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12 March 2020
Bergen County Man Charged with Stealing Millions from Lenders and Corporations in Wire Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
NEWARK, N.J. – A Bergen County man was arrested today for defrauding lenders and corporations of millions of dollars by impersonating two bank executives interested in funding syndicated loans for global companies, U.S. Attorney Craig Carpenito announced.
Matthew O’Callaghan, 43, of Upper Saddle River, New Jersey, is charged by indictment with five counts of wire fraud and three counts of money laundering. He is scheduled to appear this afternoon before U.S. Magistrate Judge Edward S. Kiel in Newark federal court.According to the indictment:
From 2016 through 2019, O’Callaghan defrauded two financial services groups and four other companies of millions of dollars by deceiving them into believing that “Bank A” was agreeing to commit funds to revolving credit facilities. He represented himself as an executive at Bank A using the aliases “Edward Tierney” and “Michael Nash.” O’Callaghan induced the victims into making trades in which they agreed to pay Bank A to take on a commitment to fund revolving credit facilities.
O’Callaghan submitted numerous fraudulent documents to the victims that were designed to deceive them into believing that Nash and Tierney were legitimate representatives of Bank A, including email addresses resembling legitimate Bank A email addresses, false email signature blocks for Tierney and Nash that bore the Bank A logo and listed the business address for Bank A, fraudulent wiring instructions bearing Bank A’s logo and address, and a tax form bearing a tax identification number for Bank A.
O’Callaghan directed the victims to wire funds to a bank account at Bank A that O’Callaghan controlled and then converted the money for his own use, including the purchase of an automobile, gambling, travel, and payments to a private club.
The wire fraud counts each carry a maximum potential penalty of 20 years in prison and $250,000 fine, or twice the gross gain or loss from the offense. The money laundering counts each carry a maximum potential penalty of 10 years in prison and $250,000 fine, or twice the gross gain or loss from the offense.U.S. Attorney Carpenito credited special agents of the FBI, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Gregory W. Ehrie in Newark, and inspectors with the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, under the direction of Inspector in Charge James Buthorn, with the investigation leading to the charges.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jonathan Fayer of the U.S. Attorney’s Office Economic Crimes Unit in Newark.
The charges and allegations contained in the indictment are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Defense counsel: Michael S. Weinstein Esq., Hackensack, New Jersey
Baton Rouge Doctor Sentenced to Federal Prison for Making False Statements Relating to Health Care MattersRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Brandon J. Fremin announced that U.S. District Judge Brian A. Jackson sentenced Marvin Clifton, M.D., age 71, of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, to 18 months in federal prison following his conviction for making false statements relating to health care matters. The Court further sentenced Dr. Clifton to two years of supervised release following his term of imprisonment, and ordered him to pay a $50,000 fine and a $100 special assessment.
According to admissions made as part of Dr. Clifton’s guilty plea, Dr. Clifton was a licensed physician whose medical practice included physical therapy. His patients included individuals that received medical benefits under the Office of Workers’ Compensation Program (“Workers’ Comp Program”). The Workers’ Comp Program was a federal health care benefit program, providing wage replacement benefits, medical treatment, vocational rehabilitation, and other benefits to certain workers or their dependents who experienced work-related injuries or occupational disease. Qualified medical treatment provided under the Workers’ Comp Program was paid for by the U.S. Treasury.
Between January 2015 and January 2019, Dr. Clifton engaged in a scheme to obtain money from the Workers’ Comp Program to which he was not entitled, by knowingly and willfully falsifying and concealing material facts. Dr. Clifton directed his office managers to falsify medical bills which claimed that Dr. Clifton had provided medical treatment such as physical therapy to Workers’ Comp patients, when he had not in fact provided the services. In some instances, Dr. Clifton would direct his office managers to bill for treatment on days his office was closed, and on other occasions, Dr. Clifton directed his office managers to bill for longer treatment sessions than what had actually been provided. These falsified medical bills were then sent to the United States Department of Labor at Dr. Clifton’s direction.
Throughout the course of this scheme, and through numerous transactions, Dr. Clifton submitted over $500,000 of falsified bills, through which he obtained approximately $340,342.58 in federal funds from the United States Department of Labor to which he was not entitled.
U.S. Attorney Brandon J. Fremin stated, “This office will continue to aggressively investigate and prosecute those who commit healthcare fraud. Cheating the federal Workers’ Compensation Program is not a victimless crime, as it jeopardizes healthcare resources and steals taxpayer money meant to treat federal workers with real injuries and illnesses.”
Bryan A. Vorndran, FBI New Orleans Special Agent in Charge stated: "Dr. Clifton compromised his integrity and medical license to line his pockets with the proceeds of false federal Workers’ Compensation claims made in collaboration with nine U.S. Postal employees. I commend the great work performed by the men and women of the FBI Baton Rouge Resident Agency, the U.S. Postal Service – Office of Inspector General, the Department of Labor, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Middle District of Louisiana, to hold those accountable who attempt to defraud American taxpayers through an intricate health care fraud scheme.”
“The sentence obtained today has been the culmination of a thorough investigation completed by our agents revealing abuse by medical professionals of Federal benefits programs for personal gain,” said Special Agent in Charge Christopher Cave, of the U.S. Postal Service Office of Inspector General Southern Area Field Office. “The USPS-OIG, along with our law enforcement partners, will continue to vigorously investigate these types of cases in order to deter and stop these fraud schemes.”
“Dr. Clifton fraudulently submitted more than $500,000 in false claims to the U.S. Department of Labor’s Office of Workers’ Compensation Programs (“OWCP”), putting his greed above patient care. We will continue to work with our law enforcement partners and OWCP to protect the integrity of DOL’s benefit programs,” said Steven Grell, Special Agent-in-Charge, Dallas Region, U.S. Department of Labor Office of Inspector General.
This matter was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the U.S. Postal Service Office of Inspector General, and the U.S. Department of Labor Office of Inspector General, and was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Peter J. Smyczek.
Attleboro Man Arrested on Child Pornography ChargesRead the Press Release
BOSTON – An Attleboro man has been charged with allegedly using Snapchat to engage in sexually explicit video-chats with minor children. He was also allegedly in possession of videos depicting children, 3-6 years old, being sexually abused.
Garry F. Bienvenue, 57, of Attleboro, was arrested and charged today in federal court in Boston with receipt and possession of child pornography. He appeared in federal court in Boston and was ordered detained pending a detention hearing set for March 16th at 2:00 p.m.
According to court documents, law enforcement learned that an internet user at Bienvenue’s Attleboro home had solicited and received child pornography from children over the internet using the Snapchat messaging application. A search of the home resulted in the seizure of Bienvenue’s smartphone, which was found to contain child pornography videos, including one depicting the rape of a child as young as 3-5 years old.
The charge of receipt of child pornography provides for a mandatory minimum sentence of five years and up to 20 years in prison. The charge of possession of child pornography provides for a sentence of up to 10 years in prison. Each charge also provides for a mandatory minimum of five years and up to a lifetime of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based on the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
United States Attorney Andrew E. Lelling; Jason Molina, Acting Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in Boston; Colonel Christopher Mason, Superintendent of the Massachusetts State Police; and Attleboro Police Chief Kyle P. Heagney made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Elianna Nuzum of Lelling’s Major Crimes Unit is prosecuting the case.
The case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood. In 2006, the Department of Justice created Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative designed to protect children from exploitation and abuse. Led by the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the DOJ’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov/.
The details contained in the charging document are allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Arrests Made in Austin and San Antonio in Connection with Project PythonRead the Press Release
Federal, state, and local authorities have arrested more than 20 individuals—over the past two days—charged in narcotics trafficking schemes with ties to the Cártel de Jalisco Nueva Generación (CJNG). These arrests are a result of a Drug Enforcement Administration operation, Project Python, intent upon targeting CJNG.
AUSTIN A federal grand jury in Austin has charged 18 individuals with conspiring to distribute cocaine, heroin, methamphetamine and other narcotics in the Austin area since April 2017. The defendants include: Maria Benitez-Ugarte (29) of Dale, TX; Rogelio Arias-Cruz (36) of Dale, TX; Linde DiGregorio (47) of Marble Falls, TX; Amanda Sales (34) of Manor, TX; Vicente Rodriguez (35) of Austin; Jordan Salas (27) of Houston; Perla Cruz (28) of Austin; Blanca Ruiz-Garcia (42) of Kyle, TX; Shadrick Croxton (38) of Marble Falls, TX; Brandon Grigsby (24) of Lago Vista, TX; Antoinne Banks (43) of Austin; Matt Kite of Humble, TX; David Steinbach (35) of San Angelo, TX; Charlie Jones (25) of Austin; Cory Patton (27) of Austin; Guillermo Alvarez-Ramirez (35) of Austin; Ricardo Hernandez (30) of Austin; and, Aaron Chavez (31) of Austin.
To date, in connection with this investigation, law enforcement officers have seized 33 kilograms of methamphetamine, 1 kilogram of heroin, 250 grams of cocaine and $13,000 in assets.
This South Texas High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area investigation was conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Cedar Park Police Department, Texas Department of Public Safety, Austin Police Department, Hays County Sheriff’s Office, and the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Enforcement and Removal Operations (ICE-ERO).
SAN ANTONIO A federal grand jury in San Antonio has charged multiple individuals with conspiring to distribute cocaine, heroin, methamphetamine and other narcotics in the San Antonio area since March 2019. The defendants arrested include: Johnathan Andrew Chapa (33); Roger Diaz (34); John David Medrano (24); Julian Jimmy Gonzalez (34); Deandra Lee Garcia (30); and Ashley Lorraine Ruiz (26), all from the San Antonio area.
“The arrests made in Austin and San Antonio were part of a coordinated nationwide enforcement operation undertaken by the Department of Justice and DEA targeting elements of the Cártel de Jalisco Nueva Generación (CJNG) in the United States. The CJNG is a violent drug trafficking organization responsible for the importation of ton quantities of cocaine, heroin, and methamphetamine across the United States,” said DEA Special Agent in Charge Steven S. Whipple.
All of the defendants arrested are to be presented to a U. S. Magistrate Judge who will determine their pre-trial detention status. Each defendant faces punishment of either five to forty years, or ten years to life, in federal prison upon conviction. Detention hearings are expected to occur over the next two weeks in U.S. Magistrate Court in Austin and San Antonio.
U.S. Attorney John F. Bash, DEA Houston Division Special Agent in Charge Whipple, U.S. Marshal Susan Pamerleau, Texas Department of Public Safety Director Steven McCraw, Cedar Park Police Acting Chief Michael Harmon, Hays County Sheriff Gary Cutler, and Austin Police Chief Brian Manley joined in making the announcement.
More information on Project Python can be found at https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/dea-led-operation-nets-more-600-arrests-targeting-c-rtel-jalisco-nueva-generaci-n
It is important to note that an indictment is merely a charge and should not be considered as evidence of guilt. The defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
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The year 2020 marks the 150th anniversary of the Department of Justice. Learn more about the history of our agency at www.Justice.gov/Celebrating150Years.
Aliquippa Man Sentenced for Armed Robbery of Two Area BanksRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, PA - A resident of Aliquippa, PA, has been sentenced in federal court to more than 15 years (190 months) in prison, five years’ supervised release, and to pay restitution to two victim banks, as a result of his bank robbery convictions, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.
United States District Judge Cathy Bissoon imposed the sentence on Tyler Bridges, age 34.
According to information presented to the court, on February 12, 2016, Bridges used a firearm to rob the WesBanco Bank in Ambridge, Pennsylvania, of more than $1,500. Four days later, on February 16, 2016, Bridges and Herbert Pope used firearms to rob the Sewickley Savings Bank in Sewickley, Pennsylvania, of more than $3,500. During both robberies, Bridges had climbed over the teller counter while brandishing a handgun, before taking money from the drawers. Bridges was arrested after law enforcement found evidence of the robberies—including guns, money, and items of clothing—inside Bridges’ residence.
