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Tuesday 25 February 2020
New York Man Admits Role in Wire Fraud ConspiracyRead the Press Release
NEWARK, N.J. – A Bronx, New York, man today admitted engaging in fraudulent activity that exposed victims to more than $1.5 million in losses, U.S. Attorney Craig Carpenito announced.
Joshua Suarez, 33, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Kevin McNulty in Newark federal court to an information charging him with conspiring to commit wire fraud.According to documents filed in the case and statements made in court:
Suarez was a member of a conspiracy to fraudulently obtain money, including by impersonating account holders and obtaining money from their accounts. He recruited and paid individuals to open bank accounts. A member of the conspiracy then caused money to be deposited into the accounts, money that often had been fraudulently obtained by impersonating victims and transferring money out of their financial accounts. Suarez and others then caused money to be withdrawn from the bank accounts. The conspiracy exposed victims to losses of more than $1.5 million.
The conspiracy to commit wire fraud charge carries a maximum potential penalty of 20 years in prison and $250,000 fine, or twice the gross gain or loss from the offense. Sentencing is scheduled for June 29, 2020.
U.S. Attorney Carpenito credited special agents of the FBI, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Gregory W. Ehrie in Newark, and the U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Inspector General, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Michael C. Mikulka in New York, with the investigation leading to today’s guilty plea.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Andrew Kogan of the U.S. Attorney’s Office Cybercrime Unit in Newark.
Defense counsel: Dennis Cleary Esq., West Orange, New Jersey
New Jersey Man Who Traveled to Sacramento to Have Sex with a 13-Year-Old Sentenced to over 12 Years in PrisonRead the Press Release
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Michael Anaya-Otero, 23, of Elizabeth, New Jersey, was sentenced today to 12 years and six months, for traveling interstate with the intent to engage in illicit sexual conduct with a minor and enticement of a minor, U.S. Attorney McGregor W. Scott announced.
According to court documents, in April 2016 and again in January 2017, Anaya-Otero traveled to Placer County in order to engage in sexual conduct with a seventh grader. Anaya flew to Sacramento from New Jersey, picked the victim up from her middle school, and took her to a nearby hotel where he had sexual intercourse with her. Anaya-Otero repeated the trip several months later and again engaged in sexual activity with the same victim. Anaya kept a picture of the sexual contact on his cell phone.
Separately, in June 2017, Anaya-Otero had an online relationship over Snapchat and Instagram with a second juvenile victim, age 14, in El Dorado County. Anaya requested sexually explicit images from this juvenile victim and also kept at least one image from this victim on his cellphone.
“This predator carefully planned his contacts with victims and earned their trust. He traveled across the country, not once but twice,” stated U.S. Attorney Scott. “Anaya’s criminal conduct was only interrupted when he was arrested. Today’s sentence reflects the seriousness of his offenses, affords adequate deterrence and protects the public from further crimes by this defendant. Our office is committed to protecting our children and stopping this type of predatory conduct.”
Anaya-Otero was detained in 2018 when he attempted to enter Canada by car. He stated to the Canadian border agent that he was traveling to Canada to meet a 15-year-old girl he had previously contacted on social media. Anaya-Otero was denied entry into Canada, and images of child pornography on Anaya-Otero’s phone were discovered when he was returned to the United States.
This case was the product of an investigation by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI). Assistant U.S. Attorney Audrey B. Hemesath prosecuted the case.
“Homeland Security Investigations does not allow sexual predators, who commit deviant crimes against children, to go unfettered. HSI Agents are willing to pursue criminals, no matter where they try to hide,” said HSI San Francisco’s Special Agent in Charge Tatum King. “This important sentencing highlights the strong consequences brought to bear for criminal behavior towards minors.”
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute those who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc. Click on the “resources” tab for information about internet safety education.
NDTX Round-Up February 25Read the Press Release
GUILTY PLEA – CHRISTOPHER JO STRINGER
On February 20, Christopher Jo Stringer, 41, pled guilty to convicted felon in possession of a firearm, possession with the intent to distribute, and possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. Stringer told to stop by police, who had been warned that a man was firing a gun at a vehicle. In response, Stringer raised his hands and pointed a pistol at his head for several seconds. He dropped the gun after being told to do so and was arrested without incident. The officers found methamphetamine on his person, and learned that Stringer had previously been convicted of felony burglary. He faces up to 16 years and 5 months in federal custody. This case was investigated by the Dallas Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and prosecuted by AUSA Danielle Jones.
SENTENCINGS – FELIX GIOVANNI RUIZ MENDOZA AND GUSTAVO RUIZ MENDOZA
On February 20, Felix Giovanni Ruiz Mendoza, 27, and Gustavo Ruiz Mendoza, 24, were sentenced to 18 and 19 years respectively for conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine. Law enforcement officers searched two residences in Balch Springs. One of these homes were used as a methamphetamine lab to convert methamphetamine to a crystalline form. The brothers admitted to distributing the methamphetamine in the Dallas are for two months and sending proceeds to Mexico. Officers seized nearly $13,000 and three firearms from the residences. These cases were investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Dallas Field Office, the Dallas Police Department, Balch Springs Police Department, and IRS - Criminal Investigation and prosecuted by AUSA George Leal. To learn more about this case, click here.
SENTENCING – ROBERT LUCAS POTEET
On February 25, Robert Lucas Poteet, 30, was sentenced to a year and 6 months in federal custody for aiding in preparation and presentation of a false and fraudulent return. Poteet received tax paperwork from a coconspirator. Poteet reported a business loss of over $15,000, despite the coconspirator never saying that he owned a business. Poteet knew this was fraudulent, but nevertheless he submitted this return. This case was investigated by the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation and prosecuted by AUSA Douglas Allen.
Michigan Falconer Sentenced for Bartering Migratory Bird Taken from the WildRead the Press Release
MADISON, WIS. – Scott C. Blader, United States Attorney for the Western District of Wisconsin, announced that Edward Taylor, 64, Fruitport, Michigan, was sentenced today by U.S. Magistrate Judge Stephen L. Crocker for engaging in a conspiracy to violate the Lacey Act. Magistrate Judge Crocker imposed a $10,000 fine payable to the Lacey Act Reward Fund, in care of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Taylor paid the fine immediately.
Magistrate Judge Crocker also ordered that Taylor transfer the illegally-taken northern goshawk to the government so that it could be taken to a wildlife rehabilitator for its eventual release back into the wild. Taylor turned the northern goshawk over to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service this morning.
On December 11, 2019, Taylor pleaded guilty to arranging with his co-conspirator James Kitzman to barter a northern goshawk taken from the wild in Vilas County, Wisconsin in exchange for a captive-bred Finnish goshawk. It was part of the conspiracy that they covered up the receipt and transport of the northern goshawk from Wisconsin to Michigan, in violation of the Migratory Bird Treaty Act (MBTA) and the Lacey Act. It is illegal to sell or barter northern goshawks because they are migratory birds and protected by the MBTA.
Specifically, on May 26, 2017, Kitzman took from the wild a female northern goshawk from a nest located on state land in Vilas County. Kitzman traded the northern goshawk for a Finnish goshawk from Taylor. Both Taylor and Kitzman filled out false reports with the Michigan and Wisconsin Departments of Natural Resources to cover up their actions. Kitzman told his associates to “keep it hush-hush and not tell anybody” that he was giving the female northern goshawk to Taylor. Kitzman also told Taylor to use a cover story if ever asked by authorities about how the northern goshawk was taken and transferred.
At today’s sentencing, Magistrate Judge Crocker observed that, “This Court sees a lot of federal wildlife prosecutions. The Lacey Act and Wisconsin state statutes are there for a reason. They provide for the appropriate stewardship of the natural resources found in Wisconsin.” He added that a message needs to be sent to the falconry and raptor propagator communities, “If you don’t follow the rules you will be prosecuted,” and noted, “This is unacceptable conduct and it will be prosecuted as necessary. It will hit you where it hurts,” observing that the wildlife will be forfeited and large fines imposed, as happened in this case.
Kitzman’s sentencing is set for March 2, 2020, at 11:00 a.m.
The charges against Taylor and Kitzman were the result of an investigation conducted by law enforcement agents with the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources Bureau of Law Enforcement, and Michigan Department of Natural Resources. The prosecution of this case has been handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Daniel J. Graber.
Member of New Haven Drug Ring Sentenced to 5 Years in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that WILLIAM CLAUDIO-SUAREZ, also known as “Willy,” 34, formerly of New Haven, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Jeffrey A. Meyer in New Haven to 60 months of imprisonment, followed by four years of supervised release, for his role in a New Haven-based drug trafficking organization.
According to court documents and statements made in court, an investigation headed by the Drug Enforcement Administration New Haven Task Force and New Haven Police Department revealed that Malbin Rubiera-Herrera, also known as “Chaca,” acquired fentanyl, heroin and cocaine from sources in Connecticut and New Jersey and distributed the drugs through a network of associates in the greater New Haven area. Between October and December 2018, investigators made controlled purchases of narcotics from Rubiera-Herrera. Subsequent court-authorized wiretaps revealed a widespread narcotics trafficking conspiracy that involved the trafficking of kilogram-quantities of fentanyl, heroin and cocaine into Connecticut.
The investigation revealed that Claudio-Suarez distributed narcotics, and also acted as broker for a large shipment of cocaine to Rubiera-Herrera. In March 2019, after Claudio-Suarez had moved to New Jersey, Claudio-Suarez and Rubiera-Herrera were intercepted on recorded calls coordinating the delivery of two kilograms of cocaine to Rubiera-Herrera for redistribution in Connecticut. Ultimately, one of the kilograms of cocaine was sold prior to reaching Connecticut, and the other was seized after a traffic stop in New Jersey.
On June 5, 2019, a grand jury returned a superseding indictment charging Claudio-Suarez, Rubiera-Herrera and 12 other individuals with fentanyl, heroin and cocaine trafficking offenses.
Claudio-Suarez has been detained since his arrest on a state probation violation on April 29, 2019. On October 21, 2019, he pleaded guilty in federal court to one count of conspiracy to distribute, and to possess with the intent to distribute, 500 grams or more of cocaine and a quantity of heroin.
A search of Rubiera-Herrera's residence at the time of arrest on April 30, 2019, revealed approximately 300 grams of fentanyl. He pleaded guilty on June 20, 2019, and awaits sentencing.
This matter is being investigated by the DEA New Haven Task Force and the New Haven Police Department, with the assistance of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Marshals Service, Connecticut State Police, Connecticut Department of Correction, East Haven Police Department, Easton Police Department, Orange Police Department, and the Cape May County (N.J.) Prosecutor's Office, Gangs, Guns and Narcotics Task Force.
The DEA New Haven Task Force includes participants from the U.S. Marshals Service, Internal Revenue Service - Criminal Investigation Division, and the New Haven, Hamden, West Haven, North Haven, Branford, Ansonia, Meriden, Derby, Middletown, Naugatuck and Waterbury Police Departments.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jocelyn Courtney Kaoutzanis and S. Dave Vatti.
Man Pleads Guilty to Preparing and Filing False Tax Returns and Theft of Government FundsRead the Press Release
David Miller, age 52, from Gilmore City, IA pled guilty to 3 counts of aiding and assisting in the preparation and presentation of false and fraudulent income tax returns and 3 counts of receiving stolen government money or property.
In a plea agreement, Miller admitted that he owned and operated a tax return preparation business. While operating that business, he prepared fraudulent income tax returns. Miller’s fraudulent returns resulted in a total loss to the government of $16,114.00 for the tax years 2012-2015. Miller’s clients were deprived of part of their tax refund as a result of Miller’s theft. Miller further stole money belonging to the United States, including 39 partial client tax refunds, resulting in the theft of Federal government funds in the amount of $36,582.00 for the years 2014, 2015, and 2016. Miller’s theft of government funds and relevant conduct for years 2011, 2012, and 2013, and theft of State government funds, resulted in additional losses totaling $73,258.07.
Miller also failed to report the stolen funds as income, which resulted in creating additional tax obligations for himself totaling $30,752.00 for his 2011-2016 tax returns. Miller has agreed to pay a total of $156,706.07 in restitution to the Internal Revenue Service.
