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1 April 2020
DOJ Announces $16 Million Available to Virginia Governments and Law Enforcement Agencies to Aid Coronavirus ResponseRead the Press Release
ROANKOE, Va. – United States Attorneys Thomas T. Cullen and G. Zachary Terwilliger announced today that the Department of Justice, Bureau of Justice Assistance, has made available more than $16 million to help Virginia public safety agencies and local government agencies respond to the challenges posed by the outbreak of COVID-19.
The Coronavirus Emergency Supplemental Funding (CESF) 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 Commonwealth of Virginia will receive more than $16 million from the Coronavirus Emergency Supplemental Funding Program. Allowable projects and expenditures include, but are not limited to: Overtime, training, travel expenses, supplies, including personal protective equipment for medical personnel and first responders, and initiatives focused on addressing the medical needs of inmates in state and local detention centers.
“Our local communities are waging a war to mitigate the awful effects of the Coronavirus,” U.S. Attorney Cullen stated today. “These grants will provide additional funding to augment critical health and public-safety initiatives in cash-strapped counties, cities, and towns across the Commonwealth and increase safety for the brave health-care providers, police officers, and first responders on the front lines.”
“The Department of Justice is 100 percent committed to supporting our communities through these unprecedented times,” said U.S. Attorney Terwilliger. “In addition to upholding the rule of law, we are working daily to ensure that our state and local partners have the resources they need to effectively combat the spread of COVID-19. These grants underscore our commitment to stand with those on the frontline of this critical fight.”
Applications are currently being accepted and all applications are due by May 29.
For more information about this grant opportunity and instructions on the application process, please click here. To apply, please click here.
The Virginia Coronavirus Fraud Task Force:
https://www.justice.gov/usao-wdva/covid-19-fraud
Western Virginia Coronavirus Fraud Coordinator, Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael Baudinet, [email protected] or 540-278-1494.
Eastern Virginia Coronavirus Fraud Coordinator, Assistant U.S. Attorney Kaitlin G. Cooke, [email protected] or 804-819-5416.
To report a COVID-19 fraud scheme or suspicious activity, contact the National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) by calling the NCDF Hotline at 1-866-720-5721 or sending an email to [email protected].
FBI at: https://www.ic3.gov or 804-261-1044.
To report fraudulent activity to the Virginia State Police, Virginians can contact the Virginia Fusion Center (VFC) at [email protected].
For continuing information on the COVID-19 virus and the federal response, check https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html
DOJ Announces $16 Million Available to Virginia Governments and Law Enforcement Agencies to Aid Coronavirus ResponseRead the Press Release
ROANKOE, Va. – United States Attorneys Thomas T. Cullen and G. Zachary Terwilliger announced today that the Department of Justice, Bureau of Justice Assistance, has made available more than $16 million to help Virginia public safety agencies and local government agencies respond to the challenges posed by the outbreak of COVID-19.
The Coronavirus Emergency Supplemental Funding (CESF) 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 Commonwealth of Virginia will receive more than $16 million from the Coronavirus Emergency Supplemental Funding Program. Allowable projects and expenditures include, but are not limited to: Overtime, training, travel expenses, supplies, including personal protective equipment for medical personnel and first responders, and initiatives focused on addressing the medical needs of inmates in state and local detention centers.
“Our local communities are waging a war to mitigate the awful effects of the Coronavirus,” U.S. Attorney Cullen stated today. “These grants will provide additional funding to augment critical health and public-safety initiatives in cash-strapped counties, cities, and towns across the Commonwealth and increase safety for the brave health-care providers, police officers, and first responders on the front lines.”
“The Department of Justice is 100 percent committed to supporting our communities through these unprecedented times,” said U.S. Attorney Terwilliger. “In addition to upholding the rule of law, we are working daily to ensure that our state and local partners have the resources they need to effectively combat the spread of COVID-19. These grants underscore our commitment to stand with those on the frontline of this critical fight.”
Applications are currently being accepted and all applications are due by May 29.
For more information about this grant opportunity and instructions on the application process, please click here. To apply, please click here.
The Virginia Coronavirus Fraud Task Force:
https://www.justice.gov/usao-wdva/covid-19-fraud
Western Virginia Coronavirus Fraud Coordinator, Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael Baudinet, [email protected] or 540-278-1494.
Eastern Virginia Coronavirus Fraud Coordinator, Assistant U.S. Attorney Kaitlin G. Cooke, [email protected] or 804-819-5416.
To report a COVID-19 fraud scheme or suspicious activity, contact the National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) by calling the NCDF Hotline at 1-866-720-5721 or sending an email to [email protected].
FBI at: https://www.ic3.gov or 804-261-1044.
To report fraudulent activity to the Virginia State Police, Virginians can contact the Virginia Fusion Center (VFC) at [email protected].
For continuing information on the COVID-19 virus and the federal response, check https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html
Department of Justice Makes $850 Million Available to Help Public Safety Agencies Address COVID-19 PandemicRead the Press Release
Jackson, Miss. – U.S. Attorneys Mike Hurst of the Southern District of Mississippi and William C. “Chad” Lamar of the Northern District of Mississippi announced today that the U.S. Department of Justice 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.
“These funds will go directly to our local and tribal governments in order for them to secure essential supplies and equipment necessary to keep our citizens safe,” said U.S. Attorney Hurst. “I can think of no better way to fight this pandemic than to get this money out quickly and directly to our men and women on the front lines fighting this global crisis in our communities.”
“These funds will aid our state, local, and tribal partners during this pandemic to continue performing the necessary and important work that they do on a daily basis. We appreciate the efforts to make these funds immediately available because we are all in this fight together, and by continuing to work together, we will win,” remarked U.S. Attorney Lamar.
“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 websites for both U.S. Attorney’s Offices in Mississippi now contain a front page button where visitors can quickly report fraud to the office, to the National Center for Disaster Fraud, and/or to the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Mississippians who believe they may have been the target or victim of a virus-related fraud scheme should visit www.justice.gov/SDMS and www.justice.gov/NDMS and provide detailed information about their experience.
Department of Justice Makes $850 Million Available to Help Public Safety Agencies Address COVID-19 PandemicRead the Press Release
$831,000 Available to North Dakota
Bismarck – 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 Department of Justice has moved swiftly to ensure additional resources are placed immediately on the front lines of our work," said US Attorney Drew Wrigley, "this support helps ensure that our critical missions and partnerships are not hobbled by this national 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 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
Memphis, TN – 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.
United States Attorney D. Michael Dunavant said, " Unfortunately, because criminal activity does not engage in social distancing or voluntary quarantine, law enforcement agencies and correctional institutions must continue their duties in in order to protect public safety during this challenging time. Much like the nurses and doctors fighting this virus, law enforcement officers and agents cannot self-isolate. They are among the essential employees expected to endanger their own well-being in service of the greater good. The Department of Justice is committed to providing significant resources to support and protect our public safety professionals, and these much needed funds will be put to good and immediate use in West Tennessee.""
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.
"Of the $850 million available nationwide, over $7 million is directly earmarked for individual cites and counties in Tennessee, with $3,049,546 targeted to nine cities and counties in the Western District, including:
- $41,960 for Bartlett
- $35,126 for Covington
- $58,008 for Dyer County
- $46,100 for Dyersburg
- $138,850 for Jackson
- $58,008 for Madison County
- $2,523,880 for Memphis
- $114,695 for Shelby County
- $32,919 for Tipton County
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-19Read the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, KAN. - 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.
“I urge public safety agencies in Kansas that are eligible to move quickly to apply for these much-needed funds,” said U.S. Attorney Stephen McAllister. “The total available in Kansas is expected to exceed $3.2 million.”
“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.”
A 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.
Court Enters Final Judgment in T-Mobile/Sprint TransactionRead the Press Release
Today, a federal district court in Washington, D.C., concluded that the Antitrust Division’s resolution of its challenge to the merger between T-Mobile and Sprint was in the public interest and entered the proposed final judgment following an extensive Tunney Act process. This order gives effect to the settlement that the Department of Justice and numerous states reached with the merging parties and Dish Network Corp. to allow the T-Mobile/Sprint transaction to proceed, subject to substantial divestitures and other remedies.
“I am pleased that the court has entered the final judgment, and I appreciate all of the work from Judge Kelly and the district court staff, particularly in the midst of the current COVID-19 disruption,” said Assistant Attorney General Makan Delrahim of the Justice Department’s Antitrust Division. “The T-Mobile/Sprint transaction, as remedied by the Department of Justice, will combine T-Mobile’s and Sprint’s complementary spectrum assets while preserving competition. Our settlement promises to expand output further by bringing Dish’s extensive spectrum holdings to the market. The end result will be strengthened competition with high-quality 5G networks that will benefit American consumers nationwide.”
The Antitrust Division filed a civil antitrust lawsuit on July 26, 2019, in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia along with the settlement that resolves the department’s competitive concerns. The attorneys general for the states of Arkansas, Colorado, Florida, Kansas, Louisiana, Nebraska, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Dakota, and Texas have each joined in this settlement. Separately, Judge Marrero in the Southern District of New York denied the request of New York, California, and a minority group of states to enjoin the proposed transaction nationwide. Judge Marrero’s opinion relied, in part, on the ability of the Antitrust Division’s remedies to protect against competitive harms that may otherwise have occurred.
The FCC also approved the transaction after a thorough examination, with certain commitments as a condition of approval.
Under the terms of the proposed settlement, T-Mobile and Sprint must divest Sprint’s prepaid business, including the Boost Mobile, Virgin Mobile, and Sprint prepaid brands, to Dish Network Corp., a Colorado-based satellite television provider. The proposed settlement also provides for a divestiture of substantial spectrum assets to Dish. Additionally, T-Mobile and Sprint must make available for divestiture to Dish at least 20,000 cell sites and hundreds of retail locations. T-Mobile must also provide Dish with robust access to the T-Mobile network for a period of seven years while Dish transitions the business and builds out its 5G network.
T-Mobile US Inc. is a Delaware corporation headquartered in Bellevue, Washington. In 2018, T-Mobile posted revenues of more than $43 billion. Deutsche Telekom AG, a German corporation headquartered in Bonn, Germany, is the controlling shareholder of T-Mobile US Inc.
Sprint Corporation is a Delaware corporation headquartered in Overland Park, Kansas. In 2018, its posted revenue was over $32 billion. Sprint is controlled by SoftBank Group Corp., a Japanese corporation headquartered in Tokyo, Japan.
Coronavirus Emergency Supplemental Funding Program Will Provide Funds for Coronavirus ResponseRead the Press Release
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — The Bureau of Justice Assistance has released the FY 2020 Coronavirus Emergency Supplemental Funding (CESF) Program Formula Grant Solicitation.
The Coronavirus Emergency Supplemental Funding Program will provide funding to assist eligible states, local units of government, and tribes in preventing, preparing for, and responding to the coronavirus.
Funds awarded under the Coronavirus Emergency Supplemental Funding Program must be utilized to prevent, prepare for, and respond to the coronavirus. Allowable projects and purchases include, but are not limited to, overtime, equipment (including law enforcement and medical personal protective equipment), hiring, supplies (such as gloves, masks, sanitizer), training, travel expenses (particularly related to the distribution of resources to the most impacted areas), and addressing the medical needs of inmates in state, local, and tribal prisons, jails, and detention centers.
Learn more about this opportunity and apply by May 29, 2020.
Central Illinois Public Safety Agencies Eligible to Receive $1.73 Million in Emergency Funds to Address COVID-19 PandemicRead the Press Release
SPRINGFIELD, Ill.—Twenty jurisdictions in Central Illinois are eligible to apply for $1.73 million in emergency funding announced today by the Department of Justice. The Coronavirus Emergency Supplemental Funding program, authorized by the recent stimulus legislation signed by President Trump, makes $850 million available to state, local and tribal governments across the country to help public safety agencies respond to the challenges posed by the outbreak of COVID-19. Eligible jurisdictions may apply immediately and the department is moving quickly toward the goal of having funds available for drawdown within days of the award.
“Partnerships are crucial in these uncertain times and these funds are available to assist our front-line law enforcement officers and public safety professionals who continue to respond to the call of duty regardless of the risks they face,” stated U.S. Attorney John Milhiser. “We are committed to supporting them and maintaining public safety and the rule of law during this crisis.”
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.
Brevard County Man Sentenced to 20 Months in Federal Prison for Bankruptcy FraudRead the Press Release
Orlando, Florida – U.S. District Judge Wendy W. Berger today sentenced Jason Arise Smith (45, Indialantic) to 20 months in federal prison for bankruptcy fraud. The court also ordered Smith to pay $3,400 in restitution to victim C.S., who was his spouse at the time of the offenses.
Smith had pleaded guilty on January 6, 2020.