Assistant United States Attorneys Jeffrey Bengel and Shaun Sweeney are prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Sewickley Police Department, the Allegheny County Police Department, and the Ambridge Police Department conducted the investigation leading to the prosecution of Bridges.
75 Year Old Mobile County Man Sentenced to over Five Years Imprisonment for Bank RobberyRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Richard W. Moore of the Southern District of Alabama announced that Wilford Richard Tracy was sentenced to 63 months of imprisonment on March 11, 2020. Tracy pled guilty to the bank robbery charge in December 2019. United States District Court Judge Callie V. Granade imposed the sentence and ordered that when Tracy is released from imprisonment, he will serve three years of supervised release and refrain from frequenting any gaming establishment.
Court records established that on July 12, 2019, Tracy robbed the First Bank on Dauphin Island Parkway in Theodore, Alabama. Tracy wore a ball cap and aviator sunglasses into the bank and handed a note to teller stating: “BE CALM GIVE ME ALL YOUR MONEY NO TRACKING DEVICE I HAVE A GUN.” No weapon was seen by anyone at the scene although the defendant kept one hand in his pocket as though it was on a weapon. The teller gave Tracy $1,520 and Tracy fled with the money. A camera at a business next to the bank captured a man fitting the description of the bank robber getting into a vehicle and fleeing the scene. Agents were able to identify Tracy from the video and arrested him the same day. Tracy had the money from the bank robbery in his possession when arrested.
At the time of the robbery, Tracy was on federal supervised release for a 2015 federal conviction based on Tracy’s 911 calls claiming bombs had been placed at various high schools in Mobile. Tracy was also previously convicted in federal court in 2009 for bank robbery.
The case was investigated by the Mobile Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Violent Crimes Task Force. It was prosecuted in the United States Attorney’s Office by Assistant United States Attorney George F. May.
35 individuals charged as federal and local law enforcement continue dismantling alleged drug trafficking organizations in OhioRead the Press Release
Justin E. Herdman, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Ohio, today announced that a federal grand jury in Cleveland returned four separate multi-count drug indictments charging 35 individuals with conspiracy to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute controlled substances in the Mansfield, Ohio area. The first indictment alleges that from in or around June 2017 and continuing to in or around January 2020, JAMES YELTON (age 33, from Mansfield, Ohio); CHARLES ANDERSON (age 64, from Mansfield, Ohio); NICHOLAS BALLARD (age 29, from Mansfield, Ohio); ELIJAH BOND (age 25, from Mansfield, Ohio); CARLY DAUGHERTY (age 25, from Lexington, Ohio); WILBERT GILLIARD (age 40), JAMARION GRILLIER, (age 22); TERRIUNTAE HAMMOCK; (age 26, from Mansfield, Ohio); LUCINDA HARDIN (age 36, from Mansfield, Ohio); TERELL HARRIS (age 27, from Mansfield, Ohio); DARNELL HILL (age 40, from Chicago, Illinois); DARNEL JACKSON (age 35, from Mansfield, Ohio); BLAKE JENKINS (age 29, from Mansfield, Ohio); TRAVON JOHNSON (age 28, from Mansfield, Ohio); RODERICK JONES (age 44); GERALD NIXON (age 31, from Mansfield, Ohio); ERNEST PARKS (age 26, from Mansfield, Ohio); MALIQUE SCHAD (age 24, from Mansfield, Ohio); TORRENCE STANFORD (age 22, from Mansfield, Ohio); DARIAN STEWART (age 24, from Mansfield, Ohio); DION WALKER (age 52, from Mansfield, Ohio); DEREK WILLIAMS (age 21, from Mansfield, Ohio); KRISTOPHER ZAHNISHER (age 27, from Mount Vernon, Ohio), conspired to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute heroin, methamphetamine, cocaine, fentanyl, carfentanil, and marijuana in the Mansfield, Ohio area.
The second indictment alleges that from in or around December 2015 and continuing to in or around February 2019, JOHN STEVENSON (age 47, from Detroit , Michigan); MARLON BROOKS (age 48, from Mansfield, Ohio); SEAN MOORE (age 49, from Mansfield, Ohio); JAMES HAMILTON (age 52, from Bellville, Ohio);DANIEL SHINGLETON (age 54, from Mansfield, Ohio), conspired to distribute and posses with the intent to distribute heroin, fentanyl, and oxycodone in the Mansfield, Ohio area.
The third indictment alleges that from in or around October 2018 and continuing to in or around October 2019, ANTOINE WADE (age 42, from Mansfield, Ohio); TYLER WIREMAN (age 24, from Mansfield, Ohio); JOSHUA KABER (age 40, from Mansfield, Ohio); SHEENA KABER (age 37, from Mansfield, Ohio): KASSIE COUCH (age 32, from Mansfield, Ohio), conspired to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute heroin, fentanyl, and cocaine base (“crack”) in the Mansfield, Ohio area.
The fourth indictment alleges that from in or around February 2019 and continuing to in or around December 2019, ANTOINE WADE (age 42, from Mansfield, Ohio); TYLER WIREMAN (age 24, from Mansfield, Ohio); JOSHUA KABER (age 40, from Mansfiled, Ohio); SHEENA KABER (age 37, from Mansfield, Ohio), and KASSIE COUCH (age 32, from Mansfield, Ohio), conspired to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute oxycodone and U-47700 in the Mansfield, Ohio area.
These indictments are only charges and are not evidence of guilt. Each defendant is entitled to a fair trial in which it will be the government’s burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
If convicted, the defendants’ sentences will be determined by the Court after a review of factors unique to these cases, including the defendants’ prior criminal records, if any, the defendants’ roles in the offenses and the characteristics of the violations. In all cases, the sentences will not exceed the statutory maximum and in most cases will be less than the maximum.
The investigation preceding the four indictments was conducted and aided by the FBI, United States Marshals Service, DEA, ATF, Metropolitan Richland County Enforcement Unit (METRICH), Mansfield Police Department, Richland County Sheriff’s Office, Ashland Police Department, Ohio State Highway Patrol, Mount Vernon Police Department, Ohio Department of Public Safety, Mahoning Valley Law Enforcement Task Force (MVLETF), Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and the Richland County Prosecutors Office . The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Vasile C. Katsaros and Jason Matthew Katz.
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11 March 2020
“Compound King” Convicted in $21 Million Health Care Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
A federal jury sitting in Houston, Texas, found a pharmacist guilty Tuesday of charges related to health care fraud, wire fraud and money laundering.
After a six-day trial, George Phillip Tompkins, 75, of Houston, Texas, was convicted on all charges - one count each of conspiracy to pay and receive kickbacks, conspiracy to commit health care fraud, conspiracy to commit money laundering as well as 11 counts of health care fraud and three counts of wire fraud.
According to evidence presented at trial, Tompkins and others billed the federal government approximately $21.8 million for medically unnecessary compound gels and creams that were predicated on illegal kickback payments. The jury heard that Tompkins and Anoop Chaturvedi, 48, a legal permanent resident from India, created a scheme to generate compounded pain cream prescriptions and bill health care programs for injured state and federal employees. As part of the scheme, Tompkins and Chaturvedi created a separate entity - Wellington Advisors - to receive the program money from the Department of Labor (DOL) - Office of Workers Compensation Programs and Federal Employees Compensation Act.
Evidence introduced at trial showed that Tompkins sought to disguise illicit kickback payments as legitimate “marketing” expenses and continued to ship patients compound gels and creams even after patients repeatedly complained they did not want them.
U.S. District Judge Sim Lake of the Southern District of Texas presided over the trial and set sentencing for May 27.
Tompkins’ wife Marene Kathryn Tompkins, 68, of Houston, pleaded guilty in January 2020 to one count of conspiracy to pay kickbacks and is also awaiting sentencing. Chaturvedi is considered a fugitive and a warrant remains outstanding for his arrest in connection with the charges. Anyone with information about his whereabouts is asked to contact the U.S. Postal Service - Office of Inspector General (OIG) at 1-888-877-7644. He is presumed innocent unless convicted through due process of law.
USPS – (OIG), DOL – OIG, IRS-Criminal Investigation, Department of Homeland Security – OIG and U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs – OIG conducted the investigation. Trial Attorneys Andrew Pennebaker and Sara Clingan of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Julie Redlinger are prosecuting the case.
The Fraud Section leads the Medicare Fraud Strike Force. Since its inception in March 2007, the Medicare Fraud Strike Force, which maintains 15 strike forces operating in 24 districts, has charged more than 4,200 defendants who have collectively billed the Medicare program for nearly $19 billion. In addition, the Health and Human Services (HHS) Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, working in conjunction with the HHS-OIG, are taking steps to increase accountability and decrease the presence of fraudulent providers.
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.
Youngsville Man Pleads Guilty to Running a Million Dollar Investment Fraud and Ponzi SchemeRead the Press Release
MONROE, La. – United States Attorney David C. Joseph announced that Donnie Laing Jr., 39, of Youngsville, Louisiana, pleaded guilty on Monday, March 9, 2020, to wire fraud in connection with a million dollar Ponzi scheme that he orchestrated through his limited liability company, Capital Energy Investments, LLC (“Capital”).
According to court documents, from April 2018 through November 2018, Laing operated a Ponzi scheme through Capital, a company that he used to set up a business bank account and solicit money from the victims of his scheme. Laing represented himself to be the owner of a legitimate business, Capital, that purchased and rented out oil and gas equipment – promising investors high rates of return on their investments. Investors believed that Capital would use their money to invest in oil and gas equipment, and then lease such equipment to companies engaged in oil and gas exploration activities for a profit. Instead, Laing used the victims’ investments for his own purposes.
Throughout the scheme, Laing submitted false proposals and contracts to his victims to persuade them to invest their money with Capital. He also used funds from new investors to make payments to previous investors under the guise that the payments represented legitimate profits and returns on the victims’ investments. These payments allowed the defendant to avoid detection and obtain additional funds from his victims. Laing also used his relationship with a former business associate living in northeast Louisiana to solicit money from investors. Throughout the course of the scheme, Laing defrauded multiple investors and received nine investor payments during the period from April 25, 2018 to October 29, 2018, totaling $1,215,530.
U.S. District Judge Terry A. Doughty presided over the hearing and set sentencing for July 27, 2020. Laing faces up to 20 years in prison, three years of supervised release, and a fine of approximately $2.4 million.
The FBI is investigating the case. United States Attorney David C. Joseph and Assistant U.S. Attorney Cadesby B. Cooper are prosecuting the case.
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Woman Who Made False Statements to Buy Guns Sentenced in Federal CourtRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Richard W. Moore of the Southern District of Alabama announced that Heather Denese Medina, 40, of Brookwood, Alabama, was sentenced yesterday in federal court on three charges that she falsified information on federal forms in order to purchase firearms. Court documents showed that Medina lied on the forms to purchase firearms for her boyfriend and an associate of the boyfriend, both of whom were convicted felons and therefore prohibited from purchasing the guns legally. Medina pled guilty to the three charges in January of 2018.
United States District Court Judge William H. Steele imposed a sentence of time served in Medina’s case, and placed her on supervised release for a period of three years, with all terms to run concurrently on the three charges. Medina will be tested for drug and alcohol abuse, and she will be referred for mental health treatment if necessary. No fine was imposed, but Medina was ordered to pay $300 in special mandatory assessments.
The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. It was prosecuted in the United States Attorney’s Office by Assistant United States Attorney Gloria Bedwell.
Washington Parish Man Sentenced to Seventeen Years for Gun and Heroin OffensesRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – U.S. Attorney Peter G. Strasser announced that LARRY DAVIS, age 41, from Washington Parish, Louisiana, was sentenced on March 10, 2020 to 204 months in prison in connection with his convictions for heroin and gun charges.
On August 6, 2019, DAVIS pled guilty to conspiring to distribute 100 grams or more of heroin, and possessing a firearm despite being a felon.
