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Wednesday 29 January 2020
Crack Dealers Sentenced to PrisonRead the Press Release
John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that two men involved in a New Haven-based drug trafficking organization were sentenced today in Hartford federal court. U.S. District Judge Vanessa L. Bryant sentenced MARVIN SPRUILL, 27, of West Haven, to 57 months of imprisonment and three years of supervised release, and CARNELL EDWARDS, 49, of Bridgeport, to 30 months of imprisonment and five years of supervised release.
According to court documents and statements made in court, in June 2017, the FBI’s New Haven Safe Streets/Gang Task Force initiated an investigation into a New Haven drug trafficking organization headed by Jermayne Butler. The investigation, which included physical surveillance, 13 controlled purchases of narcotics, and court-authorized wiretaps on multiple phones, revealed that members of the organization were distributing crack cocaine and oxycodone in and around New Haven. Both Spruill and Edwards purchased crack from other members of the conspiracy and sold the drug in smaller quantities to their own customers.
Butler, Spruill, Edwards and several other members of the organization were arrested on federal criminal complaints on February 6, 2018. On February 8, 2018, a grand jury in New Haven returned a 30-count indictment charging 19 individuals with various offenses.
Spruill and Edwards each pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute, and to possess with intent to distribute, cocaine base “crack.”
Butler also pleaded guilty and awaits sentencing.
This matter has been investigated by the FBI’s New Haven Safe Streets/Gang Task Force, which includes members from the New Haven Police Department, Milford Police Department, West Haven Police Department and Connecticut Department of Correction. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Patrick F. Caruso and David C. Nelson.
Covington Neurologist Sentenced to 24 Months in Prison for His Guilty Plea to Conspiracy to Unlawfully Dispense Oxycodone and Hydrocodone and Conspiracy to Commit Health Care FraudRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, La. - U.S. Attorney Peter G. Strasser announced that ANIL PRASAD, M.D., age 63, a resident of Covington, Louisiana was sentenced on January 28, 2020 by U.S. District Judge Jane Triche Milazzo to 24 months’ imprisonment followed by (3) three years of supervised release, with the condition that the first 12 months of supervised release be served on home confinement in connection with his guilty plea to conspiracy to unlawfully distribute controlled substances and conspiracy to commit health care fraud. In addition, PRASAD agreed to pay $1,657,461.15 in restitution to the Medicare and Medicaid programs.
According to court documents, PRASAD admitted that he conspired with others to unlawfully distribute and dispense controlled substances—including oxycodone and hydrocodone—at a medical clinic that was, in actuality, a pill mill. PRASAD admitted that he rarely performed face-to-face examinations of patients at the clinic to determine whether any medical necessity existed for the controlled substances that he dispensed to them. Instead, PRASAD admitted that he pre-signed prescriptions for controlled substances for patients. Those patients then picked up the prescriptions from the clinic after making a cash payment to the clinic. PRASAD also admitted that he pre-signed prescriptions before traveling internationally, and that patients would pick up those prescriptions while he was out of the country. Further, PRASAD admitted that he knew certain patients who received the pre-signed prescriptions used their Medicare and Medicaid benefits to fill the prescriptions at area pharmacies. In total, Medicare and Medicaid paid approximately $1,657,461.15 for those prescriptions.
U.S. Attorney Strasser praised the work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Department of Health and Human Services, the Louisiana Attorney General’s Office’s Medicaid Fraud Control Unit, the Drug Enforcement Administration, and the Department of Veterans Affairs for their work investigating the case.
The case is being prosecuted by Jared Hasten of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Sharan Lieberman.
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Court Sentences North Carolina Bloods Gang Members for Racketeering Conspiracy Involving MurderRead the Press Release
Four North Carolina members of the United Blood Nation (UBN or Bloods) street gang were sentenced in Charlotte, North Carolina, after pleading guilty to federal Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) conspiracy charges, announced Assistant Attorney General Brian A. Benczkowski of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division and U.S. Attorney R. Andrew Murray of the Western District of North Carolina.
Tyquan Ramont Powell, aka Savage, 24, of Charlotte, North Carolina, Lamonte Kentrell Lloyd, aka Murda Mo and Moo, 26, of Scotland Neck, North Carolina, Thomas Oliver, aka T.O., Recon, Rex, and Mr. Trippbadd, 34 of Gastonia, North Carolina were each sentenced by Chief U.S. District Court Judge Frank D. Whitney to serve 35 years in prison followed by 3 years of supervised release. Each of these defendants pleaded guilty to RICO conspiracy charges involving murder. Judge Whitney also sentenced Marquel Michael Cunningham, aka Mayhem, 23, of Kings Mountain, North Carolina, to 15 years in prison followed by 3 years of supervised release following his guilty plea to RICO conspiracy and his role in an attempted murder.
According to court documents and evidence presented at May 2018 and October 2019 trials of co-defendants, the UBN is a violent criminal street gang operating throughout the east coast of the United States since it was founded as a prison gang in 1993. UBN members are often identified by their use of the color red, and can also often be identified by common tattoos or burn marks. The UBN has a militaristic structure, with positions of Godfather, High, Low, Five-Star to One‑Star Generals and soldiers. UBN members use distinct hand signs and written codes, which are used to identify other members and rival gang members, as well as to try to thwart law enforcement efforts against them.
Members of the UBN are expected to conduct themselves and their illegal activity according to rules and regulations set by their leaders. Prominent among these is a requirement to pay monthly dues to the organization, often in the amounts of $31 or $93. UBN gang dues are derived from illegal activity performed by subordinate UBN members including narcotics trafficking, robberies and wire fraud, among other forms of illegal racketeering activity.
According to court documents, Powell and Lloyd were members of the UBN and together committed two murders and three attempted murders in January and February of 2016. Powell and Lloyd committed the first murder in Scotland Neck, North Carolina, by shooting into a car with three occupants because they believed one of the occupants was cooperating with law enforcement and intended to testify in a criminal case against a close associate of the defendants. Bullets struck all three occupants and the intended target of the shooting was killed. The defendants then fled to, among other places, Charlotte, North Carolina, where they received refuge and resources from UBN members and associates while attempting to evade arrest.
Powell and Lloyd also committed murder in Gastonia, North Carolina, while attempting to rob four victims using handguns. When the victims resisted the defendants’ robbery attempt, Powell fired his gun and killed one of the victims, who was attempting to flee to safety. Powell and Lloyd also attempted to rob another victim in Charlotte, North Carolina. Lloyd shot the victim in the back of the head, but the victim was effectively treated for his injuries at the hospital and lived.
According to court documents and evidence presented at an October 2019 trial of a co-defendant, Oliver drove himself and four other UBN members from Cleveland County, North Carolina, to Chapel Hill, North Carolina, in order to rob an 18-year-old victim of marijuana and money. Oliver coordinated the crimes as a local UBN leader, and was present when his fellow gang members shot and killed the robbery victim and attempted to kill the victim’s friend, who survived a gunshot wound to his arm.
Also according to court documents, Cunningham committed an armed robbery for the UBN, as well as an assault of a fellow UBN member for violating UBN gang rules. Court documents and evidence presented at sentencing also showed that Cunningham was present in a car with UBN co‑conspirators in November 2014 when they saw a man who Cunningham believed to be a member of the rival gang called the Crips. Cunningham pointed the man out to his fellow Bloods and flashed UBN gang hand signs. Occupants of the car then opened fire on the victim, exited the car, and chased the victim while shooting approximately a dozen times. No one was injured in the attempted murder.
In May 2017, 83 UBN gang members were indicted in the Western District of North Carolina for RICO conspiracy and other crimes. In all, 82 defendants have been adjudicated guilty from the investigation. A jury convicted three top leaders of the UBN of racketeering conspiracy in May 2018, one defendant was convicted of racketeering conspiracy and wire fraud conspiracy at a bench trial in July 2019, and a jury convicted four defendants of racketeering conspiracy and other charges in October 2019.
The investigation was conducted by the FBI’s Charlotte Field Office; the Charlotte Mecklenburg Police Department; the Shelby Police Department; the Cleveland County Sheriff’s Office; the Gastonia Police Department; the North Carolina State Highway Patrol; the Mecklenburg County Sheriff’s Office; the North Carolina Department of Public Safety Adult Corrections and Juvenile Justice; North Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles; Scotland Neck Police Department; the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation; the Halifax County Sheriff’s Office; the U.S. Federal Probation; the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives; the IRS Criminal Investigation; the U.S. Postal Inspection Service; the U.S. Army Criminal Investigation Command; and the New York Department of Corrections and Community Supervision, Office of Special Investigations. Trial Attorney Beth Lipman of the Criminal Division’s Organized Crime and Gang Section and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Matt Warren and Christopher Hess for the Western District of North Carolina are prosecuting the case.
This prosecution is part of an extensive investigation by the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) Program. 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.
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.
Congress Must Ban Fentanyl AnaloguesRead the Press Release
In 2017, nearly 50,000 Americans died from an opioid overdose. In 2018, synthetic opioids accounted for over 28,000 overdose fatalities across the United States. Hundreds of those victims died here, in the Carolinas. They were our friends, our colleagues, our neighbors. And while we are encouraged by a recent decline in the reported death toll, the untimely loss of any life to this drug scourge is too great of a tragedy. As law enforcement leaders, this epidemic requires our continued and sustained attention.
One of the deadliest synthetic opioids is fentanyl, a drug 50 times more potent than heroin, and 100 times more powerful than morphine. Incredibly small quantities – measured like the grains of salt – can kill the average person.
Illegal fentanyl is manufactured in high-volume labs in China and Mexico, and its chemical structure is easily altered to create new drugs, called fentanyl analogues. Analogues can be created simply by alerting just a single molecule.
Prior to 2018 drug traffickers were able to run sophisticated operations and evade law enforcement and prosecution by altering the chemical composition of fentanyl just enough to skirt the law. Even more frightening, the compounding done in illicit labs varies so much that no one can be sure of the amount they are ingesting.
To address this problem, in 2018, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) used its authority to temporarily ban all fentanyl-related substances and closed a loophole used by drug traffickers to exploit our laws and profit off our people.
At the same time, it is important to note that the Trump Administration was able to persuade the Chinese government to prohibit fentanyl analogues as well.
However, the DEA’s order expires on February 6, 2020, and, unless Congress acts, many fentanyl analogues will become legal. Congress’s inaction will deliver a serious blow to our efforts to prosecute drug organizations and dealers who traffic in fentanyl. Further, it will make it more difficult to put behind bars those responsible for the deaths of our loved ones.
The United States Senate recently approved a temporary extension of the DEA’s temporary order. That is a good start. But, in order to stem this deadly epidemic, we need Congress to act decisively and permanently declare all fentanyl analogues illegal. Congress’ action will permanently arm law enforcement with the tools necessary to protect our communities from these deadly illicit drugs.
Critics of a permanent ban argue that the bill does not include a public health approach to the overdose crisis. We wholeheartedly agree that only a comprehensive approach will stem the tide of this public health crisis. Indeed, each of our U.S. Attorney’s offices collaborates with health care professionals, social services providers, and a wide range of community groups to implement comprehensive solutions to address this problem. But, strong criminal laws are a critical component of the Nation’s response to this crisis, and time is short. Mexican and Chinese drug traffickers eagerly await the expiration of the DEA’s temporary order to flood our communities with their increasingly deadly analogue poisons.
We join U.S. Attorney General William Barr and our fellow United States Attorneys across the country in calling upon Congress to permanently ban all fentanyl-related drugs. The lives of countless Carolinians depend upon swift and decisive action.
*Higdon, Martin and Murray are the United States Attorneys for the Eastern, Middle and Western Districts of North Carolina, respectively. Mr. Crick is the Acting United States Attorney for the District of South Carolina.
Carnegie Heroin Dealer Who Led Police on High-Speed Chase Down Route 28 Sentenced to 12 Years in PrisonRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH - A resident of Carnegie, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced in federal court to 144 months imprisonment and five years supervised release on his conviction of possession with the intent to distribute a kilogram or more of heroin, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.
United States District Judge Joy Flowers Conti imposed the sentence on William Thompson, age 37, formerly of 750 Freedom Drive.
According to information presented to the court, on August 7, 2015, law enforcement attempted to stop Thompson, who was then operating a Porsche Cheyenne without a license. Thompson led the police on a high-speed chase on Route 28 in which speeds reached in excess of 100 miles per hour. Thompson eventually crashed and fled on foot, but law enforcement eventually captured him. A search of his vehicle revealed that Thompson was in possession of what later laboratory analysis determined was more than one kilogram of heroin.
Assistant United States Attorney Brendan T. Conway prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
United States Attorney Brady commended the Greater Pittsburgh Safe Streets Task Force consisting of Pittsburgh Bureau of Police, Allegheny County Sheriff's Office, Wilkinsburg Police Department, Allegheny County Police Department, Oakdale Police Department, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Federal Bureau of Investigation for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Thompson.
Camden County Man Admits Role in Camden Drug Trafficking OrganizationRead the Press Release
CAMDEN, N.J. – A member of a Camden drug-trafficking organization pleaded guilty today to distributing significant amounts of illegal drugs in Camden, U.S. Attorney Craig Carpenito announced.
Carlos Perez, 46, of Pennsauken, New Jersey, admitted his role in a drug trafficking conspiracy that was based on the 500 block of Pine Street in Camden; he pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Renée Marie Bumb in Camden federal court to an information charging him with one count of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute heroin, crack cocaine, fentanyl and powder cocaine.
Twelve other members of the drug-trafficking conspiracy – Ronnie Lopez, Nelson Salcedo, Paul Salcedo, Waldemar Garcia, William Carrillo, Elisa Rivera, Ramon Velez, Naeem Sadler, Jasmin Velez, Jameel Byng, Kaliel Johnson, and David Velez – previously have pleaded guilty in this case. The charges against six other defendants remain pending.
According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:
Members of the drug-trafficking organization sold heroin, crack cocaine, powder cocaine, and fentanyl – in and around Camden. An investigation led by the FBI used surveillance tactics, confidential informants, consensual recordings, over 40 controlled drug purchases, record checks, a GPS vehicle tracker, and several court-authorized wiretaps to uncover the operations of the Camden drug-trafficking organization.
