Latest Records
Newest first across public DOJ and U.S. Attorney press releases.
Monday 3 February 2020
Bridgeport Man Guilty of Heroin Distribution OffensesRead the Press Release
John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that, on January 31, 2020, a federal jury in New Haven found DEWAYNE JOYNER, also known as “Weezy,” 35, of Bridgeport, guilty of heroin distribution offenses.
According to the evidence presented during the trial, during the summer of 2017, members of the ATF, DEA and Bridgeport Police Department, who were investigating narcotics trafficking in Bridgeport’s East End neighborhood, learned that Joyner was selling heroin. In September 2017, investigators conducted controlled purchases of heroin from Joyner. The investigation revealed that Joyner was staying at a hotel in Bridgeport, and was storing narcotics in his hotel room.
Joyner was arrested on September 12, 2017. At the time of his arrest, a search of his person revealed a quantity of heroin, $1,326 in cash, four cellphones and his hotel room key. A search of the hotel room revealed more than 250 grams of heroin and items used to process and package narcotics for street sale.
The jury found Joyner guilty of one count of one count of possession with intent to distribute 100 grams or more of heroin, one count of possession with intent to distribute a quantity of heroin, and two counts of possession with intent to distribute, and distribution of, a quantity of heroin. Joyner was found not guilty of one count of possession with intent to distribute, and distribution of, a quantity of heroin.
Joyner, who has been detained since his arrest, faces at least five years of imprisonment when he is sentenced by U.S. District Judge Jeffrey A. Meyer. A sentencing date is not scheduled.
This matter has been investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Bridgeport High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) Task Force and the Bridgeport Police Department. The DEA Task Force includes personnel from the DEA, Connecticut State Police and Norwalk, Stamford, Stratford, Milford, Bridgeport and Trumbull Police Departments.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Joseph Vizcarrondo and Sarala Nagala.
Bradenton Man Sentenced to More Than Seven Years for Drug and Gun OffensesRead the Press Release
Tampa, Florida – U.S. District Judge Virginia M. Hernandez Covington has sentenced Quleton Monix (36, Bradenton) to seven years and nine months in federal prison for possessing with the intent to distribute cocaine and for possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. The court also ordered Monix to forfeit the firearm and ammunition.
Monix had pleaded guilty on October 24, 2019.
According to court documents, between August 20 and September 12, 2018, Monix sold crack cocaine to an undercover officer on five different occasions. On September 26, 2018, law enforcement officers arrested Monix on multiple warrants for the sale of narcotics. After his arrest, authorities searched Monix and his vehicle and recovered $1,917 from Monix’s pocket, $3,071 from his wallet, 3.9 grams of crack cocaine from the center console of the vehicle, and $18,020, wrapped in stacks of $1,000, from a bag underneath the passenger seat.
That same day, a search warrant was executed at Monix’s residence. Inside the home, law enforcement officers located, among other things, 38 grams of cocaine, a digital scale, a razor blade, two silver pots and a fork that contained cocaine residue, a loaded semi-automatic pistol, and a box of ammunition.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney David C. Waterman.
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. In the Middle District of Florida, U.S. Attorney Maria Chapa Lopez coordinates PSN efforts in cooperation with various federal, state, and local law enforcement officials.
Bradenton Man Pleads Guilty to Drug and Gun OffensesRead the Press Release
Tampa, Florida – Joseph Brice, Jr. (26, Bradenton) has pleaded guilty to distributing heroin and fentanyl, and to possessing a firearm as a convicted felon. He faces a maximum penalty of life in federal prison. A sentencing date has not yet been scheduled.
According to the plea agreement, Brice sold heroin and fentanyl to an undercover officer on five different occasions. During the fifth drug sale, Brice sold heroin and a firearm to the undercover officer. Brice, who has prior felony convictions for armed burglary and cocaine distribution, is prohibited from possessing a firearm or ammunition under federal law.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney David C. Waterman.
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. In the Middle District of Florida, U.S. Attorney Maria Chapa Lopez coordinates PSN efforts in cooperation with various federal, state, and local law enforcement officials.
Boone County Man Pleads Guilty to Transportation of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
COVINGTON, Ky.- Joshua E. Tippett, 19, of Florence, Kentucky, pleaded guilty in federal court on Friday, before U.S. District Judge David L. Bunning, and admitted that he knowingly transported child pornography.
Tippett admitted that, from July to December 2018, he used internet based programs and accounts to upload on a computer approximately 50 videos depicting minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct.
Tippett was indicted in February 2019.
Robert M. Duncan, Jr., United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky; Steve Igyarto, Special Agent in Charge, Department of Homeland Security – Homeland Security Investigations (DHS-HSI); Commissioner Rodney Brewer, Kentucky State Police; and Sheriff Michael Helmig, Boone County Sheriff’s Department, jointly announced the guilty plea.
The investigation was conducted by HIS, Kentucky State Police, and Boone County Sheriff’s Department. The U.S. Attorney’s Office was represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jennifer Weinhold.
Tippett is scheduled to be sentenced on May 21, 2020. He faces up to 20 years in prison and a maximum fine of $250,000. However, any sentence will be imposed by the Court after consideration of the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and the federal sentencing statutes.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (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 year 2020 marks the 150th anniversary of the Department of Justice. Learn more about the history of our agency at www.Justice.gov/Celebrating150Years
— END —
Attorney General Barr Names Bobak Talebian Director of the Office of Information PolicyRead the Press Release
Attorney General William P. Barr today appointed Bobak (Bobby) Talebian as Director of the Office of Information Policy (OIP). He has served as Acting Director since October 2019, and replaces Melanie Ann Pustay as Director.
Mr. Talebian will be responsible for managing the Department’s responsibilities related to the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), including responding to initial requests made to the Department’s senior leadership offices, adjudicating all appeals from denials by any Department component under the FOIA, developing FOIA policy guidance for all Executive Branch agencies, providing legal counsel and training to agency personnel on the procedural and substantive aspects of the Act, and for overseeing agency compliance with the law.
“Bobby brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to this position,” said Attorney General Barr. “OIP and the Department of Justice will continue to benefit from his insight, expertise and dedication to public service.”
Before becoming Acting Director, Mr. Talebian served as Acting Chief of Staff from August 2019 to October 2019, where he supervised and managed the day-to-day operations of the office. Earlier, from May 2013 to August 2019, he was the Chief of OIP’s FOIA Compliance Staff, where his team executed OIP’s responsibilities to oversee and encourage government-wide compliance with the FOIA.
Mr. Talebian graduated from the University of Tennessee College of Law where he served on Law Review.
###
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.
Armed Fentanyl Dealer Sentenced to 20 Years in PrisonRead the Press Release
NORFOLK, Va. – A Norfolk man was sentenced today to 20 years in prison for distributing fentanyl, and for carrying and possessing a firearm during multiple drug-trafficking crimes.
According to court documents, in January 2019, Jermaine Curtis Parker, 36, a five-time felon, sold pure fentanyl to an undercover police officer six times, although Parker marketed the drugs as heroin. During at least three of those deals, he was armed with a 9mm handgun.
After the sixth purchase, ATF agents and police officers executed search warrants on three of Parker’s properties and recovered an AR pistol, an AR-type rifle, and other handguns. Distribution amounts of marijuana, cutting agents, and drug-packaging materials for heroin were also found at these residences. One of the handguns had been reported stolen during a vehicle theft in Norfolk. Parker was arrested outside one of these properties after engaging in a standoff with the police during which he refused to leave the residence. He later admitted to using the delay to hide one of his guns in the HVAC system.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), which is the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
This case is part of Project Guardian, the Department of Justice’s signature initiative to reduce gun violence and enforce federal firearms laws. Initiated by the Attorney General in the fall of 2019, Project Guardian draws upon the Department’s past successful programs to reduce gun violence; enhances coordination of federal, state, local, and tribal authorities in investigating and prosecuting gun crimes; improves information-sharing by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives when a prohibited individual attempts to purchase a firearm and is denied by the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS), to include taking appropriate actions when a prospective purchaser is denied by the NICS for mental health reasons; and ensures that federal resources are directed at the criminals posing the greatest threat to our communities. Click here for more information about Project Guardian.
G. Zachary Terwilliger, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia; Ashan M. Benedict, Special Agent in Charge of the ATF’s Washington Field Division; and Col. K.L. Wright, Chief of Chesapeake Police, made the announcement after sentencing by Senior U.S. District Judge Robert G. Doumar. Assistant U.S. Attorney William B. Jackson prosecuted 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. 2:19-cr-141.
Armed Drug Dealer Sentenced to More Than Ten Years in PrisonRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Richard W. Moore of the Southern District of Alabama announced that Andrea Manassa was sentenced to 123 months of imprisonment on January 23, 2020. Manassa pled guilty in July of 2019 to two charges—possession with intent to distribute crack cocaine and carrying a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking felony.
United States District Court Judge Terry F. Moorer imposed a sentence of sixty three months on the drug charge and ordered that it run consecutive to 60 months on the carrying a firearm in furtherance of the drug trafficking felony, for a total sentence of imprisonment of 123 months. The judge ordered that when Manassa is released from imprisonment, he will serve four years of supervised release.
Court records established that on November 27, 2018 law enforcement officers in the City of Prichard, Alabama saw the Manassa in the passenger seat of a car. Officers recognized Manassa and knew he had active felony warrants. The officers also recognized the vehicle as it had fled from law enforcement during a drug investigation approximately one week earlier. Officers approached the vehicle and Manassa fled on foot but was captured. On the passenger floorboard where Manassa was sitting officers recovered approximately 63 grams of crack cocaine and approximately 75 grams of powder cocaine as well as a loaded firearm, a Glock, Model 43, 9mm handgun. Manassa possessed the firearm in furtherance of his drug trafficking to protect his drugs.
