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Newest first across public DOJ and U.S. Attorney press releases.
2 April 2020
U.S. Attorney's Office and IRS Warn the Public About Scammers Targeting Economic Relief PaymentsRead the Press Release
GRAND RAPIDS, MI – U.S. Attorney Andrew Birge and Sarah Kull, Special Agent in Charge of the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation Division (IRS-CI) in Detroit, warned West Michigan residents to watch out for scammers attempting to steal COVID-19 Economic Impact Payments.
"With relief payments coming soon, we want people to be mindful that scammers are out there looking for ways to get their hands on those checks and personal account information. Remain vigilant, warn your friends and family about COVID-19 scams and report suspected fraudulent activity to the federal hotlines," said U.S. Attorney Birge.
"I urge the public not to fall victim to fraudsters attempting to steal Economic Impact Payments being sent out. The IRS will not call, text, email or otherwise contact you to ask for your information. This money is meant for you. Don’t fall victim to scammers," said IRS Special Agent in Charge Kull.
The Treasury Department and the IRS announced that distribution of Economic Impact Payments will begin in the next three weeks and will be distributed automatically, with no action required for most people. Information from the 2018 or 2019 tax return, if filed, will be used to calculate payment. Most individuals do not need to take any action. Social Security beneficiaries who are not typically required to file tax returns will not need to file to receive a payment. Instead, payments will be automatically deposited into their bank accounts. The IRS will calculate and automatically send payment to those eligible. The IRS will deposit the economic relief check into the direct deposit account previously provided in the tax returns. If banking information was not provided, the IRS will send a check via mail. The IRS will NOT contact anyone to request banking info, will not ask for confirmation of personal information to send or expedite an economic impact payment, or require payment of a fee.
If anyone receives a call claiming to be from the IRS or any entity related to the Economic Impact Payment, the call is a scam and recipients should not engage with the scammer and absolutely should not give out bank account, debit account or PayPal account information-- even if the person claims it is necessary to get the relief check.
It will take a few weeks before the Treasury mails out the Economic Impact Payments. If a person receives a "check" for an odd amount or a check that requires verification of the check online or by calling a number, it is a fraud. U.S. Attorney Birge and IRS Special Agent in Charge Kull reminded everyone to be vigilant about promptly collecting mail from their mailbox in order to prevent the theft of any economic relief checks delivered there.
Don’t be a victim! Visit www.irs.gov for the latest information on new scams and schemes. The IRS has set-up a "hotline" email address for Michigan residents to report fraud to the IRS: [email protected] To find out more about Department of Justice resources and information, please visit www.justice.gov/coronavirus. Residents can also report Suspected Fraud to the National Center for Disaster Fraud Hotline at 866-720-5721 and [email protected] .
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U.S. Attorney Michael Bailey Announces More Than $83 Million Available to Support School SafetyRead the Press Release
PHOENIX, Ariz. – U.S. Attorney Michael Bailey today announced that more than $83 million in Department of Justice grants is available to help communities improve school security and protect students, teachers and faculty from threats of violence.
“School violence is no longer an abstract threat but has become a tragic reality in too many of America’s communities. Moving to meet this challenge is among the Administration’s top domestic priorities,” said Katharine T. Sullivan, Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General for the Office of Justice Programs. “The Department of Justice is front and center in the fight to meet this challenge. OJP is making historic amounts of grant funding available to ensure that our communities have access to innovative and diverse solutions.”
The funding is available through OJP, the federal government’s leading source of public safety funding and crime victim assistance in state, local and tribal jurisdictions. OJP’s programs support a wide array of activities and services, including programs designed to tighten school security and improve the reporting of threats.
A number of funding opportunities for school safety are currently open:
- Research and Evaluation on School Safety
https://nij.ojp.gov/funding/opportunities/nij-2020-17308
Total Available $5 million. Deadline 4/13/2020.
- STOP Act School Violence Program (FY20)
https://nij.ojp.gov/funding/opportunities/nij-2020-17308
Total Available $71.4 million. Deadline 4/13/2020.
- Strategies to Support Children Exposed to Violence
https://ojjdp.ojp.gov/funding/opportunities/ojjdp-2020-17926
Total Available $7 million. Deadline 4/27/2020.
For more information regarding all OJP funding opportunities, visit https://www.ojp.gov/funding/explore/current-funding-opportunities.
RELEASE NUMBER: 2020-040_School Safety Grants
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For more information on the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/az/
Follow the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, on Twitter @USAO_AZ for the latest news.- Research and Evaluation on School Safety
U.S. Attorney Keefe Announces More Than $163 Million Available to Fight Addiction CrisisRead the Press Release
TALLAHASSE, FLORIDA – Lawrence Keefe, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida, today announced that communities across northern Florida are eligible to apply for a portion of more than $163 million in Department of Justice grants nationwide to help communities across
America address the nation’s addiction crisis.“Our nation is facing the difficult challenge of curbing substance addiction, which threatens public safety and is among the Administration’s top domestic priorities,” said Katharine T.
Sullivan, Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General for the Office of Justice Programs (OJP).
“The Department of Justice is front and center in the fight to meet this challenge. OJP is making historic amounts of grant funding available to ensure that our communities have access to innovative and diverse solutions.”Added U.S. Attorney Keefe: “So much of the criminal activity in Northern Florida – from its urban centers to the most rural areas – can be traced back to addiction. From the addicts who commit crimes to support their habits to the dealers who keep them hooked, this is a scourge on every community, and the grants available to help can make a meaningful impact across the District.”
The funding is available through OJP, the federal government’s leading source of public safety funding and crime victim assistance in state, local, and tribal jurisdictions. OJP’s programs support a wide array of activities and services, including programs designed to prevent overdose deaths and break the cycle of addiction and crime.
A number of funding opportunities that address the addiction crisis are currently open:
Adult Drug Court and Veterans Treatment Court Discretionary Grant Program https://bja.ojp.gov/funding/opportunities/bja-2020-17098
Total Available $1.75 million Deadline 5/14/2020Comprehensive Opioid, Stimulant, and Substance Abuse Site-based Program https://bja.ojp.gov/COSSAP20
Total Available $27 million Deadline 5/21/2020Enhancing Community Responses to America's Addiction Crisis: Serving Our Youngest Crime Victims https://www.ovc.gov/grants/pdftxt/fy-2020-enhancing-community-response-to-drug-crisis.pdf
Total Available: $19 million Deadline: 5/4/2020Family Drug Court Program https://ojjdp.ojp.gov/funding/opportunities/ojjdp-2020-17090
Total Available $18.2 million Deadline 4/8/2020 (Extended)Harold Rogers Prescription Drug Monitoring Program https://bja.ojp.gov/funding/opportunities/bja-2020-17754
Total Available $28.1 Deadline 5/5/2020Juvenile Drug Treatment Court Program https://ojjdp.ojp.gov/funding/opportunities/ojjdp-2020-17051
Total Available $7.2 million Deadline 4/13/2020 (Extended)Mentoring Opportunities for Youth Initiative https://ojjdp.ojp.gov/funding/opportunities/ojjdp-2020-16930
Total Available $48 million Deadline 4/13/2020Opioid Affected Youth Initiative https://ojjdp.ojp.gov/funding/opportunities/ojjdp-2020-17352
Total Available $9 million Deadline 4/20/2020Research and Evaluation on Drugs and Crime https://nij.ojp.gov/funding/opportunities/nij-2020-17275
Total Available $1 million Deadline 4/20/2020Residential Substance Abuse Treatment for State Prisoners https://bja.ojp.gov/RSAT20
Total Available $4.5 million Deadline 4/6/2020
For more information regarding all OJP funding opportunities, visit https://www.ojp.gov/funding/explore/current-funding-opportunities.
The United States Attorney's Office for the Northern District of Florida is one of 94 offices that serve as the nation’s principal litigators under the direction of the Attorney General. To access available public court documents online, please visit the U.S. District Court for the Northern
District of Florida website. For more information about the United States Attorney’s Office, Northern District of Florida, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/fln/index.html.U.S. Attorney J. Douglas Overbey Announces More Than $60 Million in Grants Available to Support Prisoners' Successful Reentry into Their CommunitiesRead the Press Release
Knoxville, Tenn. – U.S. Attorney J. Douglas Overbey of the Eastern District of Tennessee today announced that nearly $60 million in Department of Justice grants is available to help communities address public safety by supporting successful reentry of adult and juvenile offenders into their communities.
"Our nation is facing difficult public safety challenges that demand strong and immediate action. The high rate of recidivism poses a dire threat to community safety and is being met with a robust response by this Administration," said Katharine T. Sullivan, Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General for the Office of Justice Programs. "The Department of Justice is front and center in the fight to meet this persistent challenge. OJP is making historic amounts of grant funding available to ensure that our communities have access to innovative and diverse solutions."
"The U.S. Attorney’s office will continue to make a concerted effort to cooperate with our law enforcement and community partners to be both smart and tough on crime. Our office components include crime prevention, prosecution of serious and violent criminals, and the successful reentry of ex-offenders," said U.S. Attorney J. Douglas Overbey.
The funding is available through OJP, the federal government’s leading source of public safety funding and crime victim assistance in state, local and tribal jurisdictions. OJP’s programs support a wide array of activities and services, including adult and juvenile reentry initiatives and research projects designed to improve our knowledge of what works in reentry programming.
A number of funding opportunities are currently open, with several more opening in the near future.
Correctional Adult Reentry Education, Employment, and Recidivism Reduction Strategies Program:
https://bja.ojp.gov/funding/opportunities/bja-2020-17104
Total Available $7.2 million Deadline 4/27/2020
Improving Community Supervision Outcomes Through Swift, Certain, and Fair Responses:
https://bja.ojp.gov/funding/opportunities/bja-2020-17096
Total Available $3 million Deadline 4/28/2020
Improving Reentry for People with Substance Use Disorders Program:
https://bja.ojp.gov/SCASUD20
Total Available $13.2 million Deadline 4/27/2020
Innovations in Reentry Initiative: Building System Capacity & Testing Strategies to Reduce Recidivism:
https://bja.ojp.gov/funding/opportunities/bja-2020-17281
Total Available $4 million Deadline 5/4/2020
Research and Evaluation on Promising Reentry Initiatives :
https://nij.ojp.gov/funding/opportunities/nij-2020-17295
Total Available $6 million Deadline 5/5/2020
Review and Validation of the First Step Act Risk Assessment Tool:
https://nij.ojp.gov/funding/opportunities/nij-2020-fsa
Total Available: Determined after selection Deadline 4/10/2020
Second Chance Act Community-Based Reentry Program:
https://bja.ojp.gov/funding/opportunities/bja-2020-17110
Total Available $13.5 million Deadline 5/4/2020
Second Chance Act Evaluation Participation Support:
https://bja.ojp.gov/funding/opportunities/bja-2020-17680
Total Available $4 million Deadline 4/28/2020
Second Chance Act Youth Offender Reentry Program:
https://ojjdp.ojp.gov/sites/g/files/xyckuh176/files/media/document/ojjdp-2020-17350.pdf
Total Available $7 million Deadline 4/28/2020
For more information regarding all OJP funding opportunities, visit https://www.ojp.gov/funding/explore/current-funding-opportunities
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U.S. Attorney Invites Local Nominations for Attorney General's Distinguished Service in Policing AwardRead the Press Release
PORTLAND—U.S. Attorney Billy J. Williams announced today that the Department of Justice is requesting local nominations for the fourth annual Attorney General’s Award for Distinguished Service in Policing. The nomination period is open now and will close on Friday, April 24, 2020 at 5pm PDT.
The Attorney General’s Award for Distinguished Service in Policing recognizes state, local, or tribal sworn, rank-and-file police officers, deputies, and troopers for exceptional efforts and innovations in community policing, criminal investigations, and field operations.
“Law enforcement is the toughest job in America. The challenges our officers face on a daily basis are more complex, more difficult, and more extensive than ever before,” said Attorney General William P. Barr. “We are grateful for every man and woman in blue for their dedication and sacrifice. Among those who have answered the call of public service, several individuals in the past year performed in ways that surpassed even the highest expectations of the profession. I look forward to recognizing these individuals with the fourth annual Attorney General’s Award for Distinguished Service in Policing.”
“Serving alongside state, local, and tribal law enforcement officers, deputies, and troopers in Oregon has been the highest honor of my career,” said U.S. Attorney Williams. “It is entirely fitting that we should recognize the sacrifices they make on a daily basis to keep our communities safe and protect the rights we hold dear as Americans. I look forward to joining Attorney General Barr in recognizing the recipients of this distinguished award.”
Nominations may be submitted by the potential recipient’s supervisors, coworkers, or members of their local community. Nominations may include references and URL links to news sources and promotional or other materials that describe or substantiate the activity, program, or initiative for which the nominee is being nominated. Please note: nominees must have been in a non-supervisory position at the time the nominated event, activity, and/or program occurred to be an eligible candidate for this award.
Nominations must be submitted through an online form. The online application will direct the nominating individuals to complete the following fields:
- Name and rank of nominee(s) (must be rank-and-file officers, deputies, or troopers in a nonsupervisory position), the lead agency name, and the size of population served by the agency
- Name and affiliation of the nominating individual
- Nomination category for the action(s), program(s), or initiative(s) for which the nominee(s) is being nominated (Criminal Investigations, Field Operations, or Innovations in Policing)
- A detailed description of the specific action(s), program(s), or initiative(s) of the nominee(s) for which s/he is being nominated
- Agency point of contact information
Nominations must be submitted by 5pm PDT on Friday, April 24, 2020. In the event that agencies or other nominating parties are unable to access the online nomination form, nomination letters may be sent via email. The nomination letter should be no longer than three pages and should include all of the fields listed above. Nominations submitted in letter format must be sent via email to [email protected] by 5pm PDT on Friday, April 24, 2020.
Detailed information regarding the nomination process for this award is available at www.justice.gov/ag/policing-award.
Please direct all general inquiries to [email protected].
Three Alabama U.S. Attorneys and the Alabama Attorney General Partner to Protect AlabamiansRead the Press Release
Montgomery, Alabama - United States Attorney Louis V. Franklin, Sr. for the Middle District of Alabama, United States Attorney Jay E. Town for the Northern District of Alabama, United States Attorney Richard W. Moore for the Southern District of Alabama, and Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall, announce they are joining forces to uncover, investigate, prosecute, and dismantle any fraud, price gouging, or scarce material hoarding related to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.
“Unfortunately, criminals have never seen a crisis that they couldn’t find a way to exploit,” stated U.S. Attorney Louis V. Franklin. “They will use any tragedy or crisis to take advantage of those who are most vulnerable and in need of assistance. I would remind everyone to remain vigilant and always verify offers or claims before making any decision with regard to the COVID-19 pandemic. I stand with my colleagues and will use every tool available to ensure the safety of our citizens.”
“While the crisis has brought out the very best in most Americans, there are those unfortunate exceptions among us that the rule of law will deal with,” U.S. Attorney Jay E. Town said. “There is no daylight between Alabama’s three United States Attorneys and the Alabama’s Attorney General. We will not allow a public health crisis become a public safety crisis, which is why we will continue to share crime intelligence about not only COVID-19 related frauds, but all criminal activities in the Great State.”
“It is critical that our citizens be aware that various frauds are being attempted during this coronavirus pandemic,” U.S. Attorney Richard W. Moore said. “I encourage everyone to read the list of potential scams below and be prepared to exercise common sense caution if you are contacted by anyone pitching anything resembling one of these scenarios. We will vigorously prosecute fraud victimizing the citizens of Alabama, but we prefer that our citizens first exercise prudence and help us avoid becoming unnecessary victims. The U.S. Attorneys and our Alabama Attorney General are dedicated to a coordinated prosecution of those who take advantage of our citizens during this difficult time.”
“I am proud to join with my federal partners as a force multiplier in identifying and holding accountable those criminals who prey upon Alabamians during times of crisis,” said Attorney General Steve Marshall. “Whether through scams targeting a victim’s confidential information or price gouging the public, those who seek to exploit the vulnerable during this time of emergency are on our radar.”
