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3 March 2020
Federal prisoner charged with manslaughter in death of inmateRead the Press Release
CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Stephen C. Crawford, a former inmate at U.S. Penitentiary Hazelton, was indicted today on charges of manslaughter and assault regarding the death of another inmate, U.S. Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Crawford, age 41, was indicted today on one count of “Voluntary Manslaughter,” one count of “Assault with a Dangerous Weapon with Intent to do Bodily Harm,” and one count of “Assault Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury.” Crawford is accused of stabbing another inmate “A.C.” resulting in his death. The crime allegedly took place in March 2015 at USP Hazelton in Preston County.
Crawford faces up to 15 years incarceration and a fine of up to $250,000 for the manslaughter charge and faces up to 10 years incarceration and a fine of up to $250,000 for each of the other two charges. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed will be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Brandon S. Flower is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The FBI investigated.
An indictment is merely an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Federal Inmate Pleads Guilty to Conspiring to Launder Drug Trafficking ProceedsRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH - Donnell Steward pleaded guilty to conspiring to launder drug trafficking proceeds between 2017 and 2019, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.
Steward, 50, pleaded guilty before United States District Judge J. Nicholas Ranjan. Judge Ranjan scheduled sentencing to occur on July 14, 2020, at 2:00 p.m. Steward was serving a prior federal prison sentence at Otisville, New York, when he committed the crime to which he pled guilty.
The law provides for a maximum sentence of up to 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $500,000. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history of the defendant.
Assistant United States Attorney Craig W. Haller is prosecuting this case on behalf of the United States.
The Drug Enforcement Administration, the Internal Revenue Service, the federal Bureau of Prisons, and the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General led the multi-agency investigation that also included the United States Postal Inspection Service, the Beaver County District Attorney’s Office, the Department of Homeland Security/Homeland Security Investigations, the Pittsburgh Police Department, the United States Marshals Service, the Pennsylvania State Police, the Munhall Police Department, the Robinson Township Police Department, the McKees Rocks Police Department, the Stowe Township Police Department, the Etna Police Department, and the Erie County District Attorney’s Office.
The investigation was funded by the federal Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force Program (OCDETF). The OCDETF program supplies critical federal funding and coordination that allows federal and state agencies to work together to successfully identify, investigate, and prosecute major interstate and international drug trafficking organizations and other criminal enterprises.
Extradited Former Automotive Parts Executive Pleads Guilty to Antitrust ChargeRead the Press Release
Eun Soo Kim, a former key accounts manager for Continental Automotive Korea Ltd. and a Korean national, was extradited from Germany and pleaded guilty for his role in an international market allocation and bid-rigging conspiracy involving the sale of instrument panel clusters to several automobile producers, the Department of Justice announced.
“Today’s guilty plea further demonstrates our commitment at the Antitrust Division and shows that neither time nor distance provide refuge for executives who conspire to cheat American consumers,” said Assistant Attorney General Makan Delrahim of the Department of Justice’s Antitrust Division. “The Antitrust Division will leave no stone unturned including working with enforcers around the world to bring to justice those who infect international markets with collusion.”
“The FBI will vigorously investigate and work to prosecute individuals, such as Kim, who conspire to allocate sales and rig bids for their own selfish gain and at the expense of the American people,” said Assistant Director Calvin Shivers of the FBI’s Criminal Investigative Division. “Today’s extradition and guilty plea demonstrate the FBI’s determination to bring those who violate competition law the United States has long upheld to justice.”
Kim’s extradition is the third extradition based solely on an antitrust charge and the second in as many months. A fugitive for nearly five years, Kim was apprehended by German authorities in September 2019 in Frankfurt. Kim ultimately consented to extradition and arrived in Atlanta on February 28, 2020. Kim appeared before Judge Timothy C. Batten, Sr. of the United States District Court for the Northern District of Georgia and pleaded guilty on March 2, 2020. Judge Batten sentenced Kim to nine months in prison with credit for the time he was held in custody pending extradition and prior to sentencing. He also has been sentenced to pay a $130,000 criminal fine.