According to court records, in September 2016, Smith had a bankruptcy attorney file a fraudulent bankruptcy petition in the name of C.S., in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Middle District of Florida, Orlando Division. Smith had this petition filed without C.S.’s knowledge or consent, in order to delay foreclosure proceedings on their home and to hide the fact that Smith had not been making payments on their mortgage. To enable the filing of this petition without C.S.’s knowledge, Smith falsely represented to the bankruptcy attorney that C.S. was hospitalized with terminal brain cancer. After this first bankruptcy case was dismissed by the bankruptcy court, Smith forged C.S.’s signature on paperwork and caused a second bankruptcy petition to be filed with the court in his and C.S.’s names, again without C.S.’s knowledge, to further delay foreclosure proceedings.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Chauncey A. Bratt.
Atlanta-area Man Arrested for Drug Trafficking in BrattleboroRead the Press Release
The Office of the United States Attorney for the District of Vermont announced that Leroy Brown, Jr., 41, of McDonough, Georgia, was arrested yesterday after having been charged with multiple counts of distribution of cocaine base, a Schedule II drug. Brown appeared before the Honorable John M. Conroy, United States Magistrate Judge, and was released on conditions.
According to court records, the Vermont State Police’s Southeastern Vermont Drug Task Force began investigating Brown in December of 2019, and, in January of 2020, was joined in the investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Law enforcement conducted multiple controlled purchases of cocaine base from Brown at the Econo Lodge in Brattleboro, Vermont. Specifically, on January 27, 2020, a cooperating individual purchased approximately 11 grams of cocaine base from Brown inside Brown’s room at the Econo Lodge. On March 13, 2020, the cooperating individual purchased approximately 9 grams of cocaine base, also while inside Brown’s motel room.
If convicted, Brown faces a maximum of twenty years of imprisonment on each count. The actual sentence however, would be determined by the Court with guidance from the advisory Federal Sentencing Guidelines. The United States Attorney emphasizes that the charges in the complaint are merely accusations, and that the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until he is proven guilty.
United States Attorney Christina E. Nolan commended the investigative efforts of the Vermont State Police and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. She stated: “We remain ever vigilant in our efforts to root out drug trafficking in every corner of the state. Those who would attempt to profit from addiction or despair will be held accountable – in this time of emergency as always.”
The United States is represented in this matter by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jonathan Ophardt. Defendant Brown is represented by the Office of the Federal Public Defender.
Armed Drug Dealer Gets 30 Months in Federal Prison for Firearms OffenseRead the Press Release
A man from Sioux City, Iowa was sentenced April 1, 2020 to more than two years in federal prison.
Hector Andrade, age 21, from Sioux City, Iowa received the prison term after pleading guilty to possession of a firearm by a drug user.
Evidence at his change of plea and sentencing hearings revealed Andrade was not only an unlawful user of marijuana but a distributor of marijuana too. During a search of Andrade’s residence a 12 gauge shotgun and ammunition, which Andrade possessed in connection with his drug trafficking, were found in his room along with glass pipes, packaging materials, a scale, U.S. currency, large amounts of marijuana, and a suitcase containing various THC products. A month later, Andrade was again discovered dealing marijuana.
Andrade was sentenced in Sioux City by United States District Court Chief Judge Leonard T. Strand. Andrade was sentenced to 30 months’ imprisonment. He must also serve a two-year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN). PSN is the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
Andrade is being held in the United States Marshal’s custody until he can be transported to a federal prison.
This case is also part of Project Guardian, the Department of Justice’s signature initiative to reduce gun violence and enforce federal firearms laws. Initiated by the Attorney General in the fall of 2019, Project Guardian draws upon the Department’s past successful programs to reduce gun violence; enhances coordination of federal, state, local, and tribal authorities in investigating and prosecuting gun crimes; improves information-sharing by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives when a prohibited individual attempts to purchase a firearm and is denied by the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS), to include taking appropriate actions when a prospective purchaser is denied by the NICS for mental health reasons; and ensures that federal resources are directed at the criminals posing the greatest threat to our communities. The United States Attorney’s Office has prosecuted this case with support from our Project Guardian partners. For more information about Project Guardian, please see /media/1122011/dl?inline.
The case was investigated by the Sioux City, Iowa Police Department and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Forde Fairchild. Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 19-4037.
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$850 Million Available to Help Public Safety Agencies Address Covid-19 PandemicRead the Press Release
PROVIDENCE – 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 brave members of Rhode Island local and state law enforcement respond 24/7 to the call of duty regardless of the risks they face. Their commitment to maintaining public safety and the rule of law has scarcely been more evident nor more challenging than in their response during these unprecedented times,” said United States Attorney Aaron L. Weisman. “I encourage our local and state law enforcement agencies to apply for these critical 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.
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$3.2 Million DOJ Grants Available to Help Local Public Safety Agencies Address COVID-19 PandemicRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Public safety agencies in the Western District of Missouri are eligible for more than $3.2 million in Department of Justice grants announced today to aid their response to the challenges posed by the outbreak of COVID-19.
The Coronavirus Emergency Supplemental Funding program, authorized by the recent stimulus legislation, will allow eligible state and local and governments to apply immediately for a total of $850 million nationwide. A total of more than $5.5 million is available statewide for agencies in Missouri, with $3,259,369 of that amount allocated for the Western District. The Justice Department is moving quickly to make awards, with the goal of having funds available for drawdown within days of the award.
“Law enforcement officers working on the front lines of this public health crisis are being called upon, like never before, to face daunting challenges and take significant risks,” said U.S. Attorney Tim Garrison of the Western District of Missouri. “We support these brave men and women every way possible, including this critical funding to help provide the resources they need to protect our communities.”
“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.
31 March 2020
United States Attorney for the District of Columbia Timothy J. Shea's Statement Providing Tips for Protection against COVID-19 ScamsRead the Press Release
The United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia is committed not only to deterring and to prosecuting scammers and fraudsters who would seek to benefit from the fears raised by the COVID-19 pandemic, but to assisting individuals in the District in protecting themselves from such scams. Again, we urge you to be vigilant and report any suspected instances of fraud to the COVID-19 Pandemic Fraud Hotline, 202-252-7022 and [email protected].
To protect yourself from these types of scams, the United States Attorney’s Office urges everyone to take the following steps:
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Independently verify the identity of any company, charity, or individual that contacts you regarding COVID-19.
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Check the websites and email addresses offering information, products, or services related to COVID-19. Be aware that scammers often employ addresses that differ only slightly from those belonging to the entities they are impersonating. For example, they might use “cdc.com” or “cdc.org” instead of “cdc.gov.”
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Be wary of unsolicited emails offering information, supplies, or treatment for COVID-19 or requesting your personal information for medical purposes. Legitimate health authorities will not contact the general public this way.
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Do not click on links or open email attachments from unknown or unverified sources. Doing so could download a virus onto your computer or device. Also, do not forward these emails to anyone.
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Make sure the anti-malware and anti-virus software on your computer is operating and up to date.
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Ignore offers for a COVID-19 vaccine, cure, or treatment. Remember, if there is a medical breakthrough, you won’t hear about it for the first time through an email, online ad, or unsolicited sales pitch.
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Check online reviews of any company offering COVID-19 products or supplies. Avoid companies whose customers have complained about not receiving items.
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Research any charities or crowdfunding sites soliciting donations in connection with COVID-19 before giving. Remember, an organization may not be legitimate even if it uses words like “CDC” or “government” in its name or has reputable looking seals or logos on its materials. For online resources on donating wisely, visit the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) website.
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Be wary of any business, charity, or individual requesting payments or donations in cash, by wire transfer, gift card, or through the mail. Don’t send money through any of these channels.
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Be cautious of “investment opportunities” tied to COVID-19, especially those based on claims that a small company’s products or services can help stop the virus. If you decide to invest, carefully research the investment beforehand. For information on how to avoid investment fraud, visit the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) website.
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For the most up-to-date information on COVID-19, visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and World Health Organization (WHO) websites.
Take these measures to help protect yourself, but if you encounter any activity that indicates one of these scams, please report it to the COVID-19 Pandemic Fraud Hotline, 202-252-7022 and [email protected].
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United States Attorney Matthew Schneider Provides Coronavirus Prosecution Guide to State and Local Law EnforcementRead the Press Release
In response to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, the United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Michigan is providing this Coronavirus Prosecution Guide to Michigan’s state and local law enforcement. The purpose of the Guide is to help law enforcement identify cases for possible federal civil action or criminal prosecution. The Guide provides a brief description of the type of conduct being seen around the country to take advantage of the opportunity created by the pandemic. Law enforcement officers who believe they may have a case for federal civil enforcement or criminal prosecution should contact the COVID-19 Fraud Coordinator, Assistant United States Attorney John Neal, at 313-226-9644.
This Guide is a supplement to – and not a replacement of – state and local prosecutions. “The Michigan Attorney General and our 83 County Prosecuting Attorneys are on the front lines with us, battling back against criminals who are profiting off of the Coronavirus pandemic,” said United States Attorney Matthew Schneider. “Together with our state and local partners, we use every weapon in our arsenals to fight criminals who use this pandemic to take advantage of the people of Michigan.”
In addition to investigating and prosecuting criminal offenses, the United States Attorney’s Office will utilize the Antifraud Injunction Act (18 U.S.C. § 1345), which allows the United States to commence a civil action to enjoin a violation of the federal mail fraud, wire fraud, health care fraud, or fraud conspiracy statutes.
To date, the U.S. Attorney’s Offices across the country have received reports of individuals and businesses engaging in a wide range of fraudulent and criminal behavior, including:
- Robocalls making fraudulent offers to sell respirator masks with no intent of delivery;
- Fake COVID-19-related apps and websites that install malware or ransomware;
- Phishing emails asking for money or presenting malware;
- Social media scams fraudulently seeking donations or claiming to provide stimulus funds if the recipient enters his or her bank account number;
- Sales of fake testing kits, cures, “immunity” pills, and protective equipment;
- Fraudulent offers for free COVID-19 testing in order to obtain Medicare beneficiary information that is used to submit false medical claims for unrelated, unnecessary, or fictitious testing or services;
- Prescription drug schemes involving the submission of medical claims for unnecessary antiretroviral treatments or other drugs that are marketed as purported cures for COVID- 19;
- Robberies of patients departing from hospitals or doctor offices;
- Threats of violence against mayors and other public officials;
- Threats to intentionally infect other people; and
- Hate crimes against people with Asian heritage.
Conduct
Federal Charge or Cause of Action
Explanation
FRAUD
Offering fraudulent tests, preventatives, cures for the COVID‑19 epidemic.
Sale of Fake drugs/cures
15 U.S.C. § 1263
Distribution of non-conforming consumer goods
15 U.S.C. § 2068
For example, online marketer advertising a supplement as a preventive remedy against the COVID-19 virus
Scam charities such as soliciting donations to provide PPE to those who need it to protect against the COVID-19 epidemic.
Email Fraud
18 U.S.C. § 1037
Mail Fraud
18 U.S.C. § 1341
Wire Fraud
18 U.S.C. § 1343
Such scams are likely to involve the use of the wires, telephone, internet, mail and/or a financial institution.
Providers who bill health care benefits program for excessive testing for COVID-19.
Health Care Fraud
18 U.S.C. § 1347
Medical providers conducting medically unnecessary testing or treatment.
Email phishing for benefit checks issued in response to the COVID-19 epidemic.
Email Fraud
18 U.S.C. § 1037
Criminalizes sending multiple, materially false, commercial emails, such as emails that are sent through an unauthorized computer, sent through a protected computer with the intent of hiding their origin, that contain a false header, or are sent from accounts with false registration information.
Fraudulent COVID-19 information websites that install ransomware when you click on them.
Computer Fraud
18 U.S.C. § 1030
A website that encourages users to click for COVID-19 virus information that then launches malware that infests consumer’s computer.
Securities fraud where the price of a stock is pumped with a false claim of a test, preventative, or cure for the COVID-19 virus.
Securities Fraud
15 U.S.C. § 78j(b)
Securities and Commodities Fraud
18 U.S.C. § 1348
Criminalizes fraud in connection with registered securities.
Fraudulently obtaining benefits issued in response to the COVID-19 epidemic.
Fraud against the United States
18 U.S.C. § 1031
Emergency Benefit Fraud
18 U.S.C. § 1040
Criminalizes fraud in any federal assistance program responsive to the COVID-19 epidemic.
The benefit must be issued in connection with a federally declared disaster. The President has declared the COVID-19 epidemic a Stafford Act disaster.
Disseminating false information about use of the COVID-19 virus as a biological weapon
Hoaxes about the use of biologic weapons
18 U.S.C. § 1038
Criminalizes credible hoaxes about using the COVID-19 virus as a biologic weapon.
Persons lying to obtain medication referenced during the COVID-19 epidemic.
False Statements Relating to Health Care
18 U.S.C. § 1035
For example, a person presenting with fake symptoms to obtain hydroxychloroquine.
Fraud schemes based on the COVID-19 epidemic that make use of an access device, a financial institution, the mail or wires.
Access Device Fraud
18 U.S.C. § 1029
Mail Fraud
18 U.S.C. § 1341
Wire Fraud
18 U.S.C. § 1343
Bank Fraud
18 U.S.C. § 1344
If offender used, produced or trafficked in counterfeit or unauthorized devices (credit cards, passwords, etc.).