The case was investigated by the City of Prichard Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. (ATF). It was prosecuted in the United States Attorney’s Office by Assistant United States Attorney George May.
Arizona Man Pleads Guilty to Assaulting a Federal Officer in a Restricted Area Outside of Federal Court in Washington, D.C.Read the Press Release
WASHINGTON - United States Attorney for the District of Columbia Timothy J. Shea, and Chief Deputy U.S. Marshal Lamont Ruffin, of the U.S. Marshals Service (USMS), announced that Kyle Piunti, 31, of Arizona, pled guilty on Friday, January 31, 2020, to Assaulting, Resisting, or Impeding Certain Officers or Employees, before United States District Court Chief Judge Beryl A. Howell.
Chief Judge Howell will sentence Piunti, on April 10, 2020. At sentencing, Piunti faces a term of incarceration and up to three years of supervised release for the charge. The Court ordered that Piunti be held without bond pending his sentencing.
According to the government’s evidence, on August 21, 2019, at approximately 7:40 p.m., an on-duty Court Security Officer, who is designated a federal officer, observed the defendant inside of a USMS vehicle located inside the restricted parking lot of the United States District Court. The Court Security Officer told the defendant to get out of the vehicle and the restricted parking lot area. The defendant became aggressive, and began to assault the Court Security Officer. During the assault, the defendant pushed the Officer to the ground; the Officer was immediately taken to the hospital for treatment for a severe ankle injury which subsequently required surgical treatment to repair the damage caused by the defendant. The defendant ran from the restricted area before he was ultimately apprehended several blocks away.
In announcing the plea, U.S. Attorney Shea and Chief Deputy U.S. Marshal Ruffin commended the work of those who investigated the case from the U.S. Marshals Service. They expressed appreciation for the efforts of those who worked on the case from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia, including Paralegal Specialist Teesha Tobias, Rommel Pachoca, and Legal Assistant Kate Abrey. Finally, they commended the work of Assistant U.S. Attorney Emory V. Cole who investigated and prosecuted the case.
"Froggy Robber" Sentenced to Federal Prison for Armed Bank RobberyRead the Press Release
PORTLAND, Ore.—Diego Sanchez-Lopez, 25, of Clark County, Washington, known locally as the “Froggy Robber,” was sentenced today to 97 months in federal prison and three years’ supervised release for armed bank robbery.
According to court documents, between November 2017 and April 2018, Sanchez-Lopez stole more than $87,000 from the following six banks in Oregon and Southwest Washington:
- On November 27, 2017, $9,710 was stolen from the Albina Community Bank located at 2002 NE Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard in Portland.
- On December 27, 2017, $26,000 was stolen from the Wells Fargo Bank located at 8699 SW Main Street in Wilsonville, Oregon.
- On January 11, 2018, $11,580.99 was stolen from the Wells Fargo Bank located at 6785 Beaverton Hillsdale Highway in Beaverton, Oregon.
- On January 30, 2018, $6,720 was stolen from the U.S. Bank located at 52313 Columbia River Highway in Scappoose, Oregon.
- On February 12, 2018, $15,400 was stolen from the Wells Fargo Bank located at 1800 Main Street in Vancouver, Washington.
- On April 30, 2018, 33,357 was stolen from the Wells Fargo Bank located at 7200 NE Butler Street in Hillsboro, Oregon.
During sentencing, U.S. District Court Judge Michael W. Mosman ordered Sanchez-Lopez to pay more than $119,000 in restitution.
Previously, On August 5, 2019, Sanchez-Lopez pleaded guilty to six counts of bank robbery. As a non-citizen and lawful permanent resident, this conviction will subject Sanchez-Lopez to removal from the U.S. by immigration authorities.
This case was investigated by the FBI and prosecuted by John C. Brassell, Assistant U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon.
Sunday 2 February 2020
Sioux Falls Man Sentenced for Meth Distribution ConspiracyRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a Sioux Falls, South Dakota, man convicted of Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance was sentenced on January 29, 2020, by U.S. District Judge Karen Schreier.
Fredrick Green, a/k/a Frederick Green, age 47, was sentenced to 10 years in federal prison, followed by 5 years of supervised release. He was also ordered to pay $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.
Fredrick Green was indicted for Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance by a federal grand jury on March 5, 2019. He pled guilty on November 7, 2019.
From an unknown date, until on or about January 15, 2019, in the District of South Dakota and elsewhere, Fredrick Green did knowingly and intentionally combine, conspire, confederate, and agree together, with others known and unknown, to knowingly and intentionally distribute a mixture and substance containing 500 grams or more of methamphetamine, a Schedule II controlled substance.
This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Sioux Falls Area Drug Taskforce. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jennifer Mammenga prosecuted the case.
Green was immediately turned over to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Ridgeview Man Indicted on Firearm ChargeRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a Ridgeview, South Dakota, man has been indicted by a federal grand jury for Possession of a Firearm by a Prohibited Person.
Shilo Phillip Hill, age 24, was indicted on July 16, 2019. He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno on January 31, 2020, and pled not guilty to the Indictment.
The maximum penalty upon conviction is 10 years in federal prison and/or a $250,000 fine, 3 years of supervised release, and $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Restitution may also be ordered.
The Indictment alleges that on April 18, 2019, Hill, having been knowingly convicted of a crime punishable by imprisonment for a term exceeding one year and knowingly being an unlawful user of and addicted to a controlled substance, knowingly possessed a handgun near Eagle Butte, South Dakota.
The charge is merely an accusation and Hill is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
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 is being conducted by the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the Northern Plains Safe Trails Drug Enforcement Task Force. Assistant U.S. Attorney Cameron J. Cook is prosecuting the case.
Hill was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service pending trial. A trial date has not been set.
Rapid City Woman Charged with Theft of Government Property and FraudRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a Rapid City, South Dakota, woman has been indicted by a federal grand jury for Theft of Government Property, Supplemental Security Income Benefits Fraud, and two counts of False Statement.
Holli Lundahl, a/k/a Holli Telford, age 63, appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Daneta Wollmann and pleaded not guilty to the Indictment.
The maximum penalty upon conviction is 10 years in prison, and/or a $250,000 fine, 3 years of supervised release, and $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund for the Theft of Government Property charge. The maximum penalty upon conviction for the other charges is 5 years in prison, and/or a $250,000 fine, 3 years of supervised release, and $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Restitution may also be ordered.
The charges relate to Lundahl knowingly converting to her own use money of the U.S. Social Security Administration, namely Title XVI Social Security Supplemental Income payments in excess of $1,000, between 2014 and 2019. Lundahl also falsely reported her resources and assets, and concealed and failed to disclose her resources and assets in order to continue to receive and spend SSI benefit payments made by the Social Security Administration. On March 28, 2019, Lundahl failed to disclose to a Social Security Administration Claims Specialist that she had joint access to a checking account that contained in excess of $25,000, and that she had an ownership interest in property located in Texas, which she knew would affect her right to ongoing SSI payments. In December 2018, Lundahl filed a Notice of Appeal with a document that contained a forged date stamp with the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit.
The charges are merely accusations and Lundahl is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
The investigation is being conducted by the Office of the Inspector General – Social Security Administration. Assistant U.S. Attorney Eric Kelderman is prosecuting the case.
Lundahl was released on bond pending trial. A trial date has been set for April 7, 2020.
Rapid City Man Sentenced for Illegal Possession of a FirearmRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a Rapid City, South Dakota, man convicted of Possession of a Firearm by a Prohibited Person was sentenced by Karen E. Schreier, U.S. District Court Judge.
Louis Bettelyoun, age 32, was sentenced on January 23, 2020, to 21 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.
The charge related to Bettelyoun, a previously convicted felon who is prohibited from possessing firearms, unlawfully possessing a Bersa S.A., Thunder 380, .380 caliber semi-automatic pistol in March 2019 at Rapid City.
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.
Bettelyoun was immediately turned over to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Rapid City Man Sentenced for Illegal Possession of FirearmsRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a Rapid City, South Dakota, man convicted of Possession of a Firearm by a Prohibited Person was sentenced by Jeffrey L. Viken, U.S. District Court Judge.
Cory Myers, age 45, was sentenced on January 30, 2020, to 7 years 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.
The conviction stems from Myers, a previously convicted felon who is prohibited from possessing firearms, unlawfully possessing a stolen Taurus, model PT92 AF, 9mm semi-automatic pistol, and 18 other stolen firearms in January 2019 at Rapid City, which were found after Myers came into contact with Rapid City police officers.
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.
Myers was immediately turned over to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Rapid City Man Charged with Illegal Possession of a FirearmRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a Rapid City, South Dakota, man was charged in federal district court with Possession of a Firearm by a Prohibited Person.
Moses Montileaux Jr. was charged on September 10, 2019. Montileaux appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Daneta Wollmann on January 27, 2020, and pleaded not guilty to the charge. The maximum penalty upon conviction is 10 years in federal prison and/or a $250,000 fine, 3 years of supervised release, and a $100 assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Restitution may also be ordered.
The charge relates to Montileaux, a previously convicted felon who is prohibited from possessing firearms, being in possession of a 9x19mm Luger caliber semi-automatic pistol. The charge is merely an accusation and Montileaux is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
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 is being conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, and the Rapid City Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Benjamin Patterson is prosecuting the case.
Montileaux was detained pending trial. A trial date has not been set.