The count to which Perez pleaded guilty carries a mandatory penalty of 10 years in prison, a maximum potential penalty of a life in prison, and a $10 million fine. His sentencing is scheduled for May 4, 2020.
U.S. Attorney Craig Carpenito credited special agents of the FBI’s South Jersey Violent Offender and Gang Task Force, South Jersey Resident Agency, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Michael T. Harpster in Philadelphia; the Camden County Police Department, under the direction of Chief Joseph Wysocki; the Camden County Prosecutor’s Office, under the direction of Acting Prosecutor Jill S. Mayer; the Camden County Sheriff’s Department, under the direction of Sheriff Gilbert L. Wilson; the Cherry Hill Police Department, under the direction of Chief William P. Monaghan; and the N.J. State Police, under the direction of Col. Patrick J. Callahan, with the investigation leading to today’s guilty pleas. He also thanked the Drug Enforcement Administration, the U.S. Marshals Service, and the Department of Homeland Security for their assistance.
This case is being conducted under the auspices of the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF). The principal mission of the OCDETF program is to identify, disrupt and dismantle the most serious drug trafficking, weapons trafficking and money laundering organizations, and those primarily responsible for the nation’s illegal drug supply.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Sara A. Aliabadi and Patrick C. Askin of the U.S. Attorney’s Office Criminal Division in Camden.
For the six defendants whose charges remain pending, the charges and allegations are merely accusations, and they are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Defense counsel: Teri Lodge Esq., Marlton, New Jersey
California’s Four U.S. Attorneys Agree It’s Time for a Permanent Ban on Fentanyl AnaloguesRead the Press Release
The following statement was issued by the four U.S. Attorneys who serve California: Nicola T. Hanna (Central District of California), David L. Anderson (Northern District of California), Robert S. Brewer (Southern District of California) and McGregor W. Scott (Eastern District of California)
In 2017, almost 50,000 Americans died from opioid overdoses. In California alone, there were 2,428 fatal opioid overdoses in 2018. And it’s getting worse. In San Francisco and Los Angeles counties, for instance, opioid fatalities have increased by 54% and 41%, respectively, since 2016. San Diego County and the Central Valley are also experiencing unprecedented levels of fatal opioid overdoses. This is a crisis, and illicitly produced fentanyl is largely responsible.
To fight this epidemic, law enforcement must have all the necessary tools at their disposal. One such tool is the Drug Enforcement Administration’s (DEA) 2018 order making all fentanyl-related drugs illegal in the United States. Unfortunately, that order was temporary and will expire in less than two weeks. The Senate recently passed bipartisan legislation approving a 15-month extension of the temporary order. While this is a step in the right direction, and the House should pass the Senate’s bill, a longer term solution is needed. We need a permanent ban on all fentanyl-like drugs.
Illicit fentanyl is manufactured in labs in China and Mexico and smuggled into the United States. It is 50 times more powerful than heroin and 100 times more powerful than morphine. So powerful, in fact, that only a couple milligrams – the size of a few grains of salt – can kill the average person.
Fentanyl, however, is unique. Because it is made in labs using chemicals, its structure is easily manipulated. And the drug cartels that manufacture and traffic this synthetic poison into our neighborhoods understand American laws and know how to exploit them. They know that by changing a single molecule in the chemical structure of fentanyl, they have essentially created a new drug. One that, unlike fentanyl, is not illegal in the United States. These drugs, known as “fentanyl analogues,” do as fentanyl does: create more addicts and kill more Americans. The analogues – which can be up to 100 times more potent than fentanyl and 10,000 times more potent than morphine – will become legal if Congress fails to act.
The DEA’s 2018 decision to temporarily schedule – that is, to make illegal – all fentanyl-related substances was a response to the extraordinary legal loophole exploited by drug traffickers. In April 2019, China also outlawed all fentanyl-related substances. This is extraordinary progress, with one caveat. Unlike China’s law, the United States’ has an expiration date.
On Feb. 6, 2020, the DEA’s temporary order expires, and all drugs seized by U.S. investigators over the past two years that have tested positive as fentanyl analogues will no longer be illegal. If Congress fails to pass the legislation it will have a dramatic impact not just on the prosecutors and law enforcement officers who spend their lives investigating and prosecuting drug dealers, but on communities already hard hit by the opioid epidemic, many of which are right here in California.
Despite the tireless efforts of law enforcement, California continues to be a main thoroughfare for fentanyl and fentanyl-like drugs arriving from China and Mexico. In 2019, federal law enforcement agents seized approximately three-quarters of a ton of fentanyl at the six ports of entry we share with Mexico and in all places in between. That’s 20 percent more than in 2018. And our federal resources are not infinite; we need all the help we can get. Passing this legislation would provide invaluable support to us as prosecutors and the entire law enforcement community as we continue to combat the opioid crisis in California and throughout America.
A number of organizations have voiced opposition to the proposed legislation, arguing that the bill does not “embrace public health approaches to the overdose crisis.” We agree that a comprehensive approach to the crisis is needed, and a permanent fentanyl analogue ban should be viewed as part of a holistic effort. But time is running out. There is no doubt that drug traffickers are eagerly awaiting the temporary order’s expiration to start flooding our communities with these dangerous drugs. The passage of this legislation is quite literally a matter of life and death.
There should be nothing partisan about declaring fentanyl analogues illegal. There is certainly nothing partisan about saving lives and bringing justice to those who profit from addiction and death. For the safety of our communities, we urge Congress to pass legislation making permanent the DEA’s temporary scheduling of all fentanyl-related drugs.
California's Four U.S. Attorneys Agree It’s Time for a Permanent Ban on Fentanyl AnaloguesRead the Press Release
The following statement was issued by the four U.S. Attorneys who serve California: David L. Anderson (Northern District of California), Robert S. Brewer (Southern District of California), Nicola T. Hanna (Central District of California), and McGregor W. Scott (Eastern District of California).
In 2017, almost 50,000 Americans died from opioid overdoses. In California alone, there were 2,428 fatal opioid overdoses in 2018. And it’s getting worse. In San Francisco and Los Angeles counties, for instance, opioid fatalities have increased by 54% and 41%, respectively, since 2016. San Diego County and the Central Valley are also experiencing unprecedented levels of fatal opioid overdoses. This is a crisis, and illicitly produced fentanyl is largely responsible.
To fight this epidemic, law enforcement must have all the necessary tools at their disposal. One such tool is the Drug Enforcement Administration’s (DEA) 2018 order making all fentanyl-related drugs illegal in the United States. Unfortunately, that order was temporary and will expire in less than two weeks. The Senate recently passed bipartisan legislation approving a 15-month extension of the temporary order. While this is a step in the right direction, and the House should pass the Senate’s bill, a longer term solution is needed. We need a permanent ban on all fentanyl-like drugs.
Illicit fentanyl is manufactured in labs in China and Mexico and smuggled into the United States. It is 50 times more powerful than heroin and 100 times more powerful than morphine. So powerful, in fact, that only a couple milligrams – the size of a few grains of salt – can kill the average person.
Fentanyl, however, is unique. Because it is made in labs using chemicals, its structure is easily manipulated. And the drug cartels that manufacture and traffic this synthetic poison into our neighborhoods understand American laws and know how to exploit them. They know that by changing a single molecule in the chemical structure of fentanyl, they have essentially created a new drug. One that, unlike fentanyl, is not illegal in the United States. These drugs, known as “fentanyl analogues,” do as fentanyl does: create more addicts and kill more Americans. The analogues – which can be up to 100 times more potent than fentanyl and 10,000 times more potent than morphine – will become legal if Congress fails to act.
The DEA’s 2018 decision to temporarily schedule – that is, to make illegal – all fentanyl-related substances was a response to the extraordinary legal loophole exploited by drug traffickers. In April 2019, China also outlawed all fentanyl-related substances. This is extraordinary progress, with one caveat. Unlike China’s law, the United States’ has an expiration date.
On Feb. 6, 2020, the DEA’s temporary order expires, and all drugs seized by U.S. investigators over the past two years that have tested positive as fentanyl analogues will no longer be illegal. If Congress fails to pass the legislation it will have a dramatic impact not just on the prosecutors and law enforcement officers who spend their lives investigating and prosecuting drug dealers, but on communities already hard hit by the opioid epidemic, many of which are right here in California.
Despite the tireless efforts of law enforcement, California continues to be a main thoroughfare for fentanyl and fentanyl-like drugs arriving from China and Mexico. In 2019, federal law enforcement agents seized approximately three-quarters of a ton of fentanyl at the six ports of entry we share with Mexico and in all places in between. That’s 20 percent more than in 2018. And our federal resources are not infinite; we need all the help we can get. Passing this legislation would provide invaluable support to us as prosecutors and the entire law enforcement community as we continue to combat the opioid crisis in California and throughout America.
A number of organizations have voiced opposition to the proposed legislation, arguing that the bill does not “embrace public health approaches to the overdose crisis.” We agree that a comprehensive approach to the crisis is needed, and a permanent fentanyl analogue ban should be viewed as part of a holistic effort. But time is running out. There is no doubt that drug traffickers are eagerly awaiting the temporary order’s expiration to start flooding our communities with these dangerous drugs. The passage of this legislation is quite literally a matter of life and death.
There should be nothing partisan about declaring fentanyl analogues illegal. There is certainly nothing partisan about saving lives and bringing justice to those who profit from addiction and death. For the safety of our communities, we urge Congress to pass legislation making permanent the DEA’s temporary scheduling of all fentanyl-related drugs.
Bremen, Indiana Man SentencedRead the Press Release
SOUTH BEND – Jason Clevenger, 35, of Bremen, Indiana was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Damon R. Leichty following a guilty plea for being a felon in possession of a firearm, announced U.S. Attorney Kirsch.
Mr. Clevenger was sentenced to 30 months in prison followed by 1 year of supervised release.
According to documents in this case, Mr. Clevenger passed five fake $20 bills to a Four Winds-South Bend casino patron for a genuine $100 bill. After the patron realized that the bills were fake, it was reported to casino security. A review of casino security footage showed Mr. Clevenger meeting another man and moving what appeared to be a long gun from Mr. Clevenger’s car in the casino parking lot to the other man’s car. The two men drove off the casino property, but returned to the casino a few hours later. When Mr. Clevenger returned, police arrested him on an outstanding warrant. A .22 rifle and a 9 mm pistol were recovered from the car in which Mr. Clevenger had been riding. Mr. Clevenger has a previous felony conviction and is prohibited by law from possessing firearms.
“This crime occurred on federally-recognized tribal land, held in trust for the Pokagon Band of Potawatomi Indians,” said U.S. Attorney Thomas L. Kirsch II. “The United States has an important relationship with the Pokagon Band, and is committed to working with the Pokagon Band to protect the safety of its tribal citizens, while respecting the Pokagon Band’s sovereignty and culture. We will continue to focus our efforts on those committing federal crimes on the Pokagon Band’s tribal land.”
Pokagon Police Chief William Lux said, “The Pokagon Band of Potawatomi Indians is a federally-recognized sovereign nation and is committed to working with our law enforcement partners in the U.S. government to protect all who visit its trust land and to prosecute those who violate the law on Pokagon land. The conviction of Mr. Clevenger is a great example of team work between our officers, Pokagon Tribal Police Investigations Unit and the St. Joseph County Police Department. We appreciate the support of the FBI and U.S. Attorney Kirsch in prosecuting Mr. Clevenger for crimes committed while at Four Winds South Bend, which is on sovereign Pokagon Band land.”
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation in coordination with the Pokagon Band Tribal Police Department and the St. Joseph County Police Department. The case was handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Luke N. Reilander.
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Brazilian National Pleads Guilty to Producing False Identification DocumentsRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Brazilian national pleaded guilty today in federal court in Boston with producing a false identification document, aiding and abetting and Social Security card fraud.
Cristiano Ribeiro De Moura, 32, who previously resided in Framingham, pleaded guilty to one count of producing an identification document, authentication feature, or false identification document; aiding and abetting; and one count of Social Security card fraud. Ribeiro De Moura was indicted in October 2019. U.S. District Court Judge Allison D. Burroughs scheduled sentencing for April 28, 2020.
Ribeiro De Moura sold four counterfeit Lawful Permanent Resident cards and four counterfeit Social Security cards in July and August 2019. Ribeiro De Moura charged $350 for a set of fake documents, which included one Lawful Permanent Resident card and one Social Security card. The buyers provided their name and date of birth, and Ribeiro De Moura provided the Social Security number.
The charge of producing a false identification document provides for a sentence of up to 15 years in prison, three years of supervised release, and a fine of $250,000 or twice the gross gain or loss, whichever is greater. The charge of Social Security card fraud provides for a sentence of up to five years in prison, three years of supervised release, and a fine of $250,000 or twice the gross gain or loss, whichever is greater. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
United States Attorney Andrew E. Lelling; Scott Antolik, Special Agent in Charge of the Social Security Administration, Office of Inspector General, Boston Field Office; and Jason Molina, Acting Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in Boston made the announcement today. Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Karen Burzycki of Lelling’s Major Crimes Unit is prosecuting the case.
Bay Area CEO Convicted of Fraud and Money LaunderingRead the Press Release
SAN FRANCISCO – Lawrence J. Gerrans was convicted by a federal jury in United States District Court today of wire fraud and money laundering in connection with a scheme to defraud the medical device company he ran, announced United States Attorney David L. Anderson and Federal Bureau of Investigation Special Agent in Charge John F. Bennett of the San Francisco Division. The verdict issued today following a two-week trial before the Honorable Edward M. Chen, U.S. District Judge.
“The defendant siphoned millions of dollars from the medical device company he was entrusted to run, and then tried to cover up that crime,” stated U.S. Attorney Anderson. “Insider schemes like these injure companies, employees, and investors, and undermine the public’s trust in our business community. The investigation and prosecution of corporate fraud is a priority for our office. Our corporate fraud strike force will continue to pursue speedy and certain justice for white collar criminals in the Bay Area and throughout the Northern District of California.”
The jury found Gerrans, 49, of San Anselmo, Calif., guilty on five counts of wire fraud, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 1343; one count of engaging in monetary transactions in criminally derived property, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 1957; three counts of making false statements to a government agency, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 1001(3); one count of contempt of court, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 401(3); one count of witness tampering, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 1512(b)(1); and one count of obstruction of justice, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 1503.
