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23 April 2020
Akron couple sentenced for role in drug trafficking conspiracyRead the Press Release
Donte L. Gibson, age 41, and Audrey J. Gibson, age 36, of Akron were sentenced today for their roles in a conspiracy to bring large amounts of fentanyl and carfentanil into the United States from China and then sell the drugs in Akron and Lorain, as well as firearms and money laundering violations. Donte Gibson was sentenced to 300 months in prison with five years of supervised release, and Audrey Gibson was sentenced to 130 months in prison with 3 years of supervised release.
Donte and Audrey Gibson were the last of nine codefendants sentenced in this matter. All nine defendants were indicted on charges of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute more than 200 grams of carfentanil.
“These two defendants were the leaders of a drug trafficking ring that used illegal weapons and brought large amounts of fentanyl and carfentanil into our neighborhoods, endangering the lives of so many in our community,” said U.S. Attorney Justin Herdman. “Today’s sentencing reaffirms our commitment to keeping dangerous drugs and weapons off our streets.”
“This case demonstrates the lengths drug dealers will go to obtain deadly drugs to feed the addiction of their customers,” said FBI Special Agent in Charge Eric B. Smith. “This group flaunted their lucrative drug trafficking organization proceeds by purchasing homes, cars and other items in an attempt to hide their cash. The FBI will continue working with our law enforcement partners to help rid our communities of the individuals that bring poison to our streets.”
"These defendants not only fueled the Opioid drug problem in Northern Ohio, but they supported addiction in several parts of the country,” said Bryant Jackson, Special Agent in Charge, IRS Criminal Investigation, Cincinnati Field Office. “Criminals and criminal organizations use money laundering as a way to inject their illicit proceeds into our local economies. The laundering of illegal drug profits is as important and essential to drug traffickers as the very distribution of their illegal drugs. Without these ill-gotten gains, the traffickers could not finance their organizations. Today's sentencings are a direct result of the excellent partnership between the IRS, the U.S. Attorney’s Office, and the FBI’s Safe Streets Task Force.”
“Fentanyl and carfentanil continue to be the deadliest illegal drugs that we are up against in the law enforcement community,” said HSI Special Agent in Charge Vance Callender. “HSI has uniquely built a network of domestic and international law enforcement partnerships to bring consequences to criminal enterprises that operate on a global scale to profit from distributing this lethal poison in our local communities.”
Between May 2016 and February 2018, Mr. and Mrs. Gibson purchased fentanyl and carfentanil from China over the internet and had the drugs shipped to various locations in the Akron-Canton area through the U.S. Postal Service. The Gibsons then directed others to open post office boxes throughout the area, and used co-conspirators to pick-up the packages. The Gibsons then distributed the drugs to others for sale in Akron and Lorain.
Previously sentenced on this matter were:
- Lori E. Martin, age 59, of Barberton was sentenced on January 28, 2019 on one count of conspiracy to commit money laundering to two years of probation.
- Dontaysha S. Gibson, age 23, of Akron was sentenced on January 16, 2019 on one count each of conspiracy to possess and distribute fentanyl and carfentanil and money laundering to 15 months in prison.
- Derrick A. Adams II, age 24, of Akron was sentenced on January 24, 2019 on one count each of conspiracy to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute fentanyl and carfentanil and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime to 120 months in prison.
- Lisa A, Richardson, age, 56 of Akron was sentenced on February 28, 2019 on one count each of conspiracy to possess and distribute fentanyl and carfentanil and conspiracy to commit money laundering to 51 months in prison.
- Ajarae C. Hisle, age 29, of Lorain was sentenced on February 19, 2019 on one count of conspiracy to possess and distribute fentanyl and carfentanil to one month in prison and seven months of home confinement.
- Jamar Jackson, age 30, of Lorain was sentenced on February 1, 2019 on one count of conspiracy to possess and distribute fentanyl and carfentanil to 57 months in prison.
- Garret R. Frantz, age 22, of North Canton was sentenced on January 28, 2019 on one count of conspiracy to possess and distribute fentanyl and carfentanil to one day in prison and eight months of home confinement.
Prosecutors were able to secure forfeiture of more than $250,000 in assets, two firearms, and ammunition seized as part of the investigation, as well as a home in Akron.
This case was investigated by the FBI’s Safe Streets Task Force -- which is comprised of agents and officers from the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Homeland Security Investigations, U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Internal Revenue Service and the Akron Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Mark S. Bennett and Danielle Asher.
For more background on this case, click here.
22 April 2020
“Godfather” of North Carolina United Blood Nation Sentenced to Four Consecutive Life Sentences for Rico Conviction and Gang Related MurderRead the Press Release
RALEIGH – United States Attorney Robert J. Higdon, Jr. announced that in federal court, United States District Judge James C. Dever III sentenced DEMETRICE R. DEVINE, a/k/a “Respect,” 37, of Garner, NC, to four consecutive terms of life imprisonment followed by a term of 240 months imprisonment and 5 years supervised release for Conspiracy to Participate in a Pattern of Racketeering (RICO conspiracy), Murder in Aid of Racketeering, Murder with a Firearm During and in Relation to a crime of Violence, Conspiracy to Distribute and Possess with the Intent to Distribute Controlled Substances, and Conspiracy to Commit Witness Tampering. The court also recommended that the defendant serve his life sentences at the “Supermax" Federal Prison in Colorado.
On October 24, 2019, DEMETRICE R. DEVINE and BRANDON JOWAN MANGUM, a/k/a “B-Easy,” 31, of Knightdale, NC, were found guilty of all charges after a two-week jury trial. (More here.) Evidence presented during the trial and other public documents established that DEMETRICE R. DEVINE was the leader or “Godfather” of the Gangsta Killer Bloods (GKB), and then created the Black Mob Gangstas (BMG) and the Donald Gee Family (DGF) organization. The BMG/DGF are sets of the “Bloods” gang whose members committed various crimes in the city of Raleigh and especially in the area of Haywood Street. BRANDON JOWAN MANGUM was another high-ranking member of BMG/DGF. BMG/DGF members committed acts of violence to maintain membership and discipline, both within the gang and against non-gang members. Members committed acts of violence, including murder, attempted murder, and assaults, in order to maintain their positions within the gang and to be promoted within the leadership structure of the gang.
U.S. Attorney Higdon commented, “For the better part of two decades, members of the United Blood Nation, known locally as the Black Mob Gangstas or the Donald Gee Family, have operated and virtually controlled and terrorized the law abiding citizens who live in the Haywood Street area of downtown Raleigh, not more than a mile from our federal courthouse. Last October, during the trial of Mr. Devine and his co-defendant, Brandon Mangum – the jury heard the chilling testimony and saw the uncontroverted evidence presented by the Government of Devine’s role – indeed, his absolute leadership – in a murderous, violent, drug dealing gang of thugs who terrorized Raleigh and the Eastern District for far too long. These street gangs will stop at nothing to attempt to maintain their violent way of life without consequence. Mr. Devine’s multiple life sentences exemplify the consequences for those who join gangs and commit crimes in the Eastern District of North Carolina.”
BMG/DGF, including its leadership, members and associates, constituted an “enterprise” as defined by Title 18, United States Code, Section 1961(4), that is, a group of individuals’ associated-in-fact. The enterprise constituted an ongoing organization, whose members functioned as a continuing unit for a common purpose of achieving the objectives of the enterprise. The enterprise was engaged in, and its activities affected, interstate and foreign commerce. The purpose of the BMG/DGF enterprise included the following:
a. Preserving and protecting the power, territory, reputation, respect, and profits of the enterprise through the use of intimidation, violence, threats of violence, assaults, murder and attempted murder;
b. Promoting and enhancing the enterprise and its members’ and associates’ activities, including, but not limited to, murders, attempted murders, robberies, drug distribution and other criminal activities;
c. Keeping the community and rivals in fear of the enterprise and its members and associates through violence and threats of violence;
d. Providing financial support and information to gang members, including those incarcerated in the United States;
e. Providing assistance to other gang members who committed crimes for and on behalf of the gang; and,
f. Hindering, obstructing, and preventing law enforcement officers from identifying, apprehending, and successfully prosecuting and punishing members of the enterprise.
BMG/DGF also held gang meetings to communicate gang information, to recruit members, issue punishment and collect gang dues from each BMG/DGF member for the benefit of the BMG/DGF organization. A portion of the dues were saved and utilized locally in what was referred to as a “community rent box” while another portion was sent up the chain of command to gang leadership in Virginia and New York. BMG/DGF members were permitted to earn their money for dues through various methods, including, but not limited to, robberies, fraud schemes, and drug distribution. The monies were used locally for loans to gang members, for drug purchases, for firearm purchases, for gifts, and cellular telephones for high-ranking members who were in jail. DEVINE ordered that individuals selling narcotics in and around Haywood Street who were not BMG/DGF members were also required to pay gang dues in order to continue their drug sales in territory controlled by BMG/DGF. Individuals who did not pay gang dues risked being robbed, assaulted, or murdered.
In his leadership position, DEVINE directed members of his gang to shoot a 16 year old rival gang member, Adarius Fowler, who died from gunshot wounds. He also ordered a gang member to shoot a person who provided information to law enforcement regarding the murder of Fowler. While this person was recovering from those gunshot injuries in the hospital, DEVINE ordered that the person be killed.
DEVINE presided over a “beat-in” gang initiation of a BMG/DGF gang member and personally assaulted another gang member whose loyalty he questioned. DEVINE conspired with other gang members to silence and threaten gang members that had been provided subpoenas to testify in a federal proceeding.
MANGUM will be sentenced in May 2020 and also faces a maximum term of imprisonment of life and a term of supervised release following any term of imprisonment.
The prosecution of DEVINE was a part of an Organized Crime and Drug Enforcement Task Force Operation (OCDETF) targeting violent gang members and drug traffickers in Raleigh, North Carolina.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Raleigh Police Department led the investigation with assistance from the North Carolina Department of Public Safety, Wake County Sheriff’s Office, Raleigh/Wake City-County Bureau of Identification, United States Marshal’s Service, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the North Carolina Office of the Chief Medical Examiner. Assistant United States Attorneys Dena King and Scott Lemmon prosecuted this case with Christina Taylor with the U.S. Department of Justice Criminal Division’s Organized Crime and Gang Section.
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The year 2020 marks the 150th anniversary of the Department of Justice. Learn more about the history of our agency at www.Justice.gov/Celebrating150Years.
Wyoming County Dentist Sentenced for Unlawful Distribution of Controlled SubstancesRead the Press Release
HARRISBURG - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that a Wyoming County dentist, Christopher Bereznak, age 50, of Tunkhannock, Pennsylvania, was sentenced on April 20, 2020, by United States District Court Judge Robert D. Mariani to a term of imprisonment of time served, approximately eight and a half months, on unlawful drug distribution charges.
According to United States Attorney David J. Freed, In August 2019, after a 7-day trial, a federal jury found Bereznak guilty on eight counts of unlawfully distributing controlled substances outside the usual course of professional practice and without a legitimate medical purpose. It was alleged at trial that Bereznak initiated a sexual relationship with a young woman after answering her ad posted on Craig’s list wherein the young woman advertised that she was looking for a “sugar daddy.” Bereznak answered the young woman’s ad and thereafter initiated an intimate and sexual relationship with her. The relationship involved Bereznak providing prescriptions for controlled substances for the young woman in exchange for intimacy and sex. Bereznak’s sexual and unlawful relationship with the young woman was evidenced to the jury, in part, through the introduction of approximately 1,000 text messages between the two.
In addition to the term of imprisonment, Judge Mariani ordered that Bereznak be supervised by a probation officer for three years following his release from prison, and also imposed a $5,000 fine.
Bereznak’s license to practice dentistry in Pennsylvania has been suspended and his DEA registration has been revoked.
The charges stem from an investigation initiated by Drug Diversion Agents located in Scranton, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Scranton, the Olyphant Police Department, and the Lackawanna County District Attorney’s Office. Assistant United States Attorneys Michelle Olshefski and Francis P. Sempa prosecuted the case.
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Wallingford Man Receives Another Year in Prison for Escaping from Hartford Halfway HouseRead the Press Release
New Haven – John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that TIMOTHY ESTRIDGE, 39, of Wallingford, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Janet C. Hall to 12 months and one day of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for escaping from a Hartford halfway house.
Pursuant to the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act), the sentencing occurred via videoconference.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on April 5, 2019, Estridge was sentenced in Hartford federal court to 24 months of imprisonment for illegally distributing amphetamines. An investigation revealed that, on December 1, 2017, Estridge filled a prescription for Adderall, which contains amphetamine, and subsequently distributed the pills to an individual in Wallingford who died of a drug overdose approximately two weeks later. The State of Connecticut Chief Medical Examiner determined the victim’s cause of death to be intoxication of a combination of heroin, fentanyl, oxycodone, alprazolam, amphetamine, and ethanol.
On October 30, 2019, the Federal Bureau of Prisons transferred Estridge to Watkinson House, a halfway house in Hartford, to complete his prison term. On November 26, 2019, after Estridge admitting using fentanyl and facility staff found evidence of intravenous drug use in his room, Estridge left the facility without permission and did not return. On December 5, 2019, Estridge turned himself into the U.S. Marshals Service.
Before his escape, Estridge was estimated to be released from custody on December 8, 2019.
Estridge has been detained since December 5, 2019. On February 24, 2020, he pleaded guilty to escape from custody.
This case was investigated by the U.S. Marshals Service and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Natasha M. Freismuth.
Wagner Man Sentenced for Simple AssaultRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a Wagner, South Dakota, man convicted of Simple Assault was sentenced on April 20, 2020, by Chief Judge Roberto A. Lange, U.S. District Court.
Francis Stanford Stricker, age 48, was sentenced to 2 years of probation, and a special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund in the amount of $10.
Stricker was indicted by a federal grand jury on March 12, 2020. He was found guilty following a two-day jury trial on January 30, 2020, in Pierre, South Dakota.
The conviction stemmed from an incident that occurred on April 7, 2018, in Mission, South Dakota. On that date, Stricker grabbed his girlfriend, knocked her down, and assaulted her with his hands while she attempted to fight him off and escape.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Rosebud Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services. Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael J. Elmore prosecuted the case. Stricker was immediately released.
Utah U.S. Attorney Highlights DOJ China Initiative During Remarks at Salt Lake City Security WebinarRead the Press Release
SALT LAKE CITY – Utah U.S. Attorney John W. Huber shared highlights of the Department of Justice’s China Initiative with law enforcement agents and officers, private sector business representatives, university officials, and others at a Salt Lake City Security Webinar Wednesday morning. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security and the FBI sponsored the webinar.
Huber’s remarks focused on the economic and national security threats China poses to the United States and the importance of defending the country against these efforts.