Sentencing before United States District Court Chief Judge Leonard T. Strand will be set after a presentence report is prepared. Miller remains free on bond previously set. For the 3 counts of aiding and assisting in the preparation and presentation of false and fraudulent income tax returns, Miller faces a possible maximum sentence of 3 years’ imprisonment, a maximum fine of $100,000.00, and not more than 1 year of supervised release following any imprisonment. For the 3 the counts of receiving stolen government money or property Miller faces a possible maximum sentence of 10 years’ imprisonment, a maximum fine of $250,000.00, and not more than a 3 year term of supervised release following any imprisonment.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Ron Timmons and investigated by the Department of Treasury and the Internal Revenue Service.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 20-CR-3004.
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Man Arrested for Attempting to Blow up Vehicle at PentagonRead the Press Release
ALEXANDRIA, Va. – An Arkansas man will make his initial appearance in federal court at 2 p.m. today on charges relating to his alleged attempt at blowing up a vehicle at the Pentagon yesterday.
According to court documents, Matthew Dmitri Richardson, 19, of Fayetteville, was discovered in the Pentagon North Parking lot yesterday morning by a Pentagon Police Officer on patrol. The officer allegedly observed Richardson standing next to a vehicle striking a cigarette lighter to a piece of fabric that was inserted into the vehicle’s gas tank.
After the officer approached Richardson, the defendant allegedly told the officer he was going to “blow this vehicle up” and “himself”. When the officer attempted to detain Richardson, Richardson pulled away and ran across the parking lot towards Virginia State Route 110 and onto Virginia State Route 27. A subsequent review of surveillance camera footage showed that Richardson jumped over a fence into Arlington National Cemetery. Richardson was later found by the Pentagon Force Protection Agency Police Emergency Response Team near Arlington House.
According to court documents, after a search of Richardson, officers allegedly discovered a cigarette lighter, gloves, and court documents related to Richardson’s arrest on or about February 22 for two counts of felony assault on a law enforcement officer in Arlington County.
According to court documents, the owner of the vehicle is an active duty servicemember and does not know Richardson.
Richardson is charged with maliciously attempting to damage and destroy by means of fire, a vehicle used in and affecting interstate and foreign commerce. If convicted, he faces a mandatory minimum of five years in prison and a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison. Actual sentences for federal crimes are typically less than the maximum penalties. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after taking into account the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
G. Zachary Terwilliger, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, and Woodrow G. Kusse, Chief of Pentagon Police, made the announcement. Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Paul Embroski and Assistant U.S. Attorney Marc J. Birnbaum are prosecuting the case.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. Related court documents and information are located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 1:20-mj-86.
Madison County Man Indicted for Offenses Involving Sexually Explicit Images of MinorsRead the Press Release
FRANKFORT, Ky. - Scotty Dale Johnson, 48, of Richmond, Kentucky, was indicted earlier this month in federal court, for producing, receiving, and possessing sexually explicit images of children.
The indictment alleges that, from October 2018 to April 2019, Johnson knowingly employed, used, persuaded, induced, enticed, and coerced a minor to engage in sexually explicit conduct, for the purpose of producing visual depictions. The indictment also alleges that Johnson knowingly received and possessed sexually explicit images of minors.. Johnson appeared for arraignment, on February 25, 2020, in United States District Court in Lexington. Johnson’s trial has been scheduled for April 21, 2020 in Frankfort.
The investigation preceding the indictment was conducted jointly by the Kentucky State Police, the FBI and University of Kentucky Police Department, in coordination with the Madison County Commonwealth Attorney’s Office. If anyone has additional information related to the case, they are encouraged to contact the FBI at 859-246-4700.
If convicted, Johnson faces a prison sentence of up to 30 years each count of production, up to 20 years for each count of receipt, and a maximum of 10 years on the count of possession. However, any sentence following conviction would be imposed by the court, after its consideration of the United States Sentencing Guidelines and the federal statute governing the imposition of sentences.
Any indictment is an accusation only. A defendant is presumed innocent and is entitled to a fair trial at which government must prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
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Lowell Man Sentenced for Heroin and Fentanyl TraffickingRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Lowell man was sentenced yesterday in federal court in Boston for heroin and fentanyl trafficking charges.
Anderson Daniel Jorge Cruz, 21, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge William G. Young to 70 months in prison and three years of supervised release. In October 2019, Cruz pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute and possession with intent to distribute one kilogram or more of heroin and fentanyl and other drug trafficking offenses. Cruz has been in custody since his arrest on Jan. 23, 2019, along with co-defendant Joshua Ramos-Rios.
On Jan. 23, 2019, federal, state, and local law enforcement officers seized over one kilogram of heroin mixed with fentanyl hidden inside Cruz’s bedroom ceiling. The seizure was the result of an undercover operation into Cruz and Ramos-Rios. At the time of his arrest, Cruz had an outstanding warrant for homicide in Allentown, Penn., which remains pending. Cruz is also currently charged with murder in Essex County Superior Court.
United States Attorney Andrew Lelling; Brian D. Boyle, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration’s New England Division; Colonel Christopher Mason, Superintendent of the Massachusetts State Police; and Lowell Police Superintendent Raymond Kelly Richardson made the announcement. Assistant U.S. Attorney Philip C. Cheng of Lelling’s Narcotics and Money Laundering Unit prosecuted the case.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. The Department of Justice reinvigorated PSN in 2017 as part of the Department’s renewed focus on targeting violent criminals, directing all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to work in partnership with federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement and the local community to develop effective, locally-based strategies to reduce violent crime.
Local Man Sentenced to 20 Years for Two 2017 CarjackingsRead the Press Release
Memphis, TN –Harry French, 21, has been sentenced to 246 months in federal prison for carjacking and brandishing a firearm during a crime of violence in two separate criminal episodes. U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant announced the sentence today.
According to information presented in court, on August 4, 2017, as Teresa Lee-Moore was preparing to leave for work from her residence at the Lamar Crossing Apartment Complex she looked out the window and saw three young black males in the parking lot. She waited until they were gone to exit her apartment. Lee-Moore got into her vehicle, a 2015 Dodge Journey, and began to leave when one of the men got in front of her vehicle’s path and pointed a firearm at her and ordered her to stop the car. Once she unlocked the car, the man kept the gun pointed at her as he ordered her to get out of the car. He told her to "leave the keys and her purse or he would shoot her" as he kept the gun pointed at her. She watched as the two other men got into her vehicle, and all three fled the complex.
On August 7, 2017, a juvenile co-defendant gave a full confession to his participation in the carjacking of Lee-Moore. The juvenile stated that De’Quaun Blackmon, an accomplice, used a 9mm black firearm during the carjacking.
On August 23, 2017, after visiting family members, Robert Featherson returned to his gated retirement community at 1 a.m. and noticed three young black males in the parking lot. Featherson exited his vehicle, a Jeep Cherokee, and walked toward his unit with the assistance of a cane. As he approached his front door, the three young men approached him, two armed with firearms. One man struck him in the head with the gun, causing Featherson to fall to the ground. The suspects then got on top of him and told him "to shut up or they would kill him." The suspects went through his pockets, taking his keys, cell phone, and wallet. They then fled, and Featherson watched as they drove away in his vehicle. Featherson was transported by ambulance and remained in the hospital overnight due to his injuries.
On August 28, 2017, De’Quaun Blackmon gave a full confession to the carjackings, and admitted that French and the juvenile were with him during the carjackings. Blackmon stated that he approached Lee-Moore’s vehicle and pointed a loaded firearm at her and told her to get out of the car. Blackmon said that he used a loaded 9mm firearm during the carjackings, and that he had left with Harry French.
After the trial but before sentencing, French, from the federal detention facility in Mason, used a contraband cellphone to post witness statements on his social media account. Judge Norris took this conduct into account when making his sentencing decision.
On January 16, 2020, U.S. District Court Judge Mark S. Norris sentenced French to 246 months in federal prison followed by 5 years supervised release.
U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant said, "Under our Carjacking Initiative, the U.S. Attorney’s Office is continuing to coordinate with our federal and local law enforcement partners to prioritize and target carjacking cases for aggressive federal prosecution. This 20-year sentence confirms that there is a significant consequence for sowing lawlessness and violence in our communities, and French will now reap a long prison sentence for his brazen and dangerous behavior that victimized innocent citizens."
The Memphis Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) investigated this case.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Elizabeth Rogers and P. Neal Oldham prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
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Lexington Businessman Convicted of Obstructing JusticeRead the Press Release
FRANKFORT, Ky. - A Lexington businessman was convicted on Monday evening, by a federal jury sitting in Frankfort, of charges related to the obstruction of a federal investigation.
After approximately two hours of deliberation, following a five-day trial, the jury convicted 66-year old Timothy Wayne Wellman of 11 counts related to obstructing justice, aiding and abetting the obstruction of a federal grand jury, and aiding and abetting individuals in making false statements to the FBI.
According to testimony at trial, Wellman requested that multiple employees of CRM Companies (CRM) donate money to the campaigns of two city council members and then reimbursed them for their donation. He later asked the employees to give false information to the FBI, who was conducting an investigation into public corruption allegations, by encouraging the employees to lie about reasons for the reimbursement checks and, in some instances, asking them to create false documents (including ledgers and tax forms) to support their false stories.
Wellman was indicted in June 2019.
“People simply cannot obstruct federal law enforcement or grand jury investigations, because such conduct undermines the foundation of our system,” said Robert M. Duncan, Jr., United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky. “Through his actions, the defendant brazenly attempted to obstruct federal investigations into criminal conduct, by counseling others to lie and create false documents, concealing the truth from federal law enforcement and a federal grand jury. This disgraceful conduct cannot be tolerated. I commend the FBI for their hard work and dedication – without their efforts, this important prosecution would not have been possible.”
U.S. Attorney Duncan and James Robert Brown, Special Agent in Charge for the FBI, Louisville Field Office, jointly announced the jury’s verdict.
The investigation was conducted by the FBI. The United States was represented by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Erin Roth and Ken Taylor.
Wellman will appear for sentencing on July 1, 2020. For the most serious charges, he faces up to twenty years in federal prison. He also faces a maximum fine of $2.75 million. However, the Court must consider the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and the applicable federal sentencing statutes before imposing a sentence.
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Latin Dragon Nation Member Sentenced to 18 Years in Prison Following A Conviction for Racketeering ConspiracyRead the Press Release
HAMMOND- Javier Aguilera, 27, of Chicago, Illinois, was sentenced by Judge Philip P. Simon to 216 months in prison following his guilty plea to conspiracy to participate in racketeering activity as a member of the Latin Dragons Nation street gang, announced U.S. Attorney Kirsch.
According to documents in the case, Javier Aguilera has been a member of the Latin Dragons Nation since approximately 2012, sold drugs and possessed firearms as a member of the gang, and participated in a shooting of a residence in Chicago in April 2017 in which a suspected rival gang member was shot.
This case is the result of the investigative efforts of the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives in coordination with multiple state and local agencies. In Indiana, these agencies included: the Hammond Police Department; the East Chicago Police Department; the Merrillville Police Department; the Hobart Police Department; the Lake County Sheriff’s Department; the Indiana Department of Corrections; and the Lake County Prosecutor’s Office. In Illinois, these agencies included: the Chicago Police Department Criminal Enterprise Unit; the Cook County Sheriff’s Office; the Bartlett Police Department; the Calumet City Police Department; the Illinois Department of Corrections; and the Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Joseph A. Cooley and Kevin F. Wolff and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael J. Toth.
Laredoan sent to prison for transporting 71 aliensRead the Press Release
LAREDO, Texas – A 35-year-old resident of Laredo has been ordered to federal prison after he admitted to conspiring to transport aliens, announced U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Patrick.
John Bryan Meredith pleaded guilty Oct. 4, 2019.
Today, U.S. District Judge Marina Garcia-Marmolejo handed him an 84-month sentence. He had been on supervised release for two prior cases and was further ordered to serve four more years on each. The total 92-month sentence will be followed by another three years of supervised release.
On July 8, Meredith drove a tractor-trailer to the Border Patrol Checkpoint on Highway 83 near Laredo. Soon after, a K-9 alerted to the presence of concealed humans and/or narcotics within the trailer. At secondary inspection, the K-9 alerted again.
