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Newest first across public DOJ and U.S. Attorney press releases.
Monday 10 February 2020
Tank Vessel Operator Convicted of Unlawful Discharge of Bilge Waste, Agrees to Pay $1.75 Million FineRead the Press Release
Bernhard Schulte Shipmanagement (Singapore) PTE LTD. (Bernhard), a vessel operating company, pleaded guilty today in federal court to one count of maintaining false and incomplete records relating to the discharge of bilge waste from the tank vessel Topaz Express, a felony violation of the Act to Prevent Pollution from Ships.
U.S. District Judge Derrick K. Watson of the District of Hawaii accepted the guilty plea. Chief Engineer Skenda Reddy and vessel Second Engineer Padmanaban Samirajan previously pled guilty to their involvement in the offense.
Under the terms of the plea agreement, Bernhard will pay a total fine of $1,750,000 and serve a 4-year term of probation. This is the largest fine ever imposed in the District of Hawaii for this type of offense. Bernhard further must implement a robust Environmental Compliance Plan, which applies to all 38 vessels operated by the company that call on U.S. ports.
“The Environment and Natural Resources Division of the Department of Justice is charged with enforcing federal and international laws designed to protect our oceans from pollutants,” said Assistant Attorney General Jeffrey Bossert Clark of the Justice Department’s Environment and Natural Resources Division. “Under those laws, vessel operators are required to either properly treat their bilge waste onboard before discharging it into the sea or offload their bilge waste to disposal facilities. This case should serve as a deterrent to individuals and companies that flout our laws and pollute our oceans.”
“Prosecutions like this one are important because, by holding companies accountable for the harm they cause to the ocean’s ecosystem, we do our part to protect the planet and its finite resources. In Hawaii, we are surrounded by the beauty of the Pacific Ocean, and companies that intentionally damage the ocean’s ecosystem must be held accountable for their criminal conduct,” said U.S. Attorney Kenji M. Price. “My office will continue to bring to justice companies that illegally discharge bilge waste into the ocean and then attempt to conceal their misconduct.”
“This case was built on the hard work of Coast Guard inspectors and investigators and we appreciate the strong partnership with the Department of Justice to hold polluters accountable,” said Capt. Arex Avanni, commander, Coast Guard Sector Honolulu. “All vessel owners and operators are responsible for maintaining their vessels and preventing illegal discharges of oily wastes into the ocean. We are committed to the people of Hawaii to protect our waters and the Pacific Ocean from the damage caused by pollution from illegal dumping.”
According to court documents and information presented in court, the defendants illegally dumped bilge waste from the Topaz Express directly into the ocean, without properly processing it through pollution prevention equipment. Bilge waste typically contains oil contamination from the operation and cleaning of machinery on the vessel. The defendants admitted that these illegal discharges were not recorded in the vessel’s oil record book as required by law. Specifically, on three separate occasions between May and July 2019, Bernhard, acting through Chief Engineer Skenda Reddy and Second Engineer Padmanaban Samirajan, its employees, used a portable pneumatic pump and hose to bypass the ship’s pollution prevention equipment and discharge bilge waste directly into the ocean. They then failed to record the improper overboard discharges in the vessel’s oil record book.
Additionally, during the U.S. Coast Guard’s inspection of the Topaz Express, Reddy destroyed paper sounding sheets and altered a copy of the vessel’s electronic sounding log, in an effort to conceal how much bilge waste had been discharged overboard without being processed through the vessel’s pollution prevention equipment.
The U.S. Coast Guard Sector Honolulu and the U.S. Coast Guard Investigative Service investigated the case. Trial Attorney Stephen Da Ponte of the Environment and Natural Resources Division’s Environmental Crimes Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Marc A. Wallenstein of the District of Hawaii are prosecuting the case.
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.
Statement of United States Attorney Richard MooreRead the Press Release
Today, the Attorney General reminded Americans that sanctuary jurisdiction policies jeopardize public safety by preventing the federal government from locating, arresting, and prosecuting removable aliens inside the United States.
Here in the Southern District of Alabama, federal agencies are able to rely on state and local jurisdictions to uphold the rule of law and protect the safety of our communities. By working together to enforce our immigration laws, we increase safety not only of everyday, law-abiding citizens, but also of our law enforcement officers, who are required to perform the often dangerous task of executing arrest warrants. Not every jurisdiction enjoys the same productive cooperation in enforcing our immigration laws, and we stand with the Attorney General in his commitment to upholding the rule of law throughout the nation.
Statement of United States Attorney Joseph D. Brown on Jurisdictions Proclaiming Status as “Sanctuary Cities” from Federal Immigration EnforcementRead the Press Release
SHERMAN, Texas – United States Attorney Joe Brown today applauded the speech of United States Attorney General William Barr to the National Sheriffs’ Association criticizing the state and local governments which have refused to cooperate with federal immigration enforcement actions.
“Attorney General Barr is exactly right on this issue,” said Brown. “Jurisdictions which refuse to turn over criminal aliens are putting politics above public safety and are putting the interests of criminal aliens before those of law-abiding citizens.
https://www.justice.gov/opa/speech/attorney-general-william-p-barr-delivers-remarks-national-sheriffs-association-winter
When federal officers place detainers on offenders, a legal determination has already been made that there is probable cause to believe that the person committed a criminal act. To refuse to honor these detainers can put dangerous people, who are not citizens of this country, back on the streets. Increasingly, we see anti-law enforcement policies releasing dangerous criminals.
Just last week, the United States Customs and Enforcement Agency (ICE) released figures confirming that more than 400 criminals from a single county in California re-offended over the last two years after being released because of California’s sanctuary city policies. The offenses the offenders were charged with after being released included rape, assault with a deadly weapon, child sex offenses, domestic violence, and driving while intoxicated.
https://www.ice.gov/news/releases/unimaginable-more-1500-aliens-ice-detainers-released-orange-county-jail-2019-many-re
In the Eastern District of Texas all of our county and local governments have cooperated with their federal partners in enforcing all of the laws that protect Americans. We have no sanctuary cities in the Eastern District of Texas. We thank the policy makers and law enforcement leaders in the 43 counties that make up our district. We also thank the policy makers of the State of Texas who have clearly indicated their support for immigration enforcement.”
Statement by U.S. Attorney Halsey B. Frank Regarding Sanctuary JurisdictionsRead the Press Release
In his speech today regarding so-called sanctuary jurisdictions, Attorney General Barr highlighted the dangers that sanctuary policies pose to public safety. Jurisdictions with these policies prevent or limit their law enforcement officials from working with their federal law enforcement partners. One way they do so is to refuse to honor detainers—formal requests to maintain custody of an alien for a limited period—issued by federal immigration officials for a removable alien in state or local custody following a criminal arrest. Another way is to prohibit state or local agencies from sharing information or otherwise cooperating with immigration officials.
Illegal aliens who commit crimes in this country and end up in state or local custody should not be able to avoid removal or other immigration consequences. Releasing criminal aliens in the face of immigration detainers imperils the public. Illegal alien criminals who have been released after law enforcement agencies have failed to honor detainers have gone on to commit additional crimes, including violent felonies. When state and local jurisdictions release criminal illegal aliens, immigration officials must locate and arrest them in the community rather than in the secure and controlled environment of a jail or prison.
Sanctuary policies prevent the collaboration and information-sharing among state, local, tribal and federal law enforcement officials that is critical to maintaining public safety. These misguided policies undermine the rule of law and endanger everyone.
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Son of Indicted Former City of Memphis Employee Pleads Guilty to Mail Fraud and ConspiracyRead the Press Release
Memphis, TN –Karl "Shun" Blackmon, 46, has pleaded guilty to mail fraud and conspiracy. U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant announced the guilty plea today.
According to the Superseding Indictment and information presented in court, from April 2013 until November 2014, Karl "Shun" Blackmon defrauded the City of Memphis's ("City") Division of Housing and Community Development ("HCD") maintenance program. The purpose of that program is to maintain vacant City-owned lots and properties.
During that time, Karl Blackmon's father, Leon Blackmon, Sr., worked for the City and was in charge of that program. Karl Blackmon recruited at least 13 family, friends, associates, and employees to establish lawn care companies in order to participate in the HCD maintenance program. Karl Blackmon and Leon Blackmon Sr. instructed those recruits to apply for business licenses, obtain federal EIN numbers, open post office boxes and business bank accounts, and apply to become City vendors. Karl Blackmon distributed lists of properties to his recruits, and caused invoices to be submitted for those recruits to Leon Blackmon, Sr. under the City's HCD maintenance program.
At least half of the properties shown on the invoices were fraudulently billed; meaning the work shown was not done. The fraudulent invoices resulted in City checks being generated and mailed to Karl Blackmon's recruits via the U.S. Postal Service. Karl Blackmon met the recruited vendors in Memphis, where he was paid a portion of those recruits' City checks.
As a result of this fraud scheme, the City paid approximately $84,665 under the HCD maintenance program to lawn care companies that Karl Blackmon recruited. Charges against Leon Blackmon, Sr. and eight other alleged co-conspirators are still pending.
Sentencing for Karl Blackmon is scheduled for May 22, 2020, before U.S. District Court Judge Sheryl H. Lipman, where he faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in federal prison followed by 3 years supervised release.
U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant said, "This long-term fraudulent scheme had significant financial consequences to the public interests of the City of Memphis, and created unfair business advantages for vendors in the HCD Maintenance Program. This office is committed to the protection of the integrity of public services, and schemes to defraud programs or compromise public office will not be tolerated. This case demonstrates our commitment to protect taxpayer resources from such disturbing crimes of dishonesty, and to eliminate fraud, waste, and abuse in government programs."
The U.S. Postal Inspection Service and the Federal Bureau of Investigation investigated this case.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Damon Griffin and Murre Foster are prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
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Sells Man Sentenced to 33 Months for Assault with a Dangerous WeaponRead the Press Release
TUCSON, Ariz. – On February 3, 2020, Orlando Lester Aguilla, of Sells, Ariz., was sentenced by Senior U.S. District Judge Raner Collins to 33 months’ imprisonment to be followed by three years’ supervised release. Aguilla had previously pleaded guilty to Assault with a Dangerous Weapon.
On March 14, 2017, the victim attempted to break up a domestic fight in which Aguilla was involved. Aguilla, who was intoxicated, picked up a large shovel and struck the victim on the back of the head, causing a four-inch laceration. Aguilla and the victim are both enrolled members of the Tohono O’odham Nation.
The investigation in this case was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the Tohono O’odham Police Department. The prosecution was handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Micah Schmit, District of Arizona, Tucson.
SchoolSafety.Gov Launches to Help Educators, Administrators, Parents, and Law Enforcement Prepare for ThreatsRead the Press Release
The Trump Administration today launched the federal school safety clearinghouse website: SchoolSafety.gov. This website is a one-stop-shop of resources for Kindergarten through Grade 12 (K-12) administrators, educators, parents and law enforcement to use to prepare for and address various threats related to safety, security, and support in schools. President Trump established the Federal Commission on School Safety to review safety practices and make meaningful and actionable recommendations of best practices to keep students safe.
“The Department of Justice has no higher priority than making sure our schools are safe and secure for our nation’s students, teachers and administrators,” said Attorney General William P. Barr. “I am grateful for President Trump’s leadership in this cause and am honored to stand with the rest of the leadership of his administration as we continue our efforts to promote school safety through SchoolSafety.gov. The Department of Justice is deeply grateful for the sacrifice and commitment of our nation’s school resource officers and police officers who are on the front lines of keeping our schools and country safe every day.”
“School safety is the number one priority of parents across the country, which is why the President directed DHS and other federal agencies to form a task force and provide schools, teachers, parents, and law enforcement with resources to identify, prepare for, respond to, and mitigate threats,” said Chad Wolf, Acting Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security. “The Department provided expertise and resources on a range of school safety issues including threat assessments, physical security, emergency planning, and trainings and exercises designed to help schools and local law enforcement prepare for incidents. With these resources, schools and law enforcement will be better equipped to handle a crisis.”
“All students deserve a safe learning environment, and the Federal School Safety Clearinghouse is an essential resource for information and best practices,” said U.S. Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos, Chair of the Federal Commission on School Safety. “Because every school community has its own unique needs, SchoolSafety.gov equips decision makers with resources for developing, customizing, and implementing actionable school safety plans.”
“Every child should feel safe at school, and every parent should feel their child is safe each day, too,” said Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Alex Azar. “SchoolSafety.gov will help equip schools with the tools they need to create safe, healthy environments, including resources for how to provide mental health services in schools. This new one-stop shop complements the evidence-based technical assistance HHS provides to local communities around mental health treatment, and we hope to see more and more schools explore these opportunities.”
SchoolSafety.gov is a resource for the American public, primarily K-12 school administrators, to access free information, guidance, best practices, and tools that make school safety initiatives more actionable in schools. Today’s launch represents the first phase of SchoolSafety.gov and we look forward to continually expanding and refining resource materials in coordination with our partners and stakeholders.
The Federal School Safety Clearinghouse and SchoolSafety.gov were developed to fulfill one of the key recommendations from the Federal Commission on School Safety.
SchoolSafety.gov includes:
- The School Safety Readiness Tool, an assessment that assists users in evaluating their respective school’s safety posture across ten foundational elements of school safety. After completing the assessment, users are provided an action plan with task prioritization, options for consideration, aligned resources, and grant opportunities specific to individual needs;
- A Secure Information Sharing Platform for designated school personnel to share school safety ideas, practices, plans, and tactics in a protected environment; and
- A wide array of resources and best practices on key school safety topics to assist with building awareness within the school community to promote vigilance and build capacity to respond to incidents.
SchoolSafety.gov empowers districts and schools to improve safety and security. Following the school shooting in Parkland, Florida in March 2018, President Trump established the Federal Commission on School Safety by Executive Order to make meaningful advancements in keeping students safe. The Trump Administration and DHS also released the 2019 strategy for targeted violence that defines ways that the Department will enhance security with increased preparedness, promoting community readiness, and enhancing defensive measures. The Department will continue to develop new techniques in protective practices.
San Jose Man Sentenced to 102 Months for Conspiracy to Distribute Drugs and Other CrimesRead the Press Release
SAN FRANCISCO – Efrain Torres was sentenced to 102 months in prison for his role in an extensive Bay Area drug trafficking network, announced United States Attorney David L. Anderson and Drug Enforcement Administration Special Agent in Charge Daniel C. Comeaux. The sentence was handed down by the Honorable William H. Orrick, III, U.S. District Judge.
Torres, 49, of San Jose, Calif., pleaded guilty on November 21, 2019. According to the plea agreement, Torres admitted that from January 2017 to April 2017, he conspired with others to distribute heroin, cocaine, and methamphetamine throughout the Bay Area. Torres admitted that on April 13, 2017, he was directed to deliver four kilograms of methamphetamine to a co-conspirator. Torres admitted that he loaded the methamphetamine into his car and started driving north from San Jose to San Francisco. Torres saw police lights behind him, sped away in an attempt to escape the police, and crashed on the highway. Torres admitted that he fled, but left the drugs behind at the scene of the crash, where they were recovered by the police.
Torres further admitted that he is a citizen of Mexico, who was deported from the United States to Mexico in January 2011 and again in September 2016. Following his second removal to Mexico, Torres admitted that he re-entered the United States without permission. Torres also admitted to possession of a 9mm handgun while he was in the United States illegally.