Huber referenced testimony given by Assistant Attorney General John C. Demers before the Senate Judiciary Committee on Dec. 12, 2018. “In many of the cases we see, China’s strategy is the same: Rob, Replicate, and Replace. Rob the American company of its intellectual property, Replicate the technology, and Replace the American company in the Chinese market and, one day, in the global market,” Demers said in his testimony.
“About 80 percent of all federal economic espionage prosecutions have conduct that would benefit China and around 60 percent of federal trade secret theft cases have some nexus to China,” Huber said.
Utah has experienced its own China-related espionage case, Huber told those participating in the webinar. Ron Rockwell Hansen, a Syracuse, Utah, resident and former Defense Intelligence Agency officer, was sentenced to 10 years in federal prison in September 2019 after admitting to spying and selling classified information to China.
Huber concluded with key takeaways for those involved in the webinar, including identifying trade secrets and valuable intellectual property; instituting protections such as non-disclosure agreements, access controls, and need-to-know rules; employee training; and developing an internal employee reporting mechanism for suspicious activities.
“Utah companies should take affirmative steps to protect their hard-earned intellectual property and trade secrets,” Huber said. “The Department of Justice will respond to the economic aggression and other national security threats from the Chinese government. United States Attorneys will hold accountable, and expose the tactics of those who would steal American innovation.”
United States Reaches $1.1 Million Settlement for Recovery of 2015 Twisp River Fire Suppression CostsRead the Press Release
Spokane – William D. Hyslop, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Washington, announced that a settlement has been reached with Okanogan County Electric Cooperative, Inc. (“OCEC”) and its insurer, requiring the payment of $1.1 million to the United States in fire suppression costs resulting from the Twisp River Fire that began on August 19, 2015.
According to information in the settlement agreement, the $1.1 million settlement recovers a large portion of the United States Forest Service’s costs incurred in suppressing the wildfire. The United States’ $1.1 million recovery was part of a larger settlement of claims that were brought separately by other plaintiffs, including a U.S. Forest Service (USFS) firefighter and the State of Washington, who sought to recover damages for personal injury and property damage caused by the 2015 Twisp River Fire.
The Twisp River Fire ultimately burned approximately 11,200 acres in north-central Washington and claimed the lives of three USFS firefighters and severely injured another USFS firefighter.
The United States claimed the Twisp River Fire ignited due to contact between a tree branch and OCEC’s electrical distribution line. The United States further claimed OCEC failed to properly maintain a vegetation management plan designed to detect and prevent the tree branch from contacting the distribution line. OCEC denied these allegations.
By its terms and as is standard for settlements of claims, the settlement agreement is not an admission of any wrongful conduct or liability by OCEC, nor is it a concession that the United States’ contentions are not well founded. Rather, it is a resolution of claims disputed by parties.
United States Attorney Hyslop said, “Nothing can undo the losses suffered by our brave fire fighters and others affected by this – as well as other – wildfires that have plagued our communities in recent years. Everyone, including individuals, businesses and power companies, must be vigilant to protect our state and our citizens from the ravages of forest fires. This settlement should send a clear message that the United States is serious about holding accountable those who cause or contribute to wildfires, and will pursue aggressively the recovery of costs incurred by the United States taxpayers in fighting these fires.”
“Firefighting is a brave and selfless act performed by highly-skilled women and men within our Agency,” said Glenn Casamassa, Pacific Northwest Regional Forester. “While this settlement doesn’t bring back the firefighters who lost their lives in this wildfire, recovering the costs of these efforts helps to allow this important work to continue.”
The case was investigated by the USFS and the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The United States’ claim was prosecuted by Joseph P. Derrig, Assistant United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Washington, Civil Division.
U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Iowa and IRS-CI warn taxpayers against fraud schemes related to COVID-19 Economic Impact PaymentsRead the Press Release
The United States Attorney's Office for the Northern District of Iowa and the Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigations (IRS-CI), St. Louis Field Office, are warning taxpayers to be on the lookout for scam artists trying to use the COVID-19 economic impact payments as cover for schemes to steal personal information and money.
Peter Deegan, U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Iowa, and Karl Stiften, Special Agent in Charge, Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI), St. Louis Field Office, made the announcement today in an effort to prevent taxpayers from falling victim to criminals using the recently approved economic impact payments as an opportunity to commit a crime.
Automatic COVID-19 economic impact payments started being deposited into taxpayers’ accounts on April 11. For most Americans, this will be a direct deposit into your bank account. For the unbanked, retirees or other groups who have traditionally received tax refunds via paper check, they will receive their economic impact payment in this manner as well. Scammers may try to get you to sign over your check to them or use this as an opportunity to get you to “verify” your filing information in order to receive your money, and then use your personal information at a later date to file false tax returns in an identity theft scheme. Because of this, everyone receiving a COVID-19 related economic impact payment from the government is at risk.
Karl Stiften, Special Agent in Charge of the IRS-CI St. Louis Field Office warned “The existence of a deadly national pandemic will not stop criminals seeking to capitalize on the fears and difficulties faced by the public as they try to line their own pockets by stealing your money or your personal information.”
Special Agent in Charge Stiften offers the following information and tips to spot a scam and understand how the COVID-19 related economic impact payments will be issued.
- The IRS will deposit your check into the direct deposit account you previously provided on your tax return (or, in the alternative, send you a paper check).
- The IRS will not call and ask you to verify your payment details. Do not give out your bank account or any other account information - even if someone claims it's necessary to get your check. It's a scam.
- If you receive a call, don't engage with scammers or thieves, even if you want to tell them that you know it's a scam, or you think that you can beat them. Just hang up.
- If you receive texts or emails claiming that you can get your money faster by sending personal information or clicking on links, delete them. Don't click on any links in those emails or texts.
- Reports are also swirling about bogus checks. If you receive a check that requires that you verify the check online or by calling a number, it’s a fraud.
In these uncertain and trying times, we need to stand together united with purpose. Don’t become a victim by allowing criminals to exploit your emotions. Stay strong, tell your family, friends and neighbors about these scams.
“We remain committed to protecting our communities from fraud during this pandemic,” said United States Attorney Peter Deegan. “As we commemorate National Crime Victims Week, it is important for everyone to remain vigilant and prevent these crimes from occurring. Protect yourself and your loved ones, especially the most vulnerable among us, by reporting any suspected fraud related to COVID-19 or economic impact payments to the IRS or the National Center for Disaster Fraud Hotline at 866-720-5721 or via email at [email protected].”
“IRS Criminal Investigation alongside the U.S. Department of Justice are prioritizing these types of investigations to help protect taxpayers and the tax system, especially those looking to prey on vulnerable taxpayers,” said Special Agent in Charge Stiften. “Remember, go directly and solely to IRS.gov for official information.”
For more information, visit the IRS website at www.irs.gov/coronavirus. You can always report scams to the IRS on the website at https://www.irs.gov/privacy-disclosure/report-phishing.
U.S. Attorney's Office and IRS-CI Warn Taxpayers against Fraud Schemes Related to COVID-19 Economic Impact PaymentsRead the Press Release
ST. LOUIS, MISSOURI - The United States Attorney's Office for the Eastern District of Missouri and Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigations (IRS-CI), St. Louis Field Office, are warning taxpayers to be on the lookout for scam artists trying to use the COVID-19 economic impact payments as cover for schemes to steal personal information and money.
Jeff Jensen, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Missouri, and Karl Stiften, Special Agent in Charge, Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation (IRSCI), St. Louis Field Office, made the announcement today in an effort to prevent taxpayers from falling victim to criminals using the recently approved economic impact payments as an opportunity to commit a crime.
Automatic COVID-19 economic impact payments started being deposited into taxpayers’ accounts on April 11. For most Americans, this will be a direct deposit into your bank account, or a paper check delivered via U.S. mail. Scammers may try to get you to sign over your check to them or use this as an opportunity to get you to “verify” your filing information in order to receive your money, and then use your personal information at a later date to file false tax returns in an identity theft scheme. Because of this, everyone receiving a COVID-19 related economic impact payment from the government is at risk.
Karl Stiften, Special Agent in Charge of the IRS-CI St. Louis Field Office warned, “The existence of a deadly national pandemic will not stop criminals seeking to capitalize on the fears and difficulties faced by the public as they try to line their own pockets by stealing your money or your personal information.”
Special Agent in Charge Stiften offers the following information and tips to spot a scam and understand how the COVID-19 related economic impact payments will be issued.
- The IRS will deposit your check into the direct deposit account you previously provided on your tax return (or, in the alternative, send you a paper check).
- The IRS will not call and ask you to verify your payment details. Do not give out your bank account or any other account information - even if someone claims it's necessary to get your check. It's a scam.
- If you receive a call, don't engage with scammers or thieves, even if you want to tell them that you know it's a scam, or you think that you can beat them. Just hang up.
- If you receive texts or emails claiming that you can get your money faster by sending personal information or clicking on links, delete them. Don't click on any links in those emails or texts.
- Reports are also swirling about bogus checks. If you receive a check that requires that you verify the check online or by calling a number, it’s a fraud.
In these uncertain and trying times, we need to stand together united with purpose. Do not become a victim by allowing criminals to exploit your emotions. Stay strong; tell your family, friends and neighbors about these scams.
“We are working closely with our law enforcement partners like IRS Criminal Investigation to protect zealously the public from fraudsters who try to take advantage of a vulnerable time for our nation,” said U.S. Attorney Jensen. “We need the public to partner with us by following the simple IRS guidance for protecting privacy and guarding against fraud.”
"IRS Criminal Investigation alongside the U.S. Department of Justice are prioritizing these types of investigations to help protect taxpayers and the tax system, especially those looking to prey on vulnerable taxpayers,” said Special Agent in Charge Stiften. “Remember, go directly and solely to IRS.gov for official information.”
For more information, visit the IRS website at www.irs.gov/coronavirus. You can always report scams to the IRS on the website at https://www.irs.gov/privacydisclosure/report-phishing
U.S. Attorney and IRS-CI Warn Taxpayers against Fraud Schemes Related to COVID-19 Economic Impact PaymentsRead the Press Release
DES MOINES, Iowa – The United States Attorney's Office for the Southern District of Iowa and Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigations (IRS-CI), St. Louis Field Office, are warning taxpayers to be on the lookout for scam artists trying to use the COVID-19 economic impact payments as cover for schemes to steal personal information and money.
United States Attorney Marc Krickbaum and Karl Stiften, Special Agent in Charge, Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI), St. Louis Field Office, made the announcement today in an effort to prevent taxpayers from falling victim to criminals using the recently approved economic impact payments as an opportunity to commit a crime.
Automatic COVID-19 economic impact payments started being deposited into taxpayers’ accounts on April 11. For most Americans, this will be a direct deposit into your bank account. For the unbanked, retirees or other groups who have traditionally received tax refunds via paper check, they will receive their economic impact payment in this manner as well. Scammers may try to get you to sign over your check to them or use this as an opportunity to get you to “verify” your filing information in order to receive your money, and then use your personal information at a later date to file false tax returns in an identity theft scheme. Because of this, everyone receiving a COVID-19 related economic impact payment from the government is at risk.
Karl Stiften, Special Agent in Charge of the IRS-CI St. Louis Field Office warned “The existence of a deadly national pandemic will not stop criminals seeking to capitalize on the fears and difficulties faced by the public as they try to line their own pockets by stealing your money or your personal information.”
“Today, we need to be just as careful about our financial information as we are about our health,” stated U.S. Attorney Krickbaum. “Don’t give out your financial or personal information—or your money – over the phone, or in response to emails or texts. And look out for your elderly neighbors, friends, and relatives to help prevent them from falling victim to scammers.”Special Agent in Charge Stiften offers the following information and tips to spot a scam and understand how the COVID-19 related economic impact payments will be issued.
• The IRS will deposit your check into the direct deposit account you previously provided on your tax return (or, in the alternative, send you a paper check).
• The IRS will not call and ask you to verify your payment details. Do not give out your bank account or any other account information - even if someone claims it's necessary to get your check. It's a scam.
• If you receive a call, don't engage with scammers or thieves, even if you want to tell them that you know it's a scam, or you think that you can beat them. Just hang up.
• If you receive texts or emails claiming that you can get your money faster by sending personal information or clicking on links, delete them. Don't click on any links in those emails or texts.
• Reports are also swirling about bogus checks. If you receive a check that requires that you verify the check online or by calling a number, it’s a fraud.
In these uncertain and trying times, we need to stand together united with purpose. Don’t become a victim by allowing criminals to exploit your emotions. Stay strong, tell your family, friends and neighbors about these scams.
"IRS Criminal Investigation alongside the U.S. Department of Justice are prioritizing these types of investigations to help protect taxpayers and the tax system, especially those looking to prey on vulnerable taxpayers,” said Special Agent in Charge Stiften. “Remember, go directly and solely to IRS.gov for official information.”
For more information, visit the IRS website at www.irs.gov/coronavirus. You can always report scams to the IRS on the website at https://www.irs.gov/privacy-disclosure/report-phishingU.S. Attorney Jay E. Town Sends Letter to Law Enforcement PartnersRead the Press Release
Birmingham, Ala. — U.S. Attorney Jay E. Town sent a letter to law enforcement partners in Northern Alabama today, encouraging continued partnerships in preventing a public health crisis from becoming a public safety crisis.
“While this pandemic has brought to the fore the very best among us, we are unfortunately becoming increasingly aware of myriad coronavirus-related criminal activities in our District and around the country,” Town said. “The COVID-19 pandemic has created many legal challenges for every member and layer of law enforcement. I am proud of the partnerships that we have forged and it is precisely those relationships that will provide the citizens of Alabama the best ability to avoid becoming victims of coronavirus-related frauds and crimes. Together we will resolve to prevent a public health crisis from becoming a public safety crisis.”
The letter was sent to law enforcement in Northern Alabama, as part of a coordinated, nationwide effort to combat COVID-19 related fraud. On March 20, Attorney General William Barr directed all 93 U.S. Attorneys to prioritize the investigation and prosecution of COVID-19 fraud.
U.S. Attorney Town encourages the public to report COVID-19 related fraud to the National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) hotline at 1-866-720-5721or to the email address [email protected].
Read U.S. Attorney Town’s letter to law enforcement partners below.
Tifton Bank Robber Pleads Guilty, Facing Max 20 Years in PrisonRead the Press Release
ALBANY, Ga. – A man who robbed a bank after threatening to blow it up has pleaded guilty to his crime, announced Charlie Peeler, the U.S. Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia. Randy Angelo Hill, 34, of Tifton, pleaded guilty to one count of bank robbery during a video teleconference hearing before U.S. District Judge Louis Sands on Tuesday, April 21, 2020. Hill is facing a maximum 20 years in prison. He remains in custody pending his sentencing, which has not yet been scheduled.