Kim pleaded guilty to conspiring to allocate sales of, rig bids for, and submit rigged and non-competitive bids for instrument panel clusters sold to Korean automobile producers and their subsidiaries in the United States and elsewhere. Instrument panel clusters are a set of instruments located on the dashboard of a vehicle that contain gauges such as the speedometer, tachometer, odometer, and fuel gauge, as well as warning indicators for gearshift position, seat belt, parking-brake engagement, engine malfunction, low fuel, low oil pressure, and low tire pressure. Kim participated in the conspiracy from at least as early as February 2008 until as late as May 2012.
Including Kim, more than 100 companies and executives have been charged in the Justice Department’s investigation into the automotive parts industry. More than $2.9 billion in criminal fines have been imposed and 32 individuals have been sentenced to pay criminal fines and to serve prison sentences ranging from a year and a day to two years.
Kim was charged with bid rigging in violation of the Sherman Act, which carries maximum penalties of 10 years in prison and a $1 million criminal fine for individuals. The maximum fine may be increased to twice the gain derived from the crime or twice the loss suffered by the victims of the crime, if either of those amounts is greater than the statutory maximum fine.
This case is the result of a federal antitrust investigation into price fixing, bid rigging and other anticompetitive conduct in the automotive parts industry conducted by the Antitrust Division and the FBI. Today’s charges were brought by the Antitrust Division’s Chicago Office and the FBI’s Mobile, Alabama, Field Office. Assistance with the extradition was provided by the Department of Justice Criminal Division’s Office of International Affairs and the United States Marshals Service. The Department of Justice thanks the government of Germany for its assistance in this case. Anyone with information on price fixing, bid rigging, or other anticompetitive conduct should contact the Antitrust Division’s Citizen Complaint Center at 1–888–647–3258 or visit www.justice.gov/atr/contact/newcase.html.
Edmond Man Charged with Illegal Smuggling of Firearms to the Middle EastRead the Press Release
OKLAHOMA CITY – RANDY LEW WILLIAMS, 57, of Edmond, Oklahoma, has been charged for illegally shipping firearms to the Middle East, announced U.S. Attorney Timothy J. Downing.
According to an affidavit in support of a criminal complaint filed on March 3, 2020, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Legal Attaché in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates notified the FBI Oklahoma City Field Office that a FedEx shipment had been seized on December 19, 2018. The shipment contained multiple Glock pistols and firearms parts, and shipment records indicated the shipment was sent from Williams, at an address in Oklahoma City. Records also indicated the shipment contained tools and that the intended recipient was located in Sulaymaniyah, Iraq. The affidavit further explained that FBI authorities later learned that between January 2018 and October 2018, Williams received approximately $12,761.00 in wire transfers from Sweden. The affidavit states that Williams did not have a Federal Firearms License (FFL) from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) or authority from the Department of Defense to export defense articles (i.e., weapons) outside the United States.
The defendant was arrested yesterday and made his initial appearance today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Gary M. Purcell. The criminal complaint charges Williams with four criminal counts: 1) shipping firearms in foreign commerce without a license, 2) shipping firearms in foreign commerce without notifying the carrier, 3) illegally smuggling firearms from the U.S., and 4) conspiracy to smuggle firearms from the U.S.
If found guilty of counts 1, 2, or 4, the defendant faces a maximum potential penalty of 5 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000.00. If found guilty of count 3, the defendant faces a maximum potential penalty of 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000.00. Each count carries a term of supervised release of not more than three years.
This case is a result of an investigation by the FBI—Oklahoma City Field Office, the ATF, and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security Investigations, with assistance from the U.S. Customs and Border Patrol, the U.S. Department of State, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, the Oklahoma City Police Department, and the Edmond Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Matt Dillon and Mark Stoneman are prosecuting the case.
The public is reminded that these charges are merely allegations and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
Reference is made to public filings for more information. To download a photo of U.S. Attorney Downing, click here.
Domestic Violence Abuser Sentenced to 20 Months in Prison for Unlawful Possession of A FirearmRead the Press Release
LAS VEGAS, Nev. – A Las Vegas prohibited person who pleaded guilty to unlawful possession of a firearm, based on a prior conviction for domestic violence, was sentenced Monday to 20 months in prison to be followed by three years of supervised release, announced U.S. Attorney Nicholas A. Trutanich for the District of Nevada and Acting Special Agent in Charge Frederic D. Winston for the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) for the San Francisco Division.