Evidence at trial showed that Gerrans, the president and chief executive officer of San Rafael-based medical device company Sanovas, employed a number of fraudulent methods to siphon funds out of Sanovas. From January 12, 2015, through March 16, 2015, Gerrans systematically transferred more than $2.6 million from Sanovas to himself and two shell companies he controlled, Halo Management Group and Hartford Legend Capital Enterprises. That money was then used for an all-cash purchase of a luxury home in San Anselmo, at a purchase price of $2,570,000. At least $2.3 million of this money was laundered through Hartford Legend before being paid to the escrow account to purchase the house.
Evidence at trial also showed that Gerrans made false statements to a newly-created board of directors to seek their approval for a lucrative compensation plan and for reimbursement of retirement account funds that Gerrans had liquidated in 2013 and 2014. Evidence at trial showed that Gerrans had used the retirement account funds for personal expenditures, including a Maserati, a diamond ring, and rent on his personal residence, but he told the board of directors he had used the retirement account funds to benefit Sanovas. In another part of the scheme to defraud, evidence also showed that in 2017 Gerrans used a Sanovas corporate credit card for lavish personal expenditures, including a $44,000 vacation timeshare, $12,500 for high-end carpets for his home, and $32,000 to pay the property taxes on his personal residence.
Evidence at trial further showed that Gerrans provided false documents to the FBI during the criminal investigation, and that after he was first charged in the case he violated a court-ordered bond condition, attempted to tamper with a witness, and obstructed justice.
A federal grand jury indicted Gerrans on August 27, 2019, by a second superseding indictment, charging him with five counts of wire fraud, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 1343; one count of engaging in monetary transactions in criminally derived property, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 1957; three counts of making false statements to a government agency, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 1001(3); one count of contempt of court, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 401(3); one count of witness tampering, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 1512(b)(1); and one count of obstruction of justice, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 1503. The jury convicted Gerrans on all counts.
Judge Chen scheduled the defendant’s sentencing hearing for May 20, 2020.
Gerrans faces maximum statutory penalties of twenty years imprisonment and a $250,000 fine, plus restitution, for each violation of 18 U.S.C. § 1343; ten years imprisonment and a $250,000 fine or twice the amount of the criminally derived property, for each violation of 18 U.S.C. § 1957; five years imprisonment and a $250,000 fine, for each violation of 18 U.S.C. § 1001(3); twenty years of imprisonment and a $250,000 fine, for each violation of 18 U.S.C. § 1512(b)(1); ten years of imprisonment and a $250,000 fine, for each violation of 18 U.S.C. § 1503; and a term of imprisonment to be determined by the court and a $250,000 fine, for each violation of 18 U.S.C. § 401(3). However, any sentence will be imposed by the court only after consideration of the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and the federal statute governing the imposition of a sentence, 18 U.S.C. § 3553.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Robin Harris and Lloyd Farnham are prosecuting the case with the assistance of Patricia Mahoney, Kimberly Richardson, and Phillip Villanueva. The prosecution is the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
Barre Man Sentenced to 52 Months on Gun OffenseRead the Press Release
The Office of the United States Attorney for the District of Vermont stated that, on January 27, 2020, Roland Alston, age 35, was sentenced to 52 months in jail by Chief Judge Geoffrey Crawford in United States District Court in Rutland, Vermont. Alston had previously pleaded guilty to possessing a handgun as a convicted felon in December 2018. At the time of the plea, Alston also admitted that he possessed the firearm in connection with his drug trafficking. Judge Crawford also imposed a three-year period of supervised release to be served after Alston completed his jail sentence.
On December 19, 2018, Barre police arrested Alston at a residence on 30 Eastern Ave. after finding a .22 caliber North American Arms Black Widow handgun, ammunition, crack cocaine, and Xanax in Alston’s bedroom. Alston admitted at sentencing that he had also possessed at least two other firearms. Court records show that Alston was engaged in drug trafficking both before and after his state arrest in December 2018. Alston was arrested on the federal charges in May 2019 and held in jail pending his plea and sentence.
The case resulted from the collaborative efforts of the Barre Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms. Assistant United States Attorney Paul J. Van de Graaf represented the government. Alston was represented by Assistant Federal Public Defender Steven Barth.
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 year 2020 marks the 150th anniversary of the Department of Justice. Learn more about the history of our agency at www.Justice.gov/Celebrating150Years.
All of the defendants accused in an oxycodone distribution operation have admitted to their roles.Read the Press Release
CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – All 34 individuals have admitted to their roles in an oxycodone disitribution operation spanning two states and four North Central West Virginia counties that resulted in a 129-count federal indictment.
Those individuals who have pled to drug charges include the hyperlinked names below. Twenty-nine of those have also been sentenced to a combined 73 years incarceration. Click on their names to view the latest press release about their individual cases.
- Terry Thomas
- Michael Wesley
- Sean Bernard Williams
- Christopher Lloyd
- Darmatrice Love
- Robert Brown, Jr.
- Andrew Thomas
- Sean Miller Phillips, Jr.
- Devante Maddox
- Konshawntas Boyd
- Brianna Blackman
- Tiffany Edwards
- Codey Bonnette
- Leon Jamar Maddox
- Amanda Gifford
- Floyd Pancoast
- Jason Pancoast
- Christopher Moriarty
- Carlee Cuppet
- Brittany Brown
- Ariel Blosser
- Amanda Maddox
- Brandy Miller
- Anna May Martin
- Kimberley Mozie
- Jason Perry
- Holly Jo Exline
- Makyna Kancso
- Marjorie Sue Webster
- Thomas Keener, II
- Jayla Shade
- Jesse Tichenor
- Bobbie Jo Phillips
- Kenyata Boudreaux
Assistant U.S. Attorney Zelda E. Wesley is handling the cases on behalf of the government. The Mon Metro Drug and Violent Crime Drug Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, led the investigation. The Task Force consists of the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration. the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Monongalia County Sheriff’s Office, Morgantown Police Department, the Star City Police Department, the West Virginia State Police, the West Virginia University Police Department, the Granville Police Department, and the Monongalia County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office. The US Marshals Service, the Internal Revenue Service, the Monongalia County Processing and Transport Personnel, the Greater Harrison County Drug Task Force MHIT Group, the Mountain State Drug Task Force, the Three Rivers Drug Task Force-Fairmont, and the Fairmont Police Department assisted in the arrest operation in June 2017. In addition, West Virginia State Police and the Monongalia County Sheriff’s Office allowed the use of their spaces to coordinate those efforts.
Tuesday 28 January 2020
Whitman Man Pleads Guilty to Sexually Exploiting ChildrenRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Whitman man pleaded guilty today in federal court in Boston in connection with sexually exploiting children via a social media app.
Matthew Murphy, 22, pleaded guilty to five counts of sexual exploitation of children. Sentencing is set for May 19, 2020. Murphy was arrested and charged by criminal complaint in March 2019 and has been in custody since.
According to the charging documents, the investigation began when law enforcement learned that Murphy, posing as a teenage girl, used a Snapchat account to extort nude photographs from a Massachusetts middle school boy. Agents obtained portions of the Snapchat account Murphy had created in the fake identity and uncovered evidence of similar extortion of dozens of other minors in the area. The indictment charges Murphy with using five separate Snapchat accounts to sexually exploit children.
The charges of sexual exploitation of children each provide for a minimum mandatory sentence of 15 years and up to 30 years in prison, a minimum of five years and up to a lifetime of supervised release, and a fine of $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
United States Attorney Andrew E. Lelling and Jason Molina, Acting Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in Boston, made the announcement today. The Whitman Police Department provided valuable assistance with the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Anne Paruti, Lelling’s Project Safe Childhood Coordinator and a member of the 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/.
White River Woman Sentenced for Conspiracy to Distribute MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a White River, South Dakota, woman convicted of Conspiracy to Distribute Methamphetamine was sentenced on January 28, 2020, by Chief Judge Roberto A. Lange, U.S. District Court.
Andrea Ruth Barrera, age 32, was sentenced to 78 months in federal prison, followed by 4 years of supervised release, a $500 fine, and a special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund in the amount of $100.
Barrera was indicted by a federal grand jury on July 16, 2019. She pled guilty on November 4, 2019.
The conviction stemmed from a conspiracy beginning on September 1, 2018, and continuing until July 16, 2019, wherein Barrera, knowingly and intentionally, combined, conspired, confederated, and agreed with others to knowingly and intentionally distribute and possess with intent to distribute over 50 grams of methamphetamine. On March 5, 2019, during the conspiracy, Barrera possessed a loaded handgun and approximately forty-one rounds of ammunition along with a small amount of methamphetamine and several items of drug paraphernalia near Mission, South Dakota.
Drug trafficking is an inherently violent activity. Firearms are tools of the trade for drug dealers. It is common to find drug traffickers armed with guns in order to protect their illegal drug product and cash, and enforce their illegal operations.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. The Department of Justice reinvigorated PSN in 2017 as part of its renewed focus on targeting violent criminals, directing all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to work in partnership with federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement and local communities to develop effective, locally-based strategies to reduce violent crime.
This case is also part of Project Guardian, the Department of Justice’s signature initiative to reduce gun violence and enforce federal firearms laws. Initiated by the Attorney General in the fall of 2019, Project Guardian draws upon the Department’s past successful programs to reduce gun violence; enhances coordination of federal, state, local, and tribal authorities in investigating and prosecuting gun crimes; improves information-sharing by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives when a prohibited individual attempts to purchase a firearm and is denied by the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS), to include taking appropriate actions when a prospective purchaser is denied by the NICS for mental health reasons; and ensures that federal resources are directed at the criminals posing the greatest threat to our communities. For more information about Project Guardian, please see: https://www.justice.gov/projectguardian.
This case was investigated by the Rosebud Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the Northern Plains Safe Trails Drug Enforcement Task Force. Assistant U.S. Attorney Cameron J. Cook prosecuted the case.
Barrera was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Watford City, ND Man sentenced to 10 years in Federal Prison for Possession of a Firearms and Ammunition by a Convicted FelonRead the Press Release
BISMARCK – United States Attorney Drew H. Wrigley announced that on January 27, 2020, United States District Judge Daniel L. Hovland sentenced Willie Israel Navarette, age 42, Watford City, ND, on charges of Possession of Firearms and Ammunition by a convicted felon. A jury convicted Navarette of Possession of Firearms and Ammunition by a Convicted Felon on October 23, 2019, in Bismarck. Judge Hovland sentenced Navarette to serve 10 years imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release and ordered to pay $100 special assessment to the Crime Victims’ Fund.
This case began when Navarette was stopped for a traffic offense during the early morning hours of May 30, 2018 in Williston, ND. Navarette, the driver and sole occupant could not produce identification. The officer observed a loaded gun magazine in the vehicle as Navarette exited. The officer also observed an empty gun holster on Navarette’s belt. Officers searched Navarette’s vehicle and located a loaded 40-caliber Glock, two rifles, an assortment of ammunition, marijuana, and drug paraphernalia.
Navarette was prohibited from legally possessing a firearm and ammunition due to a 2009 federal conviction in the Western District of Texas for felon in possession of a firearm. He was on federal supervision at the time of the offense in North Dakota.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms; US Probation Office, Western District of Texas; and the Williston Police Department, and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney David Hagler.
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Washington Man Sentenced to 92 Months in Federal Prison for Possession of a Stolen SilencerRead the Press Release
Spokane – William D. Hyslop, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Washington, announced that Joseph W. Aarnes, age 38, of Spokane, Washington, was sentenced today after having pleaded guilty on July 16, 2019, to possession of a stolen firearm. United States District Judge Salvador Mendoza, Jr. sentenced Aarnes to a 92-month term of imprisonment, to be followed by a 3-year term of court supervision after he is released from federal prison.
According to information disclosed during court proceedings, on June 6, 2018, Aarnes was arrested by the Washington State Department of Corrections (DOC). Two days later, a third party notified DOC that there was a firearm “silencer,” also known as a suppressor, among Aarnes’ personal belongings at a residence. After obtaining consent to search the residence, officers seized a Gemtech, model Outback 2d, silencer. Investigators determined the silencer had been reported stolen. Under federal law, a “silencer” is considered a firearm.
William D. Hyslop said, “Possession of a stolen ‘silencer’ presents unnecessary risks to the community. The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Washington will continue to prosecute aggressively those individuals who illegally possess firearms and ammunition. I commend the outstanding work of the FBI, ATF, Washington State Department of Corrections, and the Spokane Police Department in investigating this case.”
This case was prosecuted under the Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) program. PSN is a federal, state, and local law enforcement collaboration to identify, investigate, and prosecute individuals responsible for violent crimes in our neighborhoods. The U.S. Attorney’s Office is partnering with federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement to specifically identify the criminals responsible for violent crime in the Eastern District of Washington and pursue criminal prosecution.
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 the following Project Guardian partners: Federal Bureau of Investigation, Spokane Regional Safe Streets Task Force, the Spokane Regional Field Office of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Washington State Department of Corrections, and the Spokane Police Department. For more information about Project Guardian, please see: https://www.justice.gov/ag/project-guardian-memo-2019/download.
This case was prosecuted by Patrick J. Cashman, an Assistant United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Washington.
VA Employee Charged with Embezzling $70,000 Using Mobile Payment ApplicationRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Department of Veteran Affairs (VA) employee was charged in federal court in Boston with embezzling nearly $70,000 in VA funds.
Michael Donaher, 41, of Lakeville, was charged with one count of embezzlement and theft of public money, property or records. Donaher was arrested today and released on conditions following an initial appearance in federal court in Boston.
According to the complaint, Donaher works as an Inventory Management Specialist for the Veterans Affairs Medical Facility in Brockton and is responsible for purchasing various equipment necessary for use in the facility. It is alleged that Donaher conducted fraudulent transactions using his government-issued purchase cards and routed the proceeds to his personal bank account. Donaher attempted to conceal these fraudulent purchases by making it appear as if the purchases were made through a large company – FW Webb – that the VA frequently used for legitimate business, when, in fact, they were actually made through a company Donaher created through Square, Inc., a mobile payment company. These purchases were not for actual items ever received by the VA. Furthermore, Donaher attempted to hide this fact by annotating the items as having been received within the VA’s accountability system. According to the complaint, Donaher fraudulently routed approximately $70,000 of VA funds to his personal account since the scheme began in 2016.