Some examples of Coronavirus and COVID-19 scams include:- Treatment scams: Scammers are offering to sell fake cures, vaccines, and advice on unproven treatments for COVID-19.
- Hoarding and Price Gouging scams: The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has designated certain health and medical resources necessary to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic as “scarce,” including respirator masks, ventilators, and other medical protective equipment. These designated materials are subject to the hoarding prevention measures that trigger both criminal and civil remedies.
- Supply scams: Scammers are creating fake shops, websites, social media accounts, and email addresses claiming to sell medical supplies currently in high demand, such as surgical masks. When consumers attempt to purchase supplies through these channels, fraudsters pocket the money and never provide the promised supplies.
- Provider scams: Scammers are also contacting people by phone and email, pretending to be doctors and hospitals that have treated a friend or relative for COVID-19, and demanding payment for that treatment.
- Charity scams: Scammers are soliciting donations for individuals, groups, and areas affected by COVID-19. Be sure to verify the legitimacy of any organization before donating.
- Phishing scams: Scammers posing as national and global health authorities, including the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), are sending phishing emails designed to trick recipients into downloading malware or providing personal identifying and financial information.
- App scams: Scammers are also creating and manipulating mobile apps designed to track the spread of COVID-19 to insert malware that will compromise users’ devices and personal information.
- Investment scams: Scammers are offering online promotions on various platforms, including social media, claiming that the products or services of publicly traded companies can prevent, detect, or cure COVID-19, and that the stock of these companies will dramatically increase in value as a result. These promotions are often styled as "research reports," make predictions of a specific "target price," and relate to microcap stocks, or low-priced stocks issued by the smallest of companies with limited publicly available information.
- Stimulus Check Scams: Scammers are contacting people via email or phone and are telling them that their check, as part of the stimulus package responding to COVID-19, is already waiting for them and that all they need to do is to provide personal information, such as bank account numbers and social security numbers, which are the key pieces of information needed to perpetrate identity theft.
If you believe you have been a target or victim of a scam or fraud, or have knowledge of any hoarding or price-gouging of critical medical supplies, you can report it without leaving your home to:- National Center for Disaster Fraud Hotline at 1-866-720-5721
- Consumer Interest Division of the Alabama Attorney General’s Office using the online form available at https://www.alabamaag.gov/consumercomplaint, or by calling 1-800-392-5658
Three Alabama U.S. Attorneys and the Alabama Attorney General Partner to Protect AlabamiansRead the Press Release
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – United States Attorney Jay E. Town for the Northern District of Alabama, United States Attorney Louis V. Franklin for the Middle District of Alabama, United States Attorney Richard W. Moore for the Southern District of Alabama, and Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall join forces to uncover, investigate, prosecute, and dismantle any frauds, price gouging, or scarce material hoarding related to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.
“While the crisis has brought out the very best in most Americans, there are those unfortunate exceptions among us that the rule of law will deal with,” U.S. Attorney Jay E. Town said. “There is no daylight between Alabama’s three United States Attorneys and the Alabama’s Attorney General. We will not allow a public health crisis to become a public safety crisis, which is why we will continue to share crime intelligence about not only COVID-19 related frauds, but all criminal activities in the Great State.”
“Unfortunately, criminals have never seen a crisis that they couldn’t find a way to exploit,” U.S. Attorney Louis V. Franklin said. “They will use any tragedy or crisis to take advantage of those who are most vulnerable and in need of assistance. I would remind everyone to remain vigilant and always verify offers or claims before making any decision with regard to the Covid-19 pandemic. I stand with my colleagues and will use every tool available to ensure the safety of our citizens.”“It is critical that our citizens be aware that various frauds are being attempted during this coronavirus pandemic,” U.S. Attorney Richard W. Moore said. “I encourage everyone to read the list of potential scams below and be prepared to exercise common sense caution if you are contacted by anyone pitching anything resembling one of these scenarios. We will vigorously prosecute fraud victimizing the citizens of Alabama, but we prefer that our citizens first exercise prudence and help us avoid becoming unnecessary victims. The U.S. Attorneys and our Alabama Attorney General are dedicated to a coordinated prosecution of those who take advantage of our citizens during this difficult time.”
“I am proud to join with my federal partners as a force multiplier in identifying and holding accountable those criminals who prey upon Alabamians during times of crisis,” said Attorney General Steve Marshall. “Whether through scams targeting a victim’s confidential information or price gouging the public, those who seek to exploit the vulnerable during this time of emergency are on our radar.”
Some examples of coronavirus and COVID-19 scams include:
• Treatment scams: Scammers are offering to sell fake cures, vaccines, and advice on unproven treatments for COVID-19.
• Hoarding and Price Gouging scams: The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has designated certain health and medical resources necessary to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic as “scarce,” including respirator masks, ventilators, and other medical protective equipment. These designated materials are subject to the hoarding prevention measures that trigger both criminal and civil remedies.
• Supply scams: Scammers are creating fake shops, websites, social media accounts, and email addresses claiming to sell medical supplies currently in high demand, such as surgical masks. When consumers attempt to purchase supplies through these channels, fraudsters pocket the money and never provide the promised supplies.
• Provider scams: Scammers are also contacting people by phone and email, pretending to be doctors and hospitals that have treated a friend or relative for COVID-19, and demanding payment for that treatment.
• Charity scams: Scammers are soliciting donations for individuals, groups, and areas affected by COVID-19.
• Phishing scams: Scammers posing as national and global health authorities, including the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), are sending phishing emails designed to trick recipients into downloading malware or providing personal identifying and financial information.
• App scams: Scammers are also creating and manipulating mobile apps designed to track the spread of COVID-19 to insert malware that will compromise users’ devices and personal information.
• Investment scams: Scammers are offering online promotions on various platforms, including social media, claiming that the products or services of publicly traded companies can prevent, detect, or cure COVID-19, and that the stock of these companies will dramatically increase in value as a result. These promotions are often styled as "research reports," make predictions of a specific "target price," and relate to microcap stocks, or low-priced stocks issued by the smallest of companies with limited publicly available information.
• Check Scams: Scammers are contacting people over email and are telling them that their check, as part of the stimulus package responding to COVID-19, is already waiting for them and that all they need to do is to provide personal information, such as bank account numbers and Social Security Numbers, which are the key pieces of information needed to perpetrate identity theft.
If you believe you have been a target or victim of a scam or fraud or have knowledge of any hoarding or price-gouging of critical medical supplies, you can report it without leaving your home to:
• National Center for Disaster Fraud Hotline at 1-866-720-5721 or via email at [email protected]
• Consumer Interest Division of the Alabama Attorney General’s Office using the online form available at https://www.alabamaag.gov/consumercomplaint, or by calling 1-800-392-5658Three Alabama U.S. Attorneys and the Alabama Attorney General Partner to Protect AlabamiansRead the Press Release
Mobile, Ala. – United States Attorney Richard W. Moore for the Southern District of Alabama, United States Attorney Louis V. Franklin for the Middle District of Alabama, United States Attorney Jay E. Town for the Northern District of Alabama, and Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall join forces to uncover, investigate, prosecute, and dismantle any frauds, price gouging, or scarce material hoarding related to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.
“It is critical that our citizens be aware that various frauds are being attempted during this coronavirus pandemic,” U.S. Attorney Richard W. Moore said. “I encourage everyone to read the list of potential scams below and be prepared to exercise common sense caution if you are contacted by anyone pitching anything resembling one of these scenarios. We will vigorously prosecute fraud victimizing the citizens of Alabama, but we prefer that our citizens first exercise prudence and help us avoid becoming unnecessary victims. The U.S. Attorneys and our Alabama Attorney General are dedicated to a coordinated prosecution of those who take advantage of our citizens during this difficult time.”
“Unfortunately, criminals have never seen a crisis that they couldn’t find a way to exploit,” U.S. Attorney Louis V. Franklin said. “They will use any tragedy or crisis to take advantage of those who are most vulnerable and in need of assistance. I would remind everyone to remain vigilant and always verify offers or claims before making any decision with regard to the Covid-19 pandemic. I stand with my colleagues and will use every tool available to ensure the safety of our citizens.”
“While the crisis has brought out the very best in most Americans, there are those unfortunate exceptions among us that the rule of law will deal with,” U.S. Attorney Jay E. Town said. “There is no daylight between Alabama’s three United States Attorneys and the Alabama’s Attorney General. We will not allow a public health crisis become a public safety crisis, which is why we will continue to share crime intelligence about not only COVID-19 related frauds, but all criminal activities in the Great State.”
“I am proud to join with my federal partners as a force multiplier in identifying and holding accountable those criminals who prey upon Alabamians during times of crisis,” said Attorney General Steve Marshall. “Whether through scams targeting a victim’s confidential information or price gouging the public, those who seek to exploit the vulnerable during this time of emergency are on our radar.”Some examples of coronavirus and COVID-19 scams include:
• Treatment scams: Scammers are offering to sell fake cures, vaccines, and advice on unproven treatments for COVID-19.
• Hoarding and Price Gouging scams: The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has designated certain health and medical resources necessary to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic as “scarce,” including respirator masks, ventilators, and other medical protective equipment. These designated materials are subject to the hoarding prevention measures that trigger both criminal and civil remedies.
• Supply scams: Scammers are creating fake shops, websites, social media accounts, and email addresses claiming to sell medical supplies currently in high demand, such as surgical masks. When consumers attempt to purchase supplies through these channels, fraudsters pocket the money and never provide the promised supplies.
• Provider scams: Scammers are also contacting people by phone and email, pretending to be doctors and hospitals that have treated a friend or relative for COVID-19, and demanding payment for that treatment.
• Charity scams: Scammers are soliciting donations for individuals, groups, and areas affected by COVID-19.• Phishing scams: Scammers posing as national and global health authorities, including the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), are sending phishing emails designed to trick recipients into downloading malware or providing personal identifying and financial information.
• App scams: Scammers are also creating and manipulating mobile apps designed to track the spread of COVID-19 to insert malware that will compromise users’ devices and personal information.
• Investment scams: Scammers are offering online promotions on various platforms, including social media, claiming that the products or services of publicly traded companies can prevent, detect, or cure COVID-19, and that the stock of these companies will dramatically increase in value as a result. These promotions are often styled as "research reports," make predictions of a specific "target price," and relate to microcap stocks, or low-priced stocks issued by the smallest of companies with limited publicly available information.
$1,000 Check Scams: Scammers are contacting people over email and are telling them that their $1,000 check, as part of the stimulus package responding to COVID-19, is already waiting for them and that all they need to do is to provide personal information, such as bank account numbers and Social Security Numbers, which are the key pieces of information needed to perpetrate identity theft.
If you believe you have been a target or victim of a scam or fraud or have knowledge of any hoarding or price-gouging of critical medical supplies, you can report it without leaving your home to:
• National Center for Disaster Fraud Hotline at 1-866-720-5721 or via email at [email protected]
• Consumer Interest Division of the Alabama Attorney General’s Office using the online form available at https://www.alabamaag.gov/consumercomplaint, or by calling 1-800-392-5658The Dalles Man Sentenced to Seven Years in Federal Prison for Transporting and Possessing Child PornographyRead the Press Release
PORTLAND, Ore.—Jonathan David Murphy, 42, of The Dalles, Oregon, was sentenced today to seven years in federal prison and five years’ supervised release for transporting and possessing child pornography.
According to court documents, in 2017, local and federal law enforcement conducted undercover investigations of online peer-to-peer file sharing programs being used to exchange images of child pornography. Three separate investigations led investigators to an internet protocol (IP) address registered to a home Murphy shared with his fiancée in The Dalles.
In June 2018, investigators executed a federal search warrant at the residence and Murphy consented to an interview. Murphy admitted to using uTorrent, a peer-to-peer file sharing network, to download and share child pornography.
On February 27, 2020, Murphy pleaded guilty to one count each of transportation and possession of child pornography. After his release from prison, Murphy will be required to register as a sex offender.
This case was investigated by the FBI with assistance from the Wasco County Sheriff’s Office and was prosecuted by Natalie Wight, Assistant U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon.
Anyone who has information about the physical or online exploitation of children are encouraged to call the FBI at (503) 224-4181 or submit a tip online at tips.fbi.gov.
Federal law defines child pornography as any visual depiction of sexually explicit conduct involving a minor. It is important to remember child sexual abuse material depicts actual crimes being committed against children. Not only do these images and videos document victims’ exploitation and abuse, but when shared across the internet, child victims suffer re-victimization each time the image of their abuse is viewed. To learn more, please visit the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children’s website at www.missingkids.org.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
Salvadoran National Pleads Guilty and is Sentenced for Illegal Reentry after DeportationRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Salvadoran national pleaded guilty today in federal court in Boston to illegally reentering the United States after being deported.
Following the acceptance of his plea, U.S. District Court Judge Indira Talwani sentenced Oscar Armand Mejia, 42, of Lynn, to a sentence of “time-served,” approximately 6 weeks’ imprisonment. Following the sentencing hearing, Mejia will be transferred to ICE custody and be placed into removal proceedings.
According to court records, Mejia was arrested in 2008 by the Brockton Police and charged with assault and battery and drunk driving. Mejia was later convicted and ordered to serve a sentence of 90 days. After completing his sentence in Nov. 4, 2008, he was placed into removal proceedings and deported to El Salvador. Sometime after his removal, Mejia illegally reentered the United States, was subsequently arrested by the Stoughton Police, and charged with drunk driving. Mejia appeared in state court, posted bail and was released. ICE was not contacted at that time. Mejia later defaulted in state court by failing to appear and a warrant was issued for his arrest. On Feb. 24, 2020, ICE located and arrested Mejia.
United States Attorney Andrew E. Lelling and Marcos D. Charles, Acting Field Office Director, Enforcement and Removal Operations, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Boston, made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kenneth G. Shine of Lelling’s Major Crimes Unit prosecuted the case.
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Presque Isle Woman Sentenced to over Nine Months for Passing Counterfeit MoneyRead the Press Release
Bangor, Maine: A Presque Isle woman was sentenced today in federal court in Bangor for passing counterfeit money, U.S. Attorney Halsey B. Frank announced.
U.S. District Judge Lance E. Walker sentenced Vicky LeClerc, 29, to a time-served sentence and two years of supervised release. LeClerc has been in federal custody since June 27, 2019. She pleaded guilty on December 4, 2019.
According to court records, in December 2018, LeClerc contacted a person who was selling clothes on Facebook. She stated that she wished to purchase the clothes for $20 and the seller agreed. She later met with the seller and paid for the clothes with a $50 bill. The seller became suspicious that the $50 bill was counterfeit because it did not feel correct. She brought the bill to the Presque Isle Police Department, which confirmed the bill was counterfeit. At the time of the sale, LeClerc was aware that the $50 bill was counterfeit.
The Presque Isle Police Department and the U.S. Secret Service investigated the case.
Oklahoma City Man Pleads Guilty in Hoax Bomb Threat CaseRead the Press Release
OKLAHOMA CITY – Kenyata O’Keefe Thomas, 42, of Oklahoma City, entered a guilty plea today to intentionally conveying false and misleading information by making a hoax bomb threat to the University of Central Oklahoma (UCO), announced U.S. Attorney Timothy J. Downing.
"Our campuses should be a place of safety for students to learn and grow, and for faculty and staff to serve students without fear of an attack," said U.S. Attorney Downing. "Our office and law enforcement partners, including the FBI, have zero tolerance for actions like this hoax bomb threat that disrupt the safety and sense of well-being on our campuses. Here, the hoax was made on the day that Oklahomans were already reflecting on the horrific act of the Oklahoma City bombing—the deadliest domestic terrorism attack in our Nation’s history."
A criminal information was filed in March 2020 against Thomas that charged him with a single count of making a hoax bomb threat on April 19, 2019. According to the information, Thomas intentionally conveyed false and misleading information to UCO that an unnamed person was planning to detonate a bomb on UCO’s campus. Thomas made the hoax bomb threat on the 24th anniversary of the bombing of the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building in Oklahoma City.