According to the facts he admitted under oath before the Court, Hill robbed the South Georgia Banking Company located at 725 West 2nd Street on October 2, 2018. Undisguised, Hill dropped a plastic bag over the teller counter and told an employee, “This is a robbery. I have a bomb. Put money in the bag. I will blow everybody up here.” Hill fled on foot with stolen cash, and was apprehended by Tifton Police that day.
“The defendant is facing serious consequences for striking terror into the bank’s hard working employees and customers. Violent criminal acts will not be tolerated in the Middle District of Georgia,” said U.S. Attorney Charlie Peeler. “I want to commend the Tifton Police Department and the Tift County Sheriff’s Office for quickly apprehending the defendant, and working alongside the FBI investigating this crime.”
"The FBI's commitment to protecting citizens and upholding the Constitution is only achieved with the partnerships of our local, state and federal law enforcement partners, and this case is another perfect example," said Chris Hacker, Special Agent in Charge of FBI Atlanta. "Because of the quick reaction of the Tifton Police Department and the Tift County Sheriff Office, this suspect won't be able to terrorize more innocent citizens in possible future crimes."
“This is good news for our community and South Georgia Bank, and we certainly hope this sends a message to others that have considered doing robberies that it doesn't pay, nor will it be tolerated in our community. We are appreciative of the Tift County Sheriff's Office, Department of Natural Resources K-9 Team for their assistance, along with the U.S. Attorney's Office,” said Tifton Police Chief Steve Hyman.
This case is being investigated by the FBI, the Tifton Police Department and the Tift County Sheriff’s Office. Criminal Division Chief Michael Solis is prosecuting the case for the Government. Questions can be directed to Pamela Lightsey, Public Information Officer, United States Attorney’s Office, at (478) 621-2603 or Melissa Hodges, Public Affairs Director (Contractor), United States Attorney’s Office, at (478) 765-2362.
Three Puerto Rican Men Caught Smuggling over $3 Million Cash into St. Thomas Onboard a Vessel Near Brewer’s BayRead the Press Release
St. Thomas, USVI – Jose Ramon Pimentel-Rivera, 29, Jerry Kirkland-Marrero, 29, and Kalihel Ramos de Jesus, 27, all of Puerto Rico, made their initial appearances before United States Magistrate Judge Miller today on a criminal complaint charging all three with concealing more than $100,000 onboard a vessel outfitted for smuggling, in violation of federal law, United States Attorney Gretchen C.F. Shappert announced.
According to the affidavit filed in the case, on the night of April 21, 2020, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Air and Marine (AMO) agents were on patrol on a vessel near the entrance to Brewer’s Bay, St. Thomas, VI, when they noticed a vessel approaching without its navigation lights illuminated. The CBP AMO agents initiated a stop of the vessel by engaging the blue lights. In response, the three occupants of the vessel began throwing duffel bags overboard before coming to a stop.
After CBP AMO agents boarded the vessel and detained the three occupants, later identified as Pimentel Rivera, Kirkland-Marrero, and Ramos de Jesus, the agents recovered three duffel bags from the water that had been thrown overboard. A fourth duffel bag was discovered on the vessel. Agents estimate that the bags collectively contained at least $3 million dollars. One of the duffel bags was equipped with a GPS tracker. The vessel, which is registered in Puerto Rico, was outfitted with five fuel tanks.
This case is being investigated by CBP and the Department of Homeland Security. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Meredith Edwards.
A complaint is merely a charging document, and it is not evidence of guilt. Every defendant is presumed innocent until and unless found guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Sheltering in a Crime SceneRead the Press Release
American society’s discussion on crime typically focuses on those who threaten our communities and hurt us – the crooks, the abusers, the bad guys, the worst among us. But what those in law enforcement know is that the victims of heinous acts belong at the forefront as well. After all the crime victim drives our criminal justice system.
Ronald Reagan proclaimed the first Victims’ Rights Week in 1981, putting crime victims' rights, needs, and concerns in a prominent spot on the American agenda. He also established the President's Task Force on Victims of Crime, which laid the groundwork for a national network of services and legal safeguards for crime victims. President Trump and his administration have implemented historic levels of support for victim assistance and victim compensation.
While most violent crime is continuing to decrease during the pandemic, domestic violence calls for service are on the rise. People are more isolated. Abusive partners are under more stress. The options for escape are limited, if not cut off entirely.
Victims of crime are also without support services during this pandemic. Courts, shelters, or even other family members are frequently out of reach. Victims of domestic abuse are then forced to stay with their abusers.
Conversely, while domestic violence calls to law enforcement are increasing, protection from abuse orders are decreasing and becoming more difficult to secure as courts grapple with continuing operations while balancing the health of courthouse and courtroom personnel.
It is no solution to await the eventual end of social distancing to address the on-going and ever-present dangers endured by victims of domestic abuse. The public’s trust in our justice system hinges upon protecting victims and holding offenders accountable. Overcoming the challenges that a pandemic presents to our society and its public institutions demands our best. Our resolve to maintain the rule of law must not be one of the casualties of the coronavirus.
Prosecutors and law enforcement have proven that resolve, and shown their mettle, during this pandemic. Together, they stand at the ready to defend victims and seek justice against their abusers. But we are doing more than just arresting and prosecuting criminals.
Indeed, the hope and relief that our justice system provides should never be out of reach of victims just because they cannot physically pass through the doors of a courthouse. The recently enacted Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act – or CARES Act – provides $850 million dollars in Justice Department grants to aid in building and supporting community-based responses to the coronavirus.
In fact, the Justice Department makes hundreds of millions of dollars available each year to support victim services – the most, by far, in the history of the Crime Victims Fund. Most of that funding supports domestic violence shelters, rape crisis centers, child advocacy programs, homicide support groups, identity theft services, and local victim assistance programs.
Also, through initiatives such as Project Guardian and Project Safe Neighborhoods, the Justice Department is using more data, resources, and technology than ever before to prevent firearms from illegally coming into possession of known domestic abusers and violent offenders. And because of the partnerships forged between state and federal prosecutors, those defendants are going to federal prison…where there is no sanctuary of parole.
Being stuck inside has many challenges for all of us. But this National Crime Victims’ Rights Week, and moving forward, we need to remember that there are those among us, perhaps unknown to us, who are simply stuck. The justice system must continue to provide legal options for victims of crime, especially victims of domestic violence and abuse, during this pandemic.
U.S. Attorney General William Barr noted this week that: “Every year, millions of Americans suffer the shock and trauma of criminal victimization, affecting their well-being and sense of security and dignity.” He affirmed the Department of Justice’s “unwavering commitment to supporting them in their hour of need.” Indeed, this week is an opportunity for the men and women of the Department to recommit ourselves once again to ensuring that crime victims are protected and continue to have a voice in our legal system.
Especially at the time of the coronavirus, a public health crisis must not be allowed to expand into a public safety crisis. While all victims of crime are priorities of the criminal justice system, it is critical that we consider how sheltering in place can be especially challenging for victims of domestic violence or abuse. Their homes, too often, are neither shelters nor safe spaces.
They are crime scenes.
Romanian Man Sentenced to over Three Years in Federal Prison for Card Skimming OffensesRead the Press Release
A Romanian man who used more than fifty counterfeit debit or credit cards containing “skimmed” account information at an ATM in Hiawatha, Iowa, was sentenced on April 21, 2020, to more than three years in federal prison.
Romica Martuica, age 21, from Romania, received the prison term after a November 5, 2019 guilty plea to illegal transactions with an access device and aggravated identity theft.
Information in a plea agreement and at sentencing showed that Martuica entered the United States illegally in 2016. On February 16, 2019, Hiawatha police officers arrested him at an ATM. At the time of his arrest, Martuica and two individuals with him had more than ninety counterfeit cards in their possession. These cards contained account information that had been acquired by card “skimmers,” which are devices placed on ATMs or other point-of-sale machines to capture credit or debit card information. Martuica made or attempted over seventy transactions at the ATM using these cards and successfully withdrew $8,685 before the police arrived.
Martuica was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Judge C.J. Williams. Martuica was sentenced to 42 months’ imprisonment. He was ordered to make $8,685 in restitution to victims of the offense. He must also serve a three-year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system.
Martuica 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 Kyndra Lundquist and investigated by Homeland Security Investigations and the Hiawatha Police Department.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 19-cr-62.
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Pryor man sentenced to prison for assault on elderly manRead the Press Release
BILLINGS—A Pryor man convicted by a jury of beating an elderly man and causing facial injuries was sentenced today to 54 months in prison and three years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme said.
After a two-day trial, a jury on Nov. 13, 2019 found Joseph Nathan Smells, 34, guilty of assault resulting in serious bodily injury.
U.S. District Judge Susan P. Watters presided.
“Our senior citizens deserve our respect, not abuse. Elder abuse is an all too common crime in our communities. We will prosecute those who harm our elders to the full extent of the law. I want to thank Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeanne Torske, Legal Intern Ryan Warner, the Bureau of Indian Affairs and the FBI for investigating and prosecuting this case,” U.S. Attorney Alme said.
In documents filed in the case, the prosecution presented evidence that Smells assaulted the victim, an elderly man, by head-butting and punching him on Feb. 13, 2019. The victim suffered multiple facial injuries that required surgery.
The assault occurred in Pryor, on the Crow Indian Reservation, as the victim was sitting in a vehicle. While dropping off another passenger, the group in the vehicle passed a house. The driver noticed that the door had been kicked in and stopped to investigate. The driver walked toward the house and saw Smells just inside the house and another man. The driver told them both to leave. Smells and the driver argued, and as the driver tried to call police, Smells walked to the vehicle, where the victim was a passenger. Smells spoke briefly to the victim, then jerked open the door and began assaulting him. After the fight, Smells ran away.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeanne Torske and Legal Intern Ryan Warner prosecuted the case, which was investigated by the Bureau of Indian Affairs and the FBI.
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Pittsburgh Felon Sentenced on Illegal Gun Possession, False Statements, and Theft ChargesRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH - A former resident of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced in federal court to a term of imprisonment of time served to be followed by three years of supervised release on his conviction of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, false statements to the government, and theft of government money, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.
United States District Judge Joyce Flowers Conti imposed the sentence on Octavio Rodrizuez Shipman, age 54. This defendant has been in some type of federal/state custody since his arrest on January 2, 2019.
Previously, in connection with Shipman’s guilty plea, the court was advised that in April 2018, Shipman’s paramour purchased a 9mm semi-automatic Canik pistol, which he took possession of shortly after. Around the end of April 2018, Shipman sold the Canik pistol to another individual in McKees Rocks. Shipman had been convicted of 8 offenses in 5 different cases between 1992 and 2002. Federal law prohibits anyone who has been convicted of a crime punishable by a term of imprisonment exceeding one year from possessing a firearm.
The court was further advised that on or around July 12, 2018, Shipman falsely represented to federal law enforcement agents that another individual had sold him two bags of cocaine in exchange for $2,800.00 when in fact he and the other individual knowingly obtained a non-narcotic substance from a retail store, which Shipman represented to law enforcement agents was cocaine that he had purchased. The court was advised that Shipman willfully converted $2,800 in U.S. currency from the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration for his own use.
Assistant United States Attorney David Lew prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Drug Enforcement Administration, and the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police, conducted the investigation leading to the
guilty pleas in this case. These cases were brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods. Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) is the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
This case is also part of Project Guardian, the Department of Justice’s signature initiative to reduce gun violence and enforce federal firearms laws. Initiated by the Attorney General in the fall of 2019, Project Guardian enhances coordination of federal, state, and local 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 Pennsylvania Instant Criminal Background Check System ( PICS), to include taking appropriate actions when a prospective purchaser is denied for mental health reasons; and ensures that federal resources are directed at the criminals posing the greatest threat to our communities. For more information about Project Guardian, please see: https://www.justice.gov/projectguardian.
On 50th Anniversary of Earth Day, the Justice Department’s Environment and Natural Resources Division Celebrates Achievements in Environmental LawRead the Press Release
On the 50th anniversary of Earth Day, the Department of Justice’s Environment and Natural Resources Division (ENRD) celebrated its latest accomplishments and reflected on half a century of the division’s impact on environmental and natural resource law in the United States.
“This report covers my first year as the Assistant Attorney General for the Division, and I deeply appreciate this opportunity to serve the American people and support President Trump’s ambitious agenda,” said Jeffrey Bossert Clark, Assistant Attorney General for ENRD. “I continue to believe that environmental law must always be guided by the bedrock principles enshrined in our Constitution. These principles have guided our nation for almost a quarter of a millennium, and they serve as a guidepost for everything we do in ENRD.”
“More American families are breathing clean air and drinking clean water due to the efforts of the Environment and Natural Resources Division,” said Claire McCusker Murray, Principal Deputy Associate Attorney General. “ENRD’s tremendous work is essential to the department’s mission of faithfully enforcing the law and defending the interests of the United States.”
In fiscal year 2019, the ENRD remained focused on several key objectives: vigorously enforcing pollution abatement and wildlife protection laws, particularly in cases of fraud or abuse; promoting energy independence and economic growth by defending the reduction of regulatory burdens and supporting infrastructure development; strengthening national security and border protection; promoting federalism; and protecting the public fisc. ENRD worked on approximately 3,077 cases and matters, while maintaining a robust docket of over 6,110 active cases and matters. The division obtained over $858 million in civil and criminal fines, penalties, and costs recovered. The estimated value of federal injunctive relief obtained—including cleanup and pollution-prevention actions funded by private parties—exceeded $3.4 billion.
Fifty years ago, on April 22, 1970, over 20 million people participated in a wide variety of public gatherings as part of the nation’s first Earth Day. From coast to coast, the American people provided a powerful civic response to environmental degradation and a clear demand for broad national measures to protect the environment and conserve natural resources.
Over the next 10 years, Congress passed many of the foundational environmental and natural resources statutes of the modern era, including the Clean Air Act (1970), the Federal Water Pollution Control Act (1972), the Coastal Zone Management Act (1972), the Marine Mammal Protection Act (1972), the Endangered Species Act (1973), the Safe Drinking Water Act (1974), the Federal Land Policy and Management Act (1976), the National Forest Management Act (1976), the Magnuson Fishery Conservation and Recovery Act (1976), the Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act (1977), and the Public Rangelands Improvement Act (1978).
Throughout this flurry of legislative activity, ENRD grew and adapted to enforce these new statutes and defend client agencies’ decisions under them. This latest Accomplishments Report contains a special section on how over the last 50 years, ENRD’s diverse practice has played an essential role in shaping and defending the legislative and regulatory responses to pollution and conservation. The achievements described in the report continue to highlight ENRD’s efforts to advance environmental values since the first Earth Day in 1970.
Read more about ENRD history and accomplishments here.
Watch a Video about ENRD’s history since the first Earth Day here.