A federal grand jury originally indicted Torres on May 4, 2017. On November 19, 2019, the government filed a superseding information, charging Torres with one count of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 50 grams and more of methamphetamine, in violation of 21 U.S.C. §§ 846, 841(a)(1) and (b)(1)(B)(viii); one count of being found in the United States following removal, in violation of 8 U.S.C. § 1326(a) and (b)(1); and one count of alien in possession of a firearm and ammunition, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 922(g)(5)(A). After waiving his right to prosecution by indictment, Torres consented to prosecution by information and then pleaded guilty on all counts.
In addition to the prison term, Judge Orrick sentenced Torres to a four-year period of supervised release.
Thirteen other defendants have pleaded guilty and received significant sentences in this case:
Name Charges Sentence Xavier Eriberto Sanchez Hernandez, a/k/a Xavi Possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, 21 U.S.C. §§ 841(a)(1) and (b)(1)(B)(iii) Sentenced to 60 months in prison Henry Javier Lopez Alverto, a/k/a Waza Conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine, cocaine, and heroin, 21 U.S.C. §§ 846, 841(a)(1) and (b)(1)(A) Sentenced to 36 months in prison Jesus Chavez Espinoza Conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine, cocaine, and heroin, 21 U.S.C. §§ 846, 841(a)(1) and (b)(1)(A) Sentenced to 120 months in prison Felix Lopez-Galindo, a/k/a FantaPossession with intent to distribute cocaine, 21 U.S.C. §§ 841(a)(1) and (b)(1)(B)(iii)(II)
Conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine, cocaine, and heroin, 21 U.S.C. §§ 846, 841(a)(1) and (b)(1)(A)
Sentenced to 120 months in prison Pedro Lopez-Galindo, a/k/a ZorroPossession with intent to distribute cocaine, 21 U.S.C. §§ 841(a)(1) and (b)(1)(B)(iii)(II)
Conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine, cocaine, and heroin, 21 U.S.C. §§ 846, 841(a)(1) and (b)(1)(A)
Sentenced to 120 months in prison Ismael Rodriguez Loreto Conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine, cocaine, and heroin, 21 U.S.C. §§ 846, 841(a)(1) and (b)(1)(A) Sentenced to 42 months in prison Rafael Romero-Rodriguez Possession with intent to distribute cocaine, 21 U.S.C. §§ 841(a)(1) and (b)(1)(B)(iii)(II) Sentenced to 60 months in prison Juan Jose Flores, Jr., a/k/a Popeye Possession with intent to distribute cocaine, 21 U.S.C. §§ 841(a)(1) and (b)(1)(B)(iii)(II) Sentenced to 48 months in prison Jairo Puerto, a/k/a Luis Antonio Rodriguez ColonConspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine, cocaine, and heroin, 21 U.S.C. §§ 846, 841(a)(1) and (b)(1)(A)
Sentenced to 41 months in prison Yader Rubi Morales, a/k/a SpeedyPossession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, 21 U.S.C. §§ 846, 841(a)(1) and (b)(1)(C)
Felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition, 18 U.S.C. § 922(g)(1)(A)
Sentenced to 65 months in prison Julio Covarrubias, a/k/a GalloConspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine, cocaine, and heroin, 21 U.S.C. §§ 846, 841(a)(1) and (b)(1)(A)
Possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, 21 U.S.C. § 841(a)(1) and (b)(1)(B)(viii) Sentenced to 135 months in prison Robert Zander Seaton Possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, 21 U.S.C. §§ 841(a)(1) and (b)(1)(B)(viii)Sentenced to 60 months in prison to be served concurrently with a 120 month sentence in another case
Larry Amador Illegal use of communication facility, 21 U.S.C. § 843(b) Sentenced to 41 months in prisonAssistant U.S. Attorneys Sheila A.G. Armbrust and Sloan Heffron are prosecuting the case with the assistance of Linda Love and Andy Ding. The prosecution is the result of an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration, with assistance from the San Francisco Police Department, the Daly City Police Department, the Long Beach Police Department, the Milpitas Police Department, the South San Francisco Police Department, the San Jose Police Department, and the California Highway Patrol, as well as the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Texas, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (Laredo, Texas Field Office), and the Laredo Texas Police Department. This case is the product of an extensive investigation by the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force, a focused multi-agency, multi-jurisdictional task force investigating and prosecuting the most significant drug trafficking organizations throughout the United States by leveraging the combined expertise of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies.
Revere Man Pleads Guilty to Distributing FentanylRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Revere man pleaded guilty today in federal court in Boston to distributing 40 grams or more of fentanyl.
Jassiel Ramirez, 25, pleaded guilty to one count of distribution of and possession with intent to distribute fentanyl, one count of possession with intent to distribute fentanyl, and one count of possession with intent to distribute and distribution of 40 grams or more of fentanyl. U.S. Senior District Court Judge Douglas P. Woodlock scheduled sentencing for June 15, 2020. Ramirez was arrested in October 2018 and charged by criminal complaint; he was subsequently indicted by a federal grand jury on Dec. 19, 2018.
According to court records, between September and October 2018, Ramirez engaged in four separate drug sales of fentanyl to a witness cooperating with the government. Those sales totaled approximately 140 grams of fentanyl.
The charge of distribution of 40 grams or more of fentanyl carries a minimum mandatory sentence of five years and up to 40 years in prison, at least four years of supervised release, and a fine of up to $5 million. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
United States Attorney Andrew Lelling and Brian D. Boyle, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration, New England Division, made the announcement. Assistance was provided by the Salem Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Alathea E. Porter of Lelling’s Narcotics and Money Laundering Unit is prosecuting the case.
Reconsidering the Green Light That Stops Law EnforcementRead the Press Release
By: James P. Kennedy, Jr., U.S. Attorney for the Western District of New York
Geoffrey S. Berman, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York
Richard P. Donoghue, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of New York
Grant C. Jaquith, U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of New York
While the New York State Green Light Law provides undocumented aliens the opportunity to obtain New York State Driver Licenses, a less heralded – though perhaps more impactful – provision of the statute prevents the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) from sharing information with any agency that enforces immigration law. Unfortunately, this provision has a much broader adverse effect on law enforcement and public safety.
The United States Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is responsible for protecting us from terrorism, securing our borders while facilitating lawful travel and trade, and combating a host of crimes that threaten our safety and security. The Green Light Law impedes Homeland Security’s ability to conduct active criminal investigations involving citizens and non-citizens who are lawfully present in the United States, not just those who are undocumented. On a daily basis, Homeland Security agents and officers – including sworn law enforcement officers who work for Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), Customs and Border Protection, the U.S. Border Patrol and Enforcement and Removal
Operations (ERO) – use Department of Motor Vehicles information to assist them in stopping transnational criminal organizations, cybercrime, and offenses involving drug trafficking and money laundering; murder, sexual assault and other crimes of violence; racketeering and extortion; the illegal use and possession of firearms; economic espionage, telemarketing fraud and elder fraud; human trafficking; and child exploitation, as well as illegal immigration.
Like other federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement officers, DHS agents seek New York State DMV information for a variety of purposes, including: (1) to obtain identification, address and vehicle registration information for individuals committing crimes; (2) to identify and apprehend dangerous defendants and fugitives wanted by state or federal authorities; (3) to conduct surveillance of individuals suspected or known to be engaged in the commission of crimes; (4) to establish the probable cause necessary to secure search and arrest warrants; (5) to identify crime victims and potential crime victims; (6) to identify the proceeds of crime to increase the amount of restitution recoverable for crime victims; (7) to make informed determinations regarding whether, when, where, and how to stop a vehicle, to minimize the risk to occupants, officers and others; and (8) to assist in determining whether to grant individuals presenting themselves at ports of entry admission into the United States.
The disturbing truth is that under the newly enacted statute, the Customs and Border Protection Officers working today at New York’s 13 ports of entry – which include both the busiest port on the entire northern border of the United States (the longest land border in the world), and the busiest international air passenger gateway into North America – are unable even to check the registration or the driver’s license status of individuals presenting themselves for admission into our country. Border Patrol Agents, who secure the border between the ports of entry, likewise can no longer check vehicle or driver’s license information. Forcing officers who serve as our nation’s frontline defense against dangerous criminals entering the country to make these important determinations in the dark dramatically diminishes the safety of all. Ensuring that HSI Agents and ERO officers must blindly interact with people who may be terrorists or other violent criminals, drug dealers, human traffickers, or child predators likewise poses a grave risk to the safety of the officer, the person and the public. In most instances, there simply is no time to pause the situation to obtain a court order or judicial warrant.
Prohibiting basic information sharing between New York State and federal law enforcement agencies means that more criminals will enter and roam freely in our state and nation; undermines the cooperative relationships between federal, state, local and tribal law enforcement; thwarts and curtails investigations into serious crimes; and jeopardizes the safety of all of the inhabitants of our great country. Our citizens, lawful permanent and temporary residents, visitors and undocumented immigrants deserve better, and so do those who serve and protect them. Restoring collaboration and information sharing furthers our effort to secure justice for all, preserve public safety, protect individual rights, and promote due process, bringing us ever closer to a sanctuary built on the rule of law and fairness for everyone.
Reconsidering the Green Light That Stops Law EnforcementRead the Press Release
CONTACT: Barbara Burns
PHONE: (716) 843-5817
FAX #: (716) 551-3051By: James P. Kennedy, Jr., U.S. Attorney for the Western District of New York
Geoffrey S. Berman, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York,
Richard P. Donoghue, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of New York,
Grant C. Jaquith, U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of New York, andWhile the New York State Green Light Law provides undocumented aliens the opportunity to obtain New York State Driver Licenses, a less heralded – though perhaps more impactful – provision of the statute prevents the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) from sharing information with any agency that enforces immigration law. Unfortunately, this provision has a much broader adverse effect on law enforcement and public safety.
The United States Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is responsible for protecting us from terrorism, securing our borders while facilitating lawful travel and trade, and combating a host of crimes that threaten our safety and security. The Green Light Law impedes Homeland Security’s ability to conduct active criminal investigations involving citizens and non-citizens who are lawfully present in the United States, not just those who are undocumented. On a daily basis, Homeland Security agents and officers – including sworn law enforcement officers who work for Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), Customs and Border Protection, the U.S. Border Patrol, and Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) – use Department of Motor Vehicles information to assist them in stopping transnational criminal organizations, cybercrime, and offenses involving drug trafficking and money laundering; murder, sexual assault, and other crimes of violence; racketeering and extortion; the illegal use and possession of firearms; economic espionage, telemarketing fraud, and elder fraud; human trafficking; and child exploitation, as well as illegal immigration.
Like other federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement officers, DHS agents seek New York State DMV information for a variety of purposes, including: (1) to obtain identification, address, and vehicle registration information for individuals committing crimes; (2) to identify and apprehend dangerous defendants and fugitives wanted by state or federal authorities; (3) to conduct surveillance of individuals suspected or known to be engaged in the commission of crimes; (4) to establish the probable cause necessary to secure search and arrest warrants; (5) to identify crime victims and potential crime victims; (6) to identify the proceeds of crime to increase the amount of restitution recoverable for crime victims; (7) to make informed determinations regarding whether, when, where, and how to stop a vehicle, to minimize the risk to occupants, officers, and others; and (8) to assist in determining whether to grant individuals presenting themselves at ports of entry admission into the United States.
The disturbing truth is that under the newly enacted statute, the Customs and Border Protection Officers working today at New York’s 13 ports of entry – which include both the busiest port on the entire northern border of the United States (the longest land border in the world), and the busiest international air passenger gateway into North America – are unable even to check the registration or the driver’s license status of individuals presenting themselves for admission into our country. Border Patrol Agents, who secure the border between the ports of entry, likewise can no longer check vehicle or driver’s license information. Forcing officers who serve as our nation’s frontline defense against dangerous criminals entering the country to make these important determinations in the dark dramatically diminishes the safety of all. Ensuring that HSI Agents and ERO officers must blindly interact with people who may be terrorists or other violent criminals, drug dealers, human traffickers, or child predators likewise poses a grave risk to the safety of the officer, the person, and the public. In most instances, there simply is no time to pause the situation to obtain a court order or judicial warrant.Prohibiting basic information sharing between New York State and federal law enforcement agencies means that more criminals will enter and roam freely in our state and nation; undermines the cooperative relationships between federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement; thwarts and curtails investigations into serious crimes; and jeopardizes the safety of all of the inhabitants of our great country. Our citizens, lawful permanent and temporary residents, visitors, and undocumented immigrants deserve better, and so do those who serve and protect them. Restoring collaboration and information sharing furthers our effort to secure justice for all, preserve public safety, protect individual rights, and promote due process, bringing us ever closer to a sanctuary built on the rule of law and fairness for everyone.
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Previously Convicted Felon Pleads Guilty to Firearm and Drug ChargesRead the Press Release
RICHMOND, Va. – A Richmond man pleaded guilty today to possessing a firearm as a convicted felon and possessing crack cocaine with the intent to distribute.
According to court documents, Derrick Leon Williams, Jr., 22, was arrested by Richmond Police after attempting to flee from a traffic stop in August 2019. As officers secured Williams, they found two loaded semi-automatic handguns stashed in a fanny pack strapped across his chest. One of those firearms had been reported stolen from Hanover County. When officers took Williams to jail for processing, they discovered two large baggies of a white rock-like substance in Williams’ pants. Subsequent testing confirmed the substance to be 26.9 grams of crack cocaine.
Williams pleaded guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm and possession with the intent to distribute cocaine base and faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison when sentenced on May 8. Actual sentences for federal crimes are typically less than the maximum penalties. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after taking into account the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
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.
G. Zachary Terwilliger, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia; Ashan M. Benedict, Special Agent in Charge of the ATF’s Washington Field Division; and William C. Smith, Chief of Richmond Police, made the announcement after U.S. District Judge M. Hannah Lauck accepted the plea. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kevin Elliker and Angela Mastandrea-Miller are prosecuting the case.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. Related court documents and information are located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 3:19-cr-171.
Orange County Felon Guilty of Federal Firearms ViolationRead the Press Release
BEAUMONT, Texas – A 30-year-old Vidor, Texas man has pleaded guilty to federal violations in the Eastern District of Texas announced U.S. Attorney Joseph D. Brown.
Taylor Graham Cozart pleaded guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Keith F. Giblin.
According to information presented in court, on July 30, 2019, law enforcement officers responded to a motorcycle accident on Interstate Highway 10 in Orange County, Texas. The defendant was the driver of the motorcycle, which was later determined to be stolen. Cozart was transported to a nearby hospital and the accident scene was cleared, during which time officers located a backpack affixed to the motorcycle. The backpack contained a pistol, ammunition, $3,000 cash, methamphetamine, Xanax and Hydrocodone pills. Further investigation revealed Cozart was a convicted felon having three prior felony drug convictions. As a convicted felon, Cozart is prohibited from owning or possessing firearms or ammunition.
This case is being prosecuted as part of the Project Safe Neighborhoods Initiative. Project Safe Neighborhoods is aimed at reducing gun and gang violence, deterring illegal possession of guns, ammunition and body armor, and improving the safety of residents in the Eastern District of Texas. Participants in the initiative include community members and organizations as well as federal, state and local law enforcement agencies.
Under federal statutes, Cozart faces up to 10 years in federal prison at sentencing. The statutory sentence prescribed by Congress is provided here for information purposes, as the sentencing 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 U.S. Probation Office.
This case was investigated by the Texas Department of Public Safety and the Federal Bureau of Investigation and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Michelle S. Englade.
