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Tuesday 11 February 2020
Pittsburgh Man Served as a Drug Runner for DS44 Neighborhood GangRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, PA –A resident of Pittsburgh pleaded guilty in federal court to charges related to drug trafficking in connection with a large-scale investigation conducted by the Greater Pittsburgh Safe Streets Task Force, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.
Keevan Jackson, 21, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute or possess with intent to distribute 40 grams or more of heroin and fentanyl, before United States District Judge William S. Stickman IV. Mr. Jackson is one of 37 defendants charged in the Indictment.
In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that in 2017, the Greater Pittsburgh Safe Streets Task Force initiated an investigation primarily targeting the Darccide/Smash 44, or DS44, neighborhood gang, and its drug-trafficking activity, in and around the South Side area of Pittsburgh. As part of this large-scale narcotics and firearms investigation, in February of 2019, the United States received authorization to conduct a federal wire investigation, which continued through June of 2019.
The court was further advised that Mr. Jackson was involved in the distribution of heroin and fentanyl, including serving as a runner for co-conspirator Christopher Highsmith.
Judge Stickman scheduled sentencing for July 9, 2020, at 10:30 am. The law provides for a total sentence of not less than five years to not more than 40 years in prison, a fine of up to $5,000,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of each defendant. Jackson remains detained pending sentencing.
Assistant United States Attorney Christy C. Wiegand is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation led the multi-agency investigation of this case, which also included the Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives, Allegheny County Adult Probation, Allegheny County Police Department, Allegheny County Sheriff’s Office, Pennsylvania Attorney General’s Office Bureau of Narcotics, Pittsburgh Bureau of Police, and the
Wilkinsburg Police Department. Other assistingagencies include the Green Tree PoliceDepartment, New YorkCityPolice Department, Mount Oliver Police Department, PennsylvaniaState Police, Yonkers Police Department,United States Marshals Fugitive Task Force, and theUnited States PostalInspection Service.
The investigation was funded by the federal Organized Crime Drug Enforcement TaskForce Program (OCDETF). The OCDETF program supplies critical federal fundingandcoordination thatallows federaland state agencies to work together to successfully identify,investigate, and prosecute major interstate and international drug trafficking organizations and other criminal enterprises.
Pierre Man Sentenced for Conspiracy to Distribute MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a Pierre, South Dakota, man convicted of Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance was sentenced on February 10, 2020, by Chief Judge Roberto A. Lange, U.S. District Court.
Andrew Bunch, age 30, was sentenced to 324 months in federal prison, followed by 5 years of supervised release, a $1,000 fine, and a special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund in the amount of $100.
Bunch was indicted by a federal grand jury on May 14, 2019. He pled guilty on November 19, 2019.
The conviction stemmed from a conspiracy beginning in the spring of 2018 and continuing through May 2019, in which Bunch, his friend Nathan Thoe (deceased), Nikki Hopkins and others, intentionally distributed and possessed with intent to distribute 2.2 kilograms of methamphetamine, a Schedule II controlled substance in and around the Pierre and Ft. Pierre areas.
During the course of the conspiracy, Bunch, Thoe, and Hopkins made numerous trips to Colorado to obtain methamphetamine. Bunch and Thoe routinely carried firearms on these trips and used firearms to protect their product. Hopkins was sentenced on January 27, 2020, to 10 years in federal prison.
Drug trafficking is an inherently violent activity. Firearms are tools of the trade for drug dealers. It is common to find drug traffickers armed with guns in order to protect their illegal drug product and cash, and enforce their illegal operations.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. The Department of Justice reinvigorated PSN in 2017 as part of its renewed focus on targeting violent criminals, directing all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to work in partnership with federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement and local communities to develop effective, locally-based strategies to reduce violent crime.
This case is also part of Project Guardian, the Department of Justice’s signature initiative to reduce gun violence and enforce federal firearms laws. Initiated by the Attorney General in the fall of 2019, Project Guardian draws upon the Department’s past successful programs to reduce gun violence; enhances coordination of federal, state, local, and tribal authorities in investigating and prosecuting gun crimes; improves information-sharing by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives when a prohibited individual attempts to purchase a firearm and is denied by the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS), to include taking appropriate actions when a prospective purchaser is denied by the NICS for mental health reasons; and ensures that federal resources are directed at the criminals posing the greatest threat to our communities. For more information about Project Guardian, please see: https://www.justice.gov/projectguardian.
This case was investigated by the Northern Plains Safe Trails Drug Enforcement Task Force, the South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation, the Pierre Police Department, the Stanley County Sheriff’s Office, the South Dakota Highway Patrol, and the Bureau of Indian Affairs. Assistant U.S. Meghan N. Dilges prosecuted the case.
Bunch was immediately turned over to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Pierre Man Sentenced for Assaulting a Federal OfficerRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a Pierre, South Dakota, man convicted of Assaulting, Resisting, and Impeding a Federal Officer was sentenced on February 10, 2020, by Chief Judge Roberto A. Lange, U.S. District Court.
Loren Goodlow, age 30, was sentenced to 6 months in federal prison, followed by 6 months of home confinement, 3 years of supervised release, and a special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund in the amount of $100.
Goodlow was indicted by a federal grand jury on October 16, 2018. He pled guilty on November 19, 2019.
The conviction stemmed from an incident in Lower Brule, South Dakota, on August 28, 2018, after Goodlow was arrested on tribal charges. During the booking process, Goodlow struck a correctional officer.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Indian Affairs, Lower Brule Agency. Assistant U.S. Attorney Troy R. Morley prosecuted the case.
Goodlow was immediately turned over to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Part Owner of International Trading Business Sentenced to Three Years in Prison for Tax FraudRead the Press Release
A Saratoga, California, businessman was sentenced to 36 months in prison today, announced Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Richard E. Zuckerman of the Justice Department’s Tax Division and U.S. Attorney David L. Anderson for the Northern District of California.
“The integrity of our tax system relies on all taxpayers filing accurate tax returns and dealing honestly with the Internal Revenue Service,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Zuckerman. “Those who commit tax crimes by cheating on their returns and dealing falsely with the IRS expose themselves to criminal prosecution and prison.”
“The defendant’s luxury residence and vehicle reflect his true income, not the income he falsely underreported to the IRS,” said Kareem Carter, Special Agent in Charge IRS Criminal Investigation. “His crime was compounded by lying to the IRS when he was audited. Today’s sentence sends a clear message that those who intentionally conceal income and evade taxes will be held accountable for their crimes.”
According to the evidence presented at trial and information provided to the Court, Jyh-Chau “Henry” Horng was a minority owner of a home-based international trading business that sold scrap metal to China while that country was undergoing its economic and infrastructure boom. From 1999 through 2008, Horng failed to report on his tax returns millions of dollars in profits from the business. Horng and his wife used the business profits to buy residential properties in New York City and the San Francisco Bay area, invest over $5 million in a Milpitas shopping center, and purchase a Bentley. During an IRS audit of the returns, Horng made false statements to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), including that neither he nor his wife had any foreign bank accounts. After the audit, Horng failed to file any tax returns from 2009 through 2018.
Horng was convicted by a jury in June 2018 of filing false tax returns and making false statements to an IRS agent while under audit. After the jury verdict, Horng also pleaded guilty to lying on a bank mortgage application.
In addition to the term of imprisonment, U.S. District Judge Beth Labson Freeman ordered Horng to serve three years of supervised release and to pay $1.1 million in restitution to the United States.
Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Zuckerman and U.S. Attorney Anderson thanked special agents and a former special agent of IRS-Criminal Investigation, who conducted the investigation, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael Pitman and Trial Attorney Christopher Magnani of the Tax Division, who prosecuted the case, and Paralegal Specialist Jonathan Deville for his assistance during the trial.
Additional information about the Tax Division and its enforcement efforts may be found on the division’s website.
Parmelee Couple Sentenced in Involuntary Manslaughter CaseRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a Parmelee, South Dakota, couple has been sentenced by Chief Judge Roberto A. Lange, U.S. District Court, based on their convictions in an Involuntary Manslaughter and Child Abuse case.
Dakota Horned Eagle, age 29, pled guilty on November 4, 2019, to Involuntary Manslaughter and Operating a Motor Vehicle While Under the Influence of Alcohol Causing Serious Bodily Injury to a Minor. On January 27, 2020, he was sentenced to 52 months in federal prison, followed by 3 years of supervised release, and a special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund in the amount of $200.
Ashley Stoneman, age 25, pled guilty on November 18, 2019, to Child Abuse. On February 10, 2020, she was sentenced to 18 months in federal prison, followed by 3 years of supervised release, and a special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund in the amount of $100.
The couple was indicted by a federal grand jury on July 23, 2019.
The convictions stemmed from an incident that occurred on July 12, 2019, in Todd County, South Dakota. On that date, Horned Eagle and Stoneman were consuming alcoholic beverages and socializing at a residence in the He Dog Community. At approximately 1:00 p.m., they decided to drive back to their residence in nearby Parmelee. They loaded six children into their vehicle and departed the residence, with Horned Eagle driving and Stoneman riding in the front passenger seat. None of the children, who ranged in age from two months old to twelve years old, were secured with car seats or seat belts. Horned Eagle was intoxicated. A short time later, they were traveling on a gravel road between He Dog and Parmelee, when their vehicle left the roadway and wrecked. At the time of the wreck, Horned Eagle was driving at least 50 miles per hour (mph) in an area where the posted speed limit is 35 mph.
Two of the children in the vehicle suffered fatal injuries as a result of the wreck. The other four children in the vehicle sustained non-life-threatening injuries.
This case was investigated by the Rosebud Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kirk Albertson prosecuted the case.
Horned Eagle and Stoneman were immediately turned over to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Owner of Car Dealership Charged with Engaging in Large-scale FraudRead the Press Release
NEWARK, N.J. – The former owner of a Ramsey, New Jersey, car dealership is scheduled to make his initial court appearance and be arraigned today on charges that he defrauded his customers and lenders, U.S. Attorney Craig Carpenito announced.
Afzal Khan, a/k/a “Bobby Khan,” 37, was charged by indictment in 2015 with five counts of wire fraud.
According to the documents filed in this case and statements made in court:
From at least December 2013 through September 2014, Khan, through his car dealership,
Emporio Motor Group (“Emporio”) of Ramsey, engaged in acts to defraud lenders to, and customers of, Emporio. As part of his criminal activities, Khan obtained loans from the auto finance division of a large bank for cars that he never delivered, but for which the purchaser was still responsible. Khan also obtained loans from the victim bank for cars that were delivered, but for which neither he nor Emporio had title. The purchasers of these cars were liable for the loans, but could not register the cars. Khan also offered to sell cars for individuals on consignment but thereafter did not return the cars or provide any money to the purchaser from the sale of the car.
As a result of Khan’s actions, the victim bank was exposed to a potential loss of more than $1.5 million.
Each count of wire fraud is punishable by a maximum potential penalty of 20 years in prison and a fine of the greater of $250,000, twice the gross profits to Khan or twice the gross loss suffered to the victims of his offense.
U.S. Attorney Carpenito credited special agents of the FBI, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Gregory W. Ehrie in Newark, with the investigation leading to the indictment. He also thanked the Department of Justice’s Office of International Affairs, the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office and the Ramsey Police Department for their assistance in the case.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Andrew Kogan of the U.S. Attorney’s Office Cybercrimes Unit in Newark.
The charges and allegations contained in the indictment are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Oklahoma United States Attorneys Share National Concerns with Sanctuary City PoliciesRead the Press Release
The United States Attorneys from Oklahoma share Attorney General William Barr’s concerns with sanctuary policies in some cities across our nation expressed yesterday at the National Sheriffs' Association conference. (See remarks here.) U.S. Attorney Timothy J. Downing, Western District of Oklahoma, U.S. Attorney Brian J. Kuester, Eastern District of Oklahoma, U.S. Attorney R. Trent Shores, Northern District of Oklahoma, and U.S. Homeland Security, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Dallas Field Office Director Marc J. Moore collectively make the following statement:
Sanctuary city policies, however well intended, are misleading, uninformed, and detrimental to public safety. In reality, only criminals find sanctuary in sanctuary cities.
In partnership with the Field Office Director of Immigration and Customs Enforcement, we want to express our gratitude to the state, tribal, and local law enforcement authorities throughout Oklahoma that partner with federal agencies to improve public safety by enforcing federal immigration laws that were passed by Congress. These collaborative law enforcement relationships make Oklahomans safer by ensuring that dangerous criminals who are also unlawful aliens in our country are held accountable and removed from our communities.
Law enforcement agencies in Oklahoma understand that effective law enforcement includes immigration enforcement. However, there is a growing public-safety concern that sanctuary city policies seen in other states could find a foothold here in Oklahoma.
Despite claims to the contrary, so-called sanctuary policies do not protect illegal immigrants who came to our country but have otherwise been peaceful and productive members of society. Rather, the express purpose of sanctuary policies is to shelter illegal aliens whom local law enforcement have already arrested for other crimes. In short, sanctuary policies protect criminals and hurt immigrant communities.
Over the past year in Oklahoma, the vast majority of illegal aliens who have faced federal criminal charges and potential deportation have been previously convicted of felony offenses. Examples of those felony convictions include:
- Aggravated sexual assault of a child under 14 years of age
- Failure to register as a convicted sex offender
- Assault and battery with a dangerous weapon- automobile
- Assault and battery with dangerous and deadly weapons
- Battery with serious bodily injury
- Aggravated assault on a peace officer
- Domestic assault and battery
- Domestic assault and battery by strangulation
- Domestic assault and battery with a dangerous weapon
- Domestic assault and battery in the presence of a minor
- Possession of illegal drugs
- Possession of drugs with intent to distribute (heroin, crack, cocaine, methamphetamine and more)
- Money laundering
- Trafficking of illegal drugs
- Attempted armed robbery
- Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
- Conspiring to perform an act of violence
Individuals who engage in criminal activity, regardless of their immigration status, pose a danger in every community.
When state or local jurisdictions have custody of known or suspected illegal aliens, federal law enforcement may issue a detainer – a formal request to hold that criminal – so it can take appropriate action, including deportation, following the conclusion of the immigrant’s pending state proceeding. Honoring detainers is not anti-immigrant; rather, honoring detainers is anti-criminal and critical to protecting all Oklahomans, including immigrants.