Authorities then removed a seal and opened the rear doors of the trailer which revealed several people, all determined to be in the United States illegally. Those included a total of 71 subjects - 36 Mexicans, 21 Guatemalans, six Salvadorans, five Hondurans and three Brazilians - two of whom were unaccompanied juveniles. In addition, law enforcement also recovered a total of $7,300 hidden inside the gearshift box as well as eight additional seals and seven cellular telephones in the sleeper area of the truck.
Meredith claimed a friend had asked him to drive a tractor-trailer with a load of transmissions to Uvalde, where another driver would meet him. Meredith also stated his friend had already placed the seal on the trailer by the time he arrived.
However, further investigation revealed Meredith had bought the tractor himself and rented the trailer. The investigation revealed he had driven the same tractor and trailer past the Highway 83 checkpoint seven times between May 21 and July 8.
La Crosse Dentist Convicted of Tax EvasionRead the Press Release
MADISON, WIS. – A federal jury in Madison, Wisconsin, convicted a La Crosse, Wisconsin, dentist today of four counts of tax evasion, announced Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Richard E. Zuckerman of the U.S. Justice Department’s Tax Division and U.S. Attorney Scott C. Blader for the Western District of Wisconsin. The jury deliberated for approximately two hours.
According to evidence presented at trial, Frederick G. Kriemelmeyer, 70, operated a dental practice in La Crosse, Wisconsin. In 2007, Kriemelmeyer was ordered by the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Wisconsin to pay $135,337 to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) for unpaid income taxes. By 2012, the IRS had assessed Kriemelmeyer for more than $450,000 in taxes, interest, and penalties. Evidence presented at the trial showed Kriemelmeyer took a number of actions to evade paying the taxes he owed, from at least 2013 through 2015, Kriemelmeyer did not file tax returns reporting the income from his dental practice, directed his patients to pay him in cash or by check with blank payee lines, and paid his business and personal expenses with third-party checks and cash.
U.S. District Judge William M. Conley has set sentencing for May 19, 2020. At sentencing, Kriemelmeyer faces a statutory maximum sentence of five years in prison for each count of tax evasion. He also faces a period of supervised release, monetary penalties, and restitution.
Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Zuckerman and U.S. Attorney Blader commended special agents of IRS Criminal Investigation, who conducted the investigation, and Trial Attorney Eric C. Schmale of the Tax Division and Assistant U.S. Attorney Elizabeth Altman, who prosecuted the case.
Additional information about the Tax Division and its enforcement efforts may be found on the division’s website.
Knox County Man Sentenced to 121 Months for Methamphetamine TraffickingRead the Press Release
LONDON, Ky. — Travis Mills, 35, of Barboursville, Kentucky, was sentenced to 121 months in federal prison on Monday, by United States District Judge Robert Wier, after pleading guilty to trafficking more than 50 grams of methamphetamine.
Mills admitted that between December 2017 and September 2018, he developed access to individuals through whom he could regularly obtain methamphetamine. Mills also admitted to working with others to distribute more than 50 grams of that methamphetamine in Knox County.
Mills pleaded guilty in July 2019. His co-defendants have already been sentenced. James Mills, 36, was sentenced to 121 months in prison and five years of supervised release, in November 2019. Gretchen Delph, 23, was sentenced to 52 months in prison and four years of supervised release, in December 2019.
Under federal law, Mills and his co-defendants must serve 85 percent of their prison sentences. Upon his release, Mills will be under the supervision of the U.S. Probation Office for five years.
Robert M. Duncan, Jr., United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky; and James Robert Brown, Special Agent in Charge for the FBI, Louisville Field Office, jointly announced the sentence.
The investigation was conducted by the FBI. The United States was represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Andrew Trimble.
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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KC Tax Preparer Sentenced for False Tax Return SchemeRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, Mo. – A Kansas City, Missouri, tax preparer was sentenced in federal court today for a scheme to file false tax returns.
Azareia Derseh, 39, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Howard F. Sachs to 18 months in federal prison without parole. The court also ordered Derseh to pay $108,621 in restitution to the IRS.
On Oct. 24, 2019, Derseh pleaded guilty to aiding and assisting in the preparation of a false tax return. His brother and co-defendant, Ananeia Derseh, 42, of Kansas City, Missouri, pleaded guilty to the same offense and awaits sentencing. Co-defendant Quashanda King, 39, of Kansas City, Missouri, pleaded guilty to the same offense and has been sentenced to three years of probation.
Azareia Derseh owned and operated a tax preparation business in the Kansas City metropolitan area, under the names Instant Tax Service and Speedy Tax Service, at various locations. Ananiea was the manager in charge of one of the offices and King was the manager in charge of another office.
Azareia and Ananeia Derseh and King each admitted they prepared federal income tax returns for clients containing materially false and fraudulent items. They prepared returns for at least 37 individuals resulting in at least 47 false income tax returns for tax years 2012, 2013, and 2014.
The preparation of false tax returns for individuals was conducted by including false Schedule C information claiming a modest amount of income in order to maximize the Earned Income Credit. This resulted in a higher tax return for the individuals and higher fees paid to the tax preparation business.
Azareia and Ananeia Derseh and King included higher fees to prepare clients’ returns than what the clients were originally quoted. Often, a false Schedule C was included with clients’ returns to increase clients’ refunds. Client refunds were used to pay the high fees, with the fees most often being deducted from clients’ refunds before the refund was issued to the client. Most of the clients had between $669 and $1,437 in fees deducted from their refund.
According to court documents, the typical client who had their return prepared at Instant Tax Service was a very low wage earner, typically with under $3,000 inW-2 wages. Further, the clients were unsophisticated in tax or financial matters. When they walked into one of the two offices, they were assigned a preparer, who input their W-2 wages, dependents, and other identifying information into the appropriate field of their electronically filed returns. There was no meaningful review of the completed return, and sometimes, the client did not get a copy of the return.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Paul S. Becker. It was investigated by IRS-Criminal Investigation.
KC Man Sentenced for Stolen Vehicle Conspiracy, Illegal FirearmRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, Mo. – A Kansas City, Missouri, man was sentenced in federal court today for his role in a conspiracy to steal high-end sport utility vehicles and pick-ups from out-of-state dealerships and transport them to Kansas City for sale on the black market.
Joshua Walker, 44, was sentenced by U.S District Howard F. Sachs to seven years in federal prison without parole. The court also ordered Walker to pay $212,998 in restitution.
On July 10, 2019, Walker pleaded guilty to his role in the conspiracy to transport stolen vehicles across state lines and to being a felon in possession of a firearm.
Walker admitted that he participated in a conspiracy from Dec. 1, 2015, to Feb. 2, 2016, to steal at least 10 high-end sport utility vehicles and pick-up trucks from three out-of-state auto dealerships and deliver them to Kansas City.
Co-defendant Timothy Hood, 38, of Kansas City, pleaded guilty to his role in the conspiracy and was sentenced on Aug. 6, 2019, to three years and 10 months in federal prison without parole.
Hood and co-conspirators organized small groups to steal 10 vehicles, worth approximately $710,933, from three dealerships in Nebraska and Iowa. Hood affixed fraudulent vehicle identification numbers (VINs) onto the dashboard of the stolen vehicles. Many of the fraudulent VINs used during the conspiracy were true VINs from other vehicles owned by car dealerships and were utilized so that the stolen vehicles would be difficult to trace and could be sold on the black market.
On Jan. 12, 2016, Walker was stopped by police while driving one of the stolen vehicles, a 2015 GMC Sierra. The VIN affixed on the dashboard was fraudulent.
On Jan. 6, 2019, Kansas City police officers saw Walker driving a stolen 2019 Ford F-150. When Walker parked and got out of the truck, he was arrested by officers due to a warrant for a felony probation violation. One of the officers saw a loaded Glock .40-caliber firearm with an extended magazine in the driver’s side door pocket of Walker’s vehicle.
Under federal law, it is illegal for anyone who has been convicted of a felony to be in possession of any firearm or ammunition. Walker has been convicted in 16 felony cases, including a 2003 case for being a felon in possession of a firearm. After serving his federal sentence in that case, according to court documents, Walker was revoked twice for violating the terms of his supervised release.
On Sept. 22, 2016, Hood was pulled over for a traffic infraction while he was driving one of the stolen vehicles with a fraudulent VIN. Investigators searched Hood’s laptop, which was in the vehicle. The computer contained scanned images of templates for temporary Kansas license plates, insurance cards, notary stamps, bills of sale, release of liens, and bar code labels of VINs. The search of the computer also revealed searches of legitimate VINs that were fraudulently used or affixed to other stolen vehicles in this case.
All of the stolen vehicles have been recovered by law enforcement officers and sold as salvage. Two of the stolen vehicles were recovered at the residence of Hood’s girlfriend.
This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Brent Venneman. It was investigated by the FBI, the Kansas City, Mo., Police Department, and the Missouri State Highway Patrol.
Justice Department Files Amicus Brief Explaining that Harvard’s Race-Based Admissions Process Violates Federal Civil-Rights LawRead the Press Release
The Department of Justice today filed an amicus brief in Students for Fair Admissions, Inc. v. President and Fellows of Harvard College in the United States Court of Appeals for the First Circuit. In its amicus brief, the United States explains that Harvard’s expansive use of race in its admissions process violates federal civil-rights law and Supreme Court precedent.
“Race discrimination hurts people and is never benign,” said Assistant Attorney General Eric Dreiband for the Civil Rights Division. “Unconstitutionally partitioning Americans into racial and ethnic blocs harms all involved by fostering stereotypes, bitterness, and division among the American people. The Department of Justice will continue to fight against illegal race discrimination.”
As a condition of receiving millions of dollars in taxpayer funding every year, Harvard expressly agrees to comply with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, a cornerstone civil-rights law that prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, or national origin in programs and activities that receive federal financial assistance. In 2017, the Department opened a Title VI investigation into Harvard’s admissions process after a complaint was filed by more than 60 Asian-American organizations. That investigation remains underway.
In this case, Students for Fair Admissions, an organization of students and parents, alleged that Harvard College intentionally discriminates against Asian-American applicants when making admissions decisions, in violation of Title VI. The district judge denied Harvard’s various attempts to dismiss the lawsuit, and the case proceeded to a three-week trial in the fall of 2018.
Although the Supreme Court has held that colleges receiving federal funds may consider applicants’ race in certain limited circumstances, the district court’s factual findings demonstrated that Harvard’s use of race is anything but limited. The district court concluded that “more than one third of the admitted Hispanics and more than half of the admitted African Americans, would most likely not be admitted in the absence of Harvard’s race-conscious admissions process.” And these race-based bonuses come at a significant cost to Asian-American applicants, who collectively suffer a substantial penalty under Harvard’s race-based admissions regime. Nevertheless, the district court concluded that Harvard’s use of race in the admissions process did not violate federal law or Supreme Court precedent.
The United States’ amicus brief explains that the evidence at trial showed “that Harvard actively engages in racial balancing that Supreme Court precedent flatly forbids.” The evidence also demonstrated that Harvard’s admissions officers consistently score Asian American applicants lower on the so-called “personal rating.” “In other words,” the brief explains, “Harvard’s admissions officers tended to evaluate Asian Americans, as compared to members of other racial groups, as having less integrity, being less confident, constituting less-qualified leaders, and so on.” “That disparity,” the brief points out, “is undisputed, and unexplained.” For these and other reasons, the United States urged the appellate court to reverse the district court’s judgment.
Jury Finds Wisconsin Dentist Guilty of Tax EvasionRead the Press Release
A federal jury in Madison, Wisconsin, convicted a La Crosse, Wisconsin, dentist today of four counts of tax evasion, announced Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Richard E. Zuckerman of the Justice Department’s Tax Division and U.S. Attorney Scott C. Blader for the Western District of Wisconsin.
According to evidence presented at trial, Frederick G. Kriemelmeyer, 70, operated a dental practice in La Crosse, Wisconsin. In 2007, Kriemelmeyer was ordered by the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Wisconsin to pay $135,337 to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) for unpaid income taxes. By 2012, the IRS had assessed Kriemelmeyer for more than $450,000 in taxes, interest, and penalties. Evidence presented at the trial showed Kriemelmeyer took a number of actions to evade paying the taxes he owed, from at least 2013 through 2015, Kriemelmeyer did not file tax returns reporting the income from his dental practice, directed his patients to pay him in cash or by check with blank payee lines, and paid his business and personal expenses with third-party checks and cash.
