ parole violation pending in Morehouse Parish, Louisiana. On the evening of July 14, 2018, Harris broke into Simmons’ Sporting Goods in Bastrop, Louisiana and stole seven guns. Federal law prohibits Harris from ever possessing a firearm because of his status as a convicted felon. He has multiple felony convictions in Morehouse Parish including: the manufacture and possession of a bomb (2005), possession of methamphetamine (2009), simple burglary, and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon (2014). This case is a joint federal and local investigation into the July 14, 2018 break-in and firearm theft. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), Bastrop Police Department, and Morehouse Parish Sheriff’s Office conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael T. Shannon prosecuted the case. U.S. District Judge Terry A. Doughty presided at the sentencing hearing.
GUILTY PLEA – MANUEL KING
LAFAYETTE, La. – On March 5, Manuel King, 30, of Lafayette, pled guilty to three counts of carjacking. King, a previously convicted felon, carjacked three separate people on February 20, 2019. The first victim was standing next to his Jeep Grand Cherokee in a Wal-Mart parking lot when King approached and threatened him with a Kimber 9mm semi-automatic pistol. King took the victim’s wallet and drove away in the vehicle. Shortly thereafter, King crashed the Jeep and proceeded to carjack a second victim. He crashed that car and then carjacked a third victim. He was pursued by police, eventually crashing the third car into a pond. At that point, he was arrested and was still in possession of the 9mm pistol he used during each carjacking incident. King’s wallet was found in the second victim’s vehicle. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), Lafayette Police Department, and Lafayette City Marshal’s Office conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Daniel J. McCoy is prosecuting the case. U.S. District Judge Robert R. Summerhays presided over the hearing and set sentencing for June 18, 2020. For each count, King faces up to 15 years in federal custody, a $250,000 fine, and three years of supervised release.
GUILTY PLEA – CASEY BERLIN
ALEXANDRIA, La. - On March 5, Casey Berlin, 36, of Alexandria, pled guilty to possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. During an investigation for a residential burglary, Alexandria Police Department officers identified Berlin as a suspect and arrested him on March 22, 2019. During the arrest, officers found a Ruger carbine .22 caliber rifle propped against a kitchen cabinet. Berlin told officers that someone gave him the rifle to hold as collateral for a debt owed. As a convicted felon, Berlin was aware that he was prohibited from possessing a firearm or ammunition. He was previously convicted of possession of a Schedule IV Controlled Dangerous Substance in September 2016. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and Alexandria Police Department conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jessica D. Cassidy is prosecuting the case. U.S. District Judge Dee D. Drell presided over the hearing and set sentencing for June 22, 2020. Berlin faces up to 10 years in federal custody, a $250,000 fine, and three years of supervised release.
The firearms cases were brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. PSN is part of the Department’s renewed focus on targeting violent criminals, directing all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to work in partnership with federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement and the local community to develop effective, locally-based strategies to reduce violent crime. To learn more about Project Safe Neighborhoods, go to www.justice.gov/psn.
The year 2020 marks the 150th anniversary of the Department of Justice. Learn more about the history of our agency at www.Justice.gov/Celebrating150Years.
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Utah man convicted of trafficking meth in Kalispell area sentenced to prisonRead the Press Release
MISSOULA—A Utah man convicted at trial of trafficking methamphetamine in the Kalispell area was sentenced on Thursday to seven years in prison and five years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme said.
A jury in November found Jeremy David Medbery, 34, of Odgen, Utah, guilty of possession with intent to distribute meth and distribution of meth.
Chief U.S. District Judge Dana Christensen presided.
The prosecution presented evidence at the trial that in January 2016, law enforcement agents in the Kalispell area began getting tips about two men, Medbery and co-defendant Christopher George Nomura, who had arrived from California to distribute meth.
In February 2016, an informant made a controlled purchase of meth from Medbery at a casino in Kalispell. After the transaction, police officers followed Medbery, made a traffic stop on Highway 93 and arrested him. Agents executed search warrants on Medbery’s truck and residence. In the truck was a plastic bag with meth residue. A safe in Medbery’s bedroom contained a plastic bag with meth and another bag with residue.
Medbery admitted to officers he drove from California with co-defendant, Christopher Nomura, and brought meth for his personal use. Several days later, Nomura was arrested. Nomura was convicted in the case and sentenced to 10 years in prison.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Tom Bartleson prosecuted the case, which was investigated by the Montana Division of Criminal Investigation, the North Western Drug Task Force, Kalispell Police Department, Flathead County Sheriff’s Office and Homeland Security Investigations.
The case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), which is the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
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United States Attorney’s Office launches review of Indiana polling places for compliance with the Americans with Disabilities ActRead the Press Release
Indianapolis – United States Attorney Josh J. Minkler announced today that his office has launched a review of all polling places in the Southern District of Indiana to determine if they are in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990. The initiative is in accordance with the federal government’s congressionally-mandated responsibility to review compliance with the ADA. It is not in response to any specific complaint against a county or individual polling location.
“This year marks the 30th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act. Indiana counties have had more than enough time to ensure that their polling places provide full access to individuals with disabilities,” said Minkler “Hoosiers in the Southern District of Indiana, that have a disability, deserve equal access to polling places and we are committed to making sure that they have it in time for the 2020 election.”
As part of the review, election officials in Indiana’s southern sixty counties are being asked to complete survey questions pertaining to polling place accessibility in their county. Investigators may then conduct on-site inspections to confirm survey responses and to evaluate compliance with federal ADA regulations. Counties found to be non-compliant will have the option of resolving issues informally, and if that effort fails, entering into a Voluntary Compliance Agreement with the government, whereby they voluntarily agree to upgrade their facilities, and address issues in order to meet ADA requirements before the November 2020 election.
Counties found to be engaging in a pattern or practice of discrimination, or that fail to enter into Voluntary Compliance Agreements, may face a civil lawsuit brought by the government and/or be subject to penalties, including monetary penalties and civil fines.
The ADA prohibits discrimination on the basis of disability in all programs, activities, and services provided by public entities. The ADA requires that public entities provide voting facilities that are accessible to people with disabilities.
Any citizen with polling place concerns in the Southern District of Indiana is encouraged to contact Assistant United States Attorney Jeffrey D. Preston, Civil Rights Coordinator, at 317-226-6333.
In October 2017, United States Attorney Josh J. Minkler announced a Strategic Plan designed to shape and strengthen the District’s response to its most significant challenges. This initiative demonstrates the office’s firm commitment to maintaining a robust program of promoting and enforcing federal civil rights laws. See United States Attorney’s Office, Southern District of Indiana Strategic Plan Section 7.3 and 7.4.
United States Attorney’s Office District of Arizona February 2020 Immigration and Border ReportRead the Press Release
I. Illegal Reentry After Deportation (8 U.S.C. 1326)
1,225 individuals were charged in February with illegal reentry
A. 377 of those 1,225 individuals had previously been convicted of non-immigration criminal
offenses in the U.S.
Of the 377 individuals with non-immigration criminal records:1. 82 had violent crime convictions, including:
7 individuals had sex offense convictions
25 individuals had domestic violence convictions
2. 53 had property crime convictions
3. 123 had DUI convictions
4. 134 had drug crime convictions
B. 289 of those 1,225 individuals had been deported three or more times
II. Alien Smuggling (8 U.S.C. 1324)
85 individuals were charged in February with alien smuggling
III. Illegal Entry (Criminal Consequence Initiative) (8 U.S.C. 1325)
757 individuals were charged in February with illegal entry on the CCI calendar
Criminal conviction information based on preliminary criminal history reports provided by the arresting agency.
These numbers represent United States Attorney's Office prosecutions only. These numbers do not include individuals apprehended by immigration enforcement officials and subjected solely to administrative process.
RELEASE NUMBER: 2020-030_February Immigration and Border Crimes Report
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For more information on the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/az/
Follow the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, on Twitter @USAO_AZ for the latest news.
U.S. Attorney Led Call-In Attended by 40 Probationers, Goal to Decrease Recidivism in GeorgiaRead the Press Release
ALBANY, Ga. – The U.S. Attorney’s Office in the Middle District of Georgia has completed its third offender call-in, an opportunity designed to help probationers successfully complete their probationary term and not reoffend, said Charlie Peeler, the U.S. Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia. Currently, about two-thirds of Georgia offenders are arrested within three years of completing their state sentence, and the goal of the offender call-ins is to decrease the high rate of recidivism in Georgia. The U.S. Attorney’s Office is working with the Georgia Department of Community Supervision to track the participants and confirm whether they are reoffending at a higher or lower rate than those who choose not to participate in the federal offender call-ins. Both state and federal probationers have participated in call-ins to date.
Approximately 40 probationers attended the two-part meeting on February 10, 2020 at the Government Center in Albany. During the first section, local and federal law enforcement members and prosecutors discussed the rules that govern probationers, encouraging them to succeed, while also informing them that law enforcement is committed to keeping citizens safe and repeat offenders will not be tolerated. Information regarding federal gun and narcotics laws, and the consequences of breaking those laws, was provided, and probationers were reminded that there is no probation in the federal system. The probationers also heard from a returning citizen who has successfully completed probation and is enjoying a productive life. After the speaking portion, there was a community resource fair with local providers, exposing probationers to services available to them and their families for help with housing, employment, education, substance abuse and mental health counseling, driver’s license and medical insurance, among other information. Additional offender call-ins were held in Macon, Georgia on July 29, 2019 and December 10, 2018. A fourth federal offender call-in is being planned in Columbus, Georgia.
“We want every probationer in Georgia to beat the odds and not return to prison after paying their debt to society,” said U.S. Attorney Charlie Peeler. “These offender call-ins are designed to equip probationers with services they need to successfully re-integrate into society. Helping probationers succeed is a win for everyone — it’s a win for the probationer, their families, friends and neighbors, and society as a whole. Thank you to the probationers who avail themselves of the services they need, and thank you to all of our law enforcement partners, judges and community organizations who have enthusiastically agreed to take part in these call-ins, with an eye to ultimately making our communities safer.”
Participating judicial, law enforcement and community organizations to date are as follows:
United States District Court Judge Tillman E. (“Tripp”) Self
Bibb County Superior Court Judge Verda M. Colvin
Parental Accountability Court
DEA
U.S. Probation Office
Georgia Department of Community Supervision
Bibb County Sheriff’s Office
Dougherty County Sheriff’s Office
Dougherty County District Attorney’s Office
Macon-Bibb District Attorney’s Office
Albany Aspire
Albany Second Change
Albany Technical College
Central Georgia Technical College
Eckerd GED
Goodwill
Insure Georgia
Loaves & Fishes
Middle Georgia Access to Justice
Next Step Recovery Ministries
Rescue Mission
Spirit of Ruth Outreach Ministries
Work Source Georgia
The offender call-ins are a part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
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. 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.
Two Sentenced on Charges of Fentanyl Distribution that Resulted in DeathRead the Press Release
PROVIDENCE – Two men charged in separate, but related, criminal cases were each sentenced yesterday to just over two and a half years in federal prison, following their convictions on charges of distributing fentanyl.