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.
Oldham Co. Man Charged Federally for Possession of Firearms While Under Domestic Violence OrderRead the Press Release
LOUISVILLE, Ky. – United States Attorney Russell Coleman today announced the charging of John James Shaughnessy III, 45, of Crestwood, Kentucky, for possessing firearms while under a Domestic Violence Order, possession of a destructive device not registered to him under the National Firearms Registration and Transfer Records, and manufacture of a destructive device not registered to him under the National Firearms Registration and Transfer Records.
“Kentucky families must be safe in their own homes. The United States Attorney’s Office will not tolerate the illegal possession, and in this case frightening use, of a firearm by someone subject to a Domestic Violence Order,” said U.S. Attorney Russell Coleman. “I am again pleased by the seamless collaboration with our state and local law enforcement partners to protect Kentuckians during this unsettling time, especially the Oldham County Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office.”
According to the Criminal Complaint, on April 17, 2020, a neighbor contacted the Oldham County Police Department and stated that Shaughnessy was firing fully automatic weapons at his residence. Officers were notified by dispatch of a current Domestic Violence Order (DVO) against the defendant. The DVO stated that Shaughnessy was not to possess or purchase any firearms.
While setting up a perimeter, officers heard a vehicle start at the rear of the residence and saw tail and brake lights coming from a carport at the rear left corner of the house. Officers then observed a black Ford Ranger pickup driving around the residence and down the driveway with no headlights on. Law enforcement was able to get behind the vehicle and observed the vehicle with no head or taillights and unable to maintain lanes. The vehicle, driven by Shaughnessy, crossed the center yellow line multiple times before driving off the roadway multiple times on the right hand side and side swiping a trash can.
Oldham County Officers initiated a traffic stop. Shaughnessy exited the vehicle dressed in full military Battle Dress Uniform (BDU) with a large knife on his side and an empty holster on the other side. The defendant stated that he had a pistol in his pocket. In a pocket on the mid left leg, officers located a .380 Walther handgun. The defendant stated that he also had other weapons inside the vehicle.
If convicted at trial, the maximum sentence for unlawfully possessing a firearm is no more than 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine, and three years of supervised release. The maximum sentence for possession and manufacture of unregistered destructive devices is no more than 10 years in prison, and a $10,000 fine.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Alicia Gomez and the Office of Oldham County Commonwealth’s Attorney Courtney Baxter. It is being investigated by the Oldham Co. Police Department, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) in support of the Oldham County Police Department.
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A Criminal Complaint is an accusation only and
the person is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
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National Crime Victims’ Rights WeekRead the Press Release
Indianapolis – United States Attorney Josh J. Minkler joins the Department of Justice and communities nationwide in observing National Crime Victims’ Rights Week, celebrating victims’ rights, protections and services throughout the week. This year’s observance takes place April 19-25 and features the theme, “Seek Justice| Ensure Victims' Rights | Inspire Hope.”
“Every year, millions of Americans suffer the shock and trauma of criminal victimization, affecting their well-being and sense of security and dignity,” said Attorney General William P. Barr. “To these victims, we affirm our unwavering commitment to supporting them in their hour of need. We also commend the thousands of victim advocates and public safety professionals who labor tirelessly to secure victims’ rights and support survivors.”
“So often the public only hears about the person or persons who perpetrate crimes against Hoosiers, and often times never hears about the victims” said Minkler. “I am so grateful that this week has been established. We must tell those that have been victimized by these criminals that we will continue to fight for them, support them, and that justice will be done. And we also say thank you to those that are on the front lines every day supporting them.”
Ronald Reagan proclaimed the first Victims’ Rights Week in 1981, putting crime victims' rights, needs, and concerns in a prominent spot on the American agenda. He also established the President's Task Force on Victims of Crime, which laid the groundwork for a national network of services and legal safeguards for crime victims. President Trump and his administration have implemented historic levels of support for victim assistance and victim compensation.
Some 3.3 million Americans age 12 and older were victims of violent crime in 2018, according to the National Crime Victimization Survey. The Office for Victims of Crime (OVC), part of the Justice Department’s Office of Justice Programs, supports more than 7,000 local victim assistance programs and victim compensation programs in every state and U.S. territory. Funds for these programs come from the Crime Victims Fund, which is made up of federal criminal fines, penalties and bond forfeitures.
This year’s commemoration began Sunday, 25 years to the day when a truck bomb exploded in front of the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, taking the lives of 168 people, including 19 children, as well as injuring hundreds of others. The mass murder remains the worst act of domestic terrorism in our nation’s history and led to the establishment of the Antiterrorism Emergency Reserve, which is administered by OVC, and has been used to provide direct services to hundreds of victims of mass violence and terrorism.
“Crime victims deserve to know that they have the encouragement and support of the American people,” said OVC Director Jessica E. Hart. “I hope that citizens throughout the nation will take the opportunity this week to remember all victims of crime and their heroic stories of survival. I encourage everyone to also find meaningful ways to express their appreciation to the many committed and compassionate service providers across the country who work tirelessly supporting these survivors.”
This year, the annual National Crime Victims’ Service Awards Ceremony will be postponed until a time when we can honor this year’s award recipients in person. The awardees will be selected from public nominations in 11 categories, including federal service, special courage, public policy, and victim services. Visit www.ovc.gov/gallery to learn more about past recipients.
For more information on how to raise awareness about crime victims’ rights online and at events throughout the year, please visit: https://ovc.ncjrs.gov/ncvrw2020/overview.html *
* Unlinked URLs no longer exist
Mount Juliet Man Facing Child Pornography ChargesRead the Press Release
NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Caleb D. Jordan, 19, of Mount Juliet, Tennessee, was charged Saturday with attempted production of child pornography and transportation of child pornography, announced U.S. Attorney Don Cochran for the Middle District of Tennessee. Jordan was arrested by federal and state law enforcement agents after a foot pursuit which began when agents arrived at his home with a federal arrest warrant.
“The U.S. Attorney’s Office and our law enforcement partners are working hard every day to combat the epidemic of online child exploitation,” said U.S. Attorney Cochran. “With the COVID-19 pandemic and summer approaching, our children have amplified opportunity to be online and sexual predators are keenly aware of that. We implore parents to pay attention and take precautions to ensure children practice safe Internet habits.”
According to documents filed with the Court, between October 2019 and April 2020, Jordan used Instagram and other platforms to post photos and videos depicting sexual acts between minor boys and to entice minors to send sexually explicit photos and videos to him. Jordan was a member of an online group that was dedicated to child pornography depicting pre-pubescent boys and he gave money and gift cards to solicit sexually explicit videos from minor boys.
Investigative developments last week indicated that Jordan’s online activity involved the active and ongoing solicitation of minors. The early stages of this investigation has determined that there are at least 11 minor boys associated with this case who have been identified as victims or potential victims, some of whom have not yet been identified. In addition to local victims, others are believed to be located in other states, including Pennsylvania.
A preliminary examination of some of the devices that Jordan possessed revealed that he was in possession of thousands of images and videos of child pornography.
Anyone with information about Caleb D. Jordan or the charged offenses is urged to contact law enforcement. To report suspicious activity or instances of child sexual exploitation, tips can be submitted to Homeland Security Investigations online at https://www.ice.gov/tipline, by phone at 866-DHS-2-ICE or by contacting your local HSI office. The Nashville office of HSI may be contacted at (615) 664-5500.
If convicted, Jordan faces up to 50 years in prison.
The charge is merely an accusation. The defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
This case is being investigated by the Homeland Security Investigations; the FBI; the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation; and the Wilson County Sheriff’s Office. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys S. Carran Daughtrey and Trial Attorney Kyle P. Reynolds of the Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section in the Department of Justice’s Criminal Division.
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Mission Man Charged with Burglary and LarcenyRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a Mission, South Dakota, man has been indicted by a federal grand jury for Third Degree Burglary and Larceny.
Debonair Donavan Wright, age 19, was indicted on November 13, 2019. He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno on April 22, 2020, and pled not guilty to the Indictment.
The maximum penalty upon conviction is up to 5 years in custody and/or a $250,000 fine, 3 years of supervised release, and $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Restitution may also be ordered.
The Indictment alleges that on June 10, 2019, in Todd County, South Dakota, Wright unlawfully entered Mike’s Pawn Shop and stole property valued over $1,000.
The charges are merely an accusation and Wright is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
The investigation is being conducted by the Rosebud Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services. Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael J. Elmore is prosecuting the case.
Wright was released on bond pending trial. A trial date has not been set.
Mexican Man Sentenced to Prison for Illegally Reentering the United States Within One Year of Being DeportedRead the Press Release
A man who illegally returned to the United States after being deported was sentenced today to more than three months in federal prison.
Alvaro Ortiz-Camarillo, age 23, a citizen of Mexico illegally present in the United States and residing in Postville, Iowa, received the prison term after a February 6, 2020, guilty plea to one count of illegal reentry into the United States.
At the guilty plea, Ortiz-Camarillo admitted he had previously been deported from the United States and illegally reentered the United States without the permission of the United States government. Ortiz-Camarillo was deported on January 14, 2019, following a conviction in the Southern District of Texas for illegal entry, a misdemeanor. Ortiz-Camarillo most recently came to the attention of immigration agents on December 28, 2019, following his arrest in Allamakee County, Iowa, for disorderly conduct and public intoxication. This case was dismissed after his federal indictment.
Ortiz-Camarillo was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Judge C.J. Williams. Ortiz-Camarillo was sentenced to 104 days’ imprisonment. He must also serve a one-year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system.
Ortiz-Camarillo is being held in the United States Marshal’s custody until he can be turned over to immigration officials.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Daniel C. Tvedt and investigated by Department of Homeland Security, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Enforcement and Removal Operations.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 20-CR-1001.
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Help Your Children Keep Safe on the Internet While Schools are Closed for Covid-19Read the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, KAN. – U.S. Attorney Stephen McAllister and FBI Special Agent in Charge Timothy Langan are urging educators and parents in Kansas to be alert as students who are out of school spend more time on the internet.
“Our young people today face more online threats than ever, and that was true before the Kansas schools closed as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic,” McAllister said. “Now, children are likely spending even more time online each day, which gives predators more opportunities to exploit them. In this new environment, we want to remind parents, educators, caregivers, and children about the dangers of online sexual exploitation, urge the adults to watch for the signs of such exploitation and abuse, and to report to and engage federal and state law enforcement authorities when exploitation and abuse are suspected or discovered.”
McAllister said children sometimes can be too trusting online and befriend people they may not know. Predators take advantage of this and target children, often between the ages of 10 and 17, typically through social media. Children across all demographics and genders can be targeted and exploited. Sexual exploitation, even when there is never any physical contact, causes very real harm and has a lasting impact. Images and videos do not disappear from the Internet, and the long term effects can be devastating.
Online sexual exploitation can come in many forms. Sextortion occurs when a predator entices a victim into providing sexually explicit images or videos—usually by falsely pretending to be a teen, someone much younger and different than their real identity—and then threatens to share the images publicly if the victim fails to comply with the predator’s demands for increasingly explicit and degrading images and videos.
“In order for such victimization to stop, children typically need adult intervention and assistance,” McAllister said. “They have to come forward to someone they trust—a parent, teacher, friend, or caregiver—who can then cut off the communications and report the situation to us, which will permit law enforcement to go after the predator.”
McAllister and Langan urge parents to review the resources regarding child exploitation and other crimes related to COVID-19 at https://www.fbi.gov/coronavirus. If you suspect or become aware of possible sexual exploitation of a child, please contact the FBI, the Kansas Bureau of Investigation, or your local law enforcement agency and report it. Such exploitation is a serious federal crime carrying severe federal penalties.
“Federal law enforcement has taken an aggressive approach toward the investigation and prosecution of COVID-19 related crimes such as fraud, price-gouging and hoarding of essential medical supplies,” McAllister said. “But we stand ready to act just as aggressively against those who might seek to take advantage of this situation to exploit our children.”
Guatemalan Man Who Worked Using Someone Else’s Name and Social Security Number Sentenced to PrisonRead the Press Release
A man who used a false identification document and someone else’s name and social security number was sentenced today to three months in federal prison.
Esgar Ramos-Lopez, age 27, a citizen of Guatemala illegally present in the United States and residing in Tama, Iowa, received the prison term after a February 5, 2020, guilty plea to one count of unlawful use of an identification document and one count of misuse of a social security number.
At the guilty plea, Ramos-Lopez admitted he used a fraudulent Social Security card when he completed employment and tax forms using someone else’s name and Social Security Number in January 2019 at a business in Tama, Iowa. When arrested at his place of employment in January 2020, Ramos-Lopez initially used the alias name with immigration agents and falsely claimed to be a United States citizen.
Ramos-Lopez was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Judge C.J. Williams. Ramos-Lopez was sentenced to 90 days’ imprisonment. He must also serve a three-year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system.
Ramos-Lopez is being held in the United States Marshal’s custody until {he can be turned over to immigration officials.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Daniel C. Tvedt and investigated by Department of Homeland Security, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Enforcement and Removal Operations.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 20-CR-08.
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Gaston County Man Is Charged with Firearms OffenseRead the Press Release
CHARLOTTE, N.C. – A Charlotte federal grand jury has returned a criminal indictment charging Keon Montrese Floyd, 32, of Gastonia, N.C. with possession of a firearm by a felon, announced Andrew Murray U.S. Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina.
According to information contained in the indictment, on or about February 15, 2020, in Gaston County, Floyd, knowing that he had previously been convicted of at least one crime punishable by imprisonment for a term exceeding one year, did knowingly possess a firearm, that is, a Taurus TCP, model PT 738, .380 caliber pistol, in and affecting commerce.
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 and implemented by the U.S. Attorney’s Office in the fall of 2019, Project Guardian draws upon past successful federal programs to reduce gun violence; enhances coordination of federal, state, local, and tribal authorities in investigating and prosecuting gun crimes; and ensures that federal resources are directed at the criminals posing the greatest threat to our communities.
In making today’s announcement, U.S. Attorney Murray thanked Gaston County District Attorney Locke Bell and Cleveland County District Attorney Mike Miller for their offices’ collaboration with the U.S. Attorney’s Office, to identify state cases such as Floyd’s that can be prosecuted federally.
U.S. Attorney Murray also commended the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Kings Mountain Police Department, and the Gastonia Police Department for their investigation of this case.
Floyd is currently in federal custody. The maximum penalty for the felon in possession of a firearm charge is 10 years in prison.
The charges in the indictment are allegations and the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Assistant United States Attorneys William Bozin and Christopher Hess, of the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Charlotte, are prosecuting the case.