The fact of the matter is that when sanctuary jurisdictions ignore lawful detainers, they release criminal aliens onto the street. These catch and release policies imperil the safety of every person in a community. Moreover, it puts into harm’s way law enforcement officers who are often tasked with locating released criminal aliens and executing arrest warrants. Importantly for Oklahomans, the consequences of sanctuary city policies do not exclusively impact sanctuary jurisdictions. Indeed, known criminal aliens released into so called “sanctuary cities” have traveled to neighboring jurisdictions, where they have committed heinous, violent crimes.
For these reasons, we stand with Attorney General Barr in his rejection of sanctuary city policies. We support Oklahoma’s immigrant communities and look forward to working with them to improve public safety. As such, we will continue working with our law enforcement partners and community leaders to hold accountable all criminals who violate our laws and harm our communities.
-U.S. Attorney Timothy J. Downing, Western District of Oklahoma
-U.S. Attorney Brian J. Kuester, Eastern District of Oklahoma
-U.S. Attorney R. Trent Shores, Northern District of Oklahoma
- Field Office Director Marc J. Moore, U.S. Homeland Security, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Dallas Field Office
SEE remarks from Attorney General William P. Barr regarding protecting public safety by enforcing immigration laws at the National Sheriffs’ Association Winter Legislative and Technology Conference
Oklahoma United States Attorneys Share National Concerns with Sanctuary City PoliciesRead the Press Release
The United States Attorneys from Oklahoma share Attorney General William Barr’s concerns with sanctuary policies in some cities across our nation expressed yesterday at the National Sheriff’s Association conference. (See remarks here.) U.S. Attorney Timothy J. Downing, Western District of Oklahoma, U.S. Attorney Brian J. Kuester, Eastern District of Oklahoma, U.S. Attorney R. Trent Shores, Northern District of Oklahoma, and U.S. Homeland Security, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Dallas Field Office Director Marc J. Moore collectively make the following statement:
Sanctuary city policies, however well intended, are misleading, uninformed, and detrimental to public safety. In reality, only criminals find sanctuary in sanctuary cities.
In partnership with the Field Office Director of Immigration and Customs Enforcement, we want to express our gratitude to the state, tribal, and local law enforcement authorities throughout Oklahoma that partner with federal agencies to improve public safety by enforcing federal immigration laws that were passed by Congress. These collaborative law enforcement relationships make Oklahomans safer by ensuring that dangerous criminals who are also unlawful aliens in our country are held accountable and removed from our communities.
Law enforcement agencies in Oklahoma understand that effective law enforcement includes immigration enforcement. However, there is a growing public-safety concern that sanctuary city policies seen in other states could find a foothold here in Oklahoma.
Despite claims to the contrary, so-called sanctuary policies do not protect illegal immigrants who came to our country but have otherwise been peaceful and productive members of society. Rather, the express purpose of sanctuary policies is to shelter illegal aliens whom local law enforcement have already arrested for other crimes. In short, sanctuary policies protect criminals and hurt immigrant communities.
Over the past year in Oklahoma, the vast majority of illegal aliens who have faced federal criminal charges and potential deportation have been previously convicted of felony offenses. Examples of those felony convictions include:
- Aggravated sexual assault of a child under 14 years of age
- Failure to register as a convicted sex offender
- Assault and battery with a dangerous weapon- automobile
- Assault and battery with dangerous and deadly weapons
- Battery with serious bodily injury
- Aggravated assault on a peace officer
- Domestic assault and battery
- Domestic assault and battery by strangulation
- Domestic assault and battery with a dangerous weapon
- Domestic assault and battery in the presence of a minor
- Possession of illegal drugs
- Possession of drugs with intent to distribute (heroin, crack, cocaine, methamphetamine and more)
- Money laundering
- Trafficking of illegal drugs
- Attempted armed robbery
- Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
- Conspiring to perform an act of violence
Individuals who engage in criminal activity, regardless of their immigration status, pose a danger in every community.
When state or local jurisdictions have custody of known or suspected illegal aliens, federal law enforcement may issue a detainer – a formal request to hold that criminal – so it can take appropriate action, including deportation, following the conclusion of the immigrant’s pending state proceeding. Honoring detainers is not anti-immigrant; rather, honoring detainers is anti-criminal and critical to protecting all Oklahomans, including immigrants.
The fact of the matter is that when sanctuary jurisdictions ignore lawful detainers, they release criminal aliens onto the street. These catch and release policies imperil the safety of every person in a community. Moreover, it puts into harm’s way law enforcement officers who are often tasked with locating released criminal aliens and executing arrest warrants. Importantly for Oklahomans, the consequences of sanctuary city policies do not exclusively impact sanctuary jurisdictions. Indeed, known criminal aliens released into so called “sanctuary cities” have traveled to neighboring jurisdictions, where they have committed heinous, violent crimes.
For these reasons, we stand with Attorney General Barr in his rejection of sanctuary city policies. We support Oklahoma’s immigrant communities and look forward to working with them to improve public safety. As such, we will continue working with our law enforcement partners and community leaders to hold accountable all criminals who violate our laws and harm our communities.-U.S. Attorney Timothy J. Downing, Western District of Oklahoma
-U.S. Attorney Brian J. Kuester, Eastern District of Oklahoma
-U.S. Attorney R. Trent Shores, Northern District of Oklahoma
-Field Office Director Marc J. Moore, U.S. Homeland Security, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Dallas Field Office
Oklahoma United States Attorneys Share National Concerns with Sanctuary City PoliciesRead the Press Release
MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorneys from Oklahoma share Attorney General William Barr’s concerns with sanctuary policies in some cities across our nation expressed yesterday at the National Sheriff’s Association conference. (See remarks here) U.S. Attorney Timothy J. Downing, Western District of Oklahoma; U.S. Attorney Brian J. Kuester, Eastern District of Oklahoma; U.S. Attorney R. Trent Shores, Northern District of Oklahoma; and U.S. Homeland Security, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Dallas Field Office Director Marc J. Moore collectively make the following statement:
Sanctuary city policies, however well intended, are misleading, uninformed, and detrimental to public safety. In reality, only criminals find sanctuary in sanctuary cities.
In partnership with the Field Office Director of Immigration and Customs Enforcement, we want to express our gratitude to the state, tribal, and local law enforcement authorities throughout Oklahoma that partner with federal agencies to improve public safety by enforcing federal immigration laws that were passed by Congress. These collaborative law enforcement relationships make Oklahomans safer by ensuring that dangerous criminals who are also unlawful aliens in our country are held accountable and removed from our communities.
Law enforcement agencies in Oklahoma understand that effective law enforcement includes immigration enforcement. However, there is a growing public-safety concern that sanctuary city policies seen in other states could find a foothold here in Oklahoma.
Despite claims to the contrary, so-called sanctuary policies do not protect illegal immigrants who came to our country but have otherwise been peaceful and productive members of society. Rather, the express purpose of sanctuary policies is to shelter illegal aliens whom local law enforcement have already arrested for other crimes. In short, sanctuary policies protect criminals and hurt immigrant communities.
Over the past year in Oklahoma, the vast majority of illegal aliens who have faced federal criminal charges and potential deportation have been previously convicted of felony offenses. Examples of those felony convictions include:- Aggravated sexual assault of a child under 14 years of age
- Failure to register as a convicted sex offender
- Assault and battery with a dangerous weapon- automobile
- Assault and battery with dangerous and deadly weapons
- Battery with serious bodily injury
- Aggravated assault on a peace officer
- Domestic assault and battery
- Domestic assault and battery by strangulation
- Domestic assault and battery with a dangerous weapon
- Domestic assault and battery in the presence of a minor
- Possession of illegal drugs
- Possession of drugs with intent to distribute (heroin, crack, cocaine, methamphetamine and more)
- Money laundering
- Trafficking of illegal drugs
- Attempted armed robbery
- Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
- Conspiring to perform an act of violence
Individuals who engage in criminal activity, regardless of their immigration status, pose a danger in every community.When state or local jurisdictions have custody of known or suspected illegal aliens, federal law enforcement may issue a detainer – a formal request to hold that criminal – so it can take appropriate action, including deportation, following the conclusion of the immigrant’s pending state proceeding. Honoring detainers is not anti-immigrant; rather, honoring detainers is anti-criminal and critical to protecting all Oklahomans, including immigrants.
The fact of the matter is that when sanctuary jurisdictions ignore lawful detainers, they release criminal aliens onto the street. These catch and release policies imperil the safety of every person in a community. Moreover, it puts into harm’s way law enforcement officers who are often tasked with locating released criminal aliens and executing arrest warrants. Importantly for Oklahomans, the consequences of sanctuary city policies do not exclusively impact sanctuary jurisdictions. Indeed, known criminal aliens released into so called “sanctuary cities” have traveled to neighboring jurisdictions, where they have committed heinous, violent crimes.
For these reasons, we stand with Attorney General Barr in his rejection of sanctuary city policies. We support Oklahoma’s immigrant communities and look forward to working with them to improve public safety. As such, we will continue working with our law enforcement partners and community leaders to hold accountable all criminals who violate our laws and harm our communities.
- U.S. Attorney Timothy J. Downing, Western District of Oklahoma
- U.S. Attorney Brian J. Kuester, Eastern District of Oklahoma
- U.S. Attorney R. Trent Shores, Northern District of Oklahoma
- Field Office Director Marc J. Moore, U.S. Homeland Security, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Dallas Field Office
Ohio man sentenced to 14 years for plotting attack on Cleveland’s July 4th parade in an effort to support al QaedaRead the Press Release
Demetrius Nathaniel Pitts, aka Abdur Raheem Rafeeq, aka Salah ad-Deen Osama Waleed, 50 of Maple Heights, Ohio, was sentenced to 14 years of imprisonment and lifetime supervised release for attempting to provide material support to a foreign terrorist organization, as well as 5 years of imprisonment each for threats against the President of the United States and threats against family members of the President of the United States. All three terms of imprisonment will be served concurrently.
“This defendant plotted an attack on families and children in downtown Cleveland on July 4th, a day of utmost importance to all Americans, and he further attempted to undermine our democracy by making threats against the President and his family,” U.S. Attorney Justin Herdman said. “For this conduct, the defendant is deserving of every day of this 14 year sentence. The Department of Justice is committed to protecting our nation from people who adhere to violent ideologies and move to act upon them, whether they are in furtherance of their own personal aims or, like here, on behalf of terrorist groups like Al Qaeda. We are grateful to the FBI, the Cleveland Joint Terrorism Task Force, and all of our law enforcement partners for their vigilance and hard work in this case and many others.”
“Pitts, a U.S. citizen living in Ohio, pledged his allegiance to al-Qaeda, a foreign terrorist organization, and will now serve a lengthy sentence behind bars,” said FBI Special Agent in Charge Eric B. Smith. “The FBI and the Joint Terrorism Task Force will continue to use every available resource to disrupt those who seek to bring harm to our fellow citizens.”
According to an affidavit filed in the case and other court records, between 2015 and 2017, Pitts expressed anti-American sentiments and expressed a desire to recruit people to kill Americans. The defendant expressed a desire to meet with an al Qaeda “brother” and in June he was introduced to an FBI employee acting in an undercover capacity (UCE), who Pitts believed was such a “brother.”
Pitts and the UCE met in Walton Hills, Ohio, in 2018, where they discussed launching an attack for al Qaeda during the July 4th holiday.
Pitts said: “I’m trying to figure out something that would shake them up on the 4th of July.” He later stated: “What would hit them at their core? Blow up in the, have a bomb blow up in the 4th of July parade.”
Pitts searched Google for a map of downtown Cleveland. After learning the fireworks would be launched from Voinovich Park, Pitts said: “Oh there you go. Oh yeah.” He was also pleased the park was near the U.S. Coast Guard station, the Army Corps of Engineers, and the Celebrezze Federal Building.
The meeting concluded with Pitts indicating to the UCE that he would travel to downtown Cleveland soon to take photographs and videotape footage as part of surveillance efforts of Voinovich Park and the U.S. Coast Guard station. He also expressed a desire to take a tour of the U.S. Coast Guard station to gain as much information as he could about the layout of the facility.
On June 25, Pitts met with an FBI confidential human source (CHS) in Maple Heights, Ohio, to retrieve items used to conduct surveillance for the July 4th attack.
On June 26, Pitts contacted the UCE via text message and relayed that he had completed the reconnaissance of the designated spots in downtown Cleveland and that he desired to “destroy the government.”
Pitts also indicated he intended to travel to Philadelphia, since Philadelphia is his hometown and he knows it best. Pitts indicated it was his “job” to “go look at the base of the ground” and that it was up to other “brothers” to complete other parts of the job.
On June 27, Pitts met with the CHS and turned over the phone that contained the reconnaissance photos and videos, so they could be provided to the al Qaeda brothers.
Later on June 27, Pitts and the UCE met in Maple Heights then drove to downtown Cleveland, where Pitts discussed the impending July 4th bombing: “And I’m gonna be downtown when the – when the thing go off. I’m gonna be somewhere cuz I wanna see it go off.” Pitts also expressed a desire to pack a car filled with explosives near the parade, as opposed to his original idea of remote control cars filled with explosives. Pitts reasoned that less time and skill were required to pack a car with explosives versus packing individual remote control cars. Pitts further disclosed additional reconnaissance planning prior to the parade:
DP: That’s why I said I’m going down there the 2nd and the 3rd by myself.
UCE: Alright. Because we gotta have this lined up.
DP: That’s why I’m not going down by the naval base this time. I’m walking the parade route, where they going.
UCE: Alright.
DP: I might find another pick, but that point is guaranteed. That’s the one we want.
A search of the phone that Pitts provided to the CHS revealed that he made two videos in which he pledged allegiance. He stated, in part: “We serve Allah . . . We fight our enemies. We destroy them and destroy those who try to oppose…”
The phone also had four videos taken by Pitts that show him walking down East 9th Street in Cleveland, pointing out potential targets such as the federal building, the Coast Guard station and St. John’s Cathedral, which he said could be taken “off the map.”