The charging statute provides a sentence of up to 10 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
United States Attorney Andrew E. Lelling and Jeffrey Stachowiak, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Department of Veteran Affairs, Office of the Inspector General, Northeast Field Office made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Eugenia M. Carris of Lelling’s Public Corruption & Special Prosecutions Unit is prosecuting the case.
The details contained in the complaint are allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
United States Intervenes in Lawsuit Against Surgical Care Affiliates, Inc., Orlando Surgery Center, and Former Orlando Doctor Alleging Fraudulent Billing and Illegal Kickback PaymentsRead the Press Release
Orlando, Florida – United States Attorney Maria Chapa Lopez announced today that the United States has filed a federal civil lawsuit against Surgical Care Affiliates, Inc., the Orlando Center for Outpatient Surgery, L.P., and Dr. Patrick T. Hunter, alleging that they falsely billed Medicare and TRICARE, over a seven-year period, for unnecessary kidney stone procedures, and engaged in an illegal kickback arrangement in which Dr. Hunter referred patients to the Orlando Center. The complaint alleges that Dr. Hunter violated the federal False Claims Act by performing lithotripsy procedures, which use shockwaves to destroy kidney stones, when there were no kidney stones present. The complaint further alleges that SCA and the Orlando Center knew of Dr. Hunter’s unnecessary lithotripsy procedures, and continued to bill the facility component of Dr. Hunter’s procedures to the federal government.
According to the government’s allegations, SCA and the Orlando Center engaged in multiple peer reviews indicating that Dr. Hunter told patients they had kidney stones when he had not identified any. Despite this, the government alleges, SCA and the Orlando Center continued to pay Dr. Hunter per procedure for each patient he referred to the Orlando Center. The payments were not commensurate with fair market value, resulting in payments of over $5 million for the use of two machines that were valued at less than $40,000. It is further alleged that SCA requested a fair market value analysis, which required an annual cap of less than $800,000 be paid to Dr. Hunter; and that SCA and the Orlando Center then paid Dr. Hunter over $1.3 million, well in excess of what had been required by the fair market value analysis.
The United States’ complaint is filed in a whistleblower lawsuit originally filed in 2016, by Scott Thompson, SCA’s Director of Compliance when the allegations took place. The lawsuit was filed under the qui tam provisions of the False Claims Act, which permits private parties to sue on behalf of the United States for false claims for government funds and to receive a share of any recovery. The Act also allows the government to intervene or take over the lawsuit, as it has done in this case, and to recover treble damages plus civil penalties ranging from $5,500 to $11,000 for each false claim submitted by the defendants.
The United States filed a Suggestion of Death with its complaint, stating that Dr. Hunter died in 2019. A motion filed by the government requests the substitution of the personal representative of Dr. Hunter’s estate as a defendant in the case.
The claims asserted against SCA, the Orlando Center, and Dr. Hunter’s estate are allegations only, and there has been no determination of liability.
This case is being investigated by the Department of Justice, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services – Office of Inspector General, and the Defense Criminal Investigative Service. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jeremy Bloor.
Tips and complaints from all sources about potential fraud, waste, abuse and mismanagement, can be reported to the Department of Health and Human Services at 800-HHS-TIPS (800-447-8477).
United States Files Civil Complaints Seeking Temporary Restraining Orders Against Telecom Carriers Facilitating Many Millions of Fraudulent RobocallsRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – The United States filed two civil complaints today seeking temporary restraining orders in landmark cases against five companies and three individuals allegedly responsible for carrying many millions of fraudulent robocalls from foreign call centers to individuals in the United States, the Department of Justice announced. The complaints allege that the companies were warned numerous times that they were carrying fraudulent robocalls—including government and business imposter calls—but they continued to facilitate the delivery of these calls. The calls, most of which originated in India, led to substantial financial losses suffered by elderly and vulnerable victims in the United States.
Richard P. Donoghue, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, Jeffrey A. Rosen, Deputy Attorney General, Jody H. Hunt, Assistant Attorney General of the Justice Department’s Civil Division, Gary Barksdale, Chief Postal Inspector, United States Postal Inspection Service (USPIS), and Gail S. Ennis, Inspector General, Social Security Administration (SSA), made the announcement.
The two cases announced today contain similar allegations. The defendants in one case are Ecommerce National, LLC d/b/a TollFreeDeals.com, SIP Retail d/b/a sipretail.com, and their owner/operators Nicholas Palumbo and Natasha Palumbo of Scottsdale, Arizona. The defendants in the other case include Global Voicecom, Inc., Global Telecommunication Services Inc., KAT Telecom, Inc., aka IP Dish, and their principal Jon Kahen, of Great Neck, New York. In each case, the Department of Justice has sought an order immediately halting the defendants’ transmission of allegedly unlawful robocall traffic. A federal court has entered a temporary restraining order against the Global Voicecom defendants.
In the cases announced today, the United States alleges that the defendants operate voice over internet protocol (VoIP) carriers, which use a broadband internet connection rather than traditional phone lines to carry telephone calls. Numerous foreign-based call centers and VoIP carriers are alleged to have used the defendants’ VoIP carrier services to pass fraudulent robocalls to victims in the United States. The complaints specifically allege the defendants served as “gateway carriers,” making them the entry point for foreign-initiated calls into the U.S. telecommunications system and that the defendants carried many millions of robocalls. For example, the complaint against the owners/operators of Ecommerce National d/b/a TollFreeDeals.com alleges that the defendants carried 720 million calls during a sample 23-day period, and that more than 425 million of those calls lasted less than one second because the calls did not connect or the recipients immediately hung up, indicating that they were robocalls. The complaint further alleges that many of the 720 million calls were fraudulent and used “spoofed,” or faked, caller ID numbers. The calls facilitated by the defendants falsely threatened victims with a variety of catastrophic government actions, including termination of Social Security benefits, imminent arrest for alleged tax fraud and deportation for supposed failure to fill out immigration forms correctly.
“We are using all available tools and resources to stop foreign call center scammers—and for the first time their U.S.-based enablers—from conning elderly and vulnerable victims in New York and throughout the United States,” stated United States Attorney Donoghue. “Protecting individuals from schemes that result in catastrophic losses to the victims is a priority of this Office and the Department of Justice.”
“Robocalls are an annoyance to many Americans, and those that are fraudulent and predatory are a serious problem, often causing devastating financial harm to the elderly and vulnerable members of our society,” stated Assistant Attorney General Hunt. “The Department of Justice will pursue to the fullest extent of the law individuals in the United States who knowingly facilitate imposter fraud calls, using both criminal and civil tools where appropriate. And we look forward to working closely with law enforcement colleagues in India and elsewhere around the world to identify those behind these calls so that we can bring them to justice.”
“Anyone who engages in deceptive practices like imposter fraud should know, regardless of where they are, they will not go undetected and will be held accountable,” stated USPS Chief Inspector Barksdale. “We will continue to work alongside the Department of Justice and our other partners to prevent and deter ongoing harm.”
“Today’s events are the culmination of months of hard work, and a critical step in holding these and other companies accountable for being the link between overseas scammers and their victims,” said Gail S. Ennis, Inspector General for the Social Security Administration. “We will continue to pursue those who exploit the U.S. telephone system and allow scammers to deceive consumers using the good name of Social Security. I want to thank the Department of Justice’s Transnational Elder Fraud Strike Force and our law enforcement partners for their support throughout this investigation.”
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Bonni Perlin, Evan Lestelle and Dara Olds of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of New York, and Trial Attorneys Ann Entwistle and Bart Dunn of the Civil Division’s Consumer Protection Branch. The SSA’s Office of Inspector General, the USPIS, the Office of Inspector General for Tax Administration and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigation’s El Dorado Task Force provided investigative support. The Federal Trade Commission and the Federal Communications Commission provided pertinent data.
The claims made in the complaints are allegations that, if the case were to proceed to trial, the government must prove to receive a determination of liability.
Since President Trump signed the bipartisan Elder Abuse Prevention and Prosecution Act (EAPPA) into law, the Department of Justice has participated in hundreds of enforcement actions in criminal and civil cases that targeted or disproportionately affected seniors. In particular, in March 2019, the Department announced the largest elder fraud enforcement action in American history, charging more than 260 defendants in a nationwide elder fraud sweep. The Department has likewise conducted hundreds of trainings and outreach sessions across the country since the passage of the Act.
More information about the Department’s efforts to help American seniors is available at its Elder Justice Initiative webpage. For more information about the Consumer Protection Branch and its enforcement efforts, visit its website at https://www.justice.gov/civil/consumer-protection-branch. Elder fraud complaints may be filed with the FTC at www.ftccomplaintassistant.gov or at 877-FTC-HELP. The Department of Justice provides a variety of resources relating to elder fraud victimization through its Office for Victims of Crime, which can be reached at https://www.ovc.gov.
U.S. Attorney’s Office Collects More Than $3.5 Million in Civil and Criminal Actions in Fiscal Year 2019Read the Press Release
GREENSBORO, N.C. - United States Attorney Matthew G.T. Martin announced today that the Middle District of North Carolina collected $3,516,486 in criminal and civil actions in Fiscal Year 2019. Of this amount, $2,721,999 was collected in criminal actions and $794,487 was collected in civil actions.
“The federal prosecutors and support staff in our office work hard to protect our citizens, to safeguard precious taxpayer resources, and to collect money owed to crime victims and to the government,” said U.S. Attorney Martin. “Their diligent efforts enable us to seek justice for crime victims every day and hold accountable those who seek to profit from illegal activity.”
In 2019, the Middle District of North Carolina recovered $624,731 from a single defendant in the case of USA v. Douglas Alan Corriher; 1:16CR205-1. Corriher was prosecuted for Conspiracy to Impede the Internal Revenue Service and was ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $7,556,882.38. The IRS will receive the funds collected.
The U.S. Attorneys’ Offices, along with the department’s litigating divisions, are responsible for enforcing and collecting civil and criminal debts owed to the U.S. and criminal debts owed to federal crime victims. The law requires defendants to pay restitution to victims of certain federal crimes who have suffered a physical injury or financial loss. While restitution is paid to the victim, criminal fines and felony assessments are paid to the department’s Crime Victims Fund, which distributes the funds collected to federal and state victim compensation and victim assistance programs.
Additionally, the U.S. Attorney’s office in the District working with partner agencies and divisions, collected $2,386,587 in asset forfeiture actions in FY 2019. Forfeited assets deposited into the Department of Justice and Department of Treasury Assets Forfeiture Funds are used to restore funds to crime victims and for a variety of law enforcement purposes.
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U.S. Attorney Jeff Jensen's Statement on the Importance of the Emergency Prohibition of Fentanyl AnaloguesRead the Press Release
The emergency prohibition of fentanyl analogues expires on February 6. Without action by Congress, law enforcement will not have the tools needed to protect Missouri families from the onslaught of these extraordinarily dangerous substances.
Illicit fentanyl and its analogues kill hundreds of Missourians annually. Fentanyl is 80 times more powerful than heroin and only a few grains can cause a fatal overdose. Additionally, distributors are now mixing fentanyl with other drugs which increases the risk for unsuspecting buyers and for overdose deaths.
Examples of the problem can be found in this courthouse constantly. Within the last two weeks, law enforcement officers seized a shipment of 10 kilograms of fentanyl on Interstate 44 in Saint Louis County, Missouri. That is roughly 22 pounds of poison capable of killing tens of thousands of Missourians. The courier from Arizona was 18 years old and now could face decades in prison. Just yesterday, Shannon Rennee Bradley, 25, of Washington, Missouri, pled guilty for her role in the distribution of heroin and fentanyl that killed a 24-year old Washington, Missouri woman.
If Congress fails to act, this office and our law enforcement partners will lose an effective tool that we need to protect Missouri families from the onslaught of these extraordinarily dangerous substances. Congress must take action immediately to extend the scheduling of these dangerous substances because this fight is far from over.
U.S. Attorney Jay E. Town Statement on Pending Expiration of Emergency Prohibition of Fentanyl AnaloguesRead the Press Release
“The emergency prohibition of fentanyl analogues expires on February 6 without congressional action. Fentanyl and its analogues are responsible for hundreds of fatal and non-fatal overdoses in the Northern District. Without action by Congress, my partners and I will not have the tools we need to protect families in the Northern District from the onslaught of these extraordinarily dangerous substances.
“We have seen a transition in the source of fentanyl finding its way into communities in the Northern District. Opioids, especially fentanyl, are deadly and are responsible for too many overdoses in the Northern District. It’s everywhere, in every community. Every socio-economic status, group, or class is vulnerable to the trappings of illegal drug use and the death and destruction caused by opioids, especially fentanyl and its analogues.
“In September, I traveled with a delegation to Mexico and saw the labs where the cartels produce this poison that is coming into our nation by the ton. I witnessed firsthand the lengths the drug cartels will go to fuel the disease of addiction. Many of the precursor chemicals used to produce fentanyl are shipped into Mexico from China. I have also spent a career watching the devastation that drug addiction, and inevitable overdose, has on our families, our children, and our communities. The cartels are increasing fentanyl production right now, all destined for the United States. Fentanyl serves as a synthetic wrecking ball to our country and must be policed aggressively so that more Americans are spared the near-certain death that too often stems from its mere presence.
“For your illustration, in 2007 there were 36,000 fatal overdoses in America, with nearly 19,000 from opioids. By 2017, due in part to the introduction of fentanyl, the total number of fatal overdoses spiked to more than 70,000 with over 47,000 resulting from opioids. While the number of fatal overdoses seems to have leveled off, or perhaps is declining, those numbers record levels of fatal overdoses. The Center for Disease Control has found that Alabama had a significant rise in opioid overdose deaths in recent years. Opioids are responsible for 68% of all overdose deaths in United States, with fentanyl being both ubiquitous and deadly. To illustrate further, many of our first responders now carry naloxone to counter the possible deadly effects of coming into contact with fentanyl when treating patients, victims, or just in the collection of evidence after an arrest.
“I join my colleagues in the Department of Justice in urging Congress to give us the tools we need to continue our efforts against the distribution of fentanyl and its analogues here in Alabama and across the United States. This fight is far from over. Now is not the time to leave our fight in the dressing room. Congress must take action immediately to extend the scheduling of these dangerous substances. Lives are quite literally at stake.”