“This case epitomizes our office’s ongoing violent crime reduction initiative, targeting the nexus between domestic violence and gun crimes,” said U.S. Attorney Trutanich. “Nevada’s domestic violence fatality rate remains far too high. We believe that cases like this one will help reduce the domestic violence fatality rate by taking guns out of the hands of domestic abusers. This case also sends the message to convicted domestic abusers that the Department of Justice is dedicated to prosecuting them for illegal firearm possession.”
“ATF and our partners will continue to work to protect our communities from gun violence,” said Acting Special Agent in Charge Winston. “Reducing gun violence and enforcing federal firearms laws are at the forefront of the focus for Project Guardian. Project Guardian emphasizes close coordination by ATF, the United States Attorney’s Office and our state and local law enforcement partners so that those who possess firearms illegally are held accountable. ATF will continue to work with the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department and the United States Attorney’s Office to ensure the safety of the people of Las Vegas.”
Angelo Taylor, 31, pleaded guilty on November 26, 2019, to unlawful possession of a firearm. U.S. District Judge Jennifer A. Dorsey presided over yesterday’s sentencing hearing.
According to court documents, on June 30, 2018, officers of the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department responded to a domestic disturbance where Taylor allegedly threatened, if police were called, to kill his wife and their seven children and then commit suicide by cop. Through the investigation into the domestic disturbance, officers discovered that Taylor unlawfully possessed a Taurus 9mm handgun in his home. Taylor has a prior conviction for domestic battery in 2015.
The case is a product of an investigation by the ATF. Assistant U.S. Attorney Allison Reese prosecuted the case.
This case is part of Project Guardian, the Department of Justice’s signature initiative to reduce gun violence and enforce federal firearms laws. Initiated by the U.S. 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 ATF 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.
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Detroit man found sleeping in U-Haul with engine running at gas pump sentenced to prison for counterfeiting credit cards in OhioRead the Press Release
DAYTON – Aaron Johnson, 32, and Timothy Banks, 22, caught the attention of law enforcement when they fell asleep in a U-Haul van with the engine running at a gas pump in Miami County.
Johnson was sentenced in U.S. District Court to 21 months in prison for counterfeiting credit cards, and the court entered its judgment today.
According to court documents, Johnson conspired with Banks to make money through counterfeiting by re-encoding gift cards with stolen credit card account numbers.
In August 2018, Johnson rented a U-Haul van in Rochester, Mich. for what was supposed to be a one-day rental.
Instead, Johnson kept the U-Haul for nearly a month and drove it more than 8,000 miles, including to Miami County, Ohio. On Sept. 1, law enforcement officers observed Johnson and Banks asleep in the van connected to a gas station pump with the engine running.
Officers approached the van at the Speedway gas station in Miami County, fearing the men had overdosed in the vehicle. Instead, officers discovered Banks asleep at the wheel, and Johnson asleep on an inflatable mattress in the rear compartment of the van. Officers also found a credit card reader/encoder, 12 counterfeit credit cards, 41 re-encoded gift cards, and a total of 54 credit card account numbers. Officers also discovered $100 in Target gift cards and $365 in iTunes gift cards.
Johnson and Banks pleaded guilty in February 2019 to conspiring to use counterfeit access devices. Banks was sentenced earlier this year to probation with home confinement.
David M. DeVillers, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio, Yvonne DiCristoforo, Special Agent in Charge, United States Secret Service and Miami County Sheriff Dave Duchak announced the sentence imposed by U.S. District Judge Walther H. Rice. First Assistant United States Attorney Vipal J. Patel is representing the United States in this case.
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Department of Justice Launches a National Nursing Home InitiativeRead the Press Release
Attorney General William P. Barr announced today the launch of the Department of Justice’s National Nursing Home Initiative, which will coordinate and enhance civil and criminal efforts to pursue nursing homes that provide grossly substandard care to their residents.
This initiative is focusing on some of the worst nursing homes around the country and the Department already has initiated investigations into approximately thirty individual nursing facilities in nine states as part of this effort.
