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13 May 2020
Christian Ruffin of Raleigh Indicted on Child Pornography ChargesRead the Press Release
RALEIGH, N.C. – A federal grand jury returned an indictment today charging a Raleigh man with nine counts of receipt of child pornography, and one count of possession of child pornography.
According to the indictment, Christian Ruffin, 23, allegedly received at least nine images containing visual depictions of minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct. The indictment further alleges that on November 14, 2019, Ruffin was found to be in possession of digital media containing images and videos involving minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct.
If convicted, Ruffin would face a statutory minimum sentence of 5 years’ imprisonment and a maximum sentence of up to 20 years per count. He also would face up to a lifetime of supervised release following any term of imprisonment.
Robert J. Higdon, Jr., U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina, made the announcement. The Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Raleigh Police Department are investigating the case. Assistant United States Attorney Jake D. Pugh is prosecuting the case.
An indictment is merely an accusation. The defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty.
This case is part of the Project Safe Childhood initiative, a national program aimed at ensuring that criminals exploiting children are effectively prosecuted by making full use of all available law enforcement resources at every level. For more information about this important national initiative, go to www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
A copy of this press release is located on our website.
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The year 2020 marks the 150th anniversary of the Department of Justice. Learn more about the history of our agency at www.Justice.gov/Celebrating150Years.
Chicopee Man Indicted for Heroin DistributionRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Chicopee man was arrested on drug distribution charges.
Brett Garcia, 33, was charged in an indictment unsealed today with possessing with intent to distribute 100 grams or more of heroin. Garcia was arraigned today and was detained pending a hearing scheduled for Friday, May 15, 2020.
The indictment alleges that Garcia possessed with intent to distribute 100 grams or more of heroin on Feb. 28, 2020 in Hampden County.
The indictment was the result of an investigation into heroin trafficking in Chicopee.
The charging statute provides for a sentence of at least five years and up to 40 years in prison, at least three years of supervised release and a fine of $2 million. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based on the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
United States Attorney Andrew E. Lelling; Brian D. Boyle, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration, New England Field Division; Colonel Christopher Mason, Superintendent of the Massachusetts State Police; and Chicopee Police Chief William R. Jebb made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Todd E. Newhouse of Lelling’s Springfield Branch Office is prosecuting the case.
The details contained in the indictment are allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Cameron Hayes of Raleigh Indicted on Child Pornography ChargesRead the Press Release
RALEIGH, N.C. – A federal grand jury returned an indictment today charging a Raleigh man with three counts of receipt of child pornography, and one count of possession of child pornography.
According to the indictment, Cameron Hayes, 33, allegedly received at least three images containing visual depictions of minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct. The indictment further alleges that on January 7, 2020, Hayes was found to be in possession of digital media containing images and videos involving minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct.
If convicted, Hayes faces a statutory minimum sentence of 5 years’ imprisonment and a maximum sentence of up to 20 years per count. He also would face up to a lifetime of supervised release following any term of imprisonment.
Robert J. Higdon, Jr., U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina, made the announcement. The Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Raleigh Police Department are investigating the case. Assistant United States Attorney Jake D. Pugh is prosecuting the case.
An indictment is merely an accusation. The defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty.
This case is part of the Project Safe Childhood initiative, a national program aimed at ensuring that criminals exploiting children are effectively prosecuted by making full use of all available law enforcement resources at every level. For more information about this important national initiative, go to www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
A copy of this press release is located on our website.
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The year 2020 marks the 150th anniversary of the Department of Justice. Learn more about the history of our agency at www.Justice.gov/Celebrating150Years.
California MS-13 leader who participated in 3 Columbus murders sentenced to serve life in prison without chance of releaseRead the Press Release
COLUMBUS, Ohio – A Santa Maria, Calif. man was sentenced in federal court in Columbus today to spend the rest of his life in prison without the possibility of release.
Jose Bonilla-Mejia (a/k/a Espia), 31, participated in the 2015 murders of two men who were stabbed and beat to death and buried in shallow graves at Innis Park. Bonilla-Mejia also played a role in planning a 2016 murder at an apartment complex at Melroy Avenue and Kelburn Road in Columbus.
Namely, Bonilla-Mejia took part in the murders of Carlos Serrano-Ramos, Wilson Villeda and Salvador Martinez-Diaz.
Bonilla-Mejia pleaded guilty in August 2019 to participating in a racketeering conspiracy and two counts of murder in aid of racketeering.
The defendant is one of 23 individuals charged in a February 2018 second superseding indictment who are alleged to be members and associates of MS-13 in Columbus.
“This is a violent transnational criminal organization that victimizes the citizens of the United States and Central America,” U.S. Attorney David M. DeVillers said. “Mr. Bonilla-Mejia personally participated in the murders and mutilations of victims with the purpose of sending a message from MS-13. With this sentence, we are sending a message back. Mr. Bonilla-Mejia and many of his coconspirators will die in prison.”
The defendants are charged in a racketeering conspiracy, which includes five murders as well as attempted murder, extortion, money laundering, drug trafficking, assault, obstruction of justice, witness intimidation, weapons offenses and immigration-related violations.
The second superseding indictment alleges that the defendants committed a host of overt acts in furtherance of the conspiracy, including: 1) the December 2006 murder of Jose Mendez, a suspected confidential informant, in Perry County; 2) the November 2008 murder of Ramon Ramos on Lockbourne Road in Columbus; 3) the mid-2015 murder of Carlos Serrano-Ramos, a suspected rival gang member, near Innis Road in Columbus; 4) the November 2015 murder of Wilson Villeda near Innis Road in Columbus; and 5) the December 2016 murder of Salvador Martinez-Diaz, a suspected rival gang member, on Melroy Avenue in Columbus.
The murders often involved defendants using weapons like machetes, knives and hammers to attack and beat their victims to death.
In March 2016, law enforcement officers arrested Bonilla-Mejia in Akron, Ohio in connection with an outstanding warrant issued in California. Shortly thereafter, he was transported to California and detained in the Santa Barbara County Jail before returning to Ohio to face his federal charges.
David M. DeVillers, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio; Chris Hoffman, Special Agent in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Cincinnati Division; Rebecca Adducci, Detroit Field Office Director, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Enforcement and Removal Operations; Franklin County Sheriff Dallas Baldwin; and Columbus Police Chief Thomas Quinlan announced the sentence imposed today by U.S. District Judge Edmund A. Sargus, Jr. U.S. Attorney DeVillers commended the assistance of Santa Barbara County District Attorney Joyce E. Dudley’s office.
Deputy Criminal Chief Brian J. Martinez and Assistant United States Attorney Noah R. Litton are representing the United States in this case.
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Buffalo Man Charged with Selling Drugs That Led to A Death Faces Life in PrisonRead 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 a federal grand jury has returned an indictment charging Steven Gonzalez, a/k/a Unc, 44, of Buffalo, NY, with distribution of heroin, fentanyl, and acetyl fentanyl causing death; conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute heroin, fentanyl, and acetyl fentanyl; possessing with intent to distribute heroin; and using and maintaining a drug involved premises. The charges carry a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of 20 years, a maximum penalty of life in prison, and a $1,000,000 fine.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael J. Adler, who is handling the case, stated that according to the indictment, between 2018 and July 2019, the defendant conspired with others to distribute heroin, fentanyl, and acetyl fentanyl, which led to the death of an individual identified as L.K. During the course of the conspiracy, Gonzalez utilized 1252 West Avenue in Buffalo for his drug trafficking activities.
The indictment is the result of an investigation by the Buffalo Police Department, under the direction of Commissioner Byron Lockwood, and the Drug Enforcement Administration, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Ray Donovan, New York Field Division.
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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Braxton County woman sentenced for methamphetamine distributionRead the Press Release
CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Brandi Dawn Singleton, of Burnsville, West Virginia, was sentenced today to 12 months incarceration for her role in a methamphetamine distribution operation, U.S. Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Singleton, age 42, pled guilty to one count of Distribution of Methamphetamine in Proximity to a Protected Location” in September 2019. Singleton admitted to selling methamphetamine near Gilmer County High School in September 2018.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Brandon S. Flower prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Mountain Lakes Drug & Violent Crimes Task Force investigated.
Senior U.S. District Judge Irene M. Keeley presided.
Braxton County man sentenced for drug distributionRead the Press Release
CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Joseph Lee Frederick, of Duck, West Virginia, was sentenced today to 12 months incarceration for drug distribution, U.S. Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Frederick, age 36, pled guilty to one count of “Aiding and Abetting Distribution of Methamphetamine within 1,000 Feet of a Protected Location” in September 2019. Frederick admitted to selling methamphetamine near Gilmer County High School in September 2018.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Brandon S. Flower prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Mountain Region Drug & Violent Crimes Task Force investigated.
Senior U.S. District Judge Irene M. Keeley presided.
Beware of SBA Loan Scams, Government Officials WarnRead the Press Release
CHARLOTTE, N.C. – Government officials issued a warning today, to alert the public about potential fraud schemes related to economic stimulus programs offered by the U.S. Small Business Administration to assist small business owners during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Andrew Murray, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina, John A. Strong, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI in North Carolina, and Kevin Kupperbusch, Special Agent in Charge of the Small Business Administration, Office of the Inspector General (SBA-OIG), Eastern Region, made the announcement today.
“During these unprecedented times, when small business owners impacted by COVID-19 are doing their best to keep their businesses afloat, it is easy to fall prey to scammers. We advise everyone to remain vigilant in safeguarding their personal and their business information, and to be particularly discerning of emails or other solicitations related to economic relief programs. As always, we are working in coordination with our law enforcement partners to identify fraudulent schemes and to bring scammers to justice, but the best first line of defense is for the public to exercise extreme caution before divulging important information to those who may be using economic relief programs as an opportunity to commit fraud,” said U.S. Attorney Andrew Murray.
“While American small business owners and employees are struggling, fraudsters are busy trying to steal the money meant to help those families survive. With billions of dollars in aid available, they will try every trick in the book to rob the rightful recipients of those funds. The FBI along with our partners are working every day to keep Americans safe during this unprecedented time. We want to remind everyone to go to official sites for information and never trust a text, email, or phone call promising a deal that sounds too good to be true,” said FBI Special Agent in Charge John Strong.
“Fraudsters prey upon those in vulnerable positions, and this is a critical time for our nation’s small businesses,” said SBA OIG Special Agent in Charge Kevin Kupperbusch. “SBA OIG and its law enforcement partners are actively working together to root out fraud in SBA’s programs and bring those responsible to justice. The public is encouraged to learn about potential fraud schemes and scams as a safeguard to being victimized.”
The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act), is the largest financial assistance bill to date, and includes provisions to help small businesses. The public is warned to be extra vigilant in protecting their information and to be on the lookout for grant fraud, loan fraud, and phishing, as scammers are targeting small business owners during these economically difficult times.
To raise awareness, the SBA’s Office of Inspector General has published the following information pertaining to possible scams and emerging fraud schemes:
- The SBA does not initiate contact on either 7a or disaster loans or grants. If you are proactively contacted by someone claiming to be from the SBA, suspect fraud.
- If you are contacted by someone promising to get approval of an SBA loan, but requires any payment up front or offers a high interest bridge loan in the interim, suspect fraud.
- The SBA limits the fees a broker can charge a borrower to 3% for loans $50,000 or less and 2% for loans $50,000 to $1,000,000 with an additional ¼% on amounts over $1,000,000. Any attempt to charge more than these fees is inappropriate.
- Look out for phishing attacks/scams utilizing the SBA logo. These may be attempts to obtain your personally identifiable information (PII), to obtain personal banking access, or to install ransomware/malware on your computer.
- If you are in the process of applying for an SBA loan and receive email correspondence asking for PII, ensure that the referenced application number is consistent with the actual application number.
- Any email communication from SBA will come from accounts ending with sba.gov.
- The presence of an SBA logo on a webpage does not guarantee the information is accurate or endorsed by SBA. Please cross-reference any information you receive with information available at www.sba.gov.