David Grimaldi, 24 of Coventry, previously pleaded guilty in October of 2019 to distribution of fentanyl, admitting to the Court that he engaged the assistance of an associate, Robert K. Bell, 24, of Warwick, who had likewise pleaded guilty in October to aiding and abetting the distribution of fentanyl, to help him locate a buyer for pills that he wanted to sell. Both defendants admitted that their criminal actions contributed to the death of the buyer.
United States Attorney Aaron Weisman commented, “Defendants actions in this case ended in the gravest possible result: a young man’s life tragically cut short. And, as the court’s sentence reflected, that grave result carries with it severe consequences. For a single drug transaction in a West Warwick parking lot involving three tiny, fentanyl-laced pills, one defendant with no prior history with the law will spend two and a half years behind bars, as will his co-defendant. The severity of this conduct, reflected by the sentences meted out in this case, reaffirms our commitment to prosecute those who profit from or share deadly illegal substances with others, and to seek the greatest measure of justice for the victims of their actions.”
According to information presented to the Court, Bell arranged the drug transaction, set the price, and arranged a time and location for the meeting between the buyer and Grimaldi. Based on Bell’s arrangements, Grimaldi met that buyer in a West Warwick parking lot, where he distributed three pills marked and colored to look like oxycodone tablets. In reality, the pills were laced with fentanyl. Grimaldi admitted that he watched while the buyer swallowed half of one pill. Minutes later, the buyer, a Massachusetts man, became unresponsive. He was subsequently pronounced dead later that day at Kent County Hospital. Fentanyl was found in his bloodstream.
At sentencing, U.S. District Court Judge William E. Smith sentenced Bell to thirty-two months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release; Grimaldi was sentenced to serve thirty months in federal prison, with three years of supervised release to follow.
Grimaldi and Bell’s sentences are announced by United States Attorney Aaron L. Weisman, West Warwick Police Chief Colonel Mark A. Knott, and Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration’s New England Field Division Brian D. Boyle.
The cases were prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Paul F. Daly, Jr., and Zachary A. Cunha.
The matter was investigated by the West Warwick Police Department and the Rhode Island DEA Drug Task Force.
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Two Men Plead Guilty for Long-Running Advance-Fee SchemeRead the Press Release
Geoffrey S. Berman, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, announced today that MICHAEL SOLOMON MARKOWITZ, a/k/a “Sol Markowitz,” and DAVID BINET pled guilty to conspiring to steal hundreds of thousands of dollars in advance fees from victims seeking standby letters of credit (“SBLCs”). BINET pled guilty today, while MARKOWITZ pled guilty on February 26, 2020. Both defendants pled guilty before U.S. District Judge Paul A. Engelmayer.
U.S. Attorney Geoffrey S. Berman said: “As they admitted in court, Michael Solomon Markowitz and David Binet perpetrated an advance fee scheme whose victims paid hundreds of thousands of dollars for phantom letters of credit. Now they both face the very real possibility of being sentenced to prison for their crimes.”
According to the Complaint, the Informations to which MARKOWITZ and BINET pled guilty, and court filings and statements made in public court proceedings:
SBLCs are financial instruments that provide a bank’s commitment to pay a third party in the event that the bank’s client defaults on an agreement with the third party. An SBLC is a “standby” agreement because the bank will have to pay only in a worst-case scenario where the client defaults on an ongoing agreement. Fraudulent SBLCs are frequently used in advance-fee schemes so that victims provide funds up front in exchange for the promise of an SBLC. In reality, and in fact, the victim never receives the SBLC or receives a fake SBLC.
Since at least 2012 through 2019, MARKOWITZ and BINET engaged in a scheme to defraud victims by inducing them to pay six-figure advance fees in exchange for an SBLC. MARKOWITZ and BINET purported to be able to help companies and individuals obtain financing for international projects, such as oil and gas projects in Africa. In fact, MARKOWTIZ and BINET stole the advance fees and never obtained SBLCs.
MARKOWITZ further admitted that he conspired to commit bank fraud by providing fraudulent proof-of-funds letters and SBLCs worth more than $25 million to financial institutions. On some occasions, MARKOWITZ used fake financial institutions incorporated in Switzerland to provide a veneer of legitimacy for the transactions.
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MARKOWITZ, 71, of Brooklyn, New York, pled guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and bank fraud, which carries a maximum sentence of five years in prison. He is scheduled to be sentenced by Judge Engelmayer on June 8, 2020.
BINET, 62, of New Jersey, pled guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, which carries a maximum sentence of five years in prison. He is scheduled to be sentenced by Judge Engelmayer on June 15, 2020.
Mr. Berman praised the investigative work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the special agents for the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York.
This case is being handled by the Office’s Complex Frauds and Cybercrime Unit. Assistant U.S. Attorneys David Abramowicz, Jilan Kamal, and Michael McGinnis are in charge of the prosecution.
Two Men Arrested in Connection with Two Takeover Style Bank Robberies at Local Credit UnionsRead the Press Release
CONTACT: Barbara Burns
PHONE: (716) 843-5817
FAX #: (716) 551-3051BUFFALO, N.Y.--U.S. Attorney James P. Kennedy, Jr. announced today that Adrian D. Applewhite, 32, of Cheektowaga, NY, and Ronald L. Morris, 45, of Buffalo, NY, were arrested and charged by complaint with bank robbery and incidental crimes. The charge carries a maximum penalty of 25 years in prison, and a fine of $250,000.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Joshua Violanti, who is handling the case, stated that according to the complaint, on October 31, 2019, a male, later identified as defendant Applewhite, entered the Clarence Community and School Federal Credit Union (CCS FCU), on Sheridan Drive in Clarence, holding a cell phone in a manner consistent with video recording or obtaining a photograph. While inside the CCS FCU, Applewhite inquired from staff whether the CCS FCU had an ATM. He then left the building.
Seven days later, on November 7, 2019, three males entered the CCS FCU and conducted a take-over style bank robbery. Armed with pistols, and donning masks and florescent green work gloves, at least two of the masked robbers holding hand guns ordered all the employees to the ground and demanded money. Two of the robbers went back behind the teller line and went through teller's drawers. The third robber went to the vault. The robbers stole a total of $148,793.90.
During the course of the investigation, investigators from the New York State Police Clarence barracks obtained and reviewed surveillance footage from several locations. Using that footage, the getaway vehicle was subsequently traced to an individual known to investigators as Applewhite's wife, A.B., with an address in Cheektowaga, NY.
On November 12, 2019, investigators executed a search warrant on a cell phone used by Applewhite. They recovered a video taken by Applewhite on October 31, 2019, showing the inside of the CCS FCU and audio of Applewhite requesting an ATM. Investigators also discovered a contact “Cracks,” who was later determined to be co-defendant Ronald Morris. One text exchanged between Applewhite and Morris a few days before the robbery read “Be ready Tuesday or Wednesday.” On November 7, 2019, just prior to the time of the robbery, Applewhite sent Morris another text stating “I’m on my way.”
Investigators began to surveille Applewhite in January 2020, and determined that he and Morris met up and actively surveilled other Federal Credit Unions in Niagara Falls and Tonawanda.
Previously, on July 25, 2019, two unidentified subjects entered the Southtowns Community Federal Credit Union (SC FCU) on South Park Avenue in Lackawanna, and conducted a bank robbery with pepper spray and a pistol. The two suspects traversed the teller's counter, sprayed the tellers with pepper spray, and went directly to the unlocked safe, removing $290,500.00 in United States currency. The two suspects placed the currency in a dark colored duffle bag then fled on foot.
Investigators reviewed video surveillance from the day prior, July 24, 2019, and determined that Applewhite entered the SC FCU and requested information from an employee while holding his cell phone in a manner consistent with video recording or obtaining a photograph. Investigators also tracked the vehicle Applewhite was driving once again to his wife. Video surveillance also showed Applewhite driving towards and away from the SC FCU on July 25, 2019. Cell phone data also puts co-defendant Morris around the SC FCU at the time of the robbery.
Subsequent investigation determined that Applewhite spent $2,022 at the Jewelry Center in the Walden Galleria Mall on July 29 2019; $6,400 on a pendant with diamonds on July 30, 2019; and $2,780 at Western Union on July 31, 2019. Applewhite also deposited $4,000 into a Citibank account on July 25, 2020. It was also determined that co-defendant Morris gambled approximately $1,000-$2,000 per week since mid-January 2020.
The defendants made initial appearances before U.S. Magistrate Judge Jeremiah J. McCarthy and are being detained.
The complaint is the result of an investigation by the New York State Police, Clarence Barracks, under the direction of Major James Hall; the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Gary Loeffert; the Lackawanna Police Department, under the direction of Chief James Michel; and the Erie County District Attorney’s Office, under the direction of District Attorney John Flynn.
The fact that a defendant has been charged with a crime is merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
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Two California Men Sentenced to Prison for Large-Scale Marijuana Grow Operation on Federal LandRead the Press Release
LAS VEGAS, Nev. — Jose Manuel Mendez-Ayala and Jordan Raymundo Torres were sentenced this week to 19 months and 12 months and a day in prison, respectively, to be followed by three years of supervised release, for their roles in cultivating marijuana in the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest, announced U.S. Attorney Nicholas A. Trutanich for the District of Nevada. A third codefendant, Eustacio Piedra-Robledo, was sentenced in November 2019 to 33 months in prison followed by three years of supervised release, for his involvement in the same marijuana grow operation.
Mendez-Ayala, 32, and Torres, 28, both of California, pleaded guilty in October 2019, to one count of manufacture of a controlled substance. U.S. District Judge Kent J. Dawson presided over the sentencing hearings and remanded the defendants to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
According to court documents, on July 18, 2018, a U.S. Forest Service employee conducting fieldwork in the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest near Round Mountain, Nevada, came across an apparent large marijuana growing operation. An investigation revealed an active marijuana cultivation site in the area of Peavine Canyon. The cultivation site consisted of two plots that were each approximately two acres. Law enforcement seized about 8,300 marijuana plants from the cultivation site. Mendez-Ayala and Torres were arrested by law enforcement in September 2018.
The charges resulted from an investigation by the U.S. Forest Service.
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Tuba City Man Sentenced to Life in Prison for Sexually Abusing ChildrenRead the Press Release
PHOENIX, Ariz. – This week, James Lee Jones, Jr., of Tuba City, Ariz., was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Dominic W. Lanza to multiple life terms in prison. Jones previously was convicted by a jury of 4 counts of Aggravated Sexual Abuse of a Child and 5 counts of Abusive Sexual Contact of a Child.
In the late 1990s, Jones repeatedly sexually abused a minor who was under the age of 12. In 2016, Jones repeatedly sexually abused another minor who was 12 years old. Jones sexually abused the victims on the Navajo Nation Indian Reservation, where Jones and the victims are enrolled tribal members.
“There is no question that Navajo will be a safer place for children with Jones off the streets permanently,” said United States Attorney Michael Bailey.
“These crimes are gut-wrenching and there is no question that this sentencing is just,” said Sean Kaul, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Phoenix Field Office. “The FBI is responsible for investigating the most serious crimes in Indian Country and we will continue to aggressively pursue child sexual assault cases. The FBI is committed to protecting all of our communities, helping victims, and ensuring that justice is served.”
The investigation in this case was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Navajo Nation Division of Public Safety. The prosecution was handled by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Ryan Powell and Amy Chang, District of Arizona, Phoenix.