“Millions of seniors count on nursing homes to provide them with quality care, and to treat them with dignity and respect when they are most vulnerable,” said Attorney General William P. Barr. “Yet, all too often, we have found nursing home owners or operators who put profits over patients, leading to instances of gross abuse and neglect. This national initiative will bring to justice those owners and operators who have profited at the expense of their residents, and help to ensure residents receive the care to which they are entitled.”
The department considers a number of factors in identifying the most problematic nursing homes. For example, the department looks for nursing homes that consistently fail to provide adequate nursing staff to care for their residents, fail to adhere to basic protocols of hygiene and infection control, fail to provide their residents with enough food to eat so that they become emaciated and weak, withhold pain medication, or use physical or chemical restraints to restrain or otherwise sedate their residents. These care failures cause residents to suffer in pain and to be exposed to the great indignities. Care failures cause residents to develop pressure sores down to the bone, to lie in their own waste for hours, to starve because they cannot reach the food on their trays and to remain unwashed for weeks at a time. Nursing homes that provide grossly substandard care also force vulnerable elderly residents who cannot leave the facilities to live in filthy and dangerous conditions where there are leaks in the roofs, mold is found growing and rodents found living in residents’ rooms. These are some of the actions and the inactions that the department intends to pursue.
“The Department of Justice has a long history of holding nursing homes and long-term care providers accountable when they fail to provide their Medicare and Medicaid residents with even the most basic nursing services,” said Assistant Attorney General Jody Hunt for the Civil Division. “Through this National Initiative, we will more effectively and quickly pursue nursing homes that are jeopardizing the health and well-being of their residents.”
“The Administration for Community Living was created to help ensure that older adults and people with disabilities are able to live the lives they want, with the people they choose, fully participating in their communities,” said Administrator Lance Robertson for the Administration for Community Living, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. “Our mission includes supporting their basic right to live with dignity, free from abuse. We appreciate the Department of Justice’s leadership on this important Initiative, and we are proud to work side by side with DOJ and all of our partners in the Elder Justice Coordinating Council to prevent elder abuse in all forms.”
“The HHS Office of Inspector General (OIG) continues to pursue nursing home operators who provide potentially harmful care to residents who are often unable to protect themselves,” said Chief Counsel to the Inspector General Gregory Demske of HHS. “Creating this Initiative sends a message to those in charge of caring for these beneficiaries that grossly substandard care will not be tolerated.”
The National Nursing Home Initiative reflects the department’s larger strategy and commitment to protecting our nation’s seniors, coordinated by the department’s Elder Justice Initiative in conjunction with the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices. The Elder Justice Initiative and the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices are essential to the department’s investigative and enforcement efforts against nursing homes and other long-term care entities that deliver grossly substandard care to Medicare and Medicaid beneficiaries. The Initiative and the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices also support the efforts of state and local prosecutors, law enforcement, and other elder justice professionals to combat elder abuse, neglect and financial exploitation, with the development of training, resources, and information. Learn more about the Justice Department’s Elder Justice Initiative at http://www.justice.gov/elderjustice/.
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.
Department of Justice Launches a National Nursing Home InitiativeRead the Press Release
The U.S. Department of Justice issued this press release today to announce an important initiative to pursue nursing homes that provide grossly substandard care. The Eastern District of California looks forward to joining the initiative in the future and remains committed to combat elder abuse, neglect and financial exploitation. For more information please use the contacts and links in the message below.
WASHINGTON – Attorney General William P. Barr announced today the launch of the Department of Justice’s National Nursing Home Initiative, which will coordinate and enhance civil and criminal efforts to pursue nursing homes that provide grossly substandard care to their residents.
This initiative is focusing on some of the worst nursing homes around the country and the Department already has initiated investigations into approximately thirty individual nursing facilities in nine states as part of this effort.
“Millions of seniors count on nursing homes to provide them with quality care, and to treat them with dignity and respect when they are most vulnerable,” said Attorney General William P. Barr. “Yet, all too often, we have found nursing home owners or operators who put profits over patients, leading to instances of gross abuse and neglect. This national initiative will bring to justice those owners and operators who have profited at the expense of their residents, and help to ensure residents receive the care to which they are entitled.”