If you have a question about getting an SBA disaster loan, call 800-659-2955 or send an email to [email protected]. If you have questions about other SBA lending products, call SBA’s Answer Desk at 800-827-5722 or send an email to [email protected]. The above-referenced list of emerging SBA scams and additional information can also be accessed at: https://www.sba.gov/document/report--sba-programs-scams-fraud-alerts.
If you think you are a victim of a scam or attempted fraud involving SBA loans and COVID-19, contact the SBA OIG hotline at (800) 767-0385, or online at: https://sbax.sba.gov/oigcss/.
You can also report the fraud by calling the Department of Justice’s National Center for Disaster Fraud Hotline at 866-720-5721 or via the NCDF Web Complaint Form.
Bergen County Man Charged in Large-Scale Identity TheftRead the Press Release
NEWARK, N.J. – A Bergen County man was arrested today for his alleged role in a large-scale fraudulent credit card and fake identification making operation, U.S. Attorney Craig Carpenito announced.
Michael Fulcher, 35, of Teaneck, New Jersey, was arrested this morning by special agents of the U.S. Secret Service and charged by complaint with one count each of possession of 15 or more counterfeit access devices, possession of access device-making equipment, and aggravated identity theft. He appeared by teleconference today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Cathy L. Waldor and released on $100,000 unsecured bond.
According to the documents filed in this case and statements made in court:
On March 23, 2020, Fulcher was found to be in possession of identity theft and access device-making equipment in the attic of his Teaneck home. Law enforcement officers seized a large amount of equipment that was used to produce fraudulent credit cards, driver’s licenses, counterfeit money, and counterfeit identification cards. Fulcher had 4,920 counterfeit credit cards, 206 counterfeit driver’s licenses from 24 different states containing victims’ personal identifiable information along with unknown suspect photographs, several state’s holograms for driver’s licenses, devices used to read the data that is encoded on the magnetic strip of a credit card, devices used to re-encode data onto the magnetic strip of a credit card, printers designed to print plastic cards, and several laptop computers, hard drives, memory devices, and other electronic devices.
Law enforcement officers searched the electronic devices found in Fulcher’s home and found, among other things, templates to create credit cards, currency, and identification documents, including driver’s licenses, and spreadsheets containing thousands of unique credit card account numbers.
The charge of possession of 15 or more counterfeit access devices carries a statutory maximum sentence of 10 years in prison. The possession of access device-making machines charge carries a statutory maximum sentence of 15 years in prison, and the aggravated identity theft charge carries a mandatory sentence of two years in prison, which must be served consecutively to any other sentence imposed. Each of the offenses also carries a maximum fine of $250,000, or twice the gain or loss from the offense, whichever is greater.
U.S. Attorney Carpenito credited special agents of the U.S. Secret Service, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Mark McKevitt in Newark, with the investigation leading to the charges and arrest. He also thanked the Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations in Newark, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, and the Teaneck Police Department for their assistance.
The government is represented by Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Kendall Randolph of the U.S. Attorney’s Office’s Organized Crime and Gangs Unit in Newark.
The charge and allegations contained in the complaint are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Another strip mall property settles ADA allegationsRead the Press Release
HOUSTON — The owners of a property known as Center West Plaza have settled allegations under Title III of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) to remove barriers and greatly improve physical accessibility, announced U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Patrick.
The United States initiated an investigation into Center West Plaza as part of a compliance review of strip shopping centers after receiving a complaint regarding a similar property. The investigation revealed that physical barriers existed at various locations in the parking lot and access points of the shopping center.
The settlement agreement requires the property owner to remedy all access barriers the United States has identified within three months.
Under the ADA, persons with disabilities shall be afforded the opportunity to participate in or benefit from the goods, services, facilities, privileges, advantages or accommodations equal to that afforded to other individuals. Title III mandates that no individual shall be discriminated against on the basis of a disability by any person who owns, leases or operates a place of public accommodation.
The Center West Plaza property is a place of public accommodation. As such, the owner is subject to the Title III requirements.
The United States Attorney is authorized to commence a civil action when he believes discrimination exists, seeking full compliance with the ADA, including requiring the owners and operators of places of public accommodations to remedy the violations.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Keith Edward Wyatt and Annalisa Cravens handled this investigation with the assistance of Paralegal Specialist Raymond Babauta.
Allentown Man Arrested for Distribution of Child Pornography and Weapons ChargesRead the Press Release
PHILADELPHIA – United States Attorney William M. McSwain announced that Kelly Wayne Smith, 59, of Allentown, Pennsylvania, was arrested and charged by Criminal Complaint with knowingly distributing, and attempting to distribute, child pornography, as well as illegal possession of a firearm by a prohibited person. At Smith’s initial appearance, United States Magistrate Judge Henry S. Perkin ordered Smith detained until trial.
In October 2019, a social networking platform reported to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (“NCMEC”) Cyber Tipline that several images depicting child pornography had been uploaded to an account registered to Smith. In May 2020, a search warrant was executed at Smith’s residence and authorities found several photos depicting child pornography, including one that was reported to the NCMEC. Authorities also seized a handgun during the search.
If convicted, the defendant faces a maximum possible sentence of 50 years in prison, with a mandatory minimum term of 15 years.
“Adults should be protecting children from harm, not exploiting them for their own twisted gratification,” said U.S. Attorney McSwain. “Each time somebody distributes images that depict a child being exploited, that child is re-victimized all over again. My Office is committed to rooting out and punishing the online exploitation of children and we will continue to work tirelessly with our law enforcement partners to do just that.”
“Distribution of child pornography is a heinous act that perpetuates the sexual exploitation of children,” said Michael J. Driscoll, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI's Philadelphia Division. “The FBI stands ready to step in and work with our law enforcement partners to protect our children from such victimization.”
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (“CEOS”), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Allentown Police Department, and it is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Sherri Stephan.
An indictment, information, or criminal complaint is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
12 May 2020
Wayne County Prosecutor’s Office Receives $1.4 Million and Detroit Police Department Receives $2.4 Million in Awards to Support Efforts to Combat Violent CrimeRead the Press Release
DETROIT – The Justice Department announced that the Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS Office) and the Office of Justice Programs’ Bureau of Justice Assistance have awarded more than $61 million in grant funding to support the Attorney General’s Operation Relentless Pursuit (ORP) initiative. Of that $61 million, the Wayne County Prosecutor’s Office will receive $1.4 million. In addition, the Detroit Police Department will receive $2.4 million.
Launched on Dec. 18, 2019, ORP aims to intensify federal law enforcement resources into seven American cities with violent crime levels several times the national average - Albuquerque, Baltimore, Cleveland, Detroit, Kansas City, Memphis, and Milwaukee.
“While violent crime is down across the country as a whole, some communities remain caught in the grips of violent actors,” said Attorney General William P. Barr. “That’s why I launched Operation Relentless Pursuit last December – an initiative to combat violent crime in seven cities where it remains stubbornly high. Today’s grant awards are critical to our mission. We cannot succeed in eradicating crime without resources – the most vital of which are the brave men and women who serve and protect our communities each day. These funds will boost the forces that need them most.”
To meet the objectives of the program, the Wayne County Prosecutor’s Office (WCPO) will hire 7 attorneys and contract with the 3rd Circuit Court to secure the services of a one-person grand juror. The Assistant Prosecuting Attorneys (APA) will work directly with the ATF, FBI, DEA, and U.S. Marshals to coordinate and vertically prosecute violent crimes, gun crimes, human trafficking, and targeted offenders. They will work collaboratively with the United States Attorney’s Office to determine which path(s) of prosecution will have the greatest impact on violent crime and best advance the goals of the operation.
At least one APA will be dedicated to the one-person grand jury; a specially assigned circuit court judge with broad powers to investigate criminal activity through streamlined and secret proceedings. With a one-person grand jury witnesses can be examined under oath far more quickly than under “traditional” processes and without the fear that important testimony will be shared with other witnesses or targets of the investigation.
The grant funds awarded to the Detroit Police Department will go to fund 15 new police officer positions.
United States Attorney Matthew Schneider stated, “Even during this pandemic, our local law enforcement partners continue to make great progress in keeping our communities safe, and I’m very pleased we can support them by bringing in more federal resources.”
Prosecutor Kym Worthy said, “In order to prosecute violent crime we need the staff and resources to do so. The award of $1.4 million dollars will allow us to hire seven assistant prosecutors to work with other law enforcement agencies to vertically prosecute violent offenders. This type of coordinated response has been shown to be effective and successful. We are thankful that the Department of Justice has awarded the Wayne County Prosecutor’s Office this grant.”
The COPS Office, through its COPS Hiring Program (CHP), awarded a total of $51 million to be used to hire 214 sworn law enforcement officers for state and local law enforcement task forces. The recipients of the funding will deploy existing veteran officers to task force duties and use the CHP funding to hire new recruits to backfill those positions, as practical. Officers deployed to Operation Relentless Pursuit task forces as a result of CHP funding must be sworn, career law enforcement officers of the awarded agency, and their work on the task force must benefit their jurisdiction. In addition, they are required to work with their respective U.S. Attorney’s Office (USAO) and relevant federal agencies to investigate and prosecute suspects involved in gangs, drug trafficking, and other violent crime– related issues.
“Successful strategies to target and reduce violent crime are extremely resource intensive,” said COPS Office Director Phil Keith. “There is no greater resource than additional men and women on the front lines of relentless fight against gangs, drug traffickers and those that mean harm to our nation’s communities. The funding announced today is greatly needed for the Operation Relentless Pursuit jurisdictions and the COPS Office is honored to dedicate resources for this effort.”
For a breakdown of the awards, please see the attached spreadsheet. For more information on the COPS Hiring Program ORP grants, please visit: https://cops.usdoj.gov/pdf/2020AwardDocs/chp/FY20_Relentless_Pursuit_Fact_Sheet.pdf
The Office of Justice Programs’ Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA) is making $10 million available to support Operation Relentless Pursuit. BJA funds will support efforts such as the hiring of additional prosecutors, overtime expenses for task force members, multi-agency investigations, mobile data terminals and modern technological platforms, and development of strategic plans to address gaps in combating violent crime.
“The responsibility for fighting crime and violence belongs to agencies at every level of government, and winning that fight turns on our ability to deploy our collective resources wisely and effectively,” said Office of Justice Programs Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Katharine T. Sullivan. “We are eager to make these funds available so that our federal, state and local partners can continue the vital and noble work of protecting America’s most dangerous communities.”
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.
United States Attorney William D. Hyslop Releases Public Service Announcements for National Police WeekRead the Press Release
Spokane, Washington – As part of National Police Week, William D. Hyslop, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Washington, announced the release of three video public service announcements (“PSA”) honoring the service of our law enforcement officers across the country. And, we particularly honor those who lost their lives in the line of duty in 2019. Each year, during National Police Week we commemorate the courage, duty, and extraordinary character this selfless profession mandates. Sadly, it also marks a time to honor and pay tribute to the 307 men and women whose names were engraved in 2020 on the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial, 135 of which represent those killed in the line of duty in 2019.
U.S. Attorney Hyslop said, “Few callings are as noble as serving as a law enforcement professional. Law enforcement officers are essential to the strength and prosperity of our communities. There are more than 18,000 law enforcement agencies nationwide, with brave men and women who honorably serve their communities daily. Every day, these courageous men and women place the safety and security of their communities above their own. Their unwavering commitment to serve on the front lines fighting crime and violence deserves our gratitude.”
The video PSAs can be viewed at the following links
Supporting Law Enforcement During Police Week 2020
https://youtu.be/3bHlVOi3NJI
Police Week 2020 – Honoring Law Enforcement for their Service and Selflessness
https://youtu.be/U2vnTUVCvHA
Honoring the Sacrifices of Law Enforcement during Police Week 2020
https://youtu.be/cFG52fcUIZc
If you would like to schedule an interview with U.S. Attorney Hyslop, please contact Debbie Doll, Executive Assistant to the U.S. Attorney, at 509-413-6344.
Union Man Pleads Guilty to Methamphetamine TraffickingRead the Press Release
COVINGTON, Ky. – A Union, Kentucky, man, Randy Lee Hall, 37, pleaded guilty on Tuesday, before U.S. District Court Chief Judge Danny C. Reeves, to possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine.
