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Monday 10 February 2020
El Dorado Man Pleads Guilty to Illegally Dumping Industrial Wastewater in Stockton Sewer SystemRead the Press Release
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Jeremiah Young, 38, of El Dorado, pleaded guilty today to unlawful discharge of industrial wastewater, U.S. Attorney McGregor W. Scott announced.
Young was an assistant operator for Community Fuels from 2014 to 2016. Community Fuels is registered in San Joaquin County by American Biodiesel Inc. and manufactured biodiesel fuel on property leased from the Port of Stockton
According to court documents, Young participated in a scheme to discharge hundreds of thousands of gallons of polluted wastewater by various unlawful means, including the discharge of wastewater directly into Stockton’s sewer system after tampering with pH readings. Young also caused a discharge on a different date by using an improvised hose system into a floor drain that led to the city’s sewer system.
Young’s older brother and co-defendant, Christopher Young, 41, of El Dorado Hills, was charged with conspiracy, 12 counts of tampering with monitoring equipment, two counts of unlawful discharge of industrial wastewater, one count of false statements, and one count of witness tampering. Christopher Young was the Director of Operations at the Stockton plant. The charges against him are pending; he is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
On July 8, 2019, U.S. District Judge Kimberly J. Mueller sentenced American Biodiesel for violations of the Clean Water Act when it allowed the discharge of industrial wastewater into the City of Stockton sewer system. American Biodiesel admitted to tampering with monitoring devices and methods designed to detect such violations, and admitted that employees tampered with pH recordings and flow meters for the purpose of underreporting acid and pollutant levels and volumes that would have exceeded the figures allowed under the city’s regulations.
This case is the product of an investigation by the EPA’s Criminal Investigation Division, San Joaquin County District Attorney’s Office, City of Stockton Municipal Utilities Department, San Joaquin County Environmental Health Department, Port of Stockton, and California Department of Toxic Substances Control. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Philip A. Scarborough and Paul Hemesath are prosecuting the case.
Young is scheduled to be sentenced by Judge Mueller on April 27. He faces a maximum statutory penalty of three years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000 or more if the court finds that the offense resulted in a pecuniary loss. The actual sentence, however, will be determined at the discretion of the court after consideration of any applicable statutory factors and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, which take into account a number of variables.
Duquesne Felon Charged with Illegal Gun PossessionRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH - A resident of Duquesne, Pennsylvania, has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on a charge of violating federal firearms laws, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.
The one-count Indictment named Deandre Darnell Hawkins, age 23, formerly of Duquesne, PA, as the sole defendant.
According to the Indictment, on September 19, 2019, Hawkins possessed a firearm, knowing he had been previously convicted of carrying a firearm without a license, which is a crime punishable by imprisonment for a term exceeding one year. Federal law prohibits anyone from owning a firearm who has been convicted of a crime for a term of one year or longer.
The law provides for a maximum total sentence of not more than 10 years in prison, a fine of $250,000 or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offense(s) and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant. Indicate relevant bond/detention information if known
Assistant United States Attorney Douglas C. Maloney is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Allegheny County Police Department conducted the investigation leading to the Indictment in this case.
An indictment is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Department of Justice Files Suit to Enjoin Two Aspects of New Jersey Attorney General Law Enforcement Directive on ImmigrationRead the Press Release
NEWARK, N.J. – The U.S. Department of Justice filed a complaint today against the State of New Jersey, Governor Philip Murphy, and state Attorney General Gurbir Grewal challenging two aspects of New Jersey Attorney General Law Enforcement Directive 2018-6.
The complaint seeks to enjoin two aspects of the Directive and for the Court to declare these aspects of the Directive invalid. Among other things, the Directive 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.
U.S. Attorney Craig Carpenito stated: “Today’s lawsuit, filed by the Department of Justice, seeks to restore the balance of power between the Federal and State governments. The complaint challenges two provisions of the Directive, which limit the situations in which local, county and state officials can provide notice to federal immigration authorities of a detained individual’s upcoming release and mandates that local, county and state officials inform detainees of certain events, including the detainee’s release date. Today’s filed lawsuit presents important legal issues concerning whether the Directive’s prohibitions and restrictions on information sharing and basic cooperation with federal officials violate the Supremacy Clause of the U.S. Constitution.”
Department of Justice FY 2021 Budget RequestRead the Press Release
President Trump’s FY 2021 Budget proposal totals $31.7 billion for the Department of Justice to support federal law enforcement and criminal justice priorities of our state, local, and tribal law enforcement partners. The request represents a comprehensive investment in the Justice mission and includes investments to sustain and enhance our vital work to counter incidents of mass violence, stem violent crime, combat cybercrimes, dismantle gangs, address illegal immigration and the immigration caseload, protect the elderly from fraud, help rural communities, strengthen the fight against illegal opioids, and continue the department’s commitment to National Security.
“The President’s budget request would invest significant resources in our nation’s security, including efforts to prevent mass violence while ensuring overall reductions in violent crime that have been achieved in recent years continue,” said Attorney General William P. Barr. “This budget would also help us continue to fight the opioid epidemic, secure our international borders, and protect our citizens, our economy and infrastructure from cyber threats. It also gives us the tools to reduce recidivism among federal offenders and provides strong support to the state, local, and tribal police who keep us safe.”
The Department of Justice’s areas of investment include:
- +$942.2 million to strengthen federal law enforcement’s ability to counter violent crime and support communities to prevent violent crime.
- +$638.8 million in resources to counter incidents of mass violence and support state and local agencies in their efforts to prevent violent crime.
- +$379.6 million to fight the opioid crisis. Additional resources will be devoted to combatting transnational criminal organizations, known for supplying illicit substances to the United States.
- +$409.5 million to continue implementation of the First Step Act of 2018 (FSA). These investments support numerous programs dedicated to reducing recidivism among federal offenders.
- +$143.1 million in immigration related program enhancements to stem the tide of illegal immigration, address increased caseload, and enforce our Nation’s immigration laws.
- +$122.8 million in program enhancements to address critical national security and cyber threats.
- $4.3 billion in discretionary and mandatory funding for federal grants to state, local, and tribal law enforcement and victims of crime, to ensure greater safety for law enforcement personnel and the people they serve. Critical programs aimed at protecting the life and safety of state and local law enforcement personnel, including the Public Safety Partnership Program and the Project Safe Neighborhood Program, demonstrate our continuing commitment to supporting state, local, and tribal law enforcement.
For more information, view the FY 2021 Budget and Performance Summary at https://www.justice.gov/doj/fy-2021-budget-and-performance-summary
Countering Violent Crime
Nationwide crime rates continue to trend downward: the number of violent crimes decreased by 3.3 percent between 2017 and 2018, while the violent crime rate per 100,000 population decreased by 3.9 percent. However, violent crimes continue to plague our cities and communities, a serious concern that the Department of Justice remains committed to mitigating.
In 2021, the department will build on the attorney general’s priority program, Operation Relentless Pursuit, to reduce violent crime, including human trafficking, transnational criminal activity, and criminal entities in our prisons, and endeavor to dismantle the worst criminal organizations and target the most violent offenders. The operation consists of participation from each DOJ law enforcement agency, including the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), and the United States Marshals Service (USMS).
The FY 2021 budget requests $942.2 million to reduce violent crime and the scourge of human trafficking.
For more information, view the Countering Violent Crime Fact Sheet at https://www.justice.gov/doj/fy-2021-budget-fact-sheets
Countering Mass Violence
Mass violence incidents, such as the tragedies of El Paso, Dayton, Orlando, Dallas, and so many others, shatter communities and threaten the fabric of civil society. This administration is taking bold actions to confront mass violence and violent crime, and ensuring that efforts go beyond traditional law enforcement efforts. The budget supports a total of $719 million for the Department of Justice and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to address targeted violence and to reduce gun crimes. This includes $639 million for DOJ, including $332 million for targeted violence and $307 million for enhanced law enforcement. With this funding, DOJ will utilize a broad spectrum of response, combined with proactive efforts in identification and interdiction of specific threats in order to reduce the risk of mass violence across the United States. Additionally, the budget provides $80 million to DHS to confront these challenges, including $20 million for community grants to support efforts at the local level to identify and mitigate risks.
The FY 2021 budget requests $638.8 million in program enhancements to counter mass violence and violent crime. The Department of Justice is committed to restoring law and order by providing federal resources where they are most needed and most effective. These resources will enable the department to detect, trace, and apprehend dangerous criminals, limiting their painful impact to American citizens.
For more information, view the Countering Mass Violence Fact Sheet at https://www.justice.gov/doj/fy-2021-budget-fact-sheets
Drug Enforcement and the Opioid Crisis
The United States is in the midst of the deadliest drug epidemic in American history. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), more than 67,300 Americans died from drug overdoses in 2018. Over 46,800, or over two-thirds, of these overdose deaths were caused by heroin, fentanyl, and prescription opioids. While the number of overdose deaths represent a 4.1 percent decline from 2017, drug overdoses remain significantly high. On March 18, 2018, the administration released the Initiative to Stop Opioid Abuse and Reduce Drug Supply and Demand, and the department remains committed to doing its part to protect the American people from the impact of drugs and drug-related crime nationwide.
The FY 2021 budget requests $379.6 million in program enhancements and transfers to combat the opioid crisis and bolster drug enforcement efforts. These resources enable the department to target the drug trafficking organizations responsible for opioid abuse and drug-related violence in our communities. It also enhances the capacity of department agents to deny revenues to drug traffickers using the best cyber capabilities and technologies, enabling the department to keep pace with these nefarious actors.
For more information, view the Drug Enforcement and the Opioid Crisis Fact Sheet at https://www.justice.gov/doj/fy-2021-budget-fact-sheets
First Step Act
The timely, efficient, and effective implementation of the First Step Act of 2018 (FSA) is a priority for the department and the administration. The landmark criminal justice reform bill includes numerous provisions to reduce recidivism among federal offenders, such as increasing inmates’ access to pre-release custody so that they can finish portions of their sentences in the community; expanding the Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT) program to assist and treat inmates with opioid use disorders; and increasing the availability of evidence-based risk-reduction programs, such as vocational, life skills, and mental health programs..
The FY 2021 budget requests $409.5 million to continue implementing the FSA. These investments will allow an additional 8,700 inmates to ease transition back to their communities, bring MAT treatment to every Federal Bureau of Prisons facility in the nation, and increase inmate access to job and life skills training programs needed to successfully re-enter society.
For more information, view the First Step Act Fact Sheet at https://www.justice.gov/doj/fy-2021-budget-fact-sheets
Enforce Immigration Laws
The FY 2021 budget strengthens the nation’s security through stronger enforcement of the nation’s immigration laws. The department is requesting $143.1 million in immigration related program enhancements for FY 2021, to enforce the nation’s immigration laws and defend the federal government against challenges to immigration policies and actions. These investments will also improve our ability to conduct immigration hearings to help combat illegal immigration to the United States by expanding capacity, improving efficiency, and removing impediments to the timely administration of justice. This budget supports the department’s efforts, along with our partners at the Department of Homeland Security, to fix our immigration system.
For more information, view the Enforce Immigration Laws Fact Sheet at https://www.justice.gov/doj/fy-2021-budget-fact-sheets
National Security and Cyber
National security remains one of the Department’s highest priorities. Threats are constantly evolving, requiring additional investments to mitigate those threats in innovative ways. Terrorists seek to sabotage critical infrastructure; organized crime syndicates seek to defraud banks and corporations; and spies seek to steal defense and intelligence secrets and intellectual property. Each threatens our nation’s economy and security.
The FY 2021 budget supports the department in responding to those evolving threats by dedicating $122.8 million in program enhancements for the FBI and the National Security Division (NSD).
For more information, view the National Security and Cyber Fact Sheet at https://www.justice.gov/doj/fy-2021-budget-fact-sheets
State, Local, and Tribal Assistance
The department is solidly committed to the president’s initiatives to reduce violent crime and address the opioid epidemic. Federal law enforcement officers constitute only 15 percent of the total number of law enforcement officers nationwide; therefore, 85 percent of the officer support relies upon strong partnership with state and local law enforcement. The department supports its partners in state and local law enforcement, who have critical intelligence about violent crime in their communities, and whose actions are crucial in the fight against violent crime and the opioid epidemic.
The FY 2021 budget continues its commitment to state, local and tribal law enforcement by investing approximately $4.3 billion in discretionary and mandatory funding in programs to assist them. Funding has been prioritized to meet the most pressing law enforcement concerns – violent crime and opioid abuse – and to help the victims of crime.
For more information, view the State, Local and Tribal Assistance Fact Sheet at https://www.justice.gov/doj/fy-2021-budget-fact-sheets
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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.