Opelousas Man Pleads Guilty to Burning Three Baptist Churches in St. Landry ParishRead the Press Release
LAFAYETTE, La. – United States Attorney David C. Joseph announced today that Holden Matthews, 22, pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court in Lafayette to intentionally setting fire to three Baptist churches because of the religious character of those buildings. Specifically, Matthews pleaded guilty to three counts of violating the Church Arson Prevention Act—one count for each church—as well as one count of using fire to commit a federal felony. The fires, which Matthews set over a ten-day period in March and April of 2019, completely destroyed each of the church buildings. United States District Court Judge Robert R. Summerhays presided over the hearing.
At the plea hearing, Matthews admitted that, between March 26 and April 4, 2019, he intentionally set fire to three Baptist churches with predominantly African-American congregations in the Opelousas, Louisiana area. First, on March 26, 2019, Matthews set fire to St. Mary Baptist Church in Port Barre, Louisiana. Next, on April 2, 2019, Matthews set fire to the Greater Union Baptist Church, in Opelousas, Louisiana. Then, on April 4, 2019, Matthews set fire to the Mount Pleasant Baptist Church in Opelousas, Louisiana. The fires Matthews set destroyed each of the church buildings. Matthews admitted to setting the fires because of the religious character of these buildings, in an effort to raise his profile as a “Black Metal” musician by copying similar crimes committed in Norway in the 1990s. Matthews further admitted that, after setting the third fire, he posted photographs and videos on Facebook that showed the first two churches burning. Matthews admitted that he had taken these photographs and videos in real time on his cell phone, as he watched those churches burn, and that he had posted them to Facebook in an effort to promote himself in the Black Metal community.
“Today, the defendant has taken responsibility for the burning and destruction of three of our churches,” said U.S. Attorney David C. Joseph. “The freedom to safely congregate and worship in our churches is a fundamental right of all Americans and will be vigorously protected by my office and our law enforcement partners. I want to thank the ATF, FBI, St. Landry Parish Sheriff’s Office, St. Landry Parish Fire Department, Louisiana State Fire Marshal, Louisiana Attorney General’s Cybercrime Unit, Louisiana State Police, and the Florida State Fire Marshal for their hard work and seamless collaboration on this case.”
“The Department of Justice will remain unwavering in its protection of the freedom to practice religion without the threat of discrimination or violence,” said Assistant Attorney General Eric Dreiband of the Civil Rights Division. “Matthews admitted to setting fire to three churches because of their religious character. His disgraceful conduct violated the civil rights of the church’s parishioners and harmed their communities.”
“Protecting our communities is a vital part of our mission,” said ATF Special Agent in Charge Kurt Thielhorn. “ATF will continue to provide expertise and resources to investigate arson at houses of worship which threaten the well-being of our communities. I would like to thank all of our law enforcement partners for working tirelessly to ensure justice will be served.”
“Holden Matthews made a conscious decision to randomly target and destroy churches within his own community,” said FBI Special Agent in Charge Bryan Vorndran. “His atrocious actions inflicted severe pain and grief upon these congregations, as well as all of St. Landry Parish. Throughout this investigation, the men and women of the FBI, ATF, Louisiana State Fire Marshal’s Office, St. Landry Parish Sheriff’s Office, St. Landry Parish District Attorney’s Office, Louisiana State Police, Louisiana Attorney General Jeff Landry’s Cybercrime Unit, and the Florida State Fire Marshal’s Office worked tirelessly to bring Holden Matthews to justice.”
Matthews will be sentenced on May 22, 2020. He faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years in prison, and a statutory maximum sentence of 70 years in prison.
This case was investigated by the ATF’s National Response Team, the Lafayette Satellite Office of the ATF’s New Orleans Field Division, the Lafayette Resident Agency of the FBI’s New Orleans Field Office, the Louisiana Office of State Fire Marshal, the Louisiana State Police, the Louisiana Bureau of Investigation’s Cyber Crimes Unit, the St. Landry Parish Fire Department, and the St. Landry Parish Sheriff’s Office.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney John Luke Walker, of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Louisiana, and Trial Attorney Risa Berkower of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division.
For more information about the Department of Justice’s work to combat and prevent hate crimes, visit www.justice.gov/hatecrimes: a one-stop portal with links to Department of Justice hate crimes resources for law enforcement, media, researchers, victims, advocacy groups, and other organizations and individuals.
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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.
Oneida County Man Sentenced to 132 Months for Distribution and Possession of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
SYRACUSE, NEW YORK – John Angwin, age 30, of Holland Patent, New York, was sentenced today to 132 months in prison for distributing and possessing child pornography. The announcement was made by United States Attorney Grant C. Jaquith; Kevin Kelly, Special Agent in Charge of the Buffalo Field Office of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI); and New York State Police Superintendent Keith Corlett.
As part of his guilty plea, Angwin admitted that he used the Kik Messenger application to distribute child pornography to other Kik users. Agwin also used his iPhone to possess images and videos of child pornography he received via the internet. On Angwin’s iPhones he possessed over 1,500 images and over 150 video files depicting minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct. The images and videos included depictions of the rape and sodomy of prepubescent children and toddlers.
Chief United States District Judge Glenn T. Suddaby also imposed a 25-year term of supervised release, which will start after Angwin is released from prison, and ordered payment of $12,000 in restitution. As a result of his conviction, Angwin will be required to register as a sex offender upon his release from prison.
Angwin’s case was investigated by HSI Syracuse with assistance from the State Police Computer Crimes Unit, and the Oneida County Sheriff’s Office. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Geoffrey J. L. Brown.
Launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice, Project Safe Childhood is led by United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS). Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc.
Oklahoma City Bank Robber Sentenced to Serve 151 Months in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
OKLAHOMA CITY – Michael William Allen, 40, of Midwest City, has been sentenced to 151 months in prison for bank robbery, announced U.S. Attorney Timothy J. Downing.
On July 3, 2018, a federal grand jury charged Allen with robbing a Bank of Oklahoma branch located at 2601 N. Meridian in Oklahoma City on May 2, 2018. On that day, Allen entered the branch and handed the bank teller a note which stated, "Give me everything in both drawers, No dye money or devices or I will shoot, Don’t push button until after I leave, Now."
At the time he robbed the bank, Allen was on federal supervised release after serving the term of imprisonment for his previous federal conviction for bank robbery of the same Bank of Oklahoma branch located at 2601 N. Meridian in 2011. Based on his new crime, the government filed a petition to revoke Allen’s term of supervised release.
On November 4, 2019, Allen entered a plea of guilty to robbing the Bank of Oklahoma branch.
This afternoon, Senior U.S. District Judge Joe Heaton sentenced Allen to serve 151 months in prison for the bank robbery and 24 months for the revocation, both to run concurrently. After his prison term, Allen will serve three years on supervised release. Judge Heaton also ordered Allen to pay $500 in restitution to the Bank of Oklahoma.
This case is the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jessica L. Cárdenas prosecuted the case.
O.C. Lawyer Arrested on Federal Grand Jury Indictment Alleging Illegal Firearms Sales and Methamphetamine DistributionRead the Press Release
LOS ANGELES – An Orange County lawyer was arrested today on a federal grand jury indictment charging her with conspiring to sell firearms without a license and distributing methamphetamine.
Melinda Romines, 41, of Anaheim, was taken into federal custody this morning. She is expected to make her initial court appearance this afternoon in United States District Court in Los Angeles.
Romines has been charged with one count of conspiracy to engage in the business of dealing in firearms without a license, one count of possession of an unregistered firearm, and two counts of distributing methamphetamine.
According to the indictment returned last week, Romines – who does not have federal firearms license issued by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) – found firearms available for purchase from black market firearms dealers. She then acted as a broker between the black market dealers and customers, ultimately buying the firearms from the dealers and then re-selling them to customers, the indictment alleges.
For example, in a Los Angeles parking lot in May 2018, Romines allegedly sold two firearms – a .40-caliber pistol and an AR-type .45-caliber rifle, both lacking serial numbers – as well as a silencer and a high-capacity magazine with approximately 20 rounds of ammunition in a transaction that netted her $2,600. In October 2018, in another Los Angeles parking lot, she sold a .45-caliber pistol and ammunition to a buyer for $900, the indictment alleges.
Romines also allegedly sold nearly a quarter-pound of methamphetamine in two transactions in October and November 2018.
A second defendant named in the indictment – Seaira Benson, a.k.a. “Relli,” 27, of Los Angeles – is been charged along with Romines with one count of distributing approximately 111 grams of methamphetamine. Authorities are currently seeking Benson.
The methamphetamine distribution charge charge carries a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years in federal prison and a statutory maximum sentence of life imprisonment. If convicted of the firearms-related counts, Romines would face a statutory maximum sentence of 15 years in federal prison on those charges.
An indictment contains allegations that a defendant has committed a crime. Every defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
The ATF investigated this case, which was conducted with the support of the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF).
This matter is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Brittney M. Harris of the International Narcotics, Money Laundering, and Racketeering Section and Rachel N. Agress of the General Crimes Section.
New York's U.S. Attorneys: Reconsidering the Green Light that Stops Law EnforcementRead the Press Release
By: Grant C. Jaquith, U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of New York
Geoffrey S. Berman, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York
Richard P. Donoghue, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of New York
James P. Kennedy, Jr., U.S. Attorney for the Western District of New York
While the New York State Green Light Law provides undocumented aliens the opportunity to obtain New York State Driver Licenses, a less heralded – though perhaps more impactful – provision of the statute prevents the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) from sharing information with any agency that enforces immigration law. Unfortunately, this provision has a much broader adverse effect on law enforcement and public safety.
The United States Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is responsible for protecting us from terrorism, securing our borders while facilitating lawful travel and trade, and combating a host of crimes that threaten our safety and security. The Green Light Law impedes Homeland Security’s ability to conduct active criminal investigations involving citizens and non-citizens who are lawfully present in the United States, not just those who are undocumented. On a daily basis, Homeland Security agents and officers – including sworn law enforcement officers who work for Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), Customs and Border Protection, the U.S. Border Patrol, and Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) – use Department of Motor Vehicles information to assist them in stopping transnational criminal organizations, cybercrime, and offenses involving drug trafficking and money laundering; murder, sexual assault, and other crimes of violence; racketeering and extortion; the illegal use and possession of firearms; economic espionage, telemarketing fraud, and elder fraud; human trafficking; and child exploitation, as well as illegal immigration.
Like other federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement officers, DHS agents seek New York State DMV information for a variety of purposes, including: (1) to obtain identification, address, and vehicle registration information for individuals committing crimes; (2) to identify and apprehend dangerous defendants and fugitives wanted by state or federal authorities; (3) to conduct surveillance of individuals suspected or known to be engaged in the commission of crimes; (4) to establish the probable cause necessary to secure search and arrest warrants; (5) to identify crime victims and potential crime victims; (6) to identify the proceeds of crime to increase the amount of restitution recoverable for crime victims; (7) to make informed determinations regarding whether, when, where, and how to stop a vehicle, to minimize the risk to occupants, officers, and others; and (8) to assist in determining whether to grant individuals presenting themselves at ports of entry admission into the United States.
The disturbing truth is that under the newly enacted statute, the Customs and Border Protection Officers working today at New York’s 13 ports of entry – which include both the busiest port on the entire northern border of the United States (the longest land border in the world), and the busiest international air passenger gateway into North America – are unable even to check the registration or the driver’s license status of individuals presenting themselves for admission into our country. Border Patrol Agents, who secure the border between the ports of entry, likewise can no longer check vehicle or driver’s license information. Forcing officers who serve as our nation’s frontline defense against dangerous criminals entering the country to make these important determinations in the dark dramatically diminishes the safety of all. Ensuring that HSI Agents and ERO officers must blindly interact with people who may be terrorists or other violent criminals, drug dealers, human traffickers, or child predators likewise poses a grave risk to the safety of the officer, the person, and the public. In most instances, there simply is no time to pause the situation to obtain a court order, judicial warrant, or subpoena.
Prohibiting basic information sharing between New York State and federal law enforcement agencies means that more criminals will enter and roam freely in our state and nation; undermines the cooperative relationships between federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement; thwarts and curtails investigations into serious crimes; and jeopardizes the safety of all of the inhabitants of our great country. Our citizens, lawful permanent and temporary residents, visitors, and undocumented immigrants deserve better, and so do those who serve and protect them. Restoring collaboration and information sharing furthers our effort to secure justice for all, preserve public safety, protect individual rights, and promote due process, bringing us ever closer to a sanctuary built on the rule of law and fairness for everyone.
New Orleans Man Charged in 12-Count Indictment with Sex Trafficking, Fraud, and Stealing Identities as Part of Nationwide Prostitution SchemeRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS – U.S. Attorney Peter G. Strasser announced that RANDY JONAL SCHENCK (a/k/a RuRu, a/k/a “Shaq”), age 38, a resident of New Orleans, Louisiana, was charged on February 7, 2020 by a federal grand jury in a 12-count Indictment with interstate transportation and use of an interstate facility with intent to carry on unlawful activity, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 1952(a)(2), (a)(3) (Counts 1 through 6), wire fraud, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1343 (Counts 7 through 8), sex trafficking by force, fraud, and coercion, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1591 (Count 9), transportation of an individual to engage in prostitution, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 2421 (Counts 10 through 11), and aggravated identity theft, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1028A (Count 12).
According to the Indictment, SCHENCK met Dominique Berry in New Orleans in about early 2013 and soon developed a romantic relationship. Thereafter, Berry began working for an escort agency under SCHECNK’s supervision, often engaging in prostitution activities. SCHENCK and Berry travelled nationally engaging in their prostitution scheme, including California, Louisiana, New Mexico, Texas, Arizona, Tennessee, and Georgia. SCHENCK and Berry posted advertisements containing photographs of Berry on multiple location-specific online classified ad service websites and social media applications that invited interested individuals to contact Berry to schedule sexual interactions, many of which were explicitly commercial. In the advertisements, Berry had multiple aliases, including “Desiree Knowles,” “Jasmine Collins,” and “Stephanie.”
As part of the scheme, SCHENCK caused Berry to arrange “out call” dates with customers at their residences. Once there, at SCHENCK’s direction, Berry spiked the beverages of customers, causing them to become incapacitated. Once unconscious, SCHENCK and Berry would steal the victims’ valuables. SCHENCK threatened, slapped, struck, beat, and choked Berry for the purpose of establishing dominion over her, controlling her behavior, and ensuring her compliance with his instructions. These aggressive acts usually occurred when SCHENCK believed Berry was not performing her role effectively, was not stealing enough, was not inclined to work, or tried to leave SCHENCK.
Between at least late 2013 and September 2017, SCHENCK and Berry implemented the scheme numerous times throughout the United States, including in California, Arizona, New Mexico, Texas, Louisiana, and Georgia. SCHENCK and Berry were arrested at a hotel in Sandy Springs, Georgia, on September 13, 2017. When law enforcement authorities found Berry at the hotel, she was bleeding from her nose, had a swollen lip and puncture consistent with her teeth biting through her lip, and black electrical tape around one of her arms.
According to the Indictment, on about February 24, 2017, Berry met S.A., a resident of Metairie, Louisiana, through a social media application. After exchanging text messages and phone calls, Berry and S.A. agreed to meet at S.A.’s apartment. Thereafter, SCHENCK dropped Berry off at S.A.’s apartment. While at S.A.’s apartment, Berry placed drugs designed to incapacitate S.A., including multiple anti-psychotic medications, into S.A.’s beverages without his knowledge or authorization. After S.A. lost consciousness, SCHENCK and Berry stole S.A.’s valuables. On February 25, 2017, SCHECNK and Berry used S.A.’s debit card to make multiple purchases in the New Orleans area. Additionally, on February 25, 2017, detectives with the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office responded to a wellness check at S.A.’s residence and discovered his dead body. Toxicology tests found the presence of anti-psychotic medications in S.A.’s body and determined that they contributed to his death.