Hall admitted that on November 14, 2019, he possessed with the intent to distribute 50 grams or more of actual methamphetamine. According to his plea agreement, law enforcement officials searched Hall’s car and recovered 64.5 grams of actual methamphetamine, and Hall admitted that he intended to distribute the drugs.
Hall was indicted in December 2019.
Robert M. Duncan, Jr., United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky; Keith W. Martin, Special Agent in Charge for the DEA Detroit Field Division; and Chief Tom Grau, Florence Police Department, jointly announced the guilty plea.
The investigation was conducted by the DEA and the Florence Police Department. The United States was represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Amanda B. Harris.
Hall will be sentenced on a date yet to be determined by the Court. He faces a sentence of not less than 10 years and not more than life imprisonment, and a fine of not more than $10 million. However, any sentence will be imposed by the Court after its consideration of the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and the federal sentencing statutes.
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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U.S.Attorney Weinhoeft Recognizes National Police WeekRead the Press Release
Fairview Heights, Ill. – U.S. Attorney Steven D. Weinhoeft of the Southern District of Illinois joins today with federal officials across the Department of Justice in observance of National
Police Week. During this week – May 10 through May 16 – we pay special honor to the service and sacrifice of our nation’s federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement. Due to the ongoing pandemic, all Police Week events will be virtual this year, but our respect and heartfelt gratitude remain as strong as ever.“There is no more noble profession than serving as a police officer,” said Attorney General William
P. Barr. “The men and women who protect our communities each day have not just devoted their lives to public service, they’ve taken an oath to give their lives in order to ensure our safety. And they do so not only in the face of hostility from those who reject our nation’s commitment to the rule of law, but also in the face of evolving adversity – such as an unprecedented global health pandemic. This week, I ask all Americans to join me in saying ‘thank you’ to our nation’s federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement officers. Their devotion and sacrifice to our peace and security will not be taken for granted.”U.S. Attorney Weinhoeft said, “Law enforcement officers are ‘the thin blue line’ that maintains order and protects us from chaos. Police work has always involved risk; but we are living through a moment in history when danger hides in the most routine activities. While most Americans are sheltering in place, we have witnessed men and women in essential positions heroically serving the people of this nation in spite of the danger. As they continue to merit our praise and sincerest gratitude, we pause this week to show our respect to all the law enforcement officers who daily make this brave act of sacrifice, putting our collective safety ahead of their own. I am especially proud of the dedicated officers who serve and protect the Southern District of Illinois and who have continued to work, without fanfare, in the midst of this pandemic.”
In 1962, President Kennedy issued the first proclamation for Peace Officers Memorial Day and
National Police Week, to remember and honor law enforcement officers for their service and sacrifices. Each year during National Police Week, our nation celebrates the contributions of law enforcement from around the country, recognizing their hard work, dedication, loyalty and commitment to keeping our communities safe. This year the COVID-19 pandemic has underscored law enforcement officers’ courage and unwavering devotion to the communities they swore to serve. Peace Officers Memorial Day, observed every year on May 15, specifically honors lawenforcement officers killed or disabled in the line of duty. Based on data collected and analyzed by the FBI’s Law Enforcement Officer Killed and Assaulted (LEOKA) Program, 89 law enforcement officers died nationwide in the line of duty in 2019, including Illinois State Trooper Nicholas
Hopkins here in the Southern District of Illinois. In the early morning hours of August 23, 2019, Trooper Hopkins, 33, was shot and killed while attempting to execute a search warrant at a residence in East St. Louis. A 10-year veteran of law enforcement, Trooper Hopkins was a member of the Illinois State Police SWAT team – a group of dedicated professionals routinely tasked with some of the most dangerous assignments. His tragic death was deeply felt across the district and still weighs heavily on the hearts of all who knew him.Comprehensive data tables and brief narratives describing the other fatal attacks on law enforcement officers are available at https://ucr.fbi.gov/leoka/2019/home. According to FBI data, there were an additional 41 officers nationwide who were killed accidentally last year while on duty. Trooper Hopkins’ name, along with the names of the other fallen officers, has been added to the wall at the National Law Enforcement Memorial and will be read aloud on Wednesday, May 13, 2020, during a candlelight vigil.
Because public events have been suspended as a result of COVID-19, the vigil will be livestreamed to the public at 7:00 PM CDT. To register to view this free online event, please www.LawMemorial.org/webcast. To learn more about National Police Week and the virtual candlelight vigil, please visit www.policeweek.org.
U.S. Attorney’s Office Recognizes National Police WeekRead the Press Release
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — In honor of National Police Week, the U.S. Attorney’s Office honors and remembers the service and sacrifice of federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement.
Each year, during National Police Week, our nation celebrates the contributions of law enforcement from around the country, recognizing their hard work, dedication, loyalty and commitment to keeping our communities safe. This year, the COVID-19 pandemic has underscored the courage and unwavering devotion of law enforcement officers to the communities they swore to serve.
“There is no more noble profession than serving as a police officer,” said Attorney General William P. Barr. “The men and women who protect our communities each day have not just devoted their lives to public service, they’ve taken an oath to give their lives in order to ensure our safety. And they do so not only in the face of hostility from those who reject our nation’s commitment to the rule of law, but also in the face of evolving adversity – such as an unprecedented global health pandemic. This week, I ask all Americans to join me in saying ‘thank you’ to our nation’s federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement officers. Their devotion and sacrifice to our peace and security will not be taken for granted.”
“This is a time for all of us to honor and pay tribute to our law enforcement heroes who gave the ultimate sacrifice while protecting our communities,” said U.S. Attorney McGregor W. Scott. “We will never forget their sacrifice and we will keep their families and fellow officers in our hearts and minds.”
In 1962, President Kennedy issued the first proclamation for Peace Officers Memorial Day and National Police Week to remember and honor law enforcement officers for their service and sacrifices. Peace Officers Memorial Day, which falls on May 15 every year, specifically honors law enforcement officers killed or disabled in the line of duty.
Based on data collected and analyzed by the FBI’s Law Enforcement Officer Killed and Assaulted (LEOKA) Program, 89 law enforcement officers died nationwide in the line of duty in 2019. Comprehensive data tables about these incidents and brief narratives describing most of the fatal attacks are included in the sections of Law Enforcement Officers Killed and Assaulted, 2019.
Three of the law enforcement officers killed in the line of duty being remembered this week are from the Eastern District of California— Officer Natalie Corona of the Davis Police Department, Officer Tara O’Sullivan of the Sacramento Police Department, and Deputy Brian Ishmael of the El Dorado County Sheriff’s Department. The United States Attorney’s Office brought federal charges in full cooperation and consultation with the El Dorado District Attorney’s Office related to the marijuana cultivation that resulted in the death of Deputy Ishmael. In November 2019, a federal grand jury returned a four-count indictment charging four men with marijuana cultivation and firearms offenses.
The names of the fallen officers who have been added in 2020 to the wall at the National Law Enforcement Memorial will be read on Wednesday, May 13, 2020, during a Virtual Annual Candlelight Vigil. Because public events have been suspended as a result of COVID-19, the vigil will be live streamed to the public at 8:00 pm (EDT). To register to view this free online event, please go to https://nleomf.org/. To learn more about National Police Week and the virtual candlelight vigil, please visit www.policeweek.org.
U.S. Attorney’s Office Prosecuting Domestic Violence on Ft. KnoxRead the Press Release
LOUISVILLE, Ky. – United States Attorney Russell Coleman today announced the charging of Chaniqua Boyd, via criminal complaint, with assault occurring on the Fort Knox, KY military installation, land within the federal maritime and territorial jurisdiction of the United States.
“Law enforcement must be especially vigilant during this pandemic of the risk of domestic violence and we will be especially aggressive in responding when it occurs,” said U.S. Attorney Russell Coleman.
According to the criminal complaint, on May 10, 2020, Fort Knox Military Police responded to the residence of Boyd and Army Sgt. First Class V.G. where they detained Boyd. V.G. was transported to Louisville for treatment of a stab wound to the upper chest which resulted in a punctured lung. According to a statement given by Boyd, she stated she did not intend to stab V.G.
If convicted at trial the maximum sentence for assault with a dangerous weapon with the intent to do bodily harm is 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine, and up to 3 years of supervised release.
A federal complaint is a written statement of the essential facts of the offense charged and must be made under oath before a United States magistrate judge. The charge set forth in a complaint is merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Mac Shannon and U.S. Army Captain James D. Taylor, Special Assistant United States Attorney. The U.S. Army Criminal Investigative Division (CID) conducted the investigation with assistance from the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).
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U.S. Attorney William D. Hyslop Recognizes Law Enforcement’s Service and Sacrifice During National Police WeekRead the Press Release
Spokane – In honor of National Police Week, William D. Hyslop, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Washington, asks all citizens, “When you see a law enforcement officer, thank them for their service. This week, we urge everyone to recognize the service and sacrifice of federal, state, local, and Tribal law enforcement.”
National Police Week will be observed Sunday, May 10 through Saturday, May 16, 2020.
On Wednesday, May 13, 2020, pay tribute to those who have died in the line of duty in 2019 by watching the virtual candlelight vigil sponsored by the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund. https://www.youtube.com/user/TheNLEOMF
On Friday, May 15, 2020, stop for a moment to remember our fallen officers on Peace Officers Memorial Day.
“There is no more noble profession than serving as a police officer,” said Attorney General William P. Barr. “The men and women who protect our communities each day have not just devoted their lives to public service, they’ve taken an oath to give their lives in order to ensure our safety. And they do so not only in the face of hostility from those who reject our nation’s commitment to the rule of law, but also in the face of evolving adversity – such as an unprecedented global health pandemic. This week, I ask all Americans to join me in saying ‘thank you’ to our nation’s federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement officers. Their devotion and sacrifice to our peace and security will not be taken for granted.”
U.S. Attorney Hyslop said, “At the United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Washington, we have the great privilege to work closely on a daily basis with federal, state, local and Tribal law enforcement officers in pursuit of justice. They are prepared at any moment to put their lives at risk for our community’s safety. In 2019, one deputy sheriff was shot and killed in the line of duty in Eastern Washington. One officer death is too many. Nationally, the names of 135 officers killed in the line of duty are being added to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial. I ask you to take time this week to remember our fallen law enforcement officers throughout the country, and their families and loved ones who live with their loss.”
In 1962, President Kennedy issued the first proclamation for Peace Officers Memorial Day and National Police Week to remember and honor law enforcement officers for their service and sacrifices. Peace Officers Memorial Day, which every year falls on May 15, specifically honors law enforcement officers killed or disabled in the line of duty.
Each year, during National Police Week, our nation celebrates the contributions of law enforcement from around the country, recognizing their hard work, dedication, loyalty and commitment to keeping our communities safe. This year the COVID-19 pandemic has underscored law enforcement officers’ courage and unwavering devotion to the communities they swore to serve.
Based on data collected and analyzed by the FBI’s Law Enforcement Officer Killed and Assaulted (LEOKA) Program, 89 law enforcement officers died nationwide in the line of duty in 2019, including one officer here in the Eastern District of Washington. Comprehensive data tables about these incidents and brief narratives describing most of the fatal attacks are included in the sections of Law Enforcement Officers Killed and Assaulted, 2019.
The names of the fallen officers who have been added in 2020 to the wall at the National Law Enforcement Memorial will be read on Wednesday, May 13, 2020, during a Virtual Annual Candlelight Vigil. Because public events have been suspended as a result of COVID-19, the vigil will be livestreamed to the public at 8:00 PM (EDT). The online event can be viewed at https://www.youtube.com/user/TheNLEOMF.
U.S. Attorney Peter M. McCoy, Jr. to Join State and Local Law Enforcement Officers for a Press Conference this Thursday in Mt. Pleasant at 3:00 p.m.Read the Press Release
Mt. Pleasant, South Carolina --- United States Attorney Peter M. McCoy, Jr. announced today that a press conference will be held this Thursday, May 14, 2020, at 3 p.m., outside the Mount Pleasant Police Headquarters, 100 Ann Edwards Lane, Mount Pleasant, SC 29464.