At sentencing, Thomas faces up to five years in prison, three years of supervised release, and a fine of up to $250,000. Sentencing will take place in approximately ninety days.
This case is the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation—Oklahoma City Field Office’s Joint Terrorism Task Force, with assistance from the University of Central Oklahoma Police Department and the Edmond Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Mark Stoneman prosecuted the case.
Reference is made to court filings for further information. To download a photo of U.S. Attorney Downing, click here.
Nevada U.S. Attorney Announces Nearly $60 Million in Grants Available to Support Prisoners' Successful Reentry into Their CommunitiesRead the Press Release
LAS VEGAS, Nev. – U.S. Attorney Nicholas A. Trutanich for the District of Nevada today announced that nearly $60 million in Department of Justice grants is available to help communities across the country address public safety by supporting successful reentry of adult and juvenile offenders into their communities.
“Our nation is facing difficult public safety challenges that demand strong and immediate action. The high rate of recidivism poses a dire threat to community safety and is being met with a robust response by this Administration,” said Katharine T. Sullivan, Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General for the Office of Justice Programs. “The Department of Justice is front and center in the fight to meet this persistent challenge. OJP is making historic amounts of grant funding available to ensure that our communities have access to innovative and diverse solutions.”
“These grant opportunities demonstrate the Department of Justice’s commitment to providing a successful pathway for adult and juvenile offenders returning to their communities,” said U.S. Attorney Trutanich. “We know that effective reentry means safer communities and, therefore, I encourage our law enforcement and community partners to apply.”
The funding is available through OJP, the federal government’s leading source of public safety funding and crime victim assistance in state, local and tribal jurisdictions. OJP’s programs support a wide array of activities and services, including adult and juvenile reentry initiatives and research projects designed to improve our knowledge of what works in reentry programming.
A number of funding opportunities are currently open, with several more opening in the near future.
- Correctional Adult Reentry Education, Employment, and Recidivism Reduction Strategies Program
https://bja.ojp.gov/funding/opportunities/bja-2020-17104
Total Available: $7.2 million Deadline: 4/27/2020
- Improving Community Supervision Outcomes Through Swift, Certain, and Fair Responses
https://bja.ojp.gov/funding/opportunities/bja-2020-17096
Total Available: $3 million Deadline: 4/28/2020
- Improving Reentry for People with Substance Use Disorders Program
https://bja.ojp.gov/SCASUD20
Total Available: $13.2 million Deadline: 4/27/2020
- Innovations in Reentry Initiative: Building System Capacity & Testing Strategies to Reduce Recidivism
https://bja.ojp.gov/funding/opportunities/bja-2020-17281
Total Available: $4 million Deadline: 5/4/2020
- Research and Evaluation on Promising Reentry Initiatives
https://nij.ojp.gov/funding/opportunities/nij-2020-17295
Total Available: $6 million Deadline: 5/5/2020
- Review and Validation of the First Step Act Risk Assessment Tool https://nij.ojp.gov/funding/opportunities/nij-2020-fsa
Total Available: Determined after selection Deadline: 4/10/2020
- Second Chance Act Community-Based Reentry Program
https://bja.ojp.gov/funding/opportunities/bja-2020-17110
Total Available: $13.5 million Deadline: 5/4/2020
- Second Chance Act Evaluation Participation Support
https://bja.ojp.gov/funding/opportunities/bja-2020-17680
Total Available: $4 million Deadline: 4/28/2020
- Second Chance Act Youth Offender Reentry Program
https://ojjdp.ojp.gov/sites/g/files/xyckuh176/files/media/document/ojjdp-2020-17350.pdf
Total Available: $7 million Deadline: 4/28/2020
For more information regarding all OJP funding opportunities, visit https://www.ojp.gov/funding/explore/current-funding-opportunities
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Nevada U.S. Attorney Announces More Than $83 Million Available to Support School SafetyRead the Press Release
LAS VEGAS, Nev. – U.S. Attorney Nicholas A. Trutanich for the District of Nevada today announced that more than $83 million in Department of Justice grants is available to help communities across the country improve school security and protect students, teachers and faculty from threats of violence.
“School violence is no longer an abstract threat but has become a tragic reality in too many of America’s communities. Moving to meet this challenge is among the Administration’s top domestic priorities,” said Katharine T. Sullivan, Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General for the Office of Justice Programs. “The Department of Justice is front and center in the fight to meet this challenge. OJP is making historic amounts of grant funding available to ensure that our communities have access to innovative and diverse solutions.”
“Through these grant opportunities, the Department of Justice is further expanding its efforts to reduce school violence,” said U.S. Attorney Trutanich. “This new funding will help protect children, teachers, and faculty throughout Nevada.”
The funding is available through OJP, the federal government’s leading source of public safety funding and crime victim assistance in state, local and tribal jurisdictions. OJP’s programs support a wide array of activities and services, including programs designed to tighten school security and improve the reporting of threats.
A number of funding opportunities for school safety are currently open, with another opening in the near future:
- Research and Evaluation on School Safety
https://nij.ojp.gov/funding/opportunities/nij-2020-17308
Total Available: $5 million Deadline: 4/13/2020
- STOP Act School Violence Program (FY20)
https://bja.ojp.gov/funding/opportunities/bja-2020-17312
Total Available: $71.5 million Deadline: 6/9/2020
- Strategies to Support Children Exposed to Violence
https://ojjdp.ojp.gov/funding/opportunities/ojjdp-2020-17926
Total Available: $7 million Deadline: 4/27/2020
For more information regarding all OJP funding opportunities, visit https://www.ojp.gov/funding/explore/current-funding-opportunities.
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Nevada U.S. Attorney Announces More Than $163 Million Available to Fight Addiction CrisisRead the Press Release
LAS VEGAS, Nev. – U.S. Attorney Nicholas A. Trutanich for the District of Nevada today announced that more than $163 million in Department of Justice grants is available to help communities address America’s addiction crisis.
“Our nation is facing the difficult challenge of curbing substance addiction, which threatens public safety and is among the Administration’s top domestic priorities,” said Katharine T. Sullivan, Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General for the Office of Justice Programs. “The Department of Justice is front and center in the fight to meet this challenge. OJP is making historic amounts of grant funding available to ensure that our communities have access to innovative and diverse solutions.”
“The cycle of addiction not only affects the individual and their loved ones, but also their community and public safety,” said U.S. Attorney Trutanich. “The OJP grant funds will provide assistance and needed resources to treatment providers, drug courts, and other organizations, serving as a lifeline to help stem the tide of substance addiction. These grants demonstrate the Department of Justice’s commitment to stopping the drug abuse and addiction cycle.”
The funding is available through OJP, the federal government’s leading source of public safety funding and crime victim assistance in state, local and tribal jurisdictions. OJP’s programs support a wide array of activities and services, including programs designed to prevent overdose deaths and break the cycle of addiction and crime.
A number of funding opportunities that address the addiction crisis are currently open:
- Adult Drug Court and Veterans Treatment Court Discretionary Grant Program
https://bja.ojp.gov/funding/opportunities/bja-2020-17098
Total Available: $1.75 million Deadline: 5/14/2020
- Comprehensive Opioid, Stimulant, and Substance Abuse Site-based Program
https://bja.ojp.gov/COSSAP20
Total Available: $27 million Deadline: 5/21/2020
- Enhancing Community Responses to America's Addiction Crisis: Serving Our Youngest Crime Victims
https://www.ovc.gov/grants/pdftxt/fy-2020-enhancing-community-responses-to-drug-crisis.pdf
Total Available: $19 million Deadline: 5/4/2020
- Family Drug Court Program
https://ojjdp.ojp.gov/funding/opportunities/ojjdp-2020-17090
Total Available: $18.2 million Deadline: 4/8/2020 (Extended)
- Harold Rogers Prescription Drug Monitoring Program
https://bja.ojp.gov/funding/opportunities/bja-2020-17754
Total Available: $28.1 Deadline: 5/5/2020
- Juvenile Drug Treatment Court Program
https://ojjdp.ojp.gov/funding/opportunities/ojjdp-2020-17051
Total Available: $7.2 million Deadline: 4/13/2020 (Extended)
- Mentoring Opportunities for Youth Initiative
https://ojjdp.ojp.gov/funding/opportunities/ojjdp-2020-16930
Total Available: $48 million Deadline: 4/13/2020
- Opioid Affected Youth Initiative
https://ojjdp.ojp.gov/funding/opportunities/ojjdp-2020-17352
Total Available: $9 million Deadline: 4/20/2020
- Research and Evaluation on Drugs and Crime
https://nij.ojp.gov/funding/opportunities/nij-2020-17275
Total Available: $1 million Deadline: 4/20/2020
- Residential Substance Abuse Treatment for State Prisoners
https://bja.ojp.gov/RSAT20
Total Available: $4.5 million Deadline: 4/6/2020
For more information regarding all OJP funding opportunities, visit https://www.ojp.gov/funding/explore/current-funding-opportunities
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More than $19 Million in Grant Opportunities Available for Western Pennsylvania, Including $1.4 Million Dedicated to Help Public Safety Agencies Address COVID-19 Pandemic, under DOJ’s Coronavirus Emergency Supplemental Funding ProgramRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH – The Department of Justice has announced that it is making $850 million available to help public safety agencies respond to the challenges posed by the outbreak of COVID-19. The Coronavirus Emergency Supplemental Funding program, authorized by the recent stimulus legislation signed by President Trump, will allow eligible state, local and tribal governments to apply immediately for these critical funds. The department is moving quickly to make awards, with the goal of having funds available for drawdown within days of the award.
According to U.S. Attorney Scott W. Brady, $1,412,067 of the funds will go to these eligible governmental agencies in Western Pennsylvania: the Counties of Allegheny, Blair, Cambria, Erie and Indiana; the Cities of Pittsburgh, Altoona, Erie, Johnstown and McKeesport; as well as Indiana Borough, Wilkinsburg Borough and Penn Hills Township. In addition, the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency is eligible for up to $17.6 million in grants that can be distributed to eligible governmental agencies throughout Pennsylvania, including western Pennsylvania.
"The men and women on the front line of this pandemic deserve our deepest appreciation for answering the call to serve regardless of the danger," U.S. Attorney Brady said. "The public safety funds being made available through DOJ’s Coronavirus Emergency Supplemental Funding program can be used for the most pressing needs of our state and local partners, including new hiring and overtime pay, training, critical personal protective equipment and supplies, and the medical needs of prisoners."
"This is an unprecedented moment in our nation’s history and an especially dangerous one for our front-line law enforcement officers, corrections officials, and public safety professionals," said Office of Justice Programs Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Katharine T. Sullivan. "We are grateful to the Congress for making these resources available and for the show of support this program represents."
The solicitation, posted by the Bureau of Justice Assistance in the Justice Department’s Office of Justice Programs (OJP), will remain open for at least 60 days and be extended as necessary. OJP will fund successful applicants as a top priority on a rolling basis as applications are received. Funds may be used to hire personnel, pay overtime costs, cover protective equipment and supplies, address correctional inmates’ medical needs and defray expenses related to the distribution of resources to hard-hit areas, among other activities. Grant funds may be applied retroactively to Jan. 20, 2020, subject to federal supplanting rules.
Agencies that were eligible for the fiscal year 2019 State and Local Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant Program are candidates for this emergency funding. A complete list of eligible jurisdictions and their allocations can be found at https://bja.ojp.gov/program/fy20-cesf-allocations.
For more information about the Coronavirus Emergency Supplemental Funding program, please visit https://bja.ojp.gov/funding/opportunities/bja-2020-18553.
For more information about the Office of Justice Programs, please visit https://www.ojp.gov/.
For resources and additional information on applying for OJP grant opportunities, please see the WDPA Grants Resource Page at https://www.justice.gov/usao-wdpa/grants.
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.
Missoula drug trafficker sentenced to more than 16 years in prisonRead the Press Release
MISSOULA—A Missoula man convicted at trial of trafficking methamphetamine and heroin and illegally having firearms was sentenced today to 16 years and three months in prison and 10 years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme said.
A jury in December found Allan Roy Goodman, 43, guilty on all counts, including conspiracy to distribute meth, possession with intent to distribute meth, distribution of a controlled substance, possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, prohibited person in possession of a firearm and obstruction of justice.
U.S. District Judge Donald W. Molloy presided.
The prosecution’s evidence showed that Goodman was a prolific meth and heroin dealer. Goodman sold drugs to a confidential source who was working for the Missoula High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Task Force, and two witnesses testified about selling Goodman a pistol for heroin.
Law enforcement served a search warrant on Sept. 12, 2019 on Goodman’s garage and recovered two firearms. Goodman had been convicted of felonies on two prior occasions.
The prosecution also presented evidence showing that in early October 2019, Goodman and another person assaulted a cooperating witness while all were incarcerated in Shelby.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Tara Elliott prosecuted the case, which was investigated by the FBI’s Montana Regional Violent Crime Task Force, the Missoula HIDTA Task Force and the Northwest Drug Task Force.
This case is part of Project Guardian, the U.S. Department of Justice’s initiative to reduce gun violence and enforce federal firearms laws, and Project Safe Neighborhoods, the USDOJ’s initiative to reduce violent crime. According to the FBI’s Uniform Crime Reports, violent crime in Montana increased by 36% from 2013 through 2018. Through these initiatives, federal, tribal, state and local law enforcement partners in Montana focus on violent crime driven by methamphetamine trafficking, armed robbers, firearms offenses and violent offenders with outstanding warrants.
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Manhattan U.S. Attorney Announces Settlement of Fraudulent Billing and Kickback Lawsuit Against Compounding Pharmacies and OwnersRead the Press Release
Geoffrey S. Berman, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, Lt. Gen. Ronald J. Place, Director of the Defense Health Agency of the U.S. Department of Defense (“DoD”), Scott J. Lampert, Special Agent in Charge of the New York Regional Office of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General (“HHS-OIG”), Michael Mikulka, Special Agent-in-Charge of the Office of Investigations, Labor Racketeering and Fraud, of the U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Inspector General (“DOL-OIG”), and Thomas W. South, Deputy Assistant Inspector General for Investigations of the U.S. Office of Personnel Management, Office of Inspector General (“OPM-OIG”), announced today that the United States has filed a lawsuit and simultaneously settled civil healthcare fraud claims against FPR SPECIALTY PHARMACY LLC and MEAD SQUARE PHARMACY, INC. (“MEAD SQUARE” and together, the “Pharmacies”), and their owners, CHRISTOPHER K. CASEY and WILLIAM RUE (collectively, “Defendants”), for their submission of fraudulent claims for reimbursement to federal healthcare programs for compounded prescription drugs in violation of the False Claims Act and the Anti-Kickback Statute. Specifically, as alleged in the Government’s complaint, the Pharmacies sold prescription drugs to federal healthcare program beneficiaries in states in which the Pharmacies were not licensed, improperly induced patients to purchase expensive custom compounded medications by waiving all or part of the substantial co-payments required under the federal healthcare programs, and paid sales representatives per-prescription commissions to illegally induce more prescriptions to be written. In connection with the settlement agreements, which were approved today by U.S. District Judge Paul A. Engelmayer, Defendants agreed to pay a total of $426,000, and admitted to and accepted responsibility for the conduct alleged in the complaint. The amounts paid by Defendants under the settlements are based on the Office’s assessment of their ability to pay based on the financial information they provided.
Manhattan U.S. Attorney Geoffrey S. Berman said: “Pharmacies, like other participants in the healthcare industry, must follow the rules. The defendants here brazenly flouted basic rules on licensing and kickbacks to line their pockets with dollars from federal healthcare programs. That is a prescription for intervention by my Office and our partners.”