If you believe you are a victim of these criminal activities, please contact the FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI (800-225-5324), and reference this case.
If convicted, SCHENCK faces a mandatory minimum of fifteen (15) years in prison up to maximum term of life in prison, a fine of up to $250,000.00, up to a lifetime of supervised release after imprisonment, and a mandatory $100 special assessment per count. SCHENCK may also be required to register as a sex offender.
U. S. Attorney Strasser reiterated that an indictment is merely a charge and that the guilt of the defendant must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt.
U.S. Attorney Strasser praised the work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation in investigating this matter and expressed appreciation for the support provided by the Jefferson Parish District Attorney’s Office and the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office. Assistant United States Attorneys Jordan Ginsberg, supervisor of the Public Corruption Unit, and Elizabeth Privitera, supervisor of the Violent Crime Unit, are in charge of the prosecution.
Multi-Convicted Felon Pleads Guilty to Illegally Possessing a FirearmRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, PA- A resident of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty in federal court to a violation of federal firearms laws, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.
Melvin Russaw, 38, pleaded guilty to one count before United States District Judge Cathy Bissoon.
In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that on or about June 6, 2017, Russaw was apprehended by law enforcement on state charges, after attempting to flee in his 2008 Gray Chevy Impala. Upon execution of a search warrant for the vehicle, which was registered to Russaw, investigators discovered a small panel wherein a Glock, model 21, .45 caliber pistol, bearing serial number HVH758, was hidden. Russaw, who has multiple prior felony state convictions, as well as a federal conviction, is prohibited from lawfully possessing a firearm.
Judge Bissoon scheduled sentencing for June 23, 2020 at 10:00 AM. Due to Russaw’s prior convictions, the law provides for an enhanced sentence of not less than fifteen (15) years and not more than life in prison, a fine of $250,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant. The defendant remains incarcerated pending the sentencing hearing.
Assistant United States Attorney Rebecca L. Silinski is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Russaw. This case was brought under Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), 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.
Methamphetamine Trafficker Sentenced to Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A Charleston man was sentenced to federal prison for a drug crime, announced United States Attorney Mike Stuart. Harold Lee Battle was sentenced to 48 months in prison for distribution of a mixture or substance containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine. Battle’s federal sentence will run consecutive to the state sentence he is currently serving for malicious wounding.
“Another meth dealer is going to federal prison,” said United States Attorney Mike Stuart. “Week after week, we are convicting more meth dealers and ultimately putting them behind bars.”
On October 31, 2017, detectives with the Charleston Police Department’s Special Enforcement Unit arrested Battle for distributing 60 grams of methamphetamine to a person cooperating with law enforcement on Charleston’s East End.
The Charleston Police Department’s Special Enforcement Unit conducted the investigation. Senior United States District Judge John T. Copenhaver, Jr. presided over the hearing. Assistant United States Attorney Ryan A. Saunders is handling the prosecution.
This case is being prosecuted as part of the Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) program, 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.
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Media Advisory – United States Attorney William D. Hyslop Joins United States Attorney from Western Washington to Announce Litigation Regarding Sanctuary PolicyRead the Press Release
Spokane --Monday, February 10, 2020, William D. Hyslop, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Washington, and Brian T. Moran, United States Attorney for the Western District of Washington, will meet with reporters at the United States Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Washington to discuss new litigation in Western Washington regarding a sanctuary policy.
Copies of the litigation will be available at the press conference.
Who: United States Attorney William D. Hyslop, Eastern District of Washington United States Attorney Brian T. Moran, Western District of Washington
What: Federal litigation regarding sanctuary policies in Washington
When: Monday, February 10, 2020, 2:30 PM
Where: U.S. Attorney’s Office Western District of Washington – 5th Floor, Federal Courthouse – 700 Stewart Street, Seattle, Washington
Reporters who wish to listen in to the conference via phone please call 866-744-2264 Passcode 9189807.
To schedule interviews following the press event, please email: Communications Director Emily Langlie at [email protected] and cc Charlene Koski at [email protected].
Massive Shoplifting Scheme Targeting Major Retail Stores Shut DownRead the Press Release
SHOPLIFTING SCHEMES FEED ADDICTION CRISIS AND COST JOBS
CHARLESTON, W.Va. -- United States Attorney Mike Stuart announced a major takedown today of a fraudulent fencing scheme in the Charleston, West Virginia area. In a criminal complaint unsealed today in United States District for the Southern District of West Virginia, a Cross Lanes, West Virginia man, Nedeltcho Vladimirov, a native of Bulgaria, was arrested and charged with money laundering. The complaint alleges that Vladimirov operated a fraudulent fencing scheme for several years. A fencing operation is one in which stolen goods are acquired in order to later resell them for profit.
“The scale of this shoplifting scheme is extraordinary. Nearly 4,000 items and nearly $400,000 in goods were stolen from retailers like Target, CVS and Kroger in approximately two years. We believe that Vladimirov received over $200,000 from selling the stolen goods in just a single year. Like many consumers, I shop at Kroger, CVS and Target. The volume of theft is almost unbelievable,” said United States Attorney Mike Stuart. “Victims. Lots and lots of victims. Consumers. Insurers. Taxpayers. Even the shoplifters. Consumers pay a heavy toll for shoplifting schemes like this whether through higher prices for consumer goods or the loss of profitability and jobs by the retailers themselves. Additionally, one of the great tragedies in this scheme is that it fed the need for instant money by many shoplifters who were feeding their exhaustive search for drug cash. Schemes like this only serve to further and advance the crisis of addiction in our communities.”
“The U.S. Secret Service Charleston, West Virginia Resident Office, has successfully partnered with our local and state law enforcement partners along with corporate security from Target, Kroger and CVS,” said United States Secret Service Resident Agent in Charge Wade Fleming. This led to the arrest of Nedeltcho Vladimirov who victimized national retail merchants and took advantage of West Virginians to commit retail theft for his own enrichment. These partnerships are the best way to limit victimization of West Virginians.”
The charges and arrest result from an investigation by the United States Secret Service, the West Virginia State Police, Bureau of Criminal Investigations, the Putnam County Sheriff's Department, the Kanawha County Sheriff’s Department and the South Charleston Police Department, together with Organized Retail Crimes (ORC) investigators from Kroger, CVS Pharmacy, and Target Corporation, with assistance from eBay, Inc.. The investigation began after ORC investigators apprehended shoplifters at several stores in the South Charleston area. The complaint alleges that the shoplifters (known as “boosters”) were acting at the direction of Vladimirov, who would purchase the items from boosters with cash at a fraction of the retail value and would then sell the stolen items at a profit on the internet. Law enforcement used several investigative tools, including surveillance and undercover operations, to reveal the full scope of the illegal operation. Records obtained by investigators show that a user account believed to be associated with Vladimirov sold at least 3,676 items for a total of $369,818.62 from late 2017 to late 2019 and it is believed that the stolen goods generated over $200,000 in sales from January 2019 to January 2020.
Stuart was outspoken in his recognition of law enforcement efforts in the matter, “I want to commend the excellent work of many investigative agencies -- the U.S. Secret Service, the West Virginia State Police, the Kanawha and Putnam County Sheriff’s Departments and the South Charleston Police Department- for their work in shutting down this long-term scheme. My team did an excellent job including investigator Steve Rowley and Assistant United States Attorney Andrew Tessman. I also want to particularly thank the ORC investigators from Kroger, CVS Pharmacy, and Target Corporation as well as eBay for its assistance in shutting down this scheme. Public and private partnerships in investigations is a bit unusual but their assistance and partnership in this matter was critical. Hopefully this matter sends a strong message to shoplifters to “knock it off, get a job, and if shoplifting is how you feed your addiction, get help and do it today.” It also sends a message to retailers that “we have your back” and that “we can no longer look the other way.”
The investigation was a collaborative effort between federal, state and local, and private retail law enforcement partners. Today’s actions would not have been possible without the seamless collaboration of each of these partners. The investigation is ongoing and could result in additional federal and state charges in the future.
Assistant United States Attorney Andrew J. Tessman is handling the matter.
Please Note: A criminal complaint is merely an allegation and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
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Man Sentenced for Assaulting a U.S. Border Patrol Agent with a HandgunRead the Press Release
Assistant U. S. Attorney Stephen H. Wong (619) 546-9464
NEWS RELEASE SUMMARY – February 10, 2020
SAN DIEGO – Hector Rodriguez-Chavez, a Mexican national, was sentenced in federal court today to 141 months in prison for pointing a loaded handgun at a U.S. Border Patrol agent in November 2018.
Rodriguez-Chavez pleaded guilty in September 2019 to one count of assault on a federal officer with a deadly weapon and one count of brandishing a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence. During the sentencing hearing, Border Patrol agents described how they came upon Rodriguez-Chavez in a remote area approximately three miles east of the Otay Mesa Port of Entry. Rodriguez-Chavez turned and pointed a loaded semiautomatic pistol at one of the agents. That agent told the court he made a split-second decision to grab Rodriguez-Chavez’s gun and wrestle it out of his hands.
U.S. District Judge Gonzalo Curiel imposed a 141-month sentence for the two counts, plus an additional 24 months in custody for violating the terms of supervised release from a 2014 conviction for illegal re-entry of a deported alien. In imposing the sentence, Judge Curiel noted that one of the purposes of the sentence was to promote respect for the law. Judge Curiel noted how Border Patrol agents must work in remote areas and that, “few law enforcement officers place their life on the line to the extent that Border Patrol agents do.”
“This sentence is a fitting reminder that the safety of our courageous agents, who put their lives on the line every day to protect our country, is of paramount importance to our office and to the community,” said U.S. Attorney Robert Brewer.
“I’m pleased by this sentence,” said Chief Patrol Agent Aaron M. Heitke. “Any day that our agents go home safe is a good day. Border Patrol Agents risk their lives every day protecting America and the agent’s quick thinking in this case prevented any bloodshed.”
DEFENDANTS Case Number 16-CR-0730
Hector Rodriguez-Chavez Age: 62 Guadalajara, Mexico
SUMMARY OF CHARGES
Count 1: Assault on a Federal Officer, in violation 18 U.S.C. 111 (a)(b)
Maximum Penalty: Twenty years in prison
Count 2: Brandishing a Firearm During and in Relation to a Crime of Violence, in violation of 18 U.S.C. 924 (c)
Maximum Penalty: Mandatory Minimum of seven years in prison, maximum life
AGENCIES
Federal Bureau of Investigation
U.S. Border Patrol
Man Pleads Guilty to Drug Trafficking and Money Laundering SchemeRead the Press Release
ALEXANDRIA, Va. – A Texas man pleaded guilty today to conspiracy to distribute up to 15 kilograms of cocaine and conspiracy to commit money laundering.
According to court documents, between June 2014 and November 2016, Naleth Vongsengchanh, 50, of Houston, engaged in a conspiracy to traffic quantities of cocaine to Virginia for redistribution and to launder the proceeds. In the beginning of the scheme, Vongsengchanh resided in the Virginia region and sold cocaine locally before relocating to Houston.
Beginning in January 2015, Vongsengchanh began providing other individuals with kilogram quantities of cocaine to be transported from Texas to Virginia by car. Furthermore, Vongsengchanh and his spouse at the time, Oksana Vovk, utilized numerous bank accounts to launder the drug proceeds stemming from the cocaine trafficking. One of the utilized accounts was for an illegitimate business known as Stylish Traveler LLC through which Vongsengchanh and Vovk laundered over $78,000. In addition to the laundering of the proceeds, Vongsengchanh received payment for cocaine via other individuals transporting bulk cash currency for the former couple from the Virginia region to Texas.
Vongsengchanh is a career offender with a lengthy criminal history that includes felony convictions for murder in the second degree, voluntary manslaughter, assault with a dangerous weapon, aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, and two convictions for manufacturing, sale, and possession of a controlled substance.
Vongsengchanh pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine and conspiracy to commit money laundering, and faces a mandatory minimum of 10 years in prison, and a maximum term of life in prison when sentenced on April 17. Actual sentences for federal crimes are typically less than the maximum penalties. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after taking into account the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
The case was investigated as part of the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF), Operation Russian Roulette. The OCDETF program is a federal multi-agency, multi-jurisdictional task force that supplies supplemental federal funding to federal and state agencies involved in the identification, investigation, and prosecution of major drug trafficking organizations. The principal mission of the OCDETF program is to identify, disrupt and dismantle the most serious drug trafficking, weapons trafficking and money laundering organizations, and those primarily responsible for the nation’s illegal drug supply.
G. Zachary Terwilliger, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia; Mark Herring, Attorney General for Virginia; Raymond Villanueva, Special Agent in Charge of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Washington, D.C.; Jesse R. Fong, Special Agent in Charge for the Drug Enforcement Administration’s (DEA) Washington Field Division; Michael L. Brown, Alexandria Chief of Police; and Colonel Gary T. Settle, Superintendent of Virginia State Police, made the announcement after Senior U.S. District Judge Claude M. Hilton accepted the plea. Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Karolina Klyuchnikova is prosecuting the case.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. Related court documents and information are located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 1:20-cr-033.
MS-13 Member Sentenced to 32 Years in Federal Prison for Participating in a Violent Racketeering Conspiracy, Including Two MurdersRead the Press Release
Baltimore, Maryland – Chief U.S. District Judge James K. Bredar today sentenced MS-13 gang member Carlos Alas Brizuela, a/k/a “Truco” and “Stewie,” age 29, to 32 years in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release, on a federal racketeering charge related to his participation in a violent racketeering conspiracy, specifically MS-13, including two murders, two attempted murders, and a kidnapping.
Anyone with information about MS-13 is encouraged to call the FBI’s nationwide tipline, 1-866-STP-MS13 (1-866-787-6713). The FBI tipline allows individuals to provide information about MS-13’s criminal activities to a central location and the FBI will then disseminate the information to the appropriate law enforcement authorities for investigation. Your identity will be protected.
The sentence was announced by United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Robert K. Hur; Special Agent in Charge Jennifer C. Boone of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Baltimore Field Office; Special Agent in Charge John Eisert of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Baltimore Office; Chief Edward G. Hargis of the Frederick Police Department; Frederick County State’s Attorney J. Charles Smith, III; Chief Timothy J. Altomare of the Anne Arundel County Police Department; Anne Arundel County State’s Attorney Anne Colt Leitess; Chief Henry P. Stawinski III of the Prince George’s County Police Department; Prince George’s County State’s Attorney Aisha Braveboy; Chief Marcus Jones of the Montgomery County Police Department; and Montgomery County State’s Attorney John McCarthy.
“Brizuela and his fellow MS-13 members committed a horrifying series of violent acts, ravaging communities throughout Maryland,” said U.S. Attorney Robert K. Hur. “Brizuela will now serve 32 years in federal prison, where there is no parole - ever. Federal, state, and local law enforcement will use all the tools at our disposal to arrest and prosecute gang members who prey on our neighbors. We will not rest until we dismantle this organization to make Maryland safer.”