Defendant in Methamphetamine Conspiracy Sentenced to 270 Months in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
Abingdon, VIRGINIA – In a hearing last week in U.S. District Court in Abingdon, Edward Thomas DeBord, who was previously convicted of trafficking a large quantity of methamphetamine in Smyth County, Virginia, retaliating against a witness, and contempt of court, was sentenced to 270 months in prison. United States Attorney Thomas T. Cullen and Virginia Attorney General Mark R. Herring made the announcement today.
DeBord, 49, of Saltville, Va., previously pleaded guilty to one count of conspiring to possess with the intent to distribute and distribution of 50 grams or more of methamphetamine, one count of conspiring to possess with the intent to distribute and distribution of 100 grams or more of heroin, conspiring to retaliate against a witness, and willfully disobeying a court order.
According to court records, DeBord engaged in a drug trafficking conspiracy from April 1, 2016, through April 11, 2017. The conspiracy involved over 50 grams of crystal ice methamphetamine, over 953 grams of methamphetamine and over 125 grams of heroin. These substances were among the items seized from a Smyth County apartment DeBord shared with co-defendant Zachary Blue Carter. DeBord and Carter distributed methamphetamine from the apartment throughout the life of the conspiracy.
Following DeBord’s guilty plea to the underlying drug conspiracy charges, court records show he continued to engage in criminal conduct by retaliating against a witness and knowingly and willfully disobeying a court order. DeBord stole confidential records and caused them to be copied and distributed, both in paper format and through distribution on social media, intentionally causing potential harm to witnesses in the case. DeBord’s actions were in direct violation of a court order directing that confidential records not be disseminated in connection with the case.
The Drug Enforcement Administration, Smyth County Sheriff’s Office, Washington County Sheriff’s Office, and Saltville Police Department investigated the case. The Virginia State Police assisted with DeBord’s arrest and consent search of his apartment. Special Assistant United States Attorney M. Suzanne Kerney-Quillen, a Virginia Assistant Attorney General assigned to the Attorney General’s Major Crimes and Emerging Threats Section, prosecuted the case for the United States, with assistance from Special Assistant United States Attorney Roy F. Evans, who also serves as Commonwealth’s Attorney for Smyth County.
Defendant Sentenced to Prison for Laundering Funds from Lottery Fraud Scheme Targeting the ElderlyRead the Press Release
TUCSON, Ariz. – On February 6, 2020, U.S. District Judge James A. Soto sentenced defendant Morgan Alek Forrester to 21 months in prison. As part of his sentence, Forrester was also ordered to pay $176,000 in restitution. Forrester is one of four codefendants who have been charged in this conspiracy. Forrester previously pleaded guilty to Conspiracy to Commit Money Laundering.
Forrester participated in scheme where Jamaican-based scammers called elderly U.S. victims and falsely stated they had won a lottery. In order to receive their winnings, the elderly victims were told they must first submit money for taxes and fees. Forrester’s role in this conspiracy was to help launder the fraudulent proceeds to Jamaica.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office encourages the public to be wary of similar scams and to verify with law enforcement and family members before sending money after a phone solicitation, to include lottery or other computer related scams.
The investigation was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation, United States Postal Inspection Service, and the Department of Homeland Security. The prosecution was handled by the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, Tucson.
Convicted Former Pine Ridge Indian Health Service Pediatrician Sentenced to Five Consecutive Life Sentences for Multiple Sex Offenses Against ChildrenRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a Spearfish, South Dakota, man convicted of five counts of Aggravated Sexual Abuse and three counts of Sexual Abuse of a Minor following a week-long jury trial in September 2019 in Rapid City, South Dakota, was sentenced on February 10, 2020, by Judge Jeffrey L. Viken, U.S. District Court.
Stanley Patrick Weber, age 71, was sentenced to five consecutive life sentences in federal prison for the five Aggravated Sexual Abuse charges, and 15 years on each of the three counts of Sexual Abuse of a Minor. All of these sentences are to be served consecutively to each other, and also consecutive to his previous sentence in the District of Montana of 18 years in federal prison. Weber was also ordered to pay $800,000 in criminal fines and an $800 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.
Evidence at trial established that Weber, while employed as a pediatrician with the Indian Health Service at Pine Ridge, South Dakota, sexually abused multiple Native American children between 1999 and 2011.
“The district court’s sentence ensures that Stanley Patrick Weber will never roam free again and his remaining days will be spent behind concrete and steel in a federal prison cell,” said U.S. Attorney Parsons. “Our focus today is on the courage and dignity of Weber’s victims, the men who stared down their worst nightmare to come forward and testify about the horrible abuse by him they suffered when they were boys. Their bravery brought this predator to justice. They have our gratitude, and our hope is that the finality of this sentence will bring them some measure of peace. Now, as one nation, one community, and one family, we must come together and do everything in our power to ensure that nothing like this can ever be done to any of our precious children again.”
“As a pediatrician, Dr. Weber took advantage of Native American children enrolled with the Oglala Sioux Tribe and the Blackfeet Nation, and betrayed their innocent trust in him. The sentencing of Dr. Weber today sends a strong and powerful message that those who sexually abuse children will be held accountable and that we will continue to seek justice for all victims of our programs,” said Curt L. Muller, Special Agent in Charge for the Office of Inspector General of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. “We will continue working with our State, Federal, and Tribal law enforcement partners as we investigate and seek justice against those who would victimize our programs and their beneficiaries.”
The investigation was conducted by the Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General, Bureau of Indian Affairs Office of Justice Services, Internet Crimes Against Children Taskforce, Oglala Sioux Tribe Department of Public Safety, Rapid City Police Department, and the Spearfish Police Department.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Sarah B. Collins and Eric Kelderman prosecuted and tried the case.
Weber was immediately remanded back to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Convicted Felon, Arrested During Columbus "Horseshoe" Investigation, Sentenced to PrisonRead the Press Release
COLUMBUS, Ga. – A convicted felon with a lengthy criminal history was sentenced to more than nine years in prison on a federal gun charge, announced Charles “Charlie” Peeler, the U.S. Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia. U.S. District Judge Clay Land sentenced Arrington Culpepper, 34, of Columbus, to 115 months in prison, after Culpepper pleaded guilty to one count possession of a stolen firearm. There is no parole in the federal system.
Culpepper was apprehended during a joint operation on September 5, 2017 investigating a high crime area in Columbus associated with criminal gang activity, known as “the horseshoe.” Culpepper fled from agents on foot. During the course of the chase, Culpepper discarded what was later found to be a stolen .380 caliber pistol, a digital scale and a small amount of marijuana. Culpepper has been convicted of the following felony crimes punishable by imprisonment for a term exceeding one year:
- Possession of Cocaine with intent to Distribute: Muscogee County Superior Court, Case No. SU-06-CR-545, sentenced on July 6, 2006;
- Possession of Cocaine: Muscogee County Superior Court, Georgia, Case No. SU-07-CR-276, sentenced on January 14, 2008;
- Possession of Firearm by Convicted Felon: Muscogee County Superior Court, Case No. SU-13-CR-1506, sentenced on October 4, 2013;
- Possession of Controlled Substance with intent to Distribute & Felony Fleeing or Eluding Law Enforcement Officer: Muscogee County Superior Court, Case No. SU-15-CR-1557, sentenced on September 25, 2015;
- Possession of Marijuana with intent to Distribute: Muscogee County Superior Court, Case No. SU-15-CR-3355, sentenced on April 25, 2016.
“Local, state and federal law enforcement agencies are united and focused on our shared goal to decrease criminal activity in the Columbus region,” said U.S. Attorney Charlie Peeler. “I want to commend the excellent work by the Columbus Police Department, the Georgia Department of Community Supervision and the FBI in this investigation and for their joint efforts protecting our communities.”
The case was investigated by the Columbus Police Department, the Department of Community Supervision, and the FBI. Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher Williams prosecuted the case for the Government. Questions can be directed to Pamela Lightsey, Public Information Officer, United States Attorney’s Office, at (478) 621-2603 or Melissa Hodges, Public Affairs Director (Contractor), United States Attorney’s Office, at (478) 765-2362.
Convicted Felon Sentenced to Nearly Nine Years in Federal Prison for Unlawfully Possessing over a Dozen GunsRead the Press Release
A convicted felon who unlawfully possessed over a dozen guns in a small northern Iowa town was sentenced today to nearly nine years in federal prison.
Michael Duane Strain, age 63, who was most recently residing in Montana and previously lived in Elma, Iowa, and Minnesota received the prison term after an October 16, 2019 jury verdict finding him guilty of two counts of being a felon in possession of a firearm.
Evidence at trial showed that Strain was living in Elma, Iowa, in late 2010 and early 2011. During that time, Strain frequented a firearms dealer in Elma. Strain was told he could not purchase any guns without filling out paperwork, which he refused to do. Strain was a convicted felon. Strain did purchase ammunition and firearms accessories. He also brought a rifle into the dealer for repair.
Law enforcement started investigating Strain for unlawfully possessing guns. They eventually searched the home Strain shared with his brother and a woman. During the search, officers found thirteen guns in the open, some of which were staged near windows and doors. One of the guns was a sawed-off shotgun. Officers also found ammunition and accessories Strain had purchased.
Following the search, Strain left Iowa at some point. He was indicted in 2011 for two counts of unlawfully possessing guns. The United States Marshal’s Service located Strain in July 2019. Strain was living in rural Montana. The Marshal’s Service, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives arrested Strain and searched his residence. They found dozens of guns and thousands of rounds of ammunition staged around the residence.
Strain’s criminal history includes multiple prior felony convictions out of Minnesota. He was convicted of fleeing from police in 2001. He was also convicted of possessing a pipe bomb and a pistol later in 2001. The pipe bomb was found in Strain’s vehicle, which he had parked near a courthouse while attending a court hearing. In 2003, Strain was convicted of possessing a short-barreled shotgun.
Strain was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Judge C.J. Williams. Strain was sentenced to 105 months’ imprisonment and fined $12,500. He must also serve a three-year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system.
Strain is being held in the United States Marshal’s custody until he can be transported to a federal prison. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Anthony Morfitt and Richard Murphy and investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and the United States Marshal’s Service. Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl. The case file number is 11-CR-2039.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN). PSN is the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
This case is also part of Project Guardian, the Department of Justice’s signature initiative to reduce gun violence and enforce federal firearms laws. Initiated by the Attorney General in the fall of 2019, Project Guardian draws upon the Department’s past successful programs to reduce gun violence; enhances coordination of federal, state, local, and tribal authorities in investigating and prosecuting gun crimes; improves information-sharing by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives when a prohibited individual attempts to purchase a firearm and is denied by the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS), to include taking appropriate actions when a prospective purchaser is denied by the NICS for mental health reasons; and ensures that federal resources are directed at the criminals posing the greatest threat to our communities. For more information about Project Guardian, please see /media/1122011/dl?inline.
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Colombian Nationals Indicted for Transporting 1,000 Kilos of CocaineRead the Press Release
NEWPORT NEWS, Va. – A federal grand jury returned an indictment today charging two Colombian nationals for their role in transporting nearly 1,000 kilograms of cocaine aboard a semi-submersible vessel that was seized last month by the U.S. Coast Guard off the coast of Ecuador.
According to court documents, since November 2018, members of the DEA Hampton Post of Duty have been investigating maritime smuggling operations based on the Pacific coast of Colombia. Drug trafficking organizations utilize vessels such as Low-Profile Vessels (LPV), or Self-Propelled Semi-Submersibles (SPSS), to transport multi-hundred kilogram shipments of cocaine from the west coast of Colombia to awaiting transfer vessels or destinations throughout Central or South America.
According to court documents, in late December 2019, law enforcement learned of an LPV that was scheduled to transport nearly 1,000 kilograms of cocaine from Colombia to Mexico. Members of the investigative team coordinated with various United States maritime patrol assets and, on January 9, the U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) Cutter Vigilant detected an LPV with no indicia of nationality or vessel name 68 miles west from Esmeraldas, Ecuador in international waters.
After gaining positive control of the LPV, a USCG boarding team allegedly encountered Luis Miguel Gonzalez Cortes, 27, and Reinel Galvis Sanchez, 42, along with multiple other individuals, and subsequently seized approximately 50 bales containing approximately 990 kilograms of cocaine. All four mariners found aboard the LPV were detained, with Cortes and Sanchez being transferred to the Eastern District of Virginia for prosecution and the two Ecuadorian mariners being repatriated to Ecuador.