Rapid City Man Charged with Illegal Possession of FirearmsRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a Rapid City, South Dakota, man was charged in federal district court with Manufacturing an Unregistered Firearm and Possession of a Firearm by a Prohibited Person.
Christopher Bittner, age 25, was charged on January 22, 2020. Bittner appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Daneta Wollmann on January 27, 2020, and pleaded not guilty to the charges.
The maximum penalty upon conviction is 10 years in federal prison and/or a $250,000 fine, 3 years of supervised release, and a $100 assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Restitution may also be ordered.
The charges relate to Bittner making an unregistered shortened 12-gauge pump-action shotgun, as well as possessing other firearms and marijuana in November 2019 at Rapid City. The charges are merely an accusation and Bittner is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduceviolent 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 is being conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and the Rapid City Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Benjamin Patterson is prosecuting the case.
Bittner was released pending trial. A trial date has not been set.
Pine Ridge Man Sentenced to 20 Years in Federal Prison for Aggravated Sexual AbuseRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a Pine Ridge, South Dakota, man convicted of Aggravated Sexual Abuse was sentenced by Jeffrey L. Viken, U.S. District Court Judge.
Isadore White Calf, age 56, was sentenced on January 29, 2020, to 20 years in federal prison, followed by a lifetime of supervised release, and ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.
White Calf was indicted for the charge by a federal grand jury in July 2018. The charge related to White Calf forcibly sexually assaulting a female in February 2017 at Pine Ridge.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Megan Poppen prosecuted the case.
White Calf was immediately turned over to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Parmelee Man Charged with Assaulting a Federal OfficerRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a Parmelee, South Dakota, man has been indicted by a federal grand jury for Assaulting, Resisting, and Impeding a Federal Officer.
Aaron Brian James Neck, age 43, was indicted on October 16, 2019. He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno on January 31, 2020, and pled not guilty to the Indictment.
The maximum penalty upon conviction is up to 8 years in federal prison and/or a $250,000 fine, 3 years of supervised release, and $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Restitution may also be ordered.
The Indictment alleges that on August 21, 2019, Neck did forcibly assault, oppose, impede, intimidate, and interfere with a law enforcement officer who was employed by the Rosebud Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services, and that such conduct involved physical contact.
The charge is merely an accusation and Neck 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 Michael J. Elmore is prosecuting the case.
Neck was released on bond pending trial. A trial date has not been set.
North Dakota Man Pleads Guilty to Wildlife Violations Involving Bald Eagle DeathsRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a Flasher, North Dakota, man has been charged by information for Unlawful Taking of Bald Eagle, Unlawful Taking of Migratory Birds, and Unlawful Use of Restricted Use Pesticide.
David Alan Meyer, age 58, was charged on January 16, 2020. He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge William D. Gerdes on January 30, 2020, and pled guilty to the Information.
The maximum penalty upon conviction is 1 year in federal prison, a $100,000 fine, 1 year of supervised release, and $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Restitution may be ordered.
In March and April 2016, a joint U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and Environmental Protection Agency investigation revealed that David Meyer, owner of Meyer Buffalo Ranch on the Standing Rock Sioux Indian Reservation, had supervised the misapplication of 39,000 pounds of Rozol prairie dog bait, a restricted use pesticide, on over 5,400 acres of his property.
Over a dozen workers were interviewed and confirmed they were supposed to put the poison in the holes, but due to the high demand on the amount of poison that needed to be dispensed and the large land tract, workers got sloppy and the poison was not dispensed as required by the label. Because of the misapplication, the EPA emergency response team was dispatched to oversee the cleanup of the ranch land by Meyer. During the course of the investigation six bald eagles were recovered and confirmed to have died as a result of the poison.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Meghan N. Dilges is prosecuting the case. Meyer was released on bond pending sentencing, scheduled for April 2, 2020.
Mission Man Sentenced for AssaultRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a Mission, South Dakota, man convicted of Assaulting, Resisting, and Impeding a Federal Officer was sentenced on January 28, 2020, by Chief Judge Roberto A. Lange, U.S. District Court.
Logan James Fast Horse, age 22, was sentenced to 30 months in federal prison, followed by 3 years of supervised release, $335.42 in restitution, and a special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund in the amount of $100.
Fast Horse was indicted by a federal grand jury on May 14, 2019. He pled guilty on November 6, 2019.
The conviction stemmed from an incident that occurred on April 5, 2019, when Fast Horse did forcibly assault, oppose, impede, intimidate, and interfere with a law enforcement officer who was employed by the Rosebud Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services, and that such conduct involved the use of a dangerous weapon.
This case was investigated by the Rosebud Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services. Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael J. Elmore prosecuted the case.
Fast Horse was immediately turned over to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Mission Man Indicted for Involuntary Manslaughter and Threatening a Federal OfficerRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a Mission, South Dakota, man has been indicted by a federal grand jury for Involuntary Manslaughter and Influencing a Federal Officer by Threat.
Steven Burning Breast, age 24, was indicted on November 13, 2019. He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno on January 31, 2020, and pled not guilty to the Indictment.
The maximum penalty upon conviction is up to 10 years in federal prison and/or a $250,000 fine, 3 years of supervised release, and $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Restitution may also be ordered.
The Indictment alleges that on April 22, 2019, in Todd County, South Dakota, Burning Breast killed two individuals by operating a motor vehicle in a grossly negligent manner. The Indictment further alleges that on October 16, 2019, Burning Breast threatened to murder a law enforcement officer who was employed by the Rosebud Sioux Tribe.
The charges are merely accusations and Burning Breast is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
The investigation is being conducted by the Rosebud Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services and the Bennett County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kirk Albertson is prosecuting the case.
Burning Breast was released on bond pending trial. A trial date has not been set.
McLaughlin Couple Indicted on Drug and Firearm ChargesRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a McLaughlin, South Dakota, couple have been indicted by a federal grand jury for Conspiracy to Distribute Marijuana, Possession of a Firearm by a Prohibited Person, Possession of an Unregistered Firearm, and Maintaining a Drug Involved Premises Near a Playground.
Brady James Claymore, age 32, was indicted on January 14, 2020, for Conspiracy to Distribute Marijuana, Possession of a Firearm by a Prohibited Person, and Possession of an Unregistered Firearm. The maximum penalty upon conviction is up to 20 years in federal prison and/or a $1,000,000 fine, at least 3 years up to a lifetime of supervised release, and $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Restitution may also be ordered.
Michelle Rose Helper, age 35, was indicted on January 14, 2020, for Maintaining a Drug Involved Premises Near a Playground. The maximum penalty upon conviction is up to 20 years in federal prison and/or a $250,000 fine, 3 years of supervised release, and $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Restitution may also be ordered.
Claymore and Helper appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge William D. Gerdes on January 30, 2020, and pled not guilty to the indictments.
Claymore’s Indictment alleges that beginning on the 1st day of January, 2010, and continuing to September 24, 2019, in South Dakota, Claymore, knowingly and intentionally, combined, conspired, confederated, and agreed with others to knowingly and intentionally distribute and possess with intent to distribute 50 kilograms or more of marijuana. It further alleges that he possessed several firearms, including an unregistered short-barreled shotgun, while knowingly being an unlawful user of and addicted to marijuana in McLaughlin, South Dakota.
Helper’s Indictment alleges that between 2011 and 2019, she intentionally and knowingly used and maintained a place in McLaughlin, South Dakota, for the purposes of distributing and using marijuana within 1,000 feet of a playground.
The charges are merely accusations and Claymore and Helper are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
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 is being conducted by the Mobridge Police Department, the Bureau of Indian Affairs, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, and the Northern Plains Safe Trails Drug Enforcement Task Force. Assistant U.S. Attorney Cameron J. Cook is prosecuting the case.
Claymore and Helper were released on bond pending trial. A trial date has not been set.
Lower Brule Man Sentenced for Retaliation Against a Federal OfficerRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a Lower Brule, South Dakota, man convicted of Retaliation against a Federal Officer by Threat was sentenced on January 28, 2020, by Chief Judge Roberto A. Lange, U.S. District Court.
Jarraid Crazy Bull, a/k/a Jerraid Crazy Bull, age 34, was sentenced to approximately 9 months of imprisonment, followed by 2 years of supervised release, and a special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund in the amount of $100.
Crazy Bull was indicted by a federal grand jury on April 17, 2018. He pled guilty on November 6, 2019.
The conviction stemmed from an incident on July 31, 2017, when Bureau of Indian Affairs law enforcement officers responded to a call of Crazy Bull threatening an individual. When law enforcement arrived to the scene in Lower Brule, Crazy Bull fled from the officers. Law enforcement then pursued Crazy Bull and located him hiding in a yard where he was placed under arrest. Upon his arrest, Crazy Bull threatened to shoot the officers involved and further threatened one of the officers again while enroute to the correctional facility.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Troy R. Morley prosecuted the case.
Crazy Bull was released on conditions following his sentencing hearing.
Kyle Man Charged with Illegal Possession of a FirearmRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a Kyle, South Dakota, man was charged in federal district court with Possession of a Firearm by a Prohibited Person and Possession of a Firearm with an Obliterated Serial Number.
Jesse Runnels, age 37, was charged on December 17, 2019. Runnels appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Daneta Wollmann on January 27, 2020, and pleaded not guilty to the charges. The maximum penalty upon conviction is 10 years in federal prison and/or a $250,000 fine, 3 years of supervised release, and a $100 assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Restitution may also be ordered.
The charges relate to Runnels, a previously convicted felon who is prohibited from possessing firearms, being in possession of a Smith & Wesson 9mm semi-automatic pistol, which had an obliterated serial number. The charges are merely an accusation and Runnels is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
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 is being conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, and the Rapid City Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Benjamin Patterson is prosecuting the case.