“The defendant and his conspirators committed numerous criminal violations to include extortion, kidnapping and murder. This prosecution exemplifies the ruthless violence committed by MS-13 gang members, which threatens the stability and safety of our communities,” said FBI Baltimore Special Agent in Charge Jennifer Boone. “While today’s sentence will not bring back those who had their lives taken from them, we hope it provides justice to the victims and their families and shows the FBI’s commitment to continue to work with our law enforcement partners and be uncompromising in our pursuit to bring these violent criminals to justice.”
“The violence and fear MS-13 inflicts upon the community is unacceptable,” said John Eisert, special agent in charge for HSI Baltimore. “HSI will continue to work towards safer streets through collaboration with our law enforcement partners to combat and dismantle criminal gangs like MS-13.”
MS-13 is a national and international gang composed primarily of immigrants or descendants from El Salvador and other central American countries. Branches or “cliques” of MS-13, one of the largest street gangs in the United States, operate throughout Frederick County, Anne Arundel County, Prince George’s County, and Montgomery County, Maryland. Brizuela was a member and associate of the Fulton Locotes Salvatrucha clique of MS-13.
At all times of this conspiracy, members of MS-13 were expected to protect the name, reputation, and status of the gang from rival gang members and other persons. To protect the gang and to enhance its reputation, MS-13 members were expected to use any means necessary to force respect from those who showed disrespect, including acts of intimidation and violence. MS-13 had mottos consistent with its rules, beliefs, expectations and reputation including “mata, viola, controla,” which translates as, “kill, rape, control,” and “ver, oir y callar,” which means, “see nothing, hear nothing and say nothing.”
MS-13 members are required to commit acts of violence both to maintain membership and discipline within the gang, as well as against rival gang members. Participation in criminal activity by a member, particularly in violent acts directed at rival gangs or as directed by gang leadership, increase the respect accorded to that member, resulting in that member maintaining or increasing his position in the gang, and opens the door to a promotion to a leadership position. One of the principal rules of MS-13 is that its members must attack and kill rivals, often referred to as “chavalas,” whenever possible.
According to Brizuela’s plea agreement, beginning in 2015 Brizuela conspired with other MS-13 members and associates to engage in racketeering activity including murders, conspiracies to commit murder, attempted murders, extortion, robbery, and drug trafficking, in order to further the interests of the gang.
Specifically, on April 7, 2015, MS-13 members and associates murdered Victim 1, whom they believed to be a rival gang member, with Brizuela’s knowledge and permission. MS-13 members identified Victim 1 at a restaurant in Frederick, Maryland, then called Brizuela to inform him that they had a potential victim. Brizuela contacted other gang leaders to get approval to kill Victim 1 and arranged for another gang member to participate in the murder of Victim 1. MS-13 members lured Victim 1 to a wooded area in Frederick, where they disabled Victim 1 by hitting him in the head with a rock, then struck him repeatedly with a machete and a knife until he was dead. During the course of the attack, they contacted Brizuela on the phone to confirm that they should complete the murder of Victim 1 and Brizuela confirmed that they should kill Victim 1. The next day, MS-13 members buried Victim 1 in the woods near the site of the murder, where his body was ultimately recovered.
Brizuela admitted that on May 10, 2015, he and other MS-13 members kidnapped Victim 2, who had stopped making his required extortion payments to the gang. Brizuela and the other MS-13 members forced Victim 2 into a car at gunpoint and took him to a wooded area. Although the plan was to kill Victim 2, Brizuela and other gang members got approval from gang leadership to let Victim 2 live, after he agreed to pay the gang immediately.
In August 2015, MS-13 members and associates sought—and received—the approval of Brizuela and other gang leadership to murder Victim 3, whom they believed to be a rival gang member. On August 28, 2015, after previously conducting surveillance of the residence where Victim 3 lived with his girlfriend, Victim 4, the MS-13 members and associates entered the apartment and waited there for the victims to return. After the victims returned to the apartment, three gang members attacked Victim 3 with machetes and knives while restraining and assaulting Victim 4. Although both victims survived, the attack on Victim 3 left him with both hands nearly severed, and severe wounds to his face and torso. He still has no use of one hand and limited use of the other. Following the attempted murder, gang members contacted Brizuela and others to report that Victim 3 had been killed.
Finally, Brizuela admitted that on August 31, 2015, he and other MS-13 members and associates murdered Victim 5, whom they believed to be a rival gang member. On that day, Brizuela and other MS-13 gang members were drinking in Wheaton and went to Dunkin Donuts where they saw Victim 5, who was wearing Nike Cortez sneakers. According to MS-13 rules, Nike Cortez sneakers were only to be worn by gang members. Brizuela said that he had previously warned Victim 5 about wearing those sneakers. Victim 5 spit on one of the MS-13 gang members as they walked by, who then punched him in the mouth. Victim 5 threw a beer on Brizuela and ran. Brizuela and another gang member chased Victim 5 and stabbed him to death. Following the homicide, Brizuela and others reported to gang leadership that they had killed a rival gang member.
A total of 29 defendants have been charged in this case with participating in a racketeering conspiracy and/or other crimes related to their association with MS-13, including 18 defendants charged in the fifth superseding indictment filed on October 21, 2019. A total of 13 defendants, including Brizuela, have pleaded guilty to crimes related to their participation in MS-13 gang activities.
United States Attorney Robert K. Hur commended the FBI; HSI; the Frederick Police Department; the Anne Arundel, Montgomery, and Prince George’s County Police Departments; and the Anne Arundel, Frederick, Montgomery, and Prince George’s County State’s Attorneys for their work in the investigation, and recognized the Baltimore County Police Department for its assistance. Mr. Hur thanked Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kenneth S. Clark, Catherine K. Dick, and Matthew DellaBetta, who are prosecuting this Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force case.
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Louisiana Man Pleads Guilty to Burning Three Baptist Churches in St. Landry ParishRead the Press Release
Holden Matthews, 22, pleaded guilty today in the Western District of Louisiana to intentionally setting fire to three Baptist churches because of the religious character of those buildings. Specifically, Matthews pleaded guilty to three counts of violating the Church Arson Prevention Act, 18 U.S.C. § 247(a)(1) — one count for each church — as well as one count of using fire to commit a federal felony, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 844(h). The fires, which Matthews set over a 10-day period in March and April of 2019, completely destroyed each of the church buildings.
At the plea hearing, Matthews admitted that, between March 26 and April 4, 2019, he intentionally set fire to three Baptist churches with predominantly African-American congregations in the Opelousas, Louisiana area. First, on March 26, 2019, Matthews set fire to St. Mary Baptist Church in Port Barre, Louisiana. Next, on April 2, 2019, Matthews set fire to the Greater Union Baptist Church, in Opelousas, Louisiana. Then, on April 4, 2019, Matthews set fire to the Mount Pleasant Baptist Church in Opelousas, Louisiana. The fires Matthews set destroyed each of the church buildings. Matthews admitted to setting the fires because of the religious character of these buildings, in an effort to raise his profile as a “Black Metal” musician by copying similar crimes committed in Norway in the 1990s. Matthews further admitted that, after setting the third fire, he posted photographs and videos on Facebook that showed the first two churches burning. Matthews admitted that he had taken these photographs and videos in real time on his cell phone, as he watched those churches burn, and that he had posted them to Facebook in an effort to promote himself in the Black Metal community.
“The Department of Justice will remain unwavering in its protection of the freedom to practice religion without the threat of discrimination or violence,” said Assistant Attorney General Eric Dreiband of the Civil Rights Division. “Matthews admitted to setting fire to three churches because of their religious character. His disgraceful conduct violated the civil rights of the church’s parishioners and harmed their communities.”
“Today, the defendant has taken responsibility for the burning and destruction of three of our churches,” said U.S. Attorney David C. Joseph of the Western District of Louisiana. “The freedom to safely congregate and worship in our churches is a fundamental right of all Americans and will be vigorously protected by my office and our law enforcement partners. I want to thank the ATF, FBI, St. Landry Parish Sheriff’s Office, St. Landry Parish Fire Department, Louisiana State Fire Marshal, Louisiana Attorney General’s Cybercrime Unit, Louisiana State Police, and the Florida State Fire Marshal for their hard work and seamless collaboration on this case.”
“Holden Matthews made a conscious decision to randomly target and destroy churches within his own community. His atrocious actions inflicted severe pain and grief upon these congregations, as well as all of St. Landry Parish,” said Special Agent in Charge Bryan Vorndran of the FBI’s New Orleans Field Office. “Throughout this investigation, the men and women of the FBI, ATF, Louisiana State Fire Marshal’s Office, St. Landry Parish Sheriff’s Office, St. Landry Parish District Attorney’s Office, Louisiana State Police, Louisiana Attorney General Jeff Landry’s Cybercrime Unit, and the Florida State Fire Marshal’s Office worked tirelessly to bring Holden Matthews to justice.”
“Protecting our communities is a vital part of our mission,” said ATF Special Agent in Charge Kurt Thielhorn. “ATF will continue to provide expertise and resources to investigate arson at houses of worship which threaten the well-being of our communities. I would like to thank all of our law enforcement partners for working tirelessly to ensure justice will be served.”
Matthews will be sentenced on May 22, 2020. He faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years in prison, and a statutory maximum sentence of 70 years in prison.
This case was investigated by the ATF’s National Response Team; the Lafayette Satellite Office of the ATF’s New Orleans Field Division; the Lafayette Resident Agency of the FBI’s New Orleans Field Office; the Louisiana Office of State Fire Marshal; the Louisiana State Police; the Louisiana Bureau of Investigation’s Cyber Crimes Unit; the St. Landry Parish Fire Department; and the St. Landry Parish Sheriff’s Office. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney John Luke Walker, of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Louisiana, and Trial Attorney Risa Berkower of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division.
For more information about the Department of Justice’s work to combat and prevent hate crimes, visit www.justice.gov/hatecrimes: a one-stop portal with links to Department of Justice hate crimes resources for law enforcement, media, researchers, victims, advocacy groups, and other organizations and individuals.
Lead Defendant Sentenced to 14 Years in Prison for Methamphetamine Trafficking ConspiracyRead the Press Release
RENO, Nev. – The lead defendant in a large drug trafficking ring was sentenced today to 14 years in prison, announced U.S. Attorney Nicholas A. Trutanich for the District of Nevada and Special Agent in Charge Aaron C. Rouse for the FBI’s Las Vegas Division.
Jose Valentin Mora, aka Cholo and Magic, 38, of Reno, previously pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine. In a separate case, Mora pleaded guilty to one count of felon in possession of a firearm.
According to court documents, from January 25, 2018 to about June 14, 2018, Mora and his co-conspirators worked together to possess and distribute large amounts of methamphetamine, cocaine, and heroin in Reno and elsewhere. On several occasions, Mora sold the drugs to his co-conspirators, who would then resell the drugs in Reno. Law enforcement seized over 12 pounds of methamphetamine from the drug trafficking ring.
On June 14, 2018, during the execution of a search warrant, investigators recovered a Bersa Thunder .380 caliber pistol in Mora’s dresser drawer. Mora is a felon with a conviction in Washoe County for trafficking in a controlled substance. Accordingly, he is prohibited from possessing a firearm.
In addition to the term of imprisonment, U.S. District Chief Judge Miranda M. Du sentenced Mora to five years of supervised release.
Sixteen other co-defendants were indicted by a federal grand jury in connection with the drug trafficking ring. With the exception of one defendant who remains a fugitive, each of those co-defendants pleaded guilty and either has been sentenced or is awaiting imposition of sentence. Mora’s co-defendants, whose guilty pleas correspond to the various roles they played in this drug conspiracy, face a maximum penalty of between four years and life in prison.
This case is the product of an investigation by the FBI’s Safe Streets Task Force with significant assistance by federal, state, and local law enforcement partners including the Reno Police Department, Sparks Police Department, and the Washoe County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorneys James Keller and Andolyn Johnson are prosecuting the case.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program that brings together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer. 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 the local community to develop effective, locally-based strategies to reduce violent crime. For more information about PSN, visit www.justice.gov/usao-nv.
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Law Enforcement Cooperation in Northern Ohio Allows for Continued Prosecution of Illegal Aliens Engaged in Additional Criminal Conduct or Violent ActsRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Justin E. Herdman announces the continued commitment of the United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Ohio to prosecuting illegal reentry cases. Those cases involving additional criminal conduct, violent attacks, or conduct that threatens public safety, will also remain a priority for federal prosecution.
Earlier today, Attorney General William P. Barr said, “Let us state the reality up front and as clearly as possible: When we are talking about sanctuary cities, we are talking about policies that are designed to allow criminal aliens to escape. These policies are not about people who come to our country illegally but have otherwise been peaceful and productive members of society. Their express purpose is to shelter aliens whom local law enforcement has already arrested for other crimes. This is neither lawful nor sensible.”
“Our ability to protect our community from violent criminals always depends upon close cooperation between federal, state, and local law enforcement,” said U.S. Attorney Justin Herdman. “Nowhere is this principle illustrated more profoundly than instances when individuals are in this country illegally, often after having been removed multiple times before, and commit additional criminal acts here in the United States. A series of cases prosecuted by this Office help highlight this threat. We are grateful to all of our local law enforcement officials who stand arm in arm with us in keeping our neighbors safe every day.”
Examples of illegal reentry cases that warranted federal prosecution and demonstrated an elevated threat to the public include the following:
U.S. v. Adalberto Reynoso-Lopez
Defendant, a native and citizen of Mexico, was ordered removed by a Cleveland Immigration Court on October 26, 2007. Following that order, Defendant was removed to Mexico, but he immediately reentered the United States and was apprehended and removed to Mexico five more times in the following years (once in 2008, twice in 2013, and twice in 2014). Before, during, and after those removals, the defendant, often using an alias, was convicted seven times of Operating a Vehicle Under the Influence of Alcohol or Drugs, and one conviction each for Obstruction of Official Business, Ethnic Intimidation, Disorderly Conduct, Theft, and Driving with a Suspended License.
Following his most recent conviction on January 8, 2020 for Obstruction of Official Business in Marion County, Ohio, the defendant was taken into ICE custody. On February 5, 2020, he was indicted in the Northern District of Ohio, Western Division for violating Title 8, United States Code, Section 1326 (Illegal Reentry) where he awaits trial. The government will be required to prove these allegations beyond a reasonable doubt should this matter proceed to trial. The defendant was also convicted of Illegal Entry (Title 8, United States Code, Section 1325) in July of 2014, in the Southern District of Texas, where he received a 30-day term of imprisonment after which he was deported.
U.S. v. Marco Antonio Barrera-Escobedo
Defendant, who is a citizen of Mexico, originally illegally entered the United States and moved to Ohio around 2000. After being discovered illegally present in 2007 and 2008, he was removed three separate times. (May 30, 2007, June 21, 2007 and June 29, 2008). After his May 30, 2007 removal, he was found in New Mexico on June 2, 2007, and subsequently charged and convicted of illegal reentry and deported. After each removal, the defendant almost immediately returned to the U.S. without regard to the reentry requirements, and with total disrespect for the laws of the United States.
Then, on December 12, 2017, the defendant was arrested for sexually assaulting and attempting to rape a five year old child - a crime that would obviously not have been committed if the defendant had not violated the laws of this country. Ultimately, the defendant pleaded guilty to Gross Sexual Imposition and Kidnapping and was sentenced to 15 years incarceration on April 24, 2018. Based upon his illegal presence in the United States, Immigration and Custom’s Enforcement placed a detainer on the defendant and an indictment was returned for Illegal Reentry of a removed alien after deportation. On July 31, 2018, the defendant pleaded guilty and on November 14, 2018, defendant was sentenced to the statutory maximum 24 months to run consecutive to his state GSI/Kidnapping sentence. He will again be deported after completion of both sentences.