This seizure is part of Operation FUHZ, a DEA Hampton led investigation into maritime smuggling operations based on the Pacific coast of Colombia. The operation targets various drug trafficking organizations that utilize vessels such as LPVs or SPSSs to transport multi-hundred kilogram shipments of cocaine from the west coast of Colombia, to destinations throughout Central or South America, as well as to awaiting transfer vessels for ultimate distribution in the United States. To date, Operation FUHZ has generated intelligence leading to multiple at sea interdictions resulting in the seizure of over 5,300 kilograms of cocaine. Operation FUHZ is coordinated in close cooperation with the DEA Bogota Country Office Group 1, the Colombian National Police DIRAN Sensitive Investigation Unit, the Hampton Police Division, Homeland Security Investigations, the Newport News Police Department, the Virginia State Police, the York County Sheriff’s Office, and the Newport News Sheriff’s Office.
Both men are charged with possession with intent to distribute cocaine on board a vessel. If convicted, each man faces a mandatory minimum of 10 years, and a maximum penalty of life in prison. Actual sentences for federal crimes are typically less than the maximum penalties. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after taking into account the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
G. Zachary Terwilliger, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia; Jesse R. Fong, Special Agent in Charge for the Drug Enforcement Administration’s (DEA) Washington Field Division; Raymond Villanueva, Special Agent in Charge of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Washington, D.C.; Steve R. Drew, Chief of Newport News Police; Terry L. Sult, Chief of Hampton Police Division; Colonel Gary T. Settle, Virginia State Police Superintendent; Danny Diggs, York County Sheriff; Gabe Morgan Sr., Newport News Sheriff, made the announcement after the indictment was returned. Assistant U.S. Attorney Eric M. Hurt 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. 4:20-cr-4.
Chinese military personnel charged with computer fraud, economic espionage and wire fraud for hacking into credit reporting agency EquifaxRead the Press Release
ATLANTA – A federal grand jury has returned an indictment charging four members of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA) with hacking into the computer systems of the credit reporting agency Equifax and stealing Americans’ personal data and Equifax’s valuable trade secrets.
The nine-count indictment alleges that Wu Zhiyong (吴志勇), Wang Qian (王乾), Xu Ke (许可) and Liu Lei (刘磊) were members of the PLA’s 54th Research Institute, a component of the Chinese military. They allegedly conspired with each other to hack into Equifax’s computer networks, maintain unauthorized access to those computers, and steal sensitive, personally identifiable information of approximately 145 million American victims.
“This was a deliberate and sweeping intrusion into the private information of the American people,” said Attorney General William Barr, who made the announcement. “Today, we hold PLA hackers accountable for their criminal actions, and we remind the Chinese government that we have the capability to remove the Internet’s cloak of anonymity and find the hackers that nation repeatedly deploys against us. Unfortunately, the Equifax hack fits a disturbing and unacceptable pattern of state-sponsored computer intrusions and thefts by China and its citizens that have targeted personally identifiable information, trade secrets, and other confidential information.”
“The indictment exposes the Chinese military’s effort to collect sensitive information of Americans on an unprecedented scale and steal proprietary information for the benefit of the Chinese government. With this announcement, we underscore our resolve to protect our citizens from state-sponsored cyber threats and to unmask those who perpetrate unlawful attacks,” said U.S. Attorney Byung “BJay” Pak of the Northern District of Georgia. “These charges were made possible because Equifax worked closely, and early, with our dedicated law enforcement team to hold the perpetrators accountable. As corporations like Equifax continue to be targeted by cyber attacks, this investigation illustrates the critical importance of public-private collaboration to combat the most sophisticated cyber threats.”
“The FBI is dedicated to working with our federal partners to seek justice for anyone who would threaten the safety, security and confidence of our American citizens,” said Chris Hacker, Special Agent in Charge of FBI Atlanta. “These criminal hackers, sponsored by their government, were not able to hide behind the internet curtain thanks to the determination of FBI Atlanta’s cyber squad, FBI Headquarters Cyber Division, the U.S. Attorney’s Office Northern District of Georgia and the Justice Department. This does not end our investigation into one of the biggest threats to our national security today.”
According to U.S. Attorney Pak, the charges and other information presented in court: The defendants exploited a vulnerability in the Apache Struts Web Framework software used by Equifax’s online dispute portal. They used this access to conduct reconnaissance of Equifax’s online dispute portal and to obtain login credentials that could be used to further navigate Equifax’s network. The defendants spent several weeks running queries to identify Equifax’s database structure and searching for sensitive, personally identifiable information within Equifax’s system.
Once they accessed files of interest, the conspirators then stored the stolen information in temporary output files, compressed and divided the files, and ultimately were able to download and exfiltrate the data from Equifax’s network to computers outside the United States. In total, the attackers ran approximately 9,000 queries on Equifax’s system, obtaining names, birth dates and social security numbers for nearly half of all American citizens.
The indictment also charges the defendants with stealing trade secret information, namely Equifax’s data compilations and database designs. “In short, this was an organized and remarkably brazen criminal heist of sensitive information of nearly half of all Americans, as well as the hard work and intellectual property of an American company, by a unit of the Chinese military,” said Barr.
The defendants took steps to evade detection throughout the intrusion, as alleged in the indictment. They routed traffic through approximately 34 servers located in nearly 20 countries to obfuscate their true location, used encrypted communication channels within Equifax’s network to blend in with normal network activity, and deleted compressed files and wiped log files on a daily basis in an effort to eliminate records of their activity.
The defendants are charged with three counts of conspiracy to commit computer fraud, conspiracy to commit economic espionage, and conspiracy to commit wire fraud. The defendants are also charged with two counts of unauthorized access and intentional damage to a protected computer, one count of economic espionage, and three counts of wire fraud. The details contained in the charging document are allegations. The defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Georgia, the Criminal and National Security Divisions of the Department of Justice, and the FBI’s Atlanta Field Office are investigating the case. The FBI’s Cyber Division also provided support. Equifax cooperated fully and provided valuable assistance in the investigation.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Nathan Kitchens, Samir Kaushal, and Thomas Krepp of the Northern District of Georgia; Senior Counsel Benjamin Fitzpatrick of the Criminal Division’s Computer Crime and Intellectual Property Section; and Trial Attorney Scott McCulloch of the National Security Division’s Counterintelligence and Export Control Section are prosecuting this case. Attorneys with the Office of International Affairs provided critical assistance in obtaining evidence from overseas.
For further information please contact the U.S. Attorney’s Public Affairs Office at [email protected] or (404) 581-6016. The Internet address for the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Georgia is http://www.justice.gov/usao-ndga.
Chinese Military Personnel Charged with Computer Fraud, Economic Espionage and Wire Fraud for Hacking into Credit Reporting Agency EquifaxRead the Press Release
A federal grand jury in Atlanta returned an indictment last week charging four members of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA) with hacking into the computer systems of the credit reporting agency Equifax and stealing Americans’ personal data and Equifax’s valuable trade secrets.
The nine-count indictment alleges that Wu Zhiyong (吴志勇), Wang Qian (王乾), Xu Ke
(许可) and Liu Lei (刘磊) were members of the PLA’s 54th Research Institute, a component of the Chinese military. They allegedly conspired with each other to hack into Equifax’s computer networks, maintain unauthorized access to those computers, and steal sensitive, personally identifiable information of approximately 145 million American victims.“This was a deliberate and sweeping intrusion into the private information of the American people,” said Attorney General William P. Barr, who made the announcement. “Today, we hold PLA hackers accountable for their criminal actions, and we remind the Chinese government that we have the capability to remove the Internet’s cloak of anonymity and find the hackers that nation repeatedly deploys against us. Unfortunately, the Equifax hack fits a disturbing and unacceptable pattern of state-sponsored computer intrusions and thefts by China and its citizens that have targeted personally identifiable information, trade secrets, and other confidential information.”
According to the indictment, the defendants exploited a vulnerability in the Apache Struts Web Framework software used by Equifax’s online dispute portal. They used this access to conduct reconnaissance of Equifax’s online dispute portal and to obtain login credentials that could be used to further navigate Equifax’s network. The defendants spent several weeks running queries to identify Equifax’s database structure and searching for sensitive, personally identifiable information within Equifax’s system. Once they accessed files of interest, the conspirators then stored the stolen information in temporary output files, compressed and divided the files, and ultimately were able to download and exfiltrate the data from Equifax’s network to computers outside the United States. In total, the attackers ran approximately 9,000 queries on Equifax’s system, obtaining names, birth dates and social security numbers for nearly half of all American citizens.
The indictment also charges the defendants with stealing trade secret information, namely Equifax’s data compilations and database designs. “In short, this was an organized and remarkably brazen criminal heist of sensitive information of nearly half of all Americans, as well as the hard work and intellectual property of an American company, by a unit of the Chinese military,” said Barr.
The defendants took steps to evade detection throughout the intrusion, as alleged in the indictment. They routed traffic through approximately 34 servers located in nearly 20 countries to obfuscate their true location, used encrypted communication channels within Equifax’s network to blend in with normal network activity, and deleted compressed files and wiped log files on a daily basis in an effort to eliminate records of their activity.
“Today’s announcement of these indictments further highlights our commitment to imposing consequences on cybercriminals no matter who they are, where they are, or what country’s uniform they wear,” said FBI Deputy Director David Bowdich. “The size and scope of this investigation — affecting nearly half of the U.S. population, demonstrates the importance of the FBI’s mission and our enduring partnerships with the Justice Department and the U.S. Attorney’s Office. This is not the end of our investigation; to all who seek to disrupt the safety, security and confidence of the global citizenry in this digitally connected world, this is a day of reckoning.”
The defendants are charged with three counts of conspiracy to commit computer fraud, conspiracy to commit economic espionage, and conspiracy to commit wire fraud. The defendants are also charged with two counts of unauthorized access and intentional damage to a protected computer, one count of economic espionage, and three counts of wire fraud.
The investigation was conducted jointly by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Georgia, the Criminal and National Security Divisions of the Department of Justice, and the FBI’s Atlanta Field Office. The FBI’s Cyber Division also provided support. Equifax cooperated fully and provided valuable assistance in the investigation.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Nathan Kitchens, Samir Kaushal, and Thomas Krepp of the Northern District of Georgia; Senior Counsel Benjamin Fitzpatrick of the Criminal Division’s Computer Crime and Intellectual Property Section; and Trial Attorney Scott McCulloch of the National Security Division’s Counterintelligence and Export Control Section are prosecuting this case. Attorneys with the Office of International Affairs provided critical assistance in obtaining evidence from overseas.
The details contained in the charging document are allegations. The defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
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.
Cass County Man Sentenced to 12 Years in Prison for Distributing Child PornographyRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Erica H. MacDonald today announced the sentencing of JARED ROSS BOSWELL, 33, to 145 months in prison for distributing child pornography. BOSWELL, who pleaded guilty on August 15, 2019, was sentenced today before Judge Donovan W. Frank in U.S. District Court in Bemidji, Minnesota.
According to the defendant’s guilty plea, from April 2018 through September 2018, BOSWELL used the internet to send obscene materials and distribute sexually explicit images. Specifically, on September 7, 2018, BOSWELL sent an image depicting child sexual abuse to a minor, who he knew to be 10 years old.
This case is the result of an investigation conducted by the Red Lake Department of Public Safety, the Mille Lacs Tribal Police Department, the Bemidji Police Department, the Hubbard County Sheriff’s Office, the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, and the FBI.
This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Angela Munoz.
Defendant Information:
JARED ROSS BOSWELL, 33
Cass County, Minn.
Convicted:
- Distribution of child pornography, 1 count
Sentenced:
- 145 months in prison
- 15 years of supervised release
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United States Attorney’s Office, District of Minnesota: (612) 664-5600
Camden Woman Admits Role in Drug Trafficking OrganizationRead the Press Release
CAMDEN, N.J. – A member of a drug-trafficking organization today admitted her role in a conspiracy to distribute significant amounts of illegal drugs in Camden, U.S. Attorney Craig Carpenito announced.
Meylin Troncoso, 32, of Camden, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Renée Marie Bumb in Camden federal court to an information charging her with conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute heroin within 1,000 feet of a school.
Thirteen other members of the drug-trafficking conspiracy – Ronnie Lopez, Nelson Salcedo, Paul Salcedo, Waldemar Garcia, William Carrillo, Elisa Rivera, Ramon Velez, Naeem Sadler, Jasmin Velez, Jameel Byng, Kaliel Johnson, David Velez and Carlos Perez – previously have pleaded guilty to their roles in a drug trafficking conspiracy that was based on the 500 block of Pine Street in Camden. The charges against five other defendants remain pending.
According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:
Members of the drug-trafficking organization sold heroin, crack cocaine, powder cocaine, and fentanyl – in and around Camden. An investigation led by the FBI used surveillance tactics, confidential informants, consensual recordings, over 40 controlled drug purchases, record checks, a GPS vehicle tracker, and several court-authorized wiretaps to uncover the operations of the Camden drug-trafficking organization.
The count to which Troncoso pleaded guilty carries a mandatory penalty of one year in prison, a maximum potential penalty of 40 years in prison, and a $2 million fine. Her sentencing is scheduled for May 18, 2020.