Runnels was detained pending trial. A trial date has not been set.
Jury Finds Wagner Man Guilty of Simple AssaultRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that Francis Stanford Stricker, age 48, of Wagner, South Dakota, was found guilty of Simple Assault following a two-day jury trial in Pierre, South Dakota. The verdict was returned on January 30, 2020.
The charge carries a maximum sentence of up to 6 months in prison and/or a $5,000 fine, and $10 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Restitution may also be ordered.
Stricker was indicted by a federal grand jury on March 12, 2019. The charge stems from an incident that occurred on August 7, 2018, in Mission, South Dakota. On that date, Stricker grabbed his girlfriend, knocked her down, and assaulted her with his hands while she attempted to fight him off and escape.
The investigation was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Rosebud Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services. Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael J. Elmore prosecuted the case.
A sentencing date has been set for April 20, 2020. Stricker was released pending sentencing.
Colorado Man Sentenced to Ten Years for Trafficking of MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a Greeley, Colorado, man convicted of Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance was sentenced by Judge Jeffrey L. Viken, U.S. District Court.
John Schrum, age 47, was sentenced on January 27, 2020, to 10 years in federal prison, followed by 5 years of supervised release, and ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.
Schrum was indicted by a federal grand jury in November 2018. The charge related to Schrum and another person obtaining and transporting at least 500 grams of methamphetamine from Colorado, for distribution in western South Dakota between 2017 and 2018. During a traffic stop on July 6, 2018, Schrum possessed a .40 caliber semi-automatic pistol, which he is prohibited from possessing, and agreed to forfeit all interests in the firearm. The co-conspirator’s case is still pending.
Drug trafficking is an inherently violent activity. Firearms are tools of the trade for drug dealers. It is common to find drug traffickers armed with guns in order to protect their illegal drug product and cash, and enforce their illegal operations.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. The Department of Justice reinvigorated PSN in 2017 as part of its renewed focus on targeting violent criminals, directing all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to work in partnership with federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement and local communities to develop effective, locally-based strategies to reduce violent crime.
This case is also part of Project Guardian, the Department of Justice’s signature initiative to reduce gun violence and enforce federal firearms laws. Initiated by the Attorney General in the fall of 2019, Project Guardian draws upon the Department’s past successful programs to reduce gun violence; enhances coordination of federal, state, local, and tribal authorities in investigating and prosecuting gun crimes; improves information-sharing by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives when a prohibited individual attempts to purchase a firearm and is denied by the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS), to include taking appropriate actions when a prospective purchaser is denied by the NICS for mental health reasons; and ensures that federal resources are directed at the criminals posing the greatest threat to our communities. For more information about Project Guardian, please see: https://www.justice.gov/projectguardian.
This case was investigated by federal, state and local agencies, including the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, the Drug Enforcement Administration, and the Unified Narcotics Enforcement Team (“UNET”), which is a local drug task force comprised of various agencies, including the South Dakota Department of Criminal Investigation, Pennington County Sheriff’s Office, and the Rapid City Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Eric Kelderman.
Schrum was immediately turned over to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Friday 31 January 2020
Woman Pleads Guilty to Distributing Contraband CigarettesRead 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 Crystal King, 32, of the Akwesasne Mohawk Indian Reservation, pleaded guilty before U.S. Magistrate Judge Marian W. Payson, to distribution of contraband cigarettes. The charge carries a maximum penalty of five years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Melissa Marangola, who is handling the case, stated that the defendant worked with others to acquire “cut rag tobacco” which would be used to manufacture contraband cigarettes. Monies to purchase the cut rag tobacco were wired from Rochester, NY to CanStar International Inc., a tobacco broker, in the state of Florida. The cut rag tobacco was subsequently obtained from a tobacco distributor located in the state of North Carolina.
In October 2018, King directed that a shipment of cut rag tobacco be sent to individuals who the defendant knew were manufacturing and distributing unlicensed cigarettes on and from the Akwesasne Mohawk Indian Reservation, which is located in the Northern District of New York. On October 18, 2018, law enforcement officers stopped a pickup truck, towing an enclosed gray trailer, shortly after leaving the reservation. A search of the trailer located approximately 3,000,000 contraband cigarettes wrapped in plastic bags. None of the cigarettes bore a New York State tax stamp or other evidence of the payment of applicable New York State cigarette taxes. Under New York law, tax stamps are required on all cigarettes that enter the stream of commerce in New York State.
King admits that she knowingly assisted others in evading approximately $150,990 in federal excise taxes and $652,500 in New York State sales taxes related to the manufacture, possession and distribution of illegal contraband cigarettes.
The plea is the culmination of an investigation by the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation Division, under the direction of Jonathan D. Larsen, Special Agent-in-Charge; Homeland Security Investigations - Border Enforcement Security Team, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Kevin Kelly; Customs and Border Protection Air and Marine Unit, under the direction of Director Brian Manaher; the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau – Office of Field Operations, under the direction of Assistant Administrator Nicholas Colucci; and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge John B. Devito, New York Field Division.
Sentencing is scheduled for April 30, 2020, at 12:00 p.m. before U.S. District Judge Charles J. Siragusa.
# # # #
Wilmington Pair Sentenced for Drug Distribution and Firearm ChargesRead the Press Release
RALEIGH – United States Attorney Robert J. Higdon, Jr. announced that yesterday in federal court, Chief United States District Judge Terrence W. Boyle sentenced NATHANIEL JOSEY, 61, of Wilmington, North Carolina, to 84 months imprisonment, followed by 4 years of supervised release. On April 2, 2019, JOSEY pled guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine, two counts of distribution of a quantity of pocaine, possession with intent to distribute a quantity of cocaine and cocaine base (crack), and possession with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine.
Previously, Chief United States District Judge Boyle sentenced ANTHONY WILLIAMS, 36, of Wilmington, to 168 months imprisonment and 5 years supervised release. On January 15, 2019, WILLIAMS pled guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute 5 kilograms or more of cocaine, possession with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine and 28 grams or more of cocaine base (crack), and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.
In May 2017, the FBI’s Coastal Carolina Criminal Enterprise Task Force, which is comprised of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, New Hanover County Sheriff’s Office, Wilmington Police Department, Brunswick County Sheriff’s Office, and North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation, and the Drug Enforcement Administration, initiated an investigation into JOSEY’s drug trafficking activities.
On May 30 and June 6, 2017, the New Hanover County Sheriff’s Office conducted two controlled purchases of cocaine from JOSEY, both times in the parking lot of a business on Carolina Beach Road in New Hanover County. After JOSEY completed the June 6 drug deal, detectives conducted a traffic stop on JOSEY’s car. New Hanover Sheriff’s Detectives found quantities of cocaine and cocaine base (crack) and $3,800. Detectives developed information that JOSEY lived in Brunswick County and had more cocaine at his residence.
New Hanover County Detectives provided this information to the Brunswick County Sheriff’s Office. Detectives then conducted a consent search of JOSEY’s residence and found several ounces of cocaine and cocaine base (crack), more than $60,000 in drug proceeds, two loaded handguns, and numerous long guns.
During the investigation it was determined that JOSEY was being supplied by WILLIAMS and that JOSEY had recently received cocaine from WILLIAMS. New Hanover County Detectives obtained a search warrant for a residence associated with WILLIAMS. Detectives found 10 kilograms of cocaine, more than 380 grams of crack cocaine, items used to convert cocaine into crack cocaine, a loaded semi-automatic handgun, and more than $205,000 in drug proceeds.
The investigation uncovered that WILLIAMS imported and distributed approximately 60 kilograms of either cocaine and/or crack cocaine during the course of the drug conspiracy.
This case is part of the United States Attorney’s Office’s Take Back North Carolina Initiative. This initiative emphasizes the regional assignment of federal prosecutors to work with law enforcement and District Attorney’s Offices on a sustained basis in those communities to reduce the violent crime rate, drug trafficking, and crimes against law enforcement.
The success of this case is the direct result of the phenomenal partnership between law enforcement agencies and the United States Attorney's Office in the Eastern District of North Carolina. There is no limit to what the FBI, the New Hanover County Sheriff's Office and the Brunswick County Sheriff's Office can accomplish when it comes to protecting the members of their communities. Assistant United States Attorney Timothy M. Severo and Special Assistant United States Attorney Murphy Averitt represented the government.
***
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.
West Virginia physician sentenced for illegally distributing drugsRead the Press Release
CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Dr. George P. Naum, of Wheeling, West Virginia, was sentenced today to six months incarceration to be followed by two years of supervised release, with the first six months on home confinement, for illegally distributing controlled substances, U.S. Attorney Bill Powell announced.
“When you illegally distribute drugs, you must be held accountable. Dr. Naum chose to prey on those most vulnerable, seeking treatment for substance abuse. He chose to further their addiction instead of help, as he was sworn to do. Thank you to the prosecution team, including investigators, who worked hard to bring this case to justice,” said Powell.
After a six-day trial in April 2019, a jury found Naum, guilty of one count of “Conspiracy to Distribute Controlled Substances Outside the Bounds of Professional Medical Practice,” and four counts of “Aiding and Abetting the Distribution of Controlled Substances Outside the Bounds of Professional Medical Practice.” He was found not guilty of one count of “Aiding and Abetting the Distribution of Controlled Substances Outside the Bounds of Professional Medical Practice.” Naum, age 60, conspired with others to illegally distribute controlled substances from a drug treatment center, Advance Healthcare, Inc., in Weirton, West Virginia from 2008 to 2016.