Background: In an effort to combat this deadly drug epidemic, DEA issued a temporary emergency two-year order in February 2018 that made all fentanyl-related substances illegal. Our country has seen a marked supply impact from DEA’s temporary scheduling of fentanyl-related substances during the past two years, with a 50 percent decrease in fentanyl-related substances encountered across the United States. However, DEA’s emergency authority expires at midnight on February 6, 2020, unless Congress acts to extend it.
U.S. Attorney Erica H. MacDonald Statement on Pending Expiration of Emergency Prohibition of Fentanyl AnaloguesRead the Press Release
“At midnight on February 6, the Drug Enforcement Administration’s temporary emergency prohibition of fentanyl analogues will expire, unless Congress acts to extend it. Fentanyl and its analogues are highly potent and extremely lethal. Fentanyl, which is 50 times more potent than heroin and 100 times more potent than morphine, poses a significant threat to public safety, even a very small quantity can cause a fatal overdose. The DEA’s temporary emergency prohibition has served as a critical tool for law enforcement, allowing us to more effectively combat the illegal trafficking of these deadly substances, but it is only temporary. If the temporary emergency prohibition expires on February 6, the criminals trafficking in fentanyl analogues will operate with impunity and the lives of Minnesotans will be put at risk. My job as United States Attorney for the District of Minnesota is to keep individuals, families and communities safe; therefore, I implore Congress to act now and pass permanent legislation. American lives depend on it.”
Background: In an effort to combat this deadly drug epidemic, DEA issued a temporary emergency two-year order in February 2018 that made all fentanyl-related substances illegal. Our country has seen a marked supply impact from DEA’s temporary scheduling of fentanyl-related substances during the past two years, with a 50 percent decrease in fentanyl-related substances encountered across the United States. However, DEA’s emergency authority expires at midnight on February 6, 2020, unless Congress acts to extend it.
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United States Attorney’s Office, District of Minnesota: (612) 664-5600
U.S. Attorney Don Cochran Urges Congress to Extend Emergency Scheduling of Fentanyl AnaloguesRead the Press Release
NASHVILLE, Tenn. – January 28, 2020 – The emergency prohibition of fentanyl analogues expires on February 6 without congressional action. Fentanyl and its analogues are responsible for thousands of overdose deaths in Tennessee and we are among the states with the highest number of overdose deaths in the nation. Without action by Congress, my colleagues and I will not have the tools we need to protect Tennessee families from the onslaught of these extraordinarily dangerous substances.
Initially originating from China in smaller quantities, Tennessee, like many states across our nation, has seen a transition in the source of fentanyl making its way into our communities. In a dangerous turn of events, law enforcement officials are now intercepting load after load of Mexican cartel-produced fentanyl. The cartels are using their established and prolific distribution networks to deliver fentanyl – a substance that is exponentially more dangerous than both methamphetamine and heroin.
Just four days ago, officers with the Metropolitan Nashville Police Department recovered nearly 12 pounds of fentanyl from a vehicle travelling on an interstate near Downtown Nashville and earlier this month, more than ¼ pound of fentanyl was seized from a home in a Sumner County neighborhood. This substance is so lethal that only a few grains can be deadly. We continue to be very aggressive in prosecuting these cases and just today announced the indictments of nine individuals in the Clarksville, Tennessee area who are charged in a conspiracy to distribute heroin/fentanyl.
According to recent data, by the end of the third quarter of 2019, the number of overdose deaths in Nashville had already escalated to make it the deadliest year on record with 337 deaths. This is three times the number of overdose deaths just three years ago and the majority of these deaths involved fentanyl. The number of instances by first responders of Narcan deployment to reverse the overdose effects is also escalating at an alarming rate. We must take every available action to reverse this deadly epidemic and we must act now.
I am urging Congress to give us the tools we need to continue our efforts against the distribution of fentanyl and its analogues here in Tennessee. This fight is far from over. We need every tool we have to target this dangerous drug. Congress must take action immediately to extend the scheduling of these dangerous substances.
Background: In an effort to combat this deadly drug epidemic, DEA issued a temporary emergency two-year order in February 2018 that made all fentanyl-related substances illegal. Our country has seen a marked supply impact from DEA’s temporary scheduling of fentanyl-related substances during the past two years, with a 50 percent decrease in fentanyl-related substances encountered across the United States. However, DEA’s emergency authority expires at midnight on February 6, 2020, unless Congress acts to extend it.
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U.S. Attorney DeVillers: Permanently ban Fentanyl analogues or build more morguesRead the Press Release
As I typed this out, I received an email from the Franklin County Coroner, Dr. Anahi Ortiz. She let me know that there were seven overdose deaths in Franklin County this weekend. Unfortunately, this is not the worst email I have received from Dr. Ortiz. In September, there were ten overdose deaths in one day.
Statistically, it is highly likely that this weekend’s deaths were the result of one drug: Fentanyl.
Fentanyl is an extremely powerful synthetic opioid. It was originally manufactured to manage the most severe pain. Licit Fentanyl is made by pharmaceutical companies and is legally used in hospitals and hospice care. According to the DEA, pharmaceutical Fentanyl is well guarded and rarely makes it into the black market to be abused.
However, illicit Fentanyl and its analogues are made in labs in China and Mexico and smuggled into the United States. This illicit Fentanyl and its analogues are driving today’s illegal drug trade and they, along with other opioids, are by far the most deadly illicit drugs in American history. In 2017, almost 50,000 Americans died from opioid overdoses.
Fentanyl is 50 times more powerful than pure heroin. A few grains the size of salt can kill the average person. People have died by simply touching it. Traditionally, it is mixed or “cut” with heroin, and most heroin addicts know, and even desire, this. A drug dealer can take 100 grams of heroin, 18 grams of fentanyl, and 882 grams of caffeine and create a kilogram (1000 grams) of what amounts to be pure heroin. This increases the drug dealer’s profit by nearly 900%. If this seems exacting – it is! If a drug dealer does a poor job and adds even a few additional grams of Fentanyl, even long-time heroin addicts can – and do – die.
I would like to say the opioid crisis is getting better. However, in Franklin County and in much of Ohio, it is getting worse – and more deadly, due to Fentanyl-related drugs. In the first nine months of 2019, there were 421 overdose deaths in Franklin County. This is 15% higher than in the previous year. Fentanyl-related drugs were responsible for 83.6% of these deaths.
The most disturbing trend is that over a third of these overdose deaths were due to cocaine laced with Fentanyl-related drugs. This was almost unheard of a few years ago. Cocaine is a stimulant, while heroin and Fentanyl are depressants. However, they all create a sense of euphoria. Unlike heroin consumers, it is likely that most people consuming cocaine laced with Fentanyl don’t know it is laced with Fentanyl. Worse still, those people have not built up a tolerance for Fentanyl and are more likely to overdose. Like heroin, drug dealers make far more of a profit by cutting cocaine with Fentanyl. When they cut it poorly, people die.
Fentanyl analogues are created by drug cartels to circumvent U.S. drug laws. Labs in China and Mexico simply change a single molecule in the chemical structure of Fentanyl, creating an analogue that is just as powerful and sometimes more powerful than Fentanyl. But it is legally not Fentanyl. Many of the opioids found in the Southern District of Ohio are in fact Fentanyl analogues.
For a time, while Fentanyl was illegal without prescription, its analogues were not. The class of Fentanyl analogues were not made illegal in the United States until 2018 when they were designated a Schedule I controlled substance. That designation, however, expires on February 6. The Senate has recently passed legislation approving a 15-month extension on the designation. The House has not yet approved the legislation and if they do not, all Fentanyl analogues will become legal on February 6.
CALL TO ACTION: The House should act quickly to pass this extension and both Houses of Congress should work together to make all Fentanyl-related drugs a permanently designated Schedule I controlled substance. Or, and I’m sorry to put it so bluntly, we may need to build more morgues.
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U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant Statement on Pending Expiration of Emergency Prohibition of Fentanyl Analogues and Its Impact on Public Safety in West TennesseeRead the Press Release
MEMPHIS - "The DEA emergency prohibition of fentanyl analogues expires on February 6 without congressional action. Fentanyl and its analogues are responsible for multiple overdose deaths in West Tennessee. Without action by Congress, my law enforcement partners and I will not have the tools we need to protect families and communities from the onslaught of these extraordinarily dangerous substances."
"We have seen a transition in the source of fentanyl finding its way into West Tennessee communities. Initially, law enforcement officers found fentanyl from China in relatively small amounts in West Tennessee. In a dangerous turn of events, law enforcement officials are now intercepting increasing amounts of Mexican cartel-produced fentanyl. The cartels are using their established and prolific distribution networks to deliver fentanyl – a substance that is exponentially more dangerous than both methamphetamine and heroin.We continue to be very aggressive in prosecuting these cases, as shown by these recent examples:"
11/4/19 - Jackson Man Sentenced to 15 Years for Possession with Intent to Distribute Heroin and Fentanyl https://www.justice.gov/usao-wdtn/pr/jackson-man-sentenced-15-years-possession-intent-distribute-heroin-and-fentanyl
10/17/19 - Five Members of a Large-Scale Heroin and Fentanyl Distribution Network Indicted https://www.justice.gov/usao-wdtn/pr/five-members-large-scale-heroin-and-fentanyl-distribution-network-indicted
7/23/19 - Convicted Felon Sentenced to 130 Months in Federal Prison for Distributing Fentanyl while Possessing a Firearm https://www.justice.gov/usao-wdtn/pr/convicted-felon-sentenced-130-months-federal-prison-distributing-fentanyl-while
6/3/19 - Lobelville, Tennessee Man Sentenced to 240 Months for Conspiracy to Distribute Methamphetamine and Fentanyl https://www.justice.gov/usao-wdtn/pr/lobelville-tennesseeman-sentenced-240-months-conspiracy-distribute-methamphetamine-and
5/31/19 - Jackson Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Distributing Heroin and Fentanyl Causing Overdoses in Gibson and Madison Counties https://www.justice.gov/usao-wdtn/pr/jackson-man-sentenced-federal-prison-distributing-heroin-and-fentanyl-causing-overdoses
3/7/19 - 32-Year-Old Memphis Man Sentenced to 20 Years for Distributing a Lethal Dose of Fentanyl https://www.justice.gov/usao-wdtn/pr/32-year-old-memphis-man-sentenced-20-years-distributing-lethal-dose-fentanyl
5/1/18 -Memphis Man Sentenced to 10 Years Imprisonment for Distribution of Fentanyl https://www.justice.gov/usao-wdtn/pr/memphis-man-sentenced-10-years-imprisonment-distribution-fentanyl
"Our nation, state, and district are suffering from the imminent threat of deadly fentanyl, causing increases in drug trafficking, violence, addiction, and overdose deaths that are tearing families and communities apart. I am urging Congress to give us the tools we need to continue our efforts against the distribution of fentanyl and its analogues here in West Tennessee. This fight is far from over. We need every tool we have to target this dangerous drug, hold dealers accountable, deter others from selling poison to our citizens, and save lives. Congress must take action immediately to extend the scheduling of these dangerous substances."
Background: In an effort to combat this deadly drug epidemic, DEA issued a temporary emergency two-year order in February 2018 that made all fentanyl-related substances illegal. Our country has seen a marked supply impact from DEA’s temporary scheduling of fentanyl-related substances during the past two years, with a 50 percent decrease in fentanyl-related substances encountered across the United States. However, DEA’s emergency authority expires at midnight on February 6, 2020, unless Congress acts to extend it.
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Tuscaloosa Man Sentenced to Prison for 15 Years for Two Armed Robberies in TuscaloosaRead the Press Release
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – A federal judge today sentenced a Tuscaloosa man for two armed robberies in Tuscaloosa, announced U.S. Attorney Jay E. Town and Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco and Firearms Special Agent in Charge Marcus Watson.
U.S. District Judge L. Scott Coogler sentenced Ladarius Maurice Watson, 23, Tuscaloosa, to 180 months in prison and for Hobbs Act Robbery and carrying and brandishing a firearm during and in relation to a violent crime. Watson pled guilty in July 2019.
“The safety of many innocent people were threatened during this string of armed robberies in Tuscaloosa,” Town said. “These crimes are far too prevalent in the Northern District and thus our local, state and federal law enforcement agencies will remain the phalanx to not only police violent crime, but defeat it.”
“ATF’s Crime Gun Intelligence partnerships with the Tuscaloosa Police Department as part of Project Guardian, continue to focus on reducing violent crime by those individuals who commit armed robberies,” Watson said.
“This case involved several violent individuals armed with firearms,” said Captain Brad Mason, Tuscaloosa Police Department. Through the great partnership we have with the ATF and the US Attorney’s Office, we are able to get them off of the street for the maximum amount of time. By doing this, we are best serving the citizens of our community and state. We are fortunate and glad to have a great relationship with these agencies, and we appreciate the hard work that was put in by all. We hope to continue this relationship, continue to convict these violent criminals who perpetuate gun crimes, and make our streets safer.”
According to evidence at the trial of Jamarkus Thompson, Watson and Rodgers robbed the two stores at gun point using an assault style rifle, while Thompson remained in the vehicle. Watson, Rodgers and Thompson were stopped by Tuscaloosa police minutes after the robberies, where evidence of both crimes were found in their possession, including money, receipts, and the firearms.
Quartaius Deandrew Rodgers, 24, pled guilty in July 2019. In November 2019, U.S. District Court L. Scott Coogler sentenced Rodgers to 95 months in prison for Hobbs Act Robbery and carrying and brandishing a firearm during and in relation to a violent crime.
Jemarkus Vonsha Thompson was convicted in October 2019. His sentencing is scheduled for February 27, 2020.
ATF investigated the case along with the Tuscaloosa Police Department, which Assistant U.S Attorney Brad Felton and Allison Garnett prosecuted.
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.
Turtle Creek Man Indicted in Scheme that Used Stolen IDs and Credit Cards to Make Fraudulent Retail PurchasesRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH - A former resident of Turtle Creek, Pennsylvania, has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on charges of conspiracy, use of unauthorized access devices and aggravated identity theft, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.
The three-count Indictment named Iklas Davis, age 38, formerly of Turtle Creek, Pennsylvania, as the sole defendant.