If offender used the U.S. Mail or a private/commercial carrier to send anything in furtherance of a fraud scheme.
If offender used a wire communication (phone call, fax, email, etc.) to transmit anything in furtherance of a fraud scheme.
If offender executed a scheme to defraud a financial institution or to fraudulently obtain money from a financial institution.
HOARDING, COUNTERFEIT GOODS, THEFT, AND SCAMS
Hoarding and/or price gouging items designated essential for combatting the COVID-19 epidemic.
Hoarding/Price Gouging of Designated Scarce Materials
50 U.S.C. §§ 4512, 4513
Makes it a crime to accumulate designated essential items in excess of reasonable needs, or for the purpose of selling in excess of prevailing market rates.
Selling stolen health supplies.
Sale/Interstate Transportation of Stolen Goods
18 U.S.C. § 2314/2315
For example, selling protective items that were stolen in another state or country.
Using someone else’s identity to obtain a benefit issued in connection with the COVID-19 epidemic.
Identity Theft
18 U.S.C. § 1028(a)(7)
Aggravated Identity Theft
18 U.S.C. § 1028A
If offender used another person’s identity during a violation of federal law or a state felony.
If offender used another person’s identity during the course of an enumerated felony (18 U.S.C. § 1028A(c)).
Offering counterfeit goods, services or drugs to combat the COVID-19 virus.
Trafficking in counterfeit goods or services
18 U.S.C. § 2320
For example, merchant selling N-95 masks purporting them to be manufactured by 3M when they are not authentic N-95 masks.
Introduction of fake cure/adulterated drug/unsafe dietary supplement to address the COVID-19 epidemic.
Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act
21 U.S.C. § 331
The Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act contains numerous restrictions/prohibitions on the sale of misbranded or adulterated food, drugs, or devices, and bans the introduction of unsafe supplements.
VIOLENT CRIME
Acts of violence against persons of Asian descent
Hate Crime Acts
18 U.S.C. § 249
Criminalizes injuring or using a weapon against a person because of their actual or perceived race or national origin.
Purposefully infecting people with the COVID-19 virus
Transfer of a Biological Weapon
18 U.S.C. § 175
Use of Weapons of Mass Destruction
18 U.S.C. § 2332a
Criminalizes the transfer of a biologic agent for use as a weapon.
Includes use of a weapon involving a biological agent.
Threats against public officials on account of their stance regarding the COVID-19 virus.
Threatening or Assaulting a Federal Official
18 U.S.C. § 115
Interstate Threatening Communications
18 U.S.C. § 875
Mailing threatening communications
18 U.S.C. § 876
Applies only to threats against federal officials. For example, a person threatens a federal government employee because they do not like a mandated shelter-in-place order.
Applies to threats made in interstate commerce, i.e., from one state to another. Could apply to internet threats made from one Michigan individual to another, because of how internet traffic is routed.
Applies to threats made using the U.S. mail, even those that are wholly within the State of Michigan.
Threats to infect people with the COVID-19 virus.
Interstate Threatening Communications
18 U.S.C. § 875
Threatening to Use a Weapon of Mass Destruction
18 U.S.C. § 2332a
Applies to threats made in interstate commerce, i.e., from one state to another. Could apply to internet threats made from one Michigan individual to another, because of how internet traffic is routed.
Includes threats to use a weapon involving a biological agent.
U.S. Attorney Trent Shores Announces More Than $83 Million Available to Support School SafetyRead the Press Release
TULSA, Okla. TULSA, Okla. – U.S. Attorney Trent Shores today announced that grants from the Department of Justice, worth more than $83 million, are available to help communities improve school security and protect students, teachers and faculty from threats of violence.
“Every child deserves an environment where they can flourish, but sadly, so many of our youth face violence within neighborhoods, homes and schools,” said U.S. Attorney Trent Shores. “Communities and schools must have tools to protect children from deadly shootings and other violence and to support those who experience trauma. These grants promise to benefit innovative and diverse programs that daily act as safety nets for our children.”
The funding is available through the Office of Justice Programs, 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.
“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.
A number of funding opportunities for school safety are currently open:
--Research and Evaluation on School Safetyhttps://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
U.S. Attorney Moran announces nearly $60 million in grants available to support prisoners’ successful reentry into their communitiesRead the Press Release
Seattle – U.S. Attorney Brian Moran of the Western District of Washington 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.
“It is critically important that we help those who have served their time transition to a law abiding life following prison,” said U.S. Attorney Moran. “These grant opportunities build on the reforms of the First Step Act and make our communities safer by breaking the cycle of recidivism.”
“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 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
Total Available $7.2 million Deadline 4/27/2020
Improving Community Supervision Outcomes Through Swift, Certain, and Fair Responses
Total Available $3 million Deadline 4/28/2020
Improving Reentry for People with Substance Use Disorders Program
Total Available $13.2 million Deadline 4/27/2020
Innovations in Reentry Initiative: Building System Capacity & Testing Strategies to Reduce Recidivism
Total Available $4 million Deadline 5/4/2020
Research and Evaluation on Promising Reentry Initiatives
Total Available $6 million Deadline 5/5/2020
Review and Validation of the First Step Act Risk Assessment Tool
Total Available: Determined after selection Deadline 4/10/2020
Second Chance Act Community-Based Reentry Program
Total Available $13.5 million Deadline 5/4/2020
Second Chance Act Evaluation Participation Support
Total Available $4 million Deadline 4/28/2020
Second Chance Act Youth Offender Reentry Program
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
U.S. Attorney Michael Bailey Announces More Than $65 Million Available to Fight Human Trafficking and Help Trafficking VictimsRead the Press Release
PHOENIX, Ariz. – U.S. Attorney Michael Bailey today announced that more than $65 million in Department of Justice grants is available to help communities combat human trafficking and serve adults and children who are victimized in trafficking operations.
“Our nation is facing difficult challenges, none more pressing than the scourge of human trafficking. Human traffickers pose a dire threat to public safety and countering this threat remains one of 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 against this insidious crime. 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 that support human trafficking task forces and services for human trafficking survivors.
A number of funding opportunities are currently open, with several more opening in the near future.
- Missing and Exploited Children Training and Technical Assistance Program
https://ojjdp.ojp.gov/funding/opportunities/ojjdp-2020-17351
Total Available $1.8 million. Deadline 4/6/2020 (Extended).
- Multidisciplinary Task Force Program to Combat Human Trafficking
Total Available $22 million. Opens week of 3/16/2020.
- Preventing Trafficking of Girls
Total Available $1.7 million. Opens week of 3/16/2020.
- Research and Evaluation on Trafficking in Persons
https://nij.ojp.gov/funding/opportunities/nij-2020-17324
Total Available $2.5 million. Deadline 4/20/2020.
- Services for Victims of Human Trafficking
Total Available $16.5 million. Opens week of 3/16/2020.
- Specialized Training and Technical Assistance on Housing for Victims of Human Trafficking
Total Available $2 million. Opens week of 3/16/2020.
- Human Trafficking Training and Technical Assistance Program
Total Available $5 million. Opens week of 3/16/2020.
- Improving Outcomes for Child and Youth Victims of Human Trafficking
Total Available $6 million. Opens week of 3/16/2020.
- Integrated Services for Minor Victims of Labor Trafficking
Total Available $8 million. Opens week of 3/16/2020.
For more information regarding all OJP funding opportunities, visit https://www.ojp.gov/funding/explore/current-funding-opportunities
RELEASE NUMBER: 2020-036_Fight Human Trafficking 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.- Missing and Exploited Children Training and Technical Assistance Program
U.S. Attorney Matt Martin Announces More Than $163 Million Available to Fight Addiction CrisisRead the Press Release
GREENSBORO, NC – U.S. Attorney Matt Martin of the Middle District of North Carolina announced today 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.”
“Drug overdose has taken too many lives; drug addiction has ruined too many futures. North Carolinians can and will overcome. I hope these grants will expand tested and tried programs that break addiction. The U.S. Attorney’s Office has prioritized drug trafficking prosecution and these grants show the U.S. Department of Justice is helping reduce demand for drugs,” said U.S. Attorney Matt Martin.
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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U.S. Attorney J. Douglas Overbey Announces More Than $163 Million Available to Fight Addiction CrisisRead the Press Release
Knoxville, Tenn. – U.S. Attorney J. Douglas Overbey of the Eastern District of Tennessee 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."
"Our office will continue to work with local, state, and federal leaders to help educate the public regarding the dangers involved in the improper use and abuse of these powerful substances," 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 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://uat.ovc.ojp.gov/funding/awards/2020-v3-gx-k162
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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U.S. Attorney David J. Freed Releases the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania’s 2019 Annual ReportRead the Press Release
HARRISBURG – U.S. Attorney David J. Freed today released the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania’s 2019 Annual Report.
U.S. Attorney Freed stated, “we seek to provide transparency and accountability by publicly reporting on our work each year. In 2019, we worked on cases and initiatives to further our goal of improving the quality of life for the people of our district. The lawyers and support professionals in our Harrisburg, Scranton and Williamsport Offices, along with our partner agencies, achieved significant accomplishments this year. This report is representative of the Office’s yearly casework and initiatives.” Among them are:- 325 criminal cases filed against 413 defendants;
- 799 cases handled by the Civil Division;
- Collected over $15 million in criminal and civil actions, far exceeding our operating budget;
- $150 million in grants for various projects in the Middle District of PA;
- Continued to participate in reentry programs such as CARE Court, and the York Group Violence Initiative; and
- Organized and participated in community events, including York City community walk, and National Night Out.
“I am extremely proud to issue our 2019 Annual Report,” said U.S. Attorney Freed. “The report shows an innovative, effective and efficient operation, highlighted by our many successes in Court, our community outreach efforts, our recovery of tax dollars and our continuing and valuable partnerships with state and local entities. I encourage everyone to spend some time with this document to get a full picture of our challenging work.”
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U.S. Attorney David C. Joseph Launches Federal Task Force to Investigate and Prosecute COVID-19 Fraud and Hoarding of Critical Medical SuppliesRead the Press Release
SHREVEPORT/LAFAYETTE/ALEXANDRIA/LAKE CHARLES/MONROE, La. – In response to the evidence that fraud schemes are being developed around the country to exploit the coronavirus epidemic, U.S. Attorney David C. Joseph announced today that he has formed a task force in the Western District of Louisiana to identify, investigate, prosecute, and dismantle fraud schemes designed to unlawfully profit from the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Western District of Louisiana’s COVID-19 Fraud Task Force (Task Force) brings together multiple federal investigative agencies under the leadership of the U.S. Attorney’s Office to share and receive intelligence related to the scams being perpetrated on-line and in-person by individuals seeking to exploit the evolving public health crisis. The Task Force will then marshal the collective investigative power of our federal law enforcement agencies by forming joint investigative teams to work with prosecutors from the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
The Task Force will be led by the U.S. Attorney’s Office COVID-19 Fraud Coordinator, Assistant U.S. Attorney Seth D. Reeg. The Task Force members include representatives from the United States Attorney’s Office, FBI, U.S. Department of Homeland Security – Office of Inspector General, U.S. Food and Drug Administration – Criminal Investigations, U.S. Department of Homeland Security Investigations/ Immigration and Customs Enforcement, U.S. Department of Veteran’s Administration – Office of Inspector General, United States Secret Service, U.S. Postal Inspection Service, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services – Office of Inspector General, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Federal Trade Commission, and the Small Business Administration – Office of Inspector General.
“The public should know that my office remains fully operational during the COVID-19 pandemic and will be focusing on those who seek to unlawfully exploit others during this difficult time,” said U.S. Attorney Joseph. “The last thing our community needs as we come together to fight this pandemic are certain individuals among us preying upon the fears of others for financial gain. Through the formation of this Task Force, federal prosecutors from my office will collaborate on a daily basis with investigators to identify, investigate, and aggressively prosecute those attempting to profit from this emergency. I want to thank all of the agencies and federal agents that are joining us in this effort – each of which brings considerable expertise to the fight.”
The Task Force will review and investigate all credible leads of fraud associated with the coronavirus pandemic, focusing on those hoarding or price-gouging critical medical supplies and schemes designed to exploit vulnerable populations, including the elderly and those who may be more susceptible to the disease due to pre-existing health conditions. The Task Force will also prioritize schemes that have the potential to endanger public health and safety. AUSA Reeg will meet and confer with agency counterparts on a regular basis to prioritize cases and surge resources where needed.
Some examples of COVID-19 scams include:
- Unlawful Hoarding and Price-Gouging: 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. Yesterday, U.S. Attorney Joseph sent a letter to area hospitals and medical providers requesting information regarding any known hoarding or price-gouging of critical medical supplies.
- Testing Scams: Scammers are selling fake at-home test kits or going door-to-door performing fake tests for money.
- Treatment Scams: Scammers are offering to sell fake cures, vaccines, and advice on unproven treatments for COVID-19.
- 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 and Cyber Intrusions: 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 clicking on a link or opening an attachment that downloads malware, or providing personal identifying financial information. One form of malware being spread contains an interactive online map of coronavirus-infected areas purportedly produced by Johns Hopkins University. Once someone downloads this interactive map, the malware steals the user’s credentials, such as usernames, credit card numbers, passwords, and other sensitive information usually stored in internet browsers.