For the heroin conspiracy charge, Judge Wendy B. Vitter sentenced DAVIS to seventeen years (204 months) in prison. For the charge of possessing a firearm as a felon, Judge Vitter sentenced DAVIS to ten years (120 months) in prison, concurrent with his sentence for the heroin conspiracy. This resulted in a total sentence of 204 months in prison. DAVIS’ term of imprisonment will be followed by four years of supervised release. Judge Vitter sentenced DAVIS as a career offender, based on his prior narcotics convictions.
DAVIS’ codefendant, ALEX MILLER, pled guilty on July 23, 2019 to the same heroin conspiracy charge and other firearms charges. Judge Wendy B. Vitter sentenced MILLER to 130 months in prison on January 23, 2020.
U.S. Attorney Strasser praised the work of the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Louisiana State Police, the Washington Parish Sheriff’s Office Drug Task Force, and the Bogalusa Police Department. Assistant United States Attorneys Nicholas D. Moses and André Jones are in charge of the prosecution.
This prosecution is part of an extensive investigation by the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF). OCDETF is a joint federal, state and local cooperative approach to combat drug trafficking and is the nation’s primary tool for disrupting and dismantling major drug trafficking organizations, targeting national and regional level drug trafficking organizations and coordinating the necessary law enforcement entities and resources to disrupt or dismantle the targeted criminal organization and seize their assets.
Washington DC Man Pleads Guilty for the Armed Robbery of A Capitol Heights BarbershopRead the Press Release
Greenbelt, Maryland – Ambrose Doye, age 24, of Washington, D.C., pleaded guilty yesterday to federal charges of armed robbery and for brandishing a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence.
The guilty plea was announced by United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Robert K. Hur; Special Agent in Charge Jennifer C. Boone of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Baltimore Field Office; and Chief Henry P. Stawinski III of the Prince George’s County Police Department.
According to Doye’s guilty plea, on November 26, 2018, Doye and his co-defendant, Akeem Bolton, drove to a barbershop in Capitol Heights, Maryland, and spoke with two employees outside of the shop, pretending to be potential customers. The two left and went to a convenience store across the street, then returned to the barbershop. Doye sat in the barbershop chair while an employee prepared to cut his hair. Doye drew a handgun and pointed it at the employee, while Bolton struck a second employee in the back of the head with a handgun.
As detailed in the plea agreement, Doye and Bolton then forced the employees to the back of the store and pulled the blinds down over the windows of the barbershop. Doye and Bolton forced the employees to strip naked and lie face down on the floor with their hands behind their heads, and ordered them to count to 1,000. Doye and Bolton robbed the employees of their cellphones, money, and jewelry. The robbers threatened to kill the employees if they moved while they counted to 1,000. Doye and Bolton demanded to know where additional money was located in the store and threatened to kill the employees when they were unable to locate additional money. Doye and Bolton again threatened to kill the employees if they reported the robbery then left the barbershop with the personal belongings of the employees.
A search of Doye’s residence recovered a distinctive silver necklace stolen from one of the barbershop employees and a silver and black .40-caliber semi-automatic pistol that was used in the armed robbery. When Bolton was arrested, a black 9mm semi-automatic pistol, which was used in the robbery, was recovered from his person.
Doye and the government have agreed that, if the Court accepts the plea agreement, Doye will be sentenced to between eight and 10 years in federal prison. U.S. District Judge Theodore D. Chuang has scheduled sentencing for June 22, 2020 at 11:30 a.m.
Akeem Bolton, age 29, of Washington, D.C., previously pleaded guilty to the same charges and was sentenced on March 6, 2020 to nine years in federal prison.
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. Project Safe Neighborhoods (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.
United States Attorney Robert K. Hur commended the FBI and the Prince George’s County Police Department for their work in the investigation. Mr. Hur thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney Catherine K. Dick and Special Assistant United States Attorney Jared Hernandez, who are prosecuting the case.
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Warm Springs Man Charged with Aggravated Sexual Abuse of Minor, Additional Victims SoughtRead the Press Release
PORTLAND, Ore.—A Warm Springs man has been charged with sexually abusing a minor victim nearly three decades ago on the Warm Springs Indian Reservation.
According to an indictment unsealed today, between January 1993 and January 1998, Austin Smith Sr., 69, a member of the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs, is alleged to have knowingly engaged in abusive sexual contact with a minor under 12 years old.
Smith is charged with two counts each of abusive sexual contact and sexual abuse and three counts of aggravated sexual abuse. If convicted, he faces a maximum sentence of life in prison.
Smith was arrested on the Warm Springs Indian Reservation and made an initial appearance today in federal court. He was detained pending a six-day jury trial scheduled to begin on May 12, 2020 before U.S. District Court Judge Robert E. Jones.
This case was investigated by FBI Portland’s Safe Trails Task Force and the Warm Springs Tribal Police Department and is being prosecuted by U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Oregon.
Investigators are seeking the public’s help to identify additional potential victims who may have had contact with Smith. If you have any reason to believe you or someone you know may be a victim or have additional information about other potential crimes involving this defendant, please contact the FBI at (503) 224-4181 or submit a tip online at https://tips.fbi.gov.
An indictment is only an accusation of a crime, and a defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
The Safe Trails Task Force (STTF) unites FBI with federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement agencies in a collaborative effort to combat the growth of crime in Indian Country. STTF allows participating agencies to combine limited resources and increase investigative coordination in Indian Country to target violent crime, drugs, gangs, and gaming violations.
Two Defendants Indicted in Cocaine RingRead the Press Release
CONTACT: Barbara Burns
PHONE: (716) 843-5817
FAX #: (716) 551-3051BUFFALO, N.Y.--U.S. Attorney James P. Kennedy, Jr. announced today that a federal grand jury has returned an indictment charging Harold Alexis Ortiz Cosme, 21, and Luis G. Candelario, 25, both of Puerto Rico, with conspiring to possess with intent to distribute, and to distribute, 500 grams or more of cocaine. The charge carries a minimum penalty of 5 years in prison, a maximum penalty of 40 years in prison, and a $5,000,000 fine.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Charles E. Watkins, Jr., who is handling the case, stated that the indictment arises out of a postal interdiction in Puerto Rico that resulted the seizure of 1 kilogram of cocaine. The package was addressed to “Harold Ortiz” at 192 Grant Street, Buffalo, NY, 14213. A joint operation between the Postal Inspection Service and the Drug Enforcement Administration involving a controlled delivery was conducted targeting 192 Grant Street. That operation yielded information leading to the defendants.
On February 12, 2020, a controlled delivery of a package containing sham cocaine was conducted at 192 Grant Street, Buffalo, NY, 14213. Defendant Candelario accepted the package and took it inside of the residence. Moments later, defendants Candelario and Ortiz Cosme, along with a third man came out of the residence and got into two cars, a Grey Nissan Altima and a Blue KIA Optima. Ortiz Cosme placed the package with the sham cocaine into the trunk of the KIA Optima, which he was driving. The two vehicles were then stopped by law enforcement and the package with the sham cocaine was recovered from the vehicle of Ortiz Cosme.
Subsequently, law enforcement executed a search warrant on the residence. The residence was devoid of furniture, save for a chair located at a window that had a clear view of the sidewalk and the mailbox.
The defendants had placed a portion of a postal sticker on the mailbox outside of the residence with the name “Harold Ortiz” written on it. Another portion of the postal sticker was placed on the front door of the residence and it had “leave mail here” written on it. The remainder of the postal sticker was found in the defendants’ vehicles.
The defendants were arraigned before U.S. Magistrate Judge H. Kenneth Schroeder, Jr. Defendants were released on conditions.
The indictment is the result of a joint investigation by the United States Postal Inspection Service, under the direction of Inspector-in-Charge Joseph W. Cronin of the Boston Division and the Drug Enforcement Administration, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Ray Donovan.
The fact that a defendant has been charged with a crime is merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
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Three "Felony Lane Gang" Members Charged in Portland Area Bank Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla.—A federal criminal complaint has been unsealed charging three Florida men affiliated with the “Felony Lane Gang” national criminal organization for their roles in a bank fraud scheme targeting female victims in the Portland, Oregon Metropolitan Area.
Delvin Mills, 26, and Treveon Jordan, 22, both of Lauderdale Lakes, Florida, and Damian Fletcher, 26, of Fort Lauderdale, each face charges of conspiracy to commit bank fraud, bank fraud, and aggravated identity theft.
According to the complaint, Mills, Jordan, and Fletcher are members of the Felony Lane Gang, an interstate criminal organization based in Florida that travels to locations throughout the U.S. to commit vehicle break-in and fraud sprees.
Members of the organization appear to target female victims who leave their purses, wallets, and valuables in parked vehicles. After victims exit their vehicles—often to drop off children, run errands, or visit a gym—Felony Lane Gang members quickly break into the vehicle, steal targeted items, and drive away. After stealing purses or wallets, the gang members quickly deploy associates to conduct fraudulent bank or merchant transactions using stolen forms of identification, checks, and credit or debit cards before the victim can alert financial institutions.
The local investigation began after a special agent with Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) learned of a vehicle break-in and theft in Tigard, Oregon. Witnesses allege seeing a man break into a vehicle, steal a victim’s wallet and belongings, and flee in a Jeep Compass sport utility vehicle. During a review of records, Tualatin Police Department, the responding law enforcement agency, learned Jordan had rented the Jeep at Portland International Airport (PDX) one week before the break-in.
With this information, the HSI Special Agent located video surveillance footage of Jordan renting and returning the Jeep at PDX. Jordan appeared to rent the vehicle by himself and return it with two other individuals later identified as Mills and Fletcher. After returning the vehicle, Jordan and Fletcher boarded a flight from PDX to Denver, Colorado. To date, investigators do not know what flight Mills boarded or if he was flying under an assumed name.
The HSI Special Agent later learned that the Jeep had been parked at motel in Northeast Portland during Jordan’s rental period. Further investigation revealed that Mills and Jordan were frequent visitors and usually stayed with an older female. Mills, Jordan and the female, later identified as Linda Marie Lupo, 51, of Deerfield, Florida, had rented rooms at the motel on eight prior occasions over a period of five months.
As the investigation unfolded, HSI began linking the group and the Jeep Compass rental vehicle to numerous unsolved car thefts and instances of bank fraud throughout the Portland area. Lupo and another linked individual, Megan Spurlock, 25, a Washington State resident, were identified as associates of the gang responsible for conducting fraudulent bank and merchant transactions using victims’ stolen bank cards and identification.
To date, this investigation has identified 32 car thefts committed during Mills, Jordan, and Fletcher’s most recent known Oregon crime spree. The thefts occurred in Lake Oswego, West Linn, Tualatin, Clackamas, Happy Valley, Salem, Corvallis, Albany, Springfield, and Beaverton, Oregon, and Vancouver, Washington. In one instance, a handgun was stolen and has not been recovered. The estimated total loss to victims, including banks, during this crime spree exceeds $100,000.
Jordan and Fletcher were arrested on March 9, 2020 in Florida and made their first appearances in federal court in Fort Lauderdale the same day. Detention hearings for both will be held on March 12, 2020 in Fort Lauderdale. Mills is in custody in Florida where he faces local charges. He is expected to make his first appearance in federal court and be transferred to the District of Oregon at a later date.
Lupo and Spurlock are charged with multiple counts of bank fraud and aggravated identity theft in a separate criminal case. Both are in custody and awaiting a four-day jury trial scheduled to begin on April 14, 2020.
This case was investigated by HSI with assistance from the West Linn Police Department, Tualatin Police Department, and Clark County Sheriff’s Office. It is being prosecuted by Quinn P. Harrington, Assistant U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon.
A criminal complaint is only an accusation of a crime, and defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
The year 2020 marks the 150th anniversary of the Department of Justice. Learn more about the history of the department at www.Justice.gov/Celebrating150Years.
Criminal ComplaintSussex County Man Whose Drugs Killed Seaford Woman Pleads Guilty to Drug Offense in Federal CourtRead the Press Release
WILMINGTON, Del. – United States Attorney David C. Weiss announced that Roy Horsey, 28, of Sussex County, pled guilty yesterday to a drug offense, and admitted that he distributed a mixture of heroin and fentanyl that killed a Seaford woman in March, 2019.