U.S. v Jean Claude Phillip McKenzie
Defendant, who is a citizen of Jamaica, was admitted to the United States and granted conditional Lawful Permanent Residence status in 2008. After serving a sentence for a 2010 Drug Trafficking conviction in Cuyahoga County, Ohio, McKenzie was deported to Jamaica in July 2012.
McKenzie, however, illegally returned to the U.S. and was again found in Cleveland after an officer heard gun shots that the officer thought were directed at him. The officer was taking a statement from an aggravated robbery victim at the time. The officer further reported that the suspect fled in a black vehicle. Other officers stopped McKenzie’s car, which was the only vehicle in the area that matched the description. McKenzie stopped abruptly and fled on foot. Once caught, he gave a false name. A 9mm semiautomatic pistol was found in the defendant’s vehicle which had been reported stolen the year before.
Fingerprints taken from the defendant revealed his true identity and he ultimately pleaded guilty to Illegal Possession of a firearm by an illegal alien, and illegal reentry of a removed alien after deportation and was sentenced to 72 months in prison. He will be deported upon completion of his sentence.
The year 2020 marks the 150th anniversary of the Department of Justice. Learn more about the history of our agency at https://www.justice.gov/history.
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Las Vegas Man Pleads Guilty to Possession of Bomb-Making ComponentsRead the Press Release
LAS VEGAS, Nev. – Conor Climo, 23, of Las Vegas, Nevada, pleaded guilty today to one count of possession of an unregistered firearm — specifically, the component parts of a destructive device.
“Law enforcement’s swift action on this case, and today’s resulting guilty plea, is part of DOJ’s national strategy to disrupt and proactively stop potential bias-motivated mass violence,” said U.S. Attorney Nicholas A. Trutanich for the District of Nevada. “The defendant’s threats of violence — which were motivated by hate and intended to intimidate or coerce our faith-based and LGBTQ communities — have no place in this country. We remain fully committed to working with our law enforcement partners to assess threats and intervene before mass violence can occur.”
“The FBI’s Las Vegas Joint Terrorism Task Force is committed to protecting our community from any threat of domestic terrorism and I could not be more proud of the work they did in this case,” said Special Agent in Charge Aaron C. Rouse of the FBI Las Vegas Division. “The FBI will always be proactive to combat threats that cross a line from free speech to potential violence.”
According to court documents, Climo was communicating with individuals who identified with the white supremacist extremist group Feuerkrieg Division, which is an offshoot of the US-based white supremacist extremist group Atomwaffen Division. Feuerkrieg Division members share a common goal of challenging laws, social order, and the government via terrorism and other violent acts. The organization encourages attacks on the federal government, critical infrastructure, minorities, and members of the LGBTQ community.
Climo admitted that, during online conversations between May 2019 and July 15, 2019, he discussed setting fire to a Las Vegas synagogue, and making Molotov cocktails and improvised explosive devices. Climo further admitted that he conducted surveillance on a bar that he believed catered to the LGBTQ community, located on Fremont Street in Downtown Las Vegas, in preparation for a potential attack.
On August 8, 2019, the FBI-led Joint Terrorism Task Force executed a search warrant at Climo’s residence. During the search, law enforcement located components that could be readily assembled into a destructive device, strong oxidizing agents that can be used as fuels, and numerous hand drawn schematics to construct improvised explosive devices. Law enforcement also seized an AR-15 rifle and a bolt-action rifle from Climo’s bedroom.
This case was the product of an investigation by the Joint Terrorism Task Force, which includes law enforcement partners from local, state, and federal agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorney Nicholas Dickinson of the District of Nevada is prosecuting this case, with assistance from the Civil Rights Division of the Department of Justice and the National Security Division.
Climo is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge James C. Mahan on May 14, 2020. Climo faces a faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. Any sentence, however, would be determined at the discretion of the court after consideration of applicable statutory factors and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, which take into account a number of variables.
The Climo prosecution is part of the Department of Justice’s Disruption and Early Engagement Programs (DEEP), a national strategy to disrupt potential mass shootings and other rapidly mobilizing threats and the need to implement timely, effective and efficient responses.
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Kansas Farmer Sentenced for Crop Insurance FraudRead the Press Release
WICHITA, KAN. – A Kansas farmer was sentenced today to 30 months for federal crop insurance fraud and bankruptcy fraud, U.S. Attorney Stephen McAllister said. In addition, the defendant was ordered to pay $604,303 in restitution.
Kevin W. Struss, 63, Wakeeney, Kan., pleaded guilty to one count of defrauding the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s crop insurance program, which provides government insurance against unavoidable crop losses. He made false statements in which he under-reported his total 2015 corn crop by approximately 23,524 bushels, and his total sorghum/milo crop by 31,208 bushels.
He also pleaded guilty to one count of bankruptcy fraud. He falsely answered “no” to a question in his bankruptcy filing about whether he had transferred property to anyone else recently. In fact he made two transfers of $150,000 and $320,000 to another person in 2018.
McAllister commended the U.S. Department of Agriculture and Assistant U.S. Attorney Alan Metzger for their work on the case.
Justice Department Sues State of New Jersey, New Jersey Governor, and New Jersey Attorney General for Prohibiting State Officials from Sharing Information with U.S. Immigration and Customs EnforcementRead the Press Release
Today, the U.S. Department of Justice filed suit against the State of New Jersey, New Jersey Governor Philip Murphy, and New Jersey Attorney General Gurbir Grewal. The lawsuit challenges New Jersey Attorney General Law Enforcement Directive 2018-6, which prohibits state officials from sharing information with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) related to the immigration status and release dates of individuals in their custody.
The directive also requires New Jersey law enforcement to “promptly notify a detained individual, in writing and in a language the individual can understand” if ICE files an immigration detainer request for the individual. According to the complaint filed today, on multiple occasions last year, New Jersey officials failed to provide information regarding the release dates of aliens who had been charged with or convicted of crimes. New Jersey’s decision to obstruct federal immigration enforcement by refusing to provide such information is unlawful under the Supremacy Clause of the U.S. Constitution.
A copy of the complaint is available here.
The year 2020 marks the 150th anniversary of the Department of Justice. Learn more about the history of our agency at www.Justice.gov/Celebrating150Years.
Justice Department Sues State of California, California Governor, and California Attorney General for Prohibiting the Operation of Private Detention Facilities in the StateRead the Press Release
The Justice Department filed suit against California Governor Gavin Newsom, California Attorney General Xavier Becerra, and the State of California challenging California state law A.B. 32, which prohibits any individual or entity from operating private detention facilities in the state.
Under A.B. 32, prisoners and detainees currently housed in private facilities in California will have to be relocated at great cost, potentially isolating prisoners and detainees from their families and causing overcrowding in neighboring states. The U.S. Marshals Service (USMS), for example, which is responsible for the housing and transportation of federal prisoners awaiting trial and sentencing, will need to relocate nearly 50 percent of its inmates in the Southern District of California and nearly 30 percent of its total California inmates to out-of-state facilities.
A.B. 32 will also require frequent and costly transportation of prisoners and detainees. For USMS, pretrial inmates will have to be frequently transported to and from California to meet the demands of courts, defense attorneys, and any pretrial or probationary requirements. And for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), which is responsible for the housing and transportation of immigration detainees, any aliens apprehended in California (about 45,000 in fiscal year 2019) will have to be transported to out-of-state facilities using costly air or ground transportation. This drastic increase in USMS and ICE transportation requirements will also heighten security concerns. Finally, A.B. 32 may delay federal proceedings due to the out-of-state relocation of prisoners and detainees.
The lawsuit challenges A.B. 32 as unlawful under the Supremacy Clause of the U.S. Constitution because A.B. 32 substantially obstructs the federal government’s housing of federal prisoners and detainees, stands as an obstacle to the accomplishment of congressional objectives related to criminal law and immigration enforcement, directly regulates federal operations, and discriminates against the United States by granting exceptions for California that do not apply to the federal government or its contractors.
A copy of the complaint is available here. The Department of Justice has also moved to enjoin the enforcement of A.B. 32 against the federal government and its contractors. A copy of the motion is available here.
The year 2020 marks the 150th anniversary of the Department of Justice. Learn more about the history of our agency at www.Justice.gov/Celebrating150Years.
Justice Department Sues King County, Washington, and King County Executive for Prohibiting U.S. Immigrations and Custom Enforcement Contractors from Using King County International AirportRead the Press Release
Today, the Justice Department filed suit against King County, Washington, and King County Executive Dow Constantine challenging King County Executive Order PFC-7-1-EO, which has the purpose and intended effect of prohibiting U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) contractors from using King County International Airport, also known as Boeing Field, as a terminal for flights to remove individuals from the United States or transport immigration detainees within the country.
The Executive Order directs King County officials to “ensure that all future leases, operating permits, and other authorizations for commercial activity at King County International Airport contain a prohibition against providing aeronautical or non-aeronautical services to enterprises engaged in the business of deporting immigration detainees (except for federal government aircraft), to the maximum extent permitted by applicable law.”
After the Executive Order was issued, the company providing fixed-based operator (FBO) services (fueling, aircraft maintenance, and similar services) to ICE’s contractor at Boeing Field informed the contractor that it would no longer service its flights, and no other FBO agreed to assist the contractor. As a result of similar refusals at other airports in the Seattle area, ICE’s contractor has been forced to relocate these flights to Yakima, Washington. This has created significant operational difficulties and additional costs for ICE due to: (1) the increased costs of flying in and out of Yakima’s airport, (2) the road conditions between Yakima and Tacoma, which often make transportation of detainees difficult, and (3) the inability to house detainees in or near Yakima in the event of delays or inclement weather. The lawsuit challenges the Executive Order as unlawful under the Supremacy Clause of the U.S. Constitution because the Order obstructs and burdens federal activities, discriminates against federal contractors, and is expressly preempted by the federal Airline Deregulation Act, which prohibits localities such as King County from enacting or enforcing laws or regulations that relate to prices, routes, or services of air carriers.
A copy of the complaint is available here.
The year 2020 marks the 150th anniversary of the Department of Justice. Learn more about the history of our agency at www.Justice.gov/Celebrating150Years.
Jury Convicts Denison, Iowa Man for Meth ConspiracyRead the Press Release
A man who conspired to distribute methamphetamine was convicted by a jury on February 7, 2020, after a four-day trial in federal court in Sioux City. Juan Lopez-Zuniga, 50, from Denison, Iowa, was convicted of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine. The verdict was returned following about 3 hours of jury deliberations.
The evidence at trial showed that Lopez-Zuniga was involved in a conspiracy that distributed more than 500 grams of methamphetamine from October 2015 through September 2016, out of the Denison, Iowa, area. Evidence showed that Lopez-Zuniga traveled with fellow coconspirators (some of whom have already been convicted for their participation) from Denison, Iowa, to Worthington, Minnesota to deliver half-pound quantities of meth for further distribution in Iowa, Minnesota and South Dakota. Lopez-Zuniga would then return to Denison with money from the drug sales.
Sentencing before United States District Court Chief Judge Leonard T. Strand will be set after a presentence report is prepared. Lopez-Zuniga was taken into custody by the United States Marshal after the verdict was returned and will remain in custody pending sentencing. Lopez-Zuniga faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years’ imprisonment and a possible maximum sentence of life imprisonment, a $10,000,000 fine, and at least five years of supervised release following any imprisonment.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Shawn S. Wehde and was investigated as part of the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) program of the United States Department of Justice through a cooperative effort of the Drug Enforcement Administration; Iowa Department of Narcotics Enforcement; Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension; South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation; Buffalo Ridge Task Force (Worthington/ Nobles County, Minnesota); and the Internal Revenue Service.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 17-4009. Follow us on Twitter @USAO_NDIA.
Indictment Unsealed in Brooklyn Federal Court Charging an Associate of a Sinaloa Cartel Leader with Drug-Trafficking Conspiracy and Firearms CrimesRead the Press Release
A superseding indictment was unsealed today in federal court in Brooklyn charging Ismael Quintero Arellanes with participating in an international conspiracy to manufacture and distribute heroin, cocaine, methamphetamine and marijuana and unlawful use of firearms as part of the Rafael Caro Quintero drug trafficking organization, a faction of the Mexican organized crime syndicate known as the Sinaloa Cartel. The superseding indictment was returned under seal by a grand jury in July 2018. Quintero Arellanes was captured in Culiacan, Sinaloa, Mexico on January 29, 2020. The United States intends to seek his extradition to face charges in the Eastern District of New York.
Richard P. Donoghue, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, and Ray Donovan, Special Agent-in-Charge, Drug Enforcement Administration, New York Division (DEA), announced the charges.
“As alleged in the superseding indictment, the defendant conspired with members of the Caro Quintero drug trafficking organization to flood the United States with large quantities of heroin, methamphetamine, cocaine and marijuana,” stated United States Attorney Donoghue. “This Office, together with our partners on the New York Strike Force, will relentlessly pursue the leadership of violent drug cartels and their associates until they are brought to justice.”
“This indictment and arrest are indicative that the walls are closing in on members of the Sinaloa Cartel, like Ismael Quintero Arellanes and DEA’s arch nemesis Rafael Caro Quintero,” stated DEA Special Agent-in-Charge Donovan. “Caro-Quintero remains at large, however we are working hand in hand with our international, local, state and federal law enforcement partners to disrupt the Sinaloa Cartel’s trafficking operations by seizing ton-quantities of heroin, fentanyl, marijuana, cocaine and methamphetamine, while focusing on those responsible, including Caro-Quintero.”
According to the superseding indictment, between January 1980 and June 2018, Caro Quintero led a drug trafficking organization responsible for importing into the United States and distributing massive amounts of illegal narcotics, and conspiring to murder persons who posed a threat to his narcotics enterprise. The charged murder conspiracy includes Caro Quintero’s kidnapping and murder of DEA Special Agent Enrique “Kiki” Camarena in Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico in February 1985.
As an associate of the Caro Quintero drug trafficking organization, Quintero Arellanes is charged with participating in an international heroin, methamphetamine and cocaine distribution conspiracy from February 2015 through June 2018, and an international marijuana distribution conspiracy from January 1980 through June 2018, as well as using firearms in support of the drug trafficking organization.
The investigation was led by the New York Strike Force, 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 charges in the superseding indictment are allegations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. If convicted, Quintero Arellanes faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 20 years’ imprisonment, and up to life imprisonment.
The government’s case is being handled by the Office’s International Narcotics and Money Laundering Section. Assistant United States Attorneys Gina M. Parlovecchio, Michael Robotti and Erin Reid are in charge of the prosecution.
The Defendant:
ISMAEL QUINTERO ARELLANES (also known as “Fierro”)
Age: 49
MexicoE.D.N.Y. Docket No. 15-CR-208 (S-3)(FB)
Hundred, WVA Man Admits Purchasing Distribution-Level Quantities of Heroin and Fentanyl for DS44 Neighborhood GangRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, PA – A resident of Hundred, West Virginia, 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.
Michael Broglie, 51, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute or possess with intent to distribute heroin and fentanyl, before United States District Judge William S. Stickman IV. Mr. Broglie 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. Broglie purchased distribution-level quantities of heroin and fentanyl from his co-conspirator, Ronald Williams, and re-distributed the drugs to other people.