Represented at the press conference will be U.S. Attorney for the District of South Carolina Peter M. McCoy, Jr., and representatives of the following law enforcement agencies: South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED); Berkeley County Sheriff’s Office; Charleston City Police Department; Charleston County Sheriff’s Office; Charleston County Aviation Authority; Dorchester County Sheriff’s Office; Mount Pleasant Police Department; and North Charleston Police Department.
WHEN: Thursday, May 14, 2020, at 3 p.m.
WHERE: Outside the Mount Pleasant Police Headquarters
100 Ann Edwards Lane
Mount Pleasant, South Carolina 29464
NOTE: Press inquiries regarding logistics should be directed to Derek A. Shoemake, 843-813-0982. Members of the media wishing to attend the remarks should gather outside the Mount Pleasant Police Headquarters at 2:30 p.m., 30 minutes in advance.
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The year 2020 marks the 150th anniversary of the Department of Justice. Learn more about the history of our agency at www.Justice.gov/Celebrating150Years.
U.S. Attorney Overbey Recognizes Law Enforcement Service and Sacrifice During National Police WeekRead the Press Release
Knoxville, Tenn. - In honor of National Police Week, U.S. Attorney J. Douglas Overbey will recognize the service and sacrifice of federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement. The week will be observed Sunday, May 10 through Saturday, May 16, 2020.
“There is no more noble profession than serving as a police officer,” said Attorney General William P. Barr. “The men and women who protect our communities each day have not just devoted their lives to public service, they’ve taken an oath to give their lives to ensure our safety. And they do so not only in the face of hostility from those who reject our nation’s commitment to the rule of law, but also in the face of evolving adversity – such as an unprecedented global health pandemic. This week, I ask all Americans to join me in saying ‘thank you’ to our nation’s federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement officers. Their devotion and sacrifice to our peace and security will not be taken for granted.”
“I am constantly amazed by the hard-working men and women who put on the uniform each day, choosing to risk their lives to serve their communities. These men and women put their lives on the line in situations none of us can fully comprehend or appreciate, all in the pursuit of justice and the protection of the law-abiding public. These men and woman on the front lines don’t back down, even in the face of unprecedented situations like the COVID-19 pandemic. I want to personally thank each and every individual who strives to make our community safe with their continued support,” said U.S. Attorney J. Douglas Overbey.
In 1962, President Kennedy issued the first proclamation for Peace Officers Memorial Day and National Police Week to remember and honor law enforcement officers for their service and sacrifices. Peace Officers Memorial Day, which every year falls on May 15, specifically honors law enforcement officers killed or disabled in the line of duty.
Each year, during National Police Week, our nation celebrates the contributions of law enforcement from around the country, recognizing their hard work, dedication, loyalty and commitment to keeping our communities safe. This year the COVID-19 pandemic has underscored law enforcement officers’ courage and unwavering devotion to the communities they swore to serve.
Based on data collected and analyzed by the FBI’s Law Enforcement Officers Killed and Assaulted (LEOKA) Program, 89 law enforcement officers died nationwide in the line of duty in 2019, and four officers from the Eastern District of Tennessee.
Comprehensive data tables about these incidents and brief narratives describing most of the fatal attacks are included in the sections of Law Enforcement Officers Killed and Assaulted, 2019.
The names of the fallen officers who have been added in 2020 to the wall at the National Law Enforcement Memorial will be read on Wednesday, May 13, 2020, during a Virtual Annual Candlelight Vigil. Because public events have been suspended as a result of COVID-19, the vigil will be livestreamed to the public at 8:00 pm (EDT). To register to view this free online event, please www.LawMemorial.org/webcast.
To learn more about National Police Week and the virtual candlelight vigil, please visit www.policeweek.org.
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U.S. Attorney Lelling Honors Massachusetts Law Enforcement During National Police WeekRead the Press Release
BOSTON – United States Attorney Andrew E. Lelling joins the Department of Justice in recognizing the service and sacrifice of federal, state, local and tribal law enforcement during National Police Week, which is observed Sunday, May 10 through Saturday, May 16, 2020.
“There is no more noble profession than serving as a police officer,” said Attorney General William P. Barr. “The men and women who protect our communities each day have not just devoted their lives to public service, they’ve taken an oath to give their lives in order to ensure our safety. And they do so not only in the face of hostility from those who reject our nation’s commitment to the rule of law, but also in the face of evolving adversity – such as an unprecedented global health pandemic. This week, I ask all Americans to join me in saying ‘thank you’ to our nation’s federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement officers. Their devotion and sacrifice to our peace and security will not be taken for granted.”
“It is an all too infrequent occasion that we thank those who keep our communities safe,” said U.S. Attorney Lelling. “To the law enforcement officers in this Commonwealth – today and every day – you have my deepest regard and admiration. The U.S. Attorney’s Office supports you and has the greatest appreciation for your dedication to protecting public safety, which, in the midst of a national pandemic, comes with even greater risks and challenges. Nonetheless, you honor the oath to protect and serve, and for that, the Commonwealth is a safer place.”
In 1962, President Kennedy issued the first proclamation for Peace Officers Memorial Day and National Police Week to remember and honor law enforcement officers for their service and sacrifices. Peace Officers Memorial Day, which every year falls on May 15, specifically honors law enforcement officers killed or disabled in the line of duty.
Each year, during National Police Week, our nation celebrates the contributions of law enforcement from around the country, recognizing their hard work, dedication, loyalty and commitment to keeping our communities safe. This year the COVID-19 pandemic has underscored law enforcement officers’ courage and unwavering devotion to the communities they swore to serve.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office in Massachusetts will mark National Police Week by honoring more than 130 federal, state and local law enforcement personnel who contributed to the success of federal cases during the 2019 calendar year. Each year the U.S. Attorney in Massachusetts holds a formal ceremony during National Police Week to honor award recipients, however due to ongoing pandemic, this year’s event has been postponed.
Based on data collected and analyzed by the FBI’s Law Enforcement Officer Killed and Assaulted (LEOKA) Program, 89 law enforcement officers died nationwide in the line of duty in 2019. The names of the fallen officers who have been added to the wall at the National Law Enforcement Memorial will be read on Wednesday, May 13, 2020, during a Virtual Annual Candlelight Vigil. Because public events have been suspended as a result of COVID-19, the vigil will be livestreamed to the public at 8:00 PM (EDT), and can be viewed at https://www.youtube.com/user/TheNLEOMF.
U.S. Attorney Keefe Recognizes Police Week, Honors Law Enforcement's Commitment to Serve and ProtectRead the Press Release
TALLAHASSEE, FLORIDA – In honor of National Police Week, U.S. Attorney Lawrence Keefe of the
Northern District of Florida will join in recognizing the service and sacrifice of federal, state, and local law enforcement. The weeklong observation runs from Sunday, May 10, through Saturday, May 16.“There is no more noble profession than serving as a police officer,” said Attorney General William
P. Barr. “The men and women who protect our communities each day have not just devoted their lives to public service; they’ve taken an oath to give their lives in order to ensure our safety. And they do so not only in the face of hostility from those who reject our nation’s commitment to the rule of law, but also in the face of evolving adversity – such as an unprecedented global health pandemic. This week, I ask all Americans to join me in saying ‘thank you’ to our nation’s federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement officers. Their devotion and sacrifice to our peace and security will not be taken for granted.”“We are blessed that no law enforcement officers lost their lives in the line of duty within the
Northern District of Florida last year, but that does not diminish our heartache for those killed elsewhere and our immeasurable respect and appreciation for the brave men and women sworn to serve and protect every day,” said U.S. Attorney Keefe. “Law enforcement is at the heart of our peaceful society, and we hold them in the highest regard, this week and every week.”In 1962, President John F. Kennedy issued the first proclamation for Peace Officers Memorial Day and National Police Week to remember and honor law enforcement officers for their service and sacrifices. Peace Officers Memorial Day, which every year falls on May 15, specifically honors law enforcement officers killed or disabled in the line of duty.
Each year, during National Police Week, our nation celebrates the contributions of law enforcement from around the country, recognizing their hard work, dedication, loyalty, and commitment to keeping our communities safe. This year the COVID-19 pandemic has underscored law enforcement officers’ courage and unwavering devotion to the communities they swore to serve.
Based on data collected and analyzed by the FBI’s Law Enforcement Officer Killed and Assaulted
Program, a total of 89 law enforcement officers died nationwide in the line of duty in 2019.Comprehensive data tables about these incidents and brief narratives describing most of the fatal attacks are included in the sections of Law Enforcement Officers Killed and Assaulted, 2019.
The names of the fallen officers who have been added in 2020 to the wall at the National Law
Enforcement Memorial will be read on Wednesday, May 13, during a Virtual Annual Candlelight Vigil.
Because public events have been suspended as a result of COVID-19, the vigil will be livestreamed to the public at 8:00 pm (EDT). To register to view this free online event, please www.LawMemorial.orgTo learn more about National Police Week and the virtual candlelight vigil, please visit www.policeweek.org.
The United States Attorney's Office for the Northern District of Florida is one of 94 offices that serve as the nation’s principal litigators under the direction of the Attorney General. To access available public court documents online, please visit the U.S. District Court for the Northern
District of Florida website. For more information about the United States Attorney’s Office, Northern District of Florida, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/fln/index.html.U.S. Attorney Jeff Jensen Recognizes Police WeekRead the Press Release
St. Louis, Missouri — In honor of National Police Week, U.S. Attorney Jeff Jensen would like to recognize the service and sacrifice of federal, state, and local law enforcement. The week will be observed Sunday, May 10 through Saturday, May 16, 2020.
“There is no more noble profession than serving as a police officer,” said Attorney General William P. Barr. “The men and women who protect our communities each day have not just devoted their lives to public service, they’ve taken an oath to give their lives in order to ensure our safety. And they do so not only in the face of hostility from those who reject our nation’s commitment to the rule of law, but also in the face of evolving adversity – such as an unprecedented global health pandemic. This week, I ask all Americans to join me in saying ‘thank you’ to our nation’s federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement officers. Their devotion and sacrifice to our peace and security will not be taken for granted.”
“During Police Week, our nation celebrates the contributions of police officers from around the country, recognizing their hard work, dedication, loyalty, and commitment in keeping our communities safe. As the United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Missouri, I want to acknowledge the work performed by federal, state, and local law enforcement, who often face uncertain and dangerous situations without question and without expectation of thanks. We want them to know they have our unwavering support and appreciation, we are proud to prosecute their cases,” stated United States Attorney Jeff Jensen.
In 1962, President Kennedy issued the first proclamation for Peace Officers Memorial Day and National Police Week to remember and honor law enforcement officers for their service and sacrifices. Peace Officers Memorial Day, which every year falls on May 15, specifically honors law enforcement officers killed or disabled in the line of duty.
This year the COVID-19 pandemic has underscored law enforcement officers’ courage and unwavering devotion to the communities they swore to serve.
Based on data collected and analyzed by the FBI’s Law Enforcement Officer Killed and Assaulted (LEOKA) Program, 89 law enforcement officers died nationwide in the line of duty in 2019, including two officers here in the Eastern District of Missouri.
Comprehensive data tables about these incidents and brief narratives describing most of the fatal attacks are included in the sections of Law Enforcement Officers Killed and Assaulted, 2019.
The names of the fallen officers who have been added in 2020 to the wall at the National Law Enforcement Memorial will be read on Wednesday, May 13, 2020, during a Virtual Annual Candlelight Vigil. Because public events have been suspended as a result of COVID-19, the vigil will be livestreamed to the public at 8:00 pm (EDT). The online event can be viewed at https://www.youtube.com/user/TheNLEOMF.
U.S. Attorney Jensen announced the release of three video public service announcements (“PSA”) honoring the service of our law enforcement officers across the country.