On July 1, Pitts met with the UCE in Garfield Heights, Ohio, for Pitts to explain his plan for Philadelphia. Pitts said he planned to travel there to conduct reconnaissance for a future attack in Philadelphia. Pitts stated a truck bomb packed with explosives, such as the one used in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, would be the best way to cause maximum damage.
Pitts was reminded by the UCE that people would die and body parts would by flying around. Pitts responded “I don’t care” and that he had “no regrets,” would be able to “go to sleep” and “I don’t give a (expletive).”
During this conversation, Pitts once again discussed the use of remote control cars, namely as a distraction. Pitts told the UCE that he believed cut up metal should replace BBs in the remote control cars, saying: “If BBs hit you, you can still live, but if shrapnel hits you – it will tear you up.” Pitts further stated remote control cars should be rolled underneath a police car or federal agent car and detonated so that it distracted law enforcement and parade goers while the larger bomb was detonated.
Pitts’ additional plan for remote control cars packed with metal and explosives was that they be given to children of military personnel to play with during the parade so that the children would unwittingly detonate the bombs.
Pitts was arrested at the conclusion of the July 1 meeting.
The FBI-Cleveland Division’s Joint Terrorism Task investigated the case, which was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Michelle Baeppler and Jerry Teresinski of the Northern District of Ohio, and Trial Attorney Paul Casey of the National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section.
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NDTX Round-Up February 11Read the Press Release
SENTENCING - JEAN LOUI VARGAS-MALAVE
On January 31, Jean Loui Vargas-Malave, 29, was sentenced 10 years in federal custody for conspiracy to possess methamphetamine with the intent to distribute. Vargas-Malave agreed to smuggle controlled substances onto commercial airlines at the Dallas/Ft. Worth International Airport (DFWIA). He, along with coconspirators, bypassed security at the DFWIA and loaded what they believed to be methamphetamine onto an American Airlines flight to Newark, New Jersey. This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Criminal Investigations Division of the Internal Revenue Service, and the Dallas Police Department. This case was prosecuted by AUSA George Leal, AUSA John De La Garza, and AUSA John Kull.
GUILTY PLEA – HECTOR TORRES-GONZALEZ
On February 4, Hector Torres-Gonzalez, 44, pled guilty to aiding and abetting possession with the intent to distribute heroin. Torres-Gonzalez admitted to agreeing to distribute 24 kilograms of methamphetamine, 13 kilograms of heroin, and 91 grams of cocaine in April of 2019. Agents also found a pistol and $12,520 in Torres-Gonzalez’ possession. He faces up to 20 years in federal custody for his crimes. This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and is prosecuted by AUSA Rachael Jones.
SENTENCING – AUSTIN DAVID REED
On February 3, Austin David Reed, 27, was sentenced to 15 years in federal custody for the crimes of carjacking and using, carrying, and brandishing a firearm during a crime of violence. Reed stole a 2006 Acura from a victim by threatening the victim at gunpoint. After stealing the car, Reed led the officers pursuing him on a dangerous chase. Please click here to hear more about this case. This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives and the Dallas Police Department and was prosecuted by AUSA Ryan Raybould.
SENTENCING – JOHNNATTAN RAMIREZ
On February 3, Johnnattan Ramirez, 37, was sentenced to 25 years in federal custody and $182,942.96 in restitution for 3 counts related to robbery and 2 counts related to brandishing a firearm during a crime of violence. Ramirez was involved in three separate robberies of diamond and jewelry salesmen. Ramirez and his coconspirators would rent vehicles, conduct surveillance of the salesmen, and then apprehend their victims. The coconspirators would threaten the salesmen with guns and take their valuables, however on one occasion they also abducted a victim and took him to a nearby apartment complex. This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigations and prosecuted by AUSA Ryan Raybould.
SENTENCING – CRYSTAL DOUGLAS
On February 3, Chrystal Douglas, 35, was sentenced to 9 years in federal custody for maintaining a drug involved premises. Douglas allowed her coconspirator to conduct methamphetamine sales at her home in Arlington. In exchange, Douglas would receive personal use amounts of methamphetamine. Sometimes, Douglas was unaware of the amounts of methamphetamine being bought and sold in her house. This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and prosecuted by AUSA Shawn Smith.
Multiple men convicted of trafficking cocaineRead the Press Release
LAREDO, Texas – A total of five men from Laredo have admitted to conspiracy and possessing with the intent to distribute various amount of cocaine, announced U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Patrick.
Christian Alejandro Enriquez, 27, pleaded guilty today. Luis Ernesto Lopez, 34, Martin Arturo Ramirez, 28, Jose Erasmo Saucedo Jr., 38, and Luis Antonio Villanueva, 41, previously entered their pleas.
In July 2016, authorities initiated an investigation into Saucedo’s street-level cocaine distribution activities. Between Feb. 2, 2017, and April 19, 2019, Saucedo conspired with Lopez, Ramirez, Villanueva and Enriquez in person and over the telephone to possess with intent to distribute cocaine.
Today, all five men admitted they were involved in the transportation of cocaine on various dates. On one occasion, Ramirez coordinated an event in which Lopez picked up a bag of 1.5 kilograms of cocaine from Villanueva’s house. On other dates, Saucedo and Enriquez also sold cocaine to undercover authorities.
U.S. District Judge Marina Garcia Marmolejo will impose sentencing June 1, 2020.
Saucedo, Villanueva and Ramirez face a minimum of five and up to 40 years in prison and a possible $5 million fine. For their convictions, Lopez and Enriquez face a maximum 20-year-prison term and a possible $1 million fine.
Ramirez, Saucedo, Villanueva and Enriquez were permitted to remain on bond pending their sentencing hearings. Lopez has been and will remain in custody.
The Drug Enforcement Administration, Texas Department of Public Safety and Laredo Police Department conducted the long-term Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force investigation dubbed Funion Fiesta. Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher dos Santos is prosecuting the case.
Monroe County Man Found Guilty of Drug Distribution Resulting in Two DeathsRead the Press Release
SCRANTON—The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Vincent Ingino, age 28, of Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania, was found guilty of two counts of unlawfully distributing a controlled substance resulting in death after a five-day trial before U.S. District Court Judge Malachy E. Mannion.
According to United States Attorney David J. Freed, jurors deliberated for approximately three hours before rendering the guilty verdicts against Ingino for the August 11, 2018 death of Victim 1, age 24, and the August 12, 2018 death of Victim 2, age 28, both from Monroe County, Pennsylvania.
Prosecutors from the U.S. Attorney’s Office presented the testimony of Dr. Rameen Starling-Roney, a Forensic Pathologist, and Dr. Michael Coyer, Forensic Toxicologist, who opined that fentanyl laced heroin caused the deaths of Victim 1 and Victim 2. Additional testimony was provided by Pennsylvania State Police Officers and other individuals related to the investigation who testified that Ingino first sold fentanyl laced heroin to Victim 1 on Friday night, August 10, 2018 and made another sale of fentanyl laced heroin to Victim 2 on Saturday night, August 11, 2018. FBI Special Agents and other individuals related to the distribution also testified.
“Drug dealers such as this defendant, who profit from their illegal enterprise, bear responsibility for the destruction, damage and death that they cause,” said U.S. Attorney Freed. “We are proud to work with our partners in the Monroe County District Attorney’s Office, the Pennsylvania State Police and the FBI to bring a measure of justice to two families who have lost loved ones. While we will continue to do all that we can to promote treatment for those with substance use disorders, my office will always hold the dealers who push poison in our streets to account.”
The investigation was conducted by the FBI – Scranton Office, the Pennsylvania State Police, and Detectives of the Monroe County District Attorney’s Office. Assistant United States Attorneys Michelle Olshefski and Jenny Roberts prosecuted the case.
This case was brought as part of a district wide initiative to combat the nationwide epidemic regarding the use and distribution of heroin and other opioids. Led by the United States Attorney’s Office, the Heroin Initiative targets heroin and opioid traffickers operating in the Middle District of Pennsylvania and is part of a coordinated effort among federal, state and local law enforcement agencies to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who commit heroin related offenses.
The maximum penalty under federal law is life in prison, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine. The drug distribution resulting in death charge also carries a mandatory minimum penalty of 20 years’ imprisonment. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the Judge is also required to consider and weigh a number of factors, including the nature, circumstances and seriousness of the offense; the history and characteristics of the defendant; and the need to punish the defendant, protect the public and provide for the defendant's educational, vocational and medical needs. For these reasons, the statutory maximum penalty for the offense is not an accurate indicator of the potential sentence for a specific defendant.
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Mission Man Sentenced for Domestic Assault by an Habitual OffenderRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a Mission, South Dakota, man convicted of Domestic Assault by an Habitual Offender was sentenced on February 10, 2020, by Chief Judge Roberto A. Lange, U.S. District Court.
Hunter Ritter, age 20, was sentenced to 30 months in federal prison, followed by 3 years of supervised release, and a special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund in the amount of $100.
Ritter was indicted by a federal grand jury on October 16, 2019. He pled guilty on November 19, 2019.
The conviction stemmed from an incident that occurred on August 9, 2019, wherein Ritter assaulted his domestic partner at their home in Mission, by striking her face with his hand and knocking her down. At the time of this incident, Ritter had two prior convictions in Rosebud Sioux Tribal Court for Domestic Abuse.
This case was investigated by the Rosebud Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kirk Albertson prosecuted the case.
Ritter was immediately turned over to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Mission Man Sentenced for Abusive Sexual ContactRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a Mission, South Dakota, man convicted of Abusive Sexual Contact was sentenced on February 10, 2020, by Chief Judge Roberto A. Lange, U.S. District Court.
Elliot Brave, a/k/a Elliot Ladeaux, age 39, was sentenced to 240 months in federal prison, followed by 7 years of supervised release, and a special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund in the amount of $100.
Brave was indicted by a federal grand jury on September 11, 2018. He pled guilty on November 19, 2019.
The conviction stemmed from conduct that occurred in Mission between December 2017 and January 2018. During that period, Brave was staying at a residence in Mission with a relative and her six children, including the six-year-old victim. While staying at the residence, Brave would often watch the children while their mother was at work. On at least one occasion, Brave engaged in sexual contact with the victim.
This case was investigated by the Rosebud Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kirk Albertson prosecuted the case.
Brave was immediately turned over to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Middle District of Florida Highlights Efforts to Support Illegal Immigration EnforcementRead the Press Release
Tampa – United States Attorney Maria Chapa Lopez and Acting Miami Field Office Director Jim Martin, of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) announced today their ongoing commitment to combat illegal immigration and reduce violent crime.
“Our Office is committed to using every tool available to keep our communities safe,” said U.S. Attorney Maria Chapa Lopez. “The ongoing cooperation demonstrated by our federal, state, and local law enforcement partners in the Middle District of Florida in supporting our nation’s immigration enforcement policies have assisted us in working toward our mission – public safety for all.”
“Citizens and guests of Florida are safer today because of strong law enforcement partnerships at the local, state, and federal level,” said acting Miami Field Office Director Jim Martin. “Partnerships like the 287g program, the Warrant Service Officer program, and the Basic Ordering Agreement partnerships work to keep criminals out of our local communities, while our United States Attorney Office works diligently to make sure those individuals are held accountable for their crimes.”
The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Florida (USAO-MDFL), along with our federal, state, and local partners, is engaged in ongoing cooperation and coordination to prioritize and enforce the Department’s policies. In addition, since 2009, ICE has designated Special Assistant U.S. Attorneys to assist the USAO-MDFL in reviewing and prosecuting cases related to threats against our homeland, including immigration offenses, illegal reentry, and violent crime. See below for MDFL significant case highlights.
SIGNIFICANT IMMIGRATION ENFORCEMENT CASE SUMMARIES
United States v. Missael Gonzalez Terrazas Case No. 5:19-cr-19 (M.D. Fla.)
https://www.justice.gov/usao-mdfl/pr/illegal-alien-sentenced-seven-years-federal-prison-trafficking-methamphetamine
United States v. Faisal Buarki Case No. 8:19-cr-148 (M.D. Fla.)
https://www.justice.gov/usao-mdfl/pr/former-university-student-sentenced-unlawful-possession-firearms
United States v. Jorge Humberto Delgado-Macias Case No. 8:18-cr-558 (M.D. Fla.)
https://www.justice.gov/usao-mdfl/pr/illegal-alien-sentenced-aggravated-identity-theft-and-firearms-possession
United States v. Juan Alberto Flores-Jimenez Case No. 6:18-cr-225 (M.D. Fla.)
https://www.justice.gov/usao-mdfl/pr/mexican-national-and-leader-georgia-based-drug-trafficking-organization-sentenced-17
United States v. Juan Carlos Ramirez-Arcos Case No. 8:17-cr-585 (M.D. Fla.)
https://www.justice.gov/usao-mdfl/pr/illegal-alien-living-bradenton-pleads-guilty-federal-firearms-offense-shooting-death
United States v. Perez-Ramos et al Case No. 5:18-cr-51 (M.D. Fla.)
https://www.justice.gov/usao-mdfl/pr/two-illegal-aliens-sentenced-conspiracy-distribute-methamphetamine
United States v. Rodriguez-Flores et al Case No. 5:17-cr-31 (M.D. Fla.)
https://www.justice.gov/usao-mdfl/pr/ocala-illegal-alien-sentenced-17-years-prison-federal-drug-gun-and-immigration-crimes
United States v. Lopez-Lopez Case No. 3:19-cr-114 (M.D. Fla.)
https://www.justice.gov/usao-mdfl/pr/illegal-alien-sentenced-two-years-federal-prison-illegally-re-entering-united-states-0
United States v. Moreno-Hernandez Case No. 6:19-cr-140 (M.D. Fla.)
https://www.justice.gov/usao-mdfl/pr/illegal-alien-sentenced-41-months-federal-prison-unlawfully-re-entering-united-states
United States v. Rodriguez Case No. 6:19-cr-232 (M.D. Fla.)
https://www.justice.gov/usao-mdfl/pr/mexican-national-involved-fatal-hit-and-run-pleads-guilty-illegal-reentry
Michael Louis McCarron Sentenced to Federal Prison for Attempted Enticement and Transfer of Obscene Material to a MinorRead the Press Release
Hagatña, Guam - SHAWN N. ANDERSON, United States Attorney for the Districts of Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands, announced that defendant MICHAEL LOUIS MCCARRON, age 34, from Washington, was sentenced in the District Court of Guam to 120 months imprisonment. On October 31, 2019, a federal jury found McCarron guilty of Attempted Enticement of a Minor, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 2422(b), and Attempted Transfer of Obscene Material to a Minor, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1470. The Court also ordered five years of supervised release following McCarron’s term of imprisonment and the payment of a mandatory $200.00 special assessment fee. Conditions of supervised release include that McCarron has no contact with minors and to register with the Sex Offender Registry in any jurisdiction in which he lives, works, or attends school.