According to the Indictment, in 2017, Davis participated in an identity theft ring, through which Davis and other members of the conspiracy used stolen means of identification and access devices to make and attempt to make fraudulent purchases at various retail establishments, such as Best Buy. Many of the access devices were stolen from vehicles as they were parked at various entertainment complexes in Allegheny County.
The law provides for a maximum total sentence of not more than 17 and not less than two years in prison, a fine of not more than $750,000 or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant United States Attorney Brendan T. Conway is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The United States Postal Inspection Service, the United States Secret Service, Allegheny County Police, Ross Township Police, and Pittsburgh Bureau of Police conducted the investigation leading to the Indictment in this case.
An indictment is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Tribe Member Indicted for First Degree Murder on Tribal LandRead the Press Release
RENO, Nev. – A tribe member today was arraigned in federal court before U.S. District Magistrate Judge Carla Baldwin for the murder of an individual on tribal land, announced Nicholas A. Trutanich for the District of Nevada and Special Agent in Charge Aaron C. Rouse for the FBI.
Steven Bryan, 51, of Reno, was indicted with one count of murder in the first degree. According to the indictment, on or about December 13, 2019, on the Carson Indian Colony, Bryan allegedly shot and killed an individual in the head with a rifle.
Bryan was arrested this morning and remains in custody pending an April 7, 2020, trial date. If convicted, Bryan faces a maximum sentence of life imprisonment.
An indictment merely alleges that crimes have been committed. The defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
This case was the product of an investigation by the FBI. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Penelope Brady and Richard Casper are prosecuting the case.
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Three Men Admit Roles in Passaic County Cocaine Trafficking ConspiracyRead the Press Release
NEWARK, N.J. – Three New Jersey men today admitted their roles in a Passaic County cocaine distribution conspiracy, U.S. Attorney Craig Carpenito announced.
Narcisco Ramirez, 46, of Passaic, Kiuny Perez, 42, of Rockaway Township, and Victor Pimentel, 44, of Parsippany, each pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Claire C. Cecchi in Newark federal court to separate criminal informations charging them with conspiracy to distribute cocaine.
According to documents filed in the case and statements made in court:
The defendants were part of a conspiracy to distribute large quantities of cocaine in and around Passaic County. In November 2017, law enforcement officers observed Ramirez and Perez meet at a location in Passaic and exchange a package containing cocaine. Later that day, officers stopped Ramirez’s car and found one kilogram of cocaine on the front seat and two additional kilograms on his right leg and waist band. A search of Ramirez’s residence revealed another two kilograms of cocaine and $89,000 in cash. Law enforcement officers also stopped Perez’s vehicle and found cocaine in a hidden compartment underneath the dashboard. Law enforcement officers also discovered $297,350 in cash in Perez’s residence. A search of Pimentel’s residence revealed over 20 kilograms of cocaine, drug paraphernalia, and $322,000 in cash.
The drug conspiracy charge to which the defendants pleaded guilty carries a minimum of 10 years in prison and a maximum potential penalty of life in prison. Sentencing for Ramirez is scheduled for June 17, 2020; for Pimentel, July 22, 2020; and for Perez, June 16, 2020.
U.S. Attorney Carpenito credited special agents and task force officers of the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, New Jersey Division, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Susan A. Gibson, and the Passaic County Prosecutor’s Office under the direction of Passaic County Prosecutor Camelia M. Valdes, with the investigation leading to today’s guilty pleas. He also thanked the Clifton Police Department for their assistance with the investigation.The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jonathan M. Peck of the U.S. Attorney’s Office Criminal Division in Newark.
Defense counsel:
Perez: Anthony J. Iacullo Esq., Nutley, New Jersey
Pimentel: Lee Ginsberg Esq., New York
Ramirez: Lorraine Gauli-Rufo Esq., Verona, New JerseyThird Ward man, girlfriend and grandmother head to prison for cocaine traffickingRead the Press Release
HOUSTON – A 31-year-old Houston resident has been sentenced for obtaining kilogram quantities of cocaine from Mexican suppliers and distributing them to various customers in the Houston area, announced U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Patrick.
Chardrell Murphy pleaded guilty July 1, 2019, to possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance.
Today, U.S. District Judge David Hittner sentenced Murphy to 262 months in federal prison to be immediately followed by five years of supervised release.
Also sentenced today was Murphy’s girlfriend - Alexis Moten, 25, and her grandmother - Loretha Moten, 60, both of Houston. Both had previously pleaded guilty to aiding and abetting the possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance. Alexis Moten received a 27-month-term of imprisonment, while her grandmother, who stored the cocaine for Murphy, was ordered to serve 36 months.
At the hearings, the court heard additional testimony that detailed Murphy’s violent nature and long-term drug dealing.
Co-defendants Mark Anthony Johnson, 54, and Herberth Mauricio Torres, 24, both also of Houston, will be sentenced March 6 and 31, respectively.
On Sept. 15, 2018, authorities learned Murphy received four kilograms of cocaine from a Mexican supplier. Torres then delivered it to Loretha Moten’s house. Later, Murphy put a package into Johnson’s car.
Law enforcement conducted a traffic stop, at which time they found two kilograms of cocaine from the package Murphy had placed in the car.
Murphy has been and will remain in custody pending transfer to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future.
The Houston Police Department and FBI conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jennie Basile and John M. Lewis prosecuted the case.
The case is an example of coordination between law enforcement who are part of the Houston Law Enforcement Violent Crime Initiative. The goal is to proactively fight and reduce violent crime across the Greater Houston area by targeting the region’s most violent offenders, augmenting investigative and prosecutorial efforts, and enhancing training, public awareness and education.
The Department of Justice Files Actions to Stop Telecom Carriers Who Facilitated Hundreds of Millions of Fraudulent Robocalls to American ConsumersRead the Press Release
The Department of Justice filed civil actions for temporary restraining orders today in two landmark cases against five companies and three individuals allegedly responsible for carrying hundreds of millions of fraudulent robocalls to American consumers, the Department of Justice announced. The Department of Justice alleges that the companies were warned numerous times that they were carrying fraudulent robocalls — including government- and business-imposter calls — and yet continued to carry those calls and facilitate foreign-based fraud schemes targeting Americans. The calls, most of which originated in India, led to massive financial losses to elderly and vulnerable victims across the nation.
Assistant Attorney General Jody H. Hunt of the Justice Department’s Civil Division, U.S. Attorney Richard P. Donoghue of the Eastern District of New York, Inspector General Gail S. Ennis of the Social Security Administration (SSA) and Chief Postal Inspector Gary Barksdale, made the announcement.
The two cases announced today contain similar allegations. The defendants in one case are Ecommerce National LLC d/b/a TollFreeDeals.com; SIP Retail d/b/a sipretail.com; and their owner/operators, Nicholas Palumbo, 38, and Natasha Palumbo, 33, of Scottsdale, Arizona. The defendants in the other case include Global Voicecom Inc., Global Telecommunication Services Inc., KAT Telecom Inc., aka IP Dish, and their owner/operator, Jon Kahen, 45, of Great Neck, New York. In each case, the Department of Justice sought an order immediately halting the defendants’ transmission of unlawful robocall traffic. A federal court has entered a temporary restraining order against the Global Voicecom defendants.
“Robocalls are an annoyance to many Americans, and those that are fraudulent and predatory are a serious problem, often causing devastating financial harm to the elderly and vulnerable members of our society,” said Assistant Attorney General Jody Hunt for the Department of Justice’s Civil Division. “The Department of Justice will pursue to the fullest extent of the law individuals in the United States who knowingly facilitate imposter fraud calls, using both criminal and civil tools where appropriate. And we look forward to working closely with law enforcement colleagues in India and elsewhere around the world to identify those behind these calls so that we can bring them to justice.”
Americans have experienced a deluge of robocalls over the past several years. Many of the robocalls originate abroad. Recently, foreign fraudsters have used robocalls to impersonate government investigators and to provide Americans with alarming messages, such as: the recipient’s social security number or other personal information has been compromised or otherwise connected to criminal activity; the recipient faces imminent arrest; their assets are being frozen; their bank and credit accounts have suspect activity; their benefits are being stopped; they face imminent deportation; or combinations of these threats. Each of these claims is a lie, designed to scare the call recipient into paying large sums of money. Social Security imposters, IRS imposters, and tech-support schemes (in which callers impersonate legitimate technology companies) have proliferated in part because of the ease with which robocalls can reach millions of potential victims every hour.
In the cases announced today, the United States alleges that the defendants operated voice over internet protocol (VoIP) carriers, which use an internet connection rather than traditional copper phone lines to carry telephone calls. Numerous foreign-based criminal organizations are alleged to have used the defendants’ VoIP carrier services to pass fraudulent government- and business-imposter fraud robocalls to American victims. The complaints filed in the cases specifically allege that defendants served as “gateway carriers,” making them the entry point for foreign-initiated calls into the U.S. telecommunications system. The defendants carried astronomical numbers of robocalls. For example, the complaint against the owners/operators of Ecommerce National d/b/a TollFreeDeals.com alleges that the defendants carried 720 million calls during a sample 23-day period, and that more than 425 million of those calls lasted less than one second, indicating that they were robocalls. The complaint further alleges that many of the 720 million calls were fraudulent and used spoofed (i.e., fake) caller ID numbers. The calls facilitated by the defendants falsely threatened victims with a variety of catastrophic government actions, including termination of social security benefits, imminent arrest for alleged tax fraud and deportation for supposed failure to fill out immigration forms correctly.
According to allegations in both complaints, the defendants ignored repeated red flags and warnings about the fraudulent and unlawful nature of the calls they were carrying.
“We are using all available tools and resources to stop foreign call center scammers — and for the first time their U.S.-based enablers — from conning elderly and vulnerable victims in New York and throughout the United States,” said U.S. Attorney Richard Donoghue. “Protecting individuals from schemes that result in catastrophic losses to the victims is a priority of this Office and the Department of Justice.”
“Today’s events are the culmination of months of hard work, and a critical step in holding these and other companies accountable for being the link between overseas scammers and their victims,” said SSA Inspector General Gail S. Ennis. “We will continue to pursue those who exploit the U.S. telephone system and allow scammers to deceive consumers using the good name of Social Security. I want to thank the Department of Justice’s Transnational Elder Fraud Strike Force and our law enforcement partners for their support throughout this investigation.”
“Anyone who engages in deceptive practices like imposter fraud should know, regardless of where they are, they will not go undetected and will be held accountable,” said Chief Inspector Gary Barksdale. “We will continue to work alongside the Department of Justice and our other partners to prevent and deter ongoing harm.”
Trial Attorneys Ann Entwistle and Bart Dunn of the Civil Division’s Consumer Protection Branch and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Bonni Perlin, Evan Lestelle, and Dara Olds of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of New York represent the United States. The SSA’s Office of Inspector General, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, the Office of Inspector General for Tax Administration, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations New York El Dorado Task Force, U.S. Secret Service, New York Police Department and U.S. Customs and Border Protection collectively provided investigative support. The Federal Trade Commission and the Federal Communications Commission provided pertinent data.
The claims made in the complaint are mere allegations that, if the case were to proceed to trial, the government must prove to receive a determination of liability.
Since President Trump signed the bipartisan Elder Abuse Prevention and Prosecution Act (EAPPA) into law, the Department of Justice has participated in hundreds of enforcement actions in criminal and civil cases that targeted or disproportionately affected seniors. In particular, in March 2019, the department announced the largest elder fraud enforcement action in American history, charging more than 260 defendants in a nationwide elder fraud sweep. The department has likewise conducted hundreds of trainings and outreach sessions across the country since the passage of the Act.
More information about the department’s efforts to help American seniors is available at its Elder Justice Initiative webpage. For more information about the Consumer Protection Branch and its enforcement efforts, visit its website at https://www.justice.gov/civil/consumer-protection-branch. Elder fraud complaints may be filed with the FTC at www.ftccomplaintassistant.gov or at 877-FTC-HELP. The Department of Justice provides a variety of resources relating to elder fraud victimization through its Office for Victims of Crime, which can be reached at https://www.ovc.gov.
Tax Preparer Sentenced to over Eight Years in Federal Prison for Tax Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
Fort Myers, FL – U.S. District Judge Thomas Barber has sentenced Augustin Dalusma to eight years and one month in federal prison for filing false claims and tax fraud. The court also ordered Dalusma to pay $2,170,538.77 to the IRS in restitution.
Dalusma was found guilty by a federal jury on November 1, 2019, after a week-long trial.
According to evidence presented at trial, between 2012 and 2015, Dalusma falsified information in tax returns for at least 630 of his clients, fraudulently qualifying them for thousands of dollars in tax refunds that they were not lawfully entitled to collect. Additionally, Dalusma falsified his own tax returns from 2012 through 2014, significantly underreporting his own income to evade more than $30,000 in personal income tax in each of those years.
This case was investigated by Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Simon R. Eth and Trial Attorney Eyitayo St. Matthew-Daniel of the Justice Department’s Antitrust Division.
St. Petersburg Man Sentenced to over Twelve Years in Prison for Selling CocaineRead the Press Release
Tampa, Florida – U.S. District Judge Charlene E. Honeywell today sentenced Shamon D. Heatly (37, St. Petersburg) to 12 years and 7 months in federal prison for selling cocaine.
Heatly had pleaded guilty on October 28, 2019.
According to court documents, an undercover law enforcement officer met with Heatly, at which time Heatly directed the officer to get into his car. There, Heatly sold the officer cocaine. At the time of the offense, Heatly had been previously convicted of numerous narcotics offenses, including multiple counts of possession and delivery of cocaine.
This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, and the St. Petersburg Police Department. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Callan Albritton.
This investigation is also the result of the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) program. The principal mission of the OCDETF program is to identify, disrupt, and dismantle the most serious drug trafficking and money laundering organizations and those primarily responsible for the nation’s drug supply.
South Florida Resident Sentenced to 20 Years in Prison for Selling Firearms to a Designated Foreign Terrorist Organization, the ELNRead the Press Release
MIAMI - Francisco Joseph Arcila Ramirez (Arcila), a Colombian national and South Florida resident was sentenced to 240 months in federal prison today by U.S. District Judge Jose E. Martinez for illegally selling firearms to the National Liberation Army (ELN), a designated Foreign Terrorist Organization and a violent paramilitary group operating in South America.