Supporting Law Enforcement During Police Week 2020
https://youtu.be/3bHlVOi3NJI
Police Week 2020 – Honoring Law Enforcement for their Service and Selflessness
https://youtu.be/U2vnTUVCvHA
Honoring the Sacrifices of Law Enforcement during Police Week 2020
https://youtu.be/cFG52fcUIZc
U.S. Attorney Erica H. MacDonald Appoints New Missing and Murdered Indigenous Persons CoordinatorRead the Press Release
U.S. Attorney Erica H. MacDonald today announced the appointment of Christopher Boeckers to serve as the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Persons (MMIP) Coordinator for the District of Minnesota. As the MMIP Coordinator Mr. Boeckers’s role will be to support investigations into missing and murdered persons, consult with tribal communities to assist in the creation and implementation of community action plans, coordinate with tribal, local, state, and federal law enforcement in the development of protocols and procedures for responding to and addressing MMIP cases, and promote improvement of data collection and analyses in a multi-jurisdictional district.
“Minnesota was selected to receive one of only 11 MMIP Coordinator positions in the nation,” said U.S. Attorney Erica MacDonald. “This critical resource will enhance collaboration between tribal, state, and federal law enforcement agencies in our shared goal of putting an end to this staggering problem. Mr. Boeckers will play an important part in assisting with existing MMIP cases as well as working to prevent future ones.”
Prior to joining the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Mr. Boeckers served as a Special Agent working Indian Country and violent crime matters with the Federal Bureau of Investigation for 20 years.
On November 22, 2019, Attorney General William P. Barr launched a national strategy to address missing and murdered Native Americans. When establishing the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Persons (MMIP) Initiative the Department of Justice made an initial investment of $1.5 million to hire 11 MMIP coordinators in 11 states to serve with all U.S. Attorney’s offices in those states, and others who require assistance. In addition to Minnesota, Alaska, Arizona, Montana, Oklahoma, Michigan, Utah, Nevada, Oregon, New Mexico, and Washington state were selected.
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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United States Attorney’s Office, District of Minnesota: (612) 664-5600
U.S. Attorney Brady Announces $676K Grant to Address COVID-19 Pandemic in the City of PittsburghRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH - U.S. Attorney Scott W. Brady today announced that the Department of Justice has awarded the City of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, $676,895 in DOJ grants to purchase supplies that are essential for responding to the public safety challenges posed by the outbreak of COVID-19.
The grant awarded to Pittsburgh is available under the Coronavirus Emergency Supplemental Funding program, authorized by the recent stimulus legislation signed by President Trump. In addition, the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency has been awarded $17.6 million in grants that can be distributed to eligible governmental agencies throughout Pennsylvania, including western Pennsylvania. The Justice Department is moving quickly, awarding grants on a rolling basis and aiming to have funds available for drawdown as soon as possible after receiving applications, which are not due until May 29, 2020.
From the moment these grants became available, U.S. Attorney Brady has dedicated staff to ensure that all eligible agencies in western Pennsylvania have the opportunity to apply and receive funds promptly. Since then, the Office has worked with eligible applicants to assist them in the grant process.
"The men and women on the front line of this pandemic deserve our deepest appreciation for answering the call to serve regardless of the danger," U.S. Attorney Brady said. "The public safety funds being made available through DOJ’s Coronavirus Emergency Supplemental Funding program can be used for the most pressing needs of our state and local partners, including new hiring and overtime pay, training, critical personal protective equipment and supplies, and the medical needs of prisoners."
"We'd like to thank the Department of Justice/Bureau of Justice Assistance for recognizing the hard work of our public safety personnel and Highly Infectious Disease Transport Team (ECHO) in EMS by awarding us this grant to cover the costs of extra measures taken to keep them safe during this pandemic," said Pittsburgh Mayor William Peduto. "Their safety and the safety of our neighbors continue to be our top priority."
Agencies that were eligible for the fiscal year 2019 State and Local Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant Program are candidates for the emergency funding. Local units of government and tribes will receive direct awards separately according to their jurisdictions’ allocations.
The Office of Justice Programs, directed by Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Katharine T. Sullivan, provides federal leadership, grants, training, technical assistance and other resources to improve the nation’s capacity to prevent and reduce crime, assist victims and enhance the rule of law by strengthening the criminal and juvenile justice systems. More information about OJP and its components can be found at www.ojp.gov.
U.S. Attorney Brady Announces $45K Grant to Address COVID-19 Pandemic in the Borough of IndianaRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH - U.S. Attorney Scott W. Brady today announced that the Borough of Indiana, Pennsylvania, received $45,845 in Department of Justice grants to respond to the public safety challenges posed by the outbreak of COVID-19.
The grant is available under the Coronavirus Emergency Supplemental Funding program, authorized by the recent stimulus legislation signed by President Trump. In addition, the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency has been awarded $17.6 million in grants that can be distributed to eligible governmental agencies throughout Pennsylvania, including western Pennsylvania. The Justice Department is moving quickly, awarding grants on a rolling basis and aiming to have funds available for drawdown as soon as possible after receiving applications, which are not due until May 29, 2020.
From the moment these grants became available, U.S. Attorney Brady has dedicated staff to ensure that all eligible agencies in western Pennsylvania have the opportunity to apply and receive funds promptly. Since then, the Office has worked with eligible applicants to assist them in the grant process.
"The men and women on the front line of this pandemic deserve our deepest appreciation for answering the call to serve regardless of the danger," U.S. Attorney Brady said. "The public safety funds being made available through DOJ’s Coronavirus Emergency Supplemental Funding program can be used for the most pressing needs of our state and local partners, including new hiring and overtime pay, training, critical personal protective equipment and supplies, and the medical needs of prisoners."
"We are very appreciative of the opportunity to utilize the Coronavirus Emergency Supplemental Funding award to maximize our public safety efforts while best protecting community and workplace health," said Indiana Borough Police Chief Justin Schawl. "Navigating this unprecedented moment has been challenging and unexpected, but award funding enables us to maintain a strategy in support of community and workplace health and safety while continuing to be good stewards of Borough funds. We are grateful for the assistance and support of US. Attorney Scott Brady and staff as we navigated the grant application process."
Agencies that were eligible for the fiscal year 2019 State and Local Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant Program are candidates for the emergency funding. Local units of government and tribes will receive direct awards separately according to their jurisdictions’ allocations.
The Office of Justice Programs, directed by Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Katharine T. Sullivan, provides federal leadership, grants, training, technical assistance and other resources to improve the nation’s capacity to prevent and reduce crime, assist victims and enhance the rule of law by strengthening the criminal and juvenile justice systems. More information about OJP and its components can be found at www.ojp.gov.
Texas Man Sentenced to 60 Years in Prison for Sexually Abusing a Child in Hundreds of Videos and ImagesRead the Press Release
A man from Water Valley, Texas, was sentenced today to serve 60 years in prison for producing hundreds of videos and images of himself sexually abusing a child, announced U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Texas Erin Nealy Cox.
Douglas Stephen Groover, 37, was sentenced after pleading guilty in February 2020 to two counts of production of child pornography. The sentence, which was imposed by United States District Judge James Wesley Hendrix of the Northern District of Texas, also included a lifetime term of supervised release and a restitution award of $53,000.
According to court documents, in addition to the hundreds of videos and images he created of himself sexually abusing a minor, he also admitted to sexually abusing at least two additional minors. Groover also admitted to maintaining a large collection of child pornography, which included depictions of the sexual abuse of infants and toddlers, sadism and bestiality.
The case was investigated by HSI’s San Angelo, Texas, office, and the Tom Green County Sheriff’s Office with assistance from the High Technology Investigative Unit within the Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS) of the U.S. Department of Justice’s Criminal Division. Trial Attorney Kyle P. Reynolds of CEOS and Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeffrey R. Haag prosecuted the case along with former Assistant U.S. Attorney Russell H. Lorfing.
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 U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
Texas Man Sentenced to 60 Years in Prison for Sexually Abusing a Child in Hundreds of Videos and ImagesRead the Press Release
A man from Water Valley, Texas, was sentenced today to serve 60 years in prison for producing hundreds of videos and images of himself sexually abusing a child.
Douglas Stephen Groover, 37, was sentenced after pleading guilty in February 2020 to two counts of production of child pornography. The sentence, which was imposed by U.S. District Judge James Wesley Hendrix of the Northern District of Texas, also included a lifetime term of supervised release and a restitution award of $53,000.
According to court documents, in addition to the hundreds of videos and images he created of himself sexually abusing a minor, he also admitted to sexually abusing at least two additional minors. Groover also admitted to maintaining a large collection of child pornography, which included depictions of the sexual abuse of infants and toddlers, sadism and bestiality.
The case was investigated by HSI’s San Angelo, Texas, office, and the Tom Green County Sheriff’s Office with assistance from the High Technology Investigative Unit within the Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS) of the U.S. Department of Justice’s Criminal Division. Trial Attorney Kyle P. Reynolds of CEOS and Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeffrey R. Haag prosecuted the case along with former Assistant U.S. Attorney Russell H. Lorfing.
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 U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
The year 2020 marks the 150th anniversary of the Department of Justice. Learn more about the history of our agency at www.Justice.gov/Celebrating150Years.
Tacoma Man Sentenced to 46 Months in Federal Prison for Violating Domestic Violence No-Contact OrderRead the Press Release
PORTLAND, Ore.—Deshawn Everett Little Eagle, 31, of Tacoma, Washington, was sentenced today to 46 months in federal prison and three years’ supervised release for repeatedly and deliberately violating a domestic violence no-contact order.
According to court documents, in 2018, Little Eagle strangled and beat adult victim one (AV1) and her 4-year-old child in Tacoma, Washington. AV1’s parents reported suspicious bruising to the child, resulting in the issuance of a no-contact order by the Superior Court of Pierce County, Washington on October 30, 2018. The order, signed by Little Eagle, prohibited him from contacting, communicating with, or coming into physical proximity with AV1.
Between December 4, 2018 and January 7, 2019, Little Eagle called AV1 more than 100 times and, on January 9, 2019, admitted, in a text message with a relative of AV1, that he knew about the protective order. Later, on January 9, Little Eagle travelled from Tacoma to Celilo Village, Oregon where AV1 was staying with her parents. Over the next three days, Little Eagle argued with AV1, broke her phone, and damaged property at AV1’s parent’s home.
On January 12, 2019, neighbors observed AV1 crying as she and Little Eagle left Celilo Village to travel to Washington State. AV1 later told officers that during this trip, Little Eagle threatened to kill her and himself. On January 14, 2019, when Little Eagle returned AV1 to Celilo Village, a Columbia River Intertribal Fish Commission Officer arrested him for violating the protective order. After his arrest, Little Eagle called AV1 from custody at least 50 times, again violating the protective order.
On March 6, 2019, a federal grand jury in Portland returned two-count indictment charging Little Eagle with interstate violation of a protection order—travel or conduct of the offender and casuing travel of a victim. On March 20, 2020, Little Eagle pleaded guilty to one count of interstate violation of a protection order—travel or conduct of the offender.
During sentencing, U.S. District Court Judge Anna J. Brown ordered a restitution hearing to be set in July, 2020.
This case was investigated by the Columbia River Intertribal Fish Commission Enforcement department and the FBI. It was prosecuted by Jennifer Martin, Assistant U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon.
Domestic violence is a serious violent crime that includes both physical and emotional abuse. It is frequently hidden from public view. Many survivors suffer in silence, afraid to seek help or not knowing where to turn. The traumatic effects of domestic violence also extend beyond the abused person, impacting family members and communities.
If you or someone you know are in immediate danger, please call 911.
If you need assistance or know someone who needs help, please contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233). Many communities throughout the country have developed support networks to assist survivors in the process of recovery.
The StrongHearts Native Helpline offers culturally specific support and advocacy for American Indian and Alaska Native survivors of domestic violence. Please call 1-844-762-8483 or visit www.strongheartshelpline.org for more information.
St. Louis City Man Sentenced for Stealing Bank Funds from an Elderly CoupleRead the Press Release
St. Louis – Ojay Smith, 33, of St. Louis, Missouri, was sentenced to 48 months in prison for bank fraud and aggravated identity theft. He appeared in federal court today before U.S. District Judge Stephen N. Limbaugh, Jr. who also ordered Smith to pay $22,327.80 in restitution to the victims.
According to court documents, Smith obtained the personal bank checking account number of the two victims, who were both above the age of 70. Between March 13, 2018 and September 20, 2018, Smith used the victims’ account number to electronically transmit funds from the victims’ account to pay his own creditors and the creditors of others. In exchange for paying the debts of others, the debtors paid Smith a percentage of the bill that was to be paid. More than $22,000 in fraudulent transactions were made or attempted to be made, from the victims’ bank account.