Naum was also ordered to pay $77,063.20 in forfeiture, and to pay a $2500 fine. Naum will have to relinquish his medical license while incarcerated and on supervised release. He is permitted to seek to reinstate his license once his sentence is served. Naum will report for his incarceration on March 9, 2020.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Sarah E. Wagner and Robert H. McWilliams, Jr. prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Drug Enforcement Administration, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Office of Inspector General at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, WV Offices of the Insurance Commissioner Fraud Division, WV Medicaid Fraud Control Unit, Office of Ohio Attorney General Health Care Fraud, Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation, the Hancock-Brook-Weirton Drug Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, the Greater Harrison County Drug Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, West Virginia State Police, the Hancock County Sheriff’s Office, and the Weirton Police Department investigated.
Senior U.S. District Judge Irene M. Keeley presided.Vermont Man Sentenced to 57 Months for Attempting to Meet a Minor for SexRead the Press Release
ALBANY, NEW YORK –John Curley, age 48, of Chester, Vermont, was sentenced today to 57 months in prison for attempting to meet a 12-year-old girl for sex.
The announcement was made by United States Attorney Grant C. Jaquith and James N. Hendricks, Special Agent in Charge of the Albany Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).
As part of his previously entered guilty plea, Curley admitted that he used an internet-based social networking service to solicit sex from someone he thought was a 12-year-old girl, but who was actually a police investigator acting in an undercover capacity. Curley was arrested in a parking lot in Fort Ann, New York, where Curley believed he was going to meet the 12-year-old girl for sex.
United States District Judge Mae A. D’Agostino also imposed a 20-year term of supervised release, which will start after Curley is released from prison. As a result of his conviction, Curley will be required to register as a sex offender upon his release from prison.
This case was investigated by the FBI and its Child Exploitation Task Force, which includes members of the New York State Police, and was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Ashlyn Miranda.
This case was prosecuted as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative designed to protect children from online exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys’ Offices, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit http://www.justice.gov/psc/.
Valliant Man Sentenced to 18 Months for Failure to Register as Sex OffenderRead the Press Release
MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that John David Sanders, age 41, of Valliant, Oklahoma, was sentenced to 18 months’ imprisonment, and 5 years of supervised release for Failure To Register As Sex Offender, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 2250(a)(1), 2250(a)(2)(B) and 2250(a)(3). The charges arose from an investigation by the Texas Department of Public Safety, the McCurtain County Sheriff’s Office, and the United States Marshals Service.
The Indictment alleged that from in or about March 2019, until about July 16, 2019, in the Eastern District of Oklahoma, and elsewhere, the defendant, an individual required to register as a sex offender under the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act (“SORNA”), as a result of a conviction for Indecency with a Child, traveled in interstate and foreign commerce and knowingly failed to register and update his registration as required by SORNA.
Sex offender registration and notification programs are important for public safety purposes. Sex offender registration is a system for monitoring and tracking sex offenders following their release into the community. The registration provides important information about convicted sex offenders to local and federal authorities and the public, such as offender's name, current location and past offenses.
The Honorable Ronald A. White, U.S. District Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, in Muskogee, presided over the hearing. Assistant United States Attorney Sarah McAmis represented the United States.U.S. Attorney Christina Nolan Welcomes Congress’ Action to Reauthorize Ban on Deadly Fentanyl AnaloguesRead the Press Release
This week Congress passed a bill reauthorizing the temporary ban on deadly fentanyl analogues until May 6, 2021. Before passage of the bill, DEA’s temporary scheduling of fentanyl analogues was set to expire on February 6, 2020. The bill—S. 3201, Temporary Reauthorization and Study of the Emergency Scheduling of Fentanyl Analogues Act—extends the ban for another 15 months, which will allow for additional study on the potential permanent scheduling of all fentanyl analogues. In the near term, it allows prosecutors to continue to bring cases against those involved in the distribution of these lethal substances. The U.S. Attorney community across the country, including U.S. Attorney Nolan, advocated for passage of this bill in recently-published op-ed articles.
U.S. Attorney Nolan praised the passage of the bill, calling it “an essential step in saving lives and keeping fentanyl analogues — some of the most lethal narcotics in existence — out of Vermont communities.” She added: “Law enforcement encounters with fentanyl analogues fell by fifty percent in the wake of DEA’s temporary ban. The congressional extension of the prohibition will reduce the presence of fentanyl analogues in the country and give prosecutors a critical tool to break up drug trafficking organizations and bring consequences to for-profit dealers. We thank our U.S. Attorney colleagues in New England for joining our office in supporting the legislation and we continue to hope for a permanent ban on these lethal drugs.”
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
Two Rivers Resident Sentenced to 15 Years of Imprisonment for Methamphetamine DistributionRead the Press Release
Matthew D. Krueger, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Wisconsin, announced that on January 30, 2020, Clint J. Blaha (age: 37), of Two Rivers, Wisconsin, was sentenced to 15 years’ incarceration to be followed by ten years of supervised release for possessing with the intent to distribute over 50 grams of actual methamphetamine, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Section 841(a) and (b)(1)(A),.
According to court documents, in May 2019, the Manitowoc County MEG Unit began investigating Blaha for suspected distribution of methamphetamine. They monitored interstate wire transfers and surveilled Blaha’s travel to known drug distribution areas. In July 2019, they initiated a traffic stop for the purpose of arresting Blaha. During that traffic stop they recovered 77.5 grams of methamphetamine. They obtained a search warrant for Blaha’s residence where they recovered an additional 1.25 pounds of actual (“crystal”) methamphetamine packaged for distribution.
In pronouncing sentence, Senior District Judge William C. Griesbach noted the serious nature of Blaha’s offense and the need to send a strong message of deterrence to Blaha and anyone else who might attempt to distribute drugs in Northeast Wisconsin.
The case was investigated by the Manitowoc County Metropolitan Enforcement Group with the assistance of the Manitowoc County Sheriff’s Office. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Daniel R. Humble.
# # #
For Additional Information Contact:
Public Information Officer Kenneth Gales 414-297-1700
Follow us on Twitter
Ticket Broker and Two Former Chicago White Sox Employees Indicted in Alleged Scheme to Fraudulently Sell Game TicketsRead the Press Release
CHICAGO — Two former employees of the Chicago White Sox schemed with a ticket broker to fraudulently sell thousands of tickets to White Sox baseball games, according to an indictment returned in federal court in Chicago.
While working as ticket sellers for the White Sox, JAMES COSTELLO and WILLIAM O’NEIL fraudulently generated complimentary and discount game tickets without the team’s authorization and gave them to the broker, BRUCE LEE, in exchange for cash payments, the 14-count indictment states. Lee, who owned the Chicago-based ticket brokerage Great Tickets, then sold the tickets on the online marketplace StubHub at prices below face value, the indictment states.
During the 2016 to 2019 baseball seasons, Lee earned approximately $868,369 by selling approximately 34,876 tickets that he fraudulently obtained from Costello and O’Neil, the charges allege. As a result of the scheme, the White Sox suffered a loss of approximately $1 million, the indictment states.
The indictment was returned Thursday in U.S. District Court in Chicago. It charges Lee, 34, of Chicago, with eleven counts of wire fraud and two counts of money laundering, while Costello, 66, of New Lenox, is charged with one count of wire fraud, and O’Neil, 51, of New Lenox, is charged with one count of making a false statement to the FBI. Arraignments have not yet been scheduled.
The indictment was announced by John R. Lausch, Jr., United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois; and Emmerson Buie, Jr., Special Agent-in-Charge of the Chicago office of the FBI. The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew Schneider.
The public is reminded that an indictment is not evidence of guilt. The defendants are presumed innocent and entitled to a fair trial at which the government has the burden of proving guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. Each count of wire fraud is punishable by up to 20 years in federal prison, while each money laundering count carries a maximum sentence of ten years. The false statement charge is punishable by up to five years. If convicted, the Court must impose reasonable sentences under federal statutes and the advisory U.S. Sentencing Guidelines.
South Bay Man Charged in Methamphetamine Distribution SchemeRead the Press Release
SAN FRANCISCO – Jesus Moises Rochin-Huerta is charged in a criminal complaint with possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, announced United States Attorney David L. Anderson, Special Agent in Charge, Homeland Security Investigations Tatum King and Drug Enforcement Administration Special Agent in Charge Daniel C. Comeaux.
An affidavit filed in the case by an agent of the Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) alleges that Rochin-Huerta was caught with the drugs yesterday while driving on Highway 880 in San Jose. According to the affidavit, Rochin-Huerta’s car had no front license plate and tinted front windows when a California Highway Patrol (CHP) officer pulled him over for the traffic violations. The CHP officer allegedly observed that Rochin-Huerta was acting nervously and was in possession of two cell phones and so decided to conduct an open-air sniff of the defendant’s car with a K-9. After the dog gave a positive alert, the CHP officer found two black duffle bags containing drugs in the trunk of the car. Specifically, in the black bags were 58 packages of a white crystalline substance that was further wrapped in plastic, vacuum-sealed bags. The white substance tested positive for methamphetamine. Rochin-Huerta was arrested as a result of the traffic stop.
According to the affidavit, the combined weight of the substance in the trunk of Rochin-Huerta’s car amounts to approximately 66.4 pounds having an approximate wholesale value of between $72, 000 and $81,000.
Rochin-Huerta is charged with possession with intent to distribute and distribution of 500 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing methamphetamine in violation of 21 U.S.C. §§ 841(a)(1) and (b)(1)(A)(viii).
Rochin-Huerta will make his initial federal court appearance at 1:30 p.m., on January 31, 2020, before U.S. Magistrate Judge Nathanael M. Cousins.