According to statements made in open court, in March 2019 the defendant was selling controlled substances containing heroin/fentanyl packaged with a stamp that read “Shooter.” On March 8, 2019, the defendant sold some “Shooter” stamped drugs to a Seaford man, and the man shared those drugs with his wife. A few hours later, the man woke up to find his wife in medical distress. He administered CPR, but his wife died of a fentanyl and heroin overdose.
A few days later, Delaware State Police executed a search warrant at Horsey’s house in Seaford. Inside were about 333 baggies of heroin and fentanyl mixture, most of which were stamped “Shooter.”
The stamp “Shooter” caused three deaths and a number of non-fatal overdoses in Sussex County between March 9-13, 2019, and also caused overdoses in Kent and New Castle Counties. Only one of those deaths has been tied to Horsey.
“This defendant gambled with other people’s lives when he decided to sell heroin. Now he’ll roll the dice as the criminal justice system decides an appropriate period of incarceration.” said U.S. Attorney Weiss. “The First State Overdose Task Force and my office will continue to investigate people who sell drugs that cause overdoses – no matter the type of drug or quantity of drugs involved. Dealers will have to decide if it’s worth the risk.
"Horsey was responsible for the distribution of drugs, specifically a mixture of heroin and fentanyl, that resulted in the fatal overdose death of a woman in Sussex County," said Jonathan A. Wilson, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration's (DEA) Philadelphia Field Division. "When the Delaware State Police executed a search warrant on Horsey's house several days later, they recovered a substantial amount of this same heroin and fentanyl mixture that was packaged for distribution. Working with our law enforcement partners in the First State Overdose Task Force, the DEA will continue to pursue drug traffickers like Horsey that seek to poison our communities."
This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration as part of the First State Overdose Taskforce with assistance from the Delaware State Police. The Task Force consists of state and federal law enforcement partners who work to investigate overdose deaths soon after they occur. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jennifer K. Welsh prosecuted the case.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Delaware. Related court documents and information is located on the website of the District Court for the District of Delaware or on PACER by searching for Case No. 01:20-cr-00013 (RGA).
Statement from Attorney General William P. Barr on House Legislation to Reauthorize the USA Freedom ActRead the Press Release
Attorney General William P. Barr issued the following statement:
"I have reviewed the House FISA bill and support its passage. The bill contains an array of new requirements and compliance provisions that will protect against abuse and misuse in the future while ensuring that this critical tool is available when appropriate to protect the safety of the American people.
I am pleased that the bill contains a number of provisions Director Wray and I put forward to address past failures, including compliance failures that the Inspector General has identified for us in his recent audit work. The IG’s analysis and recommendations have helped shape our proposals. The Director and I will promulgate additional, implementing rules that advance these reforms.
It is of the utmost important that the Department’s attorneys and investigators always work in a manner consistent with the highest professional standards, and this overall package will help ensure the integrity of the FISA process and protect against future abuses going forward. This legislation deserves broad bi-partisan support."
Statement from Assistant Attorney General Stephen E. Boyd Commending the House’s Passage of the Freedom Act Reauthorization BillRead the Press Release
Assistant Attorney General for Legislative Affairs Stephen E. Boyd issued the following statement:
“The Department is pleased that the House approved the Freedom Act reauthorization bill today with a strong bipartisan vote. The legislation extends three important national security tools and includes strong reforms to FISA that the Department believes will protect Americans. We are pleased that the House adopted a number of provisions that the Attorney General proposed to establish new compliance requirements within the Department and FBI, including safeguards targeted to address issues raised by the Inspector General. We urge the Senate to move forward to approve the House bill prior to the March 15 deadline.”
Statement from Assistant Attorney General Commending House Judiciary Committee’s Work to Clarify Criminalization of Female Genital MutilationRead the Press Release
Assistant Attorney General Stephen E. Boyd issued the following statement:
“Female genital mutilation (FGM) is a form of gender-based violence and child abuse that harms victims not only when they are girls, suffering the immediate trauma of the act, but also throughout their lives as women, when it often results in a range of physical and psychological harms. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that half a million women and girls in the United States have already suffered FGM or are at risk for being subjected to FGM in the future.
“The Department of Justice condemns this practice and urges Congress to act on legislation that will clarify the Department’s ability to prosecute such offenses.
“In April 2019, the Solicitor General of the United States sent a letter to Congressional leadership urging Congress to amend Section 116(a) of Title 18 of the United States Code to clarify the constitutional basis for criminalization of FGM to ensure that such violations can be prosecuted in federal courts. We commend the House Judiciary Committee for its work on legislation which will ensure that federal FGM prosecutions may be brought.”
St. Louis Mail Handler Sentenced for Stealing Medication Parcels for His Own Personal UseRead the Press Release
St. Louis, MO – Aaron Hiner, 55, Ferguson, MO, was sentenced to a five year term of probation and six months home confinement for stealing prescription medicine from the United States Mail. Hiner appeared before U.S. District Court Judge Henry A. Autrey.
According to court records, Hiner was an employee of the United States Postal Service and assigned to the St. Louis Metro Annex in Hazelwood, Missouri between 2004 and March 2019. On January 15 and March 5, 2019, Hiner stole 147 Express Scripts medication parcels from the mail. Hiner pled guilty and admitted that, because of his addiction to opioids, he stole the Express Scripts parcel mailings. The estimated loss associated with his theft is $35,742.57.
Hiner pled guilty in October 2019 to one felony count of theft of mail by a Postal Service employee.
The United States Postal Service – Office of the Inspector General, investigated this case. Assistant United States Attorney Tracy Berry handled the case for the U.S. Attorney's Office.
South Florida Business Owner Sentenced to 24 Months in Prison for Not Paying $10.8 Million in Employment Tax WithholdingsRead the Press Release
A Miami, Florida, business owner was sentenced to 24 months in prison today for failing to pay over employment taxes, announced Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Richard E. Zuckerman of the Justice Department’s Tax Division and U.S. Attorney Ariana Fajardo Orshan for the Southern District of Florida.
According to court documents and statements made in court, between 2002 and 2017, Ricardo Betancourt owned and operated multiple parcel delivery businesses in the South Florida area. Betancourt’s businesses earned gross revenues of more than $100 million.
Through his businesses, Betancourt employed hundreds of employees and was responsible for collecting and paying over to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) the taxes withheld from employees’ paychecks. Between 2009 and 2016, Betancourt withheld over $10.8 million in payroll taxes from his employees but instead of paying those funds to the IRS, Betancourt transferred the money to an investment company he used to fund a lavish lifestyle and other business ventures. Betancourt spent over $190,000 on motorcycles, including several Harley-Davidson bikes, purchased classic and sports cars, bought expensive jewelry, and paid for cosmetic surgery.
In addition to the term of imprisonment, U.S. District Judge Marcia G. Cooke ordered Betancourt to serve three years of supervised release and to pay approximately $9,033,318 in restitution to the United States.
Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Zuckerman and U.S. Attorney Fajardo Orshan thanked special agents of IRS-Criminal Investigation, who conducted the investigation, and Trial Attorney Michael Boteler of the Tax Division, who prosecuted the case.
Additional information about the Tax Division and its enforcement efforts may be found on the division’s website.
Six Former Residents of Mexico Charged in Cocaine ConspiracyRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH – Six former residents of Mexico have been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on a charge of conspiring to possess with intent to distribute and distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.
The one-count Superseding Indictment, returned on March 10, named Amado Alonzo Zazueta Garcia, Juan Jose Quintero Felix, Luis Antonio Alvarado Llanes, Sergio Geovany Alvarado Felix, and Jose Molina Perez, each of whom is originally from Sinaloa, Mexico; and Aracelis Martinez Nunez, formerly of Sonora, Mexico, as the defendants.
According to the Superseding Indictment, from in and around September 2019, to in and around November 2019, in the Western District of Pennsylvania, and elsewhere, the defendants conspired with one another, and with persons both known and unknown to the grand jury, to possess with intent to distribute and distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine, a Schedule II controlled substance.
The defendants were originally charged by complaint following their arrest on November 20, 2019. All of the defendants are detained pending trial.
The law provides for a maximum total sentence for each defendant of not less than 10 years in prison and not more than life imprisonment, a fine not to exceed $10,000,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentences imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendants.
Assistant United States Attorney Jerome A. Moschetta is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation, Pennsylvania State Police Bureau of Criminal Investigation Unit, Drug Enforcement Administration, and the Phoenix (Arizona) Police Department conducted the investigation leading to the Superseding Indictment in this case.
A superseding indictment is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Shelton Woman Admits Embezzling $260K from EmployerRead the Press Release
John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, and Brian C. Turner, Special Agent in Charge of the New Haven Division of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, announced that BARBARA J. BUCHANAN, 60, of Shelton, waived her right to be indicted and pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Judge Janet Bond Arterton in New Haven to one count of wire fraud stemming from an embezzlement scheme.
According to court documents and statements made in court, Buchanan was the payroll manager for a Connecticut company. Between approximately 2014 and September 2019, Buchanan made false entries and adjustments in the payroll system in order to wire company funds into her personal bank account. She also made false journal entries in the company’s tax records in an effort to hide her fraudulent activities. Through the scheme, Buchanan embezzled approximately $220,000 from the company.
Buchanan also used a company American Express card to make approximately $40,000 in personal purchases.
Judge Arterton Scheduled sentencing for June 5, 2020, at which time Buchanan faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years. Buchanan has agreed to pay restitution of $260,202.52
Buchanan is released on a $100,000 bond pending sentencing.
This investigation is being conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael S. McGarry.
Rodeo Resident Charged in Alleged Bank RobberyRead the Press Release
OAKLAND – A federal complaint charges Jose Miguel Rodriguez Montano with committing bank robbery and using, carrying, and possessing a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence, announced United States Attorney David L. Anderson and Federal Bureau of Investigation Special Agent in Charge John F. Bennett.
According to the complaint, filed on March 6, 2020, Montano entered a Comerica Bank in San Leandro on January 7, 2020, and repeatedly demanded that a bank employee at a teller window give him money. The robber was wearing a Chewbacca mask to disguise his identity and was carrying a shotgun inside a tennis racket case. The teller passed Montano bundles of cash in response to his demands, an amount later calculated to be $35,990. As the robber exited the bank, surveillance cameras filmed the shotgun falling out of the tennis racket case as the robber caught it and carried it out of the building.
The complaint describes features of the investigation that led to Montano’s arrest. Significantly, surveillance cameras inside and outside the bank, as well as from local businesses, captured many of the robber’s movements including the arrival of a car at a nearby parking lot prior to the robbery and the departure of the car shortly after the robbery. Additional investigation led to the identity of the car owner and recovery of several items that resembled the items used by the robber during the theft.
The complaint charges Montano with bank robbery, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 2113, and using, carrying, and possessing a firearm in relation to a crime of violence, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 924(c).
A complaint merely alleges that crimes have been committed, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. The maximum penalty defendant faces upon conviction for the bank robbery charge is 20 years’ imprisonment. Further, upon conviction, the maximum penalty Montano faces for using, carrying or possessing a firearm in relation to a crime of violence is life imprisonment, with a minimum mandatory sentence of 5 years’ imprisonment. Additionally, periods of supervised release, fines, forfeitures, and special assessments also could be imposed. However, any sentence following conviction would be imposed by the court after consideration of the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and the federal statute governing the imposition of a sentence, 18 U.S.C. § 3553.
Montano made his initial federal court appearance on the charges before U.S. Magistrate Judge Donna M. Ryu. Magistrate Judge Donna M. Ryu ordered defendant Montano to appear on March 13, 2020, for a status hearing regarding detention and arraignment.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Thomas R. Green is prosecuting the case with the assistance of Kay Konopaske. The prosecution is the result of a joint investigation by the FBI and the San Leandro Police Department.