According to the complaint filed in Manhattan federal court:
During the relevant period, from 2011 through 2015, the Pharmacies dispensed a compounded prescription analgesic cream known as Focused Pain Relief from their facility in Victor, New York, to patients around the country. Many of the Pharmacies’ patients were beneficiaries of federal healthcare programs such as TRICARE, Medicare, federal employee workers’ compensation programs overseen by DOL, and the Federal Employee Health Benefit Program. CASEY and RUE co-owned and managed FPR SPECIALTY PHARMACY, while CASEY owned and managed MEAD SQUARE, for which RUE also worked for a time.
The rules governing federal healthcare programs require pharmacies dispensing prescriptions to their members to be licensed with the appropriate state authorities in order to request reimbursement for the cost of the medications. The Pharmacies violated the False Claims Act by dispensing and requesting reimbursement for hundreds of prescriptions of Focused Pain Relief dispensed to federal healthcare program beneficiaries located in states where the Pharmacies were not licensed to operate by the appropriate state authorities, and by failing to disclose that they were not licensed. The Pharmacies also violated the False Claims Act by billing federal healthcare programs for prescriptions dispensed in states in which they had obtained their state licenses under false pretenses, including by failing to inform state authorities that they had previously dispensed drugs in the states without a license and by failing to disclose CASEY’s criminal history on pharmacy license applications.
In addition, the Pharmacies violated the Anti-Kickback Statute by engaging in two separate illegal practices. First, the Pharmacies regularly charged federal healthcare program beneficiaries co-payments substantially below program requirements (which often exceeded $100) in order to induce them to purchase expensive prescriptions of Focused Pain Relief, for which the federal healthcare programs paid hundreds and sometimes thousands of dollars each. And second, the Pharmacies often paid illegal kickbacks to their sales representatives in the form of sales commissions tied to the number of Focused Pain Relief prescriptions written by the physicians to whom each representative marketed.
As part of the settlement agreements, Defendants agreed and accepted responsibility for the following:
- The Pharmacies sold prescriptions to customers covered by federal healthcare programs who were located in several states in which they were not licensed or no longer licensed by the relevant state pharmacy boards to operate as out-of-state mail-order pharmacies or otherwise sell prescription drugs to residents of those states.
- The Pharmacies did not disclose, in connection with their applications to state pharmacy boards, which were usually signed by CASEY, when they had previously sold mail-order prescription drugs to residents of those states where the Pharmacies either were not licensed or had license applications pending but were not yet licensed.
- The Pharmacies often did not charge customers who were covered by federal healthcare programs the required co-pays or coinsurance payments mandated by those programs for prescription drugs, in connection with their sales of Focused Pain Relief to those customers.
- The Pharmacies entered into agreements with independent sales agents and distributors to solicit physicians to prescribe Focused Pain Relief. These agreements, which were often signed by RUE, generally provided that the Pharmacies would pay the sales agents and distributors specific sums as sales commissions for each prescription of Focused Pain Relief prescribed by a physician assigned to the particular agent or distributor. The Pharmacies actually paid their sales agents and distributors sales commissions on a per-prescription basis, in accordance with these agreements.
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As part of today’s settlement, MEAD SQUARE also entered into a corporate integrity agreement with HHS-OIG, through which it agreed to implement compliance measures and submit to monitoring. FPR SPECIALTY PHARMACY dissolved in 2016.
In connection with the filing of the lawsuit and settlement, the Government intervened in a private whistleblower lawsuit that had been filed under seal pursuant to the False Claims Act.
Mr. Berman thanked DoD, HHS-OIG, DOL-OIG, and OPM-OIG for their assistance with the case.
The case is being handled by the Office’s Civil Frauds Unit. Assistant United States Attorney Jean-David Barnea is in charge of the case.
- The Pharmacies sold prescriptions to customers covered by federal healthcare programs who were located in several states in which they were not licensed or no longer licensed by the relevant state pharmacy boards to operate as out-of-state mail-order pharmacies or otherwise sell prescription drugs to residents of those states.
Man from Silver City, New Mexico pleads guilty to Murder-for-Hire and Obstruction of JusticeRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – Jacob Grijalva, 30, of Silver City, New Mexico pleaded guilty in federal court in Las Cruces, New Mexico on April 1 to using a cellular telephone in the commission of murder-for-hire and obstruction of justice.
In his plea agreement, Grijalva admitted trying to arrange a murder-for-hire by telephone from Grant County, New Mexico on March 2, 2019. Grijalva admitted that he called a person he believed was a hitman, but the person was actually an undercover federal agent. Grijalva told the agent, “I just need a problem taken care of quick, simple, nothing to trace back to me.” Grijalva asked about a price for the murder. He offered to pay in cash and said he wanted to kill the victim to avoid prosecution for a gun charge. Grijalva also told the undercover agent he wanted the murder to happen when he was in Las Vegas so that he would have an alibi for the crime.
On December 2, 2019, after Grijalva was arrested for murder-for-hire, and while in custody, he solicited somebody else to burn a phone in a grill because he wanted to use photographs of the burned phone at trial, as evidence of his lack of intent to go through with the murder.
Grijalva is currently in custody awaiting sentencing. Under the terms of the plea agreement, he faces nine years in custody.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and Homeland Security Investigations investigated this case with the Grant County Sheriff’s Office, the Silver City Police Department and the Grant County District Attorney’s Office. Assistant United States Attorneys Mark A. Saltman and Taylor Hartstein of the Las Cruces Branch Office are prosecuting this case.
Man and Woman Charged with Selling Heroin Which May Have Led to the Deaths of Two Individuals Will Remain in Federal CustodyRead the Press Release
CONTACT: Barbara Burns
PHONE: (716) 843-5817
FAX #: (716) 551-3051BUFFALO, N.Y. – U.S. Attorney James P. Kennedy, Jr. announced today that Sarah Szymanski, 28, of Cheektowaga, NY, was ordered detained following a detention hearing before U.S. Magistrate Judge Jeremiah J. McCarthy. Szymanski’s co-defendant Jonathan DiPirro, 29, of Depew, NY, waived his right to a detention hearing at this time and as a result, he also remains in custody. The defendants were arrested on March 24, 2020, and charged by criminal complaint with conspiracy to distribute heroin. The charge carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison, and a $1,000,000 fine.
“Thankfully, and notwithstanding the ongoing pandemic, my Office was able to do that which the New York State authorities, because of the recently enacted New York State bail reform law, were unable to do—protect our community from danger,” stated U.S. Attorney Kennedy. “Sadly, for at least one member of our community, that protection may have come too late. What is particularly troubling in this case is the fact that in January 2020, defendant Szymanski was arrested on 3 occasions—by the Cheektowaga Police Department, the Lancaster Police Department, and the Erie County Sheriff’s Office—during one 24 hour period. Despite having been arrested and charged with violating New York State Law 3 times in 1 day, Szymanski was permitted to remain at liberty. While free, she and her co-defendant continued to peddle these deadly opiates. Despite the fact that the police did their job and the District Attorney did his job, New York State law failed to do its job. My Office, with all of our partners in law enforcement, will not hesitate to take action to protect the public from those who bring harm to our community, and this case stands as proof positive that New York State’s bail reform law, as currently drafted, makes our community less safe.”
Assistant U.S. Attorney Brendan T. Cullinane, who is handling the case, stated that according to the complaint, in October of 2019, the Lancaster Police Department, Drug Enforcement Administration, and the New York State Police Violent Gang Narcotics Enforcement Team began investigating the drug dealing activities of the defendants, who were identified as individuals who sold heroin and fentanyl together in the Western New York area. Since February of 2020, law enforcement has made three separate controlled purchases of suspected opiates from Szymanski and DiPirro.
On November 2, 2019, Lancaster Police Officers, the Bowmansville Fire Company, and the Lancaster Volunteer Ambulance Corporation, responded to an emergency call at a residence in Lancaster. When first responders arrived, they discovered an individual identified as J.L. deceased. Next to J.L., officers observed a hypodermic needle containing a small amount of liquid or blood. A few days later, on November 4, 2019, officers took custody of an eyeglasses case that contained an amount of suspected controlled substances and the hypodermic needle. Testing by the Erie County Central Police Services Forensics Laboratory confirmed that the powdered substance contained a mixture of acetyl fentanyl, fentanyl, and cocaine. On February 11, 2020, the Erie County Medical Examiner's Office issued a death certificate listing the cause of death as “[a]cute mixed drug intoxication,” and identifying fentanyl and acetyl fentanyl as two of the drugs in J.L's system at that time that contributed to the drug intoxication.
Subsequent investigation determined that DiPirro was the individual J.L. contacted by cell phone, using calls, text messages, and Facebook Messenger, to purchase heroin or fentanyl. Specifically, between September 2019 and November 2, 2019, the date of his overdose death, J.L. contacted DiPirro continually using these lines of communication. During that time, J.L. overdosed from heroin and/or fentanyl on three known occasions. J.L. survived the first two overdoses, but died as a result of the third overdose.
On March 4, 2020, the Cheektowaga Police Department responded to an emergency call at a residence in Cheektowaga involving an overdose of an individual. When officers arrived, they found an individual, identified as S.L., unresponsive. Officers administered two doses of Narcan but could not revive S.L. Officers also administered cardiopulmonary resuscitation and transported S.L. to St. Joseph's Hospital. Medical personnel ultimately pronounced S.L. dead. The investigation into S.L.'s fatal overdose revealed text messages and voice calls exchanged between S.L. and DiPirro on the date of S.L.'s death. The cause of S.L.’s death is pending.
The complaint is the result of an investigation by the Lancaster Police Department, under the direction of Chief William J. Karn, Jr.; the Depew Police Department, under the direction of Chief Jerome Miller; the Cheektowaga Police Department, under the direction of Chief Michael Sliwinski; the New York State Police Violent Gang Narcotics Enforcement Team, under the direction of Major James Hall; and the Drug Enforcement Administration, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Ray Donovan.The fact that a defendant has been charged with a crime is merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
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Keams Canyon Man Sentenced to Prison for Sexual Abuse of a MinorRead the Press Release
PHOENIX, Ariz. – On March 2, 2020, Ernie Andrews, 34, of Keams Canyon, Ariz., was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Dominic W. Lanza to 53 months of imprisonment, with credit for four months Andrews spent in tribal custody, to be followed by lifetime supervised release. Andrews previously pleaded guilty to one count of Sexual Abuse of a Minor. The crime took place on the Hopi Indian Reservation on January 29, 2019.
The Bureau of Indian Affairs conducted the investigation in this case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Tracy Van Buskirk, District of Arizona, Phoenix, handled the prosecution.
CASE NUMBER: CR-19-08187-PCT-DWL
RELEASE NUMBER: 2020-039_Andrews# # #
For more information on the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/az/
Follow the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, on Twitter @USAO_AZ for the latest news.Kansas man charged with attempting to travel overseas to engage in sex acts with minorsRead the Press Release
ATLANTA - Timothy Brown has pleaded not guilty on a federal charge of attempting to travel to the Philippines for the purpose of engaging in illicit sex with a minor. Brown was stopped at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport as he prepared to board an international flight.
“Brown was minutes away from boarding a flight to travel to the Philippines where he allegedly planned to have sex with minor girls,” said U.S. Attorney Byung J. “BJay” Pak. “Swift work by our law enforcement partners prevented Brown from boarding the plane.”
“A sexual predator’s desire to take the innocence of a minor isn’t bound by international boundaries,” said acting Special Agent in Charge Robert Hammer, who oversees Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) operations in Georgia and Alabama. “HSI Atlanta, in conjunction with our overseas offices will continue to work tirelessly to detect and catch these predators before they have a chance to destroy a child’s life.”
According to U.S. Attorney Pak, the charges, and other information presented in court: On February 3, 2020, agents with Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) approached Brown in the international concourse at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport. Brown had just flown in from his hometown, and had tickets to fly to Tokyo, Japan, where he would then transfer flights to proceed to Manila.
Brown consented to a search of his cell phone after being approached by federal law enforcement officials. While searching his phone, investigators found communications between Brown and individuals with whom he was arranging to engage in sex acts with minor-aged girls. During one of the exchanges, Brown allegedly stated that he would condition his payment for sex upon the age of the child and whether she was a virgin.
Timothy Brown, 48, of Wichita, Kanas, pleaded not guilty before U.S. Magistrate Judge Alan J. Baverman. Brown was indicted by a federal grand jury on March 3, 2020. Members of the public are reminded that the indictment only contains charges. The defendant is presumed innocent of the charges and it will be the government’s burden to prove the defendant’s guilt beyond a reasonable doubt at trial.
This case is being investigated by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Paul R. Jones is prosecuting the case.
This case is being brought as part of Project Safe Childhood. In February 2006, the Attorney General launched Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative designed to protect children from online exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorney’s Offices around the country, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
For further information please contact the U.S. Attorney’s Public Affairs Office at [email protected] or (404) 581-6016. The Internet address for the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Georgia is http://www.justice.gov/usao-ndga.
IRS Criminal Investigation and U.S. Attorney's Office Warn Taxpayers of COVID-19 Economic Impact Payment ScamsRead the Press Release
CONTACT: Barbara Burns
PHONE: (716) 843-5817
FAX #: (716) 551-3051BUFFALO, N.Y. – Internal Revenue Service - Criminal Investigation Special Agent-in-Charge Jonathan D. Larsen and U.S. Attorney James P. Kennedy, Jr. today are urging New York taxpayers to be vigilant of emerging scams targeting COVID-19 economic impact payments.
“We are living in unprecedented times and each one of us is struggling one way or another,” said Jonathan Larsen, Special Agent in charge of the IRS-CI New York Field Office. “In the coming weeks, the IRS will be issuing economic impact payments meant for hardworking Americans in a time of need and uncertainty. However, ruthless criminals are already preying on people’s fear during this pandemic, orchestrating various schemes to steal your money. Anyone expecting to receive a COVID-19 economic impact payment is at risk and we urge you to protect yourself.”
“Sadly, even during the most difficult of times for our community and Nation, the criminal element is standing by waiting to take advantage of a vulnerable and unsuspecting public,” stated U.S. Attorney Kennedy. “To my fellow Americans I say, please be as vigilant to protect these payments as you have been in your efforts to help slow the spread of the virus. The IRS is telling you how the process will work and that certain things—such as requests for personal information, contact through social media, or requests for further verification—are not part of that process. To the scammers I say, beware, we will stop at nothing to find you, and once we do, we will administer to you a healthy dose of justice.”
Scammers may try to get you to sign over your economic impact check to them. Alternatively, they may inform you that, in order for the IRS to issue your payment, they must first “verify” your filing information. They will then use this personal information to file a false tax return in your name and claim a fraudulent refund. The tactics may continue to evolve but the goal is the same: to steal your money and personal information to commit other crimes.
Taxpayers should know that the IRS will deposit COVID-19 economic impact payments into the direct deposit account they previously provided on their tax return. Unsolicited phone calls, emails, text messages or other communications pretending to be from the IRS are likely a scam.
The IRS will not: • Call and ask you to verify your payment details. Do not give out your bank account, debit card or PayPal account information. If you receive an unsolicited call, simply hang up.
• Text, email or contact you via social media to say that you can get your money faster by sending personal information. Don’t open attachments or click on links.
• Mail or deposit a check that requires you to verify the check online or by calling a number. Reports are emerging about bogus checks. If you receive a “check” in the mail now, it’s a fraud. It will take about three weeks for the distribution of checks to begin. If you receive a “check” for an odd amount (especially one with cents), or a check that requires that you verify the check online or by calling a number, it’s a scam.Although criminals may change their tactics, knowing how the IRS will be issuing the COVID-19 economic impact payments can help taxpayers protect themselves. For the latest information visit www.irs.gov/coronavirus.
For media inquiries, contact Anny Pachner at [email protected]
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Gresham Man Indicted for Portland Area Identity Theft CrimesRead the Press Release
PORTLAND, Ore.—U.S. Attorney Billy J. Williams announced today that a Gresham, Oregon man has been indicted for stealing financial and identification documents from dozens of people throughout the Portland Metropolitan Area.