- 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.
- Other scams include fraudsters claiming to work for the government or banks/credit cards and offering assistance for student loan relief, foreclosure or eviction relief, unemployment assistance, debt relief, and direct financial assistance, like government checks.
U.S. Attorney Joseph urges everyone, especially those most at risk of serious illness, to avoid these and similar scams by taking the following steps:
- Independently verify the identity of any company, charity, or individual that contacts you regarding COVID-19.
- Check the websites and email addresses offering information, products, or services related to COVID-19. Be aware that scammers often employ addresses that differ only slightly from those belonging to the entities they are impersonating. For example, they might use "cdc.com" or "cdc.org" instead of "cdc.gov."
- Be wary of unsolicited emails offering information, supplies, or treatment for COVID-19 or requesting your personal information for medical purposes. Legitimate health authorities will not contact the general public this way.
- Do not click on links or open email attachments from unknown or unverified sources. Doing so could download a virus onto your computer or device.
- Make sure the anti-malware and anti-virus software on your computer is operating and up to date.
- Ignore offers for a COVID-19 vaccine, cure, or treatment. Remember, if there is a medical breakthrough, you won’t hear about it for the first time through an email, online ad, or unsolicited sales pitch.
- Check online reviews of any company offering COVID-19 products or supplies. Avoid companies whose customers have complained about not receiving items.
- Research any charities or crowdfunding sites soliciting donations in connection with COVID- 19 before giving. Remember, an organization may not be legitimate even if it uses words like "CDC" or "government" in its name or has reputable looking seals or logos on its materials. For online resources on donating wisely, visit the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) website.
- Be wary of any business, charity, or individual requesting payments or donations in cash, by wire transfer, gift card, or through the mail. Don’t send money through any of these channels.
- Be cautious of "investment opportunities" tied to COVID-19, especially those based on claims that a small company’s products or services can help stop the virus. If you decide to invest, carefully research the investment beforehand. For information on how to avoid investment fraud, visit the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) website.
- For the most up-to-date information on COVID-19, visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and World Health Organization (WHO) websites.
Leaders from the federal law enforcement agencies participating in the Task Force provided the following comments in support of the mission:
"Even through a worldwide pandemic, the FBI remains steadfast in our mission to protect the American people and uphold the Constitution,” said Special Agent in Charge Bryan A. Vorndran of the FBI New Orleans Field Office. “Special Agents and Analysts of the WDLA COVID-19 Task Force are committed to investigating all forms of COVID-19 fraud committed on Louisiana residents. Any company or individual who attempts to defraud our residents and steal their money during this national crisis will be investigated and brought to justice."
According to Joseph Cuffari, PhD., Inspector General, Department of Homeland Security, “The theft of FEMA funds resulting from COVID-19 schemes or false claims result in losses not only to the U.S. Taxpayer, but also to the actual victims who needed those funds to recover. Working with the U.S. Attorney’s Office, the Department of Homeland Security’s Office of Inspector General will continue our commitment to identify and aggressively investigate allegations of fraud. Theft of funds from DHS programs intended to help those in need will not be tolerated.”
“The FDA is fully committed to working with our federal partners to protect Americans from fraudulent and potentially dangerous medical products being marketed and distributed to Americans for the treatment or diagnosis of COVID-19. We will continue to take appropriate action to protect consumers from bad actors who take advantage of a crisis and place profits ahead of the public health,” said Judith A. McMeekin, Pharm.D., Associate Commissioner for Regulatory Affairs, U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
“Our HSI agents are deeply committed to the safety of the American public, whether it’s investigating and dismantling human trafficking operations or ensuring our medical communities are receiving legitimate medical equipment and supplies to combat the spread of Covid-19,” said New Orleans Special Agent in Charge Jere T. Miles. “Those who would use this pandemic to defraud their neighbors, friends, and communities for their own financial gain – we will be looking for you and we will find you.”
“The VA Office of Inspector General is dedicated to preserving the integrity of the public funds and medical resources intended to treat all veterans, including those impacted by COVID-19, and is pleased to join the U.S. Attorney’s Office and other federal law enforcement agencies in establishing this partnership.” – James Ross, Special Agent in Charge, VA Office of Inspector General, South Central Field Office.
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 the National Center for Disaster Fraud Hotline at 1-866-720-5721 or via email at https://www.justice.gov/coronavirus/combattingpricegouginghoarding.
The Western District of Louisiana Coronavirus Fraud Coordinator, AUSA Seth Reeg, can be reached at: (318) 676-3600.
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U.S. Attorney Brady Announces More than $83 Million Available to Support School SafetyRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH – U.S. Attorney Scott Brady today announced that more than $83 million in Department of Justice grants is available to prevent and reduce school violence. These funding opportunities are available for school districts, state and local government and law enforcement agencies, non-profits, and public and state controlled higher education institutions to improve school security by providing students and teachers with the tools they need to recognize, respond quickly to, and help prevent acts of violence.
"Keeping students safe while at school is the first priority of every local government and school district," said U.S. Attorney Brady. "These funds provide the opportunity to increase and enhance school safety across western Pennsylvania. I encourage cities and school districts to take advantage of the critical support these grant funds provide."
"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, with another opening in the near future:
STOP Act School Violence Program (FY20)
https://nij.ojp.gov/funding/opportunities/nij-2020-17308
Total Available $71.4 million Deadline 4/13/2020
Research and Evaluation on School Safety
https://nij.ojp.gov/funding/opportunities/nij-2020-17308
Total Available $5 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.
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.
U.S. Attorney Andrew Birge Urges the Public to Continue Reporting Suspected COVID-19 FraudRead the Press Release
Birge says residents reporting internet and phone scams are like a "neighborhood watch" and his office is actively pursuing those leads
GRAND RAPIDS, MICHIGAN — U.S. Attorney Andrew Birge urged the public to continue reporting suspected fraud schemes related to COVID-19 (the Coronavirus) by calling the National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) hotline (1-866-720-5721) or to the NCDF e-mail address [email protected]. He also urged the public to continue reporting suspected price gouging to the Michigan Attorney General’s Office by calling 877-765-8388 or reporting online at www.michigan.gov/ag.
"My office is actively pursuing leads brought to our attention thanks to these hotlines. The scammers know we are home more and on our computers more, so they will try to take advantage. But that also means residents can be a very effective ‘neighborhood watch’ for phone and on-line schemes by reporting them."
The kinds of scams already getting reported locally or around the country include:
• Individuals and businesses selling cures, treatments or testing kits for COVID-19 that are fake.
• Robocalls offering valid COVID-19 healthcare products, like masks, for sale with no intent to deliver.
• Phishing emails from entities posing as the World Health Organization or the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
• Malicious websites and apps that appear to share Coronavirus-related information to gain and lock access to computer systems for ransom.
• Solicitations for donations fraudulently for illegitimate or non-existent charitable organizations.
• Medical providers obtaining patient information for COVID-19 testing and then using that information to fraudulently bill for other tests and procedures.
Even if a scam seems like it is run from somewhere outside of West Michigan, U.S. Attorney Birge says his office can help. "Federal law enforcement has a long reach," Birge reminded. The NCDF coordinates complaints with all U.S. Attorney’s offices and 16 additional federal law enforcement agencies, as well as state Attorneys General and local authorities. To find more about Department of Justice resources and information, please visit www.justice.gov/coronavirus.
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Two former Columbus vice officers arrested, charged with unlawful searches & seizures, double billing off-duty detailsRead the Press Release
COLUMBUS, Ohio – A federal grand jury has charged two former Columbus vice officers with conspiring to violate others’ civil rights and conspiring to commit wire fraud.
Steven G. Rosser, 43, of Delaware, and Whitney R. Lancaster, 57, of Columbus, were each arrested without incident this morning and appeared in federal court this afternoon. The indictment was returned on March 26 and unsealed at a 12:15pm initial appearance today.
Rosser was employed with the Columbus Division of Police for 19 years and assigned as a detective in CPD’s vice unit from April 2013 until October 2018.
Lancaster was employed with the Columbus Division of Police for 31 years. He was assigned as a detective in the vice unit from February 2016 until November 2018.
“The indictment alleges that these two former law enforcement officers abused their badges and deprived individuals of their Constitutional rights,” said U.S. Attorney David M. DeVillers. “We will root out any alleged bad actors acting under color of law and are grateful to the vast majority of officers who do the honorable work of protecting us and the Constitution.”
Nick’s Cabaret
According to the indictment, in March 2015, Rosser was involved in a physical fight with an individual at Nick’s Cabaret, a gentleman’s club on East Dublin Granville Road. Rosser allegedly represented that he was acting in the course and scope of his employment as a police officer during the fight and in the days that followed.
The indictment alleges that Rosser conspired with others to deprive the other participant in that fight of his civil rights by having him seized and searched without probable cause, in violation of the Fourth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution.
Based, in part, on a report that Rosser wrote regarding the fight, officers arrested that individual in April 2015, and he was detained at the Franklin County jail for approximately five days before the charges against him were ultimately dismissed.
The Dollhouse
The indictment also alleges that in April 2018, Rosser, Lancaster, and others conspired to deprive one of the owners of the Dollhouse, a gentleman’s club on Karl Court, of his civil rights by seizing and searching him and his vehicle without probable cause, again in violation of the Fourth Amendment.
Fort Rapids Indoor Waterpark Resort
Finally, the indictment alleges that both defendants conspired to commit wire fraud by routinely reporting false and fraudulent special duty hours.
Specifically, in January 2018, the Fort Rapids hotel, restaurant and indoor water-park complex on Corporate Drive in Columbus, suffered a fire-sprinkler break that led to extensive flooding. As a result, the Columbus Division of Fire ordered a 24-hour per day “fire watch” by qualified personnel to monitor the site for further damage and safety issues.
It is alleged that Rosser and Lancaster routinely reported to the Fort Rapids ownership group that they were working special duty during dates and times that they also reported they were on duty working their regular shifts as CPD officers. The two officers allegedly double-billed Fort Rapids and the Columbus Division of Police on 29 days between January and May 2018.
“The FBI and the Southern Ohio Public Corruption Task Force are committed to rooting out public corruption and working to ensure that those who abuse their law enforcement privileges are held accountable,” stated FBI Cincinnati Special Agent in Charge Chris Hoffman. “We will continue to work with our partners to protect the citizens of this community and uphold their Constitutional rights.”
“The Columbus Division of Police continues to advocate for police accountability and strongly supports today's arrests on corruption charges against these former officers by the FBI and the Public Corruption Task Force,” said Columbus Police Chief Thomas Quinlan. “I commend the dedication and effectiveness of the partnerships leading to today's arrests.”
“A cop’s authority is derived from citizens who trust them to keep the peace,” Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost said. “When one betrays that trust, we need to hold them accountable to defend the integrity of the good men and women who keep us safe.”
“Ohio's law enforcement units are the finest in the nation and any actions that diminish their standing in our communities must be pursued and prosecuted,” Auditor of State Keith Faber said. “I want to commend the work of all involved in this investigation and pledge our continued support as this case moves forward.”
Conspiracy to violate a person’s civil rights is punishable by up to 10 years in prison. Conspiracy to commit wire fraud carries a potential maximum sentence of 20 years in prison.
David M. DeVillers, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio; Chris Hoffman, Special Agent in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Cincinnati Division; Columbus Police Chief Thomas Quinlan; Franklin County Prosecutor Ron O’Brien; Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost; Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI) Superintendent Joseph Morbitzer; and Ohio Auditor of State Keith Faber announced the charges.
Assistant United States Attorneys Kevin W. Kelley, Noah R. Litton and Jessica H. Kim are representing the United States in this case. This case is being investigated by the FBI’s Southern Ohio Public Corruption Task Force, which includes special agents and officers from the FBI, Ohio Attorney General’s BCI, the Ohio Auditor of State’s Office and the Columbus Division of Police.
An indictment merely contains allegations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.
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Three Men Charged with 2011 Murder of Joshua RubinRead the Press Release
Geoffrey S. Berman, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, William F. Sweeney Jr., the Assistant Director-in-Charge of the New York Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (“FBI”), and Dermot Shea, Commissioner of the New York City Police Department (“NYPD”), announced today the unsealing of an indictment charging KEVIN TAYLOR, GARY ROBLES, and MICHAEL MAZUR with the October 31, 2011, murder of Joshua Rubin in Brooklyn, New York. All three defendants were arrested today and will be presented this afternoon before United States Magistrate Judge Ona T. Wang. The case is assigned to United States District Judge Laura Taylor Swain.
U.S. Attorney Geoffrey S. Berman said: “Over eight years ago, Joshua Rubin’s life was taken. As alleged in the Indictment, these defendants were responsible for that terrible crime. Now, thanks to the determination of our law enforcement partners and the Special Agents of our Office, the defendants are charged in federal court with murder.”