Point Pleasant Man Sentenced to 10 Years in Prison for Selling Crystal Methamphetamine and Pills Containing Heroin and FentanylRead the Press Release
CAMDEN, N.J. – A Point Pleasant, New Jersey, man was sentenced today to 120 months in prison for distributing approximately 300 grams of crystal methamphetamine and thousands of pills containing heroin or fentanyl, U.S. Attorney Craig Carpenito announced.
Carl Chianese, 80, of Point Pleasant, New Jersey, previously pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Robert Kugler to an information charging him with one count of conspiracy to distribute controlled substances. He also admitted a violation of his supervised release by committing the drug trafficking offense while on court supervision for two earlier federal drug trafficking cases that involved the distribution of large quantities of methamphetamine. Judge Kugler imposed the sentence today in Camden federal court.
According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:
Chianese, along with conspirator Joseph Servidio, distributed pills that contained heroin or fentanyl. Chianese and Servidio were also involved in the distribution of multiple ounce quantities of crystal methamphetamine. They sold the pills and crystal methamphetamine on multiple occasions to an FBI undercover agent in exchange for cash payments. According to law enforcement sources, Servidio is a member of La Cosa Nostra. These drug transactions included the sale of 300 pills containing heroin, which were sold to the FBI agent at a Garden State Parkway rest stop on Dec. 23, 2016. In total, Chianese was responsible for the distribution of over 200 grams of fentanyl and heroin, and approximately 300 grams of crystal methamphetamine.
Chianese was arrested by FBI agents at his residence on March 14, 2018. During a search of his residence by the agents, the agents recovered a .38 caliber revolver, a magazine for a .380 caliber semi-automatic handgun, and over $25,000 in cash. Chianese agreed to the forfeiture of the firearm and cash, which was ordered by the court as part of the sentence imposed.
In addition to the prison term, Judge Kugler sentenced Chianese to three years of supervised release.
Servidio pleaded guilty June 17, 2019, to his role in the conspiracy and is scheduled to be sentenced by Judge Kugler on March 26, 2020.
U.S. Attorney Carpenito credited special agents of the FBI, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Gregory W. Ehrie in Newark, with the investigation leading to today’s sentencing. He also thanked the U.S. Department of Labor and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives for their assistance.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Patrick C. Askin of the U.S. Attorney’s Office’s Camden Office.
Defense counsel: Mark Catanzaro Esq., Mount Holly, New Jersey
Pittsburgh-area Felon Convicted at Trial of Federal Firearms OffenseRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, PA - After deliberating for an hour on Tuesday, a federal jury of five men and seven women found Dana Lamont Henderson guilty of one count of possession of a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.
Henderson, 38, formerly of Pittsburgh’s Green Tree neighborhood, was tried before United States District Judge Mark R. Hornak in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
According to Assistant United States Attorneys Brian Czarnecki, who prosecuted the case, the evidence presented at trial established that on or about May 8, 2016, Henderson possessed a 40 caliber Smith and Wesson 40 caliber pistol loaded with a magazine containing six bullets and a round in the chamber. As a convicted felon, Henderson was prohibited from possessing firearms and ammunition.
Judge Hornak will issue an order scheduling the date and time for sentencing. The law provides for a total sentence of not more than 10 years imprisonment. However, if Henderson is determined to have had three previous convictions for violent felonies or serious drug offenses, the law provides for a total sentence of not less than 15 years to life imprisonment. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based on the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
The Stowe Township Police Department, Drug Enforcement Administration, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Henderson.
Pimp Who Recorded Sex with Child Victim Sentenced to 18 Years in PrisonRead the Press Release
OKLAHOMA CITY – Earlier today, JAYLYN MARQUICE BELL, 24, of Oklahoma City, was ordered to serve 18 years in federal prison, to be followed by 10 years of supervised release, for sexual exploitation of a child, announced Timothy J. Downing, United States Attorney for the Western District of Oklahoma.
According to court records, on October 9, 2018, officers from the Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics and Dangerous Drugs Human Trafficking Unit (OBNDD HTU) and the Oklahoma City Police Department Vice Unit (OCPD Vice) conducted an undercover operation to recover a suspected child being advertised for commercial sex on the internet. The undercover officer responded to the advertisement and arranged to meet the female at a local hotel. When the undercover officer arrived, he met a young female, provided her with $185, and she agreed to have commercial sex. Officers then recovered the female, who was under 18, and a young male who was hiding in the bathroom of the hotel room. Officers later recovered two additional juvenile females on the property. Further investigation showed that Jaylyn Bell had rented the hotel room and trafficked the three young girls, along with other young girls, from that hotel.
Law enforcement identified multiple underage girls Bell had been trafficking at local hotels. Some of those underage victims were runaways and undocumented immigrants. Bell had reserved and paid for the hotel rooms, given directions to the girls on what to do, took photographs of the girls for advertisements, posted advertisements from his phone number and email address, provided condoms, and took the proceeds of his victims’ commercial sex transactions. In the course of trafficking the girls, Bell recorded a video of himself having sex with one of his victims.
A federal grand jury indicted Bell on January 15, 2019, for sexual exploitation of a child. He pleaded guilty to sexual exploitation of a child on June 11, 2019, before U.S. District Judge Charles Goodwin. At the sentencing hearing today, the Court noted it had considered the victim of exploitation in the Indictment was under the age of 18, that Mr. Bell also sex trafficked her and at least, four other children and that he provided drugs, rented hotel rooms, provided condoms, and had a firearm. Further, the Court noted it had considered that Mr. Bell attempted to have someone commit perjury and had advised someone else he would flee if he was released pretrial, seeking their assistance if that occurred. The Court also considered Mr. Bell’s relative youth and his capacity for change, ultimately ordering Mr. Bell serve 216 months (i.e. 18 years) in federal prison, to be followed by 10 years of supervised release. Mr. Bell’s restitution will be determined by the Court at a later date.
This case is the result of an investigation by United States Federal Bureau of Investigation, the OCPD Vice Unit, and the OBNDD HTU. Assistant U.S. Attorneys McKenzie Anderson and Jacquelyn M. Hutzell prosecuted the case.
Reference is made to public filings for further information.
Pikeville Man Pleads Guilty to Distributing HydrocodoneRead the Press Release
PIKEVILLE, Ky. - A Pikeville, Kentucky man, Jimmy Lee Moore, 69, pleaded guilty on Monday, before U.S. Magistrate Judge Edward B. Atkins, to distributing hydrocodone.
Moore admitted that between 2016 and 2018, he provided hydrocodone and gabapentin to others, in Pikeville, including at least one minor. Moore also admitted that he stored and distributed the controlled substances on his property.
Moore was indicted in January 2020.
Robert M. Duncan, Jr., United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky; James Robert Brown, Jr., Special Agent in Charge of FBI, Louisville Field Office; and Chief Christopher Edmonds, Pikeville Police Department, jointly announced the guilty plea.
The investigation was conducted by the FBI and the Pikeville Police Department. The United States was represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Hydee Hawkins.
Moore will be sentenced on a date yet to be determined by the Court. He faces up to 20 years in prison and a maximum fine of $1 million. However, any sentence will be imposed by the Court after its consideration of the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and the federal statutes.
The year 2020 marks the 150th anniversary of the Department of Justice. Learn more about the history of our agency at www.Justice.gov/Celebrating150Years.
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Physicians group pays over $1M to resolve false billing claimsRead the Press Release
HOUSTON – Millennium Physicians Association PLLC has paid the United States $1,248,964 to resolve claims that they improperly billed the Medicare program for sleep studies, announced U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Patrick.
“Providers must adhere to the Medicare rules and regulations if they wish to participate in the program,” said Patrick. “The rules safeguard patients and keep providers accountable to taxpayers.”
“Providers using improperly credentialed technicians are cheating the taxpayers and may put beneficiaries at risk,” said Joseph Martin, Acting Special Agent In Charge for the Office of Inspector General of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. “Along with our law enforcement partners, we will continue to guard the integrity of government health care programs.”
Millennium is based in The Woodlands and owns and operates two sleep centers in the Houston area doing business as Millennium Respiratory & Sleep Disorder Specialists.
The investigation began following the Jan. 4, 2018, filing of a whistleblower lawsuit. Millennium employed the whistleblower who alleged the company conducted sleep studies without the presence of properly credentialed technicians.
Medicare rules and guidelines require that properly-trained and certified sleep technicians administer sleep studies. However, the investigation revealed that from Jan. 8, 2015, through March 13, 2019, Millennium improperly billed and received payment for sleep tests when they did not have the required personnel present.
Medicare rules and guidelines also require facilities to be accredited or certified by the America Academy of Sleep Medicine, Joint Commission or Accreditation Commission for Health Care Inc. Millennium self-reported that from 2011 through 2019, two of its sleep test facilities did not have such accreditation or certification.
The United States contended Millennium violated False Claims Act (FCA) by knowingly submitting, or causing to be submitted, false claims to Medicare for payment for sleep studies performed at these unaccredited sleep centers.
Under the FCA, a private party (relator) can file an action known as a qui tam on behalf of the United States and receive a portion of the recovery. In this case, the relator received $187,344 as a result of the settlement.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office, Department of Health and Human Services - Office of Inspector General and FBI conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jill Venezia handled the matter.
The settlement resolved the claims without a determination of liability.
Philadelphia Man Sentenced to 56 Years in Prison for Armed Robbery Spree and Related Gun CrimesRead the Press Release
PHILADELPHIA – United States Attorney William M. McSwain announced that Lukeen Gerald, 31, of Philadelphia, PA, was sentenced to 56 years’ imprisonment by United States District Court Judge Petrese B. Tucker for a series of armed robberies in Philadelphia. The Court further ordered the defendant to serve three years’ supervised release and to pay $4,330 in restitution and a special assessment of $1,500.
The defendant committed a staggering seven armed robberies of convenience stores and a bar in Philadelphia over a four-week period in early 2015. During each robbery, Gerald brandished a gun and wore a mask. In one armed robbery of a Dunkin Donuts, he accused the store employee of moving too slowly in handing over the store’s cash and fired his gun in anger.
Gerald was arrested after his seventh robbery when his car was stopped by Philadelphia Police officers. Following his arrest, the police recovered a shotgun, ski mask, and cash from his car. After receiving his Miranda warnings, not only did the defendant admit he committed the robberies, but also he described each robbery in detail and told law enforcement where they could find evidence linking him to his crimes. The defendant has previously been convicted of a felony and therefore was prohibited by law from possessing a firearm. After a five-day trial, he was convicted on all 15 counts of the federal Indictment.
“Gerald and criminals like him selfishly engage in violent acts that cause harm to innocent small business owners, their employees, and our community as a whole,” said U.S. Attorney McSwain. “Showing total disregard for the lives and property of others, Gerald terrorized people who were simply trying to earn an honest living. These law-abiding residents deserve protection, and my Office is working tirelessly to make sure that they have it.”
“Lukeen Gerald is a vicious and violent offender whose armed robbery spree left his victims traumatized,” said Tara A. McMahon, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Philadelphia Division. “In the course of a month, he targeted seven different establishments, and history suggests he’d have kept at it, had he not been stopped by the Philadelphia Police Department. Know that the FBI and PPD are working together every day to make this city safer by putting criminals like Gerald behind bars.”
“The investigation, arrest, and successful prosecution of Lukeen Gerald is further evidence of the merits of a collaborative approach to combating violent crime,” said Danielle Outlaw, Philadelphia Police Department Commissioner. “We are privileged to have worked alongside our law enforcement partners in securing the conviction, and anticipate that the attendant sentencing will have an appreciable effect on the safety of the community we serve.”
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 the Department’s renewed focus on targeting violent criminals, directing all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to work in partnership with federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement and the local community to develop effective, locally-based strategies to reduce violent crime.
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Philadelphia Police Department, and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Sarah Damiani and Roberta Benjamin.
Pasco Man Responsible for Numerous Overdoses at Pasco County Jail Sentenced to 27 Years in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
Tampa, Florida – U.S. District Judge Virginia Hernandez Covington today sentenced Timothy CathCart (33, Pasco County) to 27 years in federal prison for conspiracy to distribute and possession with the intent to distribute a substance containing detectable amounts of fentanyl and norfentanyl, the use of which resulted in serious bodily injury to multiple individuals.