The department considers a number of factors in identifying the most problematic nursing homes. For example, the department looks for nursing homes that consistently fail to provide adequate nursing staff to care for their residents, fail to adhere to basic protocols of hygiene and infection control, fail to provide their residents with enough food to eat so that they become emaciated and weak, withhold pain medication, or use physical or chemical restraints to restrain or otherwise sedate their residents. These care failures cause residents to suffer in pain and to be exposed to the great indignities. Care failures cause residents to develop pressure sores down to the bone, to lie in their own waste for hours, to starve because they cannot reach the food on their trays and to remain unwashed for weeks at a time. Nursing homes that provide grossly substandard care also force vulnerable elderly residents who cannot leave the facilities to live in filthy and dangerous conditions where there are leaks in the roofs, mold is found growing and rodents found living in residents’ rooms. These are some of the actions and the inactions that the department intends to pursue.
“The Department of Justice has a long history of holding nursing homes and long-term care providers accountable when they fail to provide their Medicare and Medicaid residents with even the most basic nursing services,” said Assistant Attorney General Jody Hunt for the Civil Division. “Through this National Initiative, we will more effectively and quickly pursue nursing homes that are jeopardizing the health and well-being of their residents.”
“The Administration for Community Living was created to help ensure that older adults and people with disabilities are able to live the lives they want, with the people they choose, fully participating in their communities,” said Administrator Lance Robertson for the Administration for Community Living, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. “Our mission includes supporting their basic right to live with dignity, free from abuse. We appreciate the Department of Justice’s leadership on this important Initiative, and we are proud to work side by side with DOJ and all of our partners in the Elder Justice Coordinating Council to prevent elder abuse in all forms.”
“The HHS Office of Inspector General (OIG) continues to pursue nursing home operators who provide potentially harmful care to residents who are often unable to protect themselves,” said Chief Counsel to the Inspector General Gregory Demske of HHS. “Creating this Initiative sends a message to those in charge of caring for these beneficiaries that grossly substandard care will not be tolerated.”
The National Nursing Home Initiative reflects the department’s larger strategy and commitment to protecting our nation’s seniors, coordinated by the department’s Elder Justice Initiative in conjunction with the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices. The Elder Justice Initiative and the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices are essential to the department’s investigative and enforcement efforts against nursing homes and other long-term care entities that deliver grossly substandard care to Medicare and Medicaid beneficiaries. The Initiative and the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices also support the efforts of state and local prosecutors, law enforcement, and other elder justice professionals to combat elder abuse, neglect and financial exploitation, with the development of training, resources, and information. Learn more about the Justice Department’s Elder Justice Initiative at http://www.justice.gov/elderjustice/.
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.
Department of Justice Launches a National Nursing Home InitiativeRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – U.S. Attorney Matthew G.T. Martin of the Middle District of North Carolina joined Attorney General William P. Barr in announcing today the Department of Justice’s National Nursing Home Initiative, which will coordinate and enhance civil and criminal efforts to pursue nursing homes that provide grossly substandard care to their residents.
This initiative is focusing on some of the worst nursing homes around the country and the Department has already initiated investigations into approximately thirty individual nursing facilities in nine states as part of this effort.
“Millions of seniors count on nursing homes to provide them with quality care, and to treat them with dignity and respect when they are most vulnerable,” said Attorney General William P. Barr. “Yet, all too often, we have found nursing home owners or operators who put profits over patients, leading to instances of gross abuse and neglect. This national initiative will bring to justice those owners and operators who have profited at the expense of their residents, and help to ensure residents receive the care to which they are entitled.”
“When those charged with the care of our valued seniors instead care more about profiteering from shoddy practices, we have a duty and obligation to seek justice,” said United States Attorney Martin. “When we find that neglect and abuse are marring what should be our seniors’ golden years, this Office will swiftly seek appropriate action against the offenders.”