FBI Assistant Director-in-Charge William F. Sweeney Jr. said: “After years of wondering what led to Mr. Rubin disappearing from his Brooklyn neighborhood, and his body being found in rural Pennsylvania, his family and the community may finally get some answers. The passage of time makes cold cases difficult, but the people who committed the crimes are still out there, and they will be held accountable. I want to commend agents and detectives on the FBI New York Joint Violent Crimes Task Force and the NYPD Cold Case Homicide Unit for never giving up, and never forgetting the victim deserves justice.”
NYPD Commissioner Dermot Shea said: “When a life is violently taken, law enforcement is there to speak for the voiceless. From the moment of Joshua Rubin’s disappearance and murder, in 2011, our NYPD investigators and federal and local law enforcement partners never stopped working to bring justice for him and all who knew him.”
As alleged in the Indictment[[1]] unsealed today in Manhattan federal court:
On October 31, 2011, TAYLOR, ROBLES, and MAZUR robbed Rubin of marijuana in the vicinity of 1021 McDonald Avenue, Brooklyn, New York, and in the course of that robbery Rubin was shot and killed.
* * *
TAYLOR, 27, ROBLES, 37, and MAZUR, 26, are each charged with murder through the use of a firearm, which carries a maximum penalty of death or life in prison and a mandatory minimum sentence of five years in prison.
The maximum potential sentence in this case is prescribed by Congress and is provided here for information purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendants will be determined by the judge.
Mr. Berman praised the outstanding work of the FBI, NYPD, and the Special Agents of the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York. He also thanked the Lehigh County District Attorney’s Office, the Pennsylvania State Police, and the South Whitehall Township Police Department for their assistance in the investigation.
The case is being prosecuted by the Office’s Violent and Organized Crime Unit. Assistant United States Attorneys Alexandra Rothman, Mollie Bracewell, and Dominic A. Gentile are in charge of the prosecution.
The charges contained in the Indictment are merely accusations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
[1] As the introductory phrase signifies, the entirety of the text of the Indictment and the description of the Indictment set forth herein constitute only allegations and every fact described should be treated as an allegation.
Texas Man Charged with Engaging in Nationwide Warranty Fraud Scheme Targeting Cisco Systems, Amazon.com, and Others and Stealing More Than $3M in MerchandiseRead the Press Release
PHILADELPHIA – United States Attorney William M. McSwain announced that Vaughn Simon, 27, of Pearland, TX, was charged today by Information with 22 counts of mail fraud, eight counts of wire fraud, two counts of filing a false tax return, and one count of tax evasion.
The Information alleges that the defendant perpetrated a scheme to defraud Cisco Systems Inc. (“Cisco”), the Neat Company (“Neat”), iRobot Corporation (“iRobot”), APC by Schneider Electric (“APC”), Amazon.com (“Amazon”), and other companies by engaging in a sophisticated warranty fraud scheme. The charges state that the defendant and his co-schemers obtained serial numbers to products sold or manufactured by Cisco, Neat, iRobot, and APC. They allegedly proceeded to register false domain names, obtain false email addresses, and submit false warranty claims, pretending to own products sold or manufactured by these companies that they claimed were not working. The Information alleges that the defendant provided customer service representatives with descriptions of the non-existent defects that he knew they could not solve by troubleshooting and would require replacement with new products. Cisco, Neat, iRobot, and APC then shipped the replacement products to the defendant and his co-schemers, which they promptly sold via eBay, on Amazon, or through computer resellers.
The Information further alleges that the defendant and his co-schemers defrauded Amazon by using false identities, domain names, email addresses, and mailing addresses to order products that they falsely claimed never arrived or arrived broken, thereby inducing Amazon to repeatedly send replacement products. The defendant and his co-schemers then allegedly sold the products obtained in this manner via eBay.
All told, the Information alleges that the defendant and his co-schemers attempted to obtain more than $5,000,000 worth of products from the victim companies, and successfully obtained more than $3,000,000 worth of Cisco products, as well as products worth thousands of dollars from other victim companies.
The charges also allege that the defendant filed false tax returns for tax years 2014 and 2016 in which he underreported his income by approximately $95,000 and $212,000, respectively, and evaded the payment of any income tax on the income he earned from his fraud for tax year 2015 by, among other things, failing to file a return, storing his fraud proceeds in bank accounts and PayPal accounts in the names of co-schemers, storing cash at his residence, paying his personal living expenses with cash, and using false email addresses, false domain names, prepaid gift cards, and false identities to conceal his involvement in the fraud scheme.
The defendant faces a maximum sentence of 821 years’ incarceration, a five-year period of supervised release, and a fine of $8,250,000.
“As alleged, Simon committed a sophisticated warranty fraud scheme in order to steal millions of dollars of merchandise,” said U.S. Attorney McSwain. “Consumer warranties are designed to make honest consumers whole, not to provide a means for fraudsters to line their pockets. We will work tirelessly to investigate and punish this kind of disregard for the law.”
“Companies offer warranties in an effort to do right by their customers,” said Michael J. Driscoll, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI's Philadelphia Division. “Taking advantage of those programs to score millions of dollars’ worth of free merchandise is nothing more than fraud. Anyone engaged in a scheme like this should know that the FBI will be more than happy to step in, shut it down, and hold you accountable.”
“Mr. Simon’s failure to report all of his income is unlawful,” said IRS Criminal Investigation Acting Special Agent in Charge Michael Montanez. “The American people can rest assured that IRS-CI works vigorously to enforce our nation’s tax laws; ensuring that everyone is playing by the rules and paying the taxes they owe.”
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation Division, and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Michael S. Lowe.
An Indictment, Information, or Criminal Complaint is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
South Georgia Prosecutor Takes Oath as Special AUSA in Effort to Fight CrimeRead the Press Release
VALDOSTA, Ga. – A member of the Valdosta Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) Task Force, Alapaha Judicial Circuit Assistant District Attorney Rebekah Ditto, was sworn in as a Special Assistant U.S. Attorney in an effort to strengthen the task force’s ability to prosecute violent crime with even greater success, said Charles “Charlie” Peeler, the United States Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia. The swearing-in occurred on Wednesday, March 25, 2020 and was conducted remotely by phone due to social distancing restrictions in place since the outbreak of Coronavirus (COVID-19). Ms. Ditto is a graduate of the University of Georgia and Vermont Law School. Since 2013, she has served as an Assistant District Attorney in the Alapaha Judicial Circuit, which encompasses Atkinson, Berrien, Clinch, Cook and Lanier counties. Ms. Ditto currently serves as the Chief Assistant District Attorney for the Alapaha Judicial Circuit.
PSN is the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime. PSN is a priority for the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Georgia, with the criminal division establishing PSN task forces in areas with the highest violent crime rates across the District. PSN Task Forces are operating in Valdosta, Albany, Columbus and Macon, comprised of members of law enforcement, as well as federal and state prosecutors.
“Under PSN, we work with our law enforcement partners to prosecute the most violent individuals in our communities in the most appropriate court system, whether it be state or federal, with the single objective to remove dangerous criminals from the street for as long as possible,” said U.S. Attorney Charlie Peeler. “Ms. Ditto serving as a Special Assistant U.S. Attorney amplifies this effort in the South Georgia community, allowing even more efficient and effective prosecutions of the most violent defendants. I want to thank Alapaha Judicial Circuit District Attorney Dick Perryman for his continued partnership as we collectively work to make South Georgia safer.”
Questions can be directed to Pamela Lightsey, Public Information Officer, United States Attorney’s Office, at (478) 621-2603 or Melissa Hodges, Public Affairs Director (Contractor), United States Attorney’s Office, at (478) 765-2362.
Puyallup, Washington repeat offender charged federally with being a felon in possession of a firearmRead the Press Release
Tacoma – A 25- year-old Puyallup resident who has long associations with a Lakewood, Washington street gang, made his initial appearance March 30, 2020 in U.S. District Court in Tacoma on two counts of being a felon in possession of firearms. DESHAWN WEST was ordered detained at the Federal Detention Center at Sea-Tac. WEST had been in state custody since his arrest on February 14, 2020.
According to the criminal complaint, WEST, an aspiring rapper, posted multiple pictures on social media showing him holding firearms. Some of the guns had extended magazines and one appeared to be modified for rapid fire. On October 1, 2019, WEST was arrested near Big Sandy, Montana for failing to comply with the terms of his Washington State Department of Corrections probation. In the vehicle with WEST was a firearm that appeared to match one WEST was holding in various social media videos. At the time WEST’s girlfriend claimed the firearm belonged to her.
On February 12, 2020, WEST again posted videos to social media showing him holding firearms. On February 14, 2020, members of the FBI’s South Sound Gang Task Force served a search warrant on WEST’s Puyallup residence. WEST was taken into custody without incident, and in the apartment law enforcement located two firearms, extended magazines and ammunition.
WEST is prohibited from possession firearms due to felony convictions including assault and being a felon in possession of a firearm (2014) and assault (2018).
Being a felon in possession of a firearm is punishable by up to ten years in prison.
The charges contained in the criminal complaint are only allegations. A person is presumed innocent unless and until he or she is proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
The case is being investigated by the FBI’s South Sound Gang Task Force in close coordination with the Pierce County Sheriff's Office, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) and the Washington State Department of Corrections.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jessica Manca.
Pittsburgh Man Charged with Possession of Cocaine with Intent to DistributeRead the Press Release
NEWARK, N.J. – A Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, man has been charged with possession of cocaine with the intent to distribute it, U.S. Attorney Craig Carpenito announced today.
Kenswick Austin, 45, is charged by complaint with one count of possession with intent to distribute at least 500 grams of cocaine. He was arrested March 30, 2020, and appeared today by teleconference before U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael A. Hammer of Newark federal court. Austin was released on $100,000 unsecured bond.
According to the documents filed in this case and statements made in court:
Between March 13, 2020, and March 28, 2020, Austin participated in multiple meetings and telephone calls to arrange the shipment of a package containing controlled substances into New Jersey. On March 30, 2020, the package arrived at an agreed-upon location, and Austin accompanied several other individuals to take possession of the package. After a trained narcotics detection canine alerted to the presence of narcotics within a vehicle containing the package and within the package itself, law enforcement searched the vehicle and package pursuant to a federal search warrant and found approximately two kilograms of a substance that field-tested positive for cocaine.
The charge of possession with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine carries a minimum sentence of five years and a maximum of 40 years in prison, and a $5 million fine.
U.S. Attorney Carpenito credited special agents and task force officers of the Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Brian Michael, with the investigation leading to the charges. He also thanked the Bound Brook, New Jersey, Police Department, under the direction of Chief of Police Vito Bet, for assistance in the investigation.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarah A. Sulkowski of the Cybercrime Unit of the U.S. Attorney’s Office’s Criminal Division in Newark.
The charges and allegations in the complaint are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Parent Sentenced to Prison in College Admissions CaseRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A California woman was sentenced today for agreeing to pay more than $500,000 to participate in the college admissions scheme for her two children.
Elizabeth Henriquez, 57, of Atherton, Calif., was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Nathaniel M. Gorton to seven months in prison, two years of supervised release and ordered to pay a fine of $200,000. She was also ordered to conduct 300 hours of community service. Henriquez must self-surrender to the Bureau of Prisons on June 30, 2020.
In October 2019, Henriquez pleaded guilty to an indictment charging her with one count of conspiracy to commit mail and wire fraud and honest services mail and wire fraud and one count of conspiracy to commit money laundering.
Beginning in 2015, Henriquez conspired with William “Rick” Singer and others to secure her children’s admission to selective colleges and universities through bribery and fraud. In June 2015, Henriquez paid Singer to have a corrupt proctor correct her older daughter’s answers on the SAT II subject tests. In October 2015, Henriquez again paid Singer to have a third party correct her older daughter’s answer on the SAT exam. Henriquez also pursued exam cheating through Singer on three additional occasions in 2016 and 2017, once in Houston, Texas and twice in Los Angeles, California.
Henriquez also paid Singer $400,000 to facilitate her daughter’s admission to Georgetown University as a purported tennis recruit, even though she did not play tennis competitively. Henriquez understood that the payment, structured as a donation to Singer’s purported charitable organization, would be passed on to the university’s tennis program in exchange for the complicit coach’s agreement to recruit her daughter based on fabricated tennis credentials. After Henriquez’s daughter was admitted to Georgetown, Singer instead paid a portion of the $400,000 to the tennis coach for his personal use.
Case information, including the status of each defendant, charging documents and plea agreements are available here: https://www.justice.gov/usao-ma/investigations-college-admissions-and-testing-bribery-scheme.
United States Attorney Andrew E. Lelling; Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Field Division; and Kristina O’Connell, Special Agent in Charge of the Internal Revenue Service’s Criminal Investigations in Boston, made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Eric S. Rosen, Justin D. O’Connell, Leslie A. Wright and Kristen A. Kearney of Lelling’s Securities and Financial Fraud Unit are prosecuting the cases.
The details contained in the court documents are allegations and the remaining defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
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North Carolina Nail Salon Owner Charged with Forced Labor of an EmployeeRead the Press Release
Defendant Thuy Tien Luong, 36, was charged on March 3, 2020, in an indictment with one count of forced labor, announced Assistant Attorney General Eric Dreiband for Civil Rights and U.S. Attorney R. Andrew Murray for the Western District of North Carolina.