CathCart had pleaded guilty on November 1, 2019.
According to court documents, CathCart was part of a drug trafficking organization (DTO) that conspired to distribute fentanyl and methamphetamine throughout the Middle District of Florida. In January 2019, CathCart was arrested for a traffic violation in Pasco County. Moments before his arrest, he concealed approximately seven grams of fentanyl, which he had mixed with seven grams of gabapentin and methamphetamines. CathCart then smuggled the controlled substances inside the Pasco Jail.
Between January 24 and January 25, 2019, CathCart distributed the fentanyl he had smuggled to three inmates in the Pasco Jail. All three inmates lost consciousness, overdosed, and suffered serious bodily injury.
On February 1, 2019, two additional inmates overdosed from the substances that CathCart had smuggled into the jail. One inmate was successfully revived and eventually regained consciousness. The second inmate died. A postmortem toxicology report concluded that the individual suffered an accidental death caused by fentanyl toxicity.
This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Pasco Sheriff’s Office. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Diego F. Novaes.
Ohio Man Pleads Guilty to Federal Methamphetamine ChargeRead the Press Release
Charleston, W.Va. – A Columbus, Ohio man pled guilty to a drug crime, announced United States Attorney Mike Stuart. Darrell Gossett, age 34, pled guilty to possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine.
“Sounds like a comedy but it was real life -- drug dealer with 250 grams of meth backs into a police car,” said United States Attorney Mike Stuart. “It’s not a comedy but maybe a comedy of errors. Law enforcement was able to seize the meth before Gossett could peddle it throughout southern West Virginia.”
Gossett admitted that on November 6, 2019, he possessed over 250 grams of methamphetamine hidden inside his vehicle. Investigators were approaching 2403 Whitman Creek Road in Whitman to investigate possible drug activity when Gossett quickly backed out of the location, striking a police cruiser. A subsequent search of his vehicle led to the seizure of the methamphetamine. As part of his guilty plea, Gossett admitted that he planned on selling the methamphetamine.
Gossett faces up to 40 years in prison when sentenced on June 17, 2020.
The Logan County Sheriff’s Department conducted the investigation. United States District Judge Irene C. Berger presided over the hearing. Assistant United States Attorney Nowles Heinrich is handling the prosecution.
Follow us on Twitter: SDWVNews and USAttyStuart
###Northwest Arkansas Woman Sentenced to 10 Years in Federal Prison for Drug TraffickingRead the Press Release
Fayetteville, Arkansas – David Clay Fowlkes, Acting United States Attorney for the Western District of Arkansas, announced today that Angeline Towery, age 41, of Fayetteville, Arkansas was sentenced to 120 months in federal prison followed by four years of supervised release on one count of Possession of more than 50 grams of Actual Methamphetamine with Intent to Distribute. The Honorable Judge Timothy L. Brooks presided over the sentencing hearing in the United States District Court in Fayetteville.
According to court records in June of 2019, the Fourth (4th) Judicial Drug Task Force (DTF) in Fayetteville was investigating Towery for trafficking methamphetamine in northwest Arkansas. On July 2, 2019, detectives observed Towery conducting a drug transaction in a parking lot in Fayetteville, Arkansas, and subsequently leave the area as a passenger in a vehicle. Detectives pulled the vehicle over for a traffic violation. During the traffic stop, Towery was observed concealing a baggie on her person and throwing a baggie out of the vehicle. A search conducted by the detectives resulted in the detectives locating suspected methamphetamine, a digital scale, cocaine, several different pills, and counterfeit currency.
The suspected methamphetamine possessed by Towery was sent to the DEA crime lab in Miami, Florida and tested positive for 82.5 grams of actual methamphetamine.
Towery was indicted by a federal grand jury in October of 2019, and entered a guilty plea in December of 2019.
This case was investigated by the Fourth (4th) Judicial Drug Task Force (DTF) and the Drug Enforcement Administration. Assistant United States Attorney Sydney Butler prosecuted the case for the Western District of Arkansas.
Niagara Falls Man Arrested, Charged with Production and Possession of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
CONTACT: Barbara Burns
PHONE: (716) 843-5817
FAX #: (716) 551-3051BUFFALO, N.Y.- U.S. Attorney James P. Kennedy, Jr. announced today that Jonathan R. Cassatt, 34, of Niagara Falls, NY, was arrested and charged by criminal complaint with production of child pornography, which carries a minimum penalty of 15 years in prison and a maximum penalty of 30 years in prison and a $250,000 fine, and possession of child pornography, which carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeffrey T. Fiut, who is handling the case, stated that according to the criminal complaint, a witness reported to the Niagara Falls Police Department in November 2019 that Cassatt’s cell phone contained images and videos produced by Cassatt depicting Cassatt and a minor victim engaging in sexual activity. Law enforcement officers thereafter interviewed Cassatt and searched his cell phone, resulting in the discovery of multiple images and videos depicting Cassatt and the minor victim engaging in sexual acts.
The defendant made an initial appearance today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Jeremiah J. McCarthy. He is being held pending a detention hearing on March 12, 2020.
The criminal complaint is the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Gary Loeffert and the Niagara Falls Police Department, under the direction of Chief Thomas Licata.
The fact that a defendant has been charged with a crime is merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
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Newport News Tax Preparer Indicted for False ReturnsRead the Press Release
A federal grand jury in Newport News, Virginia, returned an indictment today charging a tax preparer with aiding and assisting the preparation of false returns, announced Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Richard E. Zuckerman of the Justice Department’s Tax Division and U.S. Attorney G. Zachary Terwilliger for the Eastern District of Virginia.
According to the indictment, Angela C. Harper owned At Ease Tax Services, a tax preparation business that she operated from her home and hotel rooms in the Newport News area. Between 2014 and 2018, Harper allegedly falsified clients’ tax returns by claiming false credits and deductions in order to inflate their refunds. Harper also allegedly did not sign as preparer on the returns or provide copies of the returns to clients.
If convicted, Harper faces a statutory maximum sentence of three years in prison for each count. She also faces a period of supervised release, restitution, and monetary penalties.
An indictment merely alleges that crimes have been committed. The defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Zuckerman and U.S. Attorney Terwilliger commended special agents of IRS-Criminal Investigation, who conducted the investigation, and Trial Attorneys Francine Davis and Michael C. Boteler of the Tax Division and Assistant U.S. Attorney Brian J. Samuels, who are prosecuting the case.
Additional information about the Tax Division and its enforcement efforts may be found on the Division’s website.
New Haven Man Sentenced to More Than 10 Years in Federal Prison for Trafficking HeroinRead the Press Release
John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that BRIAN K. BACKMAN, also known as “B,” “NYB” and “New York B,” 55, of New Haven, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Robert N. Chatigny in Hartford to 121 months of imprisonment, followed by five years of supervised release, for trafficking heroin.
This matter stems from an investigation headed by the FBI’s New Haven Safe Streets/Gang Task Force and New Haven Police Department that targeted drug trafficking and related acts of violence by members, former members and associates of the “Island Brothers” street gang in New Haven. The investigation, which included court-authorized wiretaps and controlled purchases of narcotics, also revealed that the drug trafficking organization had established a base of operation in Fitchburg, Massachusetts. The investigation subsequently identified a second drug trafficking network that involved the large-scale distribution of heroin.
During the investigation, Backman was identified as a supplier of heroin to members of the New Haven drug trafficking organization. Backman was intercepted over multiple wiretaps discussing the acquisition of heroin from a supplier in New York for redistribution in and around New Haven.
On June 16, 2019, Backman sent a courier, Dena Draughn, to pick up a large shipment of heroin from a New York supplier. He then directed an associate, Anderson Atkinson, to meet Draughn at a Hamden parking lot to retrieve the heroin. Investigators arrested Draughn and Atkinson after they met at the parking lot, and seized approximately 10,000 bags of heroin with a net weight of approximately 300 grams.
On July 9, 2019, a grand jury in New Haven returned a 15-count indictment charging Backman, Draughn, Atkinson and 22 other individuals with various offenses.
Backman has been detained since his arrest on July 10, 2019. On October 28, 2019, he pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute one kilogram or more of heroin.
Backman’s criminal history spans more than 30 years and includes convictions in three states and a federal conviction in the Southern District of New York.
Draughn and Atkinson have pleaded guilty to related charges and await sentencing.
This matter is being investigated by the FBI’s New Haven Safe Streets/Gang Task Force, New Haven Police Department, Milford Police Department, Hamden Police Department, East Haven Police Department, Connecticut State Police, Connecticut Department of Correction and the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Anthony E. Kaplan, Peter D. Markle and Elena L. Coronado.
New Castle Man Pleads Guilty to Cocaine-Related Drug ChargesRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH - A former resident of New Castle, PA pleaded guilty in federal court to charges of violating federal narcotics laws, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.
Wesley Cox, also known as Michael Deshawn Carter, age 38, pleaded guilty to two counts before United States District Judge Marilyn J. Horan.
In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that from 2017 through May 2019, Cox participated in a conspiracy to distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine and 280 grams or more of cocaine base, in the form commonly known as crack.
Judge Horan scheduled sentencing for June 30, 2020 at 9:30AM. The law provides for a total sentence of not less than 10 years in prison and up to life, a fine of $10,500,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant United States Attorneys Brendan T. Conway and Marnie Sheehan-Balchon is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
A federally administered Organized Crime and Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Cox. The task force is headed by the Drug Enforcement Administration and is comprised of members drawn from the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation, the United States Postal Inspection Service, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Lawrence County Drug Task Force, Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General, Borough of Baldwin Police Department, McKees Rocks Police Department, Munhall Police Department, Allegheny County Sheriff’s Office, Pittsburgh Bureau of Police, and the Pennsylvania State Police.
The OCDETF program supplies critical federal funding and coordination that allows federal and state agencies to work together to successfully identify, investigate, and prosecute major interstate and international drug trafficking organizations and other criminal enterprises. The Lawrence County Drug Task Force and the New Castle Police Department also participated in the investigation.
Murray, Kentucky Child Predator Sentenced to Life ImprisonmentRead the Press Release
PADUCAH, Ky. – A Calloway County, Kentucky, man, has been sentenced to life in federal prison by United States Senior Judge Thomas B. Russell, announced U.S. Attorney Russell Coleman.
Jeffrey Desmond Carter, age 41, was convicted by a jury on all 25 counts of production of child pornography, one count of receipt of child pornography, and one count of sex trafficking children in September of 2019.
“The most basic job of government is to keep people safe, especially the most vulnerable, our kids,” said U.S. Attorney Russell Coleman. “This outcome, removal of a child predator from our Commonwealth for life, is an example of, federal, state, and local law enforcement coming together to do just that. I could not be prouder of the federal prosecutor and investigators involved in this case. They represent the very finest in Kentucky law men/women.”
Carter, of Murray, Kentucky, was charged on October 18, 2016, by a federal grand jury with 25 counts of production of child pornography, one count of receipt of child pornography, and one count of sex trafficking children.
According to evidence before the Court, on February 5, 2015, the Calloway County Sheriff’s Department was notified that a 15 year-old female had sent sexually explicit photos and videos of herself to Carter, through a Facebook messenger account under the name of Adam Bryan. The investigation soon merged with an investigation by the Murray Police Department.
At the same time the Calloway County report was made, another report was being made to the Murray Police Department that a 14-year old girl sent nude images to Carter. Through investigative techniques, Carter was identified and a search warrant was obtained for his Murray, Kentucky, apartment.
A search warrant for Carter’s apartment was executed on February 10, 2015, by law enforcement agents from the Murray Police Department, Calloway County Sheriff’s Department, and Kentucky State Police. A number of items were seized from the residence including electronic devices. Carter was present when the warrant was executed and was taken to the Murray Police Department for questioning. After waiving his Miranda rights, Carter admitted to using the “Adam Bryan” Facebook account and to contacting girls under the age of 18 and requesting nude images and videos from them. Further, Carter admitted to engaging in sexual acts with a number of minor females and to recording those encounters. Carter stated that he would pay money or provide gifts to the minor females in exchange for participating in the sex acts or for sending nude images or videos. In addition to his verbal confession Carter wrote out a confession; in this written confession, Carter specifically named six of the victims listed in the indictment, and provides a description of a seventh.