Ariana Fajardo Orshan, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Florida, George L. Piro, Special Agent in Charge, FBI’s Miami Field Office, Diane J. Sabatino, Director, Field Operations, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), Miami Field Office, Robert Cekada, Special Agent in Charge, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), Miami Field Office, and Anthony Salisbury, Special Agent in Charge, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations (ICE-HSI), Miami Field Office made the announcement.
Arcila pled guilty to providing material support to a foreign terrorist organization October 17, 2019.
According to court records, on August 16, 2018, Arcila instructed two co-conspirators to illegally purchase six firearms in Miami-Dade County on Arcila’s behalf. These firearms included four Draco 7.62mm caliber AK-style pistols and two Zastava M92 7.62mm AK-style pistols. The firearms were then concealed in Husky air-compressors purchased by Arcila at a Miami-area Home Depot and shipped to Barranquilla, Colombia. This shipment also contained approximately one hundred AK-47 ammunition magazines.
On Sept. 5, 2018, Arcila attended a meeting in Colombia, where he met with an ELN weapons broker to discuss the sale of the six firearms Arcila had recently shipped into Colombia. In addition to agreeing to the sale of these six firearms, Arcila and the weapons broker further discussed other future sales, to include firearm magazines and firearm components in the coming months. At the conclusion of this meeting, the weapons broker provided approximately sixty million Colombian pesos as the purchase price for the firearms.
U.S. Attorney Fajardo Orshan commended the investigative efforts of FBI, CBP, ATF and ICE-HSI. This case was prosecuted by Southern District of Florida Assistant U.S. Attorneys Randy A. Hummel and Michael R. Sherwin, and by DOJ National Security Division Trial Attorney David Smith.
Related court documents and information may be found on the website of the District Court for the Southern District of Florida at www.flsd.uscourts.gov or at http://pacer.flsd.uscourts.gov.
South Florida Resident Sentenced to 20 Years in Prison for Selling Firearms to a Designated Foreign Terrorist OrganizationRead the Press Release
Francisco Joseph Arcila Ramirez (Arcila), a Colombian national and South Florida resident was sentenced to 240 months in federal prison today by U.S. District Judge Jose E. Martinez for illegally selling firearms to the National Liberation Army (ELN), a designated Foreign Terrorist Organization and a violent paramilitary group operating in South America.
John C. Demers, Assistant Attorney General for National Security, Ariana Fajardo Orshan, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Florida, George L. Piro, Special Agent in Charge, FBI’s Miami Field Office, Diane J. Sabatino, Director, Field Operations, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), Miami Field Office, Robert Cekada, Special Agent in Charge, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), Miami Field Office, and Anthony Salisbury, Special Agent in Charge, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations (ICE-HSI), Miami Field Office made the announcement.
On Oct. 17, 2019, Arcila pleaded guilty to providing material support to a foreign terrorist organization.
According to court records, on Aug. 16, 2018, Arcila instructed two co-conspirators to illegally purchase six firearms in Miami-Dade County on Arcila’s behalf. These firearms included four Draco 7.62mm caliber AK-style pistols and two Zastava M92 7.62mm AK-style pistols. The firearms were then concealed in Husky air-compressors purchased by Arcila at a Miami-area Home Depot and shipped to Barranquilla, Colombia. This shipment also contained approximately one hundred AK-47 ammunition magazines.
On Sept. 5, 2018, Arcila attended a meeting in Colombia, where he met with an ELN weapons broker to discuss the sale of the six firearms Arcila had recently shipped into Colombia. In addition to agreeing to the sale of these six firearms, Arcila and the weapons broker further discussed other future sales, to include firearm magazines and firearm components in the coming months. At the conclusion of this meeting, the weapons broker provided approximately sixty million Colombian pesos as the purchase price for the firearms.
Assistant Attorney General Demers and U.S. Attorney Fajardo Orshan commended the investigative efforts of FBI, CBP, ATF and ICE-HSI. This case was prosecuted by Southern District of Florida Assistant U.S. Attorneys Randy A. Hummel and Michael R. Sherwin, and by the Department of Justice’s National Security Division Trial Attorney David Smith.
Sixth and Seventh St. Croix Women Plead Guilty in Multi-Defendant Tax Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
St. Croix, USVI – United States Attorney Gretchen C.F. Shappert announced today that Nisha Brathwaite, age 38, and Darlene Thompson, age 37, both from the Virgin Islands and living on the mainland United States pled guilty on January 21, 2020 and January 24, 2020, respectively, to conspiracy to defraud the United States.
According to the plea agreement filed with the court, from January 2011 to July 2012, Brathwaite, Thompson and others participated in a scheme to steal money from the United States Treasury by fraudulently obtaining federal income tax refunds. The scheme involved the acquisition of personal identifying information used to electronically file falsified tax returns for tax years 2010 and 2011. According to court documents, Brathwaite, Thompson and eight co-conspirators filed tax returns in individuals’ true names and actual social security numbers and dates of birth but falsified the individuals’ income earned, tax withholding amounts, credits, and other information, and thereby claimed refunds to which they were not entitled. They designated bank accounts for receipt of the refunds, which, once received, they then withdrew and spent for personal use. As a result of the scheme, $35,555 was designated to Brathwaite’s bank account, of which $29,009 was actually deposited therein; further, $54,460 was designated to Thompson’s account of which $38,881 was actually deposited therein.
Of ten defendants charged in the tax fraud scheme, Brathwaite and Thompson are the sixth and seventh to plead guilty. Five others have entered guilty pleas one of whom has been sentenced. Sentencing dates for Brathwaite and Thompson have been set for May 21, 2020 and May 12, 2020 respectively. The remaining three defendants are pending a new trial date. Brathwaite and Thompson each face a maximum sentence of ten years and a $250,000 fine.
The case was investigated by the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigations, and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Alphonso Andrews, Jr. and Melissa Ortiz.
Sioux Falls Man and Woman Indicted on Gun ChargesRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a Sioux Falls, South Dakota, man and woman have been indicted by a federal grand jury for Possession of a Firearm by a Prohibited Person, Possession of a Firearm by a Person Convicted of a Misdemeanor Crime of Domestic Violence, and Transfer of a Firearm to a Prohibited Person.
David Charles Peters, age 40, and Molly Lynn Lorang, age 50, were indicted on January 7, 2020. They appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Veronica L. Duffy on January 24, 2020, and pled not guilty to the Indictment.
The maximum penalty upon conviction is up to 10 years in federal prison and/or a $250,000 fine, 3 years of supervised release, and $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund for each Defendant. Restitution may also be ordered.
The Indictment alleges that on or about October 6, 2019, Peters, who had previously been convicted of a crime punishable by imprisonment for a term exceeding one year, and having previously been convicted of a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence, knowingly possessed two firearms which had been shipped and transported in interstate commerce.
The Indictment also alleges that between July 5, 2019, and October 6, 2019, Lorang knowingly sold and otherwise disposed of a firearm to Peters, knowing that Peters had previously been convicted of a crime punishable by imprisonment for a term exceeding one year, and having previously been convicted of a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. The Department of Justice reinvigorated PSN in 2017 as part of its renewed focus on targeting violent criminals, directing all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to work in partnership with federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement and the local community to develop effective, locally-based strategies to reduce violent crime.
This case is also part of Project Guardian, the Department of Justice's signature initiative to reduce gun violence and enforce federal firearms laws. Initiated by the Attorney General in the fall of 2019, Project Guardian draws upon the Department's past successful programs to reduce gun violence; enhances coordination of federal, state, local, and tribal authorities in investigating and prosecuting gun crimes; improves information-sharing by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives when a prohibited individual attempts to purchase a firearm and is denied by the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS), to include taking appropriate actions when a prospective purchaser is denied by the NICS for mental health reasons; and ensures that federal resources are directed at the criminals posing the greatest threat to our communities. For more information about Project Guardian, please see: https://www.justice.gov/projectguardian.
The charges are merely accusations and Peters and Lorang are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
The investigation is being conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeffrey C. Clapper is prosecuting the case.
Both Peters and Lorang were released on bond pending trial which has been set for March 31, 2020.
Sioux Falls Man Sentenced to 30 Years in Federal Prison for Distributing Fentanyl that Caused an Overdose and for Retaliating Against a WitnessRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a Sioux Falls, South Dakota, man convicted of one count of distribution of a controlled substance resulting in serious bodily injury and one count of obstructing justice by retaliating against a witness, victim or informant and aiding and abetting was sentenced on January 28, 2020, by U.S. District Judge Karen E. Schreier.
Jacob Francis Lottman, age 27, was sentenced to 300 months in federal prison for the distribution count and 60 months in federal prison for the obstruction count, to be served consecutively, followed by 3 years of supervised release on each count, to be served concurrently. He was also ordered to pay $200 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.
According to the court documents, Lottman knowingly and intentionally distributed fentanyl, a controlled substance, resulting in the serious bodily injury of a victim in Sioux Falls, who overdosed on the fentanyl sold to him. The overdose victim was revived by first responders with a dose of Naloxone, commonly known as Narcan, which prevented his death.
In addition, following his indictment and arrest on the fentanyl charge, Lottman, along with Reymundo Sauceda and Juan Chavez-Benitez, knowingly engaged and attempted to engage in conduct which caused bodily injury to a witness, with the intent to retaliate against that witness for information given by the witness to law enforcement relating to the commission of a federal offense. The witness was beaten while also in custody on federal charges.
In connection with the beating, Sauceda was sentenced on December 7, 2019, to 60 months in federal prison and Chavez-Benitez was sentenced on November 4, 2019, to 24 months in federal prison for their involvement.
This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Sioux Falls Area Drug Task Force, the Sioux Falls Police Department, and the Minnehaha County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorneys John Haak and Connie Larson prosecuted the cases.
Lottman was immediately turned over to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Sioux Falls Man Sentenced for Conspiracy to Distribute MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a Sioux Falls, South Dakota, man convicted of Conspiracy to Distribute Methamphetamine was sentenced on January 27, 2020, by Chief Judge Roberto A. Lange, U.S. District Court.
Marques Smith, a/k/a CC, age 37, was sentenced to 235 months in federal prison, followed by 10 years of supervised release, and a special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund in the amount of $100.
Smith was indicted by a federal grand jury on March 12, 2019, and a Superseding Indictment was filed on October 16, 2019. He was found guilty after a three-day jury trial commencing on October 22, 2019.
The conviction stemmed from a conspiracy beginning around January 1, 2011, and continuing to October 11, 2017. Smith knowingly and intentionally conspired with others to distribute and possess with intent to distribute over 500 grams of methamphetamine in South Dakota. The trial testimony showed the conspiracy involved distributing methamphetamine in Sioux Falls and on the Crow Creek, Lower Brule, and Rosebud Sioux Indian Reservations. Smith and his co-conspirators traveled to Kansas City, Missouri; Colorado Springs, Colorado; Minneapolis, Minnesota; and Grand Island, Nebraska, to acquire methamphetamine, which would be distributed in South Dakota.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Indian Affairs - Division of Drug Enforcement, South Dakota Highway Patrol, Rosebud Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services, Sioux Falls Police Department, Minnehaha County Sherriff’s Office, Pierre Police Department, and the Northern Plains Safe Trails Drug Enforcement Task Force. Assistant U.S. Attorney Cameron J. Cook prosecuted the case.
Smith was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Sioux City Man to Federal Prison for Meth ConspiracyRead the Press Release
A man who conspired to distribute methamphetamine was sentenced January 27, 2020, to 7 years in federal prison.
Bradley McPeek, Sr., 60, from Sioux City, Iowa, received the prison term after an August 19, 2019, guilty plea to conspiring to distribute methamphetamine within a protected location.
At the guilty plea hearing, McPeek admitted that from about July, 2017 through December, 2018 he participated in the distribution of more than 1.5 kilograms of methamphetamine in Sioux City. McPeek admitted that his conspiracy involved two people who regularly traveled to Omaha, NE, obtained multiple ounces up to pounds of methamphetamine, and brought it back to McPeek’s residence in Sioux City where it was split up and distributed to others. McPeek’s residence was within 1000 feet of Cook Park and he and others often had guns at the residence.
McPeek was sentenced in Sioux City by United States District Court Chief Judge Leonard T. Strand. McPeek was sentenced to 84 months’ imprisonment. He must also serve a 6-year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system. McPeek is being held in the United States Marshal’s custody until he can be transported to a federal prison.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Shawn S. Wehde and was investigated by Tri-State Drug Task Force based in Sioux City, Iowa, that consists of law enforcement personnel from the Drug Enforcement Administration; Sioux City, Iowa, Police Department; Homeland Security Investigations; Woodbury County Sheriff’s Office; South Sioux City, Nebraska, Police Department; Nebraska State Patrol; Iowa National Guard; Iowa Division of Narcotics Enforcement; United States Marshals Service; South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation; and Woodbury County Attorney’s Office.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 19-4003. Follow us on Twitter @USAO_NDIA.
Seventh Defendant Sentenced in Million Dollar Tax Refund SchemeRead the Press Release
Ariana Fajardo Orshan, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Florida; Michael J. De Palma, Special Agent in Charge, Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI); and George L. Piro, Special Agent in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Miami Field Office announced that on January 23, 2020, a defendant involved in a tax refund fraud scheme was sentenced in the Southern District of Florida. The scheme involved the filing of fraudulent income tax returns containing false W-2Gs, claiming false gambling winnings, withholdings, and losses, and seeking large-dollar tax refunds.
Eldrick Wendell Wooding, Sr., 64, of Opa Locka, Florida, received a prison term of 46 months, to be followed by three years of supervised release, and was ordered to pay joint and several restitution of $107,421 to the IRS. According to court documents, from October 2011 through April 2013, Wooding conspired with Freddie Howard to defraud the United States by preparing and submitting false and fraudulent federal tax returns and other tax-related documents to the lRS in order to induce the IRS to disburse tax refunds to which he was not entitled. In October 2019, a jury found Wooding guilty of conspiracy to defraud the United States. This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Daya Nathan and Eli Rubin.