Judge Stickman scheduled sentencing for July 13, 2020, at 10:30 am. The law provides for a total sentence of not more than twenty years in prison, a fine of up to $1,000,000, 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. Rogers remains on bond 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 assisting agencies include the Green Tree Police Department, New York City Police Department, Mount Oliver Police Department, Pennsylvania State Police, Yonkers Police Department, United States Marshals Fugitive Task Force, and the United States Postal Inspection Service.
The investigation was funded by the federal Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force Program (OCDETF). The OCDETF program supplies critical federal funding and coordination that allows federal and state agencies to work together to successfully identify, investigate, and prosecute major interstate and international drug trafficking organizations and other criminal enterprises.
Houston Man Guilty of Interstate Transportation of Stolen GoodsRead the Press Release
BEAUMONT, Texas – A 44-year-old Houston man has pleaded guilty to federal violations in the Eastern District of Texas announced U.S. Attorney Joseph D. Brown today.
Curtric DeMaine White pleaded guilty to interstate transportation of stolen property today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Keith F. Giblin.
According to information presented in court, during the early morning hours of July 31, 2019, White and others burglarized Best Buy in Mobile, Alabama and D’Iberville, Mississippi. Later in the evening of that same day, law enforcement officers conducted a traffic stop on Interstate 10 West in Vidor, Texas on a vehicle having a fictitious license plate. White was identified as one of the two occupants of the vehicle. While questioning the occupants, the officer noticed a steel security cage in the vehicle. After getting consent to search, the cage was found to have the Best Buy “Geek Squad” insignia on it and contained approximately 20 new Apple iPhones, all of which were determined to belong to Best Buy. In total, the two Best Buy stores suffered a combined loss of $117,363.97 in stolen items and damage to their property.
Under federal statutes, White faces up to 10 years in federal prison at sentencing. The statutory sentence prescribed by Congress is provided here for information purposes, as the sentencing 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 U.S. Probation Office.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Vidor Police Department and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher T. Tortorice.
Guilty Plea: Soldier at Fort Riley Described How to Make Explosive DevicesRead the Press Release
TOPEKA, KAN. - Jarrett William Smith, 24, Ft. Riley, Kan., pleaded guilty today to unlawfully distributing instructions for making explosive devices over social media while he was a member of the U.S. Army, U.S. Attorney Stephen McAllister said.
Smith pleaded guilty to two counts of distributing information related to explosives, destructive devices and weapons of mass destruction. Smith joined the Army June 12, 2017. He served as an infantry soldier and was trained in combat and tactical operations. He was transferred to Fort Riley in Kansas July 8, 2019.
The FBI received information that Smith gave out guidance to others on how to construct improvised explosive devices. He spoke to others on social media about wanting to travel to Ukraine to fight with a violent, far-right military group.
On September 20, 2019, from Fort Riley Smith sent a person working undercover for the FBI specific instructions for making an explosive device. He also provided a recipe for creating improvised napalm.
Sentencing is set for May 18. Smith could face up to 20 years in federal prison and a fine up to $250,000 on each count. McAllister commended the FBI and Assistant U.S. Attorney Tony Mattivi for their work on the case.
Guatemalan Man Sentenced to Prison for Illegally Reentering the United States After Being DeportedRead the Press Release
A man who illegally returned to the United States after being deported was sentenced today to more than three months in federal prison.
Gabriel Felix-Manuel, age 33, a citizen of Guatemala illegally present in the United States and residing in Waterloo, Iowa, received the prison term after a December 19, 2019, guilty plea to one count of illegal reentry into the United States.
In a plea agreement, Felix-Manuel admitted he had previously been deported from the United States and illegally reentered the United States without the permission of the United States government. On January 16, 2008, Felix-Manuel was ordered deported from the United States in absentia. His whereabouts were unknown until he was arrested on an unrelated state charge in Florida in February 2010. Felix-Manuel was deported in March 2010.
On October 22, 2019, Felix-Manuel came to the attention of immigration agents during a traffic stop in Waterloo where he admitted being in the United States illegally. Further investigation showed that Felix-Manuel had been working illegally in Waterloo since May 2019, falsely claiming to be a permanent legal resident of the United States and using the social security number of another person for employment purposes.
Felix-Manuel was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Judge C.J. Williams. Felix-Manuel was sentenced to 96 days’ imprisonment. He must also serve a one-year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system.
Felix-Manuel is being held in the United States Marshal’s custody until he can be turned over to immigration officials.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Daniel C. Tvedt and investigated by Department of Homeland Security, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Enforcement and Removal Operations.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 19-CR-2070.
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Government Contractor Sentenced to 57 Months in Prison for $3.7 Million Procurement Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
A former government contractor was sentenced to 57 months in prison today for his role in carrying out a $3.7 million scheme to defraud at least 35 subcontractors located across the United States.
Assistant Attorney General Brian A. Benczkowski of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, U.S. Attorney McGregor W. Scott of the Eastern District of California, Special Agent in Charge David A. House of the Department of Interior Office of Inspector General’s (DOI-OIG) Western Region Office of Investigations, Special Agent in Charge Ray Park of the U.S. Army Criminal Investigation Command’s (Army CID) Major Procurement Fraud Unit, Pacific Fraud Field Office, Special Agent in Charge Sean Ragan of the FBI’s Sacramento Division, Special Agent in Charge Jason Hein of the Air Force Office of Special Investigations’ (Air Force OSI) Office of Procurement Fraud Unit, and Special Agent in Charge Brian Denny of the Defense Criminal Investigative Service’s (DCIS) Western Field Office made the announcement.
Chester L. Neal Jr., 45, of Bourbon Oak, Missouri, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Dale A. Drozd of the Eastern District of California. Judge Drozd also ordered Neal to pay restitution in the amount of $3,734,927.50.
Neal pleaded guilty on Aug. 19, 2019, to one count of mail fraud. According to admissions made in connection with his plea, Neal established and controlled several companies through which he bid on and won at least 105 government contracts to provide goods and services to federal agencies including the Department of Interior, U.S. Army and U.S. Air Force. The contracts required Neal to purchase and transport rock, gravel, and other raw materials to military bases and national parks. After winning these contracts, Neal fraudulently induced subcontractors to perform the required work. But when Neal was paid by the government for his subcontractors’ work, he did not pay his subcontractors. Instead, Neal kept the money and spent it at places like casinos, nightclubs, restaurants and hotels. In total, between July 2008 and December 2017, Neal defrauded his subcontractors out of approximately $3.7 million.
DOI-OIG, Army CID, the FBI, Air Force OSI and DCIS investigated this matter. Trial Attorney Kyle W. Maurer of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Grant B. Rabenn of the Eastern District of California prosecuted the case.
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 Suburban Insurance Agent Charged with Fraud for Allegedly Swindling Money from Elderly ClientRead the Press Release
CHICAGO — A former suburban insurance agent has been indicted on federal fraud charges for allegedly swindling money from an elderly client.
DIANE LAZAR was a licensed insurance producer and authorized agent of various insurance companies. Beginning in 2008 and continuing until 2014, Lazar submitted applications for an elderly client in his 80s to purchase several annuities and a life insurance policy from the companies Lazar represented, according to an indictment returned in U.S. District Court in Chicago. Upon approval of the applications, the client paid hundreds of thousands of dollars in premiums and Lazar received commissions from the companies, the indictment states. In some instances, Lazar designated her daughter as the beneficiary of the annuities, falsely claiming that her daughter was the client’s grandchild or great grandchild, the indictment states.
Upon the client’s death in 2014, Lazar attempted to fraudulently collect some of the client’s annuity and insurance proceeds, the indictment alleges. She also submitted a phony power of attorney to the client’s bank to fraudulently withdraw approximately $100,000 from his checking account, the indictment states.
The indictment was returned on Feb. 4, 2020. It charges Lazar, 46, of Cape Coral, Fla., and formerly of Palos Heights, with two counts of wire fraud, one count of bank fraud, and one count of making a false statement to a financial institution. Arraignment is set for Feb. 12, 2020, at 10:00 a.m., before U.S. District Judge Charles R. Norgle, Sr.
The indictment was announced by John R. Lausch, Jr., United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois; and Emmerson Buie, Jr., Special Agent-in-Charge of the Chicago office of the FBI. The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Corey B. Rubenstein.
“Keeping older Americans safe from fraud is a top priority for the Department of Justice,” said U.S. Attorney Lausch. “We are committed to protecting our vulnerable seniors from those who seek to exploit them.”
The public is reminded that an indictment is not evidence of guilt. The defendant is presumed innocent and entitled to a fair trial at which the government has the burden of proving guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
The bank fraud and false statement counts are each punishable by up to 30 years in federal prison, while each count of wire fraud is punishable by up to 20 years. If convicted, the Court must impose a reasonable sentence under federal statutes and the advisory U.S. Sentencing Guidelines.
Elder fraud complaints may be filed with the Federal Trade Commission at www.ftccomplaintassistant.gov or at 877-FTC-HELP. More information about the Department of Justice’s efforts to help seniors is available at its Elder Justice Initiative webpage.
Former Pharmacy Employee Admits Role in Multi-Million Dollar Illegal Kickback SchemeRead the Press Release
NEWARK, N.J. – A Bergen County, New Jersey, man today admitted participating in a conspiracy to pay and accept kickbacks in exchange for medically unnecessary prescriptions, U.S. Attorney Craig Carpenito announced.
Zachary Ohebshalom, 34, of Fort Lee, New Jersey, pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Judge Susan D. Wigenton in Newark federal court to an information charging him with conspiring to violate the federal anti-kickback statute. The information alleges that he conspired with the following three individuals who have been previously charged by criminal complaint in the District of New Jersey: Mark Filippone M.D., 71, of Wallington, New Jersey; Joseph Vangelas, a/k/a “Joseph Miller,” 33, of Fort Lee, New Jersey; and Marlene Vangelas, 58, of River Vale, New Jersey. Criminal charges against Filippone, Joseph Vangelas, and Marlene Vangelas remain pending. Estela Blaustein, 55 of Mahwah, New Jersey, previously pleaded guilty for her role in a related conspiracy to commit health care fraud and is pending sentencing.
According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:
Beginning in May 2016, Ohebshalom participated in a kickback conspiracy stemming from a scheme to obtain millions of dollars in health benefits from the federal workers’ compensation program by prescribing and dispensing expensive, but medically unnecessary, pain creams. Dr. Filippone treated hundreds of now-former U.S. Postal Service employees for injuries they purportedly suffered on the job. He allegedly facilitated their disability claims by submitting forms and medical reports to the Department of Labor, Office of Workers’ Compensation Program, for patients who were not, in fact, disabled.
Dr. Filippone also prescribed expensive topical pain creams, which were not needed or wanted by many of his patients. The information alleges that Dr. Filippone steered these prescriptions to a pharmacy in Fair Lawn, New Jersey, where Blaustein was the pharmacist-in-charge. The Fair Lawn Pharmacy was owned and operated by Joseph Vangelas and Marlene Vangelas, who, along with Ohebshalom, directed Blaustein and others to mine reimbursement rates within the federal workers’ compensation program for the ingredients of the pain creams in order to determine the most lucrative formulations. Joseph Vangelas, Marlene Vangelas, and Ohebshalom directed Blaustein and others to print prescription labels for Dr. Filippone to use with his patients. Dr. Filippone used the pre-printed labels and sent the prescriptions back to the Fair Lawn Pharmacy. In order to induce Dr. Filippone to prescribe the medically unnecessary pain creams in the exact formulations they wished to obtain, Joseph Vangelas and Marlene Vangelas purchased Dr. Filippone’s medical office and then permitted Dr. Filippone to continue to use the premises, for which he routinely failed to pay rent. Joseph Vangelas, Marlene Vangelas, and Ohebshalom conspired to leverage the property to force Dr. Filippone to continue to send prescriptions to their pharmacy. Dr. Filippone continued to feed prescriptions to the pharmacy, so long as Miller and Vangelas permitted him to remain rent-free in the property.
As part of his plea agreement, Ohebshalom agreed that the improper benefit conferred as part of the conspiracy to violate the federal anti-kickback statute was between $1.5 million and $3.5 million.
The count of conspiracy to violate the federal anti-kickback statute is punishable by a maximum of 5 years in prison and a fine of $250,000, or twice the gross gain or loss derived from the offense, whichever is greater. Sentencing is scheduled for May 21, 2020.
U.S. Attorney Carpenito credited special agents of the FBI, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Gregory Ehrie in Newark; the U.S. Postal Service, Office of Inspector General, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge of the Northeast Area Field Office Matthew M. Modafferi; the Department of Labor, Office of Inspector General, New York Region, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Michael C. Mikulka; and special agents of IRS-Criminal Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge John R. Tafur, with the investigation leading to the charges.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Joshua L. Haber of the Health Care Fraud Unit of the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Newark.
The charges against and allegations in the information pertaining to Filippone, Joseph Vangelas, and Marlene Vangelas are merely accusations, and those three defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Former Allegheny County Man Sentenced to 15 Years for Running a Large-Scale Fentanyl Trafficking OrganizationRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH – A former Allegheny County man was sentenced to 15 years and one month (181 months) in prison to be followed by four years of supervised release after his convictions at trial on multiple federal narcotic and firearms offenses. United States District Court Judge Marilyn S. Horan imposed the sentence on Cameron Basking, age 28, previously of Wilkinsburg and Pittsburgh.
Basking was previously tried before United States Judge Marilyn S. Horan. He was convicted after a week-long jury trial of one count of conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute more than 40 grams of fentanyl, possession with the intent to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl, possession of firearms in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, and possession of firearms and ammunition by a convicted felon.
According to information presented during the course of the trial, Cameron Basking was the leader of a large scale fentanyl trafficking conspiracy operating in Allegheny County from January to March 14 of 2018. Basking would receive large amount of fentanyl from two co-conspirator suppliers and then mix that fentanyl for future resale. To further this conspiracy, Basking used multiple locations in Allegheny County to cut and mix the fentanyl, store the fentanyl, and sell the fentanyl.
As part of the investigation, on March 14, 2018, members of the FBI’s Western Pennsylvania Opioid Task Force executed search warrants at multiple locations and vehicles tied to Basking. At a location on Princeton Boulevard in Wilkinsburg, investigators recovered tens of thousands of stamp bags used to package fentanyl in the basement of this location as well as ammunition. At an address on West Carter in North Versailles, investigators recovered voluminous drug and drug related evidence including over 40 grams of fentanyl, thousands of stamp bags, blenders and grinders, and gas masks to protect from fentanyl exposure. Additionally at the West Carter address, investigators recovered a fully loaded 9mm Glock handgun, a fully loaded Bushmaster .308 assault rifle, two extended 9mm magazines, and hundreds of rounds of ammunition. At another location in Wilkinsburg, on Rebecca Street, investigators recovered another firearm and ammunition, a quantity of fentanyl, six digital scales for drug distribution use and fentanyl packaging material.
Evidence presented at trial showed that Basking used the West Carter address to store the fentanyl, the Princeton Boulevard address to cut and mix the fentanyl for distribution, and the Rebecca Street address as the distribution center. In handing down the sentence, Judge Horan found that Basking had an aggravating role in the offense as he was the leader of five or more people in a narcotics trafficking organization.
Assistant United States Attorneys Timothy M. Lanni and Christopher Cook represented the Government in this prosecution and trial.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation – Western District of Pennsylvania Opioid Task Force conducted the investigation leading to the conviction in this case. This Task Force is comprised of FBI Special Agents and state and local Task Force Officers, including officers from the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police, Allegheny County Sherriff’s Department, Allegheny County Police, Port Authority Police, Munhall Police Department, West Mifflin Police Department, and Pennsylvania Attorney General’s Office. The Allegheny Office of the Medical Examiner, Pittsburgh Bureau of Police Narcotics and Vice Division, and Drug Enforcement Agency also assisted in the prosecution of this case.