Federal Law Enforcement Encourages the Public to Remain Vigilant to Covid-19 ScamsRead the Press Release
Baltimore, Maryland – Maryland U.S. Attorney Robert K. Hur and Special Agent in Charge Kelly R. Jackson of the Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI), Washington Field Office are again warning taxpayers to be alert to phishing scams relating to COVID-19 economic impact payments that are already being seen. The community must remain on guard against scammers who are striving to steal personal information and money.
“It is reprehensible that fraudsters try to take advantage of this global pandemic to line their pockets at the expense of the most vulnerable,” said U.S. Attorney Robert K. Hur. “The U.S. Attorney’s Office and our law enforcement partners are committed to bringing these criminals to justice. I urge citizens to remain vigilant. Don’t provide personal information or click on websites or links contained in unsolicited e-mails. Don’t become a victim.”
“The community is experiencing enough hardship right now without needing to worry about scammers trying to steal the money that they desperately need,” said Special Agent in Charge Kelly R. Jackson. “IRS-CI, along with our law enforcement counterparts are working hard to protect the public from these thieves. These types of investigations are being prioritized to help protect taxpayers and the tax system”
According to federal law enforcement, many of the scams operated from websites that advertised fake vaccines and cures, operated fraudulent charity drives, delivered malware, or hosted various other types of scams. To attract traffic, these websites often utilized domain names that contained words such as “covid19” or “coronavirus.” In some cases, the fraudulent sites purported to be run by, or affiliated with, public health organizations or agencies.
Neither the IRS nor any other federal agency will call you, text you, e-mail you, or contact you on social media asking for personal or bank account information—even related to the economic impact payments. Recently, there has been an increase in phishing schemes utilizing e-mails, letters, texts and links. These contacts will often come in the form of unsolicited e-mail and/or websites that pose as legitimate sites in an effort to lure unsuspecting victims to provide personal and financial information. Scammers will often use website names similar to valid ones—for example IRSGOV, IRS GOV, or using extra letters and/or spaces in lieu of IRS.GOV. For example, one fraud involves phishing e-mails coming from “[email protected]” which directs you to a link that contains “economic impact payment” and uses a company name similar to the Free File Alliance partner you are transferred to while using the IRS tool for Non-Filers. DO NOT click on the link—this is a scam. Other phishing schemes are using keywords such as “Corona Virus,” “COVID-19,” and “Stimulus” in varying ways.
When visiting a website or when you receive an e-mail containing a link, pay special attention to any web address you are directed to in order ensure it is from a legitimate source. Watch out for e-mails with attachments or links claiming to have special information about economic impact payments or refunds.
Federal law enforcement is united in its efforts to fight against COVID-19 fraud. If you think you are a victim of a fraud or attempted fraud involving COVID-19, call the National Center for Disaster Fraud Hotline at 1-866-720-5721 or e-mail at [email protected]. If it is a cyber scam, you may submit your complaint through the FBI’s website, https://www.ic3.gov. Or you can report suspicious e-mails to the IRS at [email protected].
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Federal Indictment Charges Four with Conspiracy to Traffic MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
CHARLOTTE, N.C. – A federal grand jury sitting in Charlotte returned yesterday a criminal indictment charging four individuals with federal charges for their involvement in a drug conspiracy trafficking methamphetamine, announced Andrew Murray U.S. Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina.
The indictment charges Savannah LeeAnn Goins, 19, of Crouse, N.C.; Marlee Dare Griffith, 21, of Cherryville, N.C.; Ryan Andrew Prescott, 21, of Lincolnton, N.C.; and Joseph Michael Vassey, 43, of Enoree, S.C., with conspiracy to traffic methamphetamine and possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. Griffith, Vassey, and Prescott are facing additional charges for distribution of, and possession with intent to distribute, methamphetamine. Griffith and Goins are also charged with possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking. A fifth co-conspirator, Dakota Reese Davis, 33, of Lincolnton, pleaded guilty yesterday to drug trafficking conspiracy and possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine.
According to allegations contained in the indictment and related filed criminal complaints, from at least 2019 to February 2020, the defendants were involved in a conspiracy that distributed methamphetamine in and around Gaston, Lincoln, and Cleveland Counties. The indictment alleges that, during the relevant time period, the co-conspirators conducted multiple drug sales. The court documents further allege that law enforcement executed search warrants and seized items incident to arrest that total five firearms, one of which was stolen, ammunition, narcotics, drug paraphernalia, and more than $8,900 in U.S. currency.
The defendants are currently in federal custody. The charges in the indictment are allegations and the defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond reasonable doubt in a court of law.
The drug conspiracy charge carries a mandatory-minimum prison sentence of 10 years and a maximum of life in prison; the possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine charges carry prison terms that range up to 10 years or life in prison; and the charge of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime carries a mandatory minimum prison sentence of five years to life, to be served consecutively with any other prison term imposed.
In making today’s announcement, U.S. Attorney Murray thanked the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security/Homeland Security Investigations, the Huntersville Police Department, the Gastonia Police Department, the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office, and the Cleveland County Sheriff’s Office for their coordinated investigation of this case.
Assistant United States Attorney Steven Kaufman, of the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Charlotte, is in charge of the prosecution.
Eagle Butte Woman Sentenced for Meth TraffickingRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that an Eagle Butte, South Dakota, woman convicted of Conspiracy to Distribute Methamphetamine was sentenced on April 20, 2020, by Chief Judge Roberto A. Lange, U.S. District Court.
Nicole Ducheneaux, age 34, was sentenced to 34 months in federal prison, followed by 4 years of supervised release, a $1,000 fine, and a special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund in the amount of $100.
Ducheneaux was indicted by a federal grand jury on August 13, 2019. She pled guilty on January 30, 2020.
The conviction stemmed from a conspiracy that began in 2015 and continued through 2019, wherein Ducheneaux, knowingly and intentionally, worked with others to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine on the Cheyenne River Sioux Reservation.
This case was investigated by the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services and the Northern Plains Safe Trails Drug Enforcement Task Force. Assistant U.S. Attorney Cameron J. Cook prosecuted the case.
Ducheneaux was immediately turned over to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Dubuque Drug User Sentenced to Fifteen Months in Federal Prison for Unlawfully Possessing a GunRead the Press Release
A man who illegally possessed a gun while a methamphetamine user was sentenced April 21, 2020, to fifteen months in federal prison.
Darien Henkel, age 23, from Dubuque, Iowa, received the prison term after a guilty plea to illegally possessing a firearm as a drug user. Statements at sentencing showed that authorities arrested Henkel the same day Henkel stole a gun from a family member. The gun was in Henkel’s pants when he was arrested. Henkel also admitted to regular methamphetamine use.
Henkel was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Chief Judge C.J. Williams. Henkel was sentenced to fifteen months’ imprisonment. He must also serve a three-year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN). PSN is the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
This case is also part of Project Guardian, the Department of Justice’s signature initiative to reduce gun violence and enforce federal firearms laws. Initiated by the Attorney General in the fall of 2019, Project Guardian draws upon the Department’s past successful programs to reduce gun violence; enhances coordination of federal, state, local, and tribal authorities in investigating and prosecuting gun crimes; improves information-sharing by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives when a prohibited individual attempts to purchase a firearm and is denied by the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS), to include taking appropriate actions when a prospective purchaser is denied by the NICS for mental health reasons; and ensures that federal resources are directed at the criminals posing the greatest threat to our communities. For more information about Project Guardian, please see /media/1122011/dl?inline.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jacob Schunk and investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Dubuque Police Department.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 19-CR-1034-CJW.
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Dominican National Sentenced for Identity TheftRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Dominican national previously residing in Dorchester was sentenced today in connection with using the identity of a U.S. citizen.
Wandil Mejia Jimenez, 31, was sentenced during a videoconference hearing before U.S. District Court Judge Denise J. Casper to time served (approximately 12 months). Mejia Jimenez now faces deportation proceedings. In January 2020, Mejia Jimenez pleaded guilty to one count of false representation of a Social Security number. He was arrested in June 2019 and has been detained since that time.
Beginning in 2014, Mejia Jimenez used the name and identifiers of a U.S. citizen to apply for a Massachusetts driver’s license and other identification documents from the Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles. Mejia Jimenez also opened bank accounts, including bank accounts that were closed with negative balances, and was arrested for cocaine trafficking under this citizen’s name. Around the time of his arrest, police seized a Dominican Republic passport in Mejia Jimenez’s true name.
United States Attorney Andrew E. Lelling; Michael S. Shea , Acting Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in Boston; William B. Gannon, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Department of State’s Diplomatic Security Service, Boston Field Office; and Colonel Christopher Mason, Superintendent of the Massachusetts State Police made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was provided by the U.S. Marshals Service for the District of Massachusetts and the Office of Massachusetts Auditor Suzanne Bump. Assistant U.S. Attorney Bill Abely, Deputy Chief of Lelling’s Major Crimes Unit, prosecuted the case.
Dominican National Convicted and Sentenced for Unlawful ReentryRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Dominical national who previously resided in Providence, RI, pleaded guilty and was sentenced today in federal court in Boston with one count of unlawful re-entry of a deported alien.
Reymond Arias Valdez, 26, pleaded guilty to unlawfully re-entering the United States after being deported and was sentenced during a videoconference hearing before U.S. Senior District Court Judge George A. O’Toole Jr. to time served and one year of supervised release. Arias Valdez will be subject to a deportation.
Arias Valdez was arrested in Norwood in December 2018 for fentanyl trafficking, and was subsequently deported to the Dominican Republic in April 2019. Arias Valdez later re-entered the United States and was arrested in Wrentham in September 2019 on charges of distributing heroin/fentanyl. A fingerprint analysis confirmed that Arias Valdez – the person arrested in Wrentham in September 2019 – was the same person who had previously been arrested and removed.
United States Attorney Andrew E. Lelling and Todd Lyons, Acting Field Office Director, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO), New England Field Office made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Bill Abely, Deputy Chief of Lelling’s Major Crimes Unit prosecuted the case
Domestic Violence Call Results in a Decade in Federal Prison for Oklahoma City ManRead the Press Release
OKLAHOMA CITY – Today, Terrence Lorenzo Hill, 38, of Oklahoma City, was sentenced to serve 120 months in prison for unlawfully possessing ammunition after a prior felony conviction, announced U.S. Attorney Timothy J. Downing.
Hill was indicted in February 2019 and convicted after a jury trial last October. During the trial, evidence was presented that Hill had been involved in a previous dating relationship with the victim prior to their breakup in March 2018. In September of 2018, Hill called the victim stating he was going to kill her and her daughter. The very next day, Oklahoma City Police Officers were called to the scene of a shooting at the victim’s residence on NW 99th Street in Oklahoma City. The victim stated she observed Hill standing in her back yard as he fired several rounds into their residence, two of which struck the victim. The victim’s daughter also testified that she observed Hill standing in the back yard and heard gun shots while calling 911. Hill fled before police arrived. Although the firearm was never found, officers located four steel cartridge casings in the grass and on the concrete near the back patio door.
Hill had been previously convicted of a 2016 misdemeanor charge of Stalking, as well as felony conviction for Possession of a Firearm after Former Felony Conviction. Federal firearms laws prohibit convicted felons from possessing firearms or ammunition.
U.S. Chief District Judge Timothy DeGiusti sentenced Hill to serve 120 months in prison, followed by three years of supervised release. Hill remains in custody at the Oklahoma County Jail pending outcome of his state charges.
This case is the result of investigations by the Oklahoma City Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives. Assistant United States Attorneys Jacquelyn Hutzell and Matthew Anderson prosecuted the case.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods and Project Guardian, the Department of Justice’s signature initiatives to reduce gun violence and enforce federal firearms laws. The local implementation of these initiatives in the Western District of Oklahoma is through "Operation 922" which prioritizes prosecution of federal gun crimes connected to domestic violence.
Reference is made to court filings for further information. To download a photo of U.S. Attorney Downing, click here.
Department of Justice Commemorates National Crime Victims’ Rights WeekRead the Press Release
Baltimore, Maryland – U.S. Attorney Robert K. Hur joins the Department of Justice and communities nationwide in observing National Crime Victims’ Rights Week, celebrating victims’ rights, protections, and services throughout the week. This year’s observance takes place April 19-25 and features the theme, “Seek Justice| Ensure Victims' Rights | Inspire Hope.”
“Every year, millions of Americans suffer the shock and trauma of criminal victimization, affecting their well-being and sense of security and dignity,” said Attorney General William P. Barr. “To these victims, we affirm our unwavering commitment to supporting them in their hour of need. We also commend the thousands of victim advocates and public safety professionals who labor tirelessly to secure victims’ rights and support survivors.”
“We are committed to seeking justice for those victimized by criminals,” said U.S. Attorney Robert K. Hur. “The service and support provided by the U.S. Attorney’s Office to victims never wavers and I commend all of those providing victim services for their caring and compassion. Your work makes a difference.”
“While we have made tremendous progress driving down crime and violence across the country, far too many Americans continue to suffer the pain and loss of criminal victimization,” said Katharine T. Sullivan, Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General of the Office of Justice Programs. “This week, we stand by these survivors and their families, and we pledge our ongoing support to the countless men and women who serve them with such extraordinary skill and compassion.”
President Ronald Reagan proclaimed the first Victims’ Rights Week in 1981, putting crime victims' rights, needs, and concerns in a prominent spot on the American agenda. He also established the President's Task Force on Victims of Crime, which laid the groundwork for a national network of services and legal safeguards for crime victims. President Donald Trump and his administration have implemented historic levels of support for victim assistance and victim compensation.
Some 3.3 million Americans age 12 and older were victims of violent crime in 2018, according to the National Crime Victimization Survey. The Office for Victims of Crime (OVC), part of the Justice Department’s Office of Justice Programs, supports more than 7,000 local victim assistance programs and victim compensation programs in every state and U.S. territory. Funds for these programs come from the Crime Victims Fund,
In Fiscal Year 2019, OVC provided $41 million for victims’ services in Maryland through the Governor’s Office of Crime Prevention, Youth, and Victim Services. The funds were used to award 124 grants to police and prosecutors, non-governmental organizations, and non-profits to serve all manner of crime victims—domestic violence, homicide, child abuse, rape and sexual assault, and human trafficking.
In addition, in FY19, OVC awarded more than $1 million dollars to support Maryland’s Criminal Injuries Compensation Fund, in addition to the money provided by the State of Maryland
During National Crime Victims’ Rights Week, victim advocacy organizations, community groups, and state, local and tribal agencies traditionally host rallies, candlelight vigils, and other events to raise awareness of victims’ rights and services. This year, many communities are organizing virtual gatherings and online public awareness campaigns.
This year’s commemoration began on Sunday, April 19th, 25 years to the day when a truck bomb exploded in front of the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, taking the lives of 168 people, including 19 children, as well as injuring hundreds of others. The mass murder remains the worst act of domestic terrorism in our nation’s history and led to the establishment of the Antiterrorism Emergency Reserve, which is administered by OVC, and has been used to provide direct services to hundreds of victims of mass violence and terrorism.