Between October 31, 2017, and November 30, 2017, McCarron attempted to persuade, induce, and entice a person he believed was a 13-year-old female to engage in sexual intercourse. McCarron committed these acts through the use of the Internet and by attempting to make actual contact with the alleged minor. The investigation determined that he also transferred 12 images and one video, which depicted his genitals, to this same alleged female minor.
U.S. Attorney Anderson states, “Our communities deserve protection from those who seek to prey on children. McCarron engaged in a shocking pattern conduct. Fortunately, no child was actually harmed during the course of the investigation. I applaud the continuing efforts of our federal law enforcement partners and the Marianas Child Exploitation Task Force. The public can expect the aggressive prosecution of child predators under the Department of Justice’s Project Safe Childhood initiative. Unfortunately, victims of child pornography suffer for many years from the trauma of abuse and the repeated distribution of depictions of the crime. I applaud the hard work of our federal law enforcement partners in bringing this defendant to justice.”
Defendants who have been convicted of sexual offenses, under federal and local laws, have a duty to register with the Sex Offender Registry in their jurisdiction and keep their registration current. Sex offenders who travel to Guam and reside on Guam must inform the Guam Sex Offender Registry where they reside, work, or attend school. The Sex Offender Registry was created in order to protect the public, including victims, from further victimization and to keep the public informed of the whereabouts of sex offenders. Guam’s Sex Offender Registry is accessible online at www.guamcourts.org (link is external).
This case was part of the Project Safe Childhood (PSC) Initiative, a nationwide initiative by the U.S. Department of Justice to aggressively prosecute people who engage in the sexual victimization of children, possess or receive child pornography, and fail to register as sex offenders. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
The investigation was conducted by Federal Bureau of Investigations, Air Force Office of Special Investigations Detachment 602, and Naval Criminal Investigative Services with support from the Marianas Child Exploitation Task Force (MCETF). The MCETF is a multi-agency federal and local law enforcement task force dedicated to conducting criminal investigations and prosecutions of sexual predators of children. This case was prosecuted by Stephen F. Leon Guerrero, Assistant United States Attorney for the District of Guam and Justin Collins, Special Assistant United States Attorney.
Mexican National Sentenced to 66 Months for Cocaine TraffickingRead the Press Release
LEXINGTON, Ky.- A Mexican National illegally in the U.S., Roberto Bernal Salas, also known as Enrique Navarrette Salas, 43, was sentenced on Tuesday to 66 months in federal prison, by U.S. District Judge Karen Caldwell, for distributing cocaine.
Salas admitted that on July 2, 2019, he agreed to sell two kilograms of cocaine to a cooperating witness. On the same day, after the exchange, Salas admitted that officers found an additional 1.5 kilograms of cocaine, as well as $33,000 in cash.
Salas pled guilty in October 2019.
Under federal law, Salas must serve 85 percent of his prison sentence and will be under the supervision of the U.S. Probation Office for three years.
Robert M. Duncan, Jr., United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky; James Robert Brown, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation-Louisville Field Office; John Condon, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI); and Chief Lawrence Weathers, Lexington Police Department, jointly made the announcement.
The investigation was directed by the FBI, HSI, and LPD. The United States was represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Roger West.
The year 2020 marks the 150th anniversary of the Department of Justice. Learn more about the history of our agency at www.Justice.gov/Celebrating150Years.
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Mexican Drug Trafficker Charged with Drug Trafficking Crime Based on Seizure of over 500 Kilograms of MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
Geoffrey S. Berman, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, Raymond P. Donovan, Special Agent in Charge of the New York Division of the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (“DEA”), Peter C. Fitzhugh, Special Agent in Charge of the New York Office of Homeland Security Investigations (“HSI”), Keith M. Corlett, Superintendent of the New York State Police (“NYSP”), and Dermot Shea, Police Commissioner of the City of New York (“NYPD”), announced that ANGEL GUADALUPE RAMOS‑RAMIREZ was charged in a criminal complaint in Manhattan federal court with conspiring to import more than 500 kilograms of methamphetamine into the United States. The charge arises from a February 8, 2020, seizure by Mexico’s Secretaría de Marina (the “Mexican Navy”) of more than 500 kilograms of methamphetamine off the coast of San Felipe, Mexico.
Manhattan U.S. Attorney Geoffrey S. Berman said: “Angel Guadalupe Ramos-Ramirez is charged with conspiring to import more than half a ton of methamphetamine into the U.S. Thanks to our partners in this case, those dangerous drugs have been seized before they got here, and Ramos-Ramirez is in custody.”
DEA Special Agent in Charge Raymond P. Donovan said: “Five hundred kilograms of crystal methamphetamine is a significant seizure that will save lives and take over $12 million of drug proceeds out of traffickers’ hands. Methamphetamine is a fierce animal on the loose throughout the nation and a major threat to public health, which is why DEA and our law enforcement partners will not relent pursing drug trafficking organizations until they are brought to justice.”
HSI Special Agent in Charge Peter C. Fitzhugh said: “This case prevented large amounts of methamphetamine, a highly addictive and dangerous narcotic, from harming the public, regardless of where they happen to live. Investigations like these are a great example of what can be accomplished with incredible cooperation among multiple agencies, and HSI is committed to collaboration in order to keep these deadly drugs out of our communities.”
State Police Superintendent Keith M. Corlett said: “This investigation has prevented a large amount of dangerous drugs from reaching our shores, where they would have damaged lives and communities. Our strong law enforcement partnerships are responsible for the success of this case, and I commend all the members and agencies involved for their outstanding work.”
Police Commissioner Dermot Shea said: “This was a significant operation to interdict the kind of illegal drugs that cause so much harm on our streets. I want to thank our detectives and law enforcement partners, here and abroad, for working together against this common threat.”
As alleged in the Complaint unsealed in federal court[1]:
On or about February 7, 2020, the Mexican Navy began tracking a boat traveling northwest through the Gulf of California from Sinaloa, Mexico toward Baja California, Mexico. On February 8, 2020, the Mexican Navy interdicted the vessel off the coast of San Felipe, Mexico, in Baja California, and arrested RAMOS-RAMIREZ. Mexican Navy officers seized approximately 26 plastic packages, each of which contained approximately 20 kilograms of methamphetamine, from the water around the boat. In total, the Mexican Navy recovered more than 500 kilograms of methamphetamine from the water.
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RAMOS-RAMIREZ, 33, of Mexico, is charged with conspiring to import methamphetamine into the United States, which carries a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years in prison and a maximum sentence of life in prison.
Mr. Berman praised the outstanding investigative work of the DEA.
The investigation was conducted by the New York Strike Force in partnership with the DEA Mazatlan Resident Office and law enforcement partners. The New York Strike Force is a crime-fighting unit comprising federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies supported by the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force and the New York/New Jersey High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area. The Strike Force is based at the DEA’s New York Division and includes agents and officers of the DEA, New York City Police Department, New York State Police, Homeland Security Investigations, U.S. Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation Division, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, U.S. Secret Service, U.S. Marshals Service, New York National Guard, Clarkstown Police Department, U.S. Coast Guard, Port Washington Police Department and New York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision.
The case is being handled by the Office’s Terrorism and International Narcotics Unit. Assistant United States Attorneys Michael K. Krouse, Stephanie Lake, Daniel G. Nessim, Benjamin Woodside Schrier, and Kyle A. Wirshba are in charge of the prosecution.
The charge contained in the Complaint is merely an allegation, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
[1] As the introductory phrase signifies, the entirety of the text of the Complaint, and the description of the Complaint and statements and filings in court set forth herein, constitute only allegations, and every fact described herein should be treated as an allegation as to the defendant charged in the Complaint.
McKees Rocks Felon Sentenced to Prison for Distributing Cocaine and Possessing a Stolen FirearmRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH –William Davis was sentenced to 46 months in prison for distributing cocaine and possessing a firearm after prior felony convictions, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.
Davis, age 39, of McKees Rocks, was sentenced by United States District Judge Marilyn J. Horan. Judge Horan also sentenced Davis to serve three years of supervised release following his release from prison.
Davis was sentenced for distributing over 100 grams of cocaine in June and July 2017. He had previously been convicted in 2011 in federal court in Pittsburgh for conspiring to distribute cocaine. Davis was also sentenced for possessing a stolen firearm on January 3, 2019, after having been convicted of several felony crimes, including cocaine trafficking in 2011 and unlawful firearm possession in 2004 and 2005.
Assistant United States Attorney Craig W. Haller prosecuted this case on behalf of the United States.
The Stowe Township Police Department, the McKees Rocks Police Department, the Allegheny County Police Department, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Pennsylvania Attorney General’s Office, the Internal Revenue Service, and the federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives conducted the investigation leading to the convictions and sentence in this case. This case was prosecuted as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) which 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.
Mario Estrada, Former Guatemalan Presidential Candidate, Sentenced to 15 Years in Prison in Connection with Scheme to Import Tons of Cocaine into the United StatesRead the Press Release
Geoffrey S. Berman, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, announced today that MARIO AMILCAR ESTRADA ORELLANA (“ESTRADA”), was sentenced to 180 months in prison for participating in a conspiracy to import and distribute tons of cocaine to the United States. ESTRADA previously pled guilty to participating in a cocaine importation conspiracy before United States District Judge Jed S. Rakoff, who also imposed today’s sentence.
Manhattan U.S. Attorney Geoffrey S. Berman said: “Mario Estrada conspired to solicit Sinaloa Cartel money to finance a corrupt scheme to get him elected president of Guatemala. Estrada promised to assist the cartel to export tons of cocaine into the U.S., and he attempted to arrange the assassinations of political rivals. Thanks to the DEA, rather than a shot at the presidency in Guatemala, Estrada is headed to prison in the United States.”
According to the allegations in the Indictment to which ESTRADA pled guilty, public court filings, and statements made in court:
While he was running for president of Guatemala in 2018 and 2019, ESTRADA attempted to solicit funding from international drug cartels to support ESTRADA’s presidential campaign (the “Estrada Campaign”). During certain of these negotiations, members of the Estrada Conspiracy, including ESTRADA and his co-defendant, Juan Pablo Gonzalez Mayorga (“Gonzalez”), interacted with purported members and associates of the Sinaloa Cartel – a powerful international drug-trafficking organization based in Mexico – who were, in fact, confidential sources (the “CSes”) acting at the Drug Enforcement Administration’s (“DEA”) direction. At times during the course of his negotiations with the CSes, ESTRADA was polling in the top five of candidates for the Guatemalan presidency.
During the course of their meetings and other communications with the CSes, some of which were video and audio recorded, ESTRADA and Gonzalez requested millions of dollars in drug proceeds from the Sinaloa Cartel to support the Estrada Campaign. In exchange for financial support from the Sinaloa Cartel, ESTRADA and Gonzalez promised that if ESTRADA was elected president of Guatemala, ESTRADA would provide Guatemalan state-sponsored support to the Sinaloa Cartel’s drug-trafficking activities. Among other things, ESTRADA and Gonzalez agreed to provide the Sinaloa Cartel with unfettered access to Guatemalan airports and maritime shipping locations so that the cartel could transport ton quantities of cocaine through Guatemala and ultimately into the United States. ESTRADA also offered to appoint members of the Sinaloa Cartel to high-ranking government positions in Guatemala so that the CSes would be positioned to advance the Sinaloa Cartel’s drug-trafficking activities. ESTRADA also agreed that he would receive a portion of the profits made by the Sinaloa Cartel on the cocaine it transited through Guatemala under his protection. Throughout, ESTRADA believed he was negotiating with representatives from the leadership of the Sinaloa Cartel.
In addition, during the course of his meetings with the CSes, ESTRADA bragged of his other drug cartel connections. More specifically, ESTRADA stated that the Jalisco Nuevo Generación cartel in Jalisco, Mexico, had offered him financial support in connection with his campaign, and also boasted that he was working with a drug trafficker in Guatemala who was supporting his bid for president. Further, at various times during their negotiations with the CSes, ESTRADA and Gonzalez also directed the CSes to hire hitmen to assassinate political rivals and their associates to ensure that ESTRADA was elected president of Guatemala. In particular, ESTRADA and Gonzalez identified specific targets by name and agreed to provide the hitmen with firearms, including AK-47s, to carry out the murders.
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In addition to his prison term, ESTRADA, 59, of Guatemala City, Guatemala, was sentenced to four years of supervised release.
Mr. Berman praised the outstanding efforts of the DEA’s Miami Field Office and its Guatemala Country Office, as well as the U.S. Department of Justice’s Office of International Affairs.
This case is being handled by the Office’s Terrorism and International Narcotics Unit. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Mathew Laroche and Jason A. Richman are in charge of the prosecution.
Man from Albuquerque faces federal drug and firearms chargesRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M – Manuel Bolivar, 21, of Albuquerque, New Mexico appeared in federal court in Albuquerque today for an initial appearance on a criminal complaint charging him possession of a machine gun, possession of methamphetamine and fentanyl with intent to distribute, and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.
The FBI Violent Crime Task Force arrested Bolivar at his home in Albuquerque on Feb. 6 while executing a search at the residence with assistance from the Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Office. According to the criminal complaint, Bolivar allegedly possessed more than three pounds of methamphetamine, more than eight pounds of marijuana, 96 fentanyl pills, and 155 packaged strips of suboxone, an opioid medication intended to treat drug addiction. The criminal complaint also alleged Bolivar possessed five handguns, including two stolen pistols, more than $15,000 in cash, a bulletproof vest, and magazines and cartridges of ammunition.