U.S. Attorney Craig Carpenito credited special agents of the FBI’s South Jersey Violent Offender and Gang Task Force, South Jersey Resident Agency, under the direction of Acting Special Agent in Charge Tara McMahon in Philadelphia; the Camden County Police Department, under the direction of Chief Joseph Wysocki; the Camden County Prosecutor’s Office, under the direction of Acting Prosecutor Jill S. Mayer; the Camden County Sheriff’s Department, under the direction of Sheriff Gilbert L. Wilson; the Cherry Hill Police Department, under the direction of Chief William P. Monaghan; and the N.J. State Police, under the direction of Col. Patrick J. Callahan, with the investigation leading to today’s guilty pleas. He also thanked the Drug Enforcement Administration, the U.S. Marshals Service, and the Department of Homeland Security for their assistance.
This case is being conducted under the auspices of the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF). 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.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Sara A. Aliabadi and Patrick C. Askin of the U.S. Attorney’s Office Criminal Division in Camden.
For the five defendants whose charges remain pending, the charges and allegations are merely accusations, and they are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Buffalo Man Sentenced for Distributing FentanylRead the Press Release
CONTACT: Barbara Burns
PHONE: (716) 843-5817
FAX #: (716) 551-3051BUFFALO, N.Y. - U.S. Attorney James P. Kennedy, Jr. announced today that Luis Matias, of Buffalo, 29, of Buffalo, NY, who was convicted of possessing with intent to distribute, and distributing, butyryl fentanyl, was sentenced to serve 70 months in prison by U.S. District Judge Elizabeth A. Wolford.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Timothy C. Lynch, who handled the case, stated that in July 2017, law enforcement officers developed information that the defendant was distributing large quantities of butyryl fentanyl in the Buffalo area.
During the investigation, a confidential source and undercover officers were used to conduct controlled purchases from Matias.
The plea is the culmination of an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Ray Donovan, New York Field Division; the New York State Police, under the direction of Major James Hall; and the Buffalo Police Department, under the direction of Commissioner Byron Lockwood.
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Boston Man Pleads Guilty to Bank RobberyRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Boston man pleaded guilty today to the October 2019 robberies of the TD Bank in Worcester and the East Boston Savings Bank in Revere.
Samuel Jose Baptista, 27, pleaded guilty to two counts of bank robbery before U.S. District Court Judge Timothy S. Hillman, who scheduled sentencing for June 11, 2020. In November 2019, Baptista was charged by criminal complaint.
On Oct. 20, 2019, Baptista entered a branch of TD Bank in Worcester and demanded $10,000 from the bank teller. On Oct. 26, Baptista entered a branch of the East Boston Savings Bank in Revere and demanded $20,000. In both instances, Baptista threatened to detonate a bomb if the bank did not turn the money over to him.
The charging statute provides for a sentence of up to 20 years, three years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
United States Attorney Andrew E. Lelling; Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Field Division; Worcester Police Chief Steven M. Sargent; and Revere Police Chief James Guido made the announcement. Assistant U.S. Attorney Lucy Sun of Lelling’s Worcester Branch Office is prosecuting the case.
Boston Auto Body Shop Owner Sentenced for Tax FraudRead the Press Release
BOSTON – The owner of a Hyde Park auto body shop was sentenced today in federal court in Boston in connection with preparing false tax returns for his company, Automotive Specialties Inc.
Richard Poillucci, 62, of Easton, was sentenced by U.S. Senior District Court Judge George A. O’Toole Jr. to four months of home confinement, two years of supervised release, and ordered to pay a $10,000 fine and restitution of $215,522, which Poillucci has already paid. In October 2018, Poillucci pleaded guilty to three counts of aiding the preparation of false tax returns.
Poillucci was the owner of Automotive Specialties Inc. (ASI), an auto body shop specializing in repairing high-end vehicles. Between Sept. 30, 2012 and Sept. 30, 2015, Poillucci cashed millions of dollars of checks from the business at check cashing establishments in Massachusetts and Rhode Island and willfully failed to report that income, or expenses that he paid for in cash with the proceeds from those checks, on ASI’s tax returns. As a result, Poillucci failed to report approximately $569,367 to the IRS, thereby avoiding the payment of approximately $215,552 in federal income taxes.
United States Attorney Andrew E. Lelling and Kristina O’Connell, Special Agent in Charge of the Internal Revenue Service’s Criminal Investigations in Boston, made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Sara Miron Bloom of Lelling’s Securities and Financial Fraud Unit prosecuted the case.
Bluefield Woman Sentenced on Federal Drug ChargeRead the Press Release
BLUEFIELD, W.Va. – A Bluefield woman was sentenced to federal prison for distributing drugs, announced United States Attorney Mike Stuart. Cassandra Tiller, 36, was sentenced to eight months in prison and three years of supervised release for distribution of heroin.
“The opioid epidemic wreaked havoc in communities throughout southern West Virginia and we continue to hold the poison peddlers and chaos-makers accountable,” said United States Attorney Mike Stuart. “Make no mistake -- we are winning. Our communities are safer and I’ve put drug dealers on notice. We are fighting every day to take back our communities and protect West Virginia families from drug dealers like Tiller.”
Tiller previously admitted that on March 13, 2017, she distributed heroin to confidential informants in or near Montcalm in Mercer County. She further admitted that she sold heroin to confidential informants on two other occasions.
The Southern Regional Drug and Violent Crime Task Force conducted the investigation. Senior United States District Judge David A. Faber presided over the hearing. Assistant United States Attorneys Negar Kordestani and John File handled the prosecution.
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Bismarck, ND, Man Indicted for Possession of Firearm by a Convicted FelonRead the Press Release
Bismarck – United States Attorney Drew H. Wrigley announced that on February 10, 2020, Juan Ramon Maisonet, appeared before United States Magistrate Judge Clare Hochhalter at initial appearance and arraignment hearings. The United States District Court for the District of North Dakota unsealed an Indictment revealing that a federal grand jury indicted Maisonet on the charge of Possession of Firearm by a Convicted Felon. Specifically, the Grand Jury alleges that Maisonet fled from BPD officers and had to be subdued at which time a loaded .45 caliber revolver was discovered in Maisonet’s possession. Maisonet is a convicted felon and is prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition. An Indictment is an accusation and notice of charges, and the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty.
This case is being investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms and the Bismarck Police Department.
Assistant United States Attorney Brandi Sasse Russell is prosecuting the case.
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Attorney General William Barr Announces Significant Actions to Promote Public Safety and Enforce Federal Immigration LawsRead the Press Release
Today, Attorney General William P. Barr addressed the National Sheriff’s Association in Washington, D.C., announcing significant actions to facilitate the apprehension, prosecution, and removal of aliens who are in the United States illegally and have committed criminal acts. Attorney General Barr explained, among other things, that “sanctuary” policies jeopardize public safety by preventing local law enforcement from sharing information and honoring federal detention requests in the context of immigration crimes.
In the District of Nevada, the U.S. Attorney’s Office has successfully prosecuted criminal aliens who unlawfully returned to the country and committed significant crimes in the United States. “We appreciate the opportunity to work with our state, federal, and local law enforcement partners to keep our communities safe and to ensure our borders are protected,” said U.S. Attorney for the District of Nevada, Nicholas A. Trutanich. “Hampering federal enforcement efforts poses a risk to public safety.”
Ernesto M. Santacruz, Jr., Deputy Field Office Director, Nevada (U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement) stated: “We value the cooperation provided by the local law enforcement here in Nevada and know that the indispensable relationship ensures the safety of the people and communities in this state. We must continue to work together to make sure the criminal aliens are off our streets and not released back into the community to reoffend.”
As a recent example, on January 13, 2020, defendant Eric Yokani Moreno-Ochoa was sentenced to 50 months of imprisonment and three years of supervised release for unlawful reentry in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 1326. Moreno-Ochoa — who previously had been removed three times from the United States within a five-year period — has prior felony convictions for burglary and trafficking in controlled substance, including 23.8g of methamphetamine.
Over the past two years, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Nevada has prosecuted more than 180 illegal reentry cases, many of which involved convicted felons who repeatedly returned to the United States following deportation.
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Armed Robbery Suspect Sentenced to 108 Months in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
Abingdon, VIRGINIA – Travis Day, a Tennessee man, who in April 2019 robbed the Valero Mart in Marion, Virginia and was arrested two weeks later by police in West Virginia, was sentenced last week in federal court in Abingdon to 108 months in prison, United States Attorney Thomas T. Cullen announced.
In September 2019, Day, 48, pleaded guilty to one count of armed robbery and one count of using a firearm in relation to a federal crime of violence.
According to court documents, on April 18, 2019, Day interfered with commerce by threats or violence in relation to his armed robbery of the Valero Fast Mart in Marion. Following an investigation and search by law enforcement in Virginia, Tennessee, and West Virginia, Day was arrested on May 2, 2019 in West Virginia, with the assistance of the West Virginia State Police.
The investigation of the case was conducted by the Marion Police Department, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation. Assistant United States Attorneys Lena Busscher and Whit D. Pierce prosecuted the case for the United States.
Amsterdam Man Pleads Guilty to Heroin and Fentanyl ChargeRead the Press Release
ALBANY, NEW YORK – Edwin Rodriguez, a/k/a “Chaka,” age 31, of Amsterdam, New York, pled guilty today to possessing and intending to distribute more than 100 grams of heroin mixed with fentanyl. The announcement was made by United States Attorney Grant C. Jaquith; Special Agent in Charge Ray Donovan, U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), New York Division; and City of Amsterdam Police Chief Gregory J. Culick. On May 15, 2019, Rodriguez was the subject of a traffic stop in Amsterdam. In pleading guilty, he admitted that he was stopped while driving to meet a drug customer to whom he planned to sell 100 grams of heroin, and that he was driving with a suspended license. As Amsterdam Police Officers were arresting Rodriguez for driving with a suspended license, a vacuum-sealed bag of powder fell out of his pant leg. The bag contained 100.3 grams of heroin mixed with fentanyl. Also on May 15, law enforcement executed a search warrant on Rodriguez’s Amsterdam residence. In the apartment’s kitchen, they found an empty bleach bottle, with a hidden compartment containing 1.78 grams of heroin mixed with fentanyl, which Rodriguez intended to sell. Rodriguez faces at least 5 years and up to 40 years in prison, and a term of post-imprisonment supervised release of at least 4 years and up to life, when United States District Judge Mae A. D’Agostino sentences him on June 15, 2020. A defendant’s sentence is imposed by a judge based on the particular statute the defendant is charged with violating, the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other factors. This case was investigated by the DEA and the Amsterdam Police Department, and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael Barnett.Aliquippa Woman Received Packages of Fentanyl Shipped from OverseasRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, PA - A resident of Aliquippa, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of violating federal narcotics laws, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.
Carlisha Williams, age 30, of Aliquippa, PA, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute and possess to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl before Chief United States District Judge Mark R. Hornak.
In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that, between September 2016 and July 2017, Williams provided co-conspirators an address to receive packages of fentanyl shipped from overseas into the Western District of Pennsylvania.
Judge Hornak scheduled sentencing for May 29, 2020 at 9:30 a.m. The law provides for a total sentence of 40 years in prison, a fine of $5,000,000, 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.
Assistant United States Attorney Robert C. Schupansky is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
This prosecution is part of a long-term investigation by the FBI Greater Pittsburgh Safe Streets Task Force (GPSSTF), which targeted a large scale Drug Trafficking Organization operating in Butler, Beaver and Allegheny Counties. The GPSSTF is comprised of dedicated law enforcement professionals from the Wilkinsburg Police Department, Pennsylvania Attorney General’s Bureau of Narcotics Investigations, Allegheny County Sheriff’s Office, Allegheny County Police Department, Pittsburgh Bureau of Police and the FBI. The GPSSTF and the United States Attorney’s Office, Western District of Pennsylvania, would like to recognize the significant contributions made to this investigation by the Pennsylvania State Police, United Sates Postal Inspection Service, Cranberry Township Police Department and the New Brighton Police Department. The Department of Homeland Security Investigators also assisted in the investigation leading to the Superseding Indictment in this case.
This 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.
Afghan Man Convicted by Jury of Conspiracy to Commit Kidnapping and Conspiracy to Commit Murder for HireRead the Press Release
LEXINGTON, Ky. – An Afghan man was convicted Friday, by a federal jury sitting in Lexington, of conspiring to commit kidnapping and murder-for-hire, targeting a victim and his minor son.
Following a five-day trial, the jury convicted 32-year-old Fnu “John” Sadiqullah of one count of conspiracy to commit kidnapping and one count of conspiracy to commit murder-for-hire.