“Crime victims deserve to know that they have the encouragement and support of the American people,” said OVC Director Jessica E. Hart. “I hope that citizens throughout the nation will take the opportunity this week to remember all victims of crime and their heroic stories of survival. I encourage everyone to also find meaningful ways to express their appreciation to the many committed and compassionate service providers across the country who work tirelessly supporting these survivors.”
This year, the annual National Crime Victims’ Service Awards Ceremony will be postponed until a time when we can honor this year’s award recipients in person. During the ceremony, OVC will present awards recognizing individuals and organizations from across the nation for their outstanding service on behalf of crime victims. The awardees will be selected from public nominations in 11 categories, including federal service, special courage, public policy, and victim services. Visit www.ovc.gov/gallery to learn more about past recipients.
For more information on how to create your own public campaigns to raise awareness about crime victims’ rights online and at events throughout the year, please visit: https://ovc.ncjrs.gov/ncvrw2020/overview.html.
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Department of Justice Announces Disruption of Hundreds of Online COVID-19 Related ScamsRead the Press Release
Federal authorities announced today that an ongoing cooperative effort between law enforcement and a number of private-sector companies, including multiple internet domain providers and registrars, has disrupted hundreds of internet domains used to exploit the COVID-19 pandemic to commit fraud and other crimes.
As of April 21, 2020, the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) has received and reviewed more than 3,600 complaints related to COVID-19 scams, many of which operated from websites that advertised fake vaccines and cures, operated fraudulent charity drives, delivered malware, or hosted various other types of scams. To attract traffic, these websites often utilized domain names that contained words such as “covid19,” or “coronavirus.” In some cases, the fraudulent sites purported to be run by, or affiliated with, public health organizations or agencies.
For example, the cooperative effort has disrupted:
- An illicit website pretending to solicit and collect donations to the American Red Cross for COVID-19 relief efforts.
- Fraudulent websites that spoofed government programs and organizations to trick American citizens into entering personally identifiable information, including banking details.
- Websites of legitimate companies and services that were used to facilitate the distribution or control of malicious software.
Multiple federal agencies have worked to analyze the complaints, investigate ongoing fraud, phishing, or malware schemes, and assemble vetted referrals. Agencies have sent hundreds of these referrals to the private-sector companies managing or hosting the domains. Many of those companies, in turn, have taken down the domains after concluding that they violated their abuse policies and terms of service, without requiring legal process. Domain registrars and registries have advised the department that they have established teams to review their domains for COVID-19 related fraud and malicious activity. Cybersecurity researchers have also made important contributions by developing sophisticated tools to identify malicious domains and refer them for mitigation. Law enforcement is actively reviewing leads, including those referred by private firms, to verify unlawful activity and quickly pursue methods for disruption.
As a further example, shortly after the IRS notified the public of web links to apply for the COVID-19 related stimulus payments, the FBI identified a number of look-alike IRS stimulus payment domains. These look-alike domains are often indicative of future phishing schemes and in order to minimize the potential fraudulent use of the these domains, the FBI alerted numerous domain registries and registrars to the existence of these look-alike URLs.
“The department will continue to collaborate with our law enforcement and private sector partners to combat online COVID-19 related crime,” said Assistant Attorney General Brian A. Benczkowski of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “We commend the responsible internet companies that are taking swift action to prevent their resources from being used to exploit this pandemic.”
“Working alongside our law enforcement partners and the private industry, the Civil Division’s Consumer Protection Branch is taking action against all manner of COVID-19 consumer scams,” said Assistant Attorney General Jody Hunt of the Justice Department’s Civil Division. “Disrupting Internet-based fraud schemes is an important part of our effort to protect consumers from financial loss and health-related harms.”
“The FBI is proud to work alongside our federal law enforcement and private sector partners to protect the American public from COVID-19 related scams during these difficult times,” said FBI Executive Assistant Director Terry Wade. “We believe our collaborative efforts are the key to quickly reducing the threat from COVID-19 scams while allowing the American public to focus on protecting themselves and their families from this pandemic.”
“Keeping pace with the growing threat of cyber-enabled COVID-19 scams requires an alliance between the private sector and our law enforcement partners to safeguard our Nation from this sort of nefarious conduct,” said Director James M. Murray of the U.S. Secret Service. “The Secret Service is thankful for these trusted partnerships which demonstrate a proven model for identifying, investigating and prosecuting these criminals.”
The Justice Department is also working to provide COVID-19 related training and technical assistance in other countries through the International Computer Hacking and Intellectual Property (ICHIP) program. In one Justice Department-supported action, a state prosecutor in Brazil took down a fake site purporting to belong to a leading Brazilian brewery. The website publicized the distribution of free sanitizer, but in fact was infecting the computer systems of numerous Brazilian consumers with malware. The ICHIP-mentored prosecutor further requested that the site’s U.S.-based registrar suspend it and preserve any account and transactional data linked to the site. The investigation is ongoing, and the ICHIP continues to mentor the prosecutor remotely on this case and on best practices for engaging with U.S. registrars and providers. Similar activities are planned in other regions with ICHIP attorneys. Learn more about the Criminal Division’s ICHIP Program, jointly administered by the Criminal Division’s Office of Overseas Prosecutorial Development, Assistance and Training and the Computer Crime and Intellectual Property Section, here.
Numerous Justice Department components are working to combat COVID-19 related crime nationwide. For a list of department efforts, visit https://www.justice.gov/coronavirus/news.
The FBI’s Cyber Initiative and Resource Fusion Unit (CIRFU) and National Cyber-Forensics and Training Alliance (NCFTA), the Criminal Division’s Computer Crime and Intellectual Property Section, the Civil Division’s Consumer Protection Branch, and the U.S. Secret Service field offices are coordinating these efforts. The U.S. Postal Inspection Service and Food and Drug Administration also have been collaborating in this effort.
The following tips can help protect individuals and businesses from being victimized by cyber actors:- Independently verify the identity of any company, charity, or individual that contacts you regarding COVID-19.
- Check the websites and email addresses offering information, products, or services related to COVID-19. Be aware that scammers often employ addresses that differ only slightly from those belonging to the entities they are impersonating. For example, they might use “cdc.com” or “cdc.org” instead of “cdc.gov.”
- Be wary of unsolicited emails offering information, supplies, or treatment for COVID-19 or requesting your personal information for medical purposes. Legitimate health authorities will not contact the public this way.
- Do not click on links or open email attachments from unknown or unverified sources. Doing so could download a virus onto your computer or device.
- Make sure the anti-malware and anti-virus software on your computer is operating and up to date. Keep your operating system up to date as well.
- Ignore offers for a COVID-19 vaccine, cure, or treatment. Remember, if a vaccine becomes available, you will not hear about it for the first time through an email, online ad, or unsolicited sales pitch.
- Check online reviews of any company offering COVID-19 products or supplies. Avoid companies whose customers have complained about not receiving items.
- Research any charities or crowdfunding sites soliciting donations in connection with COVID-19 before giving any donation. Remember, an organization may not be legitimate even if it uses words like “CDC” or “government” in its name or has reputable looking seals or logos on its materials. For online resources on donating wisely, visit the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) website.
- Be wary of any business, charity, or individual requesting payments or donations in cash, by wire transfer, gift card, or through the mail. Do not send money through any of these channels.
If you think you are a victim of a fraud or attempted fraud involving COVID-19, call the National Center for Disaster Fraud Hotline at 1-866-720-5721 or email at [email protected]. If it is a cyber scam, submit your complaint through https://www.ic3.gov.
To find more about Department of Justice resources and information, please visit www.justice.gov/coronavirus.
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.
- An illicit website pretending to solicit and collect donations to the American Red Cross for COVID-19 relief efforts.
Delaware County Man Arrested for Manufacturing and Distributing Child PornographyRead the Press Release
PHILADELPHIA, PA – United States Attorney William M. McSwain announced today that Peter Gilbert, 36, of Springfield, Pennsylvania, has been arrested and charged with one count of manufacturing and attempting to manufacture child pornography, and one count of distributing and attempting to distribute child pornography. These charges arise out of Gilbert’s alleged production of sexually explicit images of a child to whom he previously had access and his distribution of those images to an undercover federal agent over the Internet.
“Those who produce and disseminate child pornography pose a serious threat to the safety of our youth and our communities,” said U.S. Attorney McSwain. “Even in these trying times – especially in these trying times – federal prosecutors will not rest in our constant efforts to protect children. And I want to thank all of our law enforcement partners for continuing to work together to protect the most vulnerable in our society.”
“Adults who use their access to children for their own sexual gratification are both a danger and a disgrace,” said Michael J. Driscoll, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Philadelphia Division. “The FBI and our law enforcement partners will never stop working to put predators who harm children behind bars. These are incredibly disturbing cases to investigate, but each time we're able to step in and protect a child victim from further sexual abuse, it's a good day.”
If convicted, Gilbert faces a statutory maximum sentence of 50 years’ incarceration with a 15 year mandatory minimum sentence of imprisonment, a lifetime of supervised release, and a $500,000 fine.
The case is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, with assistance from Delaware County District Attorney Detectives, the Springfield Township Police Department, Ridley Township Police Department, Sharon Hill Police Department, Newtown Square Police Department, and the Upper Darby Police Department. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Kelly Harrell.
An Indictment, Information or Criminal Complaint is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Centra Health Inc. and Blue Ridge Ear, Nose, Throat, and Plastic Surgery, Inc. Agree to Pay Nearly $10 Million to Settle False Claims Act AllegationsRead the Press Release
Lynchburg, VIRGINIA – Centra Health Inc. and Blue Ridge Ear, Nose, Throat and Plastic Surgery, Inc. have agreed to pay the government $9,345,845 to settle claims alleging they violated the False Claims Act and the Virginia Fraud Against Taxpayers Act by engaging in improper financial relationships. Centra and its affiliates are nonprofit corporations operating hospital facilities in the Lynchburg-area including Southside Community Hospital, Virginia Baptist Hospital, and Lynchburg General Hospital. Blue Ridge ENT is a physician practice group in Lynchburg that refers patients to Centra’s hospital system. The settlement involved financial relationships Centra and its affiliates had with several referring physicians and groups including Blue Ridge ENT in violation of the Stark Law, the Anti-Kickback Law, and other federal regulations that restrict the financial relationships hospitals may have with physicians who refer patients to them. Centra proactively came forward, self-disclosed its violations of the False Claims Act, and worked with the government to resolve these issues.
First Assistant United States Attorney Daniel P. Bubar, Virginia Attorney General Mark Herring, and Maureen R. Dixon, Special Agent in Charge for the Office of Inspector General of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, announced the settlement today.
“Health care cases continue to be a top priority in our office,” First Assistant United States Attorney Bubar said today. “Improper financial relationships between hospitals and their referral sources can compromise a physician’s medical judgment, increase health care costs, threaten the integrity of the healthcare system, and endanger the public’s trust. The settlement announced today reflects not only our willingness to work with our community partners who review their own practices and make appropriate self-disclosures, but also the importance of our False Claims Act whistleblower provisions that encourage private citizens to contribute to our efforts to identify and eliminate fraud.”
“This settlement sends a strong message that improper financial relationships between hospitals and their referral sources will not be tolerated in Virginia,” said Attorney General Herring. “When a hospital enters into an improper financial relationship with their referral sources it could not only harm the care a patient receives but it also undermines the integrity of the whole health care system. I want to thank our local and federal partners as well as my Medicaid Fraud Control Unit for their hard work and collaboration on this case.”
“Centra and its affiliated hospitals stepped up and self-disclosed their improper relationships with physician groups, including blatant violations of the Stark self-dealing law, compensation for referrals, and problematic physician recruitment agreements,” said Maureen R. Dixon, Special Agent in Charge of the Office of Inspector General for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. “We will continue working closely with our State and Federal partners to protect the integrity of government health programs.”
As part of the settlement announced today, Centra identified physician recruitment agreements with physicians who had already relocated to south-central Virginia, physician employee compensation arrangements that took into account the value of referrals for in-office laboratory tests, financial arrangements with physicians that were not memorialized in a written and executed contract, and agreements with trauma call coverage physicians and an oncology practice that did not satisfy any exception to the Stark Law.
Blue Ridge ENT allegedly had a financial relationship with Centra to guarantee income to one of its physicians where Centra agreed to reimburse Blue Ridge ENT for actual additional incremental costs attributed to that physician. Blue Ridge ENT, however, knowingly claimed and received reimbursement beyond what would be allowed by the Stark Law and the Anti-Kickback Law. These allegations were brought in a lawsuit filed by a former Blue Ridge ENT physician under the qui tam provisions of the False Claims Act, which permit private individuals to sue on behalf of the government and share in any recovery. The Act permits the government to intervene in, and take over, the whistleblower’s suit or for the whistleblower to pursue the action on the government’s behalf. The relator will receive a share of the settlement.
The case was handled by Sara Bugbee Winn, Assistant United States Attorney at the United States Attorney’s Office for Western District of Virginia, Christina K. McGarvey, Senior Counsel for the Office of Inspector General of the Department of Health and Human Services, and Kimberly M. Bolton, Assistant Attorney General in the Virginia Attorney General’s Medicaid Fraud Control Unit. The claims settled by this agreement are allegations only, and there has been no determination of liability.
21 April 2020
US Attorney Mike Stuart Joins DOJ in Observation of National Crime Victims' Rights WeekRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – U.S. Attorney Mike Stuart joins the Department of Justice and communities nationwide in observing National Crime Victims’ Rights Week, celebrating victims’ rights, protections and services throughout the week. This year’s observance takes place April 19-25 and features the theme, “Seek Justice| Ensure Victims' Rights | Inspire Hope.”
“Every year, millions of Americans suffer the shock and trauma of criminal victimization, affecting their well-being and sense of security and dignity,” said Attorney General William P. Barr. “To these victims, we affirm our unwavering commitment to supporting them in their hour of need. We also commend the thousands of victim advocates and public safety professionals who labor tirelessly to secure victims’ rights and support survivors.”
“Now more than ever, as people throughout our state and nation isolate at home with their families due to the coronavirus pandemic, we must support the many victims of domestic violence and child abuse who are not safe at home,” said U.S. Attorney Mike Stuart. “West Virginia’s victim service providers and child advocates remain vigilant and are providing much needed services during this crisis. As we recognize and honor victims this week, you can rest assured that this week and every week my office is working with a sense of urgency to “seek justice, ensure victims’ rights, and inspire hope” for victims.”
“While we have made tremendous progress driving down crime and violence across the country, far too many Americans continue to suffer the pain and loss of criminal victimization,” said Katharine T. Sullivan, Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General of the Office of Justice Programs. “This week, we stand by these survivors and their families, and we pledge our ongoing support to the countless men and women who serve them with such extraordinary skill and compassion.”