Robert Loren Finanders, 39, is charged in a nine-count indictment unsealed today with aggravated identity theft, counterfeit access device fraud, illegal possession of device-making equipment, and felon in possession of a firearm.
According to court documents, for at least the last year, Finanders is alleged to have stolen financial and identification documents for approximately 100 people in order to steal money from them and from local businesses. Investigators believe Finanders spent tens of thousands of dollars using stolen credit cards and other personal information. Some of the stolen identities appear to have been obtained by breaking into cars to steal wallets and purses.
The Portland Police Bureau’s (PPB) East Precinct Street Crimes Unit began investigating Finanders in late September 2019 after a fraudulent Oregon driver’s license in the name of an adult victim was found during an arrest. The license had Finanders’ photo on it in place of the named victim. Investigators learned that around the same time, police officers in Bend, Oregon had arrested Finanders and a co-conspirator after receiving a report of a person ordering food at restaurant using a stolen credit card.
Bend police searched a vehicle being driven by Finanders’ co-conspirator and found a passport, W2s, and a retail credit card matching the name of the victim whose stolen driver’s license was recovered by PPB. While searching a Bend hotel room shared by Finander and his co-conspirator, officers recovered W2s in the name of another victim and a victim profile notebook.
As the investigation continued, PPB officers linked Finanders to additional identity theft crimes in Portland, Gresham, and Lake Oswego, Oregon. On January 22, 2020, a search warrant was executed at a residence shared by Finanders and his co-conspirator. Officers seized stolen profiles for more than 80 individuals; dozens of stolen and fraudulent identification and personal documents including passports, government-issued identification cards, and driver’s licenses; an embosser; a card reader; stolen mail; additional victim profile notebooks; three handguns; a dismantled AR-15; body armor; evidence of drug trafficking; and other items.
On March 12, 2020, a federal grand jury in Portland indicted Finanders in a sealed nine-count indictment. On April 1, 2020, he was arrested by PPB. Finanders made his first appearance in federal court today. A three-day jury trial scheduled to begin on June 2, 2020. The magistrate court took under advisement the issue of whether to detain Finanders pending trial.
This case was investigated by the PPB East Precinct Street Crimes Unit with assistance from Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) and the U.S Postal Inspection Service. It is being prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Oregon.
An indictment is only an accusation of a crime, and a defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
The year 2020 marks the 150th anniversary of the Department of Justice. Learn more about the history of the department at www.Justice.gov/Celebrating150Years.
Ghanaian National Pleads Guilty and is Sentenced for Identity TheftRead the Press Release
Bangor, Maine: A Ghanaian national pleaded guilty and was sentenced today in federal court in Bangor for identity theft, U.S. Attorney Halsey B. Frank announced.
Following the acceptance of his plea, Magistrate Judge John C. Nivison sentenced George Owusu-Ansah, 44, to a time-served sentence of 21 days.
On February 11, 2020, during a traffic stop, Owusu-Ansah presented a New Jersey driver’s license, issued in another person’s name, as his own to a Maine State Police trooper and U.S. Border Patrol agents. He later used the New Jersey driver’s license to travel out of state.
Border Patrol agents later learned Owusu-Ansah’s true identity. On February 16, 2020, agents detained him on immigration-related offenses, including an order of deportation. He was charged federally on March 13, 2020, and went into federal custody on that date.
The U.S. Border Patrol, Homeland Security Investigations and the Maine State Police investigated the case.
Former soldier who faked his suicide charged with sending a false distress message to the Coast GuardRead the Press Release
Tacoma – Two men who schemed to fake a suicide so one could go AWOL from the U.S. Army were charged today in U.S. District Court in Tacoma with making a false distress message to the U.S. Coast Guard, announced U.S. Attorney Brian T. Moran. DEVIN MITCHELL SCHMIDT, 20, a former soldier from Joint Base Lewis-McChord, and his cousin, RYEN ETHAN BELL, 21, of Bonney Lake, Washington will appear in U.S. District Court in Tacoma on June 4, 2020.
According to the criminal complaint, in December 2019, SCHMIDT schemed with BELL to fake his death by suicide so that SCHMIDT could end his military service and live in Mexico. The two men set their scheme in motion on December 18, 2019, when SCHMIDT filmed a fake suicide video saying goodbye to his family and friends. BELL reported to Port Townsend, Washington Police that his cousin had sent him the video indicating that he had committed suicide in Fort Warden Historical State Park. BELL and a friend drove to the park after he received the video via text message. BELL “found” SCHMIDT’s dog tags, unlocked phone and other belongings at the top of the cliff, 150 feet above the beach at Fort Warden.
As part of the scheme, BELL made the missing person report, knowing that his cousin was alive and in hiding. The report triggered a search first by the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office and on December 19, 2019, a massive Coast Guard search of the waters below the cliffs in dangerous weather conditions. The search, which lasted approximately 10 hours, cost in excess of $172,000.
The scheme fell apart at about 4:00 p.m. on December 19, 2019, when BELL’s mother revealed that information she received from law enforcement made her suspicious of the missing person report. BELL’s mother said that BELL had told her SCHMIDT was missing and suicidal some four hours before he had actually received the suicide video. Law enforcement examined BELL’s phone and Facebook messages and determined the two planned to meet up at a Port Townsend McDonalds the evening of December 19, 2019 to begin the next step of their plan to go to Mexico. Police were waiting and arrested both men.
SCHMIDT received an ‘Other than Honorable Discharge’ from the military on March 25, 2020.
Making a false distress call to the Coast Guard is punishable by up to six years confinement, three years of supervised release, up to $100,000 in civil penalties and up to $250,000 in fines, and financial liability for all costs incurred by the Coast Guard for the life-saving efforts.
The case is being investigated by the U.S. Coast Guard Investigative Service (CGIS), with assistance from the Port Townsend Police Department and Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Hillary Stuart.
bell_and_schmidt_complaint.pdfFormer Veterans Affairs Doctor Charged with Civil Rights OffenseRead the Press Release
A doctor of osteopathic medicine who formerly worked at the Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Beckley, West Virginia, has been charged in a criminal complaint with depriving a veteran of his civil rights under color of law. Dr. Jonathan Yates, 51, was arrested without incident at his home today by Special Agents of the FBI and the Department of Veterans Affairs Office of Inspector General, with the assistance of the Bluefield, Virginia Police Department. Dr. Yates is scheduled for an initial appearance today at time before U.S. Magistrate Judge Omar Aboulhosn.
Assistant Attorney General Eric Dreiband, U.S. Attorney Michael B. Stuart for the Southern District of West Virginia, FBI Acting Special Agent in Charge Eugene Kowel, and Department of Veterans Affairs Inspector General Michael J. Missal announced the charge.
According to the criminal complaint, while working at the Veterans Affairs Medical Center in February 2019, Yates examined a male patient identified as Veteran 1, and during the examination Yates sexually molested Veteran 1. Yates caused Veteran 1 severe pain and numbness, and temporarily incapacitated him by cracking his neck, after Veteran 1 had explicitly requested Yates not to crack his neck. While Veteran 1 was incapacitated, Yates sexually molested Veteran 1 again. This conduct, performed while Dr. Yates was acting under color of law in his capacity as a federal employee at the VAMC, deprived Veteran 1 of his constitutional right to bodily integrity.
This investigation remains ongoing. Anyone with additional information is encouraged to contact the FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI (225-5342).
The charge contained in the complaint are only allegations. A person is presumed innocent unless and until he is proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Deprivation of rights under color of law as charged in the complaint is punishable by up to life in prison.
The case is being investigated by the FBI and the Department of Veteran’s Affairs Office of Inspector General, with assistance from the Veterans Affairs Police Department. The U.S. Attorney’s Office sought immediate detention in this matter. The case is being prosecuted by Special Litigation Counsel Samantha Trepel and Trial Attorney Kyle Boynton of the Civil Rights Division of the U.S. Department of Justice and Assistant U.S. Attorney Greg McVey of the Southern District of West Virginia.
Former Andrews Middle School Choir Director Sentenced to 97 Months in Federal Prison on Child Pornography ChargeRead the Press Release
In Midland today, a federal judge sentenced former Andrews Middle School Choir Director Gary Lynn Ragland to 97 months in federal prison on a child pornography charge, announced U.S. Attorney John F. Bash.
In addition to the prison term, U.S. District Judge David Counts ordered that Ragland, age 59, pay a $20,000 fine; a $5,000 assessment under the Justice for Victims of Trafficking Act (JVTA); and, $35,000 in restitution. Judge Counts also ordered that Ragland be placed on supervised release for a period of ten years after completing his prison term. Ragland has remained in custody since his arrest on October 1, 2019.
On November 21, 2019, Ragland pleaded guilty to one count of attempted receipt of child pornography. According to court records, on September 27, 2019, the school web filter flagged that pornography was being searched for off campus by a school-issued MacBook assigned to Ragland. Ragland admitted to accessing child pornography on a daily basis and using that MacBook to view and/or possess more than 5,000 images depicting child pornography.
Court records further reveal that Ragland has also admitted to inappropriate touching of at least four identified adolescent victims’ breasts and buttocks as well as a previous incident he was accused of inappropriate touching a 12-year-old student. It was deemed unfounded and he previously denied committing the act, but he now admits that what the child alleged actually happened.
“Even amid the coronavirus pandemic, we are still achieving justice for our most vulnerable victims. This middle school choir director admitted to inappropriately touching multiple children and to using his school-issued computer to download massive amounts of child pornography. He will now spend 97 months in federal prison,” stated U.S. Attorney Bash.
The Andrews Police Department investigated this case along with the Texas Rangers. Assistant U.S. Attorney Austin Berry prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
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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.
Florida Resident Sentenced to Nearly 3½ Years in Prison for Counterfeit Check Scheme that Used Account Info from Checks Stolen from MailboxesRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH - A resident of Florida has been sentenced in federal court to three years and five months (41 months) in prison, to be followed by a two-year term of supervised release, and ordered to pay $962,840.47 on conviction of conspiracy to pass counterfeit checks and possession of stolen mail, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.
United States District Judge Marylyn J. Horan imposed the sentence on Calar Braxton a/k/a Vivian Hugo a/k/a Taylor Crimson, 45, of Orlando, Fla.
According to information presented to the court, Braxton and two conspirators flew to Pittsburgh in October 2017 and rented a motel room in North Fayette Township. Afterwards, the group stole outgoing mail from residential mailboxes and opened the mail. If the mail contained a check, they prepared counterfeit checks using the account information from the purloined check. They then used the counterfeit checks to purchase merchandise from stores located in and around the Mall at Robinson. The conspirators targeted national chains with the intention of obtaining a cash refund for ill-gotten merchandise at counterpart store located in another state. Braxton’s sentence under federal guidelines called for a term of imprisonment of between 41 and 51 months. Based on Braxton’s criminal history, which included over 20 fraud-related convictions, the government requested a sentence within the advisory range. Braxton requested a sentence of home detention and community service, claiming that such a sentence would be consistent the measures the United States Department of Justice and the United States Bureau of Prison have taken in light of the COVID-19 virus. At the sentencing hearing, the government opposed this request on the basis that Braxton, due to her risk of recidivism, would not qualify under the Bureau of Prisons’ relief measures.
Prior to imposing sentence, Judge Horan stated that Braxton had maintained a lifestyle of criminal behavior and denied her request.
Assistant United States Attorney Michael Leo Ivory prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
United States Attorney Brady commended the United States Postal Inspection Service and North Fayette Township Police Department for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Braxton.
Federal Government Warns of Potential Fraud Scams Surrounding COVID-19 Economic Impact PaymentsRead the Press Release
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of California and the Internal Revenue Service - Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI) is warning California taxpayers to be alert about possible scams relating to COVID-19 economic impact payments.
U.S. Attorney McGregor W. Scott and Kareem Carter, Special Agent in Charge IRS Criminal Investigation, made the announcement today in an effort to equip taxpayers to avoid being victimized by criminals who may view the recently approved payments as an opportunity to commit a crime.
“At a time when many Americans are struggling during this national emergency, others are plotting ways to get between the taxpayers in need and the payments that have been designed to help them. I urge all Californians to remain vigilant, especially those receiving the COVID-19 economic impact payment, and not fall prey to these scammers,” said U.S. Attorney Scott. “It is critical that suspicious calls and efforts are immediately reported to law enforcement.”
“As this deadly virus continues to impact every part of our lives, scammers are looking to take advantage of all the chaos,” said Special Agent in Charge Carter. “They will prey on our hopes and fears to steal your money, your personal information, or both.”
COVID-19 economic impact payments will be on their way in a matter of weeks. For most Americans, this will be a direct deposit into their bank account. Those who usually receive tax refunds via paper check will receive their economic impact payment in check form as well. Scammers may use various methods to trick recipients into signing over their checks or into giving their personal information that the scammer can use at a later date to file false tax returns in an identity theft scheme.
U.S. Attorney Scott and Special Agent in Charge Carter offer the following tips on how to spot a scam and information on 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. If you usually receive tax refunds through a paper check, IRS will 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, debit account, or PayPal account information — even if someone claims it is necessary to get your check. It’s a scam.
- If you receive a call, don’t engage or talk 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. Do not click on any links in those texts or emails.
- Reports are also swirling about bogus checks. If you have already received or receive a check in the mail now, it’s fraud — it will take the Treasury a few weeks to mail checks out. If you receive a check for an odd amount (especially one with cents), or a check that requires that you verify the check online or by calling a number, it’s fraud.
- If you receive a request or instructions to sign over check, this is a scam.
Don’t become a victim by allowing criminals to exploit your emotions. Stay strong and tell your family, friends and neighbors about these scams.
If you believe you have been a target or victim of a scam or fraud, please report it to the National Center for Disaster Fraud Hotline at 866-720-5721 or via email at [email protected].
For more information, visit the IRS website at www.irs.gov/coronavirus.
Former Veterans Affairs Doctor Charged with Civil Rights OffenseRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. — A doctor of osteopathic medicine who formerly worked at the Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Beckley, West Virginia, has been charged in a criminal complaint with depriving a veteran of his civil rights under color of law. Dr. Jonathan Yates, 51, was arrested without incident at his home today by Special Agents of the FBI and the Department of Veterans Affairs Office of Inspector General, with the assistance of the Bluefield, Virginia Police Department. Dr. Yates is scheduled for an initial appearance today at 1:00 pm before U.S. Magistrate Judge Omar Aboulhosn.
Assistant Attorney General Eric Dreiband, U.S. Attorney Michael B. Stuart for the Southern District of West Virginia, FBI Acting Special Agent in Charge Eugene Kowel, and Department of Veterans Affairs Inspector General Michael J. Missal announced the charge.
According to the criminal complaint, while working at the Veterans Affairs Medical Center in February 2019, Yates examined a male patient identified as Veteran 1, and during the examination Yates sexually molested Veteran 1. Yates caused Veteran 1 severe pain and numbness, and temporarily incapacitated him by cracking his neck, after Veteran 1 had explicitly requested Yates not to crack his neck. While Veteran 1 was incapacitated, Yates sexually molested Veteran 1 again. This conduct, performed while Dr. Yates was acting under color of law in his capacity as a federal employee at the VAMC, deprived Veteran 1 of his constitutional right to bodily integrity.
This investigation remains ongoing. Anyone with additional information is encouraged to contact the FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI (225-5342).
The charge contained in the complaint are only allegations. A person is presumed innocent unless and until he is proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Deprivation of rights under color of law as charged in the complaint is punishable by up to life in prison.
The case is being investigated by the FBI and the Department of Veteran’s Affairs Office of Inspector General, with assistance from the Veterans Affairs Police Department. The U.S. Attorney’s Office sought immediate detention in this matter. The case is being prosecuted by Special Litigation Counsel Samantha Trepel and Trial Attorney Kyle Boynton of the Civil Rights Division of the U.S. Department of Justice and Assistant U.S. Attorney Greg McVey of the Southern District of West Virginia.