Ten Previously Deported Aliens Charged with Illegal ReentryRead the Press Release
HARRISBURG – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that ten previously deported aliens were indicted separately on March 4, 2020, by a federal grand jury for illegal reentry into the United States. These matters arose in counties throughout the District including Adams, Cumberland, Dauphin, Franklin, Northumberland, and York Counties.
According to United States Attorney David J. Freed, Heriberto Garcia-Juarez, age 26, of Guatemala, was previously deported from the United States to Guatemala in April 2018. He is alleged to have illegally reentered the United States sometime after April 2018, and was found in the United States in Franklin County, Pennsylvania after eluding examination or inspection by immigration officers.
Carlos Garcia-Enriquez, age 40, of Mexico, was previously deported from the United States to Mexico in April 2016. He is alleged to have illegally reentered the United States sometime after April 2016, and was found in the United States in York County, Pennsylvania after eluding examination or inspection by immigration officers.
Gerardo Say-Lopez, age 40, of Guatemala, was previously deported from the United States to Guatemala in December 2018. He is alleged to have illegally reentered the United States sometime after December 2018, and was found in the United States in Dauphin County, Pennsylvania after eluding examination or inspection by immigration officers.
Manuel Ibarra-Sustaita, age 38, of Mexico, was previously deported from the United States to Mexico in April 2016. He is alleged to have illegally reentered the United States sometime after April 2016, and was found in the United States in York County, Pennsylvania after eluding examination or inspection by immigration officers.
Noe Andres Escarcia-Ortega, age 30, of Mexico, was previously deported from the United States to Mexico in September 2018. He is alleged to have illegally reentered the United States sometime after September 2018, and was found in the United States in Dauphin County, Pennsylvania after eluding examination or inspection by immigration officers.
Laureano Melgoza-Zambrano, age 28, of Mexico, was previously deported from the United States to Mexico in October 2006. He is alleged to have illegally reentered the United States sometime after October 2006, and was found in the United States in York County, Pennsylvania after eluding examination or inspection by immigration officers.
Adrian Avina-Quinones, age 35, of Mexico, was previously deported from the United States to Mexico in July 2008. He is alleged to have illegally reentered the United States sometime after July 2008, and was found in the United States in Adams County, Pennsylvania after eluding examination or inspection by immigration officers.
Augusto Garay-Junco, age 38, of Mexico, was previously deported from the United States to Mexico in July 2018. He is alleged to have illegally reentered the United States sometime after July 2018, and was found in the United States in York County, Pennsylvania after eluding examination or inspection by immigration officers.
Garcia-Juarez, Garcia-Enriquez, Gerardo Say-Lopez, Ibarra-Sustaita, Escarcia-Ortega, Melgoza-Zambrano, Avina-Quinones and Garay-Junco face a maximum penalty of two years of imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine.
Anacleto Ruiz-Ruiz, age 34, of Mexico, was previously deported from the United States to Mexico in September 2012. He is alleged to have illegally reentered the United States sometime after September 2012, and was found in the United States in Northumberland County, Pennsylvania after eluding examination or inspection by immigration officers.
Oscar Campos-Lara, age 39, of Mexico, was previously deported from the United States to Mexico in March 2019. He is alleged to have illegally reentered the United States again sometime after March 2019, and was found in the United States in Cumberland County, Pennsylvania after eluding examination or inspection by immigration officers.
Ruiz-Ruiz and Campos-Lara face a maximum penalty of 10 years of imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine.
These cases were investigated by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO). Assistant United States Attorney Joanne Sanderson is prosecuting the cases.
Indictments and Criminal Informations are only allegations. All persons charged are presumed to be innocent unless and until found guilty in court.
A sentence following a finding of guilt is imposed by the Judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.
Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the Judge is also required to consider and weigh a number of factors, including the nature, circumstances and seriousness of the offense; the history and characteristics of the defendant; and the need to punish the defendant, protect the public and provide for the defendant's educational, vocational and medical needs. For these reasons, the statutory maximum penalty for the offense is not an accurate indicator of the potential sentence for a specific defendant.
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Steuben County Man Sentenced for Threatening U.S. Congresswoman and Illegally Possessing FirearmsRead 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 Patrick W. Carlineo, Jr., 56, of Addison, NY, who was convicted of threatening to assault and murder a United States official, and being a felon in possession of firearms, was sentenced to serve 12 months and one day in prison by Chief U.S. District Judge Frank P. Geraci, Jr. The defendant was also ordered to forfeit six firearms and hundreds of rounds of ammunition.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Brett A. Harvey, who handled the case, stated that on March 21, 2019, at approximately 12:20 p.m., the defendant placed a telephone call to the offices of Congresswoman Ilhan Omar, a Member of the United States Congress from the 5th Congressional District in Minnesota, in Washington, D.C. A member of Congresswoman Omar’s staff answered the call. During the call, the defendant stated, “Do you work for the Muslim Brotherhood? Why are you working for her, she’s a (expletive) terrorist. Somebody ought to put a bullet in her skull. Back in the day, our forefathers would have put a bullet in her (expletive).” The staff member recalled that the defendant stated, “I’ll put a bullet in her (expletive) skull.”
Carlineo made the threatening call to retaliate against Congresswoman Omar based on her performance of her official duties. Because he hates individuals he views as radical Muslims being in the United States government, he believed that Congresswoman Omar supports Hamas and the Muslim Brotherhood and that Congresswoman Omar’s election to the United States Congress was illegitimate.
After receiving the call, the threat was referred to the United States Capitol Police, Threat Assessment Section, who began an investigation in coordination with the FBI.
In addition, on April 5, 2019, the defendant – a previously convicted felon – possessed a loaded .45 caliber handgun, three rifles, two shotguns, and hundreds of rounds of ammunition at his residence in Addison, NY. In 1998, the defendant was convicted of Criminal Mischief in the Second Degree in Steuben County Court. As a result of that conviction defendant was legally prohibited from possessing a firearm.
The sentencing is the result of an investigation by Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Gary Loeffert, and the United States Capitol Police, under the direction of Chief Matthew R. Verderosa.
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Springfield Sex Offender Sentenced for Failing to RegisterRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, Mo. – A Springfield, Missouri, man who has been charged separately in state court with multiple crimes against children was sentenced in federal court today for failing to register as a sex offender during the time he allegedly committed those state crimes.
Frank Patrick Lambert, 61, was sentenced by U.S. Chief District Judge Beth Phillips to three years and four months in federal prison without parole, which must be served consecutively to any sentence he receives in the unrelated Greene County, Missouri, case. The court also sentenced Lambert to 20 years of supervised release following incarceration. Lambert will be required to register as a sex offender upon his release from prison and will be subject to federal and state sex offender registration requirements, which may apply throughout his life.
Lambert was convicted in Texas of indecency with a child and sentenced to 30 years in prison. After serving 15 years’ incarceration, he was released on parole. Lambert’s parole was revoked six months later and he served nearly another six years before being released from custody on Feb. 14, 2011. Lambert was required to register as a sex offender in Texas, to inform authorities in Texas upon moving from that state, and to maintain his registration in any state where he resided.
On Oct. 9, 2019, Lambert pleaded guilty to failing to register as a sex offender between June 30, 2012, and July 1, 2016. Lambert admitted he moved from Texas to Missouri in 2012, but lived under the false name of “Frank Schultz” and did not register as required. During that time, according to court documents, Lambert allegedly engaged in criminal conduct that has resulted in him being charged with numerous crimes against children. Lambert has yet to be convicted of the state charges for endangering the welfare of a child involving drugs, child molestation, and statutory sodomy.
This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Patrick Carney. It was investigated by the U.S. Marshals Service.
Project Safe Childhood
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc . For more information about Internet safety education, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc and click on the tab "resources."Six Defendants Sentenced to Prison Terms for Running South Dade Drug Trafficking RingRead the Press Release
Miami, Florida -- U.S. District Judge Marcia G. Cooke sentenced six defendants, all from South Florida, to prison terms for their roles in an extensive drug trafficking operation located in Perrine, Florida. Their prison sentences are as follows:
- Tedrick King, 45, the leader of the drug ring, received 148 months.
- Wilhemnia Nottage, 35, received 20 months.
- Cory Evans, 28, received 30 months.
- Christopher McCollur (a/k/a “Block”), 32, received 48 months.
- Keyon Harris, 37, received 60 months.
- Jonis Webster (a/k/a “J.J.”), 39, received 18 months.
Ariana Fajardo Orshan, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Florida, George L. Piro, Special Agent in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Miami Field Office, Kevin W. Carter, Special Agent in Charge, U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Miami Field Office, and Alfredo Ramirez III, Director, Miami-Dade Police Department (MDPD) made the announcement.
According to court records, from at least October 2018 through June 2019, Defendants ran a 24-hour, seven-day per week drug operation out of two locations in Perrine, Florida. In July 2019, law enforcement officers executed search warrants at the two locations and at the home of defendant King, the leader of the drug operation. They seized approximately 941 grams of cocaine, 221 grams of crack cocaine, 1006 grams of marijuana, and 145 grams of eutylone (which defendants sold as “Molly”).
Prior to receiving their prison sentences, each defendant pled guilty to his or her role in the drug trafficking operation.
This case is the result of ongoing efforts by the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF), a partnership that brings together the combined expertise and unique abilities of federal, state and local law enforcement agencies. The principal mission of the OCDETF program is to identify, disrupt, dismantle and prosecute high-level members of drug trafficking, weapons trafficking and money laundering organizations and enterprises.
The case also involved the U.S. Attorney’s Office Violence Reduction Partnership (VRP) initiative. Through the VRP, the U.S. Attorney’s Office and its federal and local law enforcement allies have sought to dismantle the most violent criminal networks that plague communities throughout the Southern District of Florida.
U.S. Attorney Fajardo Orshan commended the FBI, DEA, and MDPD for their investigative efforts and the Miami-Dade State Attorney’s Office for its assistance. Assistant U.S. Attorney Cary O. Aronovitz prosecuted this case.
Related court documents and information may be found on the website of the District Court for the Southern District of Florida at www.flsd.uscourts.gov or on http://pacer.flsd.uscourts.gov.
Scottish Man Charged with Obstruction of JusticeRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Scottish man was charged yesterday in federal court in Boston with obstructing a federal investigation.
Gavin MacPhee, 34, was charged with destruction, alteration, or falsification of records in a federal investigation. A plea hearing has not yet been scheduled by the court.
According to charging documents, MacPhee used his access to his former employer’s webmail and information technology platform to delete an email account and other files related to an ongoing criminal investigation. A search at the company’s corporate headquarters was executed in October 2019. Thereafter, with full knowledge of the federal investigation and the relevance of those materials, MacPhee allegedly deleted at least one email account for an individual who had since left the company, and with whom he had a close relationship.
The charging statute provides for a sentence of 20 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
United States Attorney Andrew E. Lelling; Jason Molina, Acting Special Agent in Charge, Homeland Security Investigations in Boston; Michael Mikulka, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Inspector General, Labor Racketeering and Fraud Investigation, New York Regional Office; and William B. Gannon, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Diplomatic Security Service, Boston Field Office made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was also provided by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services, Fraud Detection and National Security Unit in Vermont. HSI’s Document and Benefit Fraud Task Force, a specialized investigative group comprised of various local, state and federal agencies, conducted this investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jordi de Llano, Deputy Chief of Lelling’s Securities & Financial Fraud Unit, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Mackenzie Queenin of Lelling’s Cybercrime Unit are prosecuting the case.