The Kentucky Regional Computer Forensics Laboratory performed an analysis on the devices seized during the search warrant; in reviewing the reports and data an FBI special agent and other authorities were able to identify at least 12 victims, including those already known to law enforcement.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Seth A. Hancock and was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. In addition to the original investigative agencies including the Murray Police Department, Calloway County Sheriff’s Department, and the Kentucky State Police, assistance in the federal investigation was received from the Marshall County Sheriff’s Department; McCracken County Sheriff’s Department; Metropolis, Illinois Police Department; Murray State University Police Department; and Lotus, formerly the Purchase Area Sexual Assault and Child Advocacy Center.
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This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims.
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Morgantown man sentenced for drug distributionRead the Press Release
CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Ronald Bowers, of Morgantown, West Virginia, was sentenced today to 18 months incarceration for drug distribution, U.S. Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Bowers, age 37, pled guilty to one count of “Aiding and Abetting Distribution of Heroin in Proximity to a Protected Location” in August 2019. Bowers admitted to selling heroin near West Virginia University in July 2018.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Zelda E. Wesley prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Mon Metro Drug & Violent Crimes Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, and the West Virginia State Police investigated.
U.S. District Judge Thomas S. Kleeh presided.
Mobile Doctor Sentenced to Five Years Probation and Ordered to Pay Quarter Million Dollar Fine for Prescription Drug OffenseRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Richard W. Moore of the Southern District of Alabama, announces that Dr. Thomas Dempsey has been sentenced to five years of probation and ordered to pay a $250,000.00 fine following his plea of guilty to illegally distributing controlled substances via prescription.
Dr. Dempsey was one of the founding members of the Alabama Orthopedic Clinic in Mobile, Alabama. In 2012, Dr. Dempsey left to start Orthopedic Quick Care in Mobile. In September 2019, Dr. Dempsey pleaded guilty to an Information alleging illegal distribution of oxycodone and hydrocodone via prescription while working at Orthopedic Quick Care.
As part of his plea agreement, Dr. Dempsey admitted that he signed blank prescription papers prior to a June 2018 trip to Charleston, South Carolina. During this trip, Dr. Dempsey’s staff used these pre-signed prescription papers to create thirty-seven prescriptions for oxycodone and hydrocodone, which were distributed to patients while Dr. Dempsey was out of the office. His employees — none of whom had the requisite DEA license to prescribe Schedule II controlled substances like oxycodone and hydrocodone — were acting at Dr. Dempsey’s express direction.
During the sentencing hearing, United States District Judge Jeffrey Beaverstock emphasized that pre-signing blank prescription papers is a very serious offense that can easily lead to diversion of controlled substances. Noting Dr. Dempsey’s age, lack of criminal history, and the fact that he had already lost his DEA license and was no longer practicing medicine, Judge Beaverstock opted for the maximum probation sentence of five years instead of incarceration. Judge Beaverstock also ordered Dr. Dempsey to pay a fine of $250,000.00, which is the maximum fine allowed under the statute of conviction.
This matter was investigated by Special Agents, Task Force Officers, and Diversion Investigators with DEA–Mobile. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Christopher Bodnar and Deborah Griffin.
Mexican man sentenced for attempting to export more than 1000 AK-47 magazinesRead the Press Release
McALLEN, Texas – A 22-year-old Mexican national has been ordered to prison following his conviction of attempting to export firearm magazines, announced U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Patrick.
Ociel Ambrosio Ramirez-Ramirez pleaded guilty Dec. 30, 2019.
Today, U.S. District Judge Micaela Alvarez sentenced Ramirez-Ramirez to 52 months in federal prison. Not a U.S. citizen, he is expected to face removal proceedings following his release from prison.
In handing down the sentence, the court noted the type and sheer quantity of the firearm magazines Ramirez-Ramirez smuggled to be particularly troublesome. Judge Alvarez recognized the violence south of the U.S. border and how drug trafficking organizations often rely on individuals like Ramirez-Ramirez to provide weapons or ammunition from the United States.
On Oct. 13, 2019, Ramirez-Ramirez attempted to export 1,057 AK-47 magazines and six 1911-style .38 super magazines from the United States into Mexico through the Hidalgo Port of Entry. At the time of his arrest, Ramirez-Ramirez informed agents he maintained a storage unit in Hidalgo. Law enforcement subsequently searched it and discovered numerous empty boxes of ammunition, gun cases and a 7.62x39mm round of ammunition therein.
Ramirez-Ramirez has been and will remain in custody pending transfer to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future.
Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations conducted the investigation with the assistance of Customs and Border Protection. Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew Redavid prosecuted the case.
Manchester Man Pleads Guilty to Bank RobberyRead the Press Release
CONCORD - Kenneth Rawson, 34, of Manchester, pleaded guilty in federal court on Tuesday to committing a bank robbery, United States Attorney Scott W. Murray announced today.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on October 27, 2018, Rawson entered the Citizens Bank on Elm Street in Manchester, New Hampshire and demanded money from the teller. Rawson claimed that he had a bomb on him at the time. Rawson was apprehended later that day and admitted that he had robbed the bank.
Rawson is scheduled to be sentenced on June 23, 2020.
“Bank robberies are violent crimes that put bank employees, customers, and members of the public at risk,” said U.S. Attorney Murray. “In order to protect the public from violent crime, we will work closely with our law enforcement partners to identify and prosecute those who commit bank robberies in the Granite State. I am grateful to the Manchester Police and the FBI for their efforts to ensure that this defendant was brought to justice.”
"Kenneth Rawson has twice now accepted responsibility for his actions – first, by telling officers, ‘I robbed a bank,’ as they pursued him from the scene of the crime, and again today before a federal judge. But words alone aren’t sufficient to remedy his claim to a defenseless teller that he was strapped to a bomb at the time of the holdup,” said Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Boston Division. “In addition to bank robbery, Rawson is responsible for creating an environment of fear in a place of business, where bystanders could have been hurt, or worse. For that, it’s the court’s punishment that needs to speak loud and clear.”
This matter was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Manchester Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Anna Krasinski.
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Man Looking to Scare Someone with Loaded GunRead the Press Release
A Cedar Rapids man who possessed a firearm while being a user of marijuana was sentenced March 11, 2020, to three years in federal prison.
Quincy Dionta Carrington, age 31, from Waterloo, Iowa, received the prison term after a December 2, 2019, guilty plea to possession of a firearm by a prohibited person.
Evidence at the plea hearing and sentencing showed that in January 2019, Waterloo police officers stopped Carrington for speeding. During the stop, officers learned Carrington had a suspended driver’s license. While taking Carrington into custody, Carrington admitted he had a loaded gun with him. Officers located a loaded gun under the driver’s seat of the vehicle; along with a vaping pen containing marijuana wax in the vehicle. Carrington admitted that he had been smoking the vaping pen earlier in the day and that he was on his way to scare an unknown male who had assaulted his girlfriend.
Carrington was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Chief Judge Leonard T. Strand. Carrington was sentenced to 36 months’ imprisonment. A $100 special assessment was imposed. He must also serve a 2-year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Ashley Corkery and investigated by the Waterloo Police Department, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN). PSN is the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
This case is also part of Project Guardian, the Department of Justice’s signature initiative to reduce gun violence and enforce federal firearms laws. Initiated by the Attorney General in the fall of 2019, Project Guardian draws upon the Department’s past successful programs to reduce gun violence; enhances coordination of federal, state, local, and tribal authorities in investigating and prosecuting gun crimes; improves information-sharing by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives when a prohibited individual attempts to purchase a firearm and is denied by the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS), to include taking appropriate actions when a prospective purchaser is denied by the NICS for mental health reasons; and ensures that federal resources are directed at the criminals posing the greatest threat to our communities. The United States Attorney’s Office has prosecuted this case with support from its Project Guardian partners. For more information about Project Guardian, please see /media/1122011/dl?inline.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl. The case file number is 19-CR-02028.
Follow us on Twitter @USAO_NDIA.
Louisville Psychiatrist Pleads Guilty to Distributing Controlled Substances Without A Medical PurposeRead the Press Release
LOUISVILLE, Ky. – Louisville psychiatrist Dr. Peter Steiner has pleaded guilty to intentionally distributing schedule II, III, and IV controlled substances, without any legitimate medical purpose and outside the course of professional medical practice, announced United States Attorney Russell Coleman.
“This is a crystal clear example of the U.S. Attorney’s Office prosecuting a doctor turned drug dealer; not an attempt to insert itself into the legitimate practice of medicine,” said U.S. Attorney Russell Coleman. “Trading powerful controlled substances for graphic sexual images in a predatory fashion is far afield from the type of true patient care that the vast majority of Kentuckians enjoy from their fine doctors.”
Steiner was initially indicted by the Grand Jury on June 25, 2018. The charges stem from Dr. Steiner’s operation Kentuckiana Mental Health Associates, a mental health and opioid addiction practice, where Dr. Steiner prescribed medically unnecessary drugs that were also prescribed outside the usual course of professional practice. He illegally prescribed thousands of units of stimulants and Buprenorphine. He unlawfully distributed opiates as well.
According to a plea agreement, Steiner has pleaded guilty to count 1 of the indictment – conspiracy to distribute controlled substances. Between August 2012 and March 2018, Steiner conspired with others to knowingly and intentionally distribute schedule II – IV controlled substances, without any legitimate medical purpose and outside the course of professional medical practice.
Dr. Steiner prescribed high dosages and large quantities of controlled substances, prescribed early refills for controlled substances, and continued to prescribe to patients even though he knew they tested negatively for those substances. Steiner also prescribed in exchange for sexually graphic photos and videos; he also prescribed controlled substances not typically associated with psychiatric complaints, and prescribed dangerous combinations of controlled substances.
According to the plea agreement, at the time of sentencing, the United States will agree that a sentence of 48 months of imprisonment, followed by four years of supervised release is the appropriate sentence in this case. At the sentencing hearing the United States will move to dismiss counts 2 through 26 of the Indictment.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney David Weiser. The case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Defense Criminal Investigative Service (DCIS), Kentucky State Police (KSP), Louisville Metro Police Department (LMPD), and the Cabinet for Health and Family Services, Office of the Inspector General.
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Lewiston Man Sentenced for Possession with Intent to Distribute CocaineRead the Press Release
CONTACT: Barbara Burns
PHONE: (716) 843-5817
FAX #: (716) 551-3051BUFFALO, N.Y. - U.S. Attorney James P. Kennedy, Jr. announced today that Frank Rowles, 60, of Lewiston, NY, who was convicted of possession with intent to distribute cocaine, was sentenced to serve 15 months in prison by U.S. District Court Judge Lawrence J. Vilardo.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Justin G. Bish, who handled the case, stated that on January 3, 2019, law enforcement officers executed a search warrant at 5150 Homestead Place in Lewiston, NY, and recovered two digital scales and a quantity of cocaine.
The sentencing is the result of an investigation by Homeland Security Investigations, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Kevin Kelly, and the Niagara County Drug Task Force, under the direction of Niagara County Sheriff Michael Filicetti.
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Leader of Salem-Area Drug Distribution Network Sentenced to Ten Years in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
PORTLAND, Ore.—U.S. Attorney Billy J. Williams announced today that the leader of a Salem-area drug distribution network was sentenced to federal prison for his role in a conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and cocaine in and around Salem, Oregon.
Isaias Alvarado, 38, a Mexican citizen residing in Salem, was sentenced to 120 months in federal prison and five years’ supervised release.
According to court documents, the arrest and prosecution of Alvarado and his associates has significantly disrupted the distribution of methamphetamine and cocaine in the Salem area. Alvarado along with his brother and co-defendant, Isaac Alvarado, 33, also of Salem, were part of a distribution network that purchased drugs in Los Angeles, California for redistribution in Salem. Investigators believe the network had recently begun expanding their operations to include heroin distribution.