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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Department of Justice makes $850 million available to help public safety agencies address COVID-19 pandemicRead the Press Release
ATLANTA – The Department of Justice has announced that it is making $850 million available to help public safety agencies respond to the challenges posed by the outbreak of COVID-19. The Coronavirus Emergency Supplemental Funding program, authorized by the recent stimulus legislation signed by President Trump, will allow eligible state, local and tribal governments to apply immediately for these critical funds. The department is moving quickly to make awards, with the goal of having funds available for drawdown within days of the award.
“Law enforcement resources are stretched thin at every level,” said U.S. Attorney Byung J. “BJay” Pak. “These funds will be used to directly reinforce critical needs as leaders work to address every contingency.”
“This is an unprecedented moment in our nation’s history and an especially dangerous one for our front-line law enforcement officers, corrections officials, and public safety professionals,” said Office of Justice Programs Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Katharine T. Sullivan. “We are grateful to the Congress for making these resources available and for the show of support this program represents.”
The solicitation, posted by the Bureau of Justice Assistance in the Justice Department’s Office of Justice Programs (OJP), will remain open for at least 60 days and be extended as necessary. OJP will fund successful applicants as a top priority on a rolling basis as applications are received. Funds may be used to hire personnel, pay overtime costs, cover protective equipment and supplies, address correctional inmates’ medical needs and defray expenses related to the distribution of resources to hard-hit areas, among other activities. Grant funds may be applied retroactively to Jan. 20, 2020, subject to federal supplanting rules.
Agencies that were eligible for the fiscal year 2019 State and Local Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant Program are candidates for this emergency funding. A complete list of eligible jurisdictions and their allocations can be found at https://bja.ojp.gov/program/fy20-cesf-allocations.
The Coronavirus Emergency Supplemental Funding program can be viewed at https://bja.ojp.gov/funding/opportunities/bja-2020-18553. For more information about the Office of Justice Programs, please visit https://www.ojp.gov/.
The year 2020 marks the 150th anniversary of the Department of Justice. Learn more about the history of our agency at www.Justice.gov/Celebrating150Years.
For further information please contact the U.S. Attorney’s Public Affairs Office at [email protected] or (404) 581-6016. The Internet address for the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Georgia is http://www.justice.gov/usao-ndga.
Department of Justice and Department of Health and Human Services Partner to Distribute More Than Half a Million Medical Supplies Confiscated from Price GougersRead the Press Release
The U.S. Department of Justice and U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) today announced the distribution of hoarded personal protective equipment (PPE), including approximately 192,000 N95 respirator masks, to those on the frontline of the novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) response in New York and New Jersey.
The FBI discovered the supplies during an enforcement operation by the Department of Justice's COVID-19 Hoarding and Price Gouging Task Force on March 30 and alerted HHS which used its authority under Defense Production Act (DPA) to order that the supplies be immediately furnished to the United States. In addition to the N95 respirator masks, the supplies found included 598,000 medical grade gloves and 130,000 surgical masks, procedure masks, N100 masks, surgical gowns, disinfectant towels, particulate filters, bottles of hand sanitizer, and bottles of spray disinfectant.
"If you are amassing critical medical equipment for the purpose of selling it at exorbitant prices, you can expect a knock at your door," said Attorney General William P. Barr. "The Department of Justice's COVID-19 Hoarding and Price Gouging Task Force is working tirelessly around the clock with all our law enforcement partners to ensure that bad actors cannot illicitly profit from the COVID-19 pandemic facing our nation."
"Cracking down on the hoarding of vital supplies allows us to distribute this material to the heroic healthcare workers on the frontlines who are most in need," said HHS Secretary Alex Azar. "Thanks to the quick work of the White House, the Department of Justice, and HHS, the seized resources were distributed in days to the doctors, nurses and first responders who need them. President Trump's all-of-America approach to combating the coronavirus involves an aggressive approach to stopping hoarding, and the American public can play a role by being on the lookout for this behavior."
HHS will pay the owner of the hoarded equipment pre-COVID-19 fair market value for the supplies and has begun distributing to meet the critical need for the supplies among healthcare workers in New York and New Jersey.
Specifically, after inspecting the supplies, HHS arranged for the delivery of the PPE to the New Jersey Department of Health, the New York State Department of Health and the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene.
"This is the first of many such investigations that are underway," said Peter Navarro, DPA Policy Coordinator and Assistant to the President. "Our FBI agents and other law enforcement agencies are tracking down every tip and lead they get, and are devoting massive federal resources to this effort. All individuals and companies hoarding any of these critical supplies, or selling them at well above market prices, are hereby warned they should turn them over to local authorities or the federal government now or risk prompt seizure by the federal government."
Vendors interested in selling PPE to the federal government should contact the Federal Emergency Management Agency at https://www.fema.gov/coronavirus/how-to-help. Anyone who learns of hoarding or price gouging of PPE should report it to the National Center for Disaster Fraud by dialing 1-866-720-5721 or emailing [email protected].
HHS and the Federal Emergency Management Agency continue to collaborate with private industry to overcome the shortage of PPE across the country amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Defense Production Act and Presidential Executive Order are intended to prevent accumulation in excess of reasonable demands of business, personal, or home consumption, or for the purpose of resale at prices in excess of prevailing market prices, also known as hoarding and price gouging, of medical supplies critical to the COVID-19 response.
Department of Justice Makes $850 Million Available to Help Public Safety Agencies Address Covid-19 PandemicRead the Press Release
BALTIMORE, Maryland – The Department of Justice today announced that it is making $850 million available to help public safety agencies respond to the challenges posed by the outbreak of COVID-19. The Coronavirus Emergency Supplemental Funding program, authorized by the recent stimulus legislation signed by President Trump, will allow eligible state, local, and tribal governments to apply immediately for these critical funds. The department is moving quickly to make awards, with the goal of having funds available for drawdown within days of the award.
“Law enforcement and public safety officials are facing extraordinary challenges as a result of the coronavirus pandemic,” said U.S. Attorney Robert K. Hur. “These resources will help support their efforts to promote public safety during this difficult time.”
“This is an unprecedented moment in our nation’s history and an especially dangerous one for our front-line law enforcement officers, corrections officials, and public safety professionals,” said Office of Justice Programs Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Katharine T. Sullivan. “We are grateful to the Congress for making these resources available and for the show of support this program represents.”
The solicitation, posted by the Bureau of Justice Assistance in the Justice Department’s Office of Justice Programs (OJP), will remain open for at least 60 days and be extended as necessary. OJP will fund successful applicants as a top priority on a rolling basis as applications are received. Funds may be used to hire personnel, pay overtime costs, cover protective equipment and supplies, address correctional inmates’ medical needs and defray expenses related to the distribution of resources to hard-hit areas, among other activities. Grant funds may be applied retroactively to Jan. 20, 2020, subject to federal supplanting rules.
Agencies that were eligible for the fiscal year 2019 State and Local Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant Program are candidates for this emergency funding. A complete list of eligible jurisdictions and their allocations can be found at https://bja.ojp.gov/program/fy20-cesf-allocations.
For more information about the Coronavirus Emergency Supplemental Funding program, please visit https://bja.ojp.gov/funding/opportunities/bja-2020-18553. For more information about the Office of Justice Programs, please visit https://www.ojp.gov/.
The year 2020 marks the 150th anniversary of the Department of Justice. Learn more about the history of our agency at www.Justice.gov/Celebrating150Years.
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Department of Justice Makes $850 Million Available to Help Public Safety Agencies Address Covid-19 PandemicRead the Press Release
CONCORD – The Department of Justice announced that it is making $850 million available to help public safety agencies respond to the challenges posed by the outbreak of COVID-19. The Coronavirus Emergency Supplemental Funding program, authorized by the recent stimulus legislation signed by President Trump, will allow eligible state, local and tribal governments to apply immediately for these critical funds. The department is moving quickly to make awards, with the goal of having funds available for drawdown within days of the award.
“The COVID-19 pandemic has created new challenges for the dedicated men and women who maintain public safety in New Hampshire,” said Scott W. Murray, the United States Attorney for the District of New Hampshire. “Our police and other public safety officers continue to answer the call to duty regardless of the dangers they face from the virus. This funding can provide necessary financial support to help the law enforcement professionals in New Hampshire who engage in the important work of protecting the safety of the citizens of Granite State.”
“This is an unprecedented moment in our nation’s history and an especially dangerous one for our front-line law enforcement officers, corrections officials, and public safety professionals,” said Office of Justice Programs Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Katharine T. Sullivan. “We are grateful to the Congress for making these resources available and for the show of support this program represents.”
The solicitation, posted by the Bureau of Justice Assistance in the Justice Department’s Office of Justice Programs (OJP), will remain open for at least 60 days and be extended as necessary. OJP will fund successful applicants as a top priority on a rolling basis as applications are received. Funds may be used to hire personnel, pay overtime costs, cover protective equipment and supplies, address correctional inmates’ medical needs and defray expenses related to the distribution of resources to hard-hit areas, among other activities. Grant funds may be applied retroactively to Jan. 20, 2020, subject to federal supplanting rules.
Agencies that were eligible for the fiscal year 2019 State and Local Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant Program are candidates for this emergency funding. A complete list of eligible jurisdictions and their allocations can be found at https://bja.ojp.gov/program/fy20-cesf-allocations. Many municipalities and counties in New Hampshire are eligible to apply for over $1.2 million in funding. The State of New Hampshire also will be eligible for over $3.4 million in additional funding.
For more information about the Coronavirus Emergency Supplemental Funding program, please visit https://bja.ojp.gov/funding/opportunities/bja-2020-18553. For more information about the Office of Justice Programs, please visit https://www.ojp.gov/.
The year 2020 marks the 150th anniversary of the Department of Justice. Learn more about the history of our agency at www.Justice.gov/Celebrating150Years.
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Department of Justice Makes $850 Million Available to Help Public Safety Agencies Address Covid-19 PandemicRead the Press Release
OKLAHOMA CITY – U.S. Attorney Timothy J. Downing today announced that $11,619,233 in grant money has been allocated to Oklahoma public safety agencies to help them address the COVID-19 pandemic. The Department of Justice has announced that it is making $850 million available to help public safety agencies respond to the challenges posed by the outbreak of COVID-19. The Coronavirus Emergency Supplemental Funding program, authorized by the recent stimulus legislation signed by President Trump, will allow eligible state, local and tribal governments to apply immediately for these critical funds. The department is moving quickly to make awards, with the goal of having funds available for drawdown within days of the award.
"The speedy availability of these funds highlights the import the Department places on this pandemic, and it hopefully provides some support to hardworking public servants committed to upholding the rule of law during these challenging times," said U.S. Attorney Timothy J. Downing. "This funding also demonstrates that the Department is committed to ensuring that our Oklahoman partners have some financial relief that may be needed during these unprecedented times."
"This is an unprecedented moment in our nation’s history and an especially dangerous one for our front-line law enforcement officers, corrections officials, and public safety professionals," said Office of Justice Programs Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Katharine T. Sullivan. "We are grateful to the Congress for making these resources available and for the show of support this program represents."
The solicitation, posted by the Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA) in the Justice Department’s Office of Justice Programs (OJP), will remain open for at least 60 days and be extended as necessary. OJP will fund successful applicants as a top priority on a rolling basis as applications are received. Funds may be used to hire personnel, pay overtime costs, cover protective equipment and supplies, address correctional inmates’ medical needs and defray expenses related to the distribution of resources to hard-hit areas, among other activities. Grant funds may be applied retroactively to Jan. 20, 2020, subject to federal supplanting rules.
Oklahoma’s allocation as well as other state/territory allocations can be found at https://bja.ojp.gov/sites/g/files/xyckuh186/files/media/document/fy20-cesf-state-allocations.pdf. In addition to the state’s allocation, Oklahoma agencies that were eligible for the fiscal year 2019 State and Local Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant Program are also eligible to apply to BJA for additional direct emergency funding. A list of those eligible jurisdictions and direct funding amounts can be found at https://bja.ojp.gov/program/fy20-cesf-allocations.
For more information about the Coronavirus Emergency Supplemental Funding program, please visit https://bja.ojp.gov/funding/opportunities/bja-2020-18553. For more information about the Office of Justice Programs, please visit https://www.ojp.gov/.
The year 2020 marks the 150th anniversary of the Department of Justice. Learn more about the history of our agency at www.Justice.gov/Celebrating150Years. To download a photo of U.S. Attorney Downing, click here.
Department of Justice Makes $850 Million Available to Help Public Safety Agencies Address COVID-19 Pandemic - $5,039,792 Available to LouisianaRead the Press Release
The Department of Justice announced that it is making $850 million available to help public safety agencies respond to the challenges posed by the outbreak of COVID-19. The Coronavirus Emergency Supplemental Funding program, authorized by the recent stimulus legislation signed by President Trump, will allow eligible state, local and tribal governments to apply immediately for these critical funds. The department is moving quickly to make awards, with the goal of having funds available for drawdown within days of the award.
U.S. Attorney Brandon Fremin stated, “My office remains committed to protecting the citizens and public safety professionals of the Middle District during this unprecedented crisis. This funding is a great resource to supplement Louisiana’s first line of defense in the fight against COVID-19, and I strongly encourage state and local agencies to apply for these funds.”
“This is an unprecedented moment in our nation’s history and an especially dangerous one for our front-line law enforcement officers, corrections officials, and public safety professionals,” said Office of Justice Programs Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Katharine T. Sullivan. “We are grateful to the Congress for making these resources available and for the show of support this program represents.”
The solicitation, posted by the Bureau of Justice Assistance in the Justice Department’s Office of Justice Programs (OJP), will remain open for at least 60 days and be extended as necessary. OJP will fund successful applicants as a top priority on a rolling basis as applications are received. Funds may be used to hire personnel, pay overtime costs, cover protective equipment and supplies, address correctional inmates’ medical needs and defray expenses related to the distribution of resources to hard-hit areas, among other activities. Grant funds may be applied retroactively to Jan. 20, 2020, subject to federal supplanting rules.
Agencies that were eligible for the fiscal year 2019 State and Local Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant Program are candidates for this emergency funding. A complete list of eligible jurisdictions and their allocations can be found at https://bja.ojp.gov/program/fy20-cesf-allocations.
For more information about the Coronavirus Emergency Supplemental Funding program, please visit https://bja.ojp.gov/funding/opportunities/bja-2020-18553. For more information about the Office of Justice Programs, please visit https://www.ojp.gov/.
The year 2020 marks the 150th anniversary of the Department of Justice. Learn more about the history of our agency at www.Justice.gov/Celebrating150Years.
Department of Justice Makes $850 Million Available to Help Public Safety Agencies Address COVID-19 PandemicRead the Press Release
bja_fy_2020_ndal_coronavirus_emergency_supplemental_funding.pdf BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – U.S. Attorney Jay E. Town announced today that the Department of Justice today announced that it is making $850 million available to help public safety agencies respond to the challenges posed by the outbreak of COVID-19. The Coronavirus Emergency Supplemental Funding program, authorized by the recent stimulus legislation signed by President Trump, will allow eligible state, local and tribal governments to apply immediately for these critical funds. The department is moving quickly to make awards, with the goal of having funds available for drawdown within days of the award.“Law enforcement and our first responders are – and always have been very best among us. They continue to solidify that fact during this pandemic,” Town said. “It is important that our state and local partners have the resources they need to ensure public safety during this time. These additional resources will allow that to continue.”
“This is an unprecedented moment in our nation’s history and an especially dangerous one for our front-line law enforcement officers, corrections officials, and public safety professionals,” said Office of Justice Programs Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Katharine T. Sullivan. “We are grateful to the Congress for making these resources available and for the show of support this program represents.”
The solicitation, posted by the Bureau of Justice Assistance in the Justice Department’s Office of Justice Programs (OJP), will remain open for at least 60 days and be extended as necessary. OJP will fund successful applicants as a top priority on a rolling basis as applications are received. Funds may be used to hire personnel, pay overtime costs, cover protective equipment and supplies, address correctional inmates’ medical needs and defray expenses related to the distribution of resources to hard-hit areas, among other activities. Grant funds may be applied retroactively to Jan. 20, 2020, subject to federal supplanting rules.