The department considers a number of factors in identifying the most problematic nursing homes. For example, the department looks for nursing homes that consistently fail to provide adequate nursing staff to care for their residents, fail to adhere to basic protocols of hygiene and infection control, fail to provide their residents with enough food to eat so that they become emaciated and weak, withhold pain medication, or use physical or chemical restraints to restrain or otherwise sedate their residents. These care failures cause residents to suffer in pain and to be exposed to the great indignities. Care failures cause residents to develop pressure sores down to the bone, to lie in their own waste for hours, to starve because they cannot reach the food on their trays and to remain unwashed for weeks at a time. Nursing homes that provide grossly substandard care also force vulnerable elderly residents who cannot leave the facilities to live in filthy and dangerous conditions where there are leaks in the roofs, mold is found growing and rodents found living in residents’ rooms. These are some of the actions and the inactions that the department intends to pursue.
The National Nursing Home Initiative reflects the department’s larger strategy and commitment to protecting our nation’s seniors, coordinated by the department’s Elder Justice Initiative in conjunction with the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices. The Elder Justice Initiative and the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices are essential to the department’s investigative and enforcement efforts against nursing homes and other long-term care entities that deliver grossly substandard care to Medicare and Medicaid beneficiaries. The Initiative and the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices also support the efforts of state and local prosecutors, law enforcement, and other elder justice professionals to combat elder abuse, neglect and financial exploitation, with the development of training, resources, and information. Learn more about the Justice Department’s Elder Justice Initiative at http://www.justice.gov/elderjustice/.
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Department of Justice Launches a National Nursing Home InitiativeRead the Press Release
U.S. Attorney Trent Shores of Northern District of Oklahoma joined Attorney General William P. Barr in announcing today the Department of Justice’s National Nursing Home Initiative, which will coordinate and enhance civil and criminal efforts to pursue nursing homes that provide grossly substandard care to their residents.
This initiative is focusing on some of the worst nursing homes around the country, and the Department has already initiated investigations into approximately thirty individual nursing facilities in nine states as part of this effort.
“Millions of seniors count on nursing homes to provide them with quality care, and to treat them with dignity and respect when they are most vulnerable,” said Attorney General William P. Barr. “Yet, all too often, we have found nursing home owners or operators who put profits over patients, leading to instances of gross abuse and neglect. This national initiative will bring to justice those owners and operators who have profited at the expense of their residents, and help to ensure residents receive the care to which they are entitled.”
“Elder Americans in nursing homes trust that they will receive the critical care they need to continue living full lives. Unfortunately, that is not always the case,” said U.S. Attorney Trent Shores. “When senior citizens suffer neglect and abuse at a nursing home, there must be accountability. That is why I have designated Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kristin Harrington and Rick Cella to lead our local nursing home enforcement initiative. I encourage elder Oklahomans who are victims of nursing home neglect and abuse to report their experience to law enforcement.”
The department considers a number of factors in identifying the most problematic nursing homes. For example, the department looks for nursing homes that consistently fail to provide adequate nursing staff to care for their residents, fail to adhere to basic protocols of hygiene and infection control, fail to provide their residents with enough food to eat so that they become emaciated and weak, withhold pain medication, or use physical or chemical restraints to restrain or otherwise sedate their residents. These care failures cause residents to suffer in pain and to be exposed to the great indignities. Care failures cause residents to develop pressure sores down to the bone, to lie in their own waste for hours, to starve because they cannot reach the food on their trays and to remain unwashed for weeks at a time. Nursing homes that provide grossly substandard care also force vulnerable elderly residents who cannot leave the facilities to live in filthy and dangerous conditions where there are leaks in the roofs, mold is found growing and rodents found living in residents’ rooms. These are some of the actions and the inactions that the department intends to pursue.
The National Nursing Home Initiative reflects the department’s larger strategy and commitment to protecting our nation’s seniors, coordinated by the department’s Elder Justice Initiative in conjunction with the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices. The Elder Justice Initiative and the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices are essential to the department’s investigative and enforcement efforts against nursing homes and other long-term care entities that deliver grossly substandard care to Medicare and Medicaid beneficiaries.
The Initiative and the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices also support the efforts of state and local prosecutors, law enforcement, and other elder justice professionals to combat elder abuse, neglect and financial exploitation, with the development of training, resources, and information. Learn more about the Justice Department’s Elder Justice Initiative at http://www.justice.gov/elderjustice/.