The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
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Savannah armed robber gets maximum sentence for heist in which worker was shot, woundedRead the Press Release
SAVANNAH, GA: A Savannah man who admitted robbing an auto repair shop and shooting an employee has been sentenced to the maximum term in federal prison.
De’Von Le’Edward Walker, 25, was sentenced to 240 months in prison by U.S. District Judge Stan Baker after pleading guilty to a charge of Interference with Interstate Commerce by Robbery, said Bobby L. Christine, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Georgia. Walker, who was on federal supervised release at the time of the robbery, also faces a revocation hearing that could result in an additional period of incarceration. After completion of his prison term, Walker will serve three years of supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system.
“De’Von Walker is a menace who needs to be off the streets,” said U.S. Attorney Christine. “We will not tolerate criminals who endanger the lives of law-abiding citizens.”
According to court documents and testimony, Walker was wearing a mask when he robbed an employee of a Savannah auto repair shop Dec. 14, 2018. After receiving cash, Walker shot the employee in the shoulder. The employee, a former U.S. Army sergeant with three overseas deployments, struggled with Walker, removing Walker’s mask and taking Walker’s Glock pistol before Walker fled. The employee later recovered.
Following the robbery, the Savannah Police Department issued a news release that included the suspect’s photo, leading to Walker’s identification and arrest.
In sentencing Walker to the statutory maximum prison sentence, Judge Baker noted that Walker had multiple prior felony convictions and that, despite only being 25, had managed to amass the highest possible criminal history category attainable under federal sentencing guidelines. Judge Baker also contrasted Walker’s criminal actions with those of the law-abiding employee who was working to support his family.
“Walker had a chance to turn his life around while on federal supervised release but instead chose to commit a crime that put an innocent citizen’s life at risk,” said Chris Hacker, Special Agent in Charge of FBI Atlanta. “Thanks to the efforts of that citizen and our local law enforcement partners at the Savannah Police Department, Walker will go back to prison where he can no longer be a threat to society.”
“The sentence in this case shows the determination of the Savannah Police Department to work with our partners at the FBI and the U.S. Attorney’s Office to keep criminals who commit crimes involving guns off of our streets,” said Savannah Police Chief Roy W. Minter Jr. “We will continue to work tirelessly to investigate and assist with the prosecution of gun related crimes in our neighborhoods.”
The case was investigated by the FBI and the Savannah Police Department, and prosecuted for the United States by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Georgia.
Rochester Man Pleads Guilty to Conspiracy to Distribute DrugsRead the Press Release
CONCORD - James M. Nesbitt, 43, of Rochester, pleaded guilty in federal court to participating in a conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and fentanyl and possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, United States Attorney Scott W. Murray announced today.
According to court documents and statements made in court, Nesbitt conspired with two other individuals to possess with the intent to distribute, and to distribute, fentanyl and crystal “ice” methamphetamine. On November 7, 2018, the New Hampshire State Police (“NHSP”) conducted a vehicle stop of Nesbitt’s vehicle and seized fentanyl, crystal “ice” methamphetamine, and other narcotics. Later the same evening, the NHSP and DEA searched Nesbitt’s hotel room in Ossipee and seized approximately 171 grams of crystal “ice” methamphetamine, smaller quantities of fentanyl and other narcotics, and a Springfield Armory XD45 semi-automatic handgun. On December 20, 2018, DEA agents arrested Nesbitt and a co-conspirator at their Rochester residence and seized fentanyl and four firearms and assorted ammunition.
Nesbitt is scheduled to be sentenced on June 15, 2020.
“Armed drug traffickers present a serious threat to the safety of the citizens of New Hampshire,” said U.S. Attorney Murray. “In order to prevent violent crime and maintain public safety, we will work closely with our law enforcement partners to identify and prosecute drug dealers who arm themselves with firearms. I commend the investigators in this case for stopping this drug trafficking conspiracy.”
This case was supported by the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF). The OCDETF program is a federal multi-agency, multi-jurisdictional task force that supplies supplemental federal funding to federal and state agencies involved in the identification, investigation, and prosecution of major drug trafficking organizations.
This case was investigated by the DEA’s Tactical Diversion Squad, the New Hampshire State Police, the United States Postal Inspection Service, and the Strafford County Drug Task Force. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jennifer Cole Davis.
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Retired Administrative Law Judge Admits Buying an AR-15 Style Rifle for a Convicted FelonRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, PA - A resident of Grove City, Pennsylvania, has pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of violating federal firearms law, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.
Karl Alexander, age 78, pleaded guilty to one count of making a false statement to a licensed firearms dealer before United States District Judge Robert J. Colville.
According to information provided to the court, on Sept. 29, 2019, Alexander, an attorney and administrative law judge, knowingly made a false statement to a licensed firearms dealer when purchasing a Ruger AR556MPR AR-15 style rifle. Alexander admitted that he expressly lied on the ATF Form 4473 and answered "Yes" to the question: "Are you the actual transferee/buyer of the firearm listed on this form?" In fact, Alexander was purchasing the firearm for a convicted felon, Dennis Alan Riggs. Alexander admitted that Riggs was with him for the purchase and that Riggs picked out the firearm and paid Alexander for the firearm. Alexander also admitted he agreed to purchase the weapon because of their personal relationship.
Riggs was charged by complaint on January 22, 2020 for being a felon in possession of a firearm. His case is pending.
Judge Colville scheduled sentencing for July 15, 2020. The law provides for a total sentence of up to ten years in prison, a fine of $250,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
The law provides for a maximum total sentence of not more than 10 years in prison, a fine of not more than $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 Jessica Lieber Smolar is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Joint Terrorism Task Force conducted the investigation leading to the Indictment in this case. This case was brought as part of Project Guardian. Reducing gun violence and enforcing federal firearms laws have always been among the Department of Justice’s highest priorities. Project Guardian serves as a complementary effort to the success of Project Safe Neighborhoods.
Prolific Snohomish County fentanyl dealer sentenced to 15 years in prisonRead the Press Release
Seattle – The head of a drug distribution ring who was convicted at trial of drug and gun crimes was sentenced today in U.S. District Court in Seattle to15 years in prison, announced U.S. Attorney Brian T. Moran. RHETT IRONS, 41, of Lynnwood, Washington was convicted on December 12, 2019, of conspiracy to distribute fentanyl pills, possession of fentanyl with intent to distribute and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. At the sentencing hearing U.S. District Judge Richard A. Jones noted that fentanyl is probably the most dangerous drug being sold right now, and noted that IRONS had guns and drugs accessible to children. “You were the clear leader of a drug trafficking organization,” Judge Jones said.
“This defendant exploited others’ addictions so he could live a life of luxury,” said U.S. Attorney Brian Moran. “Testimony at trial revealed he got his dealers and customers hooked on fentanyl – a powerful and potentially fatal opioid – all so he could make more money and have the cars and vacations he thought he deserved.”
According to records filed in the case and testimony at trial, in February 2018, the Snohomish Regional Drug Task Force began targeting organizations distributing fentanyl pills throughout the north sound region. IRONS was a leader of one of the organizations. He had originally trafficked oxycodone pills, but switched to trafficking fentanyl – a stronger and cheaper pill – that he rebranded as “supers". It was also more deadly. To maximize profits and to protect him from law enforcement scrutiny, IRONS fronted the pills to his distributors and took the profits afterwards allowing the addicts to have a cut of the profits. Many distributors used that profit to buy from IRONS to support their own addiction. During this time, agents also learned of a luxury home IRONS rented in Bothell dubbed “the mansion” by his distributors. The house had a pool, hot tub and tennis courts – IRONS allowed some of his dealers to live at the home, and stored pills and firearms there.
Law enforcement used confidential sources and an undercover agent to make purchases from IRONS. In February 2019, law enforcement searched IRONS’ residence in Lynnwood.
At IRONS’ home agents found a loaded Glock semiautomatic pistol and additional magazines under a mattress in the master bedroom. They found more pills and more than $50,000 in cash. In the basement where IRONS allowed another redistributor to live, agents found a gun safe with eight firearms including three assault rifles. IRONS has prior felony convictions, which preclude him from possessing firearms.
During the investigation, law enforcement confirmed that a former drug customer of IRONS died in April 2018 from acute fentanyl intoxication. It is unknown whether fentanyl purchased from IRONS caused the death.
“Today, the head of this poisonous snake was cut off,” said DEA Special Agent in Charge SAC Keith Weis. “Irons directed dozens of individuals dealing thousands of fentanyl pills onto the streets of the north sound communities that endangered all it touched, in the name of greed.”
In asking the court for a 17-year prison term, prosecutors wrote to the Court: “This Defendant has altered the lives of countless individuals. He created addictions. He fed addictions. …This Court will never know all of the lives shattered by Defendant’s greed. There is no way to provide his victims with restitution. There is no way to know the number of families Defendant destroyed, the individuals he left addicted, or even the deaths connected to his organization.”
Following his prison term, IRONS will be on federal supervision for five years.
This was an Organized Crime and Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) investigation, providing supplemental federal funding to the federal and state agencies involved. The investigation was led by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) as part of the Snohomish Regional Drug Task Force. Both the Snohomish County Sheriff’s Office and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives were key investigative partners.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Lisca Borichewski and Chantelle Dial.
Postal Clerk Sentenced to Jail Time for Embezzling Postal Funds and Making False RecordsRead the Press Release
OKLAHOMA CITY – JAMES BRYAN BARNES, 53, of Norman, has been sentenced to a 24-month term of probation for embezzling postal funds and making false postal record entries, announced United States Attorney Timothy J. Downing. As a condition of his probation, Barnes will be required to serve 72 days in prison.
According to a second superseding indictment, Barnes was the lead Sales and Service Associate at the Midwest City Branch Post Office when he conducted a scheme to steal postal funds by taking cash for stamps without properly accounting for the sales. He was charged with one count of embezzlement of postal funds in excess of $1,000, one count of theft of government money in excess of $1,000, and four counts of making false entries in the U.S. Postal Service’s records.
On July 11, 2019, a jury convicted Barnes on those six counts. The jury heard that Barnes made false record entries into his cash register at least 178 times from October 2015 through June 2018 and took almost $3,000 belonging to the Postal Service.
On March 5, 2020, U.S. District Judge David L. Russell sentenced Barnes to 24 months of probation. As a condition of probation, Barnes is required to serve 72 days of incarceration on weekends. Barnes must also pay restitution of $2,950.67 to the United States Postal Service.
These charges are the result of an investigation by the U.S. Postal Service—Office of Inspector General. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys William E. Farrior and Nick M. Coffey.
Polson woman sentenced in meth conspiracy caseRead the Press Release
MISSOULA—A Polson woman who admitted distributing methamphetamine in 2019 was sentenced today to one year and one day in prison and five years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme said.
Brook Nicole Deneault, 27, pleaded guilty in November to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute meth.
Chief U.S. District Judge Dana L. Christensen presided.