According to the allegations set forth in the indictment, between late 2017 and June 26, 2018, the defendant forced the victim, whom she employed as a nail technician, to provide labor and services at her salon by means of force and threats of force to the victim. The indictment further alleges that the defendant obtained the victim’s services through means of serious harm and threats of serious harm, means of abuse and threatened abuse of law and legal process, and by means of a scheme, plan and pattern to cause the victim to believe that if she did not perform such labor and services, she would suffer serious harm.
“Human trafficking is our generation’s form of physical and psychological captivity. It is modern day slavery. These vile acts involve fundamental violations of our rights and the perpetrators must be stopped,” said Eric Dreiband, Assistant Attorney General for Civil Rights.
“Forced labor deprives victims their basic human rights and strips away their dignity. Labor trafficking schemes are deplorable and do not have place in modern society. My office remains committed to combatting all forms of human trafficking and holding perpetrators accountable for their criminal actions,” said U.S. Attorney Murray.
“Traffickers treat human beings as commodities. They use force, fraud or coercion to prey on people’s vulnerabilities,” said Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Charlotte Special Agent in Charge Ronnie Martinez. “HSI special agents will continue to focus their efforts on eradicating this heinous crime; no one should be subject to human trafficking.”
An indictment is merely an accusation, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless proven guilty. If convicted of forced labor, the defendant faces a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, as well a mandatory restitution.
The case is being investigated by the Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations with assistance from the Davidson Police Department and Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Kimlani M. Ford for the Western District of North Carolina and Trial Attorney Maryam Zhuravitsky for the Civil Rights Division’s Human Trafficking Prosecution Unit.
New Britain Optician Group Pays More Than $263K to Resolve False Claims AllegationsRead the Press Release
U.S. Attorney John H. Durham and Connecticut Attorney General William Tong today announced that YOUR EYES OF NEW BRITAIN, INC., and its owner, CAROL SANDERSON, have entered into a civil settlement with the federal and state governments in which they will pay more than $263,000 to resolve allegations that they violated the federal and state False Claims Acts.
Your Eyes of New Britain, Inc. (“Your Eyes”) is an optician group located on East Main Street in New Britain. The allegations against Your Eyes and Sanderson arise out of improper billing for optical services. The government alleges that Your Eyes and Sanderson improperly submitted claims to Medicaid when dispensing new pairs of glasses by billing for both an initial fitting and for a repair. Instead of providing repair services, Your Eyes and Sanderson were providing final adjustments to the glasses, which was a service included in the initial fitting. The U.S. and the State of Connecticut contend that these claims for repairs, or final adjustments, constituted false claims submitted to the Medicaid program.
To resolve the allegations under the federal and state False Claims Acts, Your Eyes and Sanderson have agreed to pay $263,488.50 to the federal and state governments for conduct occurring between January 1, 2014, and April 30, 2019.
This matter was investigated by the Office of the Inspector General for the Department of Health and Human Services, and the Connecticut Office of the Attorney General. This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Sara Kaczmarek, and by Assistant Attorney General Gregory O’Connell of the Attorney General’s Office.
People who suspect health care fraud are encouraged to report it by calling 1-800-HHS-TIPS or the Health Care Task Force at (203) 777-6311.
More than $163 Million Available to Fight Addiction CrisisRead the Press Release
PROVIDENCE – U.S. Attorney Aaron L. Weisman 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 (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.”
“Day in and day out, our law enforcement partners and prosecutors are hard at work investigating, arresting, and prosecuting those who flood our streets with the poison that is killing so many of our neighbors, friends, and family members,” said United States Attorney Arron L. Weisman. “But it is the tireless work of our many community-based organizations that are making the real difference when it comes to providing help and resources to the victims of addiction. I strongly encourage these providers and organizations to review these funding opportunities.”
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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Indiana Man Charged with Traveling to Tennessee to Have Sex with a 13-Year-Old ChildRead the Press Release
Knoxville, Tenn. – Aungsun Naywin, 31, of Fort Wayne, Indiana, has been charged in the U. S. District Court for the Eastern District of Tennessee with traveling from Indiana to East Tennessee for the purpose of having sex with a 13-year-old girl on March 21, 2020. Naywin was charged in a criminal complaint in case number 3:20-MJ 1052, which is supported by an affidavit on file with the Clerk of Court.
The affidavit alleges that Naywin met the young girl on Snapchat and, after learning the girl was a minor, arranged a sexual encounter with her. The affidavit alleges that he drove from Indiana to Morgan County, Tennessee, where he picked up the girl, took her to a remote location, and raped her in the van he was driving.
The case is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, with assistance from the Morgan and Anderson County Sheriff offices. Assistant U. S. Attorney Jennifer Kolman represents the United States.
If convicted, Naywin faces a term of imprisonment of not less than 10 years and up to life. The public is reminded that all persons accused of a crime are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, 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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Former Medical Employees Plead Guilty to Prescription Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
ALEXANDRIA, Va. – Two women pleaded guilty yesterday for their respective roles in helping run a “pill mill,” which led to the fraudulent dispensing of thousands of prescription opioid pills.
According to court documents and statements made in court, Kimberly Lancaster, 41, of Haymarket, was the office manager, and Susan Alcantara, 29, of Leesburg, was a medical assistant at an addiction/pain treatment clinic and an OB/GYN practice (“The Medical Practices”), which both operated in the same location in Northern Virginia. From at least June 2018 through June 2019, both Lancaster and Alcantara assisted a physician in operating a prescription “pill mill” at which so-called “patients,” many of whom were actually cash-paying customers, could obtain medically unnecessary prescriptions.
Lancaster, despite having no medical qualifications or training, often provided medical advice to the physician regarding the dispensing of prescription medications to individuals who were not patients of the physician. Lancaster also falsified medical records on behalf of the physician to make it appear as though patients and individuals who were never patients of The Medical Practices received medical examinations when in fact they had not. The physician often paid Lancaster for her services through the issuance of opioid prescriptions. Alcantara filled fraudulent prescriptions for opioid medications in her name and the names of at least four unwitting individuals at various pharmacies in Northern Virginia. Despite being aware of Alcantara’s opioid addiction, the physician provided many of the fraudulent prescriptions to Alcantara that were written in the names of unwitting individuals that the physician had never medically examined.
Lancaster and Alcantara’s participation in the prescription fraud scheme led to the fraudulent filling and dispensing of thousands of prescription opioid pills at pharmacies in Northern Virginia. Lancaster and Alcantara’s actions also caused the Medicaid health care benefit program to pay for fraudulently dispensed prescription opioids.
Lancaster pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute and dispense controlled substances outside the usual course of professional practice and without a legitimate medical purpose, and prescription fraud. She faces a maximum penalty of 24 years in prison when sentenced on July 31.
Alcantara pleaded guilty to prescription fraud and false statements related to a health care matter. She faces a maximum penalty of 9 years in prison when sentenced on July 31.
Actual sentences for federal crimes are typically less than the maximum penalties. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after taking into account the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
G. Zachary Terwilliger, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia; Kevin Vorndran, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the FBI's Washington Field Criminal Division; and Maureen Dixon, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG), made the announcement after U.S. District Judge Leonie M. Brinkema accepted the pleas. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Raj Parekh and Monika Moore are prosecuting the cases.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. Related court documents and information is located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case Nos. 1:20-cr-61 and 81.
Finance of America Reverse Agrees to Pay $2.47 Million to Resolve Alleged Liability for FHA-Insured Reverse Mortgage Lending ViolationsRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Today, the Department of Justice announced that Finance of America Reverse (FAR) has agreed to pay the United States $2.47 million to resolve allegations that, a predecessor entity, Urban Financial Group Inc. (Urban Financial), violated the False Claims Act (FCA) by knowingly originating and underwriting hundreds of Home Equity Conversion Mortgage (HECM) loans insured by the Federal Housing Administration (FHA) that did not meet critical Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) requirements.
FAR will pay $1.97 million to resolve FCA claims and an additional $500,000 to HUD to resolve its administrative liability. FAR is a mortgage lender based in Tulsa, Oklahoma that acquired Urban Financial Group Inc., in November of 2013.
“The Department is committed to working with HUD to protect vital lending programs such as the FHA’s HECM program,” said Assistant Attorney General Jody Hunt of the Department of Justice’s Civil Division. “We will hold accountable those FHA lenders that knowingly and materially fail to abide by their promises to HUD.”
“Companies participating in federal programs must operate with honor and integrity,” said U.S. Attorney Timothy J. Shea of the District of Columbia. “This settlement sends a clear message that we will not tolerate fraud against programs designed to financially help our nation’s seniors.”
“FHA and the taxpayers rely on lenders to originate HECM loans with integrity,” said Inspector General Rae Oliver Davis, U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. “HUD OIG will continue to work with HUD and our law enforcement partners to ensure that FHA lenders are not engaged in unlawful practices that increase losses to HUD’s insurance funds and threaten the viability of HUD’s mortgage programs.”
The FHA, a component of HUD, offers numerous mortgage insurance programs intended to help build and sustain strong communities across America. The HECM program is a reverse mortgage program specifically for senior homeowners who are 62 and older. The program allows seniors to withdraw some of the equity in their homes so that they can supplement their incomes and age in place. Seniors enter into mortgage agreements with a lender that are insured against loss by the FHA. The program relies heavily on lenders using reliable and accurate appraisals to approve loans for FHA’s mortgage insurance.
The settlement announced today resolves allegations that, when Urban Financial ordered appraisals for HECM loans prior to May 1, 2010, it used a form that provided appraisers with the loan amount and otherwise improperly communicated certain information to them in an attempt to influence the appraised value, in violation of FHA requirements.
This matter was investigated by the Commercial Litigation Branch of the Department of Justice’s Civil Division, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia, HUD, and HUD’s Office of Inspector General. The claims asserted against the defendant are allegations only, and there has been no determination of liability.
Finance of America Reverse Agrees to Pay $2.47 Million to Resolve Alleged Liability for FHA-Insured Reverse Mortgage Lending ViolationsRead the Press Release
Today, the Department of Justice announced that Finance of America Reverse (FAR) has agreed to pay the United States $2.47 million to resolve allegations that a predecessor entity, Urban Financial Group Inc. (Urban Financial), violated the False Claims Act (FCA) by knowingly originating and underwriting hundreds of Home Equity Conversion Mortgage (HECM) loans insured by the Federal Housing Administration (FHA) that did not meet critical U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) requirements.
FAR will pay $1.97 million to resolve FCA claims and an additional $500,000 to HUD to resolve its administrative liability. FAR is a mortgage lender based in Tulsa, Oklahoma, that acquired Urban Financial Group Inc. in November of 2013.
“The department is committed to working with HUD to protect vital lending programs such as the FHA’s HECM program,” said Assistant Attorney General Jody Hunt of the Department of Justice’s Civil Division. “We will hold accountable those FHA lenders that knowingly and materially fail to abide by their promises to HUD.”
“Companies participating in federal programs must operate with honor and integrity,” said U.S. Attorney Timothy J. Shea of the District of Columbia. “This settlement sends a clear message that we will not tolerate fraud against programs designed to financially help our nation’s seniors.”
“FHA and the taxpayers rely on lenders to originate HECM loans with integrity,” said Inspector General Rae Oliver Davis, U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. “HUD OIG will continue to work with HUD and our law enforcement partners to ensure that FHA lenders are not engaged in unlawful practices that increase losses to HUD’s insurance funds and threaten the viability of HUD’s mortgage programs.”
The FHA, a component of HUD, offers numerous mortgage insurance programs intended to help build and sustain strong communities across America. The HECM program is a reverse mortgage program specifically for senior homeowners who are 62 and older. The program allows seniors to withdraw some of the equity in their homes so that they can supplement their incomes and age in place. Seniors enter into mortgage agreements with a lender that are insured against loss by the FHA. The program relies heavily on lenders using reliable and accurate appraisals to approve loans for FHA’s mortgage insurance.
The settlement announced today resolves allegations that Urban Financial, when it ordered appraisals for HECM loans prior to May 1, 2010, used a form that provided appraisers with the loan amount and otherwise improperly communicated certain information to them in an attempt to influence the appraised value, in violation of FHA requirements.
This matter was investigated by the Commercial Litigation Branch of the Department of Justice’s Civil Division, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia, HUD, and HUD’s Office of Inspector General. The claims asserted against the defendant are allegations only, and there has been no determination of liability.
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.
Federal and State Officials Launch West Virginia Coronavirus Fraud Task ForceRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – United States Attorney Mike Stuart for the Southern District of West Virginia, United States Attorney Bill Powell for the Northern District of West Virginia and West Virginia Attorney General Patrick Morrisey today announced the formation of the West Virginia Coronavirus Fraud Task Force to identify, investigate and prosecute fraud related to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.