U.S. District Judge William M. Conley has set sentencing for May 19, 2020. At sentencing, Kriemelmeyer faces a statutory maximum sentence of five years in prison for each count of tax evasion. He also faces a period of supervised release, monetary penalties, and restitution.
Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Zuckerman and U.S. Attorney Blader commended special agents of IRS-Criminal Investigation, who conducted the investigation, and Trial Attorney Eric C. Schmale of the Tax Division and Assistant U.S. Attorney Elizabeth Altman, who prosecuted the case.
Additional information about the Tax Division and its enforcement efforts may be found on the division’s website.
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.
Jury Convicts California Man of Conspiracy to Distribute MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
Steven D. Weinhoeft, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois announced today
that on February 20, 2020, a federal jury in East Saint Louis returned a guilty verdict against
Fernando Alvarez-Carvajal, age 49 of Los Angeles, California. Alvarez-Carvajal was convicted of
conspiracy to distribute over 500 grams of methamphetamine after a three-day trial.
Evidence presented during the trial established that from October 2016 through December 2018,
Alvarez-Carvajal, along with five co-conspirators, was involved in an operation that distributed
pound quantities of methamphetamine in the Southern District of Illinois, Philadelphia, and
elsewhere. Specifically, Alvarez-Carvajal used his bank account to funnel drug proceeds and served
as a courier of drugs and money for the organization.Alvarez-Carvajal remains in the custody of the United States Marshal Service pending his sentencing
on May 20, 2020 in United States District Court. At sentencing, the defendant will face a term of
imprisonment of from ten years to life in prison. This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau
of Investigation and the Alton, Illinois Police Department under the auspices of the Organized
Crime and Drug Enforcement Task Force. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States
Attorney Karelia S. Rajagopal and Special Assistant United States Attorney, Donald S. BoyceJudge Sentences Rochester, PA Man to 5 Years in Prison for Texting Images Depicting the Sexual Exploitation of MinorsRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH - A former Beaver County resident has been sentenced in federal court to 60 months’ imprisonment and 7 years’ supervised release on his conviction of distribution of images depicting the sexual exploitation of a minor, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.
United States District Judge Joy Flowers Conti imposed the sentence on Brent Cotman, age 30, formerly of 22 White Street, Rochester, Pennsylvania.
According to information presented to the court, Cotman distributed by text message images depicting the sexual exploitation of minors, some of whom had not reached the age of 12 years, to an unwitting individual, identified as "S.A.", from October 17, 2017 through October 21, 2017. Cotman had spent more than a year eluding law enforcement while simultaneously sending threatening text messages to more than 30 unsuspecting individuals in the Beaver County area, with attached digital photographs depicting the sexual exploitation of minors. Cotman used a software application known as "TextNow" to anonymize from whom the text messages had been sent.
Assistant United States Attorney Carolyn J. Bloch prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
United States Attorney Brady commended the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Pennsylvania Attorney General’s Office, and the Beaver County District Attorney’s Office for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Cotman.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood Marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
Johnstown Crack Dealer Sentenced to Nearly 4 Years in PrisonRead the Press Release
JOHNSTOWN, Pa. – A resident of Johnstown, Pa. has been sentenced in federal court in Johnstown to 46 months in prison and six years’ supervised release on his conviction of violating federal narcotics laws, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.
United States District Judge Kim R. Gibson imposed the sentence on Kawan Dock, 43, of Johnstown, Pa.
According to information presented to the court, from May 7, 2019 to May 16, 2019, Dock conspired to possess with intent to distribute and distribute a quantity of cocaine base, in the form commonly known as crack.
Assistant United States Attorney Maureen Sheehan-Balchon prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
Mr. Brady commended the Laurel Highlands Resident Agency of the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Cambria County Drug Task Force for the investigation that led to the successful prosecution of Dock.
Jacksonville Man Sentenced to Five Years in Federal Prison for ArsonRead the Press Release
Jacksonville, Florida – U.S. District Judge Brian J. Davis has sentenced Emmett David Smart (29, Jacksonville) to five years in federal prison for arson of a residential apartment building. The court also ordered Smart to pay $148,920.09 in restitution.
Smart had pleaded guilty on October 31, 2019.
According to court documents, on April 25, 2018, Smart set fire to a four-unit apartment building located at 7304 Sandhurst Road in Jacksonville. At the time of the fire, there were several occupants inside the building. Smart set the fire two days after the owner of the apartment building had initiated eviction proceedings against the tenant of the apartment Smart was residing in at the time of the fire.
This case was investigated by the Florida Bureau of Fire and Arson Investigations and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Ashley Washington.
Jackson Man Sentenced to Five Years in Federal Prison Under Project EJECT for Illegally Possessing a FirearmRead the Press Release
Jackson, Miss. – Wilmer Ham a/k/a Jose Lopez, 34, was sentenced yesterday by U.S. District Judge Carlton W. Reeves to 60 months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release, for being a felon in possession of a firearm, announced U.S. Attorney Mike Hurst and FBI Special Agent in Charge Michelle A. Sutphin. Ham was also ordered to pay a $1,500 fine.
On September 14, 2018, a Jackson Police officer responded to a call at Tony’s Food Mart on Highway 80 in Jackson. Upon arrival, the officer noticed the store clerk frantically waving his hands in an attempt to get the officer’s attention from inside the store. Upon entering, the officer noticed the store was in disarray and a male, later identified as Wilmer Ham, was standing beside the fountain drinks. The officer attempted to speak with Ham, but his behavior led the officer to call for backup. Before assistance could arrive, Ham rushed the officer in an attempt to exit. As the officer tried to stop Ham, they struggled and a firearm fell from Ham’s pocket. The firearm was later determined to be a Ruger, model LCP, .380 caliber pistol. After no assistance arrived, the officer disengaged Ham and Ham left the scene.
Later that day, Jackson Police officers again responded to Tony’s Food Mart. Upon arrival, officers observed the front door partially open with a male, later determined to be Wilmer Ham, in the doorway holding the door open with his foot. Both the officer who responded to the earlier call and the store clerk confirmed that Ham was the same individual from that morning. Surveillance video captured Ham inside the store with a handgun and then tossing the handgun outside the door. The gun was determined to be a Taurus, model PT738 TCP, .380 caliber pistol. An investigation revealed that Ham had two previous convictions in Bronx County Criminal Court for possession of a loaded firearm and for criminal sale of a controlled substance.
In August 2019, Ham was charged in a federal criminal indictment with two counts of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. He pled guilty before Judge Reeves on November 4, 2019.
On January 15, 2020, the defendant’s wife, Tonya Ham, was charged in a federal superseding indictment with transferring the Taurus pistol to Wilmer Ham on the day in question. The public is reminded that a criminal indictment is a formal charge against a defendant, and is merely an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Jackson Police Department investigated the case. It was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Keesha Middleton.
This case is part of Project EJECT, an initiative by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Mississippi under the U.S. Department of Justice’s Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) and Project Guardian. EJECT is a holistic, multi-disciplinary approach to fighting and reducing violent crime through prosecution, prevention, re-entry and awareness. EJECT stands for “Empower Justice Expel Crime Together.” PSN is bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. Project Guardian draws upon the Department’s past successful programs to reduce gun violence; enhances coordination of federal, state, local, and tribal authorities in investigating and prosecuting gun crimes; improves information-sharing by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives when a prohibited individual attempts to purchase a firearm and is denied by the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS), to include taking appropriate actions when a prospective purchaser is denied by the NICS for mental health reasons; and ensures that federal resources are directed at the criminals posing the greatest threat to our communities.
Indianapolis man with a domestic violence conviction charged with illegal possession of firearmRead the Press Release
Indianapolis – United States Attorney Josh J. Minkler announced today, Donte Swinton, 25, Indianapolis, who on February 5, 2020 exited his vehicle and pointed what appeared to be an AR-15 style weapon, at an Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department detective, was charged today with possession of a firearm after having been convicted of a misdemeanor domestic violence offense.
“Keeping our communities safe from violent criminals remains a top priority at the U.S. Attorney’s Office,” said Minkler. “Those individuals arrested and released by our criminal justice system who continue to wreak havoc on society by pointing a firearm directly at another person, which in this case was an IMPD officer, are on notice: you will be arrested, convicted, and go to federal prison.”
According to the criminal complaint, Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department (IMPD) detectives were in the 2100 block of E. New York Street, Indianapolis, conducting covert surveillance due to a recent increase in armed street robberies. One IMPD detective was in an undercover police vehicle monitoring activity in the area when he observed a silver Mercury sedan slowly drive by his location and stop in his vicinity. A Dodge pickup truck then pulled up next to the sedan and the occupants began talking.
The truck then pulled in front of the detectives’ vehicle and the sedan pulled up next to the detectives’ vehicle blocking it in. The occupant of the sedan began to yell at the detective. The detective thought the situation was about to turn into a robbery and that the person yelling was attempting to get him to exit his vehicle. The detective immediately requested assistance. The sedan backed up and pulled directly behind the detective’s vehicle while the pickup began to reverse towards the front of the officer’s vehicle in an attempt to “pin” the detective’s vehicle in place.
The driver of the sedan exited the sedan holding what appeared to be an AR-15 style rifle and pointed it directly at the detective. The detective was able to maneuver around the pickup truck and move from his location.
Another IMPD officer arrived on scene as the detective was maneuvering around the pickup. The backup officer drew his weapon and identified himself. The individual threw his firearm he was holding into the sedan. Other officers arrived on scene and were able to take the individual into custody and detain two passengers who were inside of the sedan. The individual driving the sedan, and who pointed the firearm at the officer, was identified as Donte Swinton.
Agents inspected the weapon alleged to have been possessed by Swinton and determined it was an Anderson Manufacturing 5.56, AR-15 style, semi-automatic pistol. The firearm was loaded with a thirty-round capacity magazine, with twenty-nine rounds in the magazine itself, and one in the chamber.
In 2017, Swinton was convicted of domestic battery by bodily waste in Marion Co., Ind. Swinton was sentenced to 365 days in jail with 327 days suspended and was to complete twenty six (26) weeks of domestic violence counseling. With this conviction, the court made a specific finding that Swinton had committed a crime of domestic violence, and as a result Swinton lost the right to possess a firearm and or ammunition.
A further check of Swinton’s criminal history revealed that he is currently on pre- trial release in two separate cases in Marion County Superior Court. On February 17, 2018, Swinton was charged with unlawful possession of a firearm by a domestic batterer, possession of a narcotic drug, maintaining a common nuisance, dealing in marijuana, and possession of marijuana. Additional, on May 1, 2019, Swinton was charged with obstruction of justice, a felony, and possession of marijuana.
This case was the result of an investigation by the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
According to Assistant United States Attorney Jayson McGrath, who is prosecuting this case for the government, Swinton faces up to 10 years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, and up to three years of supervised release.
An indictment is only a charge and not evidence of guilt. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven otherwise in federal court.
In October 2017, United States Attorney Josh J. Minkler announced a Strategic Plan designed to shape and strengthen the District’s response to its most significant public safety challenges. This prosecution demonstrates the office’s firm commitment to targeting the District’s most violent geographic areas for the adoption of reactive federal drug and firearm prosecutions. See United States Attorney’s Office, Southern District of Indiana Strategic Plan Section 2.2.
Indiana Man Found Guilty of Kidnapping a Child in Calumet CityRead the Press Release
CHICAGO — A federal jury has convicted an Indiana man of kidnapping a child from a Calumet City street as she walked home from school.
On Dec. 20, 2017, at approximately 3:30 p.m., BRYAN PROTHO grabbed the child as she walked on a sidewalk in the south suburb. Protho forcibly dragged the victim into a red Ford Explorer sport-utility vehicle and drove away. He then parked the vehicle in a nearby alley and assaulted the child. The victim was able to get out of the car and flag down a passing vehicle, and law enforcement was contacted. The kidnapping was captured on a residential surveillance system.