The U.S. Secret Service investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Tracy Berry handled the case for the U.S. Attorney’s Office as part of the Department of Justice Elder Justice Initiative.
The Department of Justice Elder Justice Initiative is dedicated to investigating and prosecuting financial crimes targeting older adults. The Eastern District of Missouri Identity Theft Task Force is a group of federal, state and local law enforcement agencies working together to combat identity theft and its related crimes across the St. Louis Community.
Sixty one year old Polk County man who met teenage girls online indicted on multiple counts of producing child pornographyRead the Press Release
ROME, Ga. - Virgil “Bud” Jesse Dupree, Jr., has been arraigned on multiple counts of producing and possessing child pornography.
“We have zero tolerance for those who target and victimize children,” said U.S. Attorney Byung J. “BJay” Pak. “This case is a reminder of the types of predators that lurk online, and that parents need to be vigilant in monitoring their children’s social media activity.”
“Our investigators are confronted every day with the reality that some people are intent on hurting and abusing our young children,” said Chris Hacker, Special Agent in Charge of FBI Atlanta. “That is why we are committed to protecting them and to prosecuting anyone who tries to harm them.”
According to U.S. Attorney Pak, the charges, and other information presented in court: Since at least May 2016, Dupree communicated with teenage girls he met on an online messenger service. While chatting with these girls, Dupree allegedly induced at least four minor girls to send him sexually explicit images and videos of themselves over the Internet. During the execution of a search warrant at his residence in May 2019, agents recovered multiple electronic devices containing thousands of images and videos of child pornography. These images included sexually explicit images and videos of the girls that he met online.
Virgil “Bud” Jesse Dupree, Jr., 61, of Rockmart, Georgia, was arraigned before U.S. Magistrate Judge Walter E. Johnson. Dupree was indicted by a federal grand jury on March 10, 2020. Members of the public are reminded that the indictment only contains charges. The defendant is presumed innocent of the charges and it will be the government’s burden to prove the defendant’s guilt beyond a reasonable doubt at trial.
Anyone with information, or who may have been a victim in this case, please contact the FBI at 770-216-3000.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation is investigating this case, with cooperation from the Polk County Police Department.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Alex R. Sistla is prosecuting the case.
This case is being brought as part of Project Safe Childhood. In February 2006, the Attorney General launched Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative designed to protect children from online exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorney’s Offices around the country, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
For further information please contact the U.S. Attorney’s Public Affairs Office at [email protected] or (404) 581-6016. The Internet address for the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Georgia is http://www.justice.gov/usao-ndga.
Sioux Falls Man Sentenced for Meth Trafficking ConspiracyRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a Sioux Falls, South Dakota, man convicted of Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance was sentenced on May 11, 2020, by U.S. District Judge Karen E. Schreier.
Alex Geoffery Lang, age 25, was sentenced to 114 months in federal custody, followed by 5 years of supervised release. He was also ordered to pay $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.
Lang was indicted for Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance by a federal grand jury on January 7, 2020. He pled guilty on January 28, 2020.
Beginning at an unknown date and continuing until on or about January 7, 2020, in the District of South Dakota and elsewhere, Lang, knowingly and intentionally combined, conspired, confederated, and agreed together, with others known and unknown, to knowingly and intentionally distribute a mixture and substance containing 500 grams or more of methamphetamine.
This case was investigated by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Drug Enforcement Administration, Sioux Falls Police Department, Minnehaha County Sheriff’s Office and the Department of Criminal Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jennifer D. Mammenga prosecuted the case.
Lang was immediately turned over to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
San Francisco-Based Building Contractor and Former Building Commission Member Charged with Bank FraudRead the Press Release
SAN FRANCISCO – Rodrigo Santos was charged in a criminal complaint with bank fraud in connection with a scheme to divert into his personal bank account funds that his clients intended to be paid to the San Francisco Department of Building Inspection (“DBI”) and other city departments, announced United States Attorney David L. Anderson and Federal Bureau of Investigation Special Agent in Charge John F. Bennett.
According to the complaint filed May 11, 2020, Santos, 61, of San Francisco, is the principal and co-founder of Santos and Urrutia Structural Engineers, Inc., a structural engineering company based in San Francisco. Santos has been involved with inspection work in the city both through his firm and through political appointments. For example, Santos was appointed to the San Francisco Building Inspection Commission in 2000 and as the Commission’s President in 2004 by then-Mayors Willie Brown and Gavin Newsom, respectively.
As evidence of bank fraud, the complaint alleges that between January 13, 2016, and March 18, 2019, Santos deposited a number of checks into his personal bank account that had been written to third-party departments, companies, and an individual. The complaint alleges that Santos fraudulently deposited into his personal account 261 checks totaling $478,377.83. Specifically, the complaint describes several examples of Santos’ alleged diversion of the funds of individual clients. In one example, Santos instructed joint owners of a residential project to write a blank check to DBI for the uncertain cost of obtaining a purported permit from the agency. After the owners wrote a check to DBI for an amount “not to exceed $3,000,” the check ultimately was deposited into Santos’s personal account with the hand-written endorsement “DBI” on the reverse of the check. In another example, the owners of a different residential project wrote several checks they believed would be submitted to DBI or San Francisco’s Department of Public Works for various permits. Santos caused four of the checks to be deposited into his personal bank account with “DPW” or “DBI” hand-written in the endorsement field on the reverse of the check. In yet another example, the homeowners wrote a check in the amount of $1,314.50 as pay to the order “DBI,” and Santos added letters changing “DBI” to “RoDBIgo SANTOS.” The check was deposited into Santos’s personal bank account.
Finally, the complaint alleges that, when confronted with this evidence, Santos submitted forged invoices to the FBI.
Santos is charged with bank fraud, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 1344. If convicted, Santos faces a statutory maximum of 30 years in prison and a $1,000,000 fine. However, any sentence following conviction would be imposed by the court only after consideration of the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and the federal statute governing the imposition of a sentence, 18 U.S.C. § 3553.
The charges contained in the criminal complaint are mere allegations. As in any criminal case, the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
Santos was arrested this morning and appeared before U.S Magistrate Judge Alex Tse. Magistrate Judge Tse ordered Santos released on a $100,000 bond. Santos’s next court appearance is scheduled for Friday, May 15, 2020, before U.S. Magistrate Judge Donna M. Ryu for identification of counsel.
The case is being prosecuted by the Special Prosecutions Section of the U.S. Attorney’s Office. The case is being investigated by the FBI. San Francisco City Attorney Dennis Herrera also alleged in a lawsuit unsealed in March 2020 that Santos engaged in check fraud.
Salvadoran National Sentenced to 12 Months for Preventing His Removal from the United StatesRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS – U.S. Attorney Peter Strasser announced today that JOSE ARMANDO VILLALOBOS (“VILLALOBOS”), age 49, a citizen of El Salvador, was sentenced on April 30, 2020 to serve (12) months in Federal Prison on a one-count indictment for preventing or hampering his departure from the United States after he was ordered removed by a U.S. Immigration Court in violation of Title 8, United States Code, Section 1253(a)(1)(C).
According to the indictment, VILLALOBOS, who had an order of removal pending against him from a U.S. Immigration Court, hampered his removal when he fled immigration officers as they tried to arrest him on July 25, 2019. VILLALOBOS, faced a maximum term of imprisonment of four years, a maximum fine of $250,000, a maximum term of supervised release of one year, and a mandatory $100 special assessment.
U.S. Attorney Strasser praised the work of the United States Department of Homeland Security in investigating this matter. Assistant U. S. Attorney Spiro G. Latsis is in charge of the prosecution.
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Rogers Man Sentenced to over 5 Years in Federal Prison on Child PornographyRead the Press Release
Fayetteville, Arkansas – David Clay Fowlkes, Acting United States Attorney for the Western District of Arkansas, announced today that Martin Rosales-Rodriguez, age 20, of Rogers, Arkansas, was sentenced today to 70 months in federal prison followed by ten years of supervised release on one count of Receipt of Child Pornography. The Honorable Timothy L. Brooks, United States District Judge, presided over the sentencing hearing in the United States District Court in Fayetteville.
According to court records, in March 2018, members of the Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force identified an IP address that was using a file sharing network to obtain suspected child pornography files. The IP address was traced to Rosales-Rodriguez’s residence in Rogers, Arkansas. On April 16, 2019, a federal search warrant was executed at Rosales-Rodriguez’s residence. Law enforcement confiscated and later searched digital devices from the residence and discovered images of child pornography.
Rosales-Rodriguez was indicted in June of 2019 and entered a guilty plea in October of 2019.
This case was investigated by the Department of Homeland Security and the Northwest Arkansas Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force. Assistant United States Attorney Amy Driver prosecuted the case for the United States.
Rochester Man Charged with Fraudulently Taking over, Draining Retirement AccountRead 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 Isaiah Lopez, 29, of Rochester, NY, was arrested and charged by criminal complaint with financial institution fraud and aggravated identity theft. The charges carry a minimum penalty of two years in prison, a maximum penalty of 30 years in prison, and a $1,000,000 fine.
Assistant U.S. Attorney John J. Field, who is handling the case, stated that according to the complaint, the defendant fraudulently obtained control of the bank account belonging to a Rochester area victim that contained retirement funds. Lopez posed as the victim, prompting the bank to issue and send a replacement debit card and PIN number to a different address. The defendant then used the fraudulently-obtained card to withdraw approximately $188,000 from the victim’s account in late 2019 and early 2020.
Lopez made an initial appearance today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Marian W. Payson and was detained.
The criminal complaint is the result of an investigation by the United States Postal Inspection Service, Boston Division, under the direction of Inspector-in-Charge Joseph W. Cronin, Boston Division; the Irondequoit Police Department, acting under the direction of Chief Richard Tantalo, and New York State Police, acting under the direction of Major Eric Laughton.
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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Rap Video Shoot Gets Gang Member 55 Months in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
RALEIGH, N.C. – A Raleigh man was sentenced to 55 months in prison for a felon in possession of a firearm charge.
According to court documents, Officers with the Raleigh Police Department found Andrea Farrington, Jr., 23, a validated member of the G-Shine (Gangsta Killer) set of the United Blood Nation, with a semi-automatic rifle with an extended magazine during a rap video shoot on May 3, 2019. This incident took place 2 days after Farrington pled guilty to his fourth felony possession of cocaine conviction in a Wake County District Court. At the time of his arrest, Farrington was under judicial supervision for 5 separate state criminal convictions, including 3 felony possession of cocaine convictions and two misdemeanor convictions for child abuse.
This case is part of Project Guardian, the Department of Justice’s signature initiative to reduce gun violence and enforce federal firearms laws. Initiated by the Attorney General in the fall of 2019, Project Guardian draws upon the Department’s past successful programs to reduce gun violence; enhances coordination of federal, state, local, and tribal authorities in investigating and prosecuting gun crimes; improves information-sharing by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives when a prohibited individual attempts to purchase a firearm and is denied by the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS), to include taking appropriate actions when a prospective purchaser is denied by the NICS for mental health reasons; and ensures that federal resources are directed at the criminals posing the greatest threat to our communities. For more information about Project Guardian, please see: https://www.justice.gov/projectguardian.
This case is also 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 United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of North Carolina implements the PSN Program through its Take Back North Carolina Initiative. This initiative emphasizes the regional assignment of federal prosecutors to work with law enforcement and District Attorney’s Offices on a sustained basis in those communities to reduce the violent crime rate, drug trafficking, and crimes against law enforcement.
Robert J. Higdon, Jr., U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina, made the announcement after sentencing by Chief U.S. District Judge Terrence W. Boyle. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) and the Raleigh Police Department investigated this case. Assistant United States Attorney J.D. Koesters prosecuted the case.
A copy of this press release is located on our website.
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The year 2020 marks the 150th anniversary of the Department of Justice. Learn more about the history of our agency at www.Justice.gov/Celebrating150Years.
Raceland Man Sentenced to 120 Months for Possession of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
LEXINGTON, Ky. - A Raceland, Kentucky, man, Gary Kendall, age 66, was sentenced in federal court on Monday, to 120 months in prison, by U.S. District Court Judge David Bunning, for possession of child pornography.