Agencies that were eligible for the fiscal year 2019 State and Local Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant Program are candidates for this emergency funding. A complete list of eligible jurisdictions and their allocations can be found at https://bja.ojp.gov/program/fy20-cesf-allocations.
For more information about the Coronavirus Emergency Supplemental Funding program, please visit https://bja.ojp.gov/funding/opportunities/bja-2020-18553. For more information about the Office of Justice Programs, please visit https://www.ojp.gov/.
The year 2020 marks the 150th anniversary of the Department of Justice. Learn more about the history of our agency at www.Justice.gov/Celebrating150Years.
Department of Justice Makes $850 Million Available to Help Public Safety Agencies Address PandemicRead the Press Release
MADISON, WIS. - The U.S. Department of Justice announced that it is making $850 million available to help public safety agencies respond to the challenges posed by the outbreak of COVID-19. The Coronavirus Emergency Supplemental Funding program, authorized by the recent stimulus legislation signed by President Trump, will allow eligible state, local and tribal governments to apply immediately for these critical funds. The department is moving quickly to make awards, with the goal of having funds available for drawdown within days of the award.
The State of Wisconsin is eligible to apply for $9,078,371 to distribute throughout the state. In addition, police and sheriffs’ departments in Wisconsin that were eligible for the fiscal year 2019 State and Local Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant Program are candidates for emergency funding. A complete list of eligible jurisdictions and their allocations can be found at https://bja.ojp.gov/program/fy20-cesf-allocations. The amount allocated for these Wisconsin agencies is $4,935,544.
“This is a time of extraordinary challenge for state and local law enforcement agencies. These grants that have been made available will enhance their ability to protect the public while also enhancing their capability to protect and keep safe those law enforcement officers who are on the streets protecting us every single day,” said Scott C. Blader, United States Attorney for the Western District of Wisconsin.
“This is an unprecedented moment in our nation’s history and an especially dangerous one for our front-line law enforcement officers, corrections officials, and public safety professionals,” said Office of Justice Programs Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Katharine T. Sullivan. “We are grateful to the Congress for making these resources available and for the show of support this program represents.”
The solicitation, posted by the Bureau of Justice Assistance in the Justice Department’s Office of Justice Programs (OJP), will remain open for at least 60 days and be extended as necessary. OJP will fund successful applicants as a top priority on a rolling basis as applications are received. Funds may be used to hire personnel, pay overtime costs, cover protective equipment and supplies, address correctional inmates’ medical needs, and defray expenses related to the distribution of resources to hard-hit areas, among other activities. Grant funds may be applied retroactively to January 20, 2020, subject to federal supplanting rules.
For more information about the Coronavirus Emergency Supplemental Funding program, please visit https://bja.ojp.gov/funding/opportunities/bja-2020-18553. For more information about the Office of Justice Programs, please visit https://www.ojp.gov/.
Department of Justice Makes $850 Million Available to Help Public Safety Agencies Address COVID-19 PandemicRead the Press Release
DENVER – U.S. Attorney Jason Dunn today announced that $14,207,832 in grant money has been allocated to Colorado public safety agencies to help them address the COVID-19 pandemic. The announcement was part of the Department of Justice making $850 million available to help public safety agencies respond to the challenges posed by the outbreak of COVID-19. The Coronavirus Emergency Supplemental Funding program, authorized by the recent stimulus legislation signed by President Trump, will allow eligible state, local and tribal governments to apply immediately for these critical funds. The department will move quickly to make awards once applications are submitted, with the goal of having funds available for drawdown within days of the award.
“Congress and the President have made this funding available on an emergency basis so we can do our part to protect Colorado residents impacted by COVID-19,” said U.S. Attorney Jason Dunn. “Eligible Colorado agencies should apply for this money and be forward thinking in how to serve our citizens during this very stressful time.”
“This is an unprecedented moment in our nation’s history and an especially dangerous one for our front-line law enforcement officers, corrections officials, and public safety professionals,” said Office of Justice Programs Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Katharine T. Sullivan. “We are grateful to Congress for making these resources available and for the show of support this program represents.”
The solicitation, posted by the Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA) in the Justice Department’s Office of Justice Programs (OJP), will remain open for at least 60 days and be extended as necessary. OJP will fund successful applicants as a top priority on a rolling basis as applications are received. Funds may be used to hire personnel, pay overtime costs, cover protective equipment and supplies, address correctional inmates’ medical needs and defray expenses related to the distribution of resources to hard-hit areas, among other activities. Grant funds may be applied retroactively to January 20, 2020, subject to federal supplanting rules.
The Colorado Department of Public Safety, Division of Criminal Justice will receive $9,184,619 to respond to state needs. Colorado’s allocation as well as other state/territory allocations can be found at https://bja.ojp.gov/sites/g/files/xyckuh186/files/media/document/fy20-cesf-state-allocations.pdf or in the chart attached. In addition to the state’s allocation, Colorado agencies that were eligible for the fiscal year 2019 State and Local Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant Program are also eligible to apply to BJA for additional emergency funding. A complete list of eligible jurisdictions in and the amount of money they can apply for can be found attached or by going to https://bja.ojp.gov/sites/g/files/xyckuh186/files/media/document/fy20-cesf-allocations-co.pdf.
For more information about the Coronavirus Emergency Supplemental Funding program, please visit https://bja.ojp.gov/funding/opportunities/bja-2020-18553. For more information about the Office of Justice Programs, please visit https://www.ojp.gov/.
The year 2020 marks the 150th anniversary of the Department of Justice. Learn more about the history of our agency at www.Justice.gov/Celebrating150Years.
Department of Justice Makes $850 Million Available to Help Public Safety Agencies Address Covid-19 Pandemic - Over $24,000,000 Available to MichiganRead the Press Release
DETROIT, Michigan– The Department of Justice today announced that it is making $850 million available to help public safety agencies respond to the challenges posed by the outbreak of COVID-19. The Coronavirus Emergency Supplemental Funding program, authorized by the recent stimulus legislation signed by President Trump, will allow eligible state, local and tribal governments to apply immediately for these critical funds. The department is moving quickly to make awards, with the goal of having funds available for drawdown within days of the award.
“During this time of crisis, I am very pleased to announce that the Department of Justice is making over $24 million available to our state’s law enforcement agencies,” stated United States Attorney Matthew Schneider. “Our law enforcement officers are on the front-lines every day, working around the clock to take criminals off the street while at the same time battling an invisible enemy. Our local law enforcement partners are the best in the country, and I’m proud to stand shoulder to shoulder with them to protect the citizens of Michigan.”
“This is an unprecedented moment in our nation’s history and an especially dangerous one for our front-line law enforcement officers, corrections officials, and public safety professionals,” said Office of Justice Programs Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Katharine T. Sullivan. “We are grateful to the Congress for making these resources available and for the show of support this program represents.”
The solicitation, posted by the Bureau of Justice Assistance in the Justice Department’s Office of Justice Programs (OJP), will remain open for at least 60 days and be extended as necessary. OJP will fund successful applicants as a top priority on a rolling basis as applications are received. Funds may be used to hire personnel, pay overtime costs, cover protective equipment and supplies, address correctional inmates’ medical needs and defray expenses related to the distribution of resources to hard-hit areas, among other activities. Grant funds may be applied retroactively to Jan. 20, 2020, subject to federal supplanting rules.
Agencies that were eligible for the fiscal year 2019 State and Local Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant Program are candidates for this emergency funding. A complete list of eligible jurisdictions and their allocations can be found at https://bja.ojp.gov/program/fy20-cesf-allocations. The Coronavirus Emergency Supplemental Funding (CESF) Program will provide Michigan over $24 million dollars in funding to assist states, local units of government, and tribes in preventing, preparing for, and responding to the coronavirus.
For more information about the Coronavirus Emergency Supplemental Funding program, please visit https://bja.ojp.gov/funding/opportunities/bja-2020-18553. For more information about the Office of Justice Programs, please visit https://www.ojp.gov/.
The year 2020 marks the 150th anniversary of the Department of Justice. Learn more about the history of our agency at www.Justice.gov/Celebrating150Years.
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Department of Justice Makes $850 Million Available to Help Public Safety Agencies Address Covid-19 PandemicRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS – The Department of Justice announced on April 1, 2020 that it is making $850 million available to help public safety agencies respond to the challenges posed by the outbreak of COVID-19. The Coronavirus Emergency Supplemental Funding program, authorized by the recent stimulus legislation signed by President Trump, will allow eligible state, local and tribal governments to apply immediately for these critical funds. The department is moving quickly to make awards, with the goal of having funds available for drawdown within days of the award.
“The citizens of Southeast Louisiana have been severely affected by the onslaught of COVID-19 throughout their communities. Without the unwavering dedication and selflessness of first responders and public safety professionals, who are on the frontlines of this battle, our community would be adrift. The allocation of these funds provides the opportunity to support those who support us,” said U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Louisiana, Peter G. Strasser.
“This is an unprecedented moment in our nation’s history and an especially dangerous one for our front-line law enforcement officers, corrections officials, and public safety professionals,” said Office of Justice Programs Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Katharine T. Sullivan. “We are grateful to the Congress for making these resources available and for the show of support this program represents.”
The solicitation, posted by the Bureau of Justice Assistance in the Justice Department’s Office of Justice Programs (OJP), will remain open for at least 60 days and be extended as necessary. OJP will fund successful applicants as a top priority on a rolling basis as applications are received. Funds may be used to hire personnel, pay overtime costs, cover protective equipment and supplies, address correctional inmates’ medical needs and defray expenses related to the distribution of resources to hard-hit areas, among other activities. Grant funds may be applied retroactively to Jan. 20, 2020, subject to federal supplanting rules.
Agencies that were eligible for the fiscal year 2019 State and Local Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant Program are candidates for this emergency funding. A complete list of eligible jurisdictions and their allocations can be found at https://bja.ojp.gov/program/fy20-cesf-allocations.
For more information about the Coronavirus Emergency Supplemental Funding program, please visit https://bja.ojp.gov/funding/opportunities/bja-2020-18553. For more information about the Office of Justice Programs, please visit https://www.ojp.gov/.
The year 2020 marks the 150th anniversary of the Department of Justice. Learn more about the history of our agency at www.Justice.gov/Celebrating150Years.
Department of Justice Makes $850 Million Available to Help Public Safety Agencies Address Covid-19 PandemicRead the Press Release
$743,821 Available to Middle District of Pennsylvania
HARRISBURG– The Department of Justice announced that it is making $850 million available to help public safety agencies respond to the challenges posed by the outbreak of COVID-19. The Coronavirus Emergency Supplemental Funding program, authorized by the recent stimulus legislation signed by President Trump, will allow eligible state, local and tribal governments to apply immediately for these critical funds. The department is moving quickly to make awards, with the goal of having funds available for drawdown within days of the award.
According to U.S. Attorney David J. Freed, over $740,000 is available to the Middle District of Pennsylvania with monies destined for Dauphin, Lackawanna, Luzerne, Lycoming, and York Counties and the cities of Harrisburg, Scranton, Wilkes-Barre, Williamsport and York for preventing, preparing for, and responding to the coronavirus by helping with overtime, supplies and prisoner medical needs.
“When this grant was announced, I immediately shared the details with our trusted District Attorney partners in each of the named counties” said U.S. Attorney Freed. “Our philosophy, whether with law enforcement or community engagement resources, is to target areas in the district with the greatest needs. These vital dollars will go directly to supporting the important work of public health and safety of entire communities, including people in prison or detention.”
“This is an unprecedented moment in our nation’s history and an especially dangerous one for our front-line law enforcement officers, corrections officials, and public safety professionals,” said Office of Justice Programs Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Katharine T. Sullivan. “We are grateful to the Congress for making these resources available and for the show of support this program represents.”
The solicitation, posted by the Bureau of Justice Assistance in the Justice Department’s Office of Justice Programs (OJP), will remain open for at least 60 days and be extended as necessary. OJP will fund successful applicants as a top priority on a rolling basis as applications are received. Funds may be used to hire personnel, pay overtime costs, cover protective equipment and supplies, address correctional inmates’ medical needs and defray expenses related to the distribution of resources to hard-hit areas, among other activities. Grant funds may be applied retroactively to Jan. 20, 2020, subject to federal supplanting rules.
Agencies that were eligible for the fiscal year 2019 State and Local Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant Program are candidates for this emergency funding. A complete list of eligible jurisdictions and their allocations can be found at https://bja.ojp.gov/program/fy20-cesf-allocations.
For more information about the Coronavirus Emergency Supplemental Funding program, please visit https://bja.ojp.gov/funding/opportunities/bja-2020-18553. For more information about the Office of Justice Programs, please visit https://www.ojp.gov/.
The year 2020 marks the 150th anniversary of the Department of Justice. Learn more about the history of our agency at www.Justice.gov/Celebrating150Years.
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Department of Justice Makes $850 Million Available to Help Public Safety Agencies Address COVID-19 PandemicRead the Press Release
BILLINGS – The Department of Justice this week announced that it is making $850 million available to help public safety agencies respond to the challenges posed by the outbreak of COVID-19. The Coronavirus Emergency Supplemental Funding program, authorized by the recent stimulus legislation signed by President Trump, will allow eligible state, local and tribal governments to apply immediately for these critical funds. The department is moving quickly to make awards, with the goal of having funds available for drawdown within days of the award.
“As we all confront this coronavirus pandemic, our local and tribal partners face unprecedented challenges maintaining public health and safety in our communities. These funds will provide necessary support and resources during this critical time. I encourage all eligible agencies to apply,” U.S. Attorney Alme said.
“This is an unprecedented moment in our nation’s history and an especially dangerous one for our front-line law enforcement officers, corrections officials, and public safety professionals,” said Office of Justice Programs Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Katharine T. Sullivan. “We are grateful to the Congress for making these resources available and for the show of support this program represents.”
The solicitation, posted by the Bureau of Justice Assistance in the Justice Department’s Office of Justice Programs (OJP), will remain open for at least 60 days and be extended as necessary. OJP will fund successful applicants as a top priority on a rolling basis as applications are received. Funds may be used to hire personnel, pay overtime costs, cover protective equipment and supplies, address correctional inmates’ medical needs and defray expenses related to the distribution of resources to hard-hit areas, among other activities. Grant funds may be applied retroactively to Jan. 20, 2020, subject to federal supplanting rules.
Agencies that were eligible for the fiscal year 2019 State and Local Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant Program are candidates for this emergency funding. A complete list of eligible jurisdictions and their allocations can be found at https://bja.ojp.gov/program/fy20-cesf-allocations.
For more information about the Coronavirus Emergency Supplemental Funding program, please visit https://bja.ojp.gov/funding/opportunities/bja-2020-18553. For more information about the Office of Justice Programs, please visit https://www.ojp.gov/.
The year 2020 marks the 150th anniversary of the Department of Justice. Learn more about the history of our agency at www.Justice.gov/Celebrating150Years.
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Department of Justice Makes $850 Million Available to Help Public Safety Agencies Address COVID-19 PandemicRead the Press Release
(Albuquerque) – U.S. Attorney John C. Anderson today announced that over $9 million in grant funding has been allocated to New Mexico public safety agencies to help them address the COVID-19 pandemic. The announcement was part of the Department of Justice making $850 million available to help public safety agencies respond to the challenges posed by the outbreak of COVID-19. The Coronavirus Emergency Supplemental Funding program, authorized by the recent stimulus legislation signed by President Trump, will allow eligible state, local and tribal governments to apply immediately for these critical funds. The Department of Justice will move quickly to make awards once applications are submitted, with the goal of having funds available for drawdown within days of the award.
“The Department of Justice is fully committed to supporting our public servants who stand on the front-lines in our collective fight against COVID-19” said U.S. Attorney John C. Anderson. “This includes ensuring that they have the resources necessary both to protect themselves and to effectively aid the public. The Coronavirus Emergency Supplement funding will help our state and local public safety agencies to purchase essential equipment and hire the personnel they need to address this public health emergency.”