The prosecution said evidence would show that in June 2019, the Polson Police Department made a traffic stop of a vehicle Deneault was driving. In a search of the vehicle, officers found meth, currency, a drug ledger and paraphernalia. A few days later, the Ronan Police Department made a traffic stop of a vehicle in which Deneault was a passenger. In a search of that vehicle, officers found meth in Deneault’s personal possessions. Deneault admitted that the drugs found in the vehicle were hers and that she distributed meth between April and July of 2019.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Tara Elliott prosecuted the case, which was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods, a U.S. Department of Justice initiative to reduce violent crime. According to the FBI’s Uniform Crime Reports, violent crime in Montana increased by 36% from 2013 to 2018. Through PSN, federal, tribal, state and local law enforcement partners in Montana focus on violent crime driven by methamphetamine trafficking, armed robbers, firearms offenses and violent offenders with outstanding warrants.
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Oklahoma Business Owner Indicted for Tax FraudRead the Press Release
A federal grand jury in Tulsa, Oklahoma, returned an indictment Wednesday charging a Bristow, Oklahoma, business owner with filing false tax returns, announced Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Richard E. Zuckerman of the Justice Department’s Tax Division and U.S. Attorney R. Trent Shores for the Northern District of Oklahoma.
According to the indictment, David Ellis Fisher owned and operated A-1 Power Tongs and Casing Crews LLC, a business that provided equipment and services to oil and gas extraction companies. From 2013 through 2015, Fisher allegedly willfully underreported his income on his tax returns for 2013 through 2015 by depositing a portion of the payments to his business into a bank account that Fisher did not disclose to his bookkeeper or tax return preparer.
If convicted, Fisher faces a maximum sentence of three years in prison on each count. He also faces a period of supervised release, restitution, and monetary penalties.
An indictment merely alleges that crimes have been committed. The defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Zuckerman and U.S. Attorney Shores commended special agents of IRS-Criminal Investigation, who conducted the investigation, and Assistant Chief Andrew Kameros of the Tax Division, who is prosecuting the case.
Additional information about the Tax Division and its enforcement efforts may be found on the Division’s website.
Nine-Time Convicted Felon Pleads Guilty to Possessing Loaded FirearmRead the Press Release
Fort Myers, Florida – Lanorris Williams (31, Fort Myers) has pleaded guilty to possessing a firearm and ammunition as a convicted felon. He faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in federal prison.
According to court documents, on September 20, 2019, an officer from the Fort Myers Police Department and an ATF task force agent observed Williams driving a red BMW. When Williams noticed the officers, he fled at a high rate of speed through intersections and residential neighborhoods. Eventually, an innocent motorist t-boned Williams at the intersection of Canal and Ford Streets, spinning Williams into a nearby ditch, where he was arrested. On the driver’s side floorboard of the BMW, officers found Williams’s loaded Glock pistol.
During the past 11 years, Williams has been convicted of 9 felonies, including multiple drug offenses, burglaries, and thefts and, is therefore prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition.
This case was investigated by ATF and the Fort Myers Police Department. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Michael V. Leeman.
This is another case prosecuted as part of the Department of Justice’s “Project Safe Neighborhoods” Program (PSN), which is a nationwide, crime reduction strategy aimed at decreasing violent crime in communities. It involves a comprehensive approach to public safety — one that includes investigating and prosecuting crimes, along with prevention and reentry efforts. In the Middle District of Florida, U.S. Attorney Maria Chapa Lopez coordinates PSN efforts in cooperation with various federal, state, and local law enforcement officials.
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 and enhances coordination of federal, state, local, and tribal authorities in investigating and prosecuting gun crimes. For more information on Project Guardian visit www.justice.gov/projectguardian.
New York Resident Supplied by Waterbury Drug Trafficker Sentenced to Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that JAMES TYRONE HAYES, also known as “Ty,” 50, of Newburgh, New York, was sentenced yesterday by U.S. District Judge Janet C. Hall in New Haven to 20 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for trafficking heroin and cocaine.
According to court documents and statements made in court, this matter stems from a joint investigation headed by the DEA New Haven Task Force and the Waterbury and Naugatuck Police Departments into a heroin and cocaine trafficking operation headed by Keith Jordan of Waterbury. The investigation, which included the use of court-authorized wiretaps, physical surveillance and controlled purchases of narcotics, revealed that Jordan was receiving large quantities of heroin from various suppliers, including Brian Hanna, of Brooklyn, New York; Pedro Santos, of Waterbury, and Domingo Alves, of Waterbury, and selling to drug to other distributors and street-level customers. Jordan also purchased and distributed cocaine.
Hayes regularly traveled to Connecticut to purchase distribution quantities of heroin/fentanyl from Jordan. He then sold the drug to his own customers in New York.
The investigation also revealed that Hayes and Jordan jointly acquired approximately 500 grams of cocaine from Carlos Morais of Waterbury.
On March 13, 2019, a grand jury in Hartford returned an indictment charging Hayes, Jordan, Hanna, Santos, Morais and 24 other individuals with various offenses related to the distribution of heroin, fentanyl, cocaine and crack cocaine.
Hayes was arrested on March 20, 2019. The next day, in association with the arrest of several codefendants, investigators seized approximately 3,000 bags of heroin, 400 grams of cocaine, 350 grams of fentanyl/heroin mixed, 400 grams of heroin, 10 grams of crack, 20 pounds of marijuana, fentanyl patches, a one-kilogram press, four handguns, approximately $120,000 in cash and four vehicles.
On October 15, 2019, Hayes pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute, and to possess with intent to distribute, heroin.
Hayes, who is released on a $200,000 bond, is required to report to prison on April 7, 2020.
Jordan, Hanna, Santos and Morais pleaded guilty to related charges. On February 20, 2020, Morais was sentenced to 60 months in prison. Jordan, Hanna and Santos await sentencing.
This investigation has been conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration New Haven Task Force, Waterbury Police Department and Naugatuck Police Department, with the critical assistance of the U.S. Secret Service, New York Field Office. 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 case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys S. Dave Vatti and Nathaniel J. Gentile.
New Haven Man Guilty of Gun Possession OffensesRead the Press Release
John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that, on March 5, 2020, a federal jury in New Haven found VASHUN LEWIS, also known as “V-Love,” 44, of New Haven, guilty of firearm possession offenses.
According to the evidence presented during a trial before U.S. District Judge Janet C. Hall, in 2017, the New Haven Police Department received information that Lewis was engaged in an illegal cigarette trafficking operation, was selling marijuana and heroin, and was known to possess a handgun. Prior to 2017, Lewis had been convicted of state robbery, assault, drug, weapon and racketeering offenses. Lewis was arrested on June 1, 2017, after a court-authorized search of his residence revealed a 9mm semiautomatic handgun, more than 100 grams of marijuana, items used to process and package drugs for street sale, and more than 50 cartons of cigarettes.
The jury found Lewis guilty of one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, and one count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.
Judge Hall scheduled sentencing May 28, 2020, at which time Lewis faces a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of five years and a maximum term of imprisonment of life.
This investigation was conducted by the New Haven Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Margaret M. Donovan and Jocelyn Courtney Kaoutzanis.
This prosecution has been brought through Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make neighborhoods safer for everyone.
Nevada Man Charged with Sexual Assault Aboard Aircraft En Route to Las VegasRead the Press Release
RENO, Nev. – Daniel A. Parkhurst made his initial court appearance today related to a federal charge for abusive sexual contact during a flight from Seattle to Las Vegas, announced U.S. Attorney Nicholas A. Trutanich for the District of Nevada and Special Agent in Charge Aaron C. Rouse for the FBI.
“Sexual assault aboard an aircraft is when unwelcome inappropriate touching without consent occurs,” said Special Agent in Charge Rouse. “If you think you are a victim of sexual assault aboard an aircraft or you have witnessed an incident, report it to your flight crew and contact the FBI. Try to take note of what has happened to better inform the responding agent or officer at the airport upon landing.”
Parkhurst, 38, of Gardnerville, Nevada, was charged with one count of interference with flight crew members and attendants and one count of abusive sexual conduct. He was arrested without incident Thursday afternoon in Gardnerville. United States Magistrate Judge Carla Baldwin scheduled a trial on May 5, 2020.
According to the indictment, on October 31, 2019, Parkhurst intimidated flight crew members and flight attendants on a Southwest Airlines flight from Seattle to Las Vegas. He allegedly touched another person on the upper inner thigh without the person’s consent. As alleged, he created a disturbance by engaging in abusive sexual conduct and interfered with the performance of duties of the flight crew. As a result, the aircraft was diverted from its flight to Las Vegas and landed in Reno.
The total maximum statutory sentence is 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. Parkhurst also faces a period of supervised release, restitution, and monetary penalties.
An indictment merely alleges that crimes have been committed. The defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
The case is a product of an investigation by the FBI, the Reno-Tahoe International Airport Police Department, and the Office of the Nevada Attorney General. Assistant U.S. Attorney Randy St. Clair is prosecuting the case.
If you think you are a victim of sexual assault aboard an aircraft, report the incident to your flight crew and to the FBI at tips.fbi.gov or call 1-800-CALL-FBI, or contact your local FBI office.
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Minot, ND, Man Indicted for Possession of Ammunition by a Convicted FelonRead the Press Release
Bismarck – United States Attorney Drew H. Wrigley announced that on March 5, 2020, Noah Jarvis Abraham appeared in Federal Court at an initial appearance and arraignment hearing. The United States District Court for the District of North Dakota unsealed an Indictment revealing that a federal grand jury indicted Abraham on the charge of Possession of Ammunition by a Convicted Felon. Specifically, the Grand Jury alleges that on January 21, 2020, Abraham stole 9mm ammunition from Scheels Sporting Goods store in Minot, ND. Abraham is a convicted felon for the offense of Terrorizing and is prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition. An Indictment is an accusation and notice of charges, and the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty.
This case is being investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms and the Minot Police Department.
Assistant United States Attorney Jeremy A. Ensrud is prosecuting the case.
Metairie Man Pleads Guilty to Bank RobberyRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS – U.S. Attorney Peter Strasser announced today that LEVI HERMAN (HERMAN), age 33, pleaded guilty on March 5, 2020 before Judge Carl Barbier to a one-count Indictment for bank robbery in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 2113(a).
According to court documents, HERMAN robbed the Capital One Bank located in New Orleans, Louisiana on December 4, 2019. HERMAN escaped with approximately $1,900 dollars in U.S. currency. HERMAN faces a maximum term of imprisonment of twenty years, a maximum fine of $250,000, a maximum term of supervised release of three years, and a mandatory $100 special assessment. Judge Barbier set sentencing for June 25, 2020.
U.S. Attorney Strasser praised the work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office and the New Orleans Police Department in investigating this matter.
Assistant U. S. Attorney Spiro G. Latsis is in charge of the prosecution.
Marietta doctor convicted of illegally distributing opioid pain meds, health care fraudRead the Press Release
COLUMBUS, Ohio – A federal jury has convicted a Southeast Ohio doctor of illegally prescribing controlled substances and defrauding health care programs.
The verdict was announced yesterday evening following a trial that began on Feb. 24 before Chief U.S. District Judge Algenon L. Marbley.
Specifically, a federal jury found Roger D. Anderson, 65, of Marietta, guilty of one count of conspiring to distribute controlled substances, eight counts of illegal dispensing of controlled substances and one count of committing health care fraud.