According to the criminal complaint, the FBI also allegedly seized more ammunition and firearms from Bolivar’s home, including a Glock pistol full-auto selector switch, which would allow a user to fire several shots automatically with a single function of the trigger without manually reloading.
Bolivar is in custody pending preliminary and detention hearings scheduled for tomorrow. He faces a minimum of 10 years to life in prison for methamphetamine possession, up to 20 years in prison for fentanyl possession, up to 10 years in prison for possession of a machine gun, and a consecutive sentence of a minimum of five years in prison for possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. A criminal complaint is only an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
The FBI investigated this case with assistance from the Albuquerque Police Department, Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Office, and New Mexico State Police. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jaymie L. Roybal and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Thomas A. Outler are prosecuting the case.
Lexington Man Pleads Guilty to Cocaine Trafficking and Possession of Firearm in Furtherance of Drug TraffickingRead the Press Release
LEXINGTON, Ky.- A Lexington, Kentucky, man, Eddie Tapia, 26, pleaded guilty in federal court on Tuesday, before U.S. District Court Judge Karen Caldwell, to conspiracy to distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine and possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking.
Tapia admitted that on June 5, 2019, officers located approximately 9 ounces of cocaine and several firearms in his vehicle. According to his plea agreement, Tapia admitted that in a search of his residence, officers located 4 kilo wrappers with cocaine residue, a money counter, and a kilo press. Tapia further admitted that between December 1, 2018 and June 5, 2019, he agreed with one or more persons to distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine.
Tapia was indicted in December 2019.
Robert M. Duncan, Jr., United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky, and Daniel Dodds, Acting Special Agent in Charge, DEA Louisville, jointly announced the guilty plea.
The investigation was conducted by the DEA. The U.S. Attorney’s Office was represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Cynthia Rieker.
Tapia is scheduled to be sentenced on June 2, 2020. He faces up to life in prison and a maximum fine of $10 million. However, any sentence will be imposed by the Court after consideration of the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and the federal sentencing statutes.
This is another case prosecuted as part of the Department of Justice’s “Project Safe Neighborhoods” Program (PSN), which is a nationwide, crime reduction strategy aimed at decreasing violent crime in communities. It involves a comprehensive approach to public safety — one that includes investigating and prosecuting crimes, along with prevention and reentry efforts. In the Eastern District of Kentucky, U.S. Attorney Robert Duncan Jr., coordinates PSN efforts in cooperation with various federal, state, and local law enforcement officials.
This case is part of Project Guardian, the Department of Justice’s signature initiative to reduce gun violence and enforce federal firearms laws. Initiated by the Attorney General in the fall of 2019, Project Guardian draws upon the Department’s past successful programs to reduce gun violence; enhances coordination of federal, state, local, and tribal authorities in investigating and prosecuting gun crimes; improves information-sharing by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives when a prohibited individual attempts to purchase a firearm and is denied by the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS), to include taking appropriate actions when a prospective purchaser is denied by the NICS for mental health reasons; and ensures that federal resources are directed at the criminals posing the greatest threat to our communities. Click here for more information about Project Guardian.
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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Leader of Fake Cryptocurrency Investment Scheme Charged with Fraud and Money LaunderingRead the Press Release
Geoffrey S. Berman, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, Peter C. Fitzhugh, Special Agent-in-Charge of the New York Field Office of Homeland Security Investigations (“HSI”), and Michael F. McPherson, Special Agent-in-Charge of the Tampa Division of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (“FBI”), announced the unsealing of an indictment charging MICHAEL ACKERMAN with wire fraud and money laundering. ACKERMAN allegedly defrauded over 100 individuals of more than $35 million through his fake cryptocurrency investment scheme. ACKERMAN will be presented Friday in federal court in the Northern District of Ohio.
U.S. Attorney Geoffrey S. Berman said: “Allegedly touting monthly returns of over 15%, Michael Ackerman was able to raise over $35 million in investments for his fake cryptocurrency scheme. He allegedly falsified documents representing to investors that his fund had a balance of over $315 million worth of cryptocurrencies, when in actuality, he had less than half a million dollars. Today’s arrest should remind would-be investors to take extreme caution and thoroughly vet investment opportunities, especially when promised abnormally high rates of return.”
HSI Special Agent-in-Charge Peter C. Fitzhugh said: “Ackerman is alleged to have defrauded more than 100 investors through a cryptocurrency fraud scheme, doctoring data for appearances to make his investment fund look successful. As a result of this scheme, his victims are left feeling cheated after being swindled out of over $35M collectively. HSI will continue to investigate a plethora of financial fraud cases to ensure that individuals like Ackerman know they will face the consequences for any scheme that victimizes the innocent.”
FBI Special Agent-in-Charge Michael F. McPherson: “This was a classic fraud scheme with a digital twist, using cryptocurrency to take advantage of unsuspecting investors.
The FBI and its partners are committed to protecting investors from scams no matter how the fraudsters try and disguise the scheme.”
According to the allegations in the Complaint and Indictment, both unsealed today[1]:
In or about 2017, MICHAEL ACKERMAN and others started a purported cryptocurrency “investment” fund (the “Fund”) and recruited hundreds of individual investors into the Fund. Under the terms of the Fund, investors were told that they would receive 50% of their trading profits, and that the founders of the Fund, including ACKERMAN, would receive the other 50%. ACKERMAN falsely represented to potential investors that the fund had historical returns of approximately 15% each month. Moreover, during the period alleged in the Complaint and Indictment, ACKERMAN prepared materials falsely purporting to show that the Fund was returning approximately 15% each month, and shared that information with Fund investors. For example, in or about December 2019, ACKERMAN represented to investors and others that the Fund had a balance of over $315 million worth of cryptocurrencies available for trading in a Fund account. Those representations by ACKERMAN included screenshots of trading data doctored by ACKERMAN in order to make it appear that the Fund was operating at that successful level, when its actual trading balance was less than the equivalent of half a million dollars. ACKERMAN, moreover, regularly stole proceeds of this fraud from the Fund, and attempted to conceal those proceeds not only through his false representations to investors, but through the purchase of at least five pieces of real estate, all of which were titled to third parties.
* * *
ACKERMAN, 50, of Sheffield Lake, Ohio, is charged with one count of wire fraud and one count of money laundering, each of which carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison. The maximum potential sentences in this case are prescribed by Congress and are provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the judge.
Mr. Berman praised the outstanding investigative work of Special Agents from Homeland Security Investigations’ El Dorado Task Force and the Federal Bureau of Investigation in Tampa, and thanked the attorneys and investigators at the Commodity Futures Trading Commission and the Securities and Exchange Commission, whose expertise and diligence were integral to the development of this investigation.
The prosecution of this case is being handled by the Office’s Money Laundering and Transnational Criminal Enterprises Unit. Assistant United States Attorneys Kiersten Fletcher, Jessica Greenwood, and Sheb Swett are in charge of the prosecution.
The charges contained in the Complaint and Indictment are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
[1] As the introductory phrase signifies, the entirety of the text of the Complaint and Indictment, and the description of the Complaint and Indictment set forth below, constitute only allegations, and every fact described should be treated as an allegation.
Lawrence Ray Charged with Multiple Offenses, Including Extortion, Sex Trafficking, Forced Labor, and Money LaunderingRead 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 Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (“FBI”), and Dermot Shea, Commissioner of the New York City Police Department (“NPYD”), announced today the unsealing of an indictment charging LAWRENCE RAY, a/k/a “Lawrence Grecco,” with multiple offenses, including extortion, sex trafficking, and forced labor. As alleged in the indictment, RAY used physical and psychological threats and coercion to indoctrinate and exploit a group of college students in Westchester County as well as other victims. RAY extorted approximately $1 million from at least five victims; forced certain victims to perform unpaid labor; and caused, through force, fraud, and coercion, at least one victim to engage in commercial sex acts. He laundered the proceeds of his crimes through an internet domain business. RAY committed these offenses in locations including Westchester County, New York, and New York, New York, as well as Pinehurst, North Carolina.
RAY was arrested this morning in Piscataway, New Jersey. He will be presented this afternoon before United States Magistrate Judge Robert W. Lehrburger. The case is assigned to United States District Judge Lewis J. Liman.
Manhattan U.S. Attorney Geoffrey S. Berman said: “As alleged, for nearly a decade, Lawrence Ray exploited and abused young women and men emotionally, physically, and sexually for his own financial gain. College is supposed to be a time of self-discovery and new-found independence. But as alleged, Lawrence Ray exploited that vulnerable time in his victims’ lives through a course of conduct that shocks the conscience. Through his manipulative interrogation sessions, Ray made his victims confess to alleged wrongdoing and then compelled them to repay Ray alleged damages owed to him, through payments of hundreds of thousands of dollars, or worse, forced labor and sex trafficking. We hope that today’s charges bring some measure of comfort to the victims and their families. We thank the FBI and the NYPD for their extraordinary work on this case.”
FBI Assistant Director William F. Sweeney Jr. said: “Mr. Ray allegedly used his proximity to his victims to lay the groundwork for psychological conditioning, eventually leading several young adults to become unwitting victims of sexual exploitation, verbal and physical abuse, extortion, forced labor, and an egregious case of prostitution. For the better part of the last decade, we allege there was no limit to the abuse Ray’s victims received, and there is no way of knowing the amount of damage he may have caused them in the years to come. If you or someone you know came into contact with Mr. Ray, we are asking you to get in touch with us at 1-800-CALL-FBI. We want victims to know in the eyes of the FBI, they come first.”
NYPD Commissioner Dermot Shea said: “The NYPD and all of our law enforcement partners share an unwavering commitment to protecting survivors of human trafficking. This crime is among the most heinous, and our job is to ensure that anyone who would seek to profit through the abuse and exploitation of another human is brought to justice.”
According to the allegations in the Indictment[[1]]:
From in or about 2010 through the present, LAWRENCE RAY, a/k/a “Lawrence Grecco,” the defendant, subjected a group of college students and other victims to sexual and psychological manipulation and physical abuse. RAY’s tactics included sleep deprivation, psychological and sexual humiliation, verbal abuse, threats of physical violence, physical violence, threats of criminal legal action, alienating the victims from their families, and exploiting the victims’ mental health vulnerabilities.
Through this manipulation and abuse, RAY extracted false confessions from the victims to causing purported damages to RAY and his family and associates, and then extorted payment for those purported damages through several means. The victims made payments to RAY by draining their parents’ savings, opening credit lines, soliciting contributions from acquaintances, selling real estate ownership, and at RAY’s direction, performing unpaid labor for RAY and earning money through prostitution.
As alleged, through fear, violence, and coercion, RAY forced one female victim to engage in commercial sex acts to pay damages to RAY that she did not actually owe. Beginning when she was just a college student, RAY sexually groomed this victim, and collected sexually explicit photographs and other personal information which he then used to coerce her into continued commercial sex acts. RAY also used physical violence. On one occasion, as alleged, RAY tied his victim to a chair, placed a plastic bag over her head, and nearly suffocated her. In total, RAY collected over $500,000 in forced prostitution proceeds from this victim.
In addition, as alleged, RAY forced three female victims to perform unpaid labor on a family member’s property in North Carolina. Through a course of psychological and physical abuse, RAY forced these three victims to do extensive physical labor, sometimes in the middle of the night, for no pay.
Associates of RAY helped RAY collect and transfer the criminal proceeds, which RAY shared with at least two associates. RAY then laundered his criminal proceeds through an internet domain business.
* * *
RAY, 60, of Piscataway, New Jersey, is charged with the following offenses: conspiracy to commit extortion, which carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison; extortion, which carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison; sex trafficking, which carries a maximum sentence of life in prison, and a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years in prison; obtaining forced labor, which carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison; forced labor trafficking, which carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison; conspiracy to obtain forced labor, which carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison; two counts of violating the Travel Act, each of which carries a maximum sentence of five years in prison; and money laundering, which carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison. The statutory maximum and mandatory penalties are prescribed by Congress and are provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendant will be determined by a judge.
If you believe you are a victim of Lawrence Ray, please contact the FBI at 1-800-CALL FBI, and reference this case.
Mr. Berman praised the outstanding investigative work of the FBI and the NYPD.
This case is being handled by the Office’s Violent and Organized Crime Unit. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Danielle Sassoon, Mollie Bracewell, and Lindsey Keenan are in charge of the prosecution.
The charges in the Indictment are merely accusations and the defendant is 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.
Lauderdale County Man Sentenced to 9 Years for Illegally Possessing Firearms During a Drug Trafficking CrimeRead the Press Release
Memphis, TN – James Deshawn Whitelow, 24, has been sentenced to 108 months in federal prison for being a felon in possession of a firearm, possession of a firearm during a drug trafficking crime, and possession of a controlled substance with intent to distribute. U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant announced the sentence today.
According to information presented in court, on January 31, 2019, Whitelow, who had a warrant for his arrest for attempted murder, was located at a residence in Ripley, Tennessee. The resident allowed law enforcement to enter the home and search the premises. Whitelow was found near a common-area bathroom.
Officers recovered two handguns, a stolen Walther PPS and a Glock 23 with a large capacity magazine. 252 grams of marijuana packaged for resale were found in the toilet tank of the common bathroom. A safe was found in a bedroom with a 50 round drum magazine inside.
The witnesses said Whitelow ran into the bathroom prior to law enforcement entering the home. They further stated Whitelow is known to have guns and to be involved in shootings.
On February 6, 2020, U.S. District Court Judge Jon P. McCalla sentenced Whitelow to 108 months in federal prison followed by 3 years supervised release.
U.S. Attorney D, Michael Dunavant said, "This felon was clearly a dangerous offender, and was wanted for attempted murder when he was found in possession of firearms in furtherance of drug trafficking. Mr. Whitelow has sowed lawlessness by committing violent and drug crimes, and he will now reap the much deserved consequences of his actions. This sentence removing him from the community for 9 years will make Lauderdale County and West Tennessee a safer place."
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Ripley Police Department and the U.S. Marshals Service investigated this case.