According to the evidence presented at trial, Fnu “John” Sadiqullah believed that the victim owed him tens of thousands of dollars. After repeated attempts to try to get his money back, through persistent visits to the victim’s place of business, Sadiqullah contacted Mahmoud Shalash to help him get his money back. Shalash had been working with a confidential human source, for whom Shalash had laundered approximately $100,000. Shalash introduced the confidential source to Sadiqullah as an individual who could collect debts, by any means necessary.
Evidence at trial demonstrated that Sadiqullah and the confidential source proceeded to agree to kidnap the victim or his son; attempt to retrieve the money; and then, if necessary, kill the victim. Three days later, when Sadiqullah learned that the victim was in Lexington, Sadiqullah, along with other friends, cornered the victim at his place of business and called the confidential source to carry out the plan. The confidential source, who had been working for the FBI during this entire period of time, reported the incident to the FBI, which then took the victim and his son into protective custody.
A third defendant, Hadi Abdul, was acquitted at the trial.
Robert M. Duncan, Jr., United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky, and James Robert Brown, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation-Louisville Field Office, jointly announced the verdict. The investigation was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The United States was represented by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Andrew T. Boone and Kathryn M. Anderson.
Sadiqullah will appear for sentencing on June 11, 2020. He faces a maximum sentence of life in prison. Shalash had previously pleaded guilty for his role in these offenses, and others, on January 27, 2020. His sentencing is scheduled for June 18, 2020. He also faces a maximum sentence of life in prison. However, the Court must consider the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and the applicable federal sentencing statutes before imposing a sentence
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2nd Hundred, WVA Man Pleads Guilty to Drug Trafficking Charge in Connection with Pittsburgh-Based 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.
Jesse Tedrow, 27, 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. Tedrow 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. Tedrow purchased distribution-level quantities of heroin and fentanyl from his co-conspirator, Ronald Williams, and re-sold the drugs to other customers.
Judge Stickman scheduled sentencing for September 4, 2020, at 10:30 am. The law provides for a total sentence of not more than 20 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.
"The Sanctuary Policies of the Mecklenburg and Buncombe County Sheriffs Are Reckless and Pose Increased Harm to the Public and to Law Enforcement"Read the Press Release
"The Sheriffs of Mecklenburg and Buncombe Counties have adopted ‘sanctuary’ policies that endanger our communities and shield criminals from immigration enforcement.
"In 2019, the Mecklenburg County Sheriff’s Office alone failed to honor over 200 detainers issued by U.S. Immigration and Custom Enforcement (ICE), which means that more than a couple of hundred criminal aliens charged with criminal offenses were released back to the community. And those are the ones we can account for.
"By ignoring federal immigration detainers and administrative warrants, and refusing to simply inform ICE officers when an unlawful alien who has committed a criminal act is due to be released to the community, the Sheriffs of Mecklenburg and Buncombe Counties prioritize the protection of criminal aliens above the safety and protection of our communities.
"Rather than uphold our nation’s laws, the Sheriffs compromise the safety of the people they swore to serve and protect. Regardless of the crime the removable aliens have committed; regardless of whether they assaulted women or raped children; regardless of whether they trafficked deadly drugs; and regardless of the likelihood they will commit more crime as soon as they return to the community, criminal aliens are permitted to walk out of prison, free to reoffend in communities they had no right to be in the first place.
"The common-sense approach of removing illegal aliens who have committed a criminal act currently in place in other North Carolina jurisdictions works extremely well. After illegal aliens have been arrested and charged with a crime, they are fingerprinted and booked into jail. When federal immigration authorities learn that a criminal alien who has been arrested is in a jurisdiction’s custody, ICE officers issue a detainer request accompanied by a civil arrest warrant, and ask the sheriff’s office to either notify them before the criminal alien is released, or hold the charged individual long enough to arrange a transfer to federal custody in a safe setting.
"But Mecklenburg and Buncombe County Sheriffs refuse to honor ICE detainers, purporting their hands are tied because these formal detainers are not sufficiently ‘legal’ enough to hold criminal aliens in custody. Their stance is so extreme, that the Sheriffs not only fail to honor a detainer by briefly holding a criminal alien of interest for ICE, they refuse to even make a courtesy call to ICE officers notifying them that a defendant has either satisfied bail conditions or served a jail sentence and is being processed for release.
"So, instead of protecting their communities and cooperating with law enforcement partners, the Sheriffs play the blame-game and instead point their fingers at a flawed judicial system and the absence of federal criminal charging documents for the criminals they have chosen to let loose.
"This blame-game is a complete fallacy. The Sheriffs are well aware that state crimes are not necessarily federal offenses, and even if they are, ICE needs additional time to verify the proper identification of the criminal alien along with prior criminal history and deportations, and gather any additional evidence before presenting a case to the U.S. Attorney’s Office. Once a case is in the federal prosecutors’ hands, an internal review process, which includes supervisory oversight, ensures federal charges are appropriate and the defendant’s identity and status have been thoroughly vetted.
"The Sheriffs claim that releasing into our communities criminal aliens – many of whom have extensive criminal histories - boosts the confidence of immigrant communities in law enforcement, increases their trust in law enforcement, and sends the message that law enforcement are working hard to make their streets safer. That notion is false and dangerous. Upon release from custody, criminal aliens oftentimes seek a safe harbor by returning to the same immigrant communities, where they are prone to reoffend. Ultimately, the Sheriffs’ misguided stance puts the very communities they purport to respect and protect in increased danger, and puts the lives of our law enforcement officers and the public at large at an increased risk of harm.
"When criminal aliens are released, law enforcement officers are forced to go into unknown and potentially dangerous situations to locate and re-arrest the same criminals that could have been taken into custody in the controlled and weapon-free environment of a jail. Instead, the Sheriffs’ current nonsensical policy protects criminals and needlessly endangers the lives of their fellow law enforcement officers, who simply want to do their jobs well and as safely as possible, so that they, too, can return to their loved ones at the end of their work day.
"Equally noteworthy is the fact that collateral consequences are also a real possibility whenever law enforcement attempts to place someone in custody in a dynamic environment like a vehicle stop or a residential arrest. Innocent bystanders in the vicinity are at risk of harm when a known criminal chooses "fight or flight" rather than peaceful compliance with law enforcement. As we’ve seen in recent months, such dangerous encounters can lead to police stand-offs and shootings.
"I urge the Sheriffs of Mecklenburg and Buncombe Counties to do the job they were elected to do, protect every single member of the community from increased risk of harm, and stop needlessly and irresponsibly thrusting fellow law enforcement officers into harm’s way.
"The people of our communities deserve more and have a right to expect their Sheriffs to do all they can to make our streets safe, and our communities a place where we can live, work, and raise our families.
"As a former federal law enforcement officer with the U.S. Coast Guard, a former District Attorney for Mecklenburg County, and currently as U.S. Attorney for Western North Carolina, I can attest that cooperation and coordination between local, state, and federal law enforcement is the only effective strategy that can make our crime fighting efforts successful and stem the tide of increased violence. United we stand and divided we fail.
"I call upon the Sheriffs of Mecklenburg and Buncombe Counties to abandon their misguided sanctuary policies that do nothing but shield criminals, put at risk the safety of our neighborhoods, and jeopardize the lives of law enforcement officers.
Let’s work together to make all of our communities as safe as possible and let’s do everything in our power to prevent the loss of innocent life."
Sunday 9 February 2020
White Horse Man Sentenced for Domestic AssaultRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a White Horse, South Dakota, man convicted of Domestic Assault by Striking, Beating, and Wounding, was sentenced on February 6, 2020, by U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno.
Shawn Traversie, age 35, was sentenced to 12 months in federal prison, followed by 12 months of supervised release, and a special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund in the amount of $25.
Traversie was indicted by a federal grand jury on April 9, 2019. He pled guilty on December 5, 2019.
The conviction stemmed from an incident on January 27, 2019, when Traversie had been drinking and got into an argument with his spouse. Traversie left the residence and when he returned, he discovered the door to his residence was locked and became aggravated. Traversie then kicked the door open, entered the residence, and began assaulting his spouse.
This case was investigated by the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jay Miller prosecuted the case.
Traversie was immediately turned over to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Veblin Woman Pleads Guilty in Federal Court to Mail Fraud Involving Head Start ProgramRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that Renee K. Olson, age 57, of Veblin, South Dakota, appeared before U.S. Magistrate William D. Gerdes on February 7, 2020, and pled guilty to an Information that charged her with Mail Fraud.
According to court documents, Olson served as the Treasurer of the Region VIII Head Start Association. In September 2014 and continuing to June 2018, Olson devised and intended to devise a scheme and artifice to defraud the Region VIII Head Start Association of money and property, and obtained money and property from the Region VIII Head Start Association by means of materially false and fraudulent pretenses, representations, omissions, and promises. In her working capacity, Olson sent out invoices to members of the Title VIII Region, who then paid those invoices and sent those payments to Olson. Upon receipt, Olson converted those payments and used that money for personal expenses. The money was intended to be used to train members of Region VIII Head Start. Instead, Olson deposited those checks into her personal bank account. For the purpose of carrying out and executing the scheme to defraud, and in furtherance of the scheme and artifice to defraud, Defendant knowingly caused the items to be placed in an authorized depository for mail matter.
Mail Fraud carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison and/or a $250,000 fine, and a period of supervised release of 3 years. There is also a $100.00 assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Restitution will also be ordered.
The investigation was conducted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeremy Jehangiri.
A presentence investigation was ordered and a sentencing date of June 9, 2020, has been set. The defendant was released on bond pending sentencing.
Two Colorado Men Sentenced on Firearm and Drug ChargesRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that two Colorado Springs, Colorado, men were sentenced by Jeffrey L. Viken, U.S. District Court Judge.
On November 14, 2019, Joshua Cruz, age 30, was sentenced to 7 years in federal prison, followed by 4 years of supervised release, and was ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund, for Possession with Intent to Distribute a Controlled Substance.
On January 31, 2020, Billy Torrez, age 24, was sentenced to 18 months in federal prison, followed by 3 years of supervised release, and was ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund, for Prohibited Person in Possession of a Firearm.
The charges related to Torrez, a previously convicted felon who is prohibited from possessing firearms, having a GSG, .22 caliber semi-automatic pistol in his vehicle, found when Torrez and Cruz came into contact with Rapid City police officers. Also found in the vehicle was methamphetamine, which Cruz admitted to being his.
Drug trafficking is an inherently violent activity. Firearms are tools of the trade for drug dealers. It is common to find drug traffickers armed with guns in order to protect their illegal drug product and cash, and enforce their illegal operations.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. The Department of Justice reinvigorated PSN in 2017 as part of its renewed focus on targeting violent criminals, directing all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to work in partnership with federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement and local communities to develop effective, locally-based strategies to reduce violent crime.
This case is also part of Project Guardian, the Department of Justice’s signature initiative to reduce gun violence and enforce federal firearms laws. Initiated by the Attorney General in the fall of 2019, Project Guardian draws upon the Department’s past successful programs to reduce gun violence; enhances coordination of federal, state, local, and tribal authorities in investigating and prosecuting gun crimes; improves information-sharing by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives when a prohibited individual attempts to purchase a firearm and is denied by the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS), to include taking appropriate actions when a prospective purchaser is denied by the NICS for mental health reasons; and ensures that federal resources are directed at the criminals posing the greatest threat to our communities. For more information about Project Guardian, please see: https://www.justice.gov/projectguardian.
The investigation was conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and the Rapid City Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Benjamin Patterson prosecuted the case.
Torrez and Cruz were immediately turned over to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
St. Francis Man Indicted on Kidnapping and Assault ChargesRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a St. Francis, South Dakota, man has been indicted by a federal grand jury for Kidnapping, Assault by Strangulation and Suffocation, Child Abuse, Assault With a Dangerous Weapon, and Assault Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury.
Michael T. Farmer, age 28, was indicted on November 13, 2019. He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno on February 6, 2020, and pled not guilty to the Indictment.
The maximum penalty upon conviction is up to life in federal prison and/or a $250,000 fine, 5 years of supervised release, and $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Restitution may also be ordered.
The Indictment alleges that between October 6, 2019, and October 8, 2019, Farmer kidnapped and held a woman against her will, unlawfully assaulted her by strangling and suffocating her, unlawfully assaulted her with a dangerous weapon, and unlawfully assaulted her resulting in bodily injury. The Indictment further alleges Farmer did abuse, expose, torture, torment, and cruelly punish a child.
The charges are merely accusations and Farmer is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
The investigation is being conducted by the Rosebud Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kirk Albertson is prosecuting the case.
Farmer was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service pending trial. A trial date has not been set.
Sioux Falls Man Sentenced to 10 Years in Federal Prison for Meth ConspiracyRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a Sioux Falls, South Dakota, man was convicted of conspiracy to distribute a controlled substance and was sentenced on February 3, 2020, by U.S. District Judge Karen E. Schreier.