Ronald Reagan proclaimed the first Victims’ Rights Week in 1981, putting crime victims' rights, needs, and concerns in a prominent spot on the American agenda. He also established the President's Task Force on Victims of Crime, which laid the groundwork for a national network of services and legal safeguards for crime victims. President Trump and his administration have implemented historic levels of support for victim assistance and victim compensation.
Some 3.3 million Americans age 12 and older were victims of violent crime in 2018, according to the National Crime Victimization Survey. The Office for Victims of Crime (OVC), part of the Justice Department’s Office of Justice Programs, supports more than 7,000 local victim assistance programs and victim compensation programs in every state and U.S. territory. Funds for these programs come from the Crime Victims Fund, which is made up of federal criminal fines, penalties and bond forfeitures.
During National Crime Victims’ Rights Week, victim advocacy organizations, community groups and state, local and tribal agencies traditionally host rallies, candlelight vigils, and other events to raise awareness of victims’ rights and services. This year, many communities are organizing virtual gatherings and online public awareness campaigns.
This year’s commemoration began yesterday, 25 years to the day when a truck bomb exploded in front of the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, taking the lives of 168 people, including 19 children, as well as injuring hundreds of others. The mass murder remains the worst act of domestic terrorism in our nation’s history and led to the establishment of the Antiterrorism Emergency Reserve, which is administered by OVC, and has been used to provide direct services to hundreds of victims of mass violence and terrorism.
“Crime victims deserve to know that they have the encouragement and support of the American people,” said OVC Director Jessica E. Hart. “I hope that citizens throughout the nation will take the opportunity this week to remember all victims of crime and their heroic stories of survival. I encourage everyone to also find meaningful ways to express their appreciation to the many committed and compassionate service providers across the country who work tirelessly supporting these survivors.”
This year, the annual National Crime Victims’ Service Awards Ceremony will be postponed until a time when we can honor this year’s award recipients in person. During the ceremony, OVC will present awards recognizing individuals and organizations from across the nation for their outstanding service on behalf of crime victims. The awardees will be selected from public nominations in 11 categories, including federal service, special courage, public policy, and victim services.
For more information on how to create your own public campaigns to raise awareness about crime victims’ rights online and at events throughout the year, please visit: https://ovc.ncjrs.gov/ncvrw2020/overview.html.
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###U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Kentucky Commemorates Crime Victims’ Rights WeekRead the Press Release
LEXINGTON, Ky. – U.S. Attorney Robert M. Duncan, Jr. joins the Department of Justice and communities nationwide in observing National Crime Victims’ Rights Week, celebrating victims’ rights, protections and services throughout the week. This year’s observance takes place April 19-25 and features the theme, “Seek Justice | Ensure Victims' Rights | Inspire Hope.”
“Every year, millions of Americans suffer the shock and trauma of criminal victimization, affecting their well-being and sense of security and dignity,” said Attorney General William P. Barr. “To these victims, we affirm our unwavering commitment to supporting them in their hour of need. We also commend the thousands of victim advocates and public safety professionals who labor tirelessly to secure victims’ rights and support survivors.”
“Too often, victims feel like their voices are not heard by the justice system; so it is critical that we in law enforcement provide assistance for victims of crime,” said U.S. Attorney Duncan. “This week serves as a renewal of our commitment to continue protecting and supporting crime victims, especially when they need it the most. We remain pledged to being your voice, giving power to your words, and providing support to you.”
“While we have made tremendous progress driving down crime and violence across the country, far too many Americans continue to suffer the pain and loss of criminal victimization,” said Katharine T. Sullivan, Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General of the Office of Justice Programs. “This week, we stand by these survivors and their families, and we pledge our ongoing support to the countless men and women who serve them with such extraordinary skill and compassion.”
Ronald Reagan proclaimed the first Victims’ Rights Week in 1981, putting crime victims' rights, needs, and concerns in a prominent spot on the American agenda. He also established the President's Task Force on Victims of Crime, which laid the groundwork for a national network of services and legal safeguards for crime victims. President Trump and his administration have implemented historic levels of support for victim assistance and victim compensation.
Some 3.3 million Americans age 12 and older were victims of violent crime in 2018, according to the National Crime Victimization Survey. The Office for Victims of Crime (OVC), part of the Justice Department’s Office of Justice Programs, supports more than 7,000 local victim assistance programs and victim compensation programs in every state and U.S. territory. Funds for these programs come from the Crime Victims Fund, which is made up of federal criminal fines, penalties and bond forfeitures.
During National Crime Victims’ Rights Week, victim advocacy organizations, community groups and state, local and tribal agencies traditionally host rallies, candlelight vigils, and other events to raise awareness of victims’ rights and services. This year, many communities are organizing virtual gatherings and online public awareness campaigns.
This year’s commemoration began yesterday, 25 years to the day when a truck bomb exploded in front of the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, taking the lives of 168 people, including 19 children, as well as injuring hundreds of others. The mass murder remains the worst act of domestic terrorism in our nation’s history and led to the establishment of the Antiterrorism Emergency Reserve, which is administered by OVC, and has been used to provide direct services to hundreds of victims of mass violence and terrorism.
“Crime victims deserve to know that they have the encouragement and support of the American people,” said OVC Director Jessica E. Hart. “I hope that citizens throughout the nation will take the opportunity this week to remember all victims of crime and their heroic stories of survival. I encourage everyone to also find meaningful ways to express their appreciation to the many committed and compassionate service providers across the country who work tirelessly supporting these survivors.”
This year, the annual National Crime Victims’ Service Awards Ceremony will be postponed until a time when we can honor this year’s award recipients in person. During the ceremony, OVC will present awards recognizing individuals and organizations from across the nation for their outstanding service on behalf of crime victims. The awardees will be selected from public nominations in 11 categories, including federal service, special courage, public policy, and victim services. Visit www.ovc.gov/gallery to learn more about past recipients.
For more information on how to create your own public campaigns to raise awareness about crime victims’ rights online and at events throughout the year, please visit: https://ovc.ncjrs.gov/ncvrw2020/overview.html.
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U.S. Attorney’s Office Honors Law Enforcement for Exceptional ServiceRead the Press Release
ALEXANDRIA, Va. – Today U.S. Attorney G. Zachary Terwilliger recognized 238 officers and agents from federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies with Public Service Awards.
The Eastern District of Virginia (EDVA) typically holds an annual awards ceremony to recognize the law enforcement officials for their service and contribution to various criminal and civil cases investigated and prosecuted here in EDVA. However, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, holding an in-person awards ceremony this year was not possible. Instead, each award recipient was sent a 2020 EDVA Public Service Award challenge coin (photo here) and letter articulating their particular acts of exceptional public service.
“The only effective way to investigate, prosecute, and ultimately thwart criminal activity is through the partnership between federal, state, and local law enforcement,” said Terwilliger. “Through our annual Public Service Awards program, we recognize those partners who have gone above and beyond in the execution of their duties and public service. We also salute their loved ones who also sacrifice on a daily basis so these agents and officers can protect the rest of us. Thank you for your incredible service.”
The awards highlighted 70 federal cases, operations, and initiatives from 2019. The federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies listed below had officers and/or agents who were recognized for their bravery, outstanding collaboration, investigative achievement, investigative excellence, and victim assistance.
Alexandria
Newport News
Norfolk
Richmond
Alexandria Police
ATF Washington Field Division
ATF Washington Field Division
ATF Washington Field Division
ATF Washington Field Division
Chesapeake Sheriff’s Office
Chesapeake Sheriff’s Office
Dept. Health & Human Services, OIG
CIA
DHS, Customs & Border Protection
Dayton Police (Oh)
DHS Homeland Security Investigations
DC Metro Police
DHS Homeland Security Investigations
Defense Criminal Investigative Service
DHS, Immigration & Customs Enforcement
Dept. Health & Human Services, OIG
DEA Washington
Dept. Health & Human Services, OIG
DEA Washington
DHS Homeland Security Investigations
FBI-Norfolk Field Office
DHS Homeland Security Investigations
FBI-Richmond Field Office
DOJ National Security Division
Food & Drug Administration
DEA
FBI Violent Crimes Task Force
Dept. of State, OIG
Hampton Police
FBI-Norfolk Field Office
Henrico Police
Dept. of Transportation, OIG
IRS-Criminal Investigations
General Services Administration, OIG
IRS-Criminal Investigations
DEA Washington
James City County Police
IRS-Criminal Investigations
Richmond Police
Environmental Protection Agency, OIG
National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration
NASA
U.S. Marshal’s Service
Fairfax County Police
Newport News Police
Norfolk Police
U.S. Postal Inspection Service
FBI Washington Field Office
Portsmouth Sheriff’s
Portsmouth Sheriff’s Office
U.S. Secret Service
FDIC, OIG
Virginia State Corporation Commission
Small Business Administration, OIG
Virginia Beach Police
IRS-Criminal Investigations
Virginia State Police
U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service
Virginia Office of Attorney General
Leesburg Police
Williamsburg Police
U.S. Postal Inspection Service
Montgomery County Police (Md)
Virginia Office of Attorney General
Prince George County Police
Virginia Dept. of Corrections
Prince William County Police
Virginia Dept. of Forensic Science, Eastern Laboratory
U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service
U.S. Marshals Service
U.S. Postal Inspection Service
U.S. Secret Service
Virginia State Corporation Commission
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia.
U.S. Attorney’s Office Commemorates National Crime Victims’ Rights WeekRead the Press Release
CHICAGO — John R. Lausch, Jr., United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois, today announced an observance of National Crime Victims’ Rights Week. This year’s observance celebrates victims’ rights, protections and services, and features the theme, “Seek Justice ~ Ensure Victims’ Rights ~ Inspire Hope.”
“While we all work to combat the challenges presented by the coronavirus pandemic, our office remains vigilant in seeking justice on behalf of victims of federal crimes,” said U.S. Attorney Lausch. “Our attorneys and staff members work tirelessly to advocate for the rights of victims, offering a tremendous amount of support and assistance during an often difficult legal process.”
“Every year, millions of Americans suffer the shock and trauma of criminal victimization, affecting their well-being and sense of security and dignity,” said Attorney General William P. Barr. “To these victims, we affirm our unwavering commitment to supporting them in their hour of need. We also commend the thousands of victim advocates and public safety professionals who labor tirelessly to secure victims’ rights and support survivors.”
During National Crime Victims’ Rights Week, victim advocacy organizations, community groups and state, local and tribal law enforcement agencies traditionally host rallies, candlelight vigils, and other events to raise awareness of victims’ rights and services. This year, many communities are organizing virtual gatherings and online public awareness campaigns. The annual National Crime Victims’ Service Awards Ceremony will also be postponed until a time when we can honor this year’s award recipients in person. To learn more about past recipients, visit www.ovc.gov/gallery.
Ronald Reagan proclaimed the first Victims’ Rights Week in 1981, putting crime victims’ rights, needs, and concerns in a prominent spot on the American agenda. He also established the President’s Task Force on Victims of Crime, which laid the groundwork for a national network of services and legal safeguards for crime victims. President Trump and his administration have implemented historic levels of support for victim assistance and victim compensation.
Approximately 3.3 million Americans age 12 and older were victims of violent crime in 2018, according to the National Crime Victimization Survey. The Office for Victims of Crime (OVC), part of the Justice Department’s Office of Justice Programs (OJP), supports more than 7,000 local victim assistance and victim compensation programs in every state and U.S. territory. Funds for these programs come from the Crime Victims Fund, which is comprised of federal criminal fines, penalties and bond forfeitures.
“While we have made tremendous progress driving down crime and violence across the country, far too many Americans continue to suffer the pain and loss of criminal victimization,” said Katharine T. Sullivan, Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General of OJP. “This week, we stand by these survivors and their families, and we pledge our ongoing support to the countless men and women who serve them with such extraordinary skill and compassion.”
“Crime victims deserve to know that they have the encouragement and support of the American people,” said OVC Director Jessica E. Hart. “I hope that citizens throughout the nation will take the opportunity this week to remember all victims of crime and their heroic stories of survival.”
For more information on how to create your own public campaigns to raise awareness about crime victims’ rights – online and through events during the year – please visit: https://ovc.ncjrs.gov/ncvrw2020/overview.html.
U.S. Attorney Jay E. Town and Homeland Security Investigations Recognize National Child Abuse Prevention MonthRead the Press Release
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – April is National Child Abuse Prevention Month, a time to focus on the safety and well-being of our children. U.S. Attorney Jay E. Town and U.S. Immigration and Custom Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations Assistant Special Agent in Charge for Alabama James G. Hernandez remind parents to be vigilant of their children’s online activity.
“During this time of uncertainty, one thing remains certain is that our office and law enforcement partners remain vigilant in protecting victims of abuse. Our resolve must especially protect our children,” Town said. “Our justice system will not tolerate those who prey on innocent children. Parents are, and remain, the best first line of defense to the practice of digital and cyber hygiene and making certain that online predators cannot access our children.”
“During this time when kids are at home and online, parents need to be more vigilant about monitoring what their children are doing and who they are interacting with because there are many dangerous predators lurking online,” said James Hernandez, HSI Assistant Special Agent in Charge for Alabama. “Identifying and catching these predators is one of HSI’s top priorities, but we can’t do it alone and need your help to keep children safe.”
U.S. Attorney Town and HSI offer the following tips to help protect children online:
- Review and approve games and apps before they are downloaded
- Make sure privacy settings are set to the strictest level possible for online gaming systems and electronic devices.
- Monitor your children’s use of the internet and check profiles and what they post online.
- Keep electronic devices in a common area of the house.
- Explain to your children that images posted online will be permanently on the internet.
- Make sure that children understand online risks, only chat with people they know, block people they don’t know or trust, and trust their instinct—if something makes them feel uncomfortable, tell a parent, guardian or other trusted adult about it.
To report suspicious activity or instances of child sexual exploitation, contact your local law enforcement agency. Tips can be submitted online at www.ice.gov/tipline, by phone at 866-DHS-2-ICE or by contacting your local HSI office. Reports can also be filed with NCMEC at 1-800-THE-LOST or online at www.cybertipline.org.
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The year 2020 marks the 150th anniversary of the Department of Justice. Learn more about the history of our agency at www.Justice.gov/Celebrating150Years.
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U.S. Attorney Jason Dunn's Statement Commemorating National Crime Victims' Rights WeekRead the Press Release
"As part of National Crime Victims' Rights Week, the Colorado U.S. Attorney’s Office pauses to acknowledge and remember those who have been victims of crime in our state. We are continuously inspired by their brave stories of survival and recovery. My office and I have made victims - and victim rights - a priority in every case we prosecute. Doing so is central to not only ensuring that those directly impacted by crime have the support and resources they need to be heard and to heal, but to ensuring that justice is always being served. That is what this week is all about -- showing victims they are not alone, raising awareness of their rights and services available, and remembering the progress that has been achieved."