According to his plea agreement, Kentucky State Police began investigating Kendall based on a cybertip from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC). According to the tip, the electronic service provider Chatstep reported to NCMEC that it had information that, on or about January 6, 2017, a suspected image of child pornography had been uploaded by a user of its internet chat service. A search executed at Kendall’s residence revealed a hard drive with five images depicting sexual images of females who were under 12 years old. Kendall admitted that he used Chatstep and that he would go to the site, pretending that he was a little girl, to upload images. Kendall was already a lifetime registered sex offender at the time of the investigation. Kendall previously was convicted in U.S. District Court in the Southern District of West Virginia of receiving child pornography in March 2001.
Robert M. Duncan, Jr., United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky; James Robert Brown, Jr., Special Agent in Charge, FBI Louisville Field Division; and Commissioner Rodney Brewer, Kentucky State Police, made the announcement.
The investigation was directed by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Kentucky State Police. The United States was represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Emily K. Greenfield.
Under federal law, Kendall must serve 85 percent of his prison sentence and will be under the supervision of the U.S. Probation Office for 15 years, following his release.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
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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Prince George’s County Drug Dealer Sentenced to 10 Years in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
Greenbelt, Maryland – U.S. District Judge Paula Xinis sentenced Kenneth Donnell Hoffman, age 43, of District Heights, Maryland, to 10 years in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release, for possession with intent to distribute controlled substances, including crack cocaine, for possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, and for two counts of violating his federal supervised release related to convictions in 2004 and 2008. As stated in his plea agreement, Hoffman is also required to forfeit a loaded 9mm handgun and over $1,600 cash seized during a search of his home. The sentence was imposed on May 11, 2020.
The sentence was announced by United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Robert K. Hur; Special Agent in Charge Timothy Jones of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Baltimore Field Division; and Chief Henry P. Stawinski III of the Prince George’s County Police Department.
According to Hoffman’s plea agreement, on January 22, 2018, officers encountered Hoffman in his vehicle and saw what they believed to be crack cocaine in plain view. The officers ordered Hoffman out of the vehicle, but instead Hoffman drove away, crashing the car a short time later and continuing to flee on foot. While he ran away, Hoffman dropped a 9mm handgun, loaded with eight rounds of 9mm ammunition, which was subsequently recovered by police. A search of the vehicle recovered approximately 4.8 grams of crack cocaine packaged in small baggies for distribution.
On January 31, 2018, law enforcement executed a search warrant at Hoffman’s residence and recovered powder and crack cocaine, phencyclidine (PCP), drug paraphernalia, $1,617 cash, which were drug proceeds, 20 rounds of 9mm ammunition, and a .22-caliber semi-automatic handgun loaded with 12 rounds of .22-caliber ammunition. Due to his previous convictions, Hoffman was prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition.
United States Attorney Robert K. Hur praised the ATF and Prince George’s County Police Department for their work in the investigation. Mr. Hur thanked Assistant U.S. Attorneys Michael Cunningham and Leah Grossi, who prosecuted the case.
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Philadelphia Man Arrested and Charged with Assaulting Federal Protective Service Security OfficersRead the Press Release
PHILADELPHIA – United States Attorney William M. McSwain announced that William K. Washington, 65, of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, was arrested and charged by Criminal Complaint with assaulting and resisting two federal officers, a Class D felony. The Complaint alleges that Washington assaulted two Department of Homeland Security, Federal Protective Service (FPS) security officers at a Social Security Administration (SSA) office in Philadelphia on May 8, 2020. The defendant appeared today via video teleconference before United States Magistrate Judge Linda K. Caracappa for his initial appearance and arraignment.
The Complaint alleges that Washington forced his way inside the SSA office at 701 East Chelten Avenue, after he was told by a FPS security officer that the office was closed to the public because of the coronavirus pandemic. Washington refused to leave even after he was ordered to do so; he then resisted as the officers physically removed him from the premises. The Complaint further alleges that Washington punched one of the officers multiple times and injured both officers during the encounter.
“The defendant allegedly barged into a closed federal office, refused to listen to repeated instructions to leave, and then escalated the encounter to the point that he injured two federal security officers who were simply doing their job,” said U.S. Attorney McSwain. “Such behavior is intolerable and my Office will always take swift action to hold accountable anybody who assaults officers who protect and serve the public on federal property.”
If convicted, the defendant faces a maximum possible sentence of eight years in prison.
The case was investigated by the Federal Protective Service and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Albert S. Glenn.
An indictment, information, or criminal complaint is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
New York Man Pleads Guilty in Heroin and Fentanyl Trafficking ConspiracyRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, Pa. -A New York resident pleaded guilty in federal court to charges involving heroin and fentanyl trafficking, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.
Erick Alexander Martinez, age 33, of Croton-on-Hudson, New York, pleaded guilty before Senior United States District Judge Nora Barry Fischer to Count One of an Indictment charging him with conspiring to possess with intent to distribute and to distribute one kilogram or more of heroin and 400 grams or more of fentanyl.
In connection with the guilty plea, the Court was advised that on January 30, 2019, investigators with the Federal Bureau of Investigation and Pennsylvania State Police Drug Law Enforcement Division executed a search warrant at an apartment located in Pittsburgh, which was utilized by Martinez and his alleged coconspirators, Brandon Winters and Eduard Rijo. Upon entry into the apartment, case agents located Winters, Rijo, and Martinez, approximately 1,500 "bricks" (the equivalent of roughly 75,000 individual dosage units) containing mixtures of heroin and fentanyl. Additionally, case agents seized over $250,000 in U.S. Currency, which was found in and around Mr. Martinez and his alleged coconspirators.
Judge Fischer scheduled sentencing for September 15, 2020 at 9:00 a.m. The law provides for a total sentence of not less than 10 years and up to life in prison, a fine not to exceed $10,000,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant United States Attorneys Jerome A. Moschetta and Tonya Sulia Goodman are prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Pennsylvania State Police conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Martinez.
New Jersey Man Sentenced for Purchasing Turtles in Violation of the Lacey ActRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – United States Attorney Peter G. Strasser announced that ROBERT GLENN HENNESSEY, age 67, a resident of New Jersey, was sentenced today after previously pleading guilty to exporting from Louisiana into New Jersey, 25 common box turtles, from May 19, 2017 to June 14, 2017. United States District Court Judge Greg G. Guidry sentenced HENNESSEY to twelve (12) months of probation and ordered him to pay a $2,000 fine as well as a $100 special assessment fee.
According to court documents, United States Fish & Wildlife Service agents were conducting an investigation into the unlawful capture and interstate sale of various domestic turtle species. The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) is a multilateral treaty signed in 1975, which was designed to ensure the survival of certain plants and animals. These plants and animals are listed within 3 appendices in CITES. Species listed on Appendix II of CITES may become threatened with extinction unless trade is strictly regulated. Since February 16, 1995, the common box turtle (Terrapene Carolina) has been listed on Appendix II of CITES. The Lacey Act makes it unlawful to import, export, sell, acquire, or purchase wildlife (listed in CITES) in interstate commerce, that is in violation of any state law. Louisiana has several statutes that prohibit threatened reptiles such as the common box turtle, from being sold or entered into commerce, without proper licensing.
During the course of the investigation, the agents developed evidence that Louisiana residents were involved in the capture and subsequent interstate sale of common box turtles to out of state purchasers. One of these sellers cooperated with agents and negotiated the sale of 25 common box turtles to the defendant. Agents then PIT (Passive Integrated Transponder) tagged the turtles, packaged and transported them to the United States Postal Inspection Service (USPIS) for delivery. A USPIS agent then conducted a controlled delivery of the turtles to the defendant’s residence and later executed a search warrant, wherein many of the turtles were identified by their PIT tags. HENNESSEY ultimately admitted that he did not possess any permits for any of the turtles and knew that by purchasing them in interstate commerce, he was violating state law.
U.S. Attorney Strasser praised the work of the United States Fish and Wildlife Service, the United States Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations, and the United States Postal Inspection Service, in investigating this matter. He also thanked the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of New Jersey for their assistance. Assistant United States Attorney Jon Maestri is in charge of the prosecution.
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National Police Week 2020: NDTX Backs the BlueRead the Press Release
Even as the COVID-19 crisis disrupts our nation, law enforcement in North Texas has stepped up to keep our citizens safe.
In honor of National Police Week, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Texas partnered with District Attorney’s Office from across North Texas to thank the many officers and agents who have gone above and beynd the call of duty. You can watch the video on Twitter or Facebook.
United States Attorney Erin Nealy Cox: Even as a public health crisis disrupts our nation, law enforcement in North Texas has really stepped up.
Courtney Coker, Deputy Criminal Chief: They’ve been hard at work, patrolling our streets …
Laura Montes, Assistant U.S. Attorney: … arresting dangerous criminals …
Jeff Haag, West Texas Branch Chief: … conducting investigations …
Lillian Stewart, Managing Assistant U.S. Attorney: … and keeping our citizens safe.
Steve Fahey, Acting First Assistant U.S. Attorney: Our rank and file officers and agents are exceeding the call of duty, putting themselves at risk to maintain law and order.
Alex Lewis, Fort Worth Branch Chief: So from all of us here at the United States Attorney’s Office …
Felicia Kerney, Dallas County District Attorney’s Office: … and from local prosecutors in Dallas …
Tiffany Burks, Tarrant County District Attorney’s Office: … Tarrant County …
Eddie Wharff, Lubbock County District Attorney’s Office: … in Lubbock …
Robert Love, Randall County District Attorney’s Office: … the Panhandle …
Katherine Miller, Assistant U.S. Attorney: … and from all the citizens of the Northern District of Texas …
Steve Fahey: Thank you.
Laura Montes: Thank you.
Tiffany Burks: Thank you.
Alex Lewis: Thank you.
Robert Love: Thank you.
Felicia Kerney: Thank you.
Jeff Haag: Thank you.
Erin Nealy Cox: So to our federal, state, and local law enforcement partners, we’re forever grateful for the way you’ve had our backs during the COVID-19 pandemic. We promise you one thing: We’ll always back the blue.
NDTX Roundup: Amarillo Grand JuryRead the Press Release
CHARGED – Lakee Ealey, Crystal Ealey & Rodrick McKinney *
On May 6, a federal grand jury in Amarillo indicted Lakee Donae Ealey, 38, Crystal Hernandez Ealey, 33, and Rodrick Rashad McKinney, 21, on one count each of conspiracy to interfere with commerce by robbery, interference with commerce by robbery, and brandishing a firearm during a crime of violence. The defendants allegedly stole approximately $933,000 from an armored vehicle owned by Brinks, a security logistic company. They allegedly threatened the driver at gunpoint, then fled the scene, money in hand, in a pickup truck they later set on fire. The defendants face up to 47 years in federal prison. The case was investigated by the FBI and prosecuted by AUSAs Joe Magliolo and Gary Tromblay of NDTX’s Dallas Office.
CHARGED – Jesse Whitaker *
On May 6, a federal grand jury indicted Jesse Navarro Whitaker, 45, on one count of assaulting a federal officer, one count of being a convicted felon in possession of a firearm, and one count of discharging a firearm during a crime of violence. The defendant allegedly used a Smith & Wesson .40 caliber pistol to assault three Bureau of Prisons correctional officers at FCI Seagoville. Whitaker faces a mandatory minimum of 10 years and up to life in federal prison. The case was investigated by the Bureau of Prisons and prosecuted by AUSA Gary Tromblay of NDTX’s Dallas Office.
CHARGED – 8 alleged drug traffickers *
On May 6, a federal grand jury indicted Carrington Marshall Thomas, 27, Broderick Deshane Jones, 25, Roderick Dewayne Jones, 26, Dominique Rondrell Thompson, 21, Jonathan Taylor Singletary, 25, Adrian Trayvon Spears, 20, Zeric Queontrahl Moore, 23, and James Chadrick Robinson, 21, for conspiracy to knowingly possess firearms in furtherance of drug trafficking crimes. The defendants face up to 20 years in federal prison. The case was investigated by the ATF and prosecuted by AUSA Shawn Smith of NDTX’s Fort Worth Office.