Protho was arrested on Dec. 27, 2017, and he has remained in federal custody since then. During the two-week trial in federal court in Chicago, the victim testified about her ordeal and identified Protho has her abductor.
The jury on Monday convicted Protho, 41, of East Chicago, Ind., on one count of kidnapping. The conviction is punishable by a minimum sentence of 20 years in federal prison and a maximum of life. U.S. District Judge Andrea R. Wood did not immediately set a sentencing date. A status hearing was scheduled for March 5, 2020.
The Calumet City Police Department led the investigation, with assistance from the FBI and the Lansing Police Department.
The sentence was announced by John R. Lausch, Jr., United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois; Christopher Fletcher, Chief of the Calumet City Police Department; Emmerson Buie, Jr., Special Agent-in-Charge of the Chicago office of the FBI; and Dennis Murrin, Jr., Chief of the Lansing Police Department. The officials thanked members of the community for providing valuable assistance in the investigation.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher V. Parente and Kelly Guzman.
Illegal resident sentenced for purchasing aircraft parts with drug moneyRead the Press Release
CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas – A 31-year-old Mexican citizen has been ordered to federal prison in money laundering conspiracy, announced U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Patrick
Abraham Barajas-Alcantar, who resided in McAllen, pleaded guilty Nov. 13, 2019. Specifically, he admitted to purchasing three aircraft engines using $272,649 derived from drug trafficking.
Today, U.S. District Judge Hayden Head ordered he serve a total of 57 months in federal prison. Not a U.S. citizen, he is expected to face deportation proceedings following his sentence.
The investigation began in 2015.
Barajas purchased aircraft engines and parts with drug proceeds and shipped them to his business in McAllen. From there, he shipped the merchandise to Mexico for his customers who then used the parts in aircrafts in order to transport drugs.
Drug proceeds were sent to Barajas in the form of bulk cash. He also received them through the funneling of cash deposits via banks in which Barajas had accounts or those to which he had access. This scheme combined the traditional methods of bulk cash smuggling and the use of funnel accounts with trade-based money laundering.
He has been and will remain in custody pending that hearing.
The Drug Enforcement Administration and IRS – Criminal Investigation conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kenneth Cusick is prosecuting the case.
Helena resident sentenced for armed home invasionRead the Press Release
HELENA—A Helena man who admitted brandishing a firearm while he and co-defendants robbed a couple involved in trafficking heroin was sentenced today to 11 years and seven months in prison and five years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme said.
Gerald Allen Hiler, also known as Teg, 47, pleaded guilty in October to robbery affecting commerce and to brandishing a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence.
U.S. District Judge Sam E. Haddon presided.
The prosecution said in court records that the FBI learned of a home invasion in Helena in which the victims, a couple, were involved in trafficking heroin. The couple had been given money by co-defendant, Kielan Brett Franklin, to travel to Washington to buy an ounce of heroin. The couple returned with less than an ounce. When the couple did not immediately turn over the heroin, Franklin sent them threatening text messages.
On March 8, 2019, Hiler, Franklin, and co-defendants Morgan Victor Pitsch and Arielle Rose Cowser, went to the couple’s residence. Hiler brandished a pistol during the robbery as the others searched for drugs, money and other valuables. When he learned that the female victim had secretly dialed 911, the robbers fled the home with a small amount of heroin, the female victim’s wedding ring, cell phone and other items. Hiler and Pitsch wore masks.
Franklin and Pitsch have pleaded guilty to charges and are awaiting sentencing. A jury last week convicted Cowser of robbery charges. Cowser is to be sentenced on June 11.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Tom Bartleson is prosecuting the case, which was investigated by the FBI, Montana Regional Violent Crime Task Force, Lewis and Clark County Sheriff’s Office and Missouri River Drug Task Force.
This case is part of Project Guardian, a Department of Justice initiative launched in the fall of 2019 to reduce gun violence and enforce federal firearms laws. Through Project Guardian, the U.S. Attorney’s Office in the District of Montana is working to enhance coordination of its federal, state, tribal and local law enforcement partners in investigating and prosecuting gun crimes. In addition, Project Guardian supports information sharing and taking action when individuals are denied a firearm purchase by the National Instant Criminal Background Check System for mental health reasons or because they are a prohibited person.
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Georgia Man Sentenced to over 12 Years in Federal Prison for Transporting Large Amounts of Methamphetamine and Heroin Disguised as Children’s CandyRead the Press Release
Jackson, Miss. – Cleveland James McKinney, 30, of Atlanta, Georgia, was sentenced today by Senior U.S. District David Bramlette III to 151 months in federal prison, followed by 5 years of supervised release, for illegally transporting 41.97 kilograms of 100% pure methamphetamine and 4.5 kilograms of heroin that had been smuggled into the United States from Mexico, announced U.S. Attorney Mike Hurst and Special Agent in Charge Jere P. Miles with Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations in New Orleans. McKinney was also ordered to pay a $1,500 fine.
“This criminal endangered not just our citizens but our children, stooping so low as to disguise this poison as candy just so he could make a quick buck, caring not that it would cause damage, destruction and death in our communities. Because of the great work of our federal, state and local law enforcement, as well as our prosecutors, this criminal will not be peddling these toxins to our kids or anyone else anymore,” said U.S. Attorney Hurst.
“By concealing dangerous narcotics as children’s candy, the defendant targeted our most vulnerable population, our youth,” said HSI New Orleans Special Agent in Charge Jere T. Miles. “Thanks to HSI special agents, and our partners at the Mississippi Bureau of Narcotics and the Rankin County Sheriff’s Office, our communities will be safer with this criminal behind bars.”
On April 16, 2018, McKinney traveled to Brandon, Mississippi from Atlanta, Georgia, to retrieve a drug shipment that originated in Mexico and entered the United States through Brownsville, Texas. The drugs were concealed in what appeared to be shrink-wrapped, bulk packaged children’s candy. McKinney was to transport the drugs to Atlanta and deliver them to his co-conspirator, Evelyn Michelle Hernandez.
Unbeknown to McKinney, HSI already had intercepted the narcotics shipment and had replaced the drugs with a false substance in packaging almost identical to the children’s candy packaging that had concealed the illegal methamphetamine and heroin. McKinney drove to the designated location and retrieved the packages that he believed contained the illegal drugs. He then began his return trip to Atlanta. He was arrested shortly thereafter. McKinney was charged in a federal criminal indictment and pled guilty before Judge Bramlette on November 21, 2019.
Evelyn Michelle Hernandez was also indicted and was sentenced by Judge Bramlette on November 19, 2019, to 168 months in federal prison.
This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations, the Mississippi Bureau of Narcotics, and the Rankin County Sheriff’s Office Interdiction Task Force. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Carla J. Clark.
Four Defendants Arrested in Drug Trafficking Ring That Stretched Across the United StatesRead 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 a federal grand jury has returned an indictment charging David Washington, a/k/a Dirty Dave, a/k/a Dirt, a/k/a Wavy Davey, 39, and Eleazar Martinez Medina, 50, with conspiring to possess with intent to distribute, and distributing, five kilograms or more of cocaine. The charge carries a mandatory minimum penalty of 10 years in prison, and a maximum of life in prison.
In addition, David Burgin, 47, and Rodney Pierce, 32, were arrested and charged by complaint with conspiring to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine. Defendant Burgin is also charged with maintaining a drug involved premises and possession of firearms in furtherance of drug trafficking crimes. If convicted, Rodney Pierce faces a mandatory minimum sentence of five years in prison and a maximum of 40 years; David Burgin faces a mandatory 10 years, and a maximum of life in prison.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Laura A. Higgins and Timothy C. Lynch, who are handling the case, stated that the defendants were involved in a drug trafficking ring that stretched from Buffalo to California and involved cocaine, crack cocaine, and fentanyl being transported to the Buffalo, NY area for distribution and sale.
During the course of the investigation, search warrants were executed at 12 residences, during which investigators seized six firearms, ammunition, a quantity of marijuana, over 7 ½ kilos of suspected cocaine and crack cocaine, over 2 kilograms of fentanyl, over $750,000.00 in cash, six traps—many of which were hydraulically operated, scales, and drug packaging materials.
David Washington was arraigned and is being held pending a detention hearing on February 27, 2020. Eleazar Martinez Medina was arraigned in California and will be returned to the Western District of New York at a later date. Defendants David Burgin and Rodney Pierce made initial appearances and were released on conditions.
The indictment and criminal complaint are the result of an investigation by Homeland Security Investigations, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Kevin Kelly; the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Gary Loeffert; the Drug Enforcement Administration, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Ray Donovan, New York Field Division; the Buffalo Police Department, under the direction of Commissioner Byron Lockwood; the Erie County Sheriff’s Office, under the direction of Sheriff Tim Howard; the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation Division, under the direction of Jonathan D. Larsen, Special Agent-in-Charge; and Customs and Border Protection Air and Marine Unit, under the direction of Director Brian Manaher.
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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Former Wilkinsburg Man Sentenced to Prison for Possessing Images and Videos Showing the Sexual Exploitation of ChildrenRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, Pa. -A former resident of Wilkinsburg, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced in federal court to a term of imprisonment of 36 months to be followed by eight years of supervised release on his conviction of Possession of Material Depicting the Sexual Exploitation of Minors, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.
Senior United States District Court Judge Arthur J. Schwab imposed the sentence on Jason Gerade Harris, Jr., age 26.
According to information presented to the court, FBI agents received a tip from Minnesota that a complainant discovered naked images of her 7-year-old son sent via Skype. The conversations originated on PlayStation and were continued via Skype. Agents also learned that a 13-year-old Tampa, Florida juvenile was enticed to take explicit pictures of his 6-year-old brother to send using the Kik app. The investigation led to the defendant at 1936 Wright St., Wilkinsburg, PA.
On December 6, 2018, agents executed a search warrant on the defendant’s residence. When they advised that they were at the house because someone used the internet there to coerce minors to send nude photos and/or videos, Harris, Jr. abruptly stated, "It was me", and provided details about his communications with minors. A forensic review of the defendant’s phone revealed two chats of interest in the "TextNow" app, where the defendant requested nude photographs of a minor. The forensic review also revealed 171 images and three videos of apparent child pornography, but nothing from his communications with the children in Minnesota or Florida.
Assistant United States Attorney Shanicka L. Kennedy prosecuted this case on behalf of the government. The Federal Bureau of Investigation conducted the investigation leading to the Indictment in this case.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
Former Microsoft software engineer convicted of 18 federal felonies for stealing more than $10 million in digital value such as gift cardsRead the Press Release
Seattle – A former Microsoft software engineer was convicted today in U.S. District Court in Seattle of 18 federal felonies related to his scheme to defraud Microsoft of more than $10 million, announced U.S. Attorney Brian T. Moran. VOLODYMYR KVASHUK, 25, a Ukrainian citizen residing in Renton, Washington, worked first as a contractor at Microsoft and then as an employee from August 2016 until he was fired in June 2018. Today, following a five-day trial, KVASHUK was convicted of five counts of wire fraud, six counts of money laundering, two counts of aggravated identity theft, two counts of filing false tax returns, and one count each of mail fraud, access device fraud, and access to a protected computer in furtherance of fraud. When sentenced by U.S. District Judge James L. Robart on June 1, 2020, KVASHUK faces up to twenty years in prison.
According to records filed in the case and testimony at trial, KVASHUK was involved in the testing of Microsoft’s online retail sales platform, and used that testing access to steal “currency stored value” such as digital gift cards. KVASHUK resold the value on the internet, using the proceeds to purchase a $1.6 million dollar lakefront home and a $160,000 Tesla vehicle. Initially, KVASHUK started stealing smaller amounts totaling about $12,000 in value using his own account access. As the thefts escalated into millions of dollars of value, KVASHUK used test email accounts associated with other employees. KVASHUK, a knowledgeable software developer, attempted to mask digital evidence that would trace the fraud and the internet sales back to him. He used a bitcoin “mixing” service in an attempt to hide the source of the funds ultimately passing into his bank account. In all, over the seven months of KVASHUK’s illegal activity, approximately $2.8 million in bitcoin was transferred to his bank accounts. KVASHUK then filed fake tax return forms, claiming the bitcoin had been a gift from a relative.