Special Assistant Sean G. Hord prosecuted this case on behalf of the government. SAUSA Hord is currently assigned from the 25th Judicial District Attorney’s Office.
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KC Man Pleads Guilty to Illegal Firearm After Being Wounded in ShootoutRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, Mo. – A Grandview, Missouri, man who was wounded in a shoot-out on Troost Avenue pleaded guilty in federal court today to illegally possessing a firearm.
Malliek D. Haynes, 26, pleaded guilty before U.S. Chief District Judge Beth Phillips to being a felon in possession of a firearm.
By pleading guilty today, Haynes admitted that he possessed a Smith and Wesson .40-caliber pistol when he engaged in a shootout on Troost Avenue on April 2, 2017.
The incident began with a verbal altercation between Haynes and a group of people at the Troost Market, 8001 Troost Avenue in Kansas City. Haynes loudly proclaimed that he was “a gangster” and lifted up his shirt in a threatening manner, exposing the firearm in his waistband. After the group left the store, Haynes continued to make loud comments to other patrons and again lifted his shirt to show that he was carrying the firearm.
When Haynes left the store and walked to his car, he again engaged in a verbal altercation with the same group of individuals from before, who were now in their vehicles across the gas station parking lot. They began to shoot at Haynes with a rifle from their vehicle. He immediately pulled out his firearm and began to wildly return fire, falling to the ground. During the shootout, Haynes was shot in the upper thigh.
The group drove away; Haynes got into the passenger side of his vehicle and a female companion drove him to the hospital. Haynes was arrested at the hospital and officers seized the firearm from his vehicle.
Under federal law, it is illegal for anyone who has been convicted of a felony to be in possession of any firearm or ammunition. Haynes has prior felony convictions for robbery and unlawful use of a weapon.
Under federal statutes, Haynes is subject to a sentence of up to 10 years in federal prison without parole. The maximum statutory sentence is prescribed by Congress and is provided here for informational purposes, as the sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the court based on the advisory sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors. A sentencing hearing will be scheduled after the completion of a presentence investigation by the United States Probation Office.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Kenneth W. Borgnino. It was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Kansas City, Mo., Police Department.
Project Safe Neighborhoods
The U.S. Attorney’s Office is partnering with federal, state, and local law enforcement to specifically identify criminals responsible for significant violent crime in the Western District of Missouri. A centerpiece of this effort is Project Safe Neighborhoods, a program that brings together all levels of law enforcement to reduce violent crime and make neighborhoods safer for everyone. Project Safe Neighborhoods is an evidence-based program that identifies the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develops comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, Project Safe Neighborhoods focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.Justice Department Welcomes Decision in New York v. Deutsche Telecom, the T-Mobile/Sprint MergerRead the Press Release
Following the trial in New York v. Deutsche Telekom, Judge Victor Marrero of the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York has refused a request from a minority of state Attorneys General to block T-Mobile’s proposed acquisition of Sprint. In his opinion, Judge Marrero cited the Justice Department’s settlement as a key factor, noting that the Justice Department’s settlement made Dish “well poised to become a fourth MNO in the market, and its extensive preparations and regulatory remedies indicate that it can sufficiently replace Sprint’s competitive impact.”
“I am pleased and agree with Judge Marrero’s decision to deny the injunction, and particularly his conclusion that the department’s divestiture and remedy package resolves the competitive concerns in this case,” said Assistant Attorney General Makan Delrahim of the Justice Department’s Antitrust Division. “This opinion is an important next step toward strengthening competition for high-quality 5G networks that will benefit American consumers nationwide.”
“I am also grateful that the judge recognized the expertise of the Department of Justice and the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) in his evaluation of the transaction. As I have noted before, should a minority group of states, or even one, be able to undo the nationwide relief secured by the federal government, it would wreak havoc on parties’ ability to merge, on the government’s ability to settle cases, and cause real uncertainty in the market for procompetitive mergers and acquisitions.”
The department’s Antitrust Division filed a civil antitrust lawsuit on July 26, 2019, in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia along with a proposed settlement that, if approved by the court, would resolve 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 proposed settlement. That proposed settlement, along with the United States’ motion to enter final judgment, is pending before Judge Kelly in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia.
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 Boost Mobile, Virgin Mobile, and Sprint prepaid, 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.
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.
Judge in Del Rio Sentences Mexican National to 30 Years in Federal Prison for Smuggling SchemesRead the Press Release
A judge in Del Rio sentenced a Mexican national to 30 years in federal prison for his role in various smuggling schemes involving drugs, firearms and humans out of Piedras Negras, Mexico, announced U.S. Attorney John Bash and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Special Agent in Charge Shane Folden, San Antonio Division.
During yesterday’s sentencing hearing, U.S. District Judge Alia Moses ordered that Pedro Gama-Alvarez (aka “Guero,” “El Lobo”), a 40–year-old resident of Mexico City, Mexico, be immediately placed in deportation proceedings and under non-reporting supervised release for a period of five years after completing his term.
On February 27, 2019, Gama-Alvarez pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute marijuana. By pleading guilty, Gama-Alvarez admitted that from February 2011 to September 2012, he was responsible for the smuggling of more than 16 kilograms of cocaine and over 2,600 kilograms of marijuana into the U.S.
“This sentence represents the seriousness of these crimes and serves as an appropriate punishment for Pedro Gama Alvarez for his role in a major drug trafficking organization that had a damaging impact in our communities,” said HSI San Antonio Special Agent in Charge Folden. “HSI will continue to utilize its broad authorities to dismantle criminal organizations who blatantly ignore the laws of this nation.”
Gama-Alvarez has remained in federal custody since authorities arrested him on September 1, 2018, near Eagle Pass, Texas, nearly six years after a federal grand jury in Del Rio indicted him.
HSI agents conducted this investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Sarah Spears and Amy Hail prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
Judge Sentences Johnstown Crack Dealer to 10 Years in Prison for Drug Charge and 18 Months More for Supervised Release ViolationRead the Press Release
JOHNSTOWN, Pa. – A resident of Johnstown, Pa. has been sentenced in federal court in Johnstown to 120 months in prison and eight years’ supervised release on his conviction of violating federal narcotics laws, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.
United States District Judge Kim R. Gibson imposed the sentence on Leon E. Szewczyk, 36.
According to information presented to the court, on April 6, 2018, Szewczyk possessed with intent to distribute more than 28 grams of cocaine base, commonly known as "crack."
Judge Gibson also sentenced Szewczyk to 18 months imprisonment on a supervised release violation with regard to a 2011 case in which Szewczyk was sentenced to 72 months imprisonment and five years’ supervised release for violating federal narcotics laws.
Assistant United States AttorneyMaureen Sheehan-Balchon prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
Mr. Brady commended the Laurel Highlands Resident Agency of the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Cambria County Drug Task Force for the investigation that led to the successful prosecution of Szewczyk.
Jennifer Dwyer Sentenced to 51 Months for Embezzling over $2 Million from Northeast Kingdom EmployerRead the Press Release
The Office of the United States Attorney for the District of Vermont stated that Jennifer Dwyer, 49, of St. Johnsbury, Vermont, was sentenced today in federal court on one count of wire fraud arising out of the embezzlement of approximately $2.2 million over a ten-year period from her Lyndonville employer, Northeast Agricultural Sales, Inc. (“NEAG”). U.S. District Judge Christina Reiss sentenced Dwyer to 51 months in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release. Judge Reiss also ordered that Dwyer pay restitution in the amount of $2,221,079.47.
According to court records, NEAG is a family-owned and operated business established in 1987 with locations in Lyndonville, Vermont and Detroit, Maine. Dwyer was hired at NEAG in 1998, eventually serving as NEAG’s bookkeeper for more than ten years. As bookkeeper, her responsibilities included customer billing, handling company accounts, and managing NEAG’s payroll system. Between 2007 and 2017, Dwyer embezzled approximately $2,221,079.47 from NEAG through unauthorized electronic transfers of funds from NEAG’s payroll account to her personal checking account. Dwyer used the misappropriated funds on on-line gambling and to pay personal debts and expenses.
As part of her plea agreement with the government, Dwyer agreed to apply several assets (or her share of those assets) toward restitution. These assets included a 2013 Cedarcreek Silverback Camper, a 2004 Chevrolet Silverado, a 2003 Chevrolet Commercial Silverado, and a 2013 Yanmar tractor. The government also forfeited a 2015 GMC Sierra truck. Under Dwyer’s agreement with the government, she further paid the value of her interest in her St. Johnsbury residence—$57,387.75—toward restitution. Dwyer also voluntarily turned over the proceeds of the sale of a Sea Doo watercraft. In total, these assets resulted in $84,621.70 for victim restitution. Before she reports to the Bureau of Prisons on March 24, 2020, Dwyer is expected to pay an additional several thousand dollars towards restitution derived from the liquidation of a life insurance policy and investment account.
United States Attorney Christina E. Nolan noted: “Jennifer Dwyer repeatedly stole thousands of dollars at a time over ten years as a trusted employee of Northeast Agricultural Sales. The sentence today reflects the devastating impact her decade-long $2 million embezzlement had on this family-owned Northeast Kingdom business. The U.S. Attorney’s Office remains committed to the prosecution of significant frauds that impact Vermont businesses and families.”
“Today’s sentence represents the FBI’s commitment to investigating fraud cases,” said Anna Holden, Supervisory Senior Resident Agent in Charge of the FBI Albany Field Office’s Burlington Resident Agency. “Jennifer Dwyer broke the law and betrayed the trust of her employer, and now she will face the consequences of her actions. The FBI will continue to investigate those who commit fraud for personal gain to ensure that they are brought to justice.”
The Federal Bureau of Investigation conducted the investigation in this matter, with assistance from the Lyndonville Police Department.
This prosecution was handled by First Assistant U.S. Attorney Kevin J. Doyle. Jennifer Dwyer is represented by Natasha Sen, Esq. of Middlebury.
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.
Inmate Sentenced to More Prison Time for Possessing a ShankRead the Press Release
JOHNSTOWN, Pa. – An inmate at Moshannon Valley Correctional Center in Philipsburg, Pa., pleaded guilty in federal court in Johnstown to a charge of possession of a prohibited object in prison, and immediately following, was sentenced to two months in prison, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.
Zhivrago McBride, 38, pleaded guilty to the indictment before United States District Judge Kim R. Gibson.
In connection with the guilty plea, on August 17, 2018, McBride possessed a seven-inch sharpened piece of metal attached to an ink pen.
Assistant United States Attorney Arnold P. Bernard, Jr. prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
Mr. Brady commended the Laurel Highlands Resident Agency of the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Moshannon Valley Correctional Center, Special Investigative Staff, for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of McBride.
Holdenville Man Sentenced to 15 Months for Theft of FirearmRead the Press Release
MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that Nathaniel Nathan Nash, Jr., age 18, of Holdenville, Oklahoma, was sentenced to 15 months’ imprisonment and 3 years of supervised release for Theft Of A Firearm From A Federal Firearms Licensee’s Inventory, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 922(u) and 924(i)(1). Nash was also ordered to pay total restitution of $1,817.19. The charges arose from an investigation by the Holdenville Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
The Indictment alleged that on April 10, 2019, within the Eastern District of Oklahoma, the defendant knowingly stole, took, and carried away from Easy Pawn Shop, the premises of a person licensed to engage in the business of importing, manufacturing, and dealing in firearms, a firearm in the licensee’s business inventory which had been shipped and transported in interstate commerce.
The Honorable Ronald A. White, U.S. District Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, in Muskogee, presided over the hearing. First Assistant United States Attorney Christopher Wilson represented the United States.
Halifax County Man Sentenced to Six Years’ Imprisonment on Drug and Gun ChargesRead the Press Release
GREENVILLE — United States Attorney Robert J. Higdon, Jr., announced that today in federal court, Senior United States District Judge Malcolm J. Howard, sentenced MICHAEL DELINDA STANSBURY, 47, of Littleton to 72 months’ imprisonment, followed by 5 years of supervised release. STANSBURY was named in a seven-count Indictment on July 10, 2019, charging him with two counts each of possession with intent to distribute cocaine and crack cocaine, possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, and possession of a firearm by a felon, as well as one count of possession with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine. On October 15, 2019, he pled guilty to three counts: possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking, possession of a firearm by a felon, and possession with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine.
According to the investigation, in January of 2017, members of the Halifax County Sheriff’s Office conducted two controlled buys from STANSBURY. The buys were for crack cocaine and took place at STANSBURY’s residence in Littleton, North Carolina, in Halifax County.
Law enforcement obtained a search warrant for the house, which they executed on January 20, 2017. In STANSBURY'S master bathroom, officers found a plastic bag containing smaller bags of powder and crack cocaine. In the bathroom closet, they found a Mossberg 12 gauge shotgun, and in the master bedroom, they found a .22 caliber AR rifle hidden behind a dresser and two handguns in an air vent. Elsewhere in the house, they recovered a digital scale and additional amounts of crack and powder cocaine. Seven more firearms were recovered from a room above the garage. In total, officers seized over 20 grams of crack cocaine, 8 grams of powder cocaine, and 11 firearms. STANSBURY was prohibited from possessing firearms due to a prior state felony conviction for maintaining a vehicle, dwelling, or place for controlled substances.
STANSBURY had a separate encounter with law enforcement on March 9, 2018. That day, a Halifax County Sheriff’s Office deputy stopped a white Dodge Ram for failing to signal, after also finding that the registered owner had a suspended license. He identified the driver as STANSBURY. A second officer arrived, and as they prepared to write a warning for the violation, STANSBURY sped away in the car. He fled at around 70 mph in a 45 mph zone, as officers pursued. After driving a short distance, he quickly took a turn, almost losing control. He then moved to the left side of the road and threw an object out of the window. After a couple of additional turns, the defendant parked in a driveway and was arrested without further incident. One of the pursuing officers stopped where STANSBURY had been seen throwing the object and recovered a bag of white powder, which was later confirmed to be 506 grams of cocaine.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. Since 2017, the United States Department of Justice has reinvigorated the PSN program and has targeted violent criminals, directing all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to work in partnership with federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement and the local community to develop effective, locally-based strategies to reduce violent crime.