Kok Put Kach, a/k/a “Cookie”, age 35, was sentenced to 10 years in custody, followed by 5 years of supervised release. He was also ordered to pay $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.
Kach was indicted for conspiracy to distribute a controlled substance by a federal grand jury on November 6, 2018. He pled guilty on July 2, 2019.
Beginning on an unknown date and continuing through on or about October 2018, in the District of South Dakota and elsewhere, Kach and James Ayur Garang, a/k/a “Ayur,” and a/k/a “Mike”, did knowingly and intentionally combine, conspire, confederate, and agree together, with others known and unknown, to knowingly and intentionally distribute 500 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing methamphetamine, a Schedule II controlled substance.
Co-defendant, James Ayur Garang, a/k/a “Ayur,” and a/k/a “Mike”, was sentenced to 10 years in custody and 5 years of supervised release. He was also ordered to pay $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.
Garang was indicted for conspiracy to distribute a controlled substance by a federal grand jury on November 6, 2018. He pled guilty on September 5, 2019.
This case was investigated by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service and the Sioux Falls Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Tamara Nash prosecuted the case.
Kach was immediately turned over to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Pine Ridge Man Sentenced to 5 Years for Conspiracy to Distribute MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a Pine Ridge, South Dakota, man who pled guilty to Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance, was sentenced on February 6, 2020, by U.S. District Court Judge Jeffrey L. Viken.
Vance Hayes, age 29, was sentenced to a total of 5 years in federal prison, followed by 4 years of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.
The conviction stems from Hayes distributing methamphetamine in the Pine Ridge, South Dakota, area during the timeframe of approximately March 2016 to May 2019. Hayes obtained the methamphetamine from a source in Rapid City.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Badlands Safe Trails Drug Task Force, which includes agents from the FBI, Bureau of Indian Affairs – Division of Drug Enforcement, Oglala Sioux Tribe Department of Public Safety, Martin Police Department, and the South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kathryn N. Rich prosecuted the case. Additional co-conspirators have been sentenced and others are pending trial.
Hayes was immediately returned to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Friday 7 February 2020
Worcester Man Sentenced for Social Security Fraud and Identity TheftRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Worcester man was sentenced today in federal court in Worcester for Social Security fraud and aggravated identity theft.
Jose Lopez Rosado, 51, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Timothy S. Hillman to six months in prison to be served concurrent to his current state sentence of 9-10 years for possession with intent to distribute fentanyl, plus two years in prison to be served consecutive to his state sentence, and two years of supervised release. In August 2019, Lopez Rosado pleaded guilty to one count of false representation of a Social Security number and one count of aggravated identity theft. Lopez Rosado was arrested and charged in a July 2018 federal law enforcement sweep of 25 individuals accused of document and benefit fraud.
On Feb. 9, 2016, Lopez Rosado applied for a duplicate Massachusetts driver’s license using the name and Social Security number of another U.S. citizen. Based on the application, Lopez Rosado was issued a duplicate driver’s license in the name of the other U.S. citizen. Lopez Rosado also used that name and Social Security number to receive MassHealth benefits.
According to court documents, the defendant escaped from prison in Puerto Rico in 1994 while serving a 30-year sentence for second degree murder. His true identity was not known until he was arrested in July 2018.
Dubbed “Double Trouble,” the July 2018 investigation was conducted by Homeland Security Investigation’s Document and Benefit Fraud Task Force (DBFTF), comprised of local, state and federal agencies with expertise in detecting, deterring and disrupting organizations and individuals involved in various types of document, identity and benefit fraud schemes.
United States Attorney Andrew E. Lelling; Jason Molina, Acting Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in Boston; Phillip Coyne, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of the Inspector General; Scott Antolik, Special Agent in Charge of the Social Security Administration, Office of Inspector General, Office of Investigations, Boston Field Division; Christina Scaringi, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, Office of Inspector General, Northeast Regional Office; Michael Mikulka, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Inspector General, Office of Investigations; William B. Gannon, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Department of State, Diplomatic Security Service, Boston Field Office; Joseph W. Cronin, Inspector in Charge of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service; Colonel Christopher Mason, Superintendent of the Massachusetts State Police; and Massachusetts State Auditor Suzanne M. Bump made the announcement. Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Karen Burzycki of Lelling’s Major Crimes Unit prosecuted the case.
Woman from Zuni Pueblo pleads guilty to assault charge in federal courtRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – Kirsten Sandy, 37, an enrolled member of the Pueblo of Zuni living in Wisconsin, pleaded guilty on Feb. 5 in federal court in Albuquerque to one count of assault resulting in serious bodily injury in Indian Country.
According to Sandy’s plea agreement, she committed the offense on Zuni Pueblo in McKinley County, New Mexico on May 1, 2014. Sandy stabbed the victim in the chest causing a laceration to the victim’s heart requiring surgery. The victim would have died if he had not received medical treatment. Sandy is an enrolled member of Zuni Pueblo.
Sandy is out of custody awaiting sentencing on May 14, 2020. She faces up to 10 years in prison.
The Pueblo of Zuni Police Department investigated this case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Nicholas Marshall and Allison Jaros are prosecuting the case.
Wilmington Drug Dealer Sentenced to over 5 Years in Federal Prison for Middletown Man's Overdose DeathRead the Press Release
WILMINGTON, Del. – United States Attorney David C. Weiss announced that Larry B. Wise, 26, of Wilmington, was sentenced on February 5, 2020 to 63 months in federal prison. Wise previously pled guilty to distributing heroin. Prior to sentencing, Wise agreed that his drugs resulted in the death of a 31-year-old man from Middletown, Delaware.
According to court documents, in early 2019, Wise was distributing between 130-650 baggies of fentanyl-laced heroin per day in the Wilmington’s Riverside neighborhood. Wise’s drugs, stamped “Dragon Ball Z,” changed hands multiple times before they were ultimately ingested by the victim on February 2, 2019, causing his death. Post mortem toxicology records showed that the victim had 6.7 ng/ml of fentanyl in his bloodstream.
United States District Judge Maryellen Noreika found that drugs distributed by Wise caused the victim’s death. As a result, she granted a motion by the United States to enhance Wise’s sentence, ultimately imposing a sentence of 5 1/4 years in prison.
Commenting on the sentence, U.S. Attorney Weiss noted: “This case is yet another tragic example of the destructive power of fentanyl-laced heroin. Drug dealers take note: if you knowingly sell a substance that may contain fentanyl and that substance causes death, we will hold you accountable.”
This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration as part of the First State Overdose Task Force (the “Task Force”) with assistance from the Middletown Police Department and the New Castle County Police Department. The Task Force consists of state and federal law enforcement partners who work to investigate overdose deaths soon after they occur. Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher L. de Barrena-Sarobe prosecuted the case.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Delaware. Related court documents and information is located on the website of the District Court for the District of Delaware or on PACER by searching for Case No. 01:19-cr-083.
Westland Resident Indicted in False Return SchemeRead the Press Release
Karar Alfadhili, a resident of Westland, Michigan, was indicted yesterday on three counts of knowingly and willfully making and subscribing, under penalties of perjury, false Forms 1040 U.S. Individual Income Tax Return (Form 1040) for tax years 2013, 2014, and 2015 in violation of the Internal Revenue Code, announced United States Attorney Matthew Schneider.
Schneider was joined in the announcement by Sarah Kull, Special Agent in Charge of the Detroit, Michigan office of the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigations.
According to the indictment, Alfadhili reported false earnings and federal income tax withholdings on each of his Forms 1040 filed with the IRS. Alfadhili’s earnings and withholdings from 2013 through 2015 were reported on an accompanying Form W-2 to the Forms 1040 for employer KASP Incorporated.
Between tax years 2013 and 2015 Alfadhili’s reported range of earned income was $468,000 to $882,000 and federal income tax withholding was $184,424 to $349,161. In total the false earnings Alfadhili reported to the IRS were over two million dollars.
Each count of making and subscribing a false return under penalties of perjury in violation of Title 26 U.S.C. § 7206(1) is punishable up to 3 years imprisonment.
The charges contained in the Indictment are merely accusations and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
This case was investigated by special agents of the Internal Revenue Service, Detroit Field Office and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Carl Gilmer-Hill
Utica Man Previously Convicted of Bank Robbery, Charged with Bank Robberies in Depew, Gates, and Penfield Following Thruway Traffic StopRead 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 Nicholas Ferrone, 28, of Utica, NY, was arrested and charged by criminal complaint with three counts of bank robbery. The charges carry a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Sean Eldridge, who is handling the case, stated that the criminal complaint alleges that the defendant committed three bank robberies:
• On August 20, 2019, Ferrone robbed the Bank of America, located at 5091 Broadway in Depew, NY;
• On October 31, 2019, Ferrone robbed the Chase Bank, located at 6 Spencerport Road in Gates, NY; and
• On December 17, 2019, Ferrone robbed the M&T Bank, located at 625 Panorama Trail in Penfield, NY.In each of the three robberies, the defendant was wearing a high-quality latex mask that covered his face, and handed the tellers notes demanding money.
On January 13, 2020, a New York State Trooper conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle driven by Ferrone on the New York State Thruway. The vehicle did not have license plates displayed, nor did it display a valid inspection sticker. Law enforcement officers conducted a search of the vehicle and recovered controlled substances, as well as several high quality latex masks, including one that appears to have been used in the Bank of America robbery in Depew, and another mask that appears to have been used in both the Chase Bank and M&T Bank robberies in Gates and Penfield. Also recovered from the vehicle were numerous items of clothing matching the clothing worn during the three charged robberies, along with two handwritten notes that read “I Have Gun Large Bills” and “I Have Gun All Large Bills.”
In May 2013, Ferrone was convicted in United States District Court in the Northern District of New York on eight counts of federal bank robbery.
The defendant made an initial appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge Marian W. Payson and is being detained.
The criminal complaint is the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Major Crimes Task Force, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Gary Loeffert; the Gates Police Department, under the direction of Chief James VanBrederode; the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office, under the direction of Sheriff Todd Baxter; the New York State Police, under the direction of Major Eric Laughton; the East Rochester Police Department, under the direction of Chief Steve Clancy; the Depew, Police Department, under the direction of Chief Jerome Miller, and the Niagara Falls Police Department, under the direction of Superintendent Thomas Licata.
The fact that a defendant has been charged with a crime is merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
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Utah Man Pleads Guilty to Murdering his Wife on Cruise Ship in Southeast AlaskaRead the Press Release
Anchorage, Alaska – U.S. Attorney Bryan Schroder announced today that Kenneth Ray Manzanares, 42, of Santa Clara, Utah, pleaded guilty to one count of murder in the second degree for the July 2017 killing of his wife, Kristy Manzanares, onboard the cruise ship Emerald Princess in the U.S. Territorial Waters outside Southeast Alaska.
“Every year, millions of visitors come to Alaska to marvel at the stunning scenery of the Great Land,” said U.S. Attorney Schroder. “The vast majority have a safe experience that provides a lifetime of memories. However, on those rare occasions where a crime is committed on a visitor, especially a brutal crime like the murder of Kristy Manzanares, rest assured the Alaskan law enforcement community will act to bring the perpetrator to justice. Our hearts go out to the family and those close to Kristy Manzanares.”
“We at the FBI continue to keep the family and friends of Kristy Manzanares in our thoughts,” said Jeffery Peterson, the Special Agent in Charge of FBI’s Anchorage Field Office. “The full resources of the FBI were apparent in this investigation, led by FBI Anchorage Special Agents in the Juneau Resident Agency and supported by our partners, all of whom worked fiercely to ensure justice on behalf of the victim of this heinous crime.”
According to court documents, beginning on July 24, 2017, Kenneth Manzanares, Kristy Manzanares, and Kristy’s family members were aboard the Emerald Princess on an Alaskan Cruise. On July 25, 2017, the cruise ship travelled to Juneau on the outside waters of the Alaskan coast within the special maritime and territorial waters of the United States. That same day, at approximately 8:50 p.m., Kenneth and Kristy Manzanares were inside their cabin, along with a minor child and their daughter.
According to admissions made in connection with the plea, Kenneth and Kristy Manzanares became involved in a verbal argument about Kenneth’s behavior that evening, and, during the discussion, Kristy stated she wanted a divorce and told him to disembark the vessel at Juneau in order for him to travel back home to Utah. Kenneth Manzanares told the minor child and their daughter to leave the room; both went into an adjoining relatives’ cabin. A few minutes later, they both heard Kristy Manzanares scream and attempted to reenter the cabin using their room’s adjoining door when Kenneth told them “don’t come in here.” They both went to the connected balcony and observed Kenneth Manzanares straddling Kristy Manzanares on the floor, and striking her in the head with closed fists.