Click here for the full release from the Department of Justice.
Texas Man Pleads Guilty to Wire FraudRead the Press Release
CONCORD - Shiva Chandan Reddy Thudi, 26, of Irving, Texas pleaded guilty in federal court to wire fraud, United States Attorney Scott W. Murray announced today.
According to court documents and statements made in court, Thudi attended college in New Hampshire from 2015 to 2017. During that time, he established relationships with and defrauded several individuals who were foreign citizens living in the United States. In essence, Thudi falsely told his victims he was seeking investors to share in the profits of business ventures that involved his producing and distributing films in the United States. In reality, Thudi was not a movie producer or distributor and, instead, he used his victim’s money for his own personal benefit. To keep the scheme going, Thudi engaged in a classic Ponzi scheme by using money paid by later victims to pay supposed “returns” on the “investment” made by earlier victims.
When interviewed by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Thudi admitted he stole substantial amounts of money from the victims by selling illusory ownership interests in several films to them. Additionally, he admitted that he used the victims’ money for his personal benefit and to make lulling payments to keep the scheme going. In total, Thudi stole more than $100,000 from his victims.
Thudi is scheduled to be sentenced on July 29, 2020.
“Those who commit fraud crimes cause tremendous financial harm and betray the trust of their victims,” said U.S. Attorney Murray. “Thanks to the work of the FBI, this individual’s fraud scheme has been stopped and he is being held responsible for his actions. We will continue to work closely with the FBI and other law enforcement agencies to identify and prosecute those who commit fraud in the Granite State.”
“Shiva Chandan Reddy Thudi used the allure of moviemaking to persuade his victims to invest more than $100,000 in his big-screen productions. What he didn't keep for himself, he circulated back into his Ponzi scheme to pay 'returns' to those who jumped on board early. But just like the films he pitched, it was all make-believe,” said Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Boston Division. “Today’s guilty plea illustrates how the FBI will not hesitate to pursue anyone who defrauds others for their own personal profit. We'd also like to thank Rivier College for their cooperation with this investigation."
This matter was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew T. Hunter.
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Tech company pays $1.7 million in restitution for defrauding hospital electronic records programsRead the Press Release
CINCINNATI – An Anaheim, Calif. technology company was sentenced in U.S. District Court today and was ordered to pay nearly $1.7 million in restitution to federal and Ohio state programs it defrauded.
According to court documents, KPMD, Inc., through its contract with the Southwest Regional Medical Center in Georgetown, Ohio, defrauded a Medicaid program that was established as part of the 2009 American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.
As part of the Recovery Act, the Health Information Technology for Economic and Clinical Health Act (HITECH Act) established incentive payments to eligible hospitals for using certified electronic health records technology. Ohio also implemented a state incentive for hospitals, consistent with the federal HITECH Act.
In September 2011, KPMD entered into a contract with Southwest Regional Medical Center and agreed to implement the KPMD software program for electronic health records. KPMD agreed to implement the software program for electronic health records. In exchange, the hospital assigned its government incentive payments to KPMD. KPMD’s CEO later purchased the hospital.
Thereafter, KPMD falsely attested to the federal and state medical incentive programs that Southwest Regional Medical Center emergency room had met the criteria for incentive payments, even as the hospital was in the process of closing down. As a result, payments totaling nearly $1.7 million was wired to KPMD.
As part of its plea, KPMD agreed to pay restitution in full, including nearly $1.3 million to Medicare and approximately $380,000 to Medicaid, prior to today’s sentencing. The restitution payments by KPMD have already been deposited with the Court.
The company was charged and pleaded guilty in December 2018 to two counts of filing a false claim.
David M. DeVillers, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio; and Lamont Pugh III, Special Agent in Charge, United States Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General, announced the sentence imposed by U.S. District Court Judge Michael R. Barrett. Assistant Deputy Criminal Chief Timothy S. Mangan is representing the United States in this case.
# # #
Renton, Washington, man charged federally with murder in Olympic National ForestRead the Press Release
Tacoma – A 23-year-old Renton, Washington, man made his first appearance today in U.S. District Court in Tacoma on a charge of second degree murder for the February beating death of a 21-year-old woman, announced U.S. Attorney Brian T. Moran. The victim, a resident of California, had traveled to the Seattle area to meet up with ALEJANDRO J. AGUILERA ROJAS. The two traveled to the Sequim, Washington, area on February 10, 2020.
“I commend the Clallam County Sheriff’s Office and the FBI for their quick and thorough work on this case,” said U.S. Attorney Brian T. Moran. “The victim’s family has lost their loved one forever, and we will work hard to ensure that the defendant is held accountable for taking her life.”
According to the criminal complaint, AGUILERA ROJAS was having a relationship with the victim–a relationship hidden from his wife and family. The victim had traveled to Seattle to visit AGUILERA ROJAS. The victim’s friends and family members reached out to AGUILERA ROJAS, who gave them conflicting information about the victim’s whereabouts. A friend of the victim reported her missing to law enforcement when she did not contact them after February 10, 2020. The victim’s body was found off a logging road in Olympic National Forest on February 14, 2020. There were signs she had been beaten and stabbed. A broken and bloody tequila bottle, box cutter, and knife were located near where the victim’s body was discovered. There was no identification on the body.
Law enforcement reviewed surveillance video at a Sequim convenience store and determined a woman and a man, later identified as AGUILERA ROJAS, had visited the store. Law enforcement was able to determine that AGUILERA ROJAS’ cell phone and the victim’s phone had been in the area of the murder on February 10 and 11 and that both phones had then travelled back to the area of AGUILERA ROJAS’ residence, after the victim had been killed and left in the Olympic National Forest.
The autopsy of the victim by the King County Medical Examiner’s Office ruled the manner of death as a homicide and the cause of death by multiple blunt and sharp force injuries.
AGUILERA ROJAS was interviewed by law enforcement on February 19, 2020. He made a number of different statements about his relationship with the victim and what had happened. AGUILERA ROJAS was booked into Clallam County Corrections where he remained until being taken into federal custody. Because the murder occurred on federal land in the Olympic National Forest, the case is being prosecuted in federal court.
The case is being investigated by the FBI and the Clallam County Sheriff’s Office, with significant assistance from the Washington State Patrol.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Ye-Ting Woo and Rebecca S. Cohen.
aguilera_rojas_complaint.pdfPsychiatrist Affiliated with Philadelphia and Lehigh Valley-Area Health Clinics Who Claimed to Have Seen over 120 Patients per Day Agrees to Pay $91,109 to Resolve False Claims Act LiabilityRead the Press Release
PHILADELPHIA – United States Attorney William M. McSwain announced that Pramod Pilania, M.D., has agreed to pay $91,109 to resolve potential liability under the False Claims Act. Dr. Pilania was a psychiatrist who previously saw patients at the Northeast Community Mental Health Centers (“Northeast clinic”) in Philadelphia and the Lehigh Valley Community Mental Health Centers (“Lehigh Valley clinic”), with locations in Allentown, Bethlehem, and Reading. According to the settlement, the United States contends that Dr. Pilania claims to have seen more than 120 Medicaid patients, including children, on a single day on several occasions in 2010. On each of the dates when he supposedly saw in excess of 120 patients, he also travelled between the Northeast clinic in Philadelphia and the Lehigh Valley clinic in Allentown, which are separated by approximately an hour’s drive.
At the time of Dr. Pilania’s patient visits, Medicaid administrators required the “medication management” or “med check” visit to be 15 minutes in duration and also required the practitioner to record the time each visit began and ended on patient encounter forms. Seeing 120 patients for 15 minutes each would take 30 hours. According to the settlement agreement, Dr. Pilania did not see some of the 120-plus patients on those six dates for 15 minutes. Instead, many of the encounters were of extremely short duration. The settlement also alleges that Dr. Pilania did not record the beginning and ending times on patient encounter forms.
This False Claims Act settlement with Dr. Pilania was preceded by a separate, related civil health care fraud lawsuit filed in 2015 against the Northeast and Lehigh Valley clinics where Dr. Pilania served as the Medical Director. That complaint also named the clinics’ principals, Melchor Martinez and Melissa Chlebowski, as defendants. At the time, the Northeast and Lehigh Valley clinics were the largest providers of mental health services to Medicaid patients in their respective regions. They generated $75 million in combined Medicaid and Medicare payments from 2009 through 2012. In 2018, the parties settled the lawsuit, and the United States obtained a $3 million consent judgment against the defendants.
“When physicians see Medicare or Medicaid patients, it is their responsibility to know the billing and payment rules required by those programs and abide by them,” said U.S. Attorney McSwain. “The allegations against Dr. Pilania – that he billed federally funded healthcare programs for over 120 patients per day while also commuting between locations that are an hour’s driving distance apart – are egregious. My Office is committed to rooting out healthcare fraud and protecting the integrity of our Medicare and Medicaid systems by holding everyone involved accountable, including any providers who try to cheat those systems.”
“Civil enforcement is an important tool in our ongoing battle against health care fraud,” said Maureen R. Dixon, Special Agent in Charge of the Office of the Inspector General for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. “We will continue to work closely with the United States Attorney’s Office to ensure the integrity of taxpayer funds and protect beneficiaries of federal healthcare programs.”
The government’s resolution of this matter illustrates the government’s emphasis on combating health care fraud. One of the most powerful tools in this effort is the False Claims Act. Tips and complaints from all sources about potential fraud, waste, abuse, and mismanagement can be reported to the Department of Health and Human Services at 800-HHS-TIPS (800-447-8477).
This matter was investigated by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Office of Inspector General and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania, with assistance from the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General and the North Carolina Department of Justice. This matter was handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Judith A. Amorosa and health care fraud auditor George Niedzwicki.
The claims resolved by this settlement are allegations only and there has been no determination of liability.
Providence Chiropractor to Plead Guilty to Health Care Fraud, Tax EvasionRead the Press Release
PROVIDENCE – A Providence chiropractor has agreed to plead guilty to charges that he allegedly executed a scheme to defraud health care benefits programs and that he allegedly failed to pay taxes to the IRS for some of the income he received from his business, according to documents filed in federal court in Providence.
It is alleged that Eugene Kramer, 50, sole owner of New England Spine and Disc Center, devised a scheme to defraud insurance companies by billing for days patients did not attend treatment, for treatment not provided, and by falsifying medical notes and documentation to support nonexistent personal injury claims.
It is alleged in court documents that from January 1, 2018, to December 31, 2018, Kramer provided invoices for chiropractic treatment to various attorneys, who then, in order to support a patient’s bodily injury claim, provided those invoices to various automobile insurance companies in Rhode Island. At times, Kramer allegedly provided falsified medical notes and documentation.
According to court documents, an individual assisting the FBI in the investigation of Kramer’s alleged criminal activity, visited Kramer’s office on 15 occasions for chiropractic treatment, under the pretext of having been involved in an automobile accident. It is alleged that in most instances little or no treatment was provided and few if any medical notes were taken. At no time did Kramer provide the person with a diagnosis or discuss a treatment plan. Nearly all of the patient’s visits were electronically monitored by the FBI.
According to court documents, the individual who visited Kramer’s office in an undercover capacity was allegedly emailed a package requesting a monetary settlement in connection with the individual’s supposed injury claim to Progressive Insurance requesting, among other things, reimbursement for chiropractic services.
According to court documents, it is alleged that for tax years 2015, 2016, and 2017, Kramer failed to report a portion of his personal income, resulting in him owing the IRS $66,914.
An information and plea agreement filed in U.S. District Court charges Kramer with health care fraud and filing a false tax return, announced United States Attorney Aaron L. Weisman, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Boston Division Joseph R. Bonavolonta, and Special Agent in Charge of Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation Kristina O'Connell.
An information is merely an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Health care fraud is punishable by statutory penalties of up to 10 years in federal prison, a fine of $250,000, and 3 years’ supervised release. False tax return is punishable by up to 3 years in prison, a fine of $100,000, and 1 year supervised release.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Dulce Donovan.
The matter was investigated by the FBI and IRS Criminal Investigation.
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Media Advisory Press AvailabilityRead the Press Release
WHEN: Wednesday, April 22, 2020 between Noon and 3:00 PM (following sentencing hearing)
WHERE: Due to the COVID-19 Pandemic, we are giving the press several options to participate. The United States Attorney will be available by video teleconferencing following the sentencing hearing, telephone or in person at the United States Attorney’s Office located at:
150 Fayetteville Street
Suite 2100
Raleigh, NC 27601
Re: Raleigh Gang Leader Sentenced for RICO Charge and Related Murder
The United States Attorney’s Office announces a press availability to discuss the sentencing of Demetrice R. Devine. The sentencing hearing for Devine is currently scheduled for Wednesday, April 22, 2020 at 11:00 am before United States District Judge James C. Dever III.
Devine, along with co-defendant, Brandon Jowan Mangum, were convicted of all charges after a two-week trial on October 24, 2019. More here. Evidence presented during the trial and other public documents established that Devine was the North Carolina leader of the Gangsta Killer Bloods (GKB), and then created the Black Mob Gangstas (BMG) and the Donald Gee Family (DGF) organization. The BMG/DGF are sets of the Bloods gang whose members committed various crimes in the city of Raleigh, particularly in the area of Haywood Street.
Credentialed members of the media are invited to participate. Please RSVP by emailing Don Connelly at [email protected]. Let him know your preferred method if interviewing the United States Attorney with your RSVP.
Hartford Man Pleads Guilty to Fentanyl Distribution ChargeRead the Press Release
John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that JORDAN MADDOX, 22, of Hartford, pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Jeffrey A. Meyer to a fentanyl distribution offense.
Pursuant to the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act), the guilty plea proceeding occurred via videoconference.
According to court documents and statements made in court, in July 2019, after a spate of gun violence in Hartford, the FBI’s Northern Connecticut Gang Task Force, DEA, Hartford Police Department and other law enforcement agencies initiated an investigation targeting gang-related drug distribution and associated violence in north Hartford. During the investigation, law enforcement made controlled purchases of crack cocaine and fentanyl from Maddox.
Maddox pleaded guilty to one count of possession with intent to distribute, and distribution of fentanyl, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years. Judge Meyer scheduled sentencing for July 24, 2020. Maddox has been detained since his arrest on September 13, 2019.
Maddox has agreed to forfeit $1,610 in cash that was seized from him at the time of his arrest.
The FBI’s Northern Connecticut Gang Task Force includes members of the Hartford Police Department, East Hartford Police Department, Connecticut State Police and Connecticut Department of Correction.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael J. Gustafson.