Six other defendants were previously sentenced in the Southern District of Florida in relation to filing fraudulent income tax returns containing false gambling information. In general, these fraudulent returns included a fake Form W-2G claiming gross gambling winnings and federal tax withholdings on the winnings. The returns also claimed false gambling losses, which were used to offset the purported income from gambling winnings, thereby generating a claimed refund. The IRS determined the federal income tax returns were false and the claimed gambling winnings, withholdings, and losses were fraudulent. The fraudulent misrepresentations on the tax returns resulted in a loss to the IRS.
On August 28, 2018, Anthony Dwight Charles Box, 57, of Plantation, Florida, was sentenced to 36 months in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release, and was ordered to pay restitution of $988,175 to the IRS.
On May 1, 2019, Gerald Jerome Spate, 50, of Miramar, Florida, was sentenced to 24 months in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release, and was ordered to pay joint and several restitution of $421,684.50 to the IRS.
On April 26, 2019, Jean Daniel Julien, 38, of Lauderhill, Florida, was sentenced to 18 months in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release, and was ordered to pay joint and several restitution of $1,547,197 to the IRS.
On May 15, 2019, Ralph Dorsainvil, 63, of Boca Raton, Florida, was sentenced to 18 months in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release, and was ordered to pay joint and several restitution of $335,466.72 to the IRS.
On November 20, 2019, David Sage, a/k/a “Nima Nafei,” 40, of Las Vegas, Nevada, was sentenced to 18 months in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release, and was ordered to pay joint and several restitution of $278,149 to the IRS.
On July 24, 2019, Ron Pinke Leonard, 53, of West Palm Beach, Florida, was sentenced to four years of probation, and was ordered to pay joint and several restitution of $52,542.85 to the IRS.
These other cases were prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Daya Nathan.
U.S. Attorney Fajardo Orshan commended the investigative efforts of the IRS-CI and the FBI in this matter.
Related court documents and information may be found on the website of the District Court for the Southern District of Florida at www.flsd.uscourts.gov or at http://pacer.flsd.uscourts.gov.
San Francisco Director of Public Works and Restauranteur Charged with Public CorruptionRead the Press Release
SAN FRANCISCO – San Francisco Director of Public Works Mohammed Colin Nuru and restauranteur Nick James Bovis have been charged in a criminal complaint with honest services wire fraud in connection with an alleged scheme to bribe a San Francisco Airport Commissioner, announced United States Attorney David L. Anderson and Federal Bureau of Investigation Special Agent in Charge John F. Bennett of the San Francisco Division.
According to the complaint filed January 16, 2020, Nuru, 58, of San Francisco, and Bovis, 57, of San Mateo, engaged in a scheme to bribe an unnamed San Francisco Airport Commissioner with cash and free travel in exchange for the commissioner’s assistance to win a bid for the right to run a restaurant in the San Francisco International Airport (SFO).
“The complaint describes a web of corruption involving bribery, kickbacks, and side deals by one of San Francisco’s highest-ranking city employees,” said U.S. Attorney Anderson. “The public is entitled to honest work from public officials, free from manipulation for the official’s own personal benefit and profit.”
“Government employees are entrusted and expected to protect the best interests of the American public with integrity. When that trust is betrayed, the security and stability of our government is put at risk,” said Special Agent in Charge Bennett. “The FBI will continue to investigate and hold accountable any public official who utilizes their position for personal gain.”
As part of the scheme, the defendants allegedly violated several rules relating to the bidding process for concessions at the airport. The five-person San Francisco Airport Commission awards leases from time to time that grant the right for vendors to operate businesses at the airport. For many businesses, the Airport Commission is required by law to allow vendors to bid competitively for opportunities, and then to select the vendor with the highest or best bid of all submitted proposals. Additional rules generally prohibit commissioners from communicating with vendors who have submitted bids until after a decision has been made. In this case, Nuru and Bovis are alleged to have violated rules requiring a fair competitive bidding process.
According to the complaint, Bovis is affiliated with a company that submitted a bid for a lease to provide concessions at SFO. The defendants allegedly then took steps to rig the bid. The complaint describes how the defendants met with an airport commissioner in hopes of influencing the members of the Airport Commission to award the contract to the Bovis-affiliated company. Further, the complaint describes how the defendants allegedly planned to offer the airport commissioner $5,000 and free travel, in exchange for the commissioner’s assistance to win the bid for the lease. Nuru allegedly hoped to receive benefits later by assisting Bovis and others to get the airport contract. Specifically, the complaint states Nuru mentioned to the concessioners his role as the Chair of the Joint Transbay Transit Authority (TJPA) and shared confidential information from the project to suggest that he (Nuru) would be able to direct contracts to the concessioners. In the end, however, the complaint explains that the defendants did not win the lease for the airport concessions.
The complaint further alleges several additional schemes engaged in by the defendants as evidence of their corrupt intent and modus operandi. These other schemes include: 1) Nuru using his official position to benefit a billionaire in China who was developing a large multimillion dollar mixed-use project in San Francisco, in exchange for travel and lodging, high-end liquor, and other gifts and benefits; 2) Nuru attempting to use his position as the chair of the TJPA to secure a desirable lease for Bovis in the Transbay Transit Center, in exchange for benefits provided by Bovis; 3) Nuru providing Bovis with inside information on city projects regarding portable bathroom trailers and small container-like housing units for use by the homeless, so that Bovis could win contracts for those projects; and 4) Nuru obtaining free and discounted labor and construction equipment from contractors to help him build a personal vacation home in Colusa County, California, while those contractors were also engaging in business with the City.
The complaint charges both Nuru and Bovis with one count of committing honest services wire fraud, in violation of 18 U.S.C. §§ 1343 and 1346.
The defendants were arrested yesterday and made their initial federal appearances before U.S. Magistrate Judge Sallie Kim this afternoon. The defendants have been arraigned and released, each on $2 million bond. Magistrate Judge Kim scheduled appearances for both defendants on February 6, 2020, at 11:30 a.m.
A complaint merely alleges that crimes have been committed, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. If convicted of the charge, the defendants each face a maximum statutory sentence of 20 years in prison. Additional fines, penalties, and terms of supervised release also may be ordered; however, any sentence following conviction would be imposed by the court only after consideration of the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and the federal statute governing the imposition of a sentence, 18 U.S.C. § 3553.
The prosecution is being handled by the Office of the U.S. Attorney, Northern District of California’s new Corporate Fraud Strike Force and is the result of an investigation by the FBI.
Reedley Man Sentenced to 19 Years in Prison for Drug and Gun ChargesRead the Press Release
FRESNO, Calif. — Netzahualcoyotl Cerna, 40, of Reedley, was sentenced Monday by U.S. District Judge Dale A. Drozd to 19 years in prison for carrying a firearm during and in relation to a drug trafficking crime, possession of methamphetamine with the intent to distribute it, and being a felon in possession of a firearm, U.S. Attorney McGregor W. Scott announced.
According to evidence presented at trial, Cerna was apprehended in Reedley on April 8, 2019. Cerna, a convicted felon, was wanted for violations of parole at the time of his arrest. Officers located a loaded firearm and approximately 121 grams of methamphetamine on his person. Cerna admitted to law enforcement after his arrest that he intended to sell the methamphetamine to make money and that he was carrying the firearm for protection because gang members were trying to tax his drug proceeds. On Oct. 23, 2019, a federal jury found Cerna guilty.
This case was the product of an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, and the Reedley Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Katherine Schuh and Kathleen Servatius prosecuted the case.
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. To learn more about Project Safe Neighborhoods, go to www.justice.gov/psn.
This case is also part of Project Guardian, the Department of Justice’s signature initiative to reduce gun violence and enforce federal firearms laws. Initiated by the Attorney General in the fall of 2019, Project Guardian draws upon the Department’s past successful programs to reduce gun violence; enhances coordination of federal, state, local, and tribal authorities in investigating and prosecuting gun crimes; improves information-sharing by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives when a prohibited individual attempts to purchase a firearm and is denied by the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS), to include taking appropriate actions when a prospective purchaser is denied by the NICS for mental health reasons; and ensures that federal resources are directed at the criminals posing the greatest threat to our communities. For more information about Project Guardian, please see https://www.justice.gov/projectguardian.
Prison Guards Sentenced in Aryan Brotherhood Methamphetamine Distribution RingRead the Press Release
OKLAHOMA CITY – MICAH LYNNE WASCHER, 37, and TRAVIS EUGENE WASCHER, 43, both of Canute, Oklahoma, were sentenced earlier today for their roles in distributing methamphetamine for incarcerated leaders of the Universal Aryan Brotherhood (UAB), announced U.S. Attorney Timothy J. Downing.
U.S. District Judge Patrick Wyrick sentenced Micah Wascher to a term of imprisonment for 96 months, and Travis Wascher to a term of 30 months for his involvement. The Court also imposed a term of 5 years supervised release for Micah Wascher and a term of 2 years supervised release for Travis Wascher.
"Today’s sentence shows that no one is above the law, even those who are supposed to enforce it," said U.S. Attorney Downing. "I am pleased with the work of state corrections officials, and state and federal law enforcement to ensure Oklahoma’s prisons are free of this sort of corruption."
On September 19, 2019, Travis Wascher pleaded guilty to a superseding information alleging possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. On September 26, 2019, Micah Wascher pleaded guilty to Count 2 of the original indictment alleging possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine.
The Waschers were, at the time of the offenses, Correctional Officers at the North Fork Correctional Facility in Sayre, Oklahoma. In late 2018, Ms. Wascher began smuggling methamphetamine and contraband cell phones into the prison at the direction of UAB members in exchange for money and narcotics for her personal use. Additionally, Ms. Wascher transferred and managed drug proceeds for various UAB members using Green Dot prepaid cards, as well as other payment methods such as PayPal and Walmart Pay. Several months later, during Spring 2019, Ms. Wascher involved her husband Travis Wascher in the scheme to smuggle the narcotics and phones into the prison.
This case was the result of an investigation by the U.S. Homeland Security Investigations, the Oklahoma Department of Corrections—Security Threats Intelligence, the Oklahoma District Attorney’s Drug Task Force for District 2. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jason Harley and Nicholas J. Patterson prosecuted the case.
Reference is made to court filings for further information. To download a photo of U.S. Attorney Downing, click here.
Previously Removed Indian National Charged with Illegally Reentering the United StatesRead the Press Release
St. Thomas, USVI – Keyur Hirenbhai Patel, a citizen of India, was charged with illegally reentering the United States. Keyur Hirenbhai Patel made his initial appearances before U.S. District Judge Curtis Gomez on Thursday. After preliminary and detention hearings on Friday, U.S. Magistrate Judge Ruth Miller ordered Keyur Hirenbhai Patel detained.
The complaint alleges that Customs and Border Patrol officers encountered Keyur Hirenbhai Patel at the Red Hook ferry dock in St Thomas. The officers conducted immigration inspections and determined that Keyur Hirenbhai Patel was not in possession of any documentation which allowed him to be in or to enter the United States. The officers proceeded to detain him and transport him to the Cyril E. King Airport for further inspection. According to court documents, record checks conducted by Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers revealed that Keyur Hirenbhai Patel was previously ordered removed from the United States on October 29, 2018, and neither the Secretary of Homeland Security nor the Attorney General has expressly consented to his reapplying for admission.
This case is being investigated by Homeland Security Investigations and CBP Air and Marine, and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Adam Sleeper.
United States Attorney Shappert reminds the public that a complaint is merely a formal charging document and is not evidence of guilt. Every defendant is presumed innocent until and unless found guilty.
Previous sex offender convicted againRead the Press Release
HOUSTON - A 45-year-old Southwest Houston man has been convicted of sexual exploitation of a child aka production of child pornography, announced U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Patrick.
Reginald Desean Love aka Tru admitted he recorded a video of a minor female performing oral sex on him.
In September 2017, a 15-year-old girl contacted authorities and gave them a cell phone that contained the video Love made depicting the sex act. Law enforcement conducted a search on two rooms at a local Motel 6 where they discovered another juvenile girl performing oral sex on an adult male.
Love was previously convicted in 2010 of felony indecency with a 14-year-old girl. As part of his sentence, he was ordered to register as a sex offender.
U.S. District Judge Sim Lake accepted Love’s guilty plea today and set sentencing for April 24, 2020. At that time, he faces a minimum of 25 and up to 50 years in federal prison and a possible $250,000 maximum fine. Upon completion of any prison term imposed, Love also faces a maximum of life on supervised release during which time the court can impose a number of special conditions designed to protect children and prohibit the use of the internet. He is also expected to have to again register as a sex offender.
Love has been and will remain in custody pending his sentencing hearing.
The Texas Department of Public Safety conducted the investigation.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Carrie Wirsing and Jill J. Stotts are 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.
Pleasant Hills Man Charged with Defrauding Social SecurityRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH - One resident of Pleasant Hills, Pennsylvania, has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on a charge of Social Security fraud, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.
The one-count Indictment named Michael T. Onder, 50, as the sole defendant.
According to the Indictment, from in and around July 2010 and continuing thereafter to in and around February 2016, Onder knowingly received and converted Supplemental Security Income benefits to which he knew he was not entitled, in an amount exceeding $1,000.00.
The law provides for a maximum total sentence of not more than five 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 Charles A. Eberle is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The Social Security Administration – Office of Inspector General conducted the investigation leading to the Indictment in this case.
An indictment is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Plea Agreement: Lenexa Company Lost More than $685,000 to FraudRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, KAN. – A North Carolina man pleaded guilty today to a fraud in which a Lenexa company he worked for spent more than $685,000 to buy electrical and wire cable that the man sold to another company and pocketed the money, U.S. Attorney Stephen McAllister said.
Coe Downing, 48, Charlotte, N.C., pleaded guilty to one count of mail fraud. In his plea, he admitted the crime took place while he worked as a project manager for Lenexa-based Wachter, Inc. Downing placed orders for electrical and wire cable from Anixter, Inc., one of Wachter’s suppliers. Wachter paid for the materials by sending a check to Anixter in Texas. Meanwhile, Downing sold the cable to another company, Cabling Systems Supply, Inc. (CSSI) and kept the money.
In the plea agreement, Downing agreed to pay restitution of $25,000 to Wachter, Inc., and $660,323 to Wachter’s insurer, Federal Insurance Company.
Sentencing is set for April 21. He could face a penalty of up to 20 years in federal prison and a fine up to $250,000. The U.S. Postal Inspection Service – Office of Inspector General, investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorney Chris Oakley is prosecuting.