The West Virginia Coronavirus Fraud Task Force is a joint federal and state partnership that will be led by Assistant United States Attorneys from both the Southern and Northern Districts of West Virginia, and a Deputy West Virginia Attorney General, in partnership with experienced fraud investigators from the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), the Internal Revenue Service (IRS)-Criminal Investigation, the West Virginia State Police and the West Virginia Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Division.
“West Virginians always band together in times of need and times of crisis,” said United States Attorney Mike Stuart. “My fellow U.S. Attorney Bill Powell, West Virginia Attorney General Patrick Morrisey and our federal and state law enforcement partners have joined me in forming this statewide task force to protect West Virginians from fraudsters attempting to exploit a national crisis for personal gain. There’s nothing more despicable. We will use every tool available to us at the federal and state levels to ensure the safety of our citizens and the safety of their wallets during this crisis.”
“Though we are not a big state, when our citizens are preyed upon, Mountaineer pride and determination assure that we will stand together like no other. I stand with my colleagues U.S. Attorney Mike Stuart, West Virginia Attorney General Patrick Morrisey, and our law enforcement partners in promising aggressive pursuit of those taking advantage of our citizens during the current public health crisis. We will devote all necessary resources,” said Powell.
“Since the Governor’s declaration, our Consumer Protection Division and its investigators have fielded hundreds of reports from those faced with price gouging, landlord-tenant issues and vacation/event cancellations,” West Virginia Attorney General Patrick Morrisey said. “The Consumer Protection Division has already sent multiple warning letters to businesses on enforcement matters. These are unparalleled times in which we live, and that’s why I am honored to join forces with U.S. Attorneys Bill Powell and Mike Stuart, as together, by combining the investigative and civil enforcement powers of the state Attorney General’s Office with the criminal prosecutorial authority of the federal government, our state is very well positioned to protect its citizens in this time of peril.”
"The FBI is committed to keeping West Virginians safe from scams associated with the COVID-19 pandemic," said FBI Pittsburgh Acting Special Agent in Charge Eugene Kowel.
"Scammers often prey on anxiety and fear. Right now, those cyber criminals perceive a large percentage of the population to be vulnerable. Rest assured, the FBI is fully committed to addressing criminal activity during this unprecedented time. We will work closely with our federal, state and local partners to ensure fraudsters don’t take advantage of people’s fears for their own selfish gains.”
“HSI stands alongside our law enforcement partners in our commitment to investigating the shameful crimes perpetrated by individuals taking advantage of the public in this time of uncertainty and fear,” said Raymond Villanueva, HSI Special Agent in Charge for Washington, D.C., Virginia, and West Virginia.
“Unfortunately, scammers see times of crisis as an opportunity to prey on those most vulnerable in our communities,” said IRS-CI Special Agent in Charge Kelly Jackson. “I want the citizens of West Virginia to know the IRS will NOT ask you to verify your personal information or to sign up for anything in order to receive your payments related to COVID-19. Please stay vigilant, you worked hard for your money, don’t let scammers take it from you by falling victim to their frauds.”
The task force will review and investigate all credible leads of fraud associated with the coronavirus pandemic, regardless of the loss amount, focusing on schemes to exploit vulnerable populations, including the elderly, and concerned citizens. Federal prosecutors from the Southern and Northern Districts of West Virginia, and attorneys from the West Virginia Attorney General’s Office will meet and confer with their agency counterparts from the FBI, HSI, IRS-CI, West Virginia State Police and the state’s Consumer Protection Division on a regular basis to prioritize cases and surge resources where needed. Assistant United States Attorney Erik Goes in the Southern District of West Virginia and Assistant United States Attorney Andrew Cogar in the Northern District of West Virginia and West Virginia Deputy Attorney General / Consumer Protection and Antitrust Division Director Ann Haight will be spearheading the efforts of the task force.
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.
• 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.
• Price Gouging scams: Individuals and businesses may sell essential goods, like hand sanitizer, for significantly higher prices than in a non-emergency setting. It is legally considered price gouging when the price of one of these products increases more than 10 percent its price in effect 10 days prior to an emergency declaration.
To report suspicious activity regarding the COVID-19 virus, residents are asked to call the National Center for Disaster Fraud Hotline at 1-866-720-5721 or email at [email protected].
To report fraud directly to the FBI, please visit their website at https://www.ic3.gov/default.aspx.
Any West Virginia consumer wishing to report scams, price gouging or other matters by which bad actors may try to take advantage of consumers during the COVID-19 pandemic, can call the state’s Consumer Protection Hotline at 1-800-368-8808. Written complaints can be filed at www.wvago.gov.Don’t be a victim! Visit www.irs.gov for the latest information on new scams and schemes!
Citizens can also call HSI’s general tip-line at 1-866-DHS-2-ICE or email the agency’s Intellectual Property Rights Center at [email protected].
For more information on COVID-19, please go to: www.justice.gov/coronavirus.
Federal and State Officials Launch West Virginia Coronavirus Fraud Task ForceRead the Press Release
Stuart, Powell and Morrisey Partner to Protect West Virginians
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – United States Attorney Mike Stuart for the Southern District of West Virginia, United States Attorney Bill Powell for the Northern District of West Virginia and West Virginia Attorney General Patrick Morrisey today announced the formation of the West Virginia Coronavirus Fraud Task Force to identify, investigate and prosecute fraud related to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.
The West Virginia Coronavirus Fraud Task Force is a joint federal and state partnership that will be led by Assistant United States Attorneys from both the Southern and Northern Districts of West Virginia, and a Deputy West Virginia Attorney General, in partnership with experienced fraud investigators from the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), the Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI), the West Virginia State Police and the West Virginia Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Division.
“West Virginians always band together in times of need and times of crisis,” said United States Attorney Mike Stuart. “My fellow U.S. Attorney Bill Powell, West Virginia Attorney General Patrick Morrisey and our federal and state law enforcement partners have joined me in forming this statewide task force to protect West Virginians from fraudsters attempting to exploit a national crisis for personal gain. There’s nothing more despicable. We will use every tool available to us at the federal and state levels to ensure the safety of our citizens and the safety of their wallets during this crisis.”
“Though we are not a big state, when our citizens are preyed upon, Mountaineer pride and determination assure that we will stand together like no other. I stand with my colleagues U.S. Attorney Mike Stuart, West Virginia Attorney General Patrick Morrisey, and our law enforcement partners in promising aggressive pursuit of those taking advantage of our citizens during the current public health crisis. We will devote all necessary resources,” said Powell.
“Since the Governor’s declaration, our Consumer Protection Division and its investigators have fielded hundreds of reports from those faced with price gouging, landlord-tenant issues and vacation/event cancellations,” West Virginia Attorney General Patrick Morrisey said. “The Consumer Protection Division has already sent multiple warning letters to businesses on enforcement matters. These are unparalleled times in which we live, and that’s why I am honored to join forces with U.S. Attorneys Bill Powell and Mike Stuart, as together, by combining the investigative and civil enforcement powers of the state Attorney General’s Office with the criminal prosecutorial authority of the federal government, our state is very well positioned to protect its citizens in this time of peril.”
"The FBI is committed to keeping West Virginians safe from scams associated with the COVID-19 pandemic," said FBI Pittsburgh Acting Special Agent in Charge Eugene Kowel. "Scammers often prey on anxiety and fear. Right now, those cyber criminals perceive a large percentage of the population to be vulnerable. Rest assured, the FBI is fully committed to addressing criminal activity during this unprecedented time. We will work closely with our federal, state and local partners to ensure fraudsters don’t take advantage of people’s fears for their own selfish gains.”
“HSI stands alongside our law enforcement partners in our commitment to investigating the shameful crimes perpetrated by individuals taking advantage of the public in this time of uncertainty and fear,” said Raymond Villanueva, HSI Special Agent in Charge for Washington, D.C., Virginia, and West Virginia.
“Unfortunately, scammers see times of crisis as an opportunity to prey on those most vulnerable in our communities; IRS-CI will work with our law enforcement partners to hold these scammers accountable,” said IRS-CI Special Agent in Charge Kelly Jackson. “I want the citizens of West Virginia to know IRS will NOT call you, email you, ask you to verify your personal information or to sign up for anything in order to receive your COVID-19 economic impact payment. Please stay vigilant, you worked hard for your money, don’t let scammers take it from you by falling victim to their frauds.”
The task force will review and investigate all credible leads of fraud associated with the coronavirus pandemic, regardless of the loss amount, focusing on schemes to exploit vulnerable populations, including the elderly, and concerned citizens. Federal prosecutors from the Southern and Northern Districts of West Virginia, and attorneys from the West Virginia Attorney General’s Office will meet and confer with their agency counterparts from the FBI, HSI, IRS-CI, West Virginia State Police and the state’s Consumer Protection Division on a regular basis to prioritize cases and surge resources where needed. Assistant United States Attorney Erik Goes in the Southern District of West Virginia and Assistant United States Attorney Andrew Cogar in the Northern District of West Virginia and West Virginia Deputy Attorney General / Consumer Protection and Antitrust Division Director Ann Haight will be spearheading the efforts of the task force.
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.
• 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.
• Price Gouging scams: Individuals and businesses may sell essential goods, like hand sanitizer, for significantly higher prices than in a non-emergency setting. It is legally considered price gouging when the price of one of these products increases more than 10 percent its price in effect 10 days prior to an emergency declaration.
To report suspicious activity regarding the COVID-19 virus, residents are asked to call the National Center for Disaster Fraud Hotline at 1-866-720-5721 or email at [email protected].
To report fraud directly to the FBI, please visit their website at https://www.ic3.gov/default.aspx.
Any West Virginia consumer wishing to report scams, price gouging or other matters by which bad actors may try to take advantage of consumers during the COVID-19 pandemic, can call the state’s Consumer Protection Hotline at 1-800-368-8808. Written complaints can be filed at www.wvago.gov.
Don’t be a victim! Visit www.irs.gov for the latest information on new scams and schemes!
Citizens can also call HSI’s general tip-line at 1-866-DHS-2-ICE or email the agency’s Intellectual Property Rights Center at [email protected].
For more information on COVID-19, please go to: www.justice.gov/coronavirus.
Follow us on Twitter: SDWVNews and USAttyStuart
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Executive Office for Immigration Review Proposes Interim Final Rule to Add Two Members to Board of Immigration AppealsRead the Press Release
FALLS CHURCH, VA – The Executive Office for Immigration Review (EOIR) submitted to the Federal Register for publication an interim final rule with a request for comments that is now available for public inspection and is expected to publish in tomorrow’s Federal Register. The interim rule amends Department of Justice regulations relating to the organization of the Board of Immigration Appeals (BIA) by expanding the number of Board members from 21 to 23. The proposed expansion will more efficiently accomplish EOIR’s commitment to promptly decide a large volume of cases, as well as review a large quantity of appeals of those cases. Written comments regarding the interim rule will be considered if submitted per the instructions in the publication.
The timely and impartial adjudication of cases is the highest priority for EOIR, and EOIR requires additional Board members to manage the agency’s growing caseload. The pending caseload at the BIA essentially doubled from FY 2018 to FY 2019, from 35,503 to 70,183. Furthermore, due to increased inflows of illegal immigration, the Department of Homeland Security filed 504,848 new cases with EOIR in FY 2019, an increase of nearly 200,000 new cases over FY 2018 and the highest single-year total in EOIR’s history. Further, EOIR has made concerted efforts in recent years to hire more immigration judges, hiring 237 between the beginning of FY 2017 and the end of FY 2019, more than the previous seven fiscal years combined. As both the number of new cases and the number of immigration judges increase, EOIR anticipates that the caseload at the BIA will also continue to increase, warranting a need for additional Board members.
Denison, Iowa Man to Federal Prison for Meth ConspiracyRead the Press Release
A man who conspired to distribute methamphetamine was sentenced March 31, 2020, to 15 years in federal prison.
Jose Carlos Ramirez-Martinez, age 31, from Denison, Iowa, received the prison term after a December 6, 2019, jury verdict finding him guilty of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine.
Evidence at trial showed that Ramirez-Martinez was involved in a conspiracy that distributed more than 50 grams of actual/pure methamphetamine from October 2015 through September 2016, from the Denison, Iowa, area. Ramirez-Martinez would have co-conspirators travel from Denison to Worthington, Minnesota to deliver half pounds of methamphetamine for subsequent sale in Iowa, Minnesota and South Dakota. Those co-conspirators would then return with the money.
Ramirez-Martinez was sentenced in Sioux City by United States District Court Chief Judge Leonard T. Strand. Ramirez-Martinez was sentenced to 180 months’ imprisonment. He must also serve a 5-year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system. Ramirez-Martinez is being held in the United States Marshal’s custody until he can be transported to a federal prison.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Shawn S. Wehde and investigated by the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) program of the United States Department of Justice through a cooperative effort of the Drug Enforcement Administration; Iowa Department of Narcotics Enforcement; Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension; South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation; Buffalo Ridge Task Force (Worthington/ Nobles County, Minnesota); and the Internal Revenue Service.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 17-4025. Follow us on Twitter @USAO_NDIA.