Prior to security officers arriving to the cabin, Kristy Manzanares’ two brothers and father arrived on scene and observed Kenneth Manzanares grab Kristy’s body and drag her toward the balcony. One of Kristy’s brothers then grabbed her ankles and pulled her back into the cabin. Soon after, at approximately 9:03 p.m., ship security and medical personnel arrived and attempted to perform life saving measures on Kristy Manzanares, but were unsuccessful. It was determined that Kristy Manzanares was killed by blunt force trauma to her head and face. Manzanares was arrested on July 26, 2017, and has remained in federal custody.
Kenneth Manzanares faces a maximum sentence of life in prison and a fine of up to $250,000, or both, for his crime. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed will be based upon the seriousness of the offense and the criminal history, if any, of the defendants.
The FBI’s Anchorage Field Office conducted the investigation leading to the charges in this case. Additional investigative assistance was provided by the FBI’s Seattle and Salt Lake City Field Offices, the U.S. Coast Guard Investigative Service (CGIS), Coast Guard District 17, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service (USPIS). This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jack Schmidt of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Alaska.
Twice-Convicted Chester County Sex Offender Sentenced to 25 Years in Prison for Again Committing Child Exploitation OffensesRead the Press Release
PHILADELPHIA – First Assistant United States Attorney Jennifer Arbittier Williams announced that James Connor, 24, of West Chester, PA was sentenced to 300 months’ imprisonment and a lifetime of supervised release by United States District Court Judge Juan R. Sanchez for multiple child exploitation offenses including manufacturing and possessing child pornography. His sentence also prohibits all contact with his victims and requires that he register as a sex offender under Megan’s Law.
The defendant pleaded guilty in August 2019 to multiple criminal charges involving his manufacture of child pornography and his sexual abuse and exploitation of a 14-year old child from January 2018 through April 2018. Connor was also convicted of collecting more than 21,000 images of child pornography downloaded from the internet that depicted children who were abused and photographed around the world. At the time he committed these crimes, Connor was already a convicted sex offender, having been convicted in the District of Massachusetts in connection with his cyberstalking and extortion involving a different 14-year old victim just two years prior, in 2016. He was on federal supervised release at the time of these crimes against his second 14-year old victim in 2018, and he was being supervised by the United States Probation Office.
“The defendant is a dangerous predator who repeatedly targeted children for sexual exploitation, even after facing prior criminal consequences,” said First Assistant U.S. Attorney Williams. “Clearly, Connor’s original conviction and prison sentence did nothing to dissuade him from preying on vulnerable children. Today’s significant sentence will keep him safely behind bars and unable to commit similar crimes for a much longer time. Protecting children from this type of abuse and holding their abusers accountable will always be a priority of our Office and the Department of Justice.”
“The victimization of a child is unconscionable,” said William S. Walker, Acting Special Agent in Charge of HSI Philadelphia. “Yet these crimes take place too often in our communities. Homeland Security Investigations and our law enforcement partners remain committed to wiping out the exploitation of children online. Today’s sentencing sends a strong message that there are clear consequences for such menacing behavior.”
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by 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 www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
The case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Michelle Rotella.
Three-Time Convicted Shreveport Felon Pleads Guilty to Federal Firearms ChargeRead the Press Release
SHREVEPORT, La. – United States Attorney David C. Joseph announced that Angelo Demario Young, 30, of Shreveport, pleaded guilty on February 3, 2020, before Chief U.S. District Judge S. Maurice Hicks Jr., to possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.
According to documents filed with the court, on June 11, 2019, Angelo Young recorded a video of himself and posted it to social media showing him firing numerous rounds of ammunition from a Glock .357 pistol into a paper target at a shooting range in Shreveport. Under federal law, it is illegal for anyone who has been convicted of a felony to be in possession of any firearm or ammunition. Young’s three prior felony convictions in Caddo Parish for illegal possession of a stolen firearm (2009), possession with intent to distribute narcotics (2015), and possession of a firearm or carrying a concealed weapon by a convicted felon (2017), prohibited him from possessing firearms.
Angelo Young will be sentenced by Judge Hicks on June 10, 2020, and faces up to 10 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a $250,000 fine.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Leon H. Whitten is prosecuting the case.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program that has been historically successful in bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make neighborhoods safer for everyone. To learn more about Project Safe Neighborhoods, go to www.justice.gov/psn.
This case is also part of Project Guardian, the Department of Justice’s signature initiative to reduce gun violence and enforce federal firearms laws. Initiated by the Attorney General in the fall of 2019, Project Guardian draws upon the Department’s past successful programs to reduce gun violence; enhances coordination of federal, state, local, and tribal authorities in investigating and prosecuting gun crimes; improves information-sharing by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives when a prohibited individual attempts to purchase a firearm and is denied by the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS), to include taking appropriate actions when a prospective purchaser is denied by the NICS for mental health reasons; and ensures that federal resources are directed at the criminals posing the greatest threat to our communities. For more information about Project Guardian, please see https://www.justice.gov.
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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.
Three Individuals Convicted for Participating in International Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
MIAMI – Ariana Fajardo Orshan, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Florida, and Justin Green, Special Agent in Charge, Miami Field Office, United States Food and Drug Administration, Office of Criminal Investigations (FDA-OCI), announced the convictions of three defendants for various offenses relating to an international fraud scheme.
Following a 13-day trial, on February 6, 2020, a jury found Raoul Doekhie, 51, of Suriname, Johnny Grobman 46, of Golden Beach, Florida, and Sherida Nabi, 55, of Suriname, guilty of conspiring to commit wire fraud, wire fraud, money laundering, conspiring to obtain pre-retail medical products worth $5,000 or more by fraud or deception, theft of pre-retail medical products, and smuggling goods from the United States. Sentencing is scheduled in Miami, Florida for April 23, 2020.
A fourth conspirator, Edgar Torres, 61, of Brandford, Florida, pled guilty to wire fraud conspiracy on June 24, 2019. Torres is scheduled to be sentenced in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida on February 11, 2020.
According to the evidence presented at trial, between 2013 and 2018, the defendants, who also maintained residences in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, orchestrated an elaborate scheme to obtain FDA-regulated products from manufacturers in the United States at deeply discounted prices, including infant formula, eye-care products, and other food and medical devices. To get these discounts, Doekhie and Nabi told the manufacturers that they were purchasing the products to ship overseas, to Suriname, often in connection with purported government procurement contracts they held in Suriname. In fact, Defendants did not have government procurement contracts and never intended to export the products to Suriname. Instead, Grobman and others sold the products in the United States for tens of millions of dollars, which the three defendants later split among themselves.
The defendants hid their activity from the victim companies in one of three ways. The first was to send “dummy” shipments abroad. The dummy shipments did not contain the products purchased from the manufacturers, but they did generate documentation to prove that an export occurred. The second method was to “U-turn” the products: The products were shipped abroad, generating export documentation. As soon as they arrived overseas, they were shipped back to the United States. The third method was to create fraudulent export shipping documentation showing that the products were exported when they actually never left the country.
According to the superseding indictment, over $61 million in criminal proceeds is traceable to Grobman. Over $69 million is traceable to Doekhie and Nabi.
This case is the second large-scale prosecution by the South Florida U.S. Attorney’s Office and FDA-OCI targeting fraud schemes related to the so-called “gray market,” which involves the diversion and re-sale of certain goods that were not intended for distribution in the United States. Previously on September 4, 2019, U.S. Attorney Fajardo Orshan announced the convictions of five defendants, including Byramji Javat, a citizen of Pakistan and Chairman of the Dubai-based Uniworld Group, for various offenses relating to a global fraud scheme that relied upon false claims about the United States military and the Government of Afghanistan.
U.S. Attorney Fajardo Orshan commended the investigative efforts of FDA-OCI. She also thanked the Broward County Sherriff’s Office for their assistance. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Shannon Shaw, Christopher Browne, and John Shipley prosecuted the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Adrienne Rosen is handling asset forfeiture.
Related court documents and information may be found on the website of the District Court for the Southern District of Florida at www.flsd.uscourts.gov or at http://pacer.flsd.uscourts.gov.
Three Harrisburg Men Charged with Drug Trafficking and Firearms OffensesRead the Press Release
HARRISBURG- The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Jorge Maldonado, age 59, Joel Maldonado, age 23, and Jose Flores, age 58, all of Harrisburg, were indicted on February 5, 2020, by a federal grand jury on drug trafficking and firearms charges.
According to United States Attorney David J. Freed, the indictment charges the defendants with conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute and distribution of heroin, cocaine, and fentanyl; possession of a firearm by a felon; and maintaining a drug premises in Harrisburg between August 1, 2019 and January 23, 2020. The conspiracy involved over 100 grams of heroin and over 40 grams of fentanyl.
The matter was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General, Dauphin County Drug Task Force, and the Harrisburg Bureau of Police. Assistant U.S. Attorney Scott Ford is prosecuting the case.
This case was brought as part of a district wide initiative to combat the nationwide epidemic regarding the use and distribution of heroin. Led by the United States Attorney’s Office, the Heroin Initiative targets heroin traffickers operating in the Middle District of Pennsylvania and is part of a coordinated effort among federal, state and local law enforcement agencies to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who commit heroin related offenses.
This case is also part of Project Guardian, the Department of Justice’s signature initiative to reduce gun violence and enforce federal firearms laws. Initiated by the Attorney General in the fall of 2019, Project Guardian draws upon the Department’s past successful programs to reduce gun violence; enhances coordination of federal, state, local, and tribal authorities in investigating and prosecuting gun crimes; improves information-sharing by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives when a prohibited individual attempts to purchase a firearm and is denied by the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS), to include taking appropriate actions when a prospective purchaser is denied by the NICS for mental health reasons; and ensures that federal resources are directed at the criminals posing the greatest threat to our communities.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program that has been historically successful in bringing together all levels of law enforcement to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. The Department of Justice reinvigorated PSN in 2017 as part of the Department’s renewed focus on targeting violent criminals, directing all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to work in partnership with federal, state, local and tribal enforcement and the local community to develop effective, locally-based strategies to reduce crime.
Indictments and Criminal Informations are only allegations. All persons charged are presumed to be innocent unless and until found guilty in court.
A sentence following a finding of guilt is imposed by the Judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.
The maximum penalty under federal law for conspiracy to distribute controlled substances and distribution of controlled substances is 40 years, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine. The maximum penalty under federal law for maintaining a drug premises is 20 years imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine. The maximum penalty under federal law for possession of a firearm by a felon is 10 years, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the Judge is also required to consider and weigh a number of factors, including the nature, circumstances and seriousness of the offense; the history and characteristics of the defendant; and the need to punish the defendant, protect the public and provide for the defendant's educational, vocational and medical needs. For these reasons, the statutory maximum penalty for the offense is not an accurate indicator of the potential sentence for a specific defendant.
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Three Defendants Sentenced to More Than 15 Years Combined in Federal Prison for Drug TraffickingRead the Press Release
Fort Smith, Arkansas – David Clay Fowlkes, Acting United States Attorney for the Western District of Arkansas announced that three (3) individuals were sentenced by the United States District Court for Possession with Intent to Distribute More Than 100 Grams of a Mixture or Substance Containing a Detectable Amount of Heroin. The Honorable Judge P.K. Holmes, III presided over the sentencing hearings in the United States District Court in Fort Smith.
According to court records, Marion Sue Denton, Jesus Baeza Limon and William Ray Eldridge were arrested on April 26, 2019 in Van Buren, Arkansas, while in possession of approximately 330 grams of heroin and 43 grams of actual methamphetamine.
Defendants in this conspiracy received the following sentences:
Marian Sue Denton, age 50, of Van Buren, Arkansas was sentenced today, February 5, 2020 to 63 months in federal prison followed by four years of supervised release. Denton was indicted in the Western District of Arkansas in May 2019, and plead guilty in July of 2019.
Jesus Baeza Limon, age 23, of Bakersfield, California was sentenced January 13, 2020 to 57 months in federal prison followed by four years of supervised release. Denton was indicted in the Western District of Arkansas in May of 2019, and plead guilty in September of 2019.
William Ray Eldridge, age 60, of Van Buren, Arkansas was sentenced February 3, 2020 to 70 months in federal prison followed by four years of supervised release. Eldridge was indicted in the Western District of Arkansas in May of 2019 and plead guilty in August of 2019.
This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, 12/21st Drug Task Force, and the Van Buren Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Candace Taylor prosecuted the case for the Western District of Arkansas.
Three Defendants Indicted in Postal Carrier KidnappingRead 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 a federal grand jury has returned a one-count indictment charging Mark Rogers, 36, Joseph Way, a/k/a Gus, 34, and Tashara Levans, 35, all of Rochester, NY, with kidnapping of a federal employee. The charge carries a maximum penalty of life in prison.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert A. Marangola, who is handling the case, stated that the indictment alleges that Rogers, Way, and Levans kidnapped a U.S. Postal Service employee in the City of Rochester on November 16, 2019.