“This is an unprecedented moment in our nation’s history and an especially dangerous one for our front-line law enforcement officers, corrections officials, and public safety professionals,” said Office of Justice Programs Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Katharine T. Sullivan. “We are grateful to the Congress for making these resources available and for the show of support this program represents.”
The solicitation, posted by the Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA) in the Justice Department’s Office of Justice Programs (OJP), will remain open for at least 60 days and be extended as necessary. OJP will fund successful applicants as a top priority on a rolling basis as applications are received.
Funds may be used to hire personnel, pay overtime costs, cover protective equipment and supplies, address correctional inmates’ medical needs and defray expenses related to the distribution of resources to hard-hit areas, among other activities. Grant funds may be applied retroactively to Jan. 20, 2020, subject to federal supplanting rules.
The New Mexico Department of Public Safety will receive funds to respond to state needs. New Mexico’s allocation as well as other state/territory allocations can be found at:
https://bja.ojp.gov/sites/g/files/xyckuh186/files/media/document/fy20-cesf-state-allocations.pdf.
In addition to the state’s allocation, New Mexico agencies that were eligible for the fiscal year 2019 State and Local Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant Program are also eligible to apply to BJA for additional emergency funding. A complete list of eligible jurisdictions in and the amount of money they can apply for can be found by going to:
https://bja.ojp.gov/sites/g/files/xyckuh186/files/media/document/fy20-cesf-allocations-nm.pdf.
For more information about the Coronavirus Emergency Supplemental Funding program, please visit:
https://bja.ojp.gov/funding/opportunities/bja-2020-18553.
Questions for the New Mexico Department of Public Safety can be sent to [email protected] or visit:
https://www.ojp.gov/funding/state-administering-agencies/new-mexico-state-administering-agencies
For more information about the Office of Justice Programs, please visit https://www.ojp.gov/.
The year 2020 marks the 150th anniversary of the Department of Justice. Learn more about the history of our agency at:
www.Justice.gov/Celebrating150Years.
Department of Justice Makes $850 Million Available to Help Public Safety Agencies Address COVID-19 PandemicRead the Press Release
The Department of Justice today announced that it is making $850 million available to help public safety agencies respond to the challenges posed by the outbreak of COVID-19. The Coronavirus Emergency Supplemental Funding program, authorized by the recent stimulus legislation signed by President Trump, will allow eligible state, local and tribal governments to apply immediately for these critical funds. The department is moving quickly to make awards, with the goal of having funds available for drawdown within days of the award.
The State of Wisconsin is eligible to apply for $9,078,371 to distribute throughout the state. In addition, police and sheriffs’ departments in Wisconsin that were eligible for the fiscal year 2019 State and Local Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant Program are candidates for emergency funding. A complete list of eligible jurisdictions and their allocations can be found at https://bja.ojp.gov/program/fy20-cesf-allocations. The amount allocated for these Wisconsin agencies is $4,935,544.
“We applaud the work of our law enforcement officers and other first responders who are reporting to work each day to ensure public safety in the face of increased risks,” said United States Attorney Krueger. “The funds being made available will help our public safety agencies continue to perform their vital missions.”
“This is an unprecedented moment in our nation’s history and an especially dangerous one for our front-line law enforcement officers, corrections officials, and public safety professionals,” said Office of Justice Programs Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Katharine T. Sullivan. “We are grateful to the Congress for making these resources available and for the show of support this program represents.”
The solicitation, posted by the Bureau of Justice Assistance in the Justice Department’s Office of Justice Programs (OJP), will remain open for at least 60 days and be extended as necessary. OJP will fund successful applicants as a top priority on a rolling basis as applications are received. Funds may be used to hire personnel, pay overtime costs, cover protective equipment and supplies, address correctional inmates’ medical needs, and defray expenses related to the distribution of resources to hard-hit areas, among other activities. Grant funds may be applied retroactively to January 20, 2020, subject to federal supplanting rules.
For more information about the Coronavirus Emergency Supplemental Funding program, please visit https://bja.ojp.gov/funding/opportunities/bja-2020-18553. For more information about the Office of Justice Programs, please visit https://www.ojp.gov/.
The year 2020 marks the 150th anniversary of the Department of Justice. Learn more about the history of our agency at www.Justice.gov/Celebrating150Years.
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1 April 2020
United States Announces Civil Settlement to Collect All Debts Owed by Justice Entities for Violations of Federal Mine Safety ActRead the Press Release
Roanoke, VIRGINIA – United States Attorney Thomas T. Cullen and Assistant Secretary of Labor for the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) David G. Zatezalo, announced today a settlement between the United States and a group of 24 coal companies operating in Virginia, West Virginia, Tennessee, Alabama, and Kentucky to satisfy more than $5 million in unpaid penalties for violations of the Federal Mine Safety and Health Act.
In May 2019, the United States filed a civil action to collect debts owed against Southern Coal Corporation, Justice Coal of Alabama, A&G Coal Corporation, Black River Coal, Chestnut Land Holdings, Double Bonus Coal Company, Dynamic Energy, Four Star Resources, Frontier Coal Company, Infinity Energy, Justice Energy Company, Justice Highwall Mining, Kentucky Fuel Corporation, Keystone Service Industries, M&P Services, Nine Mile Mining, Nufac Mining Company, Pay Car Mining; Premium Coal Company, S and H Mining, Sequoia Energy, Tams Management, and Virginia Fuel Corporation.
According to the United States’ civil complaint, between May 3, 2014, and May 3, 2019, MSHA collectively issued at least 2,297 citations to the defendant mine operators for violations of the Mine Safety and Health Act, and at the appropriate time, assessed civil penalties for each violation, pursuant to the law.
The defendants failed to pay the penalties, even after MSHA sent multiple demand letters. MSHA then referred the civil penalties to the Department of Treasury for collection. The Department of Treasury made another written demand on the defendants, but they still failed to pay, and the Department of Treasury referred the civil penalties to the Department of Justice for collection. On September 5, 2018, the United States Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Virginia made a written demand on the defendants for the delinquent debts. The defendants, however, still failed to pay the outstanding debts, and on May 7, 2019, the United States filed a civil complaint to collect the unpaid debts.
Today, the 23 named defendants agreed to pay the full amounts of the assessed civil penalties, plus interest and penalties. In total, the defendants will pay $4,065,578.29 to satisfy the debts identified in the United States’ May 2019 complaint. Additionally, the defendants and related company Bluestone Coal Corporation agreed to pay an additional $1,064,547.18 to get current on their other unpaid, Mine Safety and Health Act penalties that were not included in the United States’ May 2019 complaint.
“Thanks to the hard work and persistence of career attorneys from our civil division and the MSHA, the 24 Justice entities have agreed to pay, in full, all outstanding debts and penalties associated with their mine-safety violations,” U.S. Attorney Cullen stated today. “It is our hope that this landmark collection action and settlement agreement sends a clear message that the Department of Justice will aggressively pursue mine-safety violations and hold owners and operators accountable.”
“Ensuring that mine operators pay their penalties for violating mine safety and health laws is an important part of protecting miners’ safety and health, and that means holding them accountable if they fail to pay fines,” said MSHA Assistant Secretary David G. Zatezalo. “I thank my colleagues at the Departments of Treasury and Justice for their support in reaching this historic settlement.”
Executive Assistant United States Attorney Laura Day Rottenborn, Assistant United States Attorney Krista Consiglio Frith, and Special Assistant United States Attorney Jason Grover, an attorney with the Department of Labor, are representing the United States in these matters.
US Attorney and Kansas AG partner to combat COVID-19 fraudRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, KAN. – U.S. Attorney Stephen McAllister and Kansas Attorney General Derek Schmidt today announced a state and federal partnership to investigate and prosecute scammers attempting to prey on Kansans during the COVID-19 outbreak.
The two offices agree coordinating information and manpower will allow the agencies to more quickly to verify allegations and prosecute those who are profiteering off the crisis.
“Nationally, we’ve seen everything from people offering for sale respiratory masks they were not going to deliver to people seeking donations for non-existent Covid-19 charities,” said U.S. Attorney Stephen McAllister. “We are not going to stand by while that happens in Kansas.”
“This partnership will allow our two agencies to bring the maximum state and federal resources to bear to stop scams, frauds and price gouging during this state of emergency,” Schmidt said. “I appreciate Steve’s strong leadership in the U.S. attorney’s office and look forward to working closely with his team to protect Kansans in the face of this crisis.”
The attorney general’s Consumer Protection Division will work directly with two prosecutors in the U.S. attorney’s office designated for handling COVID-19-related matters.
Complaints can be submitted to the U.S. attorney’s office at [email protected] or by calling the National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) hotline (1-866-720-5721).
Anyone with information about COVID-19-related scams or price gouging can file a complaint with the attorney general’s office online on a form specifically designed for coronavirus issues, available along with other resources about the state’s response to the outbreak, at www.ag.ks.gov. Kansans may also call the attorney general’s consumer protection hotline at (800) 432-2310 to request a paper complaint form be sent by mail.
U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia Announces Observance of April Sexual Assault Awareness Month and Sexual Assault and Child Abuse Awareness and Prevention MonthRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON — Today, April 1, is the first day of both Sexual Assault Awareness Month and Sexual Assault and Child Abuse Awareness and Prevention Month (SAAM). Started in 2001, SAAM is a national and local campaign to raise public awareness of the very serious issue of sexual assault. “As the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia handles the prosecution of all District of Columbia sexual assault cases involving adult offenders, and some of the most serious cases involving juvenile offenders, my staff and I are on the front lines of combating sexual violence. As we do every year during April, we are using SAAM as an opportunity to reaffirm our commitment to lifting the veil of silence and shame that can muzzle victims and to expanding our support for them,” said U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia Timothy J. Shea. Grim statistics reflect the sad reality that the issue is widespread and that victims span all ages, genders, backgrounds, and situations. Data collected by the National Sexual Violence Resource Center, for example, indicates that:
- approximately 1 in 5 women and 1 in 71 men will be raped at some point in their lives;
- in 8 out of 10 cases of rape the victim knows the perpetrator;
- 1 in 4 girls and 1 in 6 boys will be sexually abused before they turn 18 years old;
- 34% of people who sexually abuse a child are family members of the child;
- an estimated 325,000 children per year are currently at risk of becoming victims of commercial child sexual exploitation; and
- 27% of college women have experienced some form of unwanted sexual contact.
See https://www.nsvrc.org/statistics. There is no question that sexual abuse can leave victims and their families with long-lasting emotional and physical scars.
U.S. Attorney Shea also stated, “I recognize that sheltering in place and other restrictions during the pandemic make this a particularly frightening time for sexual and physical assault of child and adult victims, as the places they can go to disclose abuse and seek safety – teachers, clergy, emergency shelters, co-workers, and friends – have become largely unavailable. Eradicating sexual exploitation and sexual abuse is one of my highest priorities. Despite the current health emergency, my staff of highly trained and dedicated prosecutors and advocates, along with our governmental and non-governmental partners, are continuing to actively identify and assist sexual assault victims and aggressively investigate and prosecute sexual offenders. Our efforts have been extremely successful.” For example, in the last few weeks:
- After a lengthy trial, a D.C. District Court jury convicted Terrell Armstead of Sex Trafficking by Force, Fraud, and Coercion. He faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years in prison, a maximum sentence of life in prison, and, upon release, will have to register as a sex offender for life.
- Prosecutors in the Superior Court’s Sexual Assault and Domestic Violence Section (SODV), along with detectives from the Metropolitan Police Department’s Youth and Family Services Division, investigated and charged a D.C. man with Kidnapping While Armed for brandishing a gun and forcing an adult victim, with whom he had been in a relationship, into his car, driving her to Maryland, and then sexually assaulting her.
- Partnering with local and federal law enforcement agents on the Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force, prosecutors in the Criminal Division’s Cyber Section investigated and charged a man with Production of Child Pornography related to hands-on sexual abuse of a child living in his home.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia also is assisting its non-governmental partners and continuing to educate community members about this critical issue. For example, members of SODV and the Victim Witness Assistance Unit are:
- providing daily case screening information to a D.C. non-governmental organization that provides 24-7 crisis intervention and emergency services to victims of sexual or physical domestic violence because members of that organization do not have remote access to that critical information;
- exploring how our office’s trained forensic interviewers can conduct emergency interviews of child sexual assault victims; and
- conducting a remote training for students at a D.C. high school on the legal and emotional aspects of sexual assault and consent.
“My staff and I will work diligently with the local and federal courts and our non-governmental and law enforcement partners during and after SAAM to ensure the safety and wellbeing of these vulnerable individuals in our community,” emphasized U.S. Attorney Shea.
U.S. Attorney Michael Bailey Announces More Than $163 Million Available to Fight Addiction CrisisRead the Press Release
PHOENIX, Ariz. – U.S. Attorney Michael Bailey today announced that more than $163 million in Department of Justice grants is available to help communities address America’s addiction crisis.
“Our nation is facing the difficult challenge of curbing substance addiction, which threatens public safety and is among the Administration’s top domestic priorities,” said Katharine T. Sullivan, Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General for the Office of Justice Programs. “The Department of Justice is front and center in the fight to meet this challenge. OJP is making historic amounts of grant funding available to ensure that our communities have access to innovative and diverse solutions.”
The funding is available through OJP, the federal government’s leading source of public safety funding and crime victim assistance in state, local and tribal jurisdictions. OJP’s programs support a wide array of activities and services, including programs designed to prevent overdose deaths and break the cycle of addiction and crime.
A number of funding opportunities that address the addiction crisis are currently open:
- Adult Drug Court and Veterans Treatment Court Discretionary Grant Program
https://bja.ojp.gov/funding/opportunities/bja-2020-17098
Total Available $1.75 million. Deadline 5/14/2020.
- Comprehensive Opioid, Stimulant, and Substance Abuse Site-based Program
https://bja.ojp.gov/COSSAP20
Total Available $27 million. Deadline 5/21/2020.
- Enhancing Community Responses to America's Addiction Crisis: Serving Our Youngest Crime Victims
https://www.ovc.gov/grants/pdftxt/fy-2020-enhancing-community-responses-to-drug-crisis.pdf
Total Available: $19 million. Deadline: 5/4/2020.
- Family Drug Court Program
https://ojjdp.ojp.gov/funding/opportunities/ojjdp-2020-17090
Total Available $18.2 million. Deadline 4/8/2020 (Extended).
- Harold Rogers Prescription Drug Monitoring Program
https://bja.ojp.gov/funding/opportunities/bja-2020-17754
Total Available $28.1 million. Deadline 5/5/2020.
- Juvenile Drug Treatment Court Program https://ojjdp.ojp.gov/funding/opportunities/ojjdp-2020-17051
Total Available $7.2 million. Deadline 4/13/2020 (Extended).
- Mentoring Opportunities for Youth Initiative https://ojjdp.ojp.gov/funding/opportunities/ojjdp-2020-16930
Total Available $48 million. Deadline 4/13/2020.
- Opioid Affected Youth Initiative
https://ojjdp.ojp.gov/funding/opportunities/ojjdp-2020-17352
Total Available $9 million. Deadline 4/20/2020.
- Research and Evaluation on Drugs and Crime
https://nij.ojp.gov/funding/opportunities/nij-2020-17275
Total Available $1 million. Deadline 4/20/2020.
- Residential Substance Abuse Treatment for State Prisoners https://bja.ojp.gov/RSAT20
Total Available $4.5 million. Deadline 4/6/2020.
For more information regarding all OJP funding opportunities, visit https://www.ojp.gov/funding/explore/current-funding-opportunities
RELEASE NUMBER: 2020-038_Addiction Crisis Grants
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For more information on the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/az/
Follow the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, on Twitter @USAO_AZ for the latest news.- Adult Drug Court and Veterans Treatment Court Discretionary Grant Program