On June 13, 2017, investigators conducted a federal search warrant on Alvarado’s Salem residence. The search yielded approximately 1.2 kilograms of methamphetamine, a digital scale, four cell phones, night vision goggles, and bulk ammunition. Investigators also seized five firearms from Alvarado’s bedroom: a Springfield Armory AR-15, a Zastava Arms AK-47, a Remington 12-gauge shotgun, a Century Arms 7.62 x 39mm caliber rifle, a CZ 9mm caliber rifle. Alvarado was arrested without incident.
On May 8, 2019, Alvarado pleaded guilty to one count of conspiring to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine. During sentencing, U.S. District Court Judge Robert E. Jones ordered Alvarado to forfeit the five firearms seized.
On March 7, 2019, Isaac Alvarado pleaded guilty to one count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. He will be sentenced on March 25, 2020. Seven other members of the Alvarados’ distribution network have been sentenced for related offenses. Sentenced defendants include:
- Luis Ramirez-Valderrama, 42, of Salem—97 months in prison and five years’ supervised release
- Manuel Garcia, 33, of Salem—78 months in prison and five years’ supervised release
- Ruben Rosas-Lozana, 32, a Mexican national residing in Salem—48 months in prison and three years’ supervised release
- Juan Francisco Viveros-Rivera, 34, a Mexican national residing in Salem—40 months in prison and three years’ supervised release
- Christopher Robin Diebel, 40, of Salem—36 months in prison and three years’ supervised release
- Nichole Breanna Smiley, 36, of Salem—time served in prison and five years’ supervised release
- Miguel Angel Garnica-Martinez, 32, of Salem—time served in prison and five years’ supervised release
This case was investigated by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration and was prosecuted by Kemp Strickland, Assistant U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon.
This case was brought as part of the Justice Department’s Organized Crime and Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) program, the centerpiece of the department’s strategy for reducing the availability of drugs in the U.S. OCDETF was established in 1982 to mount a comprehensive attack on drug trafficking by disrupting and dismantling major drug trafficking and money laundering organizations. Today, OCDETF combines the resources and expertise of its member federal agencies in coordination with state and local law enforcement.
Lakeland Man Sentenced to 30 Years for Firearm OffenseRead the Press Release
Tampa, Florida – U.S. District Judge Susan C. Bucklew has sentenced Felix Antequera Rivera, Jr. (33, Lakeland) to 30 years in federal prison for possessing a firearm as a convicted felon.
A jury had found Rivera guilty on December 10, 2019.
According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, on June 15, 2018, officers from the Lakeland Police Department were patrolling an apartment complex when they observed Rivera who appeared to have a large object concealed in his waistband. When the officers approached Rivera, he turned, walked in the opposite direction, and attempted to enter a friend’s apartment. Rivera then tried to slip out of a backpack that he was wearing and attempted to flee. A prolonged struggle involving Rivera and four police officers ensued, during which Rivera reached for a firearm in his pants, struck a police officer in the head with handcuffs, and grabbed at the officers’ firearms and tasers. Officers eventually seized from Rivera a Sig Sauer pistol loaded with 11 rounds of ammunition.
Rivera has a long and violent criminal history, including convictions for armed robbery with a firearm, felony battery, and aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, and is therefore prohibited from possessing firearm or ammunition.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Lakeland Police Department. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Frank Murray.
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.
Laguna Heights man sentenced for child pornography chargeRead the Press Release
BROWNSVILLE, Texas - A 29-year-old Laguna Heights man has been ordered to federal prison for possessing more than 500 images of child pornography, announced U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Patrick.
Ramon Marin Jr. pleaded guilty Dec. 18, 2019.
Today, U.S. District Judge Rolando Olvera Jr. ordered him to serve 80 months in federal prison. Marin was further ordered to pay $18,000 in restitution to several known victims and will serve 20 years on supervised released following completion of his prison term, during which he will have to comply with numerous requirements designed to restrict his access to children and the internet. He has also been ordered to register as a sex offender.
On or about April 29, 2019, authorities began an undercover investigation of ongoing child exploitative crimes on the internet through the use of peer-to-peer software. They identified an IP address making child pornography available for sharing which led them to Marin’s residence. Law enforcement executed a search warrant which resulted in the seizure of various digital devices containing child pornography.
A forensic analysis revealed 539 images and 11 videos of child pornography. The Images included sexual exploitation of minors and toddlers.
Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) - Rio Grande Valley Child Exploitation Task Force conducted the investigation.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Ana Cano is prosecuting the case, which was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood (PSC), a nationwide initiative the Department of Justice (DOJ) launched in May 2006 to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. U.S. Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section leads PSC, which marshals federal, state and local resources to locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children and identifies and rescues victims. For more information about PSC, please visit DOJ’s PSC page. For more information about internet safety education, please visit the resources tab on that page.
Judge Hands Down 24+ Year Prison Sentence, Including Contempt of Court Punishment, for 23rd Defendant Linked to Massive Drug RingRead the Press Release
ALBANY, Ga. – The final defendant linked to a large narcotics and methamphetamine ring operating out of a Southwest Georgia community was sentenced to a total of 296 months in prison today, said Charles “Charlie” Peeler, the U.S. Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia. U.S. District Judge Leslie Gardner sentenced Alejandro Bustamante, 31, of Moultrie, Georgia to 260 months in prison and five years supervised release after previously pleading guilty to one count conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine, plus an additional 36 months in prison for contempt of court. Bustamante was separately prosecuted for contempt of court after having posted a witness’s statement to law enforcement on social media, along with comments intended to silence the witness. There is no parole in the federal system.
“Defendants who attempt to intimidate or harm a witness will be prosecuted to the fullest extent allowed by law, and today’s sentence shows that our judicial system does not tolerate witness tampering,” said U.S. Attorney Charlie Peeler. “These defendants involved in this conspiracy will spend more than a combined 225 years behind bars for their involvement in this dangerous methamphetamine ring. I want to thank the GBI, DEA, Colquitt County Sheriff’s Office and Moultrie Police Department for shutting down this illegal narcotics operation and for protecting our communities.”
“When drug traffickers push poison into the community, the penalty is steep. All defendants linked to this illegal narcotics distribution ring will spend well-deserved time behind bars for their crimes,” said Robert J. Murphy, the Special Agent in Charge of the DEA Atlanta Field Division. “The investigation of this case was a success because of the combined efforts between the DEA, its law enforcement partners and the U.S. Attorney’s Office.”
“This sentencing illustrates that drug trafficking at any level will not be tolerated in the state of Georgia. It is paramount that violators of drug laws be held accountable. The GBI is fully committed to working with our local and federal partners in drug enforcement to address these types of crimes,” said Vic Reynolds, Director of the GBI.
“We are grateful for the strong relationship with our federal and state partners. These criminals have been the cause of grave harm in our community, and now they will be locked up behind federal prison bars without parole,” said Sheriff Rod Howell, Colquitt County Sheriff’s Office.
“The individuals prosecuted in this case all have extensive criminal histories and have committed multiple criminal offenses within our community. I would like to express my deepest appreciation to all the agencies that were involved, especially to our state and federal partners. Successful drug enforcement practices must be a coordinated effort within the purview of all law enforcement agencies, and this case is an outstanding example of that,” said Chief Sean Ladson, Moultrie Police Department.
Judge Gardner previously sentenced an additional 22 defendants involved in this methamphetamine and illegal narcotics conspiracy:
On January 22, 2020:
Gabino Tobias, 45, of Fairburn, Georgia was sentenced to 120 months in prison after pleading guilty to one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine;
Maria Del Carmen Salazar Mirales, 46, of Fairburn, was sentenced to 120 months in prison after pleading guilty to one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine;
Gricelda Bustamante-Gutierrez, 37, of Norman Park, Georgia was sentenced to 180 months in prison after pleading guilty to one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine;
Ricardo Gutierrez, 32, of Norman Park, was sentenced to 292 months in prison after pleading guilty to one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine.
On January 16, 2020:
Kristen Dismuke, 31, of Moultrie, was sentenced to 42 months in prison after pleading guilty to one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine;
Trabian Jones, 43, of Moultrie, was sentenced to 12 months in prison after pleading guilty to one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute marijuana;
Eric Townsend, 31, of Moultrie, was sentenced to 120 months in prison after pleading guilty to one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine;
Torranza McNeal, aka “Cheese,” aka “Meke,” was sentenced to 96 months in prison after pleading guilty to one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine base.
On January 15, 2020:
Brenton Miller, 32, of Moultrie, was sentenced to 180 months in prison after pleading guilty to one count of distribution of methamphetamine;
Regina Miller, 36, of Moultrie, was sentenced to 84 months in prison after pleading guilty to one count of distribution of methamphetamine;
Ramon White, 37, of Moultrie, was sentenced to 36 months in prison after pleading guilty to one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine;
James Fielder, 35, of Moultrie, was sentenced to 120 months in prison after pleading guilty to one count of distribution of methamphetamine.
On January 14, 2020:
Josh Whaley, 38, of Tallahassee, Florida, was sentenced to 54 months in prison after pleading guilty to one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine;
Tony Stamper, aka “Buggie,” 31, of Moultrie, was sentenced to 60 months in prison after pleading guilty to one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to cocaine and marijuana;
Bryant Pittman, aka “John Gotti,” 36, of Moultrie, was sentenced to 200 months in prison after pleading guilty to one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine.
On January 13, 2020:
David Spradley, aka “ManMan,” 37, of Moultrie, was sentenced to 218 months in prison after pleading guilty to conspiracy with intent to distribute methamphetamine;
Johntavious Johnson, aka “Mikey,” 33, of Moultrie, was sentenced to 96 months in prison after pleading guilty to one county conspiracy with intent to distribute methamphetamine;
Jarvis West, 32, of Moultrie, was each sentenced to 96 months in prison after pleading guilty to one county conspiracy with intent to distribute methamphetamine;
Ricardo Bodiford, aka “Rico,” 34, of Moultrie, was sentenced on January 13, 2020 to 260 months in prison after pleading guilty to one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine.
In earlier proceedings:
Stacy McLellan, 50, of Norman Park, was sentenced on May 13, 2019 to 160 months in prison after pleading guilty to one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine;
Eric Lamar, 37, of Moultrie, was sentenced on October 16, 2019 to 24 months in prison after pleading guilty to one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine and marijuana;
Brad Tuff, 39, of Moultrie, was sentenced on March 13, 2019 to 21 months in prison after pleading guilty to one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute marijuana.
Investigators began a court-authorized wiretap on the cell phones belonging to Ricardo “Rico” Bodiford in April 2018. The wiretap investigation continued until law enforcement agents executed search warrants on several locations across Moultrie in May 2019, locating large amounts of illicit drugs, including two pounds of methamphetamine, one kilogram of cocaine, 13 pounds of marijuana, loaded firearms and cash, among other amounts of illegal drugs and drug paraphernalia.
The case was investigated by the Georgia Bureau of Investigation, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Colquitt County Sheriff’s Office, the Moultrie Police Department and the Leon County Florida Sheriff’s Office. 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.
Johnstown Felon Indicted in Project Safe Neighborhoods CaseRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH - A resident of Johnstown, Pennsylvania, has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on a charge of violating federal firearms laws, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.
The one-count Second Superseding Indictment, returned on March 10, named Sean Zachary Horton, age 30, as the sole defendant.
According to the Second Superseding Indictment, on June 7, 2018, Horton was in possession of a firearm and ammunition while knowingly having been previously convicted of felonies. Federal law prohibits anyone who has been convicted of a felony from owning a firearm.
The law provides for a maximum total sentence of ten years in prison, a fine of $250,000 or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant United States Attorney Douglas C. Maloney is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The Pennsylvania State Police conducted the investigation leading to the Second Superseding Indictment in this case.
The case is being prosecuted as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
A Second Superseding Indictment is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.