Chinle Man Sentenced to Life in Prison for Sexually Abusing Two Young GirlsRead the Press Release
PHOENIX, Ariz. – On March 16, Jarett James, 34, of Chinle, Ariz., was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Steven P. Logan to life imprisonment after being convicted of sexually abusing two girls between the ages of 10 and 12. The crimes took place on the Navajo Nation Indian Reservation in 2011 and 2012.
On October 18, 2019, a jury found James guilty of one count of Aggravated Sexual Abuse of a Child, two counts of Abusive Sexual Contact of a Child, and one count of Sexual Abuse of a Minor.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation conducted the investigation in this case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Tracy Van Buskirk, District of Arizona, Phoenix, handled the prosecution.
CASE NUMBER: CR-18-08249-PCT-SPL
RELEASE NUMBER: 2020-037_James# # #
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.Attorney General William P. Barr Announces the Appointment of Peter McCoy as Interim U.S. Attorney for the District of South CarolinaRead the Press Release
Attorney General William P. Barr announced today the appointment and swearing in of Peter M. McCoy, Jr. as Interim U.S. Attorney for the District of South Carolina, pursuant to 28 U.S.C. § 546.
As Interim U.S. Attorney, McCoy is the chief federal law enforcement officer responsible for federal criminal prosecutions and civil litigation involving the United States in the District of South Carolina. He supervises an office of approximately 62 Assistant U.S. Attorneys, 75 support staff, and 18 contract support staff, all of whom are responsible for prosecuting federal crimes affecting the district, including narcotics and firearms cases, gang violence, human trafficking, white-collar crime, securities fraud, public corruption, terrorism and civil rights violations. The office also defends the United States in civil cases and collects debts owed to the United States.
“I am pleased to appoint Peter McCoy as Interim U.S. Attorney for the District of South Carolina. Peter’s extensive legal and prosecutorial experience, and strong commitment to public safety and the rule of law will make him an able leader of this office,” said Attorney General William P. Barr. “Peter has been a fierce advocate for the rights of children and strict accountability for sex offenders and other violent criminals. He will make an outstanding U.S. Attorney for the people of South Carolina.”
Before being sworn in as Interim U.S. Attorney, McCoy was a partner at McCoy and Stokes Law Firm. McCoy also served as a member of the South Carolina House of Representatives and focused his legislative work on protecting children and keeping neighborhoods safe.
A Charleston, South Carolina, resident and graduate of Hampden-Sydney College and Regent University Law School, McCoy spent more than five years as a criminal prosecutor in the Ninth Circuit Solicitor’s Office, handling thousands of crimes involving violence, guns, and drugs. As a legislator, McCoy was the lead sponsor of legislation requiring the mandatory reporting of child sexual abuse as well as legislation establishing a mandatory minimum sentence for anyone who commits a crime while out on bond. He worked to pass statutes that ensure violent repeat criminal offenders do not remain out of bond if they continue to commit crimes.
For more information about the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of South Carolina, please visit https://www.justice.gov/usao-sc.
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.
Anchorage Man Charged with Credit Union RobberyRead the Press Release
Anchorage, Alaska – U.S. Attorney Bryan Schroder announced today that Rhahemiah Niashee McNair, 37, of Anchorage, has been charged with credit union robbery, in connection with the March 28, 2020, robbery of Denali A Division of Nuvision Federal Credit Union branch located at 1118 Muldoon Road in Anchorage.
According to the charging document, at 4:48 a.m. on March 28, 2020, McNair allegedly broke into the front door entrance to the Denali A Division of Nuvision Federal Credit Union branch. McNair then stole approximately $4,206 in coins, including $106 in nickels, $100 in half dollars, and $4,000 in gold Sacagawea dollars. The total amount of loss due to damage from the break-in was estimated at approximately $1,900. Anchorage Police Officers responded to the scene and obtained photographs of the subject from the credit union’s surveillance footage.
That same day, APD officers attempted to conduct a traffic stop on a red Ford vehicle, which eluded police. The vehicle was later located parked at an Anchorage hotel. Officers made contact with the individual standing near the car but did not connect the car or the individual to the robbery at that time. Later, APD identified the individual as McNair, who also fit the description of the surveillance footage photograph from the credit union robbery that morning.
On March 29, 2020, pursuant to a search warrant on the red vehicle, APD officers located a $2.00 roll of nickels, an Axiom Armored Transport bank bag, along with white gloves, which resembled those worn during the robbery. The investigation further revealed that McNair had paid for a hotel room using gold Sacagawea dollars. McNair was detained at the hotel and was in possession of gold Sacagawea dollars, half dollars, and rolls of nickels.
If convicted, McNair faces a maximum penalty of up to ten years in federal prison. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed will be based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
The Anchorage Police Department (APD) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) conducted the investigation leading to the charge in this case. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Aunnie Steward.
The charges in the criminal complaint are merely allegations, and the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
30 March 2020
United States Attorney for the District of Columbia Timothy J. Shea's Statement Providing Examples of COVID-19 Scams to AvoidRead the Press Release
The United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia is committed to investigating, prosecuting, and deterring those who would take advantage of the COVID-19 pandemic to prey on vulnerable citizens. Again, we urge you to be vigilant and report any suspected instances of fraud to the COVID-19 Pandemic Fraud Hotline, 202-252-7022 and [email protected].
Some examples of the scams or other fraudulent activity related to COVID-19 to be on the lookout for include the following:
- Treatment Scams: Scammers are offering to sell fake cures, vaccines, and advice on unproven treatments for COVID-19. All of these claims are a lie, as there is no cure or vaccine yet for COVID-19. Similarly, we have also learned that scammers are impersonating governmental organizations, such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and urging people to reserve a vaccine for COVID-19 with their credit card, and to also provide personal information such as their Social Security Number.
- Testing Scams: Scammers are impersonating organizations, such as The Red Cross, and saying that they are offering COVID-19 home tests door-to-door. The scammers then fraudulently charge their victims for tests that are never administered.
- 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 and Cyber Intrusions: Scammers posing as national and global health authorities, including the World Health Organization (WHO) and the CDC, are sending phishing emails designed to trick recipients into clicking on a link or opening an attachment that downloads malware, or providing personal identifying financial information. One form of malware being spread contains an interactive online map of Coronavirus-infected areas purportedly produced by Johns Hopkins University. Once someone downloads this interactive map, the malware steals the user’s credentials, such as usernames, credit card numbers, passwords, and other sensitive information usually stored in internet browsers.
- 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 specific “target price,” and relate to microcap stocks, or low-priced stocks issued by the smallest of companies with limited publicly available information.
- Doctor’s Prescription Abuse: Other reported activity concerns doctors writing prescriptions for various medications that are believed to cure COVID-19. As of now, there is no known cure or therapeutic treatment for COVID-19, and taking any medication believed to cure or relieve the symptoms of COVID-19 can be deadly. We are already hearing reports of individuals that have died after taking medications believed to cure COVID-19. Moreover, taking unapproved medication can also deprive others who need those medicines for legitimate purposes.
- $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 encounter any activity that indicates one of these scams, please report it to the COVID-19 Pandemic Fraud Hotline, 202-252-7022 and [email protected].
- Treatment Scams: Scammers are offering to sell fake cures, vaccines, and advice on unproven treatments for COVID-19. All of these claims are a lie, as there is no cure or vaccine yet for COVID-19. Similarly, we have also learned that scammers are impersonating governmental organizations, such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and urging people to reserve a vaccine for COVID-19 with their credit card, and to also provide personal information such as their Social Security Number.
U.S. Attorney Urges Public to Report Suspected COVID-19 Fraud or Price GougingRead the Press Release
SIOUX FALLS, SD – United States Attorney Ron Parsons of the District of South Dakota today urged the public to report suspected fraud schemes related to COVID-19 (the Coronavirus) by calling the National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) hotline (1-866-720-5721) or to the NCDF e-mail address [email protected].
In coordination with the Department of Justice, Attorney General William Barr has directed U.S. Attorneys to prioritize the investigation and prosecution of Coronavirus fraud schemes. The NCDF Hotline can receive and enter complaints into a centralized system that can be accessed by all U.S. Attorneys, as well as Justice Department litigating and law enforcement components to identify, investigate and prosecute fraud schemes.
“The Department of Justice continues to fulfill its critical mission during this critical time, and we remain open for business. Our primary goal is to do everything we can to maintain safety and security throughout our district,” said U.S. Attorney Parsons. “Fraud related to COVID-19 is particularly disturbing as it exploits a national crisis for personal gain. Be assured that those who seek to defraud or exploit others will be held accountable.”
Some examples of COVID-19 schemes include:
- Individuals and businesses selling fake cures or fake testing kits for COVID-19 online and engaging in other forms of fraud.
- Phishing emails from entities posing as the World Health Organization or the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
- Malicious websites and apps that appear to share Coronavirus-related information to gain and lock access to your devices until payment is received.
- Seeking donations fraudulently for illegitimate or non-existent charitable organizations.
- Medical providers obtaining patient information for COVID-19 testing and then using that information to fraudulently bill for other tests and procedures.
Deputy Attorney General Jeffrey Rosen also directed each U.S. Attorney to appoint a Coronavirus Fraud Coordinator to serve as the legal counsel for the federal judicial district on matters relating to the Coronavirus, direct the prosecution of Coronavirus-related crimes, and to conduct outreach and awareness activities. The District of South Dakota’s Coronavirus Fraud Coordinator is Assistant U.S. Attorney Ann M. Hoffman.
The NCDF can receive and enter complaints into a centralized system that can be accessed by all U.S. Attorneys, as well as Justice Department litigating and law enforcement components to identify, investigate and prosecute fraud schemes. The NCDF coordinates complaints with 16 federal law enforcement agencies, as well as state Attorneys General and local authorities.
The Department is also committed to preventing hoarding and price gouging for critical supplies during this crisis. To combat this misconduct, the President issued an Executive Order pursuant to section 102 of the Defense Production Act, which prohibits hoarding of designated items, and Attorney General Barr has now created the COVID-19 Hoarding and Price Gouging Task Force. In a memo to U.S. Attorneys, Attorney General Barr said, “we will aggressively pursue bad actors who amass critical supplies either far beyond what they could use or for the purpose of profiteering. Scarce medical supplies need to be going to hospitals for immediate use in care, not to warehouses for later overcharging.” The Secretary of HHS has issued a Notice designating categories of health and medical supplies that must not be hoarded or sold for exorbitant prices.
If you have information on hoarding or price gouging of critical supplies, you can report it without leaving your home to the National Center for Disaster Fraud by calling the National Hotline at (866) 720-5721 or by e-mailing [email protected].
U.S. Attorney Trent Shores Announces More Than $163 Million Available to Fight Addiction CrisisRead the Press Release
TULSA, Okla. – U.S. Attorney Trent Shores of the Northern District of Oklahoma today announced that more than $163 million in Department of Justice grants are 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.”
“This critical funding in the fight against drug addiction is a lifeline to help the sick,” said U.S. Attorney Trent Shores. “I encourage agencies to apply for these grants to fund Oklahoma tailored programs that can make a real difference to Oklahomans suffering with addiction.”
The funding is available through the Office of Justice Programs, 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
U.S. Attorney McSwain Announces More Than $83 Million in Grant Money Available to Support School SafetyRead the Press Release
PHILADELPHIA – United States Attorney William M. McSwain announced that more than $83 million in Department of Justice grant funds is available to help communities improve school security and protect students, teachers, and staff from threats of violence.
“Protecting our children from violence is always at the forefront of my mind,” said U.S. Attorney McSwain. “My Office and the Department of Justice take seriously every threat of violence in our community, and we will do everything in our power to prevent tragedy from occurring in a school setting. These grants are provided to bolster school security, develop anonymous school threat reporting systems, educate and train students and faculty, and support law enforcement officers and first responders in their work.”
“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 the Office of Justice Programs (OJP), which is 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 those designed to tighten school security and improve the reporting of threats.
The following funding opportunities regarding school safety are currently available:
- Research and Evaluation on School Safety
Link: https://nij.ojp.gov/funding/opportunities/nij-2020-17308
Available Funds: $5 million
Deadline: April 13, 2020
This solicitation seeks applications for funding to conduct research in areas including the root cause of school violence and the effectiveness of different approaches to stopping school violence.
- Strategies to Support Children Exposed to Violence
Link: https://ojjdp.ojp.gov/funding/opportunities/ojjdp-2020-17926
Available Funds: $7 million
Deadline: April 27, 2020
Funding under this program can be used to develop support services for children exposed to violence in their homes, schools, and communities, as well as to develop, enhance, and implement violent crime reduction strategies that focus on violent juvenile offenders.
- STOP Act School Violence Program
Link: https://bja.ojp.gov/funding/opportunities/bja-2020-17312
Available Funds: $71.4 million
Deadline: June 9, 2020
This program is designed to improve school security by providing students and teachers with the tools they need to recognize, respond to, and prevent acts of violence. Funding can be used in multiple areas, including training school personnel and students on preventing student violence and developing threat assessment and intervention teams.
For more information regarding all OJP funding opportunities, please visit: https://www.ojp.gov/funding/explore/current-funding-opportunities.