If convicted, Rochin-Huerta faces a minimum statutory penalty of ten years imprisonment and a maximum statutory penalty of up to life in prison. A term of supervised release, fines, forfeitures, and restitution also may be ordered, however, any sentence following conviction would be imposed by the court only after consideration of the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and the federal statute governing the imposition of a sentence, 18 U.S.C. § 3553.
The complaint contains allegations only and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarah Griswold is prosecuting the case with the assistance of Jessica Leung. The prosecution is the result of an investigation by HSI with assistance from the DEA, Southern Alameda County Major Crimes Task Force, and California Highway Patrol.
Sextortionist convicted of child exploitation crimesRead the Press Release
ATLANTA - Benjamin Jenkins has been convicted by a jury of multiple counts of producing and distributing child pornography. Jenkins lured numerous young girls into sending him sexually explicit photos and videos, and then retaliated against the girls who refused to send him more.
“Jenkins is a predator who used various social media sites to lure and coerce young girls into sending him child pornography,” said U.S. Attorney Byung J. “BJay” Pak. “He terrorized his young victims by threatening to post their photographs online if they did not comply, and he frequently made good on these threats. A jury has now held Jenkins accountable for his horrific crimes, and he faces a lengthy prison sentence.”
“Sextortion is a growing threat that traps our youth in a horrific situation they aren’t able to get out of. The removal of Jenkins from our community makes us all safer,” said acting Special Agent in Charge Robert Hammer, who oversees HSI operations in Georgia and Alabama. “With studies showing that over half of children over 11 years old have a cellphone, I urge parents to educate themselves and their kids about the dangers that exist on their phones. Parents need to know and monitor their children’s social media usage and ensure their children are only ‘friending’ people they personally know. Unfortunately, once the child decides to hit send on a photograph, there is no way to pull it back or remove it from the internet. HSI Atlanta will continue to prioritize our investigations to protect our youth from these online predators.”
According to U.S. Attorney Pak, the charges and other information presented in court: Beginning in 2015, Jenkins targeted girls between the ages of 13 and 16 years. To lure the girls, he used different aliases and profiles to trick the girls into sending him sexually suggestive photos of themselves. After a girl sent him a photo, Jenkins coerced the child into sending him more photos and videos by threatening to post the photos online or to send the images to the girl’s family and friends. Jenkins instructed the girls on what body parts to show, what poses to make, and what objects to insert into their bodies. Jenkins further humiliated his victims by forcing them to send him videos showing them drinking their own urine or licking toilets. He also humiliated many of his victims by making them watch him masturbate.
Once a girl blocked Jenkins online, he sent her explicit photos to her parents and friends with demands that the girl resume communications with him. Jenkins also posted his victim’s nude photos and contact information online with messages instructing men on how to contact the girls directly for more photos or for sex.
Benjamin Jenkins, a/k/a “Rei,” a/k/a “Reithe8th,” a/k/a “Dani Domo, 25, of Mableton, Georgia, was charged with nine counts of producing child pornography and three counts of distributing child pornography. Nine of his victims testified at trial. Jenkins was convicted of all of these charges by a federal jury on January 16, 2020.
Sentencing is scheduled for April 2, 2020, at 10:00 a.m. before U.S. District Judge Michael L. Brown.
The U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations is investigating this case.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Paul R. Jones and L. Skye Davis, Coordinator of the U.S. Attorney’s Office’s Project Safe Childhood and Anti-Human Trafficking programs, are prosecuting the case.
This case is being brought as part of Project Safe Childhood. In February 2006, the Attorney General launched Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative designed to protect children from online exploitation and abuse. Led by the U.S. Attorney’s Offices around the country, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
For further information please contact the U.S. Attorney’s Public Affairs Office at [email protected] or (404) 581-6016. The Internet address for the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Georgia is http://www.justice.gov/usao-ndga.
Saint Louis City Man Sentenced to 114 Months in Prison for Robbing Maplewood Steak and Shake at GunpointRead the Press Release
St. Louis, MO –Frank Brothers, 30, of St. Louis, MO, was sentenced to 114 months in prison for his role in robbing the Steak and Shake in Maplewood and possessing a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence. Brothers appeared in federal court today before United States District Judge Rodney W. Sippel.
According to court documents, on October 24, 2018, Brothers entered the Steak and Shake located in Maplewood. Brothers pointed a firearm at the manger, forced her to the floor and then demanded she open the safe. The manager handed Brothers the U.S. currency in the safe. Brothers then fled out the rear door to his vehicle.
“This conviction is another shining example of the fantastic working relationship between municipalities like Maplewood, the outstanding men and women of the FBI, and U.S. Attorney’s Office”, said Lieutenant John LeClerc, Maplewood Police Department.
The Maplewood Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation are investigating this case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Tom Mehan is handling the case.
SWGA Meth Dealer Sentenced to Ten Years in PrisonRead the Press Release
ALBANY, Ga. – An admitted methamphetamine dealer, who was arrested with pure “ice” methamphetamine in Lee County, Georgia, was sentenced to ten years in prison, announced Charles “Charlie” Peeler, the U.S. Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia. Willie Ware, 22, of Albany, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Louis Sands on Thursday, January 30, 2020 to serve 121 months in prison and five years supervised release, after pleading guilty to one count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. There is no parole in the federal system.
Mr. Ware admitted that he was arrested by Lee County Sheriff’s deputies in possession of 241.54 grams of 100% pure d-methamphetamine hydrochloride. Mr. Ware was taken into custody on November 24, 2017, during a routine traffic stop in the area of Joiner Drive and North Doublegate Drive. Deputies spotted a jar of marijuana in plain view and a handgun. During a legal search of the car, the methamphetamine was discovered. Mr. Ware told investigators that he had already sold one ounce of methamphetamine prior to his arrest.
“Methamphetamine is a poison in our society, killing users and ruining many lives. Its ripple effect is far reaching, and we will continue to prosecute individuals who choose to deal this dangerous drug in our communities,” said Charlie Peeler, the U.S. Attorney. “I want to thank the Lee County Sheriff’s Department and the DEA for their work in this case.”
“It is a great pleasure to work these types of drug cases and remove both the drugs and the dealers out of our society. Methamphetamine is a hideous drug that makes users paranoid, violent and aggressive, which I feel makes them a serious threat to society and law enforcement. Meth users and sellers are a threat to our children and families, therefore I intend to continue to investigate and arrest people involved in illegal drugs,” said Lee County Sheriff Reggie Rachals.
The case was investigated by the Lee County Sheriff’s Office and the DEA. Assistant U.S. Attorney Leah E. McEwen is prosecuting 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.
Rural King Robbers Plead Guilty in Federal CourtRead the Press Release
Ocala, Florida – United States Attorney Maria Chapa Lopez announces that three men charged with the 2019 robberies of two central Florida Rural King locations—Carlos Eduardo Hampton, Jr. (22, Tampa), Quintin Eugene Augustus (18, Cocoa), and Jonathan Arthur Floyd (21, Cocoa) have each entered guilty pleas to two counts of interference with commerce by robbery. Hampton also pleaded guilty to possessing a firearm as a convicted felon. Each faces up to 20 years in prison on each of the robbery counts; Hampton also faces up to 10 years’ imprisonment for the firearm offense.
The individuals had been indicted on October 2, 2019.
According to the plea agreements, on July 26 and August 16, 2019, Hampton, Augustus, and Floyd used a sledgehammer to break into two Rural King locations in Ocala and Zephyrhills. The men then used the sledgehammer to smash open display cases and steal a total of 28 firearms. They were apprehended by the Zephyrhills Police Department after the second robbery. Hampton, a convicted felon, is prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition under federal law.
A fourth individual, Christopher Hooker (24, Orlando), has also been charged in this case. He is currently awaiting trial.
An indictment is merely a formal charge that a defendant has committed one or more violations of federal criminal law, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless, and until, proven guilty.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Ocala Police Department, and the Zephyrhills Police Department. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Robert E. Bodnar, Jr.
This is another case prosecuted as part of the Department of Justice’s “Project Safe Neighborhoods” Program (PSN), which is a nationwide, crime reduction strategy aimed at decreasing violent crime in communities. It involves a comprehensive approach to public safety — one that includes investigating and prosecuting crimes, along with prevention and reentry efforts. In the Middle District of Florida, U.S. Attorney Maria Chapa Lopez coordinates PSN efforts in cooperation with various federal, state, and local law enforcement officials.
Rochester Man Arrested, Charged with Production of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
CONTACT: Barbara Burns
PHONE: (716) 843-5817
FAX #: (716) 551-3051ROCHESTER, N.Y.- U.S. Attorney James P. Kennedy, Jr. announced today that Jeremy Hernandez, 30, of Rochester, NY, was arrested and charged by criminal complaint with producing child pornography. The charge carries a minimum penalty of 15 years in prison, a maximum of 30 years, and a $250,000 fine.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Kyle P. Rossi who is handling the case, stated that according to the complaint, the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) received information from an electronic service provider that a user had uploaded several images of child pornography to a blog on the provider’s platform. As a result of that information, the New York State Police identified and located the source of the child pornography at an address in Rochester.
The complaint further states that on October 24, 2019, a search warrant was executed at the residence. Hernandez was present at the time. Investigators seized several digital devices, including two cellular phones that belonged to the defendant. A forensic analysis recovered images and videos on the phones, which depicted Hernandez sexually abusing a minor under 13 years old on multiple occasions between 2017 and 2019. The child has since been identified and located.
The defendant made an initial appearance today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Marian W. Payson and is being held pending a detention hearing on February 13, 2020, 2:30 p.m.