Department of Justice Launches a National Nursing Home InitiativeRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH – United States Attorney Scott W. Brady joined Attorney General William P. Barr in announcing today the Department of Justice’s National Nursing Home Initiative, which will coordinate and enhance civil and criminal efforts to pursue nursing homes that provide grossly substandard care to their residents.
This initiative is focusing on some of the worst nursing homes around the country and the Department has already initiated investigations into approximately thirty individual nursing facilities in nine states as part of this effort.
"Millions of seniors count on nursing homes to provide them with quality care, and to treat them with dignity and respect when they are most vulnerable," said Attorney General William P. Barr. "Yet, all too often, we have found nursing home owners or operators who put profits over patients, leading to instances of gross abuse and neglect. This national initiative will bring to justice those owners and operators who have profited at the expense of their residents, and help to ensure residents receive the care to which they are entitled."
U.S. Attorney Brady said, "Two weeks ago we announced the conclusion of our investigation into the fraudulent practices of Guardian Care Holdings Inc. with a $15.5M settlement. Guardian is the largest private nursing home company in Pennsylvania, operating 52 facilities across the state, and in Ohio and West Virginia. This case was one of the largest cases against a nursing home company in western PA history. Our office will continue to aggressively pursue providers who take advantage of our seniors by putting financial gain ahead of patient care, and will protect nursing home residents from abuse, neglect and financial exploitation."
The department considers a number of factors in identifying the most problematic nursing homes. For example, the department looks for nursing homes that consistently fail to provide adequate nursing staff to care for their residents, fail to adhere to basic protocols of hygiene and infection control, fail to provide their residents with enough food to eat so that they become emaciated and weak, withhold pain medication, or use physical or chemical restraints to restrain or otherwise sedate their residents. These care failures cause residents to suffer in pain and subjects them to great indignities. Care failures cause residents to develop pressure sores down to the bone, to lie in their own waste for hours, to starve because they cannot reach the food on their trays and to remain unwashed for weeks at a time. Nursing homes that provide grossly substandard care also force vulnerable elderly residents to live in filthy and dangerous conditions, such as where leaky roofs, mold, and rodents are present. These are some of the failures that the department intends to pursue as part of the initiative.
The National Nursing Home Initiative reflects the department’s larger strategy and commitment to protecting our nation’s seniors, coordinated by the department’s Elder Justice Initiative in conjunction with the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices. The Elder Justice Initiative and the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices are essential to the department’s investigative and enforcement efforts against nursing homes and other long-term care entities that deliver grossly substandard care to Medicare and Medicaid beneficiaries. The Initiative and the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices also support the efforts of state and local prosecutors, law enforcement, and other elder justice professionals to combat elder abuse, neglect and financial exploitation, with the development of training, resources, and information. Learn more about the Justice Department’s Elder Justice Initiative at http://www.justice.gov/elderjustice/.
Department of Justice Launches a National Nursing Home InitiativeRead the Press Release
Memphis, TN – Attorney General William P. Barr announced today the launch of the Department of Justice’s National Nursing Home Initiative, which will coordinate and enhance civil and criminal efforts to pursue nursing homes that provide grossly substandard care to their residents.
This initiative is focusing on some of the worst nursing homes around the country and the Department already has initiated investigations into approximately thirty individual nursing facilities in nine states as part of this effort.
"Millions of seniors count on nursing homes to provide them with quality care, and to treat them with dignity and respect when they are most vulnerable," said Attorney General William P. Barr. "Yet, all too often, we have found nursing home owners or operators who put profits over patients, leading to instances of gross abuse and neglect. This national initiative will bring to justice those owners and operators who have profited at the expense of their residents, and help to ensure residents receive the care to which they are entitled."
U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant said: "Residents of nursing homes are some of our most vulnerable citizens. When nursing homes break the law by defrauding the government for substandard or worthless services we will use our resources to combat this fraud, neglect and abuse, hold them accountable, and protect patients."
The department considers a number of factors in identifying the most problematic nursing homes. For example, the department looks for nursing homes that consistently fail to provide adequate nursing staff to care for their residents, fail to adhere to basic protocols of hygiene