CHARGED – Manuel Chavez & Michelle Miranda *
On May 6, a federal grand jury indicted Manuel Conception Chavez, 28, and Michelle Monique Miranda, 19, on charges of interference with commerce by robbery. On January 19, the pair allegedly used force and threats of violence to steal money from employees of a Family Dollar Store in Dallas. Both defendants face up to 20 years in federal prison. The case was investigated by the FBI and prosecuted by AUSA Abe McGlothin of NDTX’s Dallas Office.
CHARGED – Reginald Foster *
On May 6, a federal grand jury indicted Reginald Santel Foster, 40, on two counts of possession with intent to distribute heroin, one count of possession with intent to distribute cocaine, and one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm, namely a Taurus revolver. Foster faces up to 30 years in federal prison. The case was investigated by the DEA and prosecuted by AUSA Phelesa Guy of NDTX’s Dallas Office.
CHARGED – Shane Burkett *
On May 6, a federal grand jury indicted Shane Dwayne Burkett, 18, on one count of illegal receipt of a firearm by a person under indictment, as well as conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine. The defendant, who was already under indictment in Dallas County for burglary of a building, evading arrest, and unauthorized use of a vehicle, allegedly received a .40 caliber Glock. Burkett faces up to 30 years in federal prison. The case was investigated by Dallas Police Department and Texas DPS and prosecuted by AUSA P.J. Meitl of NDTX’s Dallas Office.
CHARGED – Christopher Owens *
On May 6, a federal grand jury indicted Christopher Darnell Owens, 34, for attempted child sex trafficking and obstruction of justice. If convicted, he faces up to life in federal prison. The case was investigated by HSI and prosecuted by AUSA Becky Ricketts of NDTX’s Dallas Office.
CHARGED – Hannah Edwards *
On May 6, a federal grand jury indicted Hannah Nicole Edwards, 24, for sexual exploitation of a child. The defendant allegedly took lewd photos of a male toddler’s genitals on her iPhone. Edwards faces up to 30 years in federal prison. The case was investigated by the FBI and prosecuted by AUSA Aisha Saleem of NDTX’s Fort Worth Office.
CHARGED – Tania Delarosa *
On May 6, a federal grand jury indicted Tania Delarosa, 42, on an attempted bank robbery charge. On March 27, the defendant allegedly attempted to steal U.S. currency from a Bank of America in Dallas. Delarosa faces up to 20 years in federal prison. The case was investigated by the Dallas Police Department and FBI and prosecuted by AUSA Becky Ricketts of NDTX’s Dallas Office.
CHARGED – Victor Martinez *
On May 6, a federal grand jury indicted Victor Martinez, 40, on conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine, possession with intent to distribute marijuana, possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, prohibited person in possession of a firearm, and possession of an unregistered firearm. The drug-dealing defendant allegedly possessed a gun silencer that was not registered to him in the National Firearms Registration & Transfer Record. Martinez faces up to life in federal custody. The case was investigated by the DEA and prosecuted by AUSA Rachel Jones of NDTX’s Dallas Office.
CHARGED – Franklin Watson *
On May 6, a federal grand jury indicted Franklin Delano Watson, 32, for possession with intent to distribute methylenedioxymethamphetamine, commonly known as ecstasy. Watson faces up to 20 years in federal prison. The case was investigated by the ATF and Texas DPS and prosecuted by AUSA Rob Boudreau of NDTX’s Fort Worth Office.
*All defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
Montrose Woman Arrested for Witness Intimidation After Sharing Court Ordered Protected InformationRead the Press Release
DENVER – United States Attorney Jason R. Dunn announced that Angelina Maestas, age 33, of Montrose, Colorado, who was free on bond after earlier being charged with drug possession and distribution, has now been charged with witness, victim or informant tampering. The Denver Division of the Drug Enforcement Administration joined in today’s announcement.
According to an affidavit in support of the criminal complaint, Maestas was wrongly in possession of discovery documents protected by court order, including Grand Jury and investigative materials from a case where she was charged with possession and distribution of methamphetamine and heroin. The material she possessed included the identity of at least one co-conspirator who she alleged was a person who cooperated with police. She shared the protected material with friends on her Facebook page in violation of a court order, potentially putting the targeted individual in danger.
“When courts seal grand jury and investigatory documents they do so for good reason, including the protection of law enforcement personnel and witnesses,” said U.S. Attorney Jason Dunn. “Those who violate such orders risk lives and the ability of our courts to operate properly, and will prosecuted to the full extent of the law.”
There is a separate investigation underway to determine how the defendant received the court ordered protected material. Maestas was arrested on May 5th for this criminal charge. On May 6, 2020, she made her initial appearance where she was advised of her rights and the charges pending against her. On May 11, 2020, she was ordered held without bond following a detention hearing.
Maestas was one of the thirteen defendants who conspired with each other and others known and unknown to the grand jury to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of actual methamphetamine, 500 grams or more of a mixture of a substance containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine, and less than 100 grams of heroin.
She faces not less than 10 years and up to life in federal prison for the original case. She faces not more than 20 years for witness, victim or informant tampering.
Discovery is a pre-trial procedure in which each party obtains evidence from the other party.
The charges contained in the criminal complaint are allegations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
A criminal complaint is a probable cause charging document. Any one charged by complaint has a Constitutional right to be indicted by a federal grand jury.
Mobridge Man Sentenced for Meth TraffickingRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a Mobridge, South Dakota, man convicted of Conspiracy to Distribute Methamphetamine was sentenced on May 11, 2020, by U.S. District Judge Charles B. Kornmann.
Jeremy Wyatt Bearsheart, age 44, was sentenced to 5 years of probation, a $3,000 fine, and a special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund in the amount of $100.
Bearsheart was indicted by a federal grand jury on May 14, 2019. He pled guilty on November 4, 2019.
The conviction stemmed from a conspiracy beginning on or about August 1, 2014, and continuing to on or about March 1, 2015, wherein Bearsheart knowingly and intentionally conspired with others to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine around Mobridge.
This case was investigated by the Mobridge Police Department and Northern Plains Safe Trails Drug Enforcement Task Force. Assistant U.S. Attorney Cameron J. Cook prosecuted the case.
Missouri Man Indicted for Hate Crime and Arson ChargesRead the Press Release
St. Louis, Missouri – A federal grand jury in Cape Girardeau, Missouri indicted Nicholas J. Proffitt, 42, for his conduct in connection with the April 24, 2020 fire at the Cape Girardeau Islamic Center. The indictment charges Proffitt with damaging religious property because of the property’s religious character, using fire to commit a federal felony, and damaging a building used in interstate commerce through the use of fire.
An indictment is merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
These charges are the result of an investigation by the Cape Girardeau Police Department, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives, the Missouri State Fire Marshal Office, the Perryville Police Department and the Missouri State Highway Patrol. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Keith Sorrell of the United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Missouri, and Trial Attorney Janea Lamar of the United States Department of Justice Civil Rights Division Criminal Section.
Missouri Man Indicted for Hate Crime and Arson ChargesRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – A federal grand jury in Cape Girardeau, Missouri indicted Nicholas J. Proffitt, 42, for his conduct in connection with the April 24, 2020 fire at the Cape Girardeau Islamic Center. The indictment charges Proffitt with damaging religious property because of the property’s religious character, using fire to commit a federal felony, and damaging a building used in interstate commerce through the use of fire.
An indictment is merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
These charges are the result of an investigation by the Cape Girardeau Police Department, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives, the Missouri State Fire Marshal Office, the Perryville Police Department and the Missouri State Highway Patrol. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Keith Sorrell of the United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Missouri, and Trial Attorney Janea Lamar of the United States Department of Justice Civil Rights Division Criminal Section.
Milwaukee, Wauwatosa, and Cudahy Receive $10.2 Million in Awards to Support Efforts to Combat Violent CrimeRead the Press Release
Along with the Justice Department, Matthew D. Krueger, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Wisconsin, announced that the Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS Office) and the Office of Justice Programs’ Bureau of Justice Assistance have awarded more than $61 million in grant funding to support the Attorney General’s Operation Relentless Pursuit (ORP) initiative.
Of that $61 million, the COPS Office awarded $9,712,096 to the Milwaukee Police Department (“MPD”); $226,061 to the Wauwatosa Police Department; and $301,412 to the Cudahy Police Department. Those awards will fund a total of 32 police officers: 30 for MPD and one each for Wauwatosa and Cudahy, respectively.
Launched on Dec. 18, 2019, ORP aims to intensify federal law enforcement resources into seven American cities with violent crime levels several times the national average: Albuquerque, Baltimore, Cleveland, Detroit, Kansas City, Memphis, and Milwaukee.
“While violent crime is down across the country as a whole, some communities remain caught in the grips of violent actors,” said Attorney General William P. Barr. “That’s why I launched Operation Relentless Pursuit last December – an initiative to combat violent crime in seven cities where it remains stubbornly high. Today’s grant awards are critical to our mission. We cannot succeed in eradicating crime without resources – the most vital of which are the brave men and women who serve and protect our communities each day. These funds will boost the forces that need them most.”
“These awards represent an unprecedented commitment of federal resources to fight violent crime in the Milwaukee area,” said United States Attorney Krueger. “These resources could not be more needed: Milwaukee continues to experience unacceptable rates of homicides and gun violence, often linked to drug trafficking and illegal firearm possession. Through Operation Relentless Pursuit, law enforcement partners are united and focused on apprehending the most violent criminals in Milwaukee.”
The COPS Office, through its COPS Hiring Program (CHP), awarded a total of $51 million to be used to hire 214 sworn law enforcement officers for state and local law enforcement task forces. The recipients of the funding will deploy existing veteran officers to task force duties and use the CHP funding to hire new recruits to backfill those positions, as practical. Officers deployed to Operation Relentless Pursuit task forces as a result of CHP funding must be sworn, career law enforcement officers of the awarded agency, and their work on the task force must benefit their jurisdiction. In addition, they are required to work with their respective U.S. Attorney’s Office (USAO) and relevant federal agencies to investigate and prosecute suspects involved in gangs, drug trafficking, and other violent crime-related issues.
“Successful strategies to target and reduce violent crime are extremely resource intensive,” said COPS Office Director Phil Keith. “There is no greater resource than additional men and women on the front lines of relentless fight against gangs, drug traffickers and those that mean harm to our nation’s communities. The funding announced today is greatly needed for the Operation Relentless Pursuit jurisdictions and the COPS Office is honored to dedicate resources for this effort.”
For a breakdown of the awards, please click here. For more information on the COPS Hiring Program ORP grants, please visit: https://cops.usdoj.gov/pdf/2020AwardDocs/chp/FY20_Relentless_Pursuit_Fact_Sheet.pdf
The Office of Justice Programs’ Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA) is making $10 million available to support Operation Relentless Pursuit. BJA funds will support efforts such as the hiring of additional prosecutors, overtime expenses for task force members, multi-agency investigations, mobile data terminals and modern technological platforms, and development of strategic plans to address gaps in combating violent crime. Of the $10 million, BJA will award over $1.4 million to further support efforts combatting violent crime in the City of Milwaukee.
“The responsibility for fighting crime and violence belongs to agencies at every level of government, and winning that fight turns on our ability to deploy our collective resources wisely and effectively,” said Office of Justice Programs Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Katharine T. Sullivan. “We are eager to make these funds available so that our federal, state and local partners can continue the vital and noble work of protecting America’s most dangerous communities.”
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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Mexican Man Pleads Guilty and is Sentenced for Entering U.S. after RemovalRead the Press Release
BANGOR, Maine: A Mexican citizen was sentenced today in federal court in Bangor for entering the United States after removal, U.S. Attorney Halsey B. Frank announced.
Following the acceptance of his guilty plea, U.S. District Judge Lance E. Walker sentenced Victor Rios-Merlin, 41, to time served (over two months).
According to court records, U.S. Border Patrol agents arrested Rios-Merlin in Caribou on March 3, 2020, after they stopped the vehicle in which he was a passenger. Immigration records showed that he had been removed from the U.S. in November 2016.
The U.S. Border Patrol investigated the case.