The criminal complaint is the result of an investigation by the New York State Police, under the direction of Major Eric Laughton; Monroe County Child Protective Services, under the direction of Director Kathy Cardilli; the Bivona Child Advocacy Center, under the direction of Executive Director Deb Rosen; and Homeland Security Investigations, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Kevin Kelly.
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.
# # # #
Repeat drug distributor sentenced to 6+ years in prison last week, rearrested in midst of drug deal involving fentanyl pillsRead the Press Release
Seattle – A Snohomish, Washington, man who was sentenced just last week to 78 months in prison for dealing fentanyl-laced pills and cocaine is back behind bars tonight after being arrested on his way to a drug deal in Whatcom County, announced U.S. Attorney Brian T. Moran. MICHAEL JOHN SCOTT, who tells his drug contacts to call him the ‘Italian Stallion,’ was released on bond following his January 24, 2020, sentencing hearing. While waiting to get his prison assignment, SCOTT continued to set up drug deals for fentanyl-laced pills. SCOTT is now charged with possession of controlled substances with intent to distribute and being a felon in possession of a firearm.
“Not even a federal prison sentence could deter this defendant from the lure of cash generated by his drug dealing,” said U.S. Attorney Brian T. Moran. “He has repeatedly lived a lavish lifestyle funded by drug money despite a state drug trafficking conviction in 2013, and a federal conviction in 2019. With this third arrest for trafficking dangerous fentanyl-laced pills, his lifestyle will be limited to a federal prison cell for quite some time.”
According to records filed in the case, SCOTT pleaded guilty in June 2019 for his role in U.S. v Hernandez et al, a 32-defendant drug trafficking case that was unsealed in December 2018. SCOTT was a high-volume redistributor of fentanyl-laced imitation oxycodone pills and cocaine. SCOTT delivered hundreds of thousands of dollars in cash to his cartel suppliers for the drugs–sometimes as much as $150,000 at a time. When SCOTT’s home was searched in December 2018, law enforcement recovered illegal drugs, more than $40,000 in cash, and other tools of the drug trade.
Even as SCOTT was awaiting sentencing, he began communicating with a confidential source, offering fentanyl pills for sale. While under law enforcement supervision, the source agreed to meet and purchase the pills. Law enforcement executed a traffic stop on SCOTT’s car as he traveled up I-5 to complete the drug deal. Investigators found 9 baggies of what appear to be fake oxycodone pills, with approximately 100 pills in each bag, heroin, and cash. When they served a search warrant on SCOTT’s home, they found more drugs, more cash, and a loaded firearm in his bedside table. According to law enforcement, the firearm was reported as stolen in King County in early November 2019.
As presently charged in the criminal complaint, distribution of controlled substances is punishable by up to 20 years in prison, and being a felon in possession of a firearm is punishable by up to 10 years in prison.
The charges contained in the criminal complaint are only allegations. A person is presumed innocent unless and until he or she is proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
The case is being investigated by the Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA).
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Karyn Johnson and Marci Ellsworth.
Purchaser of Department of Energy Loan to Pay $29 Million to Settle Alleged Bidding FraudRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Hybrid Tech Holdings, LLC, Hybrid Technology, LLC, and Ace Strength International, LTD, have agreed to resolve allegations that they violated the False Claims Act by colluding to rig the bidding of an auction to purchase the United States Department of Energy’s non-performing loan to Fisker Automotive, Inc. and Fisker Automotive Holdings, Inc., the Department of Justice announced today.
“The Department is committed to ensuring a level playing field for those who seek to do business with the government,” said Assistant Attorney General Jody Hunt of the Department of Justice’s Civil Division. “As today’s settlement demonstrates, the Department will take appropriate action where it determines that this principle has been violated.”
The government alleged that the defendants exerted pressure on the two other competing bidders to suppress their bids during the live auction, thereby depriving the Department of Energy of a fair bidding process and reducing the amount ultimately recovered in the auction. As a result, the defendants were able to acquire the non-performing loan secured by the assets of Fisker Automotive for far less than the fair market value of the loan.
“This settlement reflects our Office’s commitment to hold accountable those who exploit the system for their own personal gain,” said Jessie K. Liu, U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia. “Companies working with the federal government must perform their obligations with transparency and fairness and we will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to pursue and penalize those who violate the False Claims Act.”
The settlements resolve allegations originally filed in a lawsuit by William R. Baldiga and the FAH Liquidating Trust, the successor to the Official Committee of Unsecured Creditors of Fisker Automotive Holdings, Inc. The suit was filed in federal court in the District of Columbia pursuant to the qui tam, or whistleblower, provisions of the False Claims Act, which permit private individuals to sue on behalf of the government for false claims and to share in any recovery. Mr. Baldiga’s and the Trust’s share of the settlement will be $5,220,000.
The settlements were the result of a coordinated effort by the Civil Division of the Department of Justice, the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia, and the United States Department of Energy Office of General Counsel and Office of Inspector General.
The case is captioned United States ex rel. Baldiga et al v. Hybrid Tech Holdings, LLC et al, No. 15-00019 (D.D.C). The claims resolved by the settlements are allegations only.
This case was investigated by Assistant U.S. Attorneys John Truong and Heather Graham-Oliver from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia and Trial Attorney John W. Black with the Department of Justice’s Commercial Litigation Branch.
Purchaser of Department of Energy Loan to Pay $29 Million to Settle Alleged Bidding FraudRead the Press Release
Hybrid Tech Holdings LLC, Hybrid Technology LLC, and Ace Strength International LTD, have agreed to resolve allegations that they violated the False Claims Act by colluding to rig the bidding of an auction to purchase the United States Department of Energy’s non-performing loan to Fisker Automotive Inc. and Fisker Automotive Holdings Inc, the Department of Justice announced today.
“The department is committed to ensuring a level playing field for those who seek to do business with the government,” said Assistant Attorney General Jody Hunt of the Department of Justice’s Civil Division. “As today’s settlement demonstrates, the department will take appropriate action where it determines that this principle has been violated.”
The government alleged that the defendants exerted pressure on the two other competing bidders to suppress their bids during the live auction, thereby depriving the Department of Energy of a fair bidding process and reducing the amount ultimately recovered in the auction. As a result, the defendants were able to acquire the non-performing loan secured by the assets of Fisker Automotive for far less than the fair market value of the loan.
“This settlement reflects our Office’s commitment to hold accountable those who exploit the system for their own personal gain,” said U.S. Attorney Jessie K. Liu for the District of Columbia. “Companies working with the federal government must perform their obligations with transparency and fairness and we will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to pursue and penalize those who violate the False Claims Act.”
The settlements resolve allegations originally filed in a lawsuit by William R. Baldiga and the FAH Liquidating Trust, the successor to the Official Committee of Unsecured Creditors of Fisker Automotive Holdings Inc. The suit was filed in federal court in the District of Columbia pursuant to the qui tam, or whistleblower, provisions of the False Claims Act, which permit private individuals to sue on behalf of the government for false claims and to share in any recovery. Mr. Baldiga’s and the Trust’s share of the settlement will be $5,220,000.
The settlements were the result of a coordinated effort by the Civil Division of the Department of Justice, the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia, and the United States Department of Energy Office of General Counsel and Office of Inspector General.
The case is captioned United States ex rel. Baldiga et al v. Hybrid Tech Holdings, LLC et al, No. 15-00019 (D.D.C). The claims resolved by the settlements are allegations only.
This case was investigated by Assistant U.S. Attorneys John Truong and Heather Graham-Oliver from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia and Trial Attorney John W. Black with the Department of Justice’s Commercial Litigation Branch.
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.
Project Guardian: Three Felons Sentenced to Federal Prison for Gun PossessionRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Three felons were sentenced to federal prison for gun possession, announced United States Attorney Mike Stuart.
Shannon Brown, 44, of Charleston, received an enhanced sentence of 46 months in prison for being a felon in possession of a firearm. Brown previously admitted that on June 6, 2019, he possessed a Smith and Wesson, .40 caliber handgun, in and affecting interstate commerce. Brown ran from the police and threw the gun and a small amount of cocaine during the chase, both of which were recovered by the police. The Court increased Brown’s sentence because he possessed both the firearm and cocaine. Brown has two previous felony drug convictions from 1998 and 2004 in the Circuit Court of Kanawha County, West Virginia, and was aware that he was prohibited from possessing a firearm. The Charleston Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) conducted the investigation. United States District Judge Irene C. Berger imposed the sentence. Assistant United States Attorney Steven I. Loew handled the prosecution.
Joshua Adam Dowler, 37, of Wood County, was sentenced to 36 months in prison for possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. Dowler previously admitted that on April 12, 2018, he possessed a Taurus 9mm pistol while target shooting at a residence on Cain Hill Road. He was prohibited from possessing the firearm due to having been convicted of burglary in 2007. He was on parole at the time he possessed the firearm. The United States Marshals Service, the Wood County Sheriff’s Department, the West Virginia State Police, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) conducted the investigation. United States District Judge Irene C. Berger imposed the sentence. Assistant United States Attorney Joshua Hanks handled the prosecution.
Dennis Leroy Burns II, 43, of Boone County, was sentenced to 15 months in prison. He previously pled guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm. Burns admitted that on November 12, 2018, he was walking along Mud River Road in Boone County when a trooper with the West Virginia State Police encountered him. The trooper investigated and ultimately located a loaded, High-Point, Model C9, 9mm pistol in a ditch just behind Burns, which Burns had possessed. Burns was prohibited from possessing the firearm due to a 2007 felony conviction in Forsyth County Superior Court in Winston Salem, North Carolina, for attempting to obtain money under false pretenses. The West Virginia State Police and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) conducted the investigation. Senior United States District Judge John T. Copenhaver, Jr. imposed the sentence. Assistant United States Attorneys Ryan A. Keefe and Greg McVey handled the prosecution.