Anderson owned and operated Marietta Medical, which was located on Putnam Street in Marietta.
According to court documents and trial testimony, between January 2012 and March 2016, Anderson conspired with others to distribute opioids like oxycodone and hydrocodone outside the scope of medical practice and without a legitimate medical purpose.
Anderson pre-signed prescriptions for staff to complete and distribute to patients in his absence. Prescriptions were given to patients on days that Anderson did not examine them and by staff who were not legally qualified to give prescriptions. Further, the drugs would be distributed at a kiosk after hours inside the office complex Putnam Commons.
Anderson prescribed dangerous combinations of controlled substances, including those known as “Holy Trinity” (an opioid, a benzodiazepine and a muscle relaxant) and “Speedballs” (a stimulant and an opioid).
One patient received four prescriptions issued in the same day for 10 Fentanyl patches, 120 Xanax pills, 180 Oxycodone pills and 180 pills of the acetaminophen-hydrocodone mix Norco. On that same date, the patient already had two other overlapping prescriptions for Fentanyl issued by Anderson.
Additionally, Anderson conspired to and committed health care fraud, defrauding the Ohio Medicaid and Medicare programs. Anderson caused the submission of claims for controlled substance that were prescribed in violation of Federal law.
“Anderson ignored blatant red flags that his patients were abusing and diverting the opioids he prescribed,” U.S. Attorney David M. DeVillers said. “He prescribed opioids and benzodiazepines to a pregnant patient and was banned by pharmacies. This trial is another example that if you act like a drug dealer, we will prosecute you like one.”
“Dr. Anderson betrayed his profession and every standard of decency by cashing in on the deadly opioid epidemic that is plaguing nearly every corner of our country,” said Drug Enforcement Administration Special Agent in Charge Keith Martin, Detroit field division.
“The defendant warped his prescription pad from healing to harm, writing out warrants for addiction,” Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost said. “I am proud of our team and United States Attorney DeVillers for holding him accountable for his crimes.”
“This case is a great example of cooperation between Federal, State and Local law enforcement agencies,” said Washington County Sheriff Larry Mincks. “We started this case five or six years ago and it became so cumbersome and complex that without the help of the Federal government the case would not have survived.”
Conspiring to distribute and distributing controlled substances are federal crimes punishable by up to 20 years in prison. Committing health care fraud carry potential maximum sentences of 10 years in prison. Congress sets the minimum and maximum statutory sentence. Sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the Court based on the advisory sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors.
David M. DeVillers, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio; Lamont Pugh III, Special Agent in Charge, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General; Keith Martin, Special Agent in Charge, Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA); Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost; Anthony Groeber, Executive Director, State Medical Board of Ohio; Steven Schierholt, Executive Director, State of Ohio Board of Pharmacy; Stephanie McCloud, Administrator, Ohio Bureau of Workers Compensation; and Washington County Sheriff Larry Mincks announced the verdict. Assistant United States Attorney Kenneth F. Affeldt and Senior Litigation Counsel Douglas W. Squires are representing the United States in this case.
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Mandan, ND, Man Arrested for Failure of RegisteredRead the Press Release
Bismarck – United States Attorney Drew H. Wrigley announced that on March 6, 2020, Maurice Robert Thill made his initial appearance and was arraigned in Federal Court on the charge of Failure of Registered Sex Offender to Report International Travel. The trial has been scheduled for May 12, 2020, before Judge Daniel Traynor.
Thill is a registered sex offender based on his prior convictions in Burleigh, Morton, and McLean Counties in North Dakota for Gross Sexual Imposition in 1990, 1991 and 2004. Under Federal law, registered sex offenders must report all intended foreign travel to the registration authority 21 days in advance of any such travel and complete an international travel form with the US Marshal’s Service. It is alleged that Thill traveled outside of the United States between December 2019 and January 2020 without reporting such intended travel and/or completing the US Marshal Service international travel form.
This case was investigated by the US Marshal’s Service, Morton County Sheriff’s Department and Homeland Security Investigations.
Assistant United Sates Attorney Rick Volk is prosecuting the case
Man Traveling from the Dominican Republic Arrested after Presenting False Passport at Boston Logan AirportRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A man traveling from the Dominican Republic under an assumed identity was arrested yesterday for attempting to enter the United States using a false U.S. passport.
The defendant, whose identity has not yet been confirmed and who was charged as John Doe, was charged with misuse of a passport and is being held pending a detention hearing scheduled for March 12, 2020.
According to charging documents, the defendant arrived in Boston on a commercial flight from the Dominican Republic on March 4, 2020. While attempting to pass inspection by Customs and Border Protection at Boston Logan International Airport, he provided officers a U.S. Passport bearing his image, but the name, date of birth and social security number of a different person.
An investigation revealed that the defendant allegedly applied for the passport in November 2019 in Brighton, Massachusetts. In the application, he fraudulently listed the personal identifying information of a United States citizen from Puerto Rico. He also attached a copy of the citizen’s birth certificate in support of the application. The passport was issued to the defendant under the assumed identity of the citizen.
The charging statute provides for a sentence of up to 10 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
United States Attorney Andrew E. Lelling and William B. Gannon, Special Agent in Charge of the Department of State’s Diplomatic Security Service, Boston Field Office made the announcement. Assistance was provided by Customs and Border Patrol and Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Assistant U.S. Attorney Fred Wyshak III of Lelling’s Major Crimes Unit is prosecuting the case.
The details contained in the charging document are allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
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Madison County Woman Sentenced to 151 Months for Conspiring to Distribute Methamphetamine and CocaineRead the Press Release
LEXINGTON, Ky. – A Richmond, Kentucky, woman, Jennifer G. McFarland, 43, was sentenced on Friday, to 151 months in federal prison respectively, by U.S. District Judge Danny C. Reeves, following her conviction for conspiring to distribute methamphetamine and cocaine.
According to the evidence presented at trial, on March 2, 2019, officers with the Richmond Police Department executed a search warrant on Richard C. Duerson’s apartment, McFarland’s co-defendant, in Richmond. During the search, in Duerson’s bedroom closet, officers located cocaine, more than 50 grams of methamphetamine (including 661 pills containing methamphetamine), and approximately $10,000 in cash, wrapped in a sock.
After Duerson’s arrest, officers investigated several phone calls he made to McFarland, from the Madison County Detention Center, where they discussed the removal of various items from his apartment. On March 8, 2019, officers obtained a second search warrant, for McFarland’s Richmond residence. During this search, officers located approximately 303 grams of methamphetamine, 679 grams of cocaine, several firearms, and multiple items used for mixing and preparing narcotics for sale.
McFarland and Duerson were convicted on November 27, 2019. Duerson is scheduled for sentencing on April 3, 2020.
Under federal law, McFarland must serve 85 percent of her prison sentences and will be under the supervision of the U.S. Probation Office for five years.
Robert M. Duncan, Jr., United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky; Brett R. Pritts, Acting Special Agent in Charge, DEA; and James Ebert, Chief of Police, Richmond Police Department, jointly made the announcement.
The investigation was investigated by the DEA, Richmond Police Department, and the Madison County High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) Task Force. The United States was represented by Assistant United States Attorney Francisco Villalobos II.
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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Leader of Methamphetamine Trafficking Organization Sentenced to 30 Years ImprisonmentRead the Press Release
Abingdon, VIRGINIA – United States Attorney Thomas T. Cullen announced today that Shawn Wayne Farris, 54, of Rancho Mirage, Calif., was sentenced to 30 years imprisonment today in U.S. District Court in Abingdon. Farris had previously pleaded guilty to one count of conspiring to possess with the intent to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine.
According to evidence presented at previous hearings by Assistant United States Attorney Zachary T. Lee, in early 2017, Operation California Dreaming began investigating the trafficking of methamphetamine between California, Southwest Virginia and Northeast Tennessee. As a result of that investigation, 28 individuals, located in California, Georgia, Virginia and Tennessee, were charged as being members of a drug trafficking organization responsible for the distribution of large quantities of methamphetamine. Charges levied against these individuals included both drug and firearms offenses. Farris was the leader of this drug trafficking organization and was responsible for arranging the shipment and transportation of extremely pure methamphetamine from his home in California to Bristol, Virginia, Bristol, Tennessee and Abingdon, Virginia. Farris also established a large number of distributors to sell the methamphetamine to users in these communities.
In addition to Farris, to date, 26 members charged in the conspiracy have pleaded guilty or been found guilty. One defendant remains a fugitive:
- Sean Phillip Maidlow – 300 months imprisonment, conspiracy to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine.
- Jair Medina Gutierrez - Fugitive
- Lacey Cheri Weir – 300 months imprisonment, conspiracy to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine.
- Andrea Nichole Stickel - 210 months imprisonment, conspiracy to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine.
- James Nicholas Howington – 168 months imprisonment, conspiracy to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine.
- James Robert Johnson – 151 months imprisonment, conspiracy to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine.
- Stephen A. Graham – 84 months imprisonment, conspiracy to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine.
- Christopher Lee Smiley – 64 months imprisonment, conspiracy to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine.
- Joshua Todd Chapman – 168 months imprisonment, conspiracy to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine.
- Saleemah Lashawn Roberson – 108 months imprisonment, conspiracy to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine.
- Donald Zachary Snyder – 270 months imprisonment, conspiracy to distribute 500 Grams or more of methamphetamine, distribute methamphetamine, and possess a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking offense.
- James Skyler Sebastian – To Be Sentenced
- Larry Levi Bennett – 235 months imprisonment, conspiracy to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine.
- Terry Melvin Dalton – 120 months imprisonment, conspiracy to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine and distribute methamphetamine.
- Heather Ashley Davis – 120 months imprisonment, conspiracy to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine.
- Brianna Nicole Woodby – 60 months imprisonment, conspiracy to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine.
- Donald Shane Hawthorne – 144 months imprisonment, conspiracy to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine.
- Gary Lee McFarlane – 135 months imprisonment, conspiracy to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine and distribute methamphetamine
- Elizabeth Pauline Eaton – 168 months imprisonment, conspiracy to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine.
- Matthew Todd Mullins – 188 months imprisonment, conspiracy to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine, distribute methamphetamine, and manufacture counterfeit United States currency.
- Anthony Chadwick Harless -108 months imprisonment, conspiracy to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine.
- Kimberly Ann Drake – 210 months imprisonment, conspiracy to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine.
- Brandon Heath Whitt – 108 months imprisonment, conspiracy to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine.
- Melissa Darlene Barrett – 168 months imprisonment, conspiracy to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine and distribute methamphetamine.
- Susan Nicole Payne – 87 months imprisonment, conspiracy to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine and distribute methamphetamine
- Bradley Scott Williams – 204 months imprisonment, conspiracy to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine.
- Devon Scott Coleman – 211 months imprisonment, conspiracy to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine, possess 50 grams or more of methamphetamine with the intent to distribute, and possess a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking offense.