In closing arguments, Assistant United States Attorney Siddharth Velamoor said KVASHUK “hid behind his colleagues’ names…. dripping fraud and deceit every step of the way…. This is a simple case… anyway you look at it this is a crime of greed.”
KVASHUK testified at trial that he did not intend to defraud Microsoft. He claimed to be working on a special project to benefit the company.
That testimony was, “A house of lies on top of a previous house of lies,” Assistant United States Attorney Michael Dion told the jury.
The jury deliberated about five hours before returning the guilty verdicts.
“In addition to stealing from Microsoft, Volodymyr Kvashuk also stole from the government by concealing his fraudulent income and filing false tax returns. Kvashuk’s grand scheme was thwarted by the hard-work of IRS-CI’s Cyber Crimes Unit. Criminals who think they can avoid detection by using cryptocurrency and laundering through mixers are put on notice…you will be caught and you will be held accountable,” said IRS-CI Special Agent in Charge Ryan L. Korner.
The case was investigated by the Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation’s Western Area Cyber Crime Unit and the U.S. Secret Service.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Michael Dion and Siddharth Velamoor.
Former Immigration Officer Sentenced for Impersonating ICE SupervisorRead the Press Release
WICHITA, KAN. – A former federal immigration officer was sentenced today to nine months in prison for impersonating an Immigration and Customs Enforcement supervisor, U.S. Attorney Stephen McAllister said.
Andrew J. Pleviak, 42, Topeka, Kan., pleaded guilty in December to falsely claiming to be an officer of ICE’s Enforcement and Removal Operations. He made the claim to a deputy with the Kingman County Sheriff’s Office. Pleviak also submitted a memo on ICE letterhead requesting the release of a man being held in the custody of the Kingman County Sheriff’s Office. The man in custody was Juan Tapia-Alfaro, an acquaintance of Pleviak. Pleviak was arrested when he arrived at the jail pretending to be an ICE supervisory deportation officer.
McAllister commended the Kingman County Sheriff’s Office, Homeland Security Investigations and Assistant U.S. Attorney David Lind for their work on the case.
Former Hopi Reservation Ranger Sentenced in Arizona on Sexual Assault Charges and Destruction of EvidenceRead the Press Release
Mackenzie Davis, 25, a former Ranger with the Hopi Law Enforcement Services, was sentenced Monday in federal court in Phoenix, Arizona, to 51 months in prison for sexually assaulting a female arrestee in his custody and destroying evidence to cover up his crimes.
“This sentence demonstrates that law enforcement officers who use their official authority to target and sexually assault individuals in their custody will be held accountable,” said Assistant Attorney General Eric Dreiband of the Civil Rights Division. “The Department of Justice commends the victim who came forward to report this reprehensible conduct, so that this officer’s crimes could see the light of day.”
“The steadfast courage of the victim, together with the FBI’s excellent investigative work, made the successful prosecution possible,” said Michael Bailey, U.S. Attorney for the District of Arizona. “Davis’ sentence should serve as a warning to officials who breach the public’s trust.”
“The FBI will not tolerate officials who abuse their authority and violate the very people they were sworn to protect,” said Sean Kaul, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Phoenix Field Office. “We too commend the victim who came forward to report this crime. The FBI will continue to work alongside our state, local, federal, and tribal law enforcement partners to protect all of our communities and hold those who abuse their positions of power, accountable.”
A federal jury convicted Davis last October. Evidence presented at trial established that on Nov. 15, 2016, Davis arrested the victim for driving under the influence. During a nearly two-hour transport to a detention center, Davis pulled over onto the side of the road and sexually assaulted C.A. Another witness testified that he engaged in similar conduct with her five years prior, when he was not a law enforcement officer. A jury found Davis guilty of violating C.A.’s civil rights, abusive sexual contact in Indian Country, and destruction of evidence.
In addition to his prison sentence, Davis will serve 120 months on supervised release. He will also forfeit his law enforcement certification, forfeit his weapons, and be required to register as a sex offender.
The case was investigated by the Flagstaff Resident Agency of the Phoenix Division of the FBI and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Abbie Broughton Marsh, and Special Litigation Counsel Fara Gold and Trial Attorney Maura White of the Civil Rights Division.
Federal Jury Finds Tennessee Man Guilty of Major Cocaine Conspiracy Stretching Across Several StatesRead the Press Release
Gulfport, Miss. –Fortrell Latrae Sain, 38, of Memphis, Tennessee, was found guilty by a federal jury on Friday of conspiring to possess with intent to distribute 5 kilograms or more of cocaine, announced United States Attorney Mike Hurst and Special Agent in Charge Jere T. Miles with Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations (“HSI”) in New Orleans.
In late 2018, HSI agents began investigating a drug trafficking organization with connections to Memphis, Tennessee and Indianapolis, Indiana. Through their investigation, agents determined Sain acted as the middle man in the multi-state, cocaine conspiracy that involved co-defendants, Ray Parham and Riondal Taylor. During trial, it was revealed that Sain played an intricate role in aiding the drug trafficking organization with making connections for their supply of cocaine. Throughout the conspiracy, Sain communicated with Parham and others with the goal of securing a purchase of 25 kilograms of cocaine.
Parham and Taylor pled guilty for their roles in the conspiracy on November 8, 2019. Taylor will be sentenced on March 3, 2020, at 1:30 p.m., and Parham will be sentenced on March 4, 2020, at 1:30 p.m. Both sentencings will be before Judge Guirola.
Sain will be sentenced on May 26, 2020, at 1:30 p.m. by Judge Guirola, and faces a maximum penalty of life in prison and a $10,000,000 fine.
The case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Shundral H. Cole and Kathlyn Van Buskirk.
Executive Office for Immigration Review Expands Automated Case Information ChannelsRead the Press Release
The Executive Office for Immigration Review (EOIR) today announced the addition of an Internet option for checking case information. The new automated case information application is available on EOIR’s website, and is currently available in English and Spanish. This is another tool for parties with business before the agency, and the automated case information hotline at 800-898-7180 (TDD 800-828-1120) continues to be available.
The automated case information application allows users to receive the most recent information about a case after inputting a unique alien registration number. Available information includes next scheduled hearings, decision information at the immigration court and Board of Immigration Appeals (BIA) levels, and court and BIA contact information. Immigration courts’ operating statuses are also included.
To access the new automated case information application, visit: https://icor.eoir.justice.gov/en/.
Erie Woman Pleads Guilty in Scheme that Used Homeless to Cash Stolen ChecksRead the Press Release
ERIE, Pa. - A former resident of Erie, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of conspiracy, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.
Jasmine Nicole Carter, 30, pleaded guilty to one count before United States District Judge Susan Paradise Baxter.
In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that from in and around August 2015, to in and around September 2018, Carter and a co-defendant engaged in a scheme where they stole checks from the mail and used homeless people with valid identification to cash the checks. The defendants removed the legitimate name from the checks and replaced them with the homeless persons’ name.
Judge Baxter scheduled sentencing for June 16, 2020. The law provides for a total sentence of 30 years in prison, a fine of $1,000,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant United States Attorney Christian A. Trabold is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Pennsylvania State Police, the Erie Police Department and the Millcreek Police Department conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Carter.
Elwood Man Convicted of Producing Child Pornography Domestically and AbroadRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Joe Kelly announced that Dylan Hedrick, age 26, of Elwood, Nebraska, was sentenced today in federal court in Lincoln for Producing Child Pornography. Chief United States District Judge John M. Gerrard sentenced Hedrick to 198 months’ imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system. Hedrick will begin a 10-year term of supervised release upon his release from prison and will be required to register as a sex offender.
An investigation was initiated against Hedrick following reports from Facebook about chats that Hedrick was engaging in involving the transmission of child pornography. An investigation by Homeland Security Investigations and the Nebraska State Patrol revealed two international victims and one victim in the United States who Hedrick had engaged in communications with over the internet. The minors lived in Thailand, the Philippines, and California. The victims were between the ages of 12 and 16. Hedrick initiated contact with the minors through online chatrooms before they began engaging in private communications over Facebook, Skype, Kik, or Discord. Hedrick would misrepresent his age to the victims. He told one of the victims that he had romantic feelings for her and that she meant “enough to risk jail” for and that he wanted to bring her to the United States. The private communications between Hedrick and the victims turned sexual and Hedrick would request the victims to send him nude images and videos, videos of them performing sexual acts on themselves, or would engage in video chats where Hedrick and the minor victim would perform sexual acts on themselves for the gratification of the other. Hedrick paid one of the victims for these chats using online gift cards. With a different victim, Hedrick also used an application to remotely access the victim’s webcam to watch her. Hedrick would then save or screen capture these images or videos that he received from the three victims. After Hedrick was contacted by law enforcement, his phone was searched and sexually explicit images and videos of the three victims were located.
United States Attorney Joe Kelly commented that the actions of Hedrick and similar predators on the internet serve as a reminder to parents to be vigilant about the online actions of their children.
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.
This case was investigated by the Nebraska State Patrol and Homeland Security Investigations including the North Platte office as well as HSI offices across the United States and internationally.
Eleven People Charged in Newark Drug Trafficking Conspiracy in Stephen Crane Village, Including One Charged with MurderRead the Press Release
NEWARK, N.J. – Eleven people were charged today for their roles as members and associates of a drug trafficking organization involved in the distribution of narcotics, including heroin, fentanyl, and cocaine base (crack) in the Stephen Crane Village Housing Complex in Newark, U.S. Attorney Craig Carpenito announced.
One defendant is also charged with the murder of a conspirator in an apartment in Crane Village.
The charges and arrests resulted from an investigation led by the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and the U.S. Attorney’s Office and in conjunction with numerous local law enforcement partners and the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration.
“The criminal complaint against these defendants details a brazen drug dealing operation going on right out in the open that used violence to accomplish its goals,” Carpenito said. “Thanks to the combined work of our federal, state, and local partners, we have been able to address a substantial threat to the public.”
“Tonight, residents of the Stephen Crane Village Apartments, and the Cities of Newark and Belleville, can rest a little easier,” ATF Special Agent in Charge Charlie J. Patterson said. “Through the relentless efforts of our ATF Newark personnel, along with the unmatched dedication of our partner agencies, we have collectively removed the worst of the worst from our community. These individuals worked in tandem as a hybrid gang, whose community spoilage included drug distribution, and murder. Their ruthless grip on the community has been broken thanks to law enforcement cooperation, and a common mission to remove the most dangerous offenders responsible for violent crime from the community.
“Belleville Police are committed to reducing violent crimes that directly have an impact on our residents,” Belleville Police Chief Mark Minichini said. “Today’s arrests sends a clear concise message that local, county, and state resources will work together to combat these types of crimes thereby making our community safer.”
“No one should have to live in fear in their homes or community,” Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration’s New Jersey Division, Susan A. Gibson said. “The defendants in this investigation were using Crane Village as their own personal drug market putting every resident at risk. This multi-agency investigation reinforces our commitment to the safety of the public.”
“Once again, collaboration brings results to a community that has been held hostage by a few people,” Newark Public Safety Director Anthony F. Ambrose said. “Our support to our federal partners for making another Newark community ridden of criminals.”
The complaint charges Gary Shahid, 60; Jose Lora, 22; Dayquan Jordan, 25; Ricky Terrell, 23; Charles Mells, 36; Raquan Rawls, 21; Nasir Williams, 23; Quadir Hatcher, 27; Tyree Purkett, 23; James Wicker, 27; and Mayse, 33 – all Newark residents – in one conspiracy spanning February 2019 to February 2020 and involving the distribution of heroin, fentanyl, and cocaine base in and around Crane Village. Jordan, Rawls, Williams, Hatcher, and Mayse, are additionally charged with distribution of cocaine base and heroin on Nov. 21, 2019. Mayse is additionally charged with murder during and in relation to a drug trafficking offense.
Seven defendants were arrested today and two – Mayse and Mells – were already in state custody. Two defendants – Rawls and Purkett – remain at large. Those arrested today are scheduled to have their initial appearances this afternoon before U.S. Magistrate Michael A. Hammer in Newark federal court.