This cases are part of Project Guardian, the Department of Justice’s signature initiative to reduce gun violence and enforce federal firearms laws. Initiated by the Attorney General in the fall of 2019, Project Guardian draws upon the Department’s past successful programs to reduce gun violence; enhances coordination of federal, state, local, and tribal authorities in investigating and prosecuting gun crimes; improves information-sharing by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives when a prohibited individual attempts to purchase a firearm and is denied by the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS), to include taking appropriate actions when a prospective purchaser is denied by the NICS for mental health reasons; and ensures that federal resources are directed at the criminals posing the greatest threat to our communities. The United States Attorney’s Office has prosecuted this case with support from the Project Guardian partners listed above. For more information about Project Guardian, please see: https://www.justice.gov/projectguardian.
The case against Shannon Brown was prosecuted as part of the Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) program, the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
Follow us on Twitter: SDWVNews and USAttyStuart
###
Pennsylvania physician sentenced for drug chargeRead the Press Release
CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Dr. Parth Bharill, a Pittsburgh and Morgantown physician, was sentenced today to five years probation, with the first six months on home confinement, for a drug charge, U.S. Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Bharill, age 61, of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, pled guilty to one count of “Conspiracy to Distribute Controlled Substances Outside the Bounds of Professional Medical Practice” in September 2019. Bharill admitted to working with the Redirections Treatment Advocates, LLC, of Morgantown, West Virginia, to write illegitimate prescriptions for suboxone. The crime occurred from November 2014 to January 2018 in Monongalia County, West Virginia.
Bharill was ordered to pay a $50,000 fine, as well as $23,076.95 in restitution. The judge also imposed an order of forfeiture of $12,312.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarah E. Wagner prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Drug Enforcement Administration, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the Inspector General at the U.S Department of Health and Human Services investigated.
U.S. District Judge Thomas S. Kleeh presided.
Palmyra Man Pleads Guilty to Production of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
CONTACT: Barbara Burns
PHONE: (716) 843-5817
FAX #: (716) 551-3051ROCHESTER, N.Y. - U.S. Attorney James P. Kennedy, Jr. announced today that David Gfeller, 35, of Palmyra, NY, pleaded guilty to producing child pornography, before Chief U.S. District Judge Frank P. Geraci, Jr. The charge carries a minimum penalty of 15 years in prison, a maximum of 30 years, a lifetime period of supervised release, and a $250,000 fine.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Kyle P. Rossi, who is handling the case, stated that on February 12, 2019, Homeland Security Investigations in Buffalo received information, from an international law enforcement network, that child pornography had been recovered by authorities in various countries, including Germany, Belgium, Italy, Portugal, and France, which had possibly originated in Western New York. The child pornography depicted a prepubescent minor.
With assistance from the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, Homeland Security Special Agents used data associated with the images to locate the residence where the images were produced. The victim was located. On March 1, 2019, investigators executed a search warrant at the defendant’s residence and arrested Gfeller for producing the child pornography.
The plea is the result of an investigation by Homeland Security Investigations, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Kevin Kelly, with assistance from the Royal Canadian Mounted Police and the New York State Police.
Sentencing is scheduled for May 4, 2020, at 9:30 a.m. before Judge Geraci.
# # # #
Okmulgee Man Sentenced to 54 Months for Firearm PossessionRead the Press Release
MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that Sterling Ross, IV, age 26, was sentenced to 54 months’ imprisonment, and 3 years of supervised release for Felon In Possession Of Firearm, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 922(g)(1) and 924(a)(2). The Indictment alleged that on or about February 3, 2019, within the Eastern District of Oklahoma, the defendant, having been convicted of a crime punishable by imprisonment for a term exceeding one year, knowingly possessed a Glock GMBH, Model 30, .45 ACP caliber semi-automatic pistol which had been shipped and transported in interstate and foreign commerce.
United States Attorney Brian J. Kuester said, “The Department of Justice is committed to working with law enforcement agencies to make the communities they serve safer. We are most effective at having a local impact on violent crime when federal law enforcement agencies have working relationships with the local officers because those officers have a front row seat to see the challenges their communities are facing. This case is a result of those kinds of working relationships.”
The charges arose from an investigation by the Okmulgee Police Department, the Federal Bureau of Investigation Safe Trails Task Force, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. The Oklahoma Safe Trails Task Force is comprised of the FBI and nine partner agencies including: Muscogee Creek Nation Lighthorse Police, Okmulgee Police Department, Okmulgee Sheriff’s Office, Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics, District 25 District Attorney’s Investigators, Cherokee Nation Police, Tahlequah Police Department, and Wagoner Police Department. The task force is focused on combating and reducing crime related to tribal jurisdictions across Oklahoma.
The Honorable Ronald A. White, U.S. District Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, in Muskogee, presided over the hearing. Assistant United States Attorney Dean Burris represented the United States.Ohio County man sentenced for child pornography chargeRead the Press Release
WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Kirk Grubler, of Wheeling, West Virginia, was sentenced today to 24 months incarceration for possessing child pornography, U.S. Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Grubler, age 37, pled guilty to one count of “Possession of Child Pornography” in March 2019. Grubler admitted to having images of child pornography depicting a child under the age of 12 in April 2017 in Ohio County.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephen L. Vogrin prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security Investigations investigated.
U.S. District Judge John Preston Bailey presided.
New York Man Arrested in Enfield Pleads Guilty to Counterfeiting ChargeRead the Press Release
John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that MICHAEL A. STEVENS, 26, of Brooklyn, New York, pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Judge Michael P. Shea in Hartford to one count of conspiracy to falsely make, forge, counterfeit and pass Federal Reserve Notes.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on May 7, 2019, Enfield Police arrested Stevens and another individual after they attempted to pass counterfeit currency at a Dick’s Sporting Goods store in Enfield. A subsequent search of their vehicle revealed more than $600 in counterfeit currency, 33 pages of paper with uncut $50 and $20 counterfeit notes, an unopened box of paper, and a printer.
The investigation revealed that, in late April 2019, Stevens and others passed hundreds of dollars in counterfeit currency at retail locations in New Britain and Vernon.
Investigators also learned that there was an active federal warrant for Stevens’ arrest in the Eastern District of Virginia. On February 21, 2019, a federal grand jury in Richmond, Virginia, returned as indictment charging Stevens and four other individuals with counterfeiting offenses. The case against Stevens was transferred to the District of Connecticut for further prosecution.
In pleading guilty, Stevens admitted that, in January 2019, he and others passed approximately $21,800 in counterfeit currency at locations in Fredericksburg and Richmond, Virginia.
Judge Shea scheduled sentencing for April 24, 2020, at which time Steven faces a maximum term of imprisonment of five years. Stevens who had been detained since May 7, 2019, was released today on a $50,000 bond.
This investigation is being conducted by the U.S. Secret Service with the assistance of several local police departments. The case in the District of Connecticut is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael J. Gustafson.
New Jersey Man Sentenced to 42 Months in $3M Federal Bribery CaseRead the Press Release
WILMINGTON, Del. – David C. Weiss, United States Attorney for the District of Delaware, announced today that Stephen Williams was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Richard G. Andrews to 42 months’ incarceration for bribery in connection with programs receiving federal funds. Williams is the co-defendant of Crystal Martin, the Delaware State University (“DSU”) administrator who pled guilty to the same bribery scheme in April 2019, and whose sentencing occurs in February 2020.
According to court documents and statements made in open court, between 2013 and 2017, Williams was the leader of a bribery scheme at DSU. Williams recruited students to pay him a fee to change their student registration status from out-of-state residency to in-state residency. After students paid him their fee, Williams helped create forged residency documents, such as leases, and then delivered the forged documents to his co-defendant Martin to place in the students’ files, justifying the residency changes that Martin recorded in the university’s computer system. Williams paid Martin a percentage of the fee he collected from each student whose residency was changed, amounting to approximately $70,000 over the course of four years. Williams also paid DSU students to recruit others interested in having their registration status changed. While the total amount that Williams profited from his scheme remains unknown, the estimated cost of reduced tuition payments of more than 250 students to DSU during this four-year-period exceeded $3 million.
U.S. Attorney Weiss stated, “The defendant created and ran a four-year scheme that defrauded a Delaware public university. In so doing, he encouraged hundreds of people to break the law. Further, he deprived his own alma mater and Delaware taxpayers of the rightful tuition proceeds for Delaware State University so that he could personally profit. Defendants who repeatedly break the law for their own personal gain at the expense of Delaware citizens must be held accountable.”
“This defendant perpetuated a fraud, for his own personal gain, against the university, the state of Delaware, and those students who did not try to game the system,” said FBI Baltimore Special Agent in Charge Jennifer Boone. “The FBI will pursue cases of injustice, such as this, until the perpetrator pays for the crime.”
“Williams knowingly and willfully defrauded America’s taxpayers and students in a deliberate and methodical way. With his prison sentence and this judgment, he is being held accountable for his criminal actions,” said Geoffrey Wood, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Department of Education Office of Inspector General Eastern Regional Office. “I’m proud of the work of the Office of Inspector General and our law enforcement partners in this matter and continuing our work to protect Federal education funds from those who would use them for their own selfish purposes.”
This case was investigated by the FBI Baltimore - Wilmington Office, the U.S. Department of Education Office of Inspector General, and Delaware State Police, with assistance from the Delaware Department of Justice’s Office of Civil Rights and Public Trust. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Laura D. Hatcher and Whitney C. Cloud.