The investigation of the case was conducted the Abingdon Police Department, Virginia State Police, Washington County Sheriff’s Office, Bristol, Tennessee Police Department, Bristol, Virginia Police Department, the Sullivan County, Tennessee Second Judicial Drug Task Force, Sullivan County Sheriff’s Department, Commerce, Georgia Police Department, New Jersey State Police, United States Postal Inspection Service, United States Marshals Service, United States Secret Service, the Drug Enforcement Administration, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. The Washington County Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office, Bristol, Virginia Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office, and the Sullivan County, District Attorney’s Office have assisted in the investigation. Assistant United States Attorneys Zachary T. Lee and Cagle Juhan prosecuted the case for the United States.
Lawrence Man Sentenced to 40 Months for Participating in a Fentanyl Trafficking ConspiracyRead the Press Release
CONCORD - Jared Gil, 25, of Lawrence, Massachusetts, was sentenced in federal court to 40 months for participating in a fentanyl trafficking conspiracy, United States Attorney Scott W. Murray announced today.
According to court documents and statements made in court, in February and March of 2019, Gil conspired with co-defendant Yadoris Arias to distribute fentanyl. On February 13, 2019, Gil and Arias drove from Massachusetts to Manchester and sold approximately 20 grams of fentanyl for $600. On March 25, 2019, Gil and Arias again drove to Manchester and were arrested with more than 80 grams of fentanyl concealed in the air vent of their vehicle.
Gil previously pleaded guilty on August 1, 2019. Arias pleaded guilty September 12, 2019 and is scheduled to be sentenced on March 31, 2020.
“Interstate fentanyl trafficking is causing tremendous damage to public health and safety in New Hampshire,” said U.S. Attorney Murray. “In order to protect our community, we will continue to work closely with our law enforcement partners to identify, prosecute, and incarcerate those who bring this deadly drug into the Granite State.”
“Illegal drug distribution ravages the very foundations of our families and communities here in New Hampshire,” said DEA Special Agent in Charge Brian D. Boyle. “Let this sentences be a warning to those traffickers who are coming from out of state to distribute this poison, that DEA and its local, state and federal partners will do everything in our power to bring you to justice.”
This matter was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Manchester Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney John S. Davis.
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KC Man Sentenced to 15 Years for Illegal FirearmRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, Mo. – A Kansas City, Missouri, man was sentenced in federal court today for illegally possessing a firearm.
Chris D. Page, 55, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Greg Kays to 15 years in federal prison without parole. Page was sentenced as an armed career criminal due to his prior felony convictions.
On Sept. 11, 2019, Page pleaded guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm.
Page was a passenger in a vehicle that was stopped by Kansas City police officers on Nov. 7, 2016. Page was carrying a Colt .38-caliber revolver in his pocket. He also had a baggie that contained crack cocaine in another pocket.
Under federal law, it is illegal for anyone who has been convicted of a felony to be in possession of any firearm or ammunition. Page has prior felony convictions for murder, armed criminal action, and possessing illegal drugs, and two prior felony convictions for distributing heroin.
This case was prosecuted by Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Sean T. Foley. It was investigated by the Kansas City, Mo., Police Department.
Project Safe Neighborhoods
The U.S. Attorney’s Office is partnering with federal, state, and local law enforcement to specifically identify criminals responsible for significant violent crime in the Western District of Missouri. A centerpiece of this effort is Project Safe Neighborhoods, a program that brings together all levels of law enforcement to reduce violent crime and make neighborhoods safer for everyone. Project Safe Neighborhoods is an evidence-based program that identifies the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develops comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, Project Safe Neighborhoods focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.Justice Department Concludes Historic Arbitration of a Merger DisputeRead the Press Release
The Department of Justice this week concluded an arbitration that will resolve a civil antitrust lawsuit challenging Novelis Inc.’s proposed acquisition of Aleris Corporation.
The lawsuit seeks to preserve competition in the North American market for rolled aluminum sheet for automotive applications, commonly referred to as aluminum auto body sheet. This marks the first time the Antitrust Division has used its authority under the Administrative Dispute Resolution Act of 1996 (5 U.S.C. § 571 et seq.) to resolve a matter.
“This first-of-its-kind arbitration has allowed us to resolve the dispositive issue in this case efficiently, saving taxpayer and private resources, while providing critical time-certainty,” said Assistant Attorney General Makan Delrahim of the Justice Department’s Antitrust Division. “The Antitrust Division looks forward to the arbitrator’s opinion, and will study this matter both to assess the circumstances in which arbitration may be appropriate and to identify possibilities for further streamlining the process. We will continue to examine ways to enforce our competition laws in a manner that maximizes the Division’s scarce enforcement resources to protect American consumers.”
On Sept. 4, 2019, the Justice Department’s Antitrust Division filed a civil antitrust lawsuit in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Ohio seeking to block Novelis Inc.’s proposed acquisition of Aleris Corporation. Prior to filing the complaint, the Antitrust Division reached an agreement with defendants to refer the matter to binding arbitration if the parties were unable to resolve the United States’ competitive concerns with the defendants’ transaction within a certain period of time.
As described in Plaintiff United States’ Explanation of Plan to Refer this Matter to Arbitration, filed on the district court’s docket, fact discovery proceeded under the supervision of the district court. Following the close of fact discovery, the matter was referred to binding arbitration to resolve a single issue: whether aluminum auto body sheet constitutes a relevant product market under the antitrust laws.
The arbitration procedure allowed for a flexible and efficient proceeding presided over by an arbitrator with extensive expertise in antitrust law and economics. Former Federal Trade Commission Director of the Bureau of Competition and experienced antitrust lawyer, Kevin Arquit, was selected as the arbitrator. The hearing was held over ten days (including some partial days) in the Antitrust Division’s Anne K. Bingaman Auditorium and Lecture Hall in the Liberty Square Building in Washington, D.C. Eleven fact witnesses and three expert witnesses testified in the proceedings. The parties agreed to dispense with certain evidentiary requirements to allow for a more flexible and efficient hearing. The parties also dispensed with the need for post-trial briefing and agreed that the arbitrator will render a short decision of no more than five pages by March 13.
If the United States prevails, the United States will then file a proposed final judgment that requires Novelis to divest certain agreed-upon assets to preserve competition in the relevant market. If the defendants prevail, the United States will seek to voluntarily dismiss the complaint. Novelis has held separate the agreed-upon divestiture assets pursuant to a hold separate stipulation and order entered by the district court, and defendants are permitted to close the transaction pursuant to this order.
Novelis is a Canadian corporation headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia. It offers flat-rolled aluminum products in three segments: automotive, beverage can, and specialty products. In the fiscal year ending March 31, 2019, Novelis’s revenues were approximately $12.3 billion. Novelis is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Hindalco Industries Ltd., an Indian company headquartered in Mumbai, India.
Aleris is a Delaware corporation headquartered in Cleveland, Ohio. It offers flat-rolled aluminum products to the automotive, aerospace, and building and construction industries, among others. In 2018, Aleris’s revenues were approximately $3.4 billion.
Jackson Man Pleads Guilty under Project EJECT to Illegally Possessing a GunRead the Press Release
Jackson, Miss. – Charles Jones, 27, of Jackson, pled guilty yesterday before U.S. District Judge Henry T. Wingate to being a felon in possession of a firearm, announced U.S. Attorney Mike Hurst and Special Agent in Charge Michelle Sutphin with the Federal Bureau of Investigation in Mississippi.
On April 27, 2019, officers with the Jackson Police Department stopped Jones after he caused a disturbance at a residence. Officers recovered a firearm from him during a search incident to his arrest. It is illegal for Jones to possess a firearm as he has convictions in Hinds County for armed robbery and vehicle burglary in 2011 and for another vehicle burglary in 2012.
Jones will be sentenced by Judge Wingate on June 3, 2020, and faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Lynn Murray.
This case is part of Project EJECT, an initiative by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Mississippi under the U.S. Department of Justice’s Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) and Project Guardian. EJECT is a holistic, multi-disciplinary approach to fighting and reducing violent crime through prosecution, prevention, re-entry and awareness. EJECT stands for “Empower Justice Expel Crime Together.” PSN is bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. 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.
Informational: Federal Court arraignmentsRead the Press Release
The U.S. Attorney’s Office announced that the following persons were arraigned or appeared this week before U.S. Magistrate judges on indictments handed down by the Grand Jury or on criminal complaints. The charging documents are merely accusations and defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty:
Appearing in Missoula before U.S. Magistrate Judge Kathleen L. DeSoto and pleading not guilty on March 6 was:
Billy Dean Smith, 55, of Big Arm, on charges of sexual exploitation of a child, distribution of child pornography and possession of child pornography. If convicted of the most serious crime, Smith faces a minimum 15 years to 30 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and five years to life of supervised release. Smith was detained pending further proceedings. The FBI investigated the case. Pacer case reference. 20-16.
Appearing in Great Falls before U.S. Magistrate Judge John T. Johnston and pleading not guilty on March 2 was:
Douglas Floyd Main, 33, of Harlem, on charges of strangulation and domestic abuse by habitual offender. If convicted of the most serious crime, Main faces a maximum 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release. Main was detained pending further proceedings. The FBI and Fort Belknap Law Enforcement investigated the case. Pacer case reference. 20-14.
Appearing on March 5 was:
Billie Jo Myo, 40, of Great Falls, on charges of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances and possession with intent to distribute controlled substances. If convicted of the most serious crime, Myo faces a minimum mandatory five years to 40 years in prison, a $5 million fine and three years of supervised release. Myo was detained pending further proceedings. The Drug Enforcement Administration and Great Falls Police Department investigated the case. Pacer case reference. 20-08.
Robert Matthew Paul Mitchell, Sr., 44, of Box Elder, on charges of failure to register. If convicted of the most serious crime, Mitchell faces a maximum 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release. Mitchell was detained pending further proceedings. The U.S. Marshals Service investigated the case. Pacer case reference. 20-07.
Clayton Gary Bailey, 48, and Brigitte Ann Bailey, 43, both of Big Sandy, on charges of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute meth and possession with intent to distribute meth. If convicted of the most serious crime, the Baileys face a minimum mandatory 10 years to life in prison, a $10 million fine and at least five years of supervised release. Both defendants were detained pending further proceedings. The FBI, Tri-Agency Task Force and Chippewa Cree Law Enforcement Services investigated the case. Pacer case reference. 20-04.
Appearing in Billings before U.S. Magistrate Judge Timothy J. Cavan and pleading not guilty on March 5 was:
Charles Allen Wallette, 58, of Billings, on charges of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute meth, possession with intent to distribute meth and prohibited person in possession of a firearm. If convicted of the most serious crime, Wallette faces a minimum mandatory 10 years to life in prison, a $10 million fine and five years of supervised release. Wallette was released pending further proceedings. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Drug Enforcement Administration investigated the case. Pacer case reference. 20-12.
If any of the above cases are of interest to your media organization and the community it serves, we encourage you to monitor the progress of the case regularly through the U.S. District Court calendar and the PACER system.
To establish a PACER account, which will allow you to review documents filed in the case, please go to, http://www.pacer.gov/register.html. To access the district court’s calendar, please go to https://ecf.mtd.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/PublicCalendar.pl.
Illegal Alien Sentenced to Federal Prison for Unlawful Reentry into the United States After DeportationRead the Press Release
Memphis, TN – Jose Nelson Orellana-Callejas, 41, of El Salvador, was sentenced to 46 months in federal prison for illegally reentering the United States after removal. U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant for the Western District of Tennessee announced the sentence today.