According to the documents filed in this case and statements made in court:
Crane Village is a public housing complex near Branch Brook Park, on the border with Belleville. It consists of consists of standalone buildings, with 354 apartments in total, all of which are accessible via exterior entrances. The buildings are clustered around courtyards and pedestrian walkways with roadways bisecting the complex. Given its location and its layout, which makes it difficult for law enforcement to surveil, Crane Village is the site of an open-air drug market. Since at least February 2019, law enforcement officers have been investigating the organization that controls this drug market.
Through numerous controlled purchases of narcotics, consensually recorded telephone calls and text messages, physical surveillance, and the analysis of telephone call detail records, law enforcement determined that the defendants conspired to distribute narcotics, including heroin, fentanyl, and cocaine base, in and around Crane Village.
The organization used a drug stash apartment in Crane Village to package and store drugs for distribution. On Dec. 15, 2019, Mayse entered the stash apartment and allegedly murdered a conspirator over a monetary debt relating to the distribution of narcotics.
The count of conspiracy to distribute at least 28 grams of cocaine base and a quantity of heroin and fentanyl carries a minimum penalty of five years in prison, maximum penalty of 40 years in prison, and a fine of at least $5 million. The count of distribution of a quantity of heroin and cocaine base carries a maximum of 20 years in prison and a fine of $1 million. The count of murder during and in relation to a drug trafficking crime is eligible for the death penalty, or a maximum sentence of life in prison, and a $250,000 fine.
U.S. Attorney Carpenito credited special agents and task force officers with the ATF, Newark Division, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Patterson; the Belleville Police Department, under the direction of Chief Minichini; special agents and task force officers of the DEA, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Gibson in Newark; the Newark Police Department, under the direction of Director Ambrose; the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office, under the direction of Acting Prosecutor Theodore N. Stephens II; and the Essex County Sheriff’s Office, under the direction of Sheriff Armando B. Fontoura. He also thanked the U.S. Marshals Service, the Nutley Police Department, the Bloomfield Police Department, the West Orange Police Department, the Verona Police Department, the Orange Police Department and the Bergen County Sheriff’s Office for their assistance with this case.
This investigation is part of the Newark Violent Crime Initiative (VCI), where the U.S. Attorney’s Office has partnered with state, federal, county, and local law enforcement to investigate crime in Newark and the surrounding cities.
This case is also conducted under the auspices of the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF). The principal mission of the OCDETF program is to identify, disrupt and dismantle the most serious drug trafficking, weapons trafficking and money laundering organizations, and those primarily responsible for the nation’s illegal drug supply.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Tracey Agnew of the Organized Crime and Gangs Unit of the U.S. Attorney’s Office’s Criminal Division in Newark.
The charges and allegations in the complaint are merely accusations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Defense counsel:
Shahid: Peter Carter Esq., Newark
Jordan: Stacy Biancamano Esq., Cranford, New Jersey
Terrell: Ernesto Cerimele Esq., Newark
Williams: John McGovern Esq., Newark
Hatcher: Kevin Buchan Esq., Roseland, New Jersey
Wicker: Julian Wilsey Esq., Livingston, New Jersey
Mayse: Richard Verde Esq., Caldwell, New Jersey
Lora: Laurie Fierro Esq., Kinnelon, New JerseyDubuque Cocaine Dealer Sentenced to Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
A Dubuque man who possessed and sold crack cocaine near a school was sentenced today to more than five years in federal prison.
John Saunders, age 44, from Dubuque, Iowa received the prison term after a September 9, 2019 guilty plea to possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance near a protected location.
In a plea agreement, Saunders admitted he possessed crack cocaine he intended to sell. Saunders was selling cocaine out of his residence which is located near Loras College in Dubuque, Iowa. A search warrant executed on his property recovered over 24 grams of crack cocaine, drug weighing and packaging materials, and a loaded handgun under the mattress.
Saunders was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Judge C.J. Williams. Saunders was sentenced to 70 months’ imprisonment. He must also serve a 6-year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system.
Saunders is being held in the United States Marshal’s custody until he can be transported to a federal prison.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Liz Dupuich and investigated by the Dubuque Drug Task Force, the Dubuque Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 19-CR-1027.
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Dubois Man Sentenced for Possessing of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
JOHNSTOWN, Pa. – A resident of DuBois, Pa. has been sentenced in federal court in Johnstown to ten years’ supervised release with 12 months home detention on his conviction of possession of child pornography, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.
United States District Judge Kim R. Gibson imposed the sentence on Matthew Hutzell, 27.
According to information presented to the court, on October 31, 2013, Hutzell knowingly possessed pictures and videos in individual computer graphic files which were produced using prepubescent minors engaging in sexually explicit conduct. The computer graphic files were shipped or transported in interstate or foreign commerce.
Assistant United States Attorney Maureen Sheehan-Balchon prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
Mr. Brady commended the Laurel Highlands Resident Agency of the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Pennsylvania State Police Computer Crime Task Force for the investigation that led to the successful prosecution of Hutzell.
Dominican National Sentenced for Role in Large-Scale Fentanyl Trafficking OrganizationRead the Press Release
Portland, Maine: A Dominican national residing in Massachusetts was sentenced today in federal court in Portland for conspiring to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl, U.S. Attorney Halsey B. Frank announced.
U.S. District Judge D. Brock Hornby sentenced Enyel Mejia-Pimental, a/k/a “Gregori Velez-Sosa,” 28, to 40 months imprisonment. Mejia-Pimental pleaded guilty on March 29, 2019.
According to court records, Mejia-Pimentel was a primary drug courier for a drug trafficking organization based out of the Lawrence, Massachusetts area. The organization was responsible for distributing kilogram quantities of fentanyl to customers from Maine, New Hampshire and Massachusetts between approximately April 2016 and March 2018.
The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, the Sanford Police Department and U.S. Immigration and Custom Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations investigated the case. The prosecution is a result of the ongoing efforts by the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) Program, a partnership between federal, state and local law enforcement agencies. The OCDETF mission is to identify, investigate and prosecute high-level members of drug trafficking enterprises, bringing together the combined expertise and unique abilities of federal, state and local law enforcement.
District Man Pleads Guilty to Involuntary ManslaughterRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Edward Banks, 47, of Washington, DC pled guilty to one count of involuntary manslaughter. The incident occurred on August 18, 2019 at the homeless shelter located at 2700 Martin Luther King Avenue, SE, U.S. Attorney Timothy Shea announced.
Banks pled guilty on February 24, 2020, in the Superior Court of the District of Columbia. The plea calls for a sentence of five years in prison for killing the decedent. He will be sentenced on March 16, 2020 by the Honorable Juliet McKenna.
The defendant entered the homeless shelter in the early morning hours of August 18, 2019. At a certain point, the defendant was walking down a hallway in the shelter when he came upon the decedent, Mr. Abraham Weldemichael, who was standing outside the bathroom door. The defendant became angry at the decedent and took an aggressive posture towards Mr. Weldemichael. The defendant then punched Mr. Weldemichael in the face once and fled the scene. Mr. Weldemichael collapsed to the ground and did not move. Mr. Weldemichael’s unconscious body was on the ground for approximately six minutes until he was eventually discovered by security staff. Medical personnel arrived at the scene and Mr. Weldemichael was transported to George Washington Hospital. Upon arrival, he was admitted in critical condition and it was determined that he was suffering from swelling and bleeding in the brain. He eventually succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced dead on August 21, 2019 at 2:32 am.
In announcing the plea, U.S. Attorney Shea commended the work of those who investigated the case from the Criminal Investigations Division Homicide Branch of the Metropolitan Police Department. He acknowledged the efforts of those who worked on the case from the U.S. Attorney’s Office, including Paralegal Specialists Lashone Samuels; Victim Witness Specialist Jennifer Allen and Investigative Analyst Zachary McMenamin.
Finally, U.S. Attorney Shea commended the work of Assistant U.S. Attorney Shehzad Akhtar who investigated and prosecuted the matter.
District Man Found Guilty of Assault with Intent to Kill While Armed for Shooting the New Boyfriend of His Ex-GirlfriendRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Jerel Ruffin, 39, of Washington, D.C., has been found guilty by a jury of thirty-three charges, including assault with intent to kill while armed, assault with a dangerous weapon, obstruction of justice, and contempt, for shooting the new boyfriend of his ex-girlfriend, announced U.S. Attorney Timothy J. Shea.
The verdict was returned on February 24, 2020, following a two-week trial in the Superior Court of the District of Columbia. The Honorable Anita Josey-Herring scheduled sentencing for May 1, 2020.
According to the government’s evidence, in the early evening hours of November 26, 2018, Ruffin went to the home of his ex-girlfriend, rang the doorbell, and waited outside when she did not answer. A short time later, the victim arrived at the house to pick up the woman for a date. Before the victim and the woman could leave in the victim’s car, Ruffin drove past their car on the street, made a U-turn, and pulled up window to window with the victim’s car. He then fired six shots at the victim’s car, striking the victim in the leg. Ruffin drove off and the woman drove the victim to the hospital, where his wounds required surgery.
The government’s evidence also showed that following Ruffin’s arrest on November 27, 2018, he embarked on near-constant attempts to contact the woman and other witnesses in the case to get them to change their testimony. Many of those communications were captured on recorded jail calls and were introduced as evidence in the trial.
Ruffin, who was in custody pending trial, remains held pending the sentencing.
In announcing the verdict, U.S. Attorney Shea commended the work of those who investigated the case from the Metropolitan Police Department. He also acknowledged the efforts of those who worked on the case from the U.S. Attorney’s Office, including Victim/Witness Advocate Lu Lan; Paralegal Specialists Brenda Williams and Tiffany Fogle; and Criminal Investigator Nelson Rhone.
Finally, he commended the work of Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jennifer B. Loeb and Ryan Creighton, who investigated, indicted, and prosecuted the case at trial.
Defendant Sentenced to Life Imprisonment for 1997 Kidnapping, Traveling with Intent to Engage in Sexual Act with A JuvenileRead the Press Release
MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – Henri Michelle Piette, who had been found guilty by a federal jury on June 6, 2019, was sentenced on February 20, 2020, to life imprisonment for Kidnapping, and 360 months for Traveling With Intent to Engage in Sexual Acts With a Juvenile. His sentenced included a $50,000 fine and restitution to the victim in the amount of $50,067.00.
During the trial, prosecutors presented evidence that the defendant had kidnapped the victim, who was 12 at the time, from Poteau, Oklahoma, in 1997 where she had been living with her mother, who had been in a relationship with the defendant. Over the course of the nearly 20 years that followed, the defendant repeatedly raped and inflicted additional physical and emotional abuse upon the victim. The victim gave birth to nine children, the first being born in 2000 when she was 15 years old. In July 2016 the victim was able to escape with her children to the United States Consular General Offices in Nogales, Mexico. The Federal Bureau of Investigation was notified and the investigation began.
The investigation revealed, and the victim testified at trial, that the defendant had moved her and their children dozens of times within the United States and Mexico. The Defendant used numerous aliases and forced the victim to use aliases, dye her hair, and wear glasses to change her appearance. He controlled the victim by extreme violence, threats of violence, and sexual abuse against her and her children.
Assistant United States Attorneys Sarah McAmis and Edward Snow represented the United States during the trial. The investigation was led by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, with assistance from the United States Department of State Diplomatic Security Service, and the District Attorney’s Office for Oklahoma’s 27th Prosecutorial District.
“Life in prison is a sentence the law reserves for the most serious offenders – offenders like Henri Michelle Piette. For 20 years he inflicted extreme physical and emotional abuse on the victim and her children. For 20 years she feared for her and her children’s lives,” said United States Attorney Brian J. Kuester. “The victim’s courage ended the defendant’s reign of terror. Unfortunately, the horrific memories may very well last a life time. It is fitting that the defendant’s sentence will also.”
“For over 20 years Henri Piette inflicted immeasurable harm upon his victims. We hope today’s sentencing provides closure to the victims and an opportunity to heal," said Melissa Godbold, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Oklahoma City Division. "The FBI would like to thank our law enforcement partners for their dedication and efforts on this investigation.
The Honorable Ronald A. White, District Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, in Muskogee, presided over the sentencing hearing. The defendant will remain in custody pending transportation to the designated federal facility at which the nonparoleable sentence will be served.