That effort has been implemented through the Take Back North Carolina Initiative of the United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of North Carolina. This initiative emphasizes the regional assignment of federal prosecutors to work with law enforcement and District Attorney’s Offices in those communities on a sustained basis to reduce the violent crime rate, drug trafficking, and crimes against law enforcement.
The Halifax County Sheriff’s Office conducted the investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Jake D. Pugh represented the government.
Gulfport Man Sentenced to Almost 4 Years in Federal Prison for Illegally Possessing a Firearm as a Convicted FelonRead the Press Release
Gulfport, Miss. – Semaj Jermal Jefferson, 27, of Gulfport, was sentenced today by Senior U. S. District Judge Louis Guirola, Jr., to 46 months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release, for being a convicted felon in possession a firearm, announced U.S. Attorney Mike Hurst and Special Agent in Charge Kurt Thielhorn with The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (“ATF”). Jefferson was also ordered to pay a $2,500 fine.
On August 16, 2018, Jefferson, a previously convicted felon, sold a semi-automatic rifle loaded with 10 live rounds of 7.62 caliber ammunition to an individual at a Gulfport, Mississippi, residence, for $450. Jefferson was previously convicted of burglary of a dwelling in Harrison County, Mississippi, and was therefore prohibited under federal law from possessing a firearm.
Jefferson was indicted by a federal grand jury on May 15, 2019. He pled guilty before Judge Guirola on November 13, 2019.
The case was investigated by The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. It was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Andrea Jones.
Guilty Plea in Sacramento-based Scheme to Defraud the Social Security AdministrationRead the Press Release
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Darron Dimitri Ross, 34, of Charlotte, North Carolina, pleaded guilty Monday to conspiracy to defraud and commit offenses against the United States, aggravated identity theft, and wire fraud, United States Attorney McGregor W. Scott announced.
According to court documents, between November 2015 and October 2018, Ross and co-defendants Eric Lemoyne Willis and Joshua Bilal George conspired to defraud the Social Security Administration (SSA). Willis worked as an SSA Operation Supervisor in Sacramento and Lodi and used his authority as an SSA employee to access the confidential records of numerous beneficiaries. These records contained personally identifiable information (PII), including names, addresses, social security numbers, birth dates, account numbers, family information, and benefit payment amounts. Willis gave this PII to Ross and George who contacted SSA field offices across the country and posed as the beneficiaries. Once Ross or George succeeded in convincing an SSA representative that he was the beneficiary, he then requested that the beneficiary’s direct deposit account be changed to one of the 44 accounts that Ross had opened. SSA then deposited benefit payments into the fraudulent accounts, and the conspirators would divide the proceeds amongst themselves.
At least 160 beneficiaries nationwide were targeted by these crimes, and the total fraud loss suffered by SSA has exceeded $500,000. Willis and Ross spent the proceeds of their crimes on, among other things, trips to Las Vegas and luxury items, including Rolex watches.
This case is the product of an investigation by the Social Security Administration – Office of the Inspector General and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert J. Artuz is prosecuting the case.
On June 17, 2019, Willis pleaded guilty to similar charges in this case. The charges against George are pending. They are only allegations; he is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
Ross is scheduled to appear before U.S. District Judge William B. Shubb for a status conference regarding sentencing on April 20. Ross faces a maximum statutory penalty of 27 years in prison and a $750,000 fine. The actual sentence, however, will be determined at the discretion of the court after consideration of any applicable statutory factors and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, which take into account a number of variables.
Guatemalan Attorney General Visits Eastern District of TexasRead the Press Release
PLANO, Texas – Attorney General Maria Consuelo Porras Argueta, of the Republic of Guatemala, joined United States Attorney Joseph D. Brown, Adam Cohen, Director of the Department of Justice’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF), and Drug Enforcement Administration Assistant Special Agent in Charge of the Dallas Field Division Guy Baker in the Eastern District of Texas today to discuss investigations and advancements in joint efforts to curtail transnational criminal organizations operating between the United States and Guatemala.
During the meeting, officials discussed the surrender and extradition of Erik Salvador Suniga Rodriguez, also known as “El Pocho.” Suniga Rodriguez was indicted by a federal grand jury on June 13, 2018 in the Eastern District of Texas and charged with drug and money laundering violations. The mayor of Ayutla, a town on the border with Mexico, Suniga Rodriguez surrendered to U.S. Drug Enforcement agents in Guatemala on Dec. 19, 2019 and was extradited to McKinney, Texas. His trial is scheduled to begin in the federal courthouse in Plano.
Suniga Rodriguez has been identified by the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) as a significant foreign narcotics trafficker pursuant to the Foreign Narcotics Kingpin Designation Act (Kingpin Act). As a result, all assets in which Suniga Rodriguez has an interest in the United States or in the possession or control of U.S. persons must be blocked and reported to OFAC. OFAC’s regulations generally prohibit all dealings by U.S. persons or within (or transiting) the United States that involve any property or interests in property of blocked persons.
“We are very appreciative of the cooperation of the government of Guatemala as we jointly fight narco-trafficking,” said United States Attorney Joseph D. Brown. “Attorney General Porras visit shows her country’s commitment to standing up against the drug cartels and her recognition that both of our countries benefit when we move aggressively against these criminal organizations. We have excellent juries and judges in East Texas that do not tolerate crime and these kinds of international prosecutions are one of our priorities.”
“This case highlights the importance of law enforcement coordination and information sharing,” said OCDETF Director Adam Cohen. “By coordinating effort and leveraging resources, we are able to disrupt and dismantle the operations of criminal networks that pose the greatest threat to our communities and to the Nation.”
“Criminals who attempt to stay above the law through positions of public trust will meet swift justice through DEA’s tireless efforts to dismantle Transnational Criminal Organizations across the world,” said DEA Special Agent in Charge Eduardo A. Chavez. “We applaud the bravery and resolve of our Guatemalan counterparts to remain committed to the rule of law and the DEA will continue to work together to ensure consequences come to those who profit from illicit drugs in our neighborhoods.”
This case is the result of an extensive joint investigation by the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF). OCDETF agents and prosecutors handle complex investigations and prosecutions of the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, and other priority transnational criminal organizations that threaten the citizens of the United States.
The Department of Justice’s Office of International Affairs provided significant assistance in securing the defendant’s return from Guatemala. This case is being investigated by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Colleen Bloss.
Grant County man admits to child pornography chargesRead the Press Release
ELKINS, WEST VIRGINIA – Jasper E. Shook, of Petersburg, West Virginia, has admitted to child pornography charges, U.S. Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Shook, age 32, pled guilty on Monday to one count of “Conspiracy to Commit Production Child Pornography,” one count of “Aiding and Abetting Possession of Child Pornography (Depicting a child under the age of 12),” and one count of “Aiding and Abetting Production of Child Pornography.” Shook admitted to working with another to possess and produce images of child pornography that included images of a female under the age of 12 from 2015 to May 2019 in the Northern District of West Virginia and elsewhere.
The maximum penalty for the conspiracy count is up to five years incarceration and a fine of up to $250,000. The maximum penalty for aiding and abetting possession of an image of child pornography of a child under the age of 12, is up to 20 years incarceration and a fine of up to $250,000. Finally, the maximum penalty for aiding and abetting the production of child pornography is not less than 15 years and up to 30 years incarceration and a fine of up to $250,000.
This case is prosecuted as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative designed to protect children from online exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys’ Offices, 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 identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit http://www.justice.gov/psc/.
Assistants U.S. Attorney Kimberley D. Crockett and Jeffrey A. Finucane are prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The FBI and the West Virginia State Police investigated.
U.S. District Judge Thomas S. Kleeh presided.
Four Texans, One New Yorker Arrested for Conspiracy to Sell Sanctioned Iranian Oil to Refinery in China for Huge ProfitRead the Press Release
The Department of Justice today announced that the following defendants were arrested and charged by Complaint on charges of conspiracy and violating the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) based on their attempt to transact in sanctioned Iranian oil:
- Nicholas Hovan, 33, of New York, NY;
- Zhenyu Wang, a/k/a “Bill Wang,” 39, of Dallas, TX;
- Robert Thwaites, 30, of Dallas, TX;
- Nicholas James Fuchs, 26, of Dallas, TX; and
- Daniel Ray Lane, 38, of McKinney, TX.
The defendants are each charged with one count of conspiracy and one count of violating IEEPA, based on allegations that from July 2019 to February 2020 they conspired in Philadelphia and elsewhere to arrange for the purchase of oil from the Islamic Republic of Iran, in violation of United States economic sanctions imposed on Iran, for sale to a refinery in China.
The Complaint alleges that defendants Nicholas Hovan, James Fuchs, Robert Thwaites, and Daniel Ray Lane arranged to purchase the oil and sell it to a refinery in China represented by defendant Zhenyu Wang, a/k/a “Bill Wang.”
According to the Complaint, defendant Lane offered to further the conspiracy by laundering money through his company, STACK Royalties. The charges further allege that the defendants agreed to use a Polish shell corporation as a straw seller of the illicit oil, and that they planned two shipments of oil per month going forward, all for great profit. In addition, the charges allege that defendants Fuchs and Thwaites agreed to apply for foreign passports in order to set up offshore accounts that would not be reported to U.S. authorities.
“With the goal of illegally enriching themselves, the defendants conspired for over eight months to devise a scheme to violate U.S. sanctions imposed on Iran, particularly the ban on foreign oil sales,” said Assistant Attorney General for National Security John C. Demers. “The sale of oil is the lifeblood of the Iranian economy. At the same time the United States was increasing its sanctions in order to pressure Iran to stop its malign activities, these defendants put greed ahead of country. I commend the efforts of the agents and prosecutors who investigated and uncovered this brazen evasion of U.S. law.”
“The defendants in this case allegedly committed serious federal crimes that flew in direct contradiction to the United States’ national security interests,” said U.S. Attorney McSwain for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania. “By devising a scheme to purchase oil from Iran, conceal its origins via a refinery in China and make tremendous profits, the defendants were also directly financially benefitting the nation of Iran in its quest to become a nuclear power, thus jeopardizing the safety and security of the United States and our allies. These five defendants will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law in order to send the message that this type of subversion of U.S. policy and law will not be tolerated.”
If convicted, the defendants each face a maximum possible sentence of 25 years’ incarceration, as well as a maximum possible fine of $1.25 million.
The case was investigated by the FBI and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Michael Rinaldi and First Assistant United States Attorney Jennifer Arbittier Williams, in partnership with Trial Attorney David Recker of the Department of Justice’s National Security Division, Counterintelligence and Export Control Section.
An indictment, information, or criminal complaint is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Four Texans, One New Yorker Arrested for Conspiracy to Sell Sanctioned Iranian Oil to Refinery in China for Millions in ProfitRead the Press Release
PHILADELPHIA – United States Attorney William M. McSwain and Assistant Attorney General for National Security John C. Demers announced that the following defendants were arrested and charged by Complaint on charges of conspiracy and violating the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (“IEEPA”) based on their attempt to transact in sanctioned Iranian oil:
- Nicholas Hovan, age 33, of New York, NY;
- Zhenyu Wang, a/k/a “Bill Wang,” age 39, of Dallas, TX;
- Robert Thwaites, age 30, of Dallas, TX;
- Nicholas James Fuchs, age 26, of Dallas, TX; and
- Daniel Ray Lane, age 38, of McKinney, TX.
The defendants are each charged with one count of conspiracy and one count of violating IEEPA, based on allegations that from July 2019 to February 2020 they conspired in Philadelphia and elsewhere to arrange for the purchase of oil from the Islamic Republic of Iran, in violation of United States economic sanctions imposed on Iran, for sale to a refinery in China.
The Complaint alleges that defendants Nicholas Hovan, James Fuchs, Robert Thwaites, and Daniel Ray Lane arranged to purchase the illegal oil and sell it to a refinery in China represented by defendant Zhenyu Wang, a/k/a “Bill Wang.”
According to the Complaint, defendant Lane offered to further the conspiracy by laundering money through his company, STACK Royalties. The charges further allege that the defendants agreed to use a Polish shell corporation as a straw seller of the illicit oil, and that they planned two shipments of oil per month going forward, all for an expected profit of roughly $28 million-per-month. In addition, the charges allege that defendants Fuchs and Wang agreed to apply for foreign passports in order to set up offshore accounts that would not be reported to U.S. authorities.
“The defendants in this case allegedly committed serious federal crimes that are in direct contradiction to the United States’ national security interests,” said U.S. Attorney McSwain. “By devising a scheme to purchase oil from Iran, conceal its origins via a refinery in China and make tremendous profits, the defendants were attempting to enrich both themselves and the nation of Iran -- thus jeopardizing the safety and security of the United States and our allies. This type of subversion of U.S. policy and law will not be tolerated: these defendants will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.”
“With the goal of illegally enriching themselves, the defendants conspired for over eight months to devise a scheme to violate U.S. sanctions imposed on Iran, particularly the ban on foreign oil sales,” said Assistant Attorney General for National Security John C. Demers. “The sale of oil is the lifeblood of the Iranian economy. At the same time the United States was increasing its sanctions in order to pressure Iran to stop its malign activities, these defendants put greed ahead of country. I commend the efforts of the agents and prosecutors who investigated and uncovered this brazen evasion of U.S. law.”
“These defendants allegedly conspired to circumvent economic sanctions enacted to protect the United States’ national security,” said Tara A. McMahon, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Philadelphia Division. “In their minds, sanctions weren’t so much an impediment as an opportunity. They thought they could make their millions and escape the United States Government’s notice. Well, as these charges show, they were wrong. The FBI takes sanctions violations extremely seriously and will bring all our investigative resources to bear, to end such harmful and illegal activity.”
If convicted, the defendants each face a maximum possible sentence of 25 years’ incarceration, as well as a maximum possible fine of $1.25 million. Four of the arrests occurred in Philadelphia and one occurred in Texas. The four defendants arrested in Philadelphia had initial appearances in federal court today.
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Michael Rinaldi and First Assistant United States Attorney Jennifer Arbittier Williams, in partnership with Trial Attorney David Recker of the Department of Justice’s National Security Division, Counterespionage Section.