According to the facts revealed during the plea hearing and at sentencing, on August 26, 2019, Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents received information that Orellana-Callejas was at the Greyhound Bus Station in Memphis, Tennessee. Agents determined that Orellana-Callejas was a citizen of El Salvador and had previously been removed from the United States after being convicted of multiple felony offenses. Specifically, it was determined that Orellana-Callejas had the following history:
• October 07, 1998, Orellana-Callejas was ordered removed from the United States to El Salvador by an immigration judge in San Antonio, Texas.
• In 2007, Orellana-Callejas was convicted of two felonies for possession of cocaine in Georgia.
• November 10, 2011, he was removed from the United States pursuant to the original immigration removal order.
• August 8, 2016, Orellana-Callejas was again taken into immigration custody after serving a sentence for identity theft in Virginia.
• September 2, 2016, he was again removed to El Salvador.
• October 2016, Orellana-Callejas was arrested by Border Patrol agents in Texas and was subsequently convicted of felony illegal reentry.
• September 14, 2017, he was again removed to El Salvador. Orellana-Callejas has never obtained the consent or permission from immigration officials to reenter into the United States.
On March 5, 2020, U.S. District Judge John T. Fowlkes, Jr. sentenced Orellana-Callejas to 46 months imprisonment. He also faces possible deportation after completion of his sentence of confinement.
U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant said, "Criminal aliens not only threaten the sovereignty of our nation, but also threaten the safety of our communities. The U.S. Attorney’s Office has prioritized and renewed our commitment to immigration enforcement, and this case demonstrates our focus on those criminal aliens who continue to illegally reenter and violate our laws after deportation. We will aggressively and unapologetically enforce U.S. immigration laws and seek stiff penalties against those who violate them."
The United States Department of Homeland Security- Immigration and Customs Enforcement investigated this case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephen Hall prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
Houston man convicted of sex trafficking minorsRead the Press Release
HOUSTON – A federal jury sitting in Houston has convicted a 24-year-old after hearing how he threatened two young girls and required them to engage in commercial sex, announced U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Patrick.
They deliberated for approximately two and a half hours before convicting Romello Lee, 24, Houston, following less than two days of trial. He was convicted on one count of trafficking a minor for commercial sex and one count of trafficking a minor by force for commercial sex.
During trial, the jury heard that Lee used Backpage.com, a defunct solicitation website, to advertise the sexual services of two minor victims, ages 14 and 16.
From July 2017 to March 2018, Lee harbored, advertised and profited from commercial sex acts of the 16-year-old minor victim. He required her to earn a quota of up to $500 per night and would threaten and beat her if she disobeyed him.
A second victim was held against her will and required to engage in sexual acts by threats of violence and coercion.
Jurors heard from the second victim as well as another adult victim he managed. They testified as to the consequences if they were to escape and how they were expected to be branded with a tattoo of his name or rap label.
The jury also saw numerous Backpage ads Lee posted as well as Instagram posts and text messages between him and the minor victim, detailing his control of her dates, her nightly quota and her beatings.
Law enforcement ultimately arrested Lee in a sting operation with one of the minors at a hotel in northwest Houston.
U.S. District David Hittner presided over the trial and set sentencing for May 29. At that time, Lee faces a mandatory minimum of 10 years and up to life in prison for the sex trafficking of a minor as well as at least 15 years and up to life for the trafficking of minor by force.
He has been and will remain in custody pending that hearing.
The Texas Department of Public Safety, Houston Police Department and FBI conducted the investigation as part of the Human Trafficking Rescue Alliance (HTRA).
HTRA law enforcement includes members of the Houston Police Department, FBI, Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations, Texas Attorney General’s Office, IRS-Criminal Investigation, Department of Labor (DOL), DOL – Wage and Hour Division, Department of State, Texas Alcoholic and Beverage Commission, Texas Department of Public Safety, Department of Homeland Security – Office of Inspector General (OIG), Social Security Administration – OIG and Sheriff’s Offices in Harris and Montgomery counties in coordination with District Attorney’s offices in Harris, Montgomery and Fort Bend Counties.
Established in 2004, the United States Attorney’s office in Houston formed HTRA to combine resources with federal, state and local enforcement agencies and prosecutors, as well as non-governmental service organizations to target human traffickers while providing necessary services to those that the traffickers victimized. Since its inception, HTRA has been recognized as both a national and international model in identifying and assisting victims of human trafficking and prosecuting those engaged in trafficking offenses.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Richard D. Hanes and Heather Winter are prosecuting the case.
Houston Nurse Guilty in East Texas Health Care Kickback SchemeRead the Press Release
TYLER, Texas – A 54-year-old Houston Registered Nurse has pleaded guilty to federal violations in the Eastern District of Texas, announced U.S. Attorney Joseph D. Brown today.
Beryl-Anne Tufon Lobe pleaded guilty to conspiracy to pay for patient referrals in violation of the Anti-Kickback Statute today before U.S. Magistrate Judge John D. Love.
According to information presented in court, Lobe, a registered nurse, was the sole owner of Axion Healthcare Services, LLC. Based in Missouri City, Texas, Axion provided home health services to Medicare beneficiaries in the Eastern District of Texas and elsewhere. From approximately May-August 2015, Lobe engaged in a conspiracy to pay for patient referrals, in violation of the Anti-Kickback Statute. To find eligible Medicare beneficiaries, Lobe made illegal kickback payments to community liaisons – also known as “recruiters” or “marketers” – who recruited and referred Medicare beneficiaries to Axion. Kickbacks were also paid to Medicare beneficiaries for the purpose of arranging for home health services. Axion then billed Medicare more than $225,000 for home health services purportedly provided to those beneficiaries who had been obtained through these kickback arrangements.
The Anti-Kickback Statute prohibits offering, paying, soliciting, or receiving remuneration to induce referrals of items or services covered by federally-funded programs, including Medicare, TRICARE, and Medicaid. The Anti-Kickback Statute is intended to ensure that medical providers’ judgments are not compromised by improper financial incentives and are instead based on the best interests of their patients.
Under federal statutes, Lobe faces up to 5 years in federal prison at sentencing. The maximum statutory sentence prescribed by Congress is provided here for information purposes, as the sentencing will be determined by the court based on the advisory sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors. A sentencing hearing will be scheduled after the completion of a presentence investigation by the U.S. Probation Office.
This case was investigated by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General, and the State of Texas Medicaid Fraud Control Unit. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney L. Frank Coan, Jr.
Highland Woman Indicted After Falsely Claiming to Have Breast Cancer and Muscular DystrophyRead the Press Release
A federal grand jury for the Southern District of Illinois has returned an eight-count indictment
charging Sarah A. Delashmit, 35, of Highland, Illinois, with wire fraud, mail fraud, and aggravated
identity theft. Delashmit is accused of falsely claiming she had breast cancer and genetic
disorders to receive financial assistance and other benefits.According to the indictment, Delashmit falsely claimed she was diagnosed with muscular dystrophy
and spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) to attend Camp Summit, a nonprofit camp serving individuals with
disabilities located in Texas. The indictment further alleges that while at Camp Summit, Delashmit
impersonated an individual with disabilities by confining herself to a wheelchair and pretending to
need assistance with most daily activities, such as getting dressed and bathing, despite being
fully able to walk and care for herself.In addition, the indictment alleges that Delashmit falsely claimed she was a breast cancer survivor
to go on a trip and receive donated items through the Young Survival Coalition (YSC), a nonprofit
organization serving young adults who have been diagnosed with cancer based in New York. Delashmit
is also accused of making false statements to a credit card company and an internet retailer to
obtain a triathlon bicycle valued at $4,499.00 without paying for it.Delashmit is due in federal court for her initial appearance on March 24, 2020, at 10:00am. A trial
date has not been set. If convicted, Delashmit faces up to 20 years in prison on each of the mail
fraud and wire fraud charges. The aggravated identity theft charges each carry a mandatory sentence
of two years imprisonment.An indictment merely is a formal charge against a defendant. Under the law, a defendant is presumed
to be innocent of a charge until proved guilty beyond a reasonable doubt to the satisfaction of a
jury.The investigation was conducted by the FBI and Postal Inspection Service. The case is
being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Luke J. Weissler.Helena man sentenced for illegal firearms possessionRead the Press Release
BILLINGS—A Helena man convicted at trial of illegally possessing firearms was sentenced today to 87 months in prison and three years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme said.
A jury in October found Brandon Best Gordon, 32, of Helena, guilty of felon in possession of a firearm after a two-day trial.
U.S. District Judge Scott W. Skavdahl, of Wyoming, presided.
At trial, the prosecution presented evidence that Gordon, a convicted felon, possessed two firearms in Park and Sweet Grass counties on July 17, 2018. The firearms had been stolen earlier in two separate break-ins in Great Falls. The firearms were identified as a 9mm semi-automatic pistol and a .40 caliber semi-automatic pistol.
The firearms were in a backpack Gordon was carrying when he left a suspected drug house in Livingston and got into a vehicle that was being followed by Park County Sheriff’s Office detectives. A Montana Highway Patrol trooper, who was familiar with the vehicle and its driver from previous drug activity information, stopped the vehicle for traffic violations. Gordon was a passenger. Law enforcement served a state search warrant on the vehicle and found the backpack with the firearms. Gordon was convicted in 2012 of felony crimes in Montana.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Paulette Stewart prosecuted the case which was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and Montana Highway Patrol.
This case is part of Project Guardian, a Department of Justice initiative launched in the fall of 2019 to reduce gun violence and enforce federal firearms laws. Through Project Guardian, the U.S. Attorney’s Office in the District of Montana is working to enhance coordination of its federal, state, tribal and local law enforcement partners in investigating and prosecuting gun crimes. In addition, Project Guardian supports information sharing and taking action when individuals are denied a firearm purchase by the National Instant Criminal Background Check System for mental health reasons or because they are a prohibited person
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Harrisburg Man Indicted on Drug Trafficking and Firearm ChargesRead the Press Release
HARRISBURG - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Mikal Jones, age 22, of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, was indicted on March 4, 2020, by a federal grand jury on drug trafficking and firearms charges.
According to United States Attorney David J. Freed, the indictment alleges that Jones possessed marijuana with the intent to distribute on April 11, 2019, in Harrisburg City. The indictment further states that he possessed a firearm during and in relation to his drug trafficking activities.
The case was investigated by the Harrisburg Police Bureau and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Assistant U.S. Attorney Johnny Baer is prosecuting the case.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. The Department of Justice reinvigorated PSN in 2017 as part of the Department’s renewed focus on targeting violent criminals, directing all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to work in partnership with federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement and the local community to develop effective, locally-based strategies to reduce violent crime.
This case 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.
Indictments and Criminal Informations are only allegations. All persons charged are presumed to be innocent unless and until found guilty in court.
A sentence following a finding of guilt is imposed by the Judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.
The maximum penalty under federal law for this offense is a term of life imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the Judge is also required to consider and weigh a number of factors, including the nature, circumstances and seriousness of the offense; the history and characteristics of the defendant; and the need to punish the defendant, protect the public and provide for the defendant's educational, vocational and medical needs. For these reasons, the statutory maximum penalty for the offense is not an accurate indicator of the potential sentence for a specific defendant.
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