Darwin Medina Sentenced to 135 Months for Drug Distribution and Firearms ConspiraciesRead the Press Release
The Office of the United States Attorney for the District of Vermont stated that Darwin Medina (also known as “Weezy” to his former drug customers in Franklin County) was sentenced today in federal court on one count of conspiring to distribute 280 grams or more of cocaine base and one count of conspiring to possess firearms in furtherance of the drug trafficking crime. Medina—who is 35 and a resident of Boston, Massachusetts—was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Christina Reiss to a period of incarceration of 135 months, to be followed by 5 years of supervised release, for his role in the conspiracies.
The defendant pleaded guilty pursuant to a plea agreement he entered into with the United States. According to court records, Medina was responsible for the distribution of at least 2.8 kilograms of “crack” cocaine in the Franklin County area and for the trafficking of at least 30 illegally purchased firearms from Vermont to the Boston area. His offenses continued from at least September 2017 through March 2018. Medina and his codefendant, John Guerrero, used multiple drug customers in Swanton to purchase firearms for them in exchange for controlled substances. Those straw purchasers included Tyson Wells, Laci Baker, Sierra Lacoste, Megan West, and Kelly Champaine; Dara Bessette helped plan the straw purchases for Medina and Guerrero. All six of those individuals already pleaded guilty to related charges last year. Wells and Bessette are still awaiting sentencing.
As part of his plea agreement, Medina had agreed to a sentencing range of 120 to 180 months. In the absence of the plea agreement, the defendant could have been sentenced up to life imprisonment. In exchange for pleading guilty, the United States agreed to dismiss two additional criminal charges: possession of firearms in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime and interstate transportation of firearms from which the serial numbers had been removed, altered, or obliterated.
United States Attorney Christina E. Nolan stated, “This sentencing is the culmination of a lengthy investigation and prosecution involving multiple law enforcement organizations in multiple states. Darwin Medina was one of two leaders of a conspiracy to pour dangerous drugs into Franklin County. Their actions invited destruction in two communities. The citizens of Vermont suffered the consequences of the drugs they brought in, while the defendants took money and guns back to Boston to further gang activities there. The U.S. Attorney’s Office remains committed to the prosecution of crimes at the intersection of dangerous drugs and illegal firearms.”
The investigation of this case was a joint effort between agents with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives (ATF) and local law enforcement—particularly the St. Albans Police Department. “Trafficked firearms represent a danger to our community because they can end up in the hands of convicted felons, violent criminals, and many other kinds of people who are prohibited from having firearms,” said Kelly D. Brady, Special Agent in Charge of ATF’s Boston Field Division. “We will continue to work aggressively alongside our local, state, and federal law enforcement partners and the U.S. Attorney’s Office to fulfill the mission of ATF by targeting offenders like Darwin Medina and John Guerrero, as well as their straw purchasers, to get illegally trafficked guns off the street.”
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 enhances coordination of federal, state, local, and tribal authorities in investigating and prosecuting firearm use and possession crimes; prioritizes prosecuting persons who make false statements when attempting to obtain firearms; improves information-sharing by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives concerning persons who attempt to obtain firearms illegally; coordinates responses to persons prevented from obtaining firearms for mental health reasons; and ensures the use of modern intelligence tools and technology to focus on the criminals posing the greatest threat to our communities.
This prosecution was handled by Assistant United States Attorney Matthew Lasher. Darwin Medina was represented by Mark Oettinger, Esq. of Burlington, Vermont.
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.
Crime Gun Intelligence Center investigations net separate federal firearm and drug chargesRead the Press Release
Indianapolis – United States Attorney Josh J. Minkler announced today, Donald Rudolph, 22, and Dorian Hayden, 24, both of Indianapolis, are currently in federal custody following federal charges for illegal possession of firearms and narcotics.
“It is a top priority of my office and federal law enforcement to work with state and local law enforcement to identify, investigate and eliminate those who are infecting our community with drugs, illegally possessing guns and perpetuating violence.” said Minkler. “Through the outstanding work by the officers at CGIC, that is exactly what happened in these two cases.”
According to the complaint filed against Donald Rudolph, on February 5, 2020, officers with the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department (IMPD) conducted a traffic stop for traffic violations on I-65 in Marion County, Ind. The driver was identified as Donald Rudolph. Rudolph had active outstanding warrants out of Marion County for drug violations and Hamilton County, Ind. for probation violation.
Officers detected a strong odor of suspected burnt marijuana coming from the vehicle. In the course of their investigation, the officers found suspected marijuana, a large amount of U.S. currency, a loaded semi-automatic handgun, and ammunition that belonged to Rudolph. IMPD officers arrested Rudolph on the outstanding warrants, possession of marijuana, and carrying a handgun without a permit.
Rudolph is in federal custody and was charged with two federal charges:
- Possession of a Firearm by Fugitive from Justice
- Possession of a Firearm by Unlawful User of Controlled Substance
According to the complaint filed against Dorian Hayden, on February 13th, 2020, investigators with the Crime Gun Information Center were conducting surveillance on a residence they were about to serve a search warrant on. The search warrant was for an ongoing narcotics investigation into the suspected drug trafficking activities of Dorian Hayden.
During their surveillance and before the search warrant was served, officers noticed Hayden and another male exit the residence and enter a vehicle that Hayden is known to drive. Hayden, who has a suspended driver’s license, drove the vehicle away from the residence and shortly after driving away, uniformed officers made a traffic stop on the vehicle due to Hayden’s suspended license.
Officers identified the driver as Hayden and quickly noticed a semiautomatic handgun in the waistband of Hayden’s pants. While removing the handgun, a second handgun was observed and removed from Hayden’s pants pocket.
Investigators returned back to the residence and joined other officers to execute the search warrant. Officers located approximately 3.5 pounds of suspected methamphetamine, several ounces of suspected heroin, several pills suspected to be controlled substances, several grams of suspected marijuana, digital scales and other products associated with drug trafficking activities, a currency counter and over $38,000, and another semiautomatic handgun.
IMPD officers arrested Hayden for dealing in a narcotic, possession of a narcotic, dealing methamphetamine, possession of methamphetamine, dealing in marijuana, and possession of marijuana.
Hayden is in federal custody and was charged with the following federal charges:
- Possession with Intent to Distribute Controlled Substance
These cases are 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. The United States Attorney’s Office has prosecuted this case with support from the following Project Guardian partners: The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department.
For more information about Project Guardian, please see: https://www.justice.gov/projectguardian
According to Assistant United States Attorney Jayson McGrath who is prosecuting the case for the government, Donald Rudolph faces up to 120 months’ imprisonment followed by three years of supervised release.
According to Assistant United States Attorney Michelle Brady who is prosecuting the case for the government, Dorian Hayden faces up to life imprisonment followed by five years of supervised release.
An indictment is only a charge and not evidence of guilt. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven otherwise in federal court.
In October 2017, United States Attorney Josh J. Minkler announced a Strategic Plan designed to shape and strengthen the District’s response to its most significant public safety challenges. This prosecution demonstrates the office’s firm commitment to targeting the District’s most violent geographic areas for the adoption of reactive federal drug and firearm prosecutions. See United States Attorney’s Office, Southern District of Indiana Strategic Plan Section 2.2.
Columbus man sentenced for role in cocaine and heroin distribution operationRead the Press Release
WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Kyuten J. Smith, of Columbus, Ohio, was sentenced today to 110 months incarceration for his role in a cocaine and heroin distribution operation, U.S. Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Smith, also known as “Mitch,” pled guilty to one count of “Possession with Intent to Distribute Cocaine Base” in July 2019. Kyuten, age 29, admitted to distributing cocaine base in Ohio County in September 2018.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephen L. Vogrin prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The investigation was led by the Ohio County Drug & Violent Crimes Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative. The task force is comprised of the Drug Enforcement Administration, West Virginia State Police, the Ohio County Sheriff’s Office, and the Wheeling Police Department. Those assisting in the arrests are the United States Marshal Service; Marshall County Drug & Violent Crimes Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative; the Hancock-Brooke-Weirton Drug & Violent Crimes Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative; the Martins Ferry, Ohio Police Department; and the Columbus, Ohio Police Department.
U.S. District Judge John Preston Bailey presided.
Citizen of Honduras with Multiple Drunk Driving Convictions Pleads Guilty to Immigration ChargeRead the Press Release
John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that JORGE ALBERTO RODRIGUEZ RODRIGUEZ, 33, a citizen of Honduras last residing in Stamford, pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Judge Kari A. Dooley in Bridgeport to unlawful reentry of a removed alien.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on February 20, 2010, Rodriguez Rodriguez was arrested in Stamford on a charge of operating under the influence. He was subsequently arrested in Westport for failure to appear. Rodriguez Rodriguez was convicted in Stamford Superior Court of operating under the influence and sentenced to four months of incarceration.
On August 30, 2010, Rodriguez Rodriguez was released from state custody and was served with a Notice to Appear by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) based on a charge that he entered the U.S without documentation. While released on bond and awaiting his immigration hearing, Rodriguez Rodriguez was arrested in Stamford on a charge of operating under the influence. He was convicted of the offense and sentenced to one year of incarceration, suspended after 150 days. On June 13, 2011, he was removed from the U.S. following service of his state sentence.
On December 18, 2018, Rodriguez Rodriguez was arrested by Stamford Police on a charge of operating under the influence and evading injury/property damage. A biometric fingerprint match subsequently confirmed Rodriguez Rodriguez’s unlawful reentry into the U.S. He has been detained in state custody since July 28, 2019, when he was arrested by Stamford Police on a charge of failure to appear. He was convicted of these offenses and, on September 26, 2019, was sentenced in state court to three years of incarceration, suspended after one year, and three years of probation.
Judge Dooley scheduled sentencing for May 18, 2020, at which time Rodriguez Rodriguez faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years for illegal reentry.
This investigation is being conducted by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Immigration and Customs Enforcement. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Deborah R. Slater.
Cincinnati City Council president charged with honest services wire fraud, bribery, attempted extortionRead the Press Release
CINCINNATI – The Cincinnati City Council President Pro Tem has been arrested and charged federally with honest services wire fraud, bribery and attempted extortion.
Tamaya Dennard, 40, appeared in federal court this afternoon. The charges pending against her were unsealed at that time.
Dennard was elected to Cincinnati City Council in November 2017.
According to the affidavit filed in support of the criminal complaint, between August and December 2019, Dennard engaged in acts and attempted acts of bribery and extortion, attempting to exchange her votes for money.
“As the affidavit details, a concerned citizen contacted law enforcement following an interaction with Dennard, feeling an ethical and moral obligation to report any criminal wrongdoing,” U.S. Attorney David M. DeVillers said. “The individual then worked at the direction of law enforcement throughout this investigation. It takes courage for citizens to come forward and assist law enforcement as this individual did.”
Dennard allegedly requested between $10,000 and $15,000 from the individual to pay for her personal expenses.
At the direction of and in coordination with FBI, the individual and Dennard exchanged a total of $15,000, in increments of $10,000 and $5,000, for upcoming votes on a matter scheduled to be heard by Council.
Dennard deposited $10,000 in a personal bank account the same day she received it.
After receiving the initial $10,000, Dennard requested the additional $5,000 in advance. Records indicate the same day she received the $5,000 in cash, Dennard booked two seats on a Sept. 22, 2019 flight from Cincinnati to Destin-Fort Walton Beach Airport. On Sept. 27, 2019, she booked two return tickets. Financial records indicate Dennard spent more than $4,000 total on the Florida trip to include accommodations at the Opal Sands Resort in Clearwater, Fla. and the airfare.
Dennard allegedly continued to reach out to the individual asking for money on various occasions in October and November 2019. Text messages from Dennard to the individual during that time include “Happy to help you. But need yours too”; and “As I said, I’m sure there will be ways to help you as well and I will.”
Dennard is charged with one count each of honest services wire fraud (up to 20 years in prison), bribery concerning programs receiving federal funds (up to 10 years in prison) and attempted extortion under color of right (up to 20 years in prison).
David M. DeVillers, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio; and Chris Hoffman, Special Agent in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Cincinnati Division; announced the charges. Deputy Criminal Chief Emily N. Glatfelter and Assistant United States Attorney Matthew Singer are representing the United States in this case.
A criminal complaint merely contains allegations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.
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