Florida Woman Guilty of Federal Drug Trafficking ViolationsRead the Press Release
BEAUMONT, Texas – A 35-year-old St. Petersburg, Florida woman has pleaded guilty to federal drug trafficking crimes in the Eastern District of Texas, announced U.S. Attorney Joseph D. Brown today.
Erica Ann Lang pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute and possess methamphetamine today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Keith F. Giblin. Ryan Andrew Davis, 35, of Clearwater, Florida pleaded guilty to the same charge on Jan. 16, 2020.
According to information presented in court, on Oct. 24, 2019, Davis and Lang were stopped for a traffic violation on Interstate Highway 10 East in Beaumont, Texas. A certified narcotics detection dog alerted on the car and a search was performed revealing approximately one kilogram of methamphetamine hidden in the trunk of the vehicle.
Under federal statutes, Davis and Lang each face at least 10 years and up to life in federal prison at sentencing. The statutory sentence prescribed by Congress is provided here for information purposes, as the sentencing 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 U.S. Probation Office.
This case was investigated by the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office and the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney John B. Ross.
Federal Grand Jury Criminal Indictments AnnouncedRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Trent Shores announced today the results of the February Federal Grand Jury A.
The following individuals have been charged with violations of United States law in indictments returned by the Grand Jury. The return of an indictment is a method of informing a defendant of alleged violations of federal law, which must be proven in a court of law beyond a reasonable doubt to overcome a defendant’s presumption of innocence.
Jennifer Louise Bruce. Theft of Mail by United States Postal Service Employee. Bruce, 43, of Jennings, is charged with theft of mail by a U.S. Postal Service employee. In her position as a sales and services associate in Bristow and Jennings, Bruce allegedly stole hydrocodone tablets from packages by VA Medical Centers and Outpatient Clinics on five different occasions. She is also alleged to have stolen $20 cash from a letter. The Office of the Inspector General of the U.S. Postal Service is the investigative agency.
Kevin Dewayne Burris. Failure to Register as a Sex Offender. Burris, 54, of Tulsa, is charged with failing to register as a sex offender. The U.S. Marshals Service and Tulsa Police Department are the investigative agencies.
Leslie Michelle Clark. Bank Fraud (Counts 1-29); Aggravated Identity Theft (Counts 30-58). Clark, 52, of Tulsa, is alleged to have knowingly executed a scheme to defraud a financial institution, and to obtain funds under the custody and control of the financial institution by means of false and fraudulent pretenses, that is, by causing checks to be paid from a company’s customer account to Alliance Consulting, a fictitious consulting firm, for fabricated services never rendered, Clark is further charged with 29 counts of aggravated identity theft for allegedly using another individual’s name and signature on the checks which were paid over to Alliance Consulting. The FBI is the investigative agency.
Pablo Gino Hernandez. Possession of Heroin With Intent to Distribute. Hernandez, 27, is charged with knowingly possessing with intent to distribute more than 100 grams or more of heroin. The Drug Enforcement Administration, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations and the Tulsa Police Department are the investigative agencies.
Calvin Johnson. Wire Fraud (Counts 1 and 2). Johnson, aka “Lakeshia Johnson” and “Keyshia Johnson”, 36, of Tulsa, is charged with two counts of wire fraud. Starting on approximately February 18, 2018, Johnson was employed in the Northern District of Oklahoma by a call center outsourcing company. Through her employment with the company, Johnson allegedly performed call center services for a financial institution, answering calls from customers concerning suspicious activity on their accounts. During the calls, Johnson gained access to the customers’ account information, including account and routing numbers. Johnson, without the knowledge or consent of the financial institution or its customers, allegedly caused monies to be transferred from customer accounts to various business and financial institutions, such as Best Buy, Verizon Wireless, and several banks. It was part of the Scheme that Johnson used the nearly $20,000 in stolen monies for her own personal expenses. The wire communications were between servers located in the Northern District of Oklahoma and account servers in Fort Washington, Pennsylvania; Little Rock, Arkansas; and other financial institutions. The FBI is the investigative agency.
Victor Manuel Martinez-Luna. Possession of Methamphetamine With Intent to Distribute. Martinez-Luna, 35, unlawfully in the United States, is charged with knowingly possessing with the intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine. The Drug Enforcement Administration and Tulsa Police Department are the investigative agencies.
Jeffrey Rahn Reetz. Felon in Possession of Firearms and Ammunition. Reetz, 65, of Claremore, is charged with being a felon in possession of a Mosin-Nagant bolt-action 7.62 caliber rifle; a Kimber .45 caliber pistol; a Beretta 9 mm pistol; a Springfield Arms bolt-action .30 caliber rifle; a Derringer .32 caliber pistol; a New Haven Mossberg 12 gauge shotgun; a Savage Arms .223 caliber rifle; an Olympic Arms 12 gauge shotgun; a Hopkins & Allen .22 caliber revolver; and 1,421 rounds of ammunition. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations is the investigative agency.
Jamal Rucker. Felon in Possession of a Firearm. Rucker, 30, of Tulsa, is charged with being a felon in possession of a Heritage Arms .38 caliber revolver The Tulsa Police Department and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives are the investigative agencies.
Wesley Scott Stonebarger. Felon in Possession of Firearm and Ammunition; Drug Conspiracy (Methamphetamine); Possession of Methamphetamine With Intent to Distribute; Drug Conspiracy (Fentanyl); Possession of Fentanyl With Intent to Distribute; Carrying a Firearm During and in Relation to Drug Trafficking Crimes; Attempted Possession of Methamphetamine With Intent to Distribute (Count 7 and 8). Stonebarger, 36, of Tulsa, is charged with being a felon in possession of a Smith and Wesson .40-caliber semi-automatic pistol and associated ammunition. He is also charged with conspiring with others to possess with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine and to distribute 500 grams or more of the drug as early as October 2019. He is also charged with knowingly possessing with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine on Dec. 20, 2019. Stonebarger is also charged with conspiring with others to possess with intent to distribute fentanyl, and to distribute fentanyl. He is also charged with knowingly possessing with the intent to distribute fentanyl on Dec. 20, 2019. He is also charged with carrying a Smith and Wesson .40-caliber semi-automatic pistol during and relation to drug trafficking crimes. Finally, Stonebarger is charged with attempted possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute (Counts 7 and 8). In Count 7, Stonebarger allegedly attempted to distribute and to possess with the intent to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine contained in a U.S. Postal Service parcel. In Count 8, Stonebarger allegedly attempted to distribute and to possess with the intent to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine contained in a second U.S. Postal Service parcel. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations, the U.S. Marshals Service, U.S. Postal Inspection Service; Tulsa County Sheriff’s Office and Wagoner County Sheriff’s Office are the investigative agencies.
Daniel Nathan West. Distribution and Receipt of Child Pornography; Possession of Child Pornography. From May 17, 2019, to Dec. 17, 2019, West, 47, of Claremore, is alleged to have knowingly distributed and received child pornography. He is also charged with knowingly possessing and accessing with intent to view one or more graphic image or video files of child pornography. The production of the visual depictions involved the use of at least one prepubescent minor and a minor who had not attained 12 years of age engaging in sexually explicit conduct. The Tulsa Police Department and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations are the investigative agencies.
Farmington Drug Trafficker Sentenced to 5 Years in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that DANTE BARNES, also known as “Tre,” 31, of Farmington, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Michael P. Shea in Hartford to 60 months of imprisonment, followed by four years of supervised release, for trafficking fentanyl and other narcotics.
According to court documents and statements made in court, in January 2019, law enforcement received information that Barnes and Jaquan Leggett, also known as “Tipsy,” were trafficking narcotics in Hartford. The investigation revealed that Barnes and Leggett were using Leggett’s residence on Lenox Street in Hartford to package and store fentanyl and other drugs. Between January and March 2019, investigators conducted multiple controlled purchases of fentanyl and cocaine from Barnes in Hartford and Farmington.
Barnes and Leggett were arrested on March 5, 2019. On that date, a search of Barnes’ Farmington residence revealed 440 bags of fentanyl, approximately 23 grams of unpackaged fentanyl, approximately 32 grams of crack cocaine, items used to package narcotics for street sale, and $24,160 in cash. A search of Leggett’s Hartford residence revealed 169 bags of fentanyl, approximately two grams of unpackaged fentanyl, approximately four grams of crack cocaine, approximately two grams of cocaine, and items used to process and package narcotics for street sale.
Barnes has forfeited the cash that was located and seized at the time of his arrest, and a 2007 Audi A6 3.2Q.
On October 28, 2019, Barnes pleaded guilty to one count of possession with intent to distribute fentanyl. He has been detained since December 5, 2019, when his bond was revoked.
On October 28, 2019, Leggett pleaded guilty to one count of possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and cocaine base (“crack”). He has been detained since his arrest.
This matter has been investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Northern Connecticut Violent Crimes Gang Task Force and the Hartford Police Department. The Task Force includes members of the Hartford Police Department, East Hartford Police Department, Connecticut State Police and Connecticut Department of Correction.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Brian P. Leaming.
Fairport Man Pleads Guilty to Distributing Child PornographyRead the Press Release
CONTACT: Barbara Burns
PHONE: (716) 843-5817
FAX #: (716) 551-3051ROCHESTER, N.Y. - U.S. Attorney James P. Kennedy, Jr. announced today that Cody Clarke, 27, of Fairport, NY, pleaded guilty to distributing child pornography before U.S. District Judge Charles J. Siragusa. The charge carries a minimum penalty of five years in prison, a maximum of 20 years, and a fine of up to $250,000.
Assistant U.S. Attorney John J. Field, who is handling the case, stated that on May 20, 2018, Clarke distributed child pornography using the KIK Messenger application on his smartphone. The defendant’s phone was later seized and found to contain approximately 1580 images and 51 videos of child pornography, including images depicting sadistic conduct and the sexual abuse of infants and toddlers.
The plea is the result of an investigation by Special Agents with Homeland Security Investigations, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Kevin Kelly.
Sentencing is scheduled for May 14, 2020, at 9:15 a.m., before Judge Siragusa.
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Ex-Marijuana Warehouse Employee Sentenced to 14 Years in Federal Prison for Planning $2 Million Armed Heist with Corrupt LASD DeputyRead the Press Release
LOS ANGELES – A Walnut man was sentenced today to 168 months in federal prison for orchestrating a $2 million armed robbery of a commercial marijuana warehouse where over half a ton of marijuana was stolen with the help of a corrupt Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department deputy.
Christopher Myung Kim, 30, was sentenced by United States District Judge Virginia A. Phillips, who also ordered him to pay a $500,000 fine.
Following a four-day trial in November 2019, a jury found Kim guilty of five felonies: conspiracy to distribute marijuana, possession with intent to distribute marijuana, conspiracy against rights, deprivation of rights under color of law, and brandishing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.
Kim had worked at the downtown Los Angeles warehouse for years, but a dispute with its owners left him “bitterly disgruntled,” according to court documents. Kim left his job just weeks before the robbery and conspired with LASD Deputy Marc Antrim, 42, of South El Monte, to orchestrate the raid both for profit and to get revenge against his own bosses. Antrim was assigned to the LASD station in Temple City at the time.
Days before the robbery, Kim supplied Antrim with inside information about the robbery, including key details about the warehouse’s layout, operation and security. Kim also gave Antrim the warehouse’s blueprints, noting where security guards likely would be stationed and which rooms Antrim and their co-conspirators should “hit” to ensure that the most valuable items were stolen.
At approximately 3 a.m. on October 29, 2018, Antrim and six co-conspirators began to rob the marijuana distribution warehouse. Antrim was dressed as an armed deputy and flashed his badge and a fake search warrant to gain access to the warehouse. He then detained the warehouse’s security guards in a cage in the back of an LASD Ford Explorer.
During the two-hour robbery, Antrim and the fake law enforcement team stole more than half a ton of marijuana, two large commercial safes containing more than $600,000 in cash and money orders, and other items of value from the warehouse.
Hours after the robbery, Antrim drove a rental truck to a storage facility in Walnut, where Kim had rented a storage unit the day of the robbery. Antrim and co-conspirator Kevin McBride, 44, of Glendora, delivered $1.5 million dollars’ worth of stolen marijuana and marijuana products to Kim to resell for profit.
In the weeks following the robbery, Kim worked diligently to sell off the marijuana, trying to make as much money as he could from it and also to exact revenge against his former employers.
Kim has been in federal custody since his conviction in November 2019.
“Although not physically present during the robbery…Kim was integral to its planning, success, and profitability,” prosecutors wrote in their sentencing memorandum. “He was a leader, organizer, and knowingly made this robbery possible.”
Antrim was arrested in November 2018 and pleaded guilty in March 2019 to multiple felonies in connection with the armed robbery. At Kim’s trial, Antrim testified about how he devised and executed the robbery with Kim’s help. Antrim’s sentencing hearing is scheduled for April 13.
Five other defendants, including McBride, have pleaded guilty to criminal charges for their involvement in the robbery and will be sentenced in the coming months.
The Drug Enforcement Administration, the FBI, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated this case. LASD’s Internal Criminal Investigations Bureau provided substantial assistance to the federal investigation.
This matter was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Lindsey Greer Dotson of the Public Corruption and Civil Rights Section and Joseph D. Axelrad of the Violent and Organized Crime Section.
Essex County Man Sentenced to Two Years in Prison for Bribing Mail Carriers to Deliver Parcels Containing MarijuanaRead the Press Release
NEWARK, N.J. – An Essex County, New Jersey, resident was sentenced today to 24 months in prison for bribing mail carriers from the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) to deliver to him parcels containing marijuana, U.S. Attorney Craig Carpenito announced.
Glenn Blackstone, 50, of Newark, previously pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Esther Salas to an information charging him with one count of giving bribes and one count of conspiracy to distribute marijuana. Judge Salas imposed the sentence today in Newark federal court.
According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:
From October 2014 to September 2017, Blackstone purchased marijuana from a conspirator, who produced the marijuana in California and shipped it in parcels to New Jersey. On multiple occasions, Blackstone bribed two USPS mail carriers to remove the parcels from the normal delivery stream and deliver them instead to him at various locations in Newark. These parcels had fictitious names and addresses on them and were not addressed directly to Blackstone. After receiving the packages from the mail carriers and paying the bribes, Blackstone then sold the marijuana to others in Newark.
In addition to the prison term, Judge Salas sentenced Blackstone to five years of supervised release.
One of the mail carriers, Leonard Gresham, 52, of Rahway, New Jersey, also was sentenced by Judge Salas today to three years of probation for taking bribes from Blackstone. Another mail carrier, Fred Rivers, 47, of Newark, was sentenced to three years of probation with a condition of one year of home confinement by Judge Salas on Jan. 23, 2020 for his role in the bribery scheme.
U.S. Attorney Craig Carpenito credited special agents with the USPS-Office of Inspector General, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Matthew Modafferi, Northeast Area Field Office, and inspectors of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, under the direction of Inspector in Charge James Buthorn, with the investigation leading to today’s sentencings.
The government is represented by Lee M. Cortes Jr., Chief of the Health Care Fraud Unit and Assistant U.S. Attorney Sean Farrell of the U.S. Attorney’s Office’s Special Prosecutions Division.