An indictment, information, or criminal complaint is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Former Sullivan County Sheriff’s Deputy Charged with TheftRead the Press Release
SCRANTON -The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Mary Handzus, age 63, of Laporte, Pennsylvania, was charged on February 10, 2020, in a criminal information with theft.
According to United States Attorney David J. Freed, the criminal information alleges that between 2012 and 2019, while employed as a Sheriff’s Deputy, Handzus stole $198,566 from the Sullivan County Sheriff’s Office.
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the Pennsylvania State Police. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jenny P. Roberts is prosecuting the case.
Indictments and Criminal Informations are only allegations. All persons charged are presumed to be innocent unless and until found guilty in court.
A sentence following a finding of guilt is imposed by the Judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.
The maximum penalty under federal law for this offense is 10 years of imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the Judge is also required to consider and weigh a number of factors, including the nature, circumstances and seriousness of the offense; the history and characteristics of the defendant; and the need to punish the defendant, protect the public and provide for the defendant's educational, vocational and medical needs. For these reasons, the statutory maximum penalty for the offense is not an accurate indicator of the potential sentence for a specific defendant.
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Former St. Petersburg Police Officer Pleads Guilty to Distribution and Possession of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
Tampa, Florida – Matthew Enhoffer (34, St. Petersburg) today pleaded guilty to distribution and possession of child pornography. He faces a mandatory minimum penalty of 5 years, and up to 20 years, in federal prison.
According to court documents, agents from Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) received a CyberTip from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children that an individual had distributed child pornography on a web-based social media application. The investigation led agents to Enhoffer’s residence.
On September 11, 2019, HSI agents executed a search warrant at Enhoffer’s home and seized several electronic devices. An examination of Enhoffer’s devices revealed that he possessed approximately 391 images and 7 videos depicting child pornography, and 293 images of child erotica. The images and videos depicted young children engaged in sexually explicit conduct. A forensic analysis of Enhoffer’s laptop also revealed that he had distributed child sex abuse material to another individual via the internet in June and July 2018.
This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Lisa M. Thelwell.
This is another case brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
Former Raleigh Officer Sentenced to 10 Years in Connection with Multi-Million Dollar Investment Fraud SchemesRead the Press Release
GREENVILLE – United States Attorney Robert J. Higdon, Jr. announced that today in federal court, Senior United States District Judge Malcolm J. Howard sentenced GREGORY ANTHONY CHRISTOS, 62, of Raleigh to 120 months imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release. The Court also ordered CHRISTOS to pay $3,760,890 in restitution to various individual and corporate victims, as well as the Internal Revenue Service.
CHRISTOS was named in a Superseding Indictment filed on October 18, 2017 charging him with wire fraud, money laundering, and failure to file federal income tax returns. On January 7, 2019, CHRISTOS pled guilty to two counts of wire fraud, one count of money laundering, and one count of failure to file tax returns.
According to the charging instrument, statements made in court, and other public information, CHRISTOS started his career as a law enforcement for the Raleigh Police Department and Wake County Sheriff’s Office and later became the self-described managing partner of Cambridge Global Consultancy (“CGC”), a purported consulting firm through which CHRISTOS fraudulently marketed and sold various investment schemes to victims.
As part of one scheme, CHRISTOS defrauded multiple victims through his affiliation with Green Energy Corporation (“Green Energy”), a software company with prior operations in Raleigh. For example, CHRISTOS solicited one victim to invest $200,000 into Green Energy. CHRISTOS forwarded $100,000 of the victim’s funds to Green Energy and used the remaining $100,000 to pay for personal expenses. Later, CHRISTOS convinced a local engineering firm to invest $2 million into a purported startup business associated with Green Energy. CHRISTOS used $1.4 million of the victim’s funds to purchase a luxury residence in an upscale development in Youngsville, NC. As part of another scheme, CHRISTOS sold Green Energy shares owned by victims to pay approximately $194,000 in criminal restitution; the restitution was ordered following CHRISTOS’s felony conviction in Wake County for embezzling from a former employer while serving as chief operating officer.
Additionally, CHRISTOS worked as a purported consultant for a victim business based in eastern North Carolina and used his position to defraud the business out of more than $200,000. CHRISTOS induced the business to provide his sham consulting firm with funds that CHRISTOS falsely and fraudulently represented would be used to provide interest-bearing loans to distressed companies in need. In truth, CHRISTOS converted the victim’s funds for his own use, including for the purchase of a $28,000 show horse.
“The defendant’s greed knew no limits. His investment schemes targeted both individuals and companies throughout this district, all in order to line his pockets and fund his lifestyle;” stated U.S. Attorney Higdon. “Meanwhile, the victims of his fraud were left with nothing but his empty promises. Given his background as an officer, the defendant should have known better than anyone that the reach of the law is long, and the day would come when he would have to answer for his crimes. Prosecuting those who peddle fraudulent investments to our citizens will always remain a top priority of this office.”
Although CHRISTOS grossed millions of dollars throughout the offense period, he willfully failed to file federal income tax returns. According to the investigation, CHRISTOS has not filed tax returns since 2002.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation conducted the investigation in this matter. Assistant United States Attorney Adam F. Hulbig represented the government.
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The year 2020 marks the 150th anniversary of the Department of Justice. Learn more about the history of our agency at www.Justice.gov/Celebrating150Years.
Former Postal Worker Admits Role in Bank Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
NEWARK, N.J. – Three New Jersey individuals have admitted their roles in a scheme to steal checks worth more than $75,000 from the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) in Chester, New Jersey, U.S. Attorney Craig Carpenito announced.
Nicole Georges, 30, pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Judge William J. Martini, in Newark federal court to an information charging her with theft of mail and conspiracy to commit bank fraud. Raheem Haynes-Moore, 25, and Daquan Pruitt, 31 previously pleaded guilty to separate informations charging each with conspiracy to commit bank fraud, as a result of the scheme to cash the stolen checks.
According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:
Georges stole checks from the USPS station in Chester, New Jersey where she was employed. Georges and her conspirators then fraudulently deposited them into various bank accounts, and withdrew the money, often that same day or a day later before the checks were reported stolen. The stolen checks had a total value of over $75,000.
The charge of theft of mail by postal employee carries a maximum penalty of up to five years in prison and up to a $250,000 fine. The charge of conspiracy to commit bank fraud carries a maximum penalty of 30 years in prison and a $1 million fine. Sentencing for Georges is scheduled for June 18, 2020. Sentencing for Pruitt and Haynes-Moore is scheduled for April 23, 2020.
U.S. Attorney Craig Carpenito credited postal inspectors of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Newark Division, under the direction of Inspector in Charge James Buthorn, the U.S. Postal Service Office of Inspector General, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Matthew Modafferi, and officers of the Chester Police Department, under the direction of Chief Thomas Williver, with the investigation leading to the guilty pleas.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Sophie E. Reiter of the U.S. Attorney’s Office Criminal Division in Newark.
Former Mount Pleasant Woman Pleads Guilty to Fraud Charges Contained in 2 Separate CasesRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, PA – A former resident of Westmoreland County pleaded guilty in federal court in Pittsburgh on charges of violating federal wire fraud and mail fraud, and aggravated identity theft, charged in two separate indictments, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.
Jennifer Lynne Clark aka Jennifer Gill, age 42, formerly of Mount Pleasant, Pennsylvania and now residing in Pinellas Park, FL, pleaded guilty to four counts before United States District Judge Joy Flowers Conti.
In connection with the guilty pleas in criminal case 18-250, between August, 2015 and October, 2016, Clark defrauded her then employer Elite Oil by stealing company employee credit cards and processing unauthorized payments through Square, Inc. Clark then set up mobile payment accounts with Square, Inc., in the false names of other businesses, and used the credit card information to authorize fraudulent payments into her own personal bank account. In making the unauthorized transactions, Clark used credit card numbers that were assigned to specific individual employees.
In connection with the guilty plea in criminal case 19-35, in 2017, Clark defrauded her then employer Wright Traffic Controls by using the identity of a former employee to process payroll checks in a former employee’s name. Clark forged the ex-employee’s signature to the checks, and deposited them into her own bank account.
Judge Conti scheduled the sentencing for June 9, 2020. The law provides for a maximum total sentence of 32 years in prison for the case at docket 18-250, and a fine up to one million dollars. In the indictment at docket 19-35, the law provides for a maximum total sentence of 22 years in prison, and a fine up to $250,000. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant United States Attorney Gregory C. Melucci is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The U.S. Postal Inspection Service and Homeland Security Investigations conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Jennifer Lynne Clark.
Former Louisiana Carnival Worker to Serve Two Years in Prison for Failure to Update Sex Offender RegistrationRead the Press Release
URBANA, Ill. – A former Louisiana man, Dallas Eugene Clement, 58, has been ordered to serve 27 months in prison for failure to comply with the federal Sex Offender Notification and Registration Act (SORNA). Clement had been living in Mattoon, Ill., when he was arrested in March 2019. U.S. District Judge Michael M. Mihm sentenced Clement on Feb. 10, 2020, and ordered him to serve a 10-year term of supervised release upon completion of his prison sentence.
Clement pleaded guilty on Aug. 26, 2019, and admitted that he failed to update his sex offender registration after he left Westlake, La., in 2015 to work and travel with a carnival company. Clement traveled with the carnival company through Texas, N. Dakota, Tennessee, and along the Mexican border and in the off-season lived with another carnival worker in the 1300 block of Lafayette St. in Mattoon, Ill. Clement has several Louisiana convictions for sex crimes and was required to update his sex offender registration.
U.S. Marshals Service deputies arrested Clement on March 4, 2019, in Streator, Ill., where he told deputies he planned to live with his daughter and five children under the age of ten.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Elly M. Peirson represented the government in the prosecution which was investigated by the U.S. Marshals Service.
Former Erie Man Facing Child Exploitation ChargesRead the Press Release
ERIE, Pa. - A former resident of Erie, Pennsylvania, has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Erie on charges of violating federal laws relating to the sexual exploitation of children, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.
The nine-count Superseding Indictment named Jeffrey Adam Jepson, 38, as the sole defendant.
According to the Superseding Indictment presented to the court, Jepson took sexually explicit photos of a victim who was under the age of six. He also distributed the images depicting the minor victim to an undercover officer. Jepson also possessed other images of child pornography depicting minors under the age of twelve.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
The law provides for a maximum total sentence of 250 years in prison, a fine of $2,250,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant United States Attorney Christian A. Trabold is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Pennsylvania State Police, the District of Columbia’s Metropolitan Police Department and the Erie County Detectives Bureau conducted the investigation leading to the Superseding Indictment in this case.
A Superseding Indictment is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Former Erie Man Charged with Lying to an FBI AgentRead the Press Release
ERIE, Pa. - A former resident of Erie, Pennsylvania, has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Erie on a charge of false statement to the government, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.
The one-count Indictment named Jamie Gilmore, 23, as the sole defendant.
According to the Indictment presented to the court, on or about January 25, 2020, Gilmore made false statements to a Special Agent of the Federal Bureau of Investigation when he was questioned about matters that were material to the investigation of the January 25, 2020, robbery at Wendy’s in Edinboro, Pennsylvania.
The law provides for a maximum total sentence of 5 years in prison, a fine of $250,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant United States Attorney Christian A. Trabold is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Pennsylvania State Police and the Millcreek Police Department conducted the investigation leading to the Indictment in this case.
An indictment is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Former Dayton agency director pleads guiltyRead the Press Release
DAYTON – The former director of Dayton’s Minority Business Assistance Center pleaded guilty today to accepting a thing of value in connection with a local government.
According to court documents, RoShawn Winburn, 46, disclosed internal information regarding minority-owned, woman-owned and small disadvantaged business contracts to a local business owner who hoped to obtain contracts with the City of Dayton.
Between July 2015 and July 2016, Winburn accepted cash payments totaling more than $6,500 from the individual in exchange for internal City of Dayton documents with restricted public access.
Winburn met the individual at a downtown Dayton bar to provide information regarding contracts and receive cash.
Clayton Luckie, Brian Higgins, Steve Rauch, Joyce Cameron and James Cameron have also been charged in connection to this case. Luckie was sentenced in November 2019 to four months in prison for mail fraud. Williams was sentenced in January 2020 to 12 months 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; Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost and Ohio Auditor of State Keith Faber announced the plea entered into today before Senior U.S. District Court Judge Thomas M. Rose. Assistant United States Attorneys Brent G. Tabacchi and Dominick S. Gerace are representing the United States in this case.
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Federal Jury Convicts Vestavia Hills Doctor on Charges of Producing and Possessing Child PornographyRead the Press Release
Birmingham, Ala. – A federal jury today convicted a Birmingham-area doctor for producing and possessing child pornography, announced U.S. Attorney Jay E. Town and FBI Special Agent in Charge Johnnie Sharp, Jr.
The jury returned its guilty verdict against Dr. Ronald Tai Young Moon, Jr., after 5 days of testimony before U.S. District Judge Annemarie Axon. Moon has worked as a physical medicine doctor at The Industrial Athlete located in Birmingham.
“The jury returned a verdict which gives Moon’s victims justice for these crimes, which stretched across two decades in Hoover and Vestavia,” stated First Assistant United States Attorney Lloyd C. Peeples, III. “We appreciate the hard work of the federal agencies which exposed the crimes that Moon committed with hidden cameras.”
“FBI is committed to protecting those among us that are the most vulnerable,” Sharp said. “I am proud of the work done by my agents and our partners to hold Moon accountable for these crimes.”
Evidence at trial proved that between the mid-1990s and about 2012, Moon secretly recorded neighbors and guests in his own home, including minors as young as 12 and 13 years. Some of those individuals were filmed naked, both dressing and undressing.
These videos were discovered during an investigation into potential health care fraud violations. The health care fraud investigation was led by the DEA, HHS, and FBI. The FBI, with assistance from the DEA, led the investigation into the child pornography charges.
Producing child pornography carries a penalty of 15 to 30 years in prison, and a maximum $250,000 fine. The maximum penalty for possessing child pornography is 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
Assistant U.S. Attorney John B. Ward and First Assistant U.S. Attorney Lloyd C. Peeples, III prosecuted the case for the United States.