The defendants were arraigned before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark W. Pedersen and are being held pending detention hearings.
The indictment is the result of an investigation by the United States Postal Inspection Service, under the direction of Inspector-in-Charge Joseph W. Cronin of the Boston Division, and the Rochester Police Department, under the direction of Chief La’Ron Singletary.
The fact that a defendant has been charged with a crime is merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
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Texas Man Pleads Guilty to Conspiracy to Distribute More Than 720 Kilos of CocaineRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, Mo. – An El Paso, Texas, man from whom officers seized nearly $500,000 in illegal drug proceeds pleaded guilty in federal court today to his role in a conspiracy that distributed more than 720 kilograms of cocaine in the metropolitan area.
Otilio Zaragoza-Navarrette, 63, pleaded guilty before U.S. Chief District Judge Beth Phillips to participating in the drug-trafficking conspiracy from October 2013 to Nov. 15, 2018. Zaragoza-Navarrette admitted that he was a drug courier for the drug-trafficking organization, transporting cocaine to the Kansas City metropolitan area and transporting illicit drug proceeds from the drug-trafficking organization back to Texas and/or to Mexico.
Co-defendant Jose Luis Armendariz-Rascon, also known as “Uncle” or “Rambo,” 39, of Kansas City, Kansas, pleaded guilty on Jan. 22, 2020, to his role in the drug-trafficking conspiracy and to money laundering. Armendariz-Rascon admitted that he distributed 360 kilograms of cocaine per year in 2015 and 2016, for a total of 720 kilograms of powder cocaine.
Armendariz-Rascon was in charge of coordinating the transportation of loads of cocaine from the El Paso area to the Kansas City metropolitan area for distribution. Armendariz-Rascon would then coordinate the collection of bulk cash that was sent back to El Paso as payment for the cocaine. Armendariz-Rascon admitted that he coordinated the distribution of 10 to 15 kilograms of cocaine per week.
Zaragoza-Navarrette delivered cocaine to Jose Armendariz-Rascon as well as to co-defendants Miguel Armendariz-Rascon, 31, a citizen of Mexico residing in Olathe, Kansas, and Jesus Salvador Campoy-Estrada, also known as “Chava” and “Chavita,” 25, who each have pleaded guilty. Zaragoza-Navarrette hid the cocaine and/or the cash proceeds inside of five-gallon gas cans and anti-freeze jugs on his commercial semi-tractor trailer.
In one instance, law enforcement officers seized nearly $500,000 from Zaragoza-Navarrette. On May 21, 2017, investigators were conducting surveillance at a residence in the 4700 block of North Mulberry Court in Kansas City as Campoy-Estrada was driving a white Chevrolet van with Miguel Armendariz-Rascon in the passenger’s seat. Investigators followed the van as it proceeded to the area of Candlewood Suites, 4450 Randolph Road, Kansas City, and pulled onto Corrington Road on the west side of Candlewood Suites. The van parked in front of a diesel tractor-trailer. Campoy-Estrada carried a white plastic jug from the van to the passenger side of the tractor-trailer. Campoy-Estrada then returned to the van with a red plastic gas can and placed the gas can into the rear of the van. Campoy-Estrada and Miguel Armendariz-Rascon then left the area.
Law enforcement officers continued to surveil the tractor-trailer, being driven by Zaragoza-Navarrette, as it left the Candlewood Suites and began to drive northbound on I-35. The Missouri State Highway Patrol conducted a traffic stop of the tractor-trailer at mile marker 68. Troopers searched the vehicle and found a red five-gallon plastic gas can and two white plastic jugs that contained a total of $491,211.
Zaragoza-Navarrette admitted that he personally transported in excess of 50 kilograms of cocaine during his involvement in the conspiracy. Zaragoza-Navarrette admitted that he transported at least five kilograms of cocaine each time he made a delivery to the drug-trafficking organization. A confidential witness met with Zaragoza-Navarette approximately 18 times. During every meeting with Zaragoza-Navarrette, the confidential witness reported that at least $40,000 to $50,000 would be given to Zaragoza-Navarrette to ship back to Mexico. On a few occasions, approximately $500,000 was provided to Zaragoza-Navarrette.
A confidential source has indicated the drug-trafficking organization purchased cocaine for approximately $27,000 to $27,500 per kilogram. Accordingly, $491,211 in illicit drug proceeds would convert to between 15 and 19 kilograms of powder cocaine.
Zaragoza-Navarrette and Jose Luis Armendariz-Rascon are among nine defendants who have pleaded guilty in this case.
Under federal statutes, Zaragoza-Navarrette is subject to a mandatory minimum sentence of five years in federal prison without parole, up to a sentence of 40 years in federal prison without parole. Jose Armendariz-Rascon is subject to a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years in federal prison without parole, up to a sentence of life in federal prison without parole. The maximum statutory sentence is prescribed by Congress and is provided here for informational purposes, as the sentencing of the defendants will be determined by the court based on the advisory sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors. Sentencing hearings will be scheduled after the completion of presentence investigations by the United States Probation Office.This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Trey Alford and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert Smith. It was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the FBI, IRS-Criminal Investigation and the Lee’s Summit, Mo., Police Department.
Tangipahoa Parish Man Sentenced on Federal Drug and Firearms ChargesRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – U.S. Attorney Peter G. Strasser announced on February 6, 2020 that ZETRICK JONES, age 36, a resident of Tickfaw, Louisiana, was sentenced to serve a total of 107 months in federal prison for violations of the Federal Controlled Substances Act and the Federal Gun Control Act. This sentence consisted of 47 months on the drug trafficking charge and an additional 60 months for the firearms violation. He was also ordered to serve three years of supervised release following his release from custody.
JONES was indicted by the Federal Grand Jury on December 13, 2018 for five separate violations of federal law. This indictment was the result of a drug investigation that was led by the United States Drug Enforcement Administration and the Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff’s Office.
During the course of this investigation, agents learned that JONES kept several types of drugs and firearms at his residence. This led agents to execute a search warrant at his address on August 6, 2018. As a result of the search, agents recovered 92 grams of heroin, 76 grams of marijuana, 721 Xanax pills, 24 Roxycontin pills, 6.9 grams of methamphetamine, four digital scales and a press (all of which are used in the distribution of illegal drugs), two boxes containing 22 bottles of promethazine, $3,469 in U.S. currency, a stolen pink and black Diamondback .380 caliber pistol (bearing serial number ZI1506), a Zastava AK-47 (serial number 049008), and a stolen black Glock 30 .45 caliber handgun (serial number RZH342), along with various ammunition.
Assistant United States Attorney Maurice Landrieu is in charge of the prosecution.
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Stamford Man Pleads Guilty to Federal Firearm ChargeRead the Press Release
John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that KEVIN GENIS, 27, of Stamford, pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Judge Jeffrey A. Meyer in New Haven to one count of possession of a firearm by a previously convicted felon.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on May 28, 2019, law enforcement conducted a controlled purchase of a Century Arms International 7.62 caliber AK pistol and 10 rounds of ammunition from Genis for $900.
In November 2015, Genis was convicted in state court of three counts of possession with intent to sell narcotics. It is a violation of federal law for a person previously convicted of a felony offense to possess a firearm or ammunition that has moved in interstate or foreign commerce.
Judge Meyer scheduled sentencing for May 4, 2020, at which time Genis faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years.
Genis has been detained since his arrest on June 27, 2019.
This matter has been investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Stamford Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Maria del Pilar Gonzalez and Brendan Keefe.
This prosecution has been brought through Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make neighborhoods safer for everyone.
South Carolina man sentenced to prison for taking minor across state line for sexRead the Press Release
SAVANNAH, GA: A South Carolina man has been sentenced to 10 years in prison for picking up a Savannah runaway and taking her across state lines for sex.
Darick McPherson, 20, of Ridgeland, S.C., pled guilty to Transportation with Intent to Engage in Criminal Sexual Activity and was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge William T. Moore to 120 months in prison and to pay restitution of $29,775.50, said Bobby L. Christine, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Georgia. McPherson also will be required to serve 15 years of supervised release after completion of his prison sentence. There is no parole in the federal system.
“This was no ‘Romeo and Juliet’ romantic fantasy,” said U.S. Attorney Christine. “This is an adult predator who groomed a 12-year-old from a troubled home and enticed her to sneak away in the dead of night for his own sick gratification. The young victim will now have an opportunity to mature without his malignant influence.”
According to court documents and testimony, police in Ridgeland, S.C., discovered McPherson with the victim on the night of Dec. 19, 2017, after complaints of a domestic disturbance. The investigation determined McPherson had picked up the 12-year-old from her Savannah home after her guardian left for work and drove her to South Carolina.
“It is clear from this sentencing that McPherson’s actions will not be tolerated by our justice system,” said Chris Hacker, Special Agent in Charge of FBI Atlanta. “Our warning to predators is that the FBI is determined to go to great lengths to protect our most vulnerable citizens from those who seek to manipulate and do them harm.”
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the U.S. Attorney’s Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims.
The case was investigated by the FBI, with the Allendale, S.C., and Ridgeland, S.C., Police Departments and the Savannah Police Department, and prosecuted for the United States by Assistant U.S. Attorney Tania D. Groover.
South Bend Man ChargedRead the Press Release
SOUTH BEND - The United States Attorney for the Northern District of Indiana, Thomas L. Kirsch II, announced that Bradley Burns, age 31, of South Bend, Indiana, has been charged by criminal complaint for conspiracy to possess a controlled substance with intent to deliver and being a felon in possession of firearms.
According to documents in this case, on February 5, 2020, a criminal complaint was filed alleging that agents with the Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics conducted a traffic stop on Interstate 40 near Oklahoma City. Law enforcement found duffle bags containing 120 pounds of methamphetamine and one kilogram of heroin located in the car. Investigators with Homeland Security Investigations determined that the narcotics were destined for a house on South Kentucky Street in South Bend and that the narcotics were to be delivered to Bradley Burns. Agents replaced the actual narcotics with a sham substance, and then delivered the vehicle to that house. As police approached the house, Burns ran from the back door of the house, leapt over a fence and was thereafter apprehended by police. HSI agents obtained a search warrant for the residence and found a .38 caliber revolver, an AK-47 style rifle, an AR style rifle, a money counting machine, United States currency, receipts for money orders, a heat sealing machine, heat sealing bags, a small quantity of fentanyl, a cutting agent, and cell phones.
The United States Attorney’s Office emphasizes that a Criminal Complaint is merely an allegation and that all persons are presumed innocent until, and unless proven guilty in court.
If convicted, any specific sentence to be imposed will be determined by the Judge after a consideration of federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.
This case is being investigated Homeland Security Investigations (a component of the Department of Homeland Security) with the assistance from the Drug Enforcement Administration, Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics, South Bend Police Department (including its Strategic Focus and SWAT Units), St. Joseph County Police Department, the Indiana State Police and Elkhart City Police. This case is being handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Kimberly Schultz.
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Snow Hill Man Sentenced to 20 Years’ Imprisonment on Child Pornography ChargesRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Robert J. Higdon, Jr., announced that today in federal court, United States District Judge James C. Dever, III, sentenced JEREMY DWIGHT LANE, 38, of Raleigh to 240 months’ imprisonment, followed by 10 years of supervised release. LANE was named in an 11-count Indictment on August 14, 2019, charging him with 10 counts of receipt of child pornography, and one count of possession of child pornography. On November 7, 2019, he pled guilty to one count of receipt of child pornography.
According to the investigation, beginning in April 2017, local law enforcement in South Carolina identified an IP address engaged in the downloading and sharing of child exploitation material on a peer to peer network. After the IP address was traced to LANE at an address in La Grange, North Carolina, South Carolina law enforcement referred the case to North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation (NCSBI).
On June 12, 2017, the NCSBI and Greene County Sheriff’s Office executed a search warrant at the address. LANE agreed to be interviewed and admitted that he had been downloading child pornography from the internet for about a year. LANE, also admitted to having previously molested two students who had been under his care. A forensic examination of LANE’S laptop and other electronic devices uncovered over 50 images and 100 videos that he had collected from the internet depicting the sexual abuse of minors.
This case is part of the Project Safe Childhood initiative, a national program aimed at ensuring that criminals exploiting children are effectively prosecuted by making full use of all available law enforcement resources at every level. For more information about this important national initiative, go to www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
The North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation (NCSBI) conducted the investigation, with assistance from the Greene County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant United States Attorney Jake D. Pugh represented the government.
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The year 2020 marks the 150th anniversary of the Department of Justice. Learn more about the history of our agency at www.Justice.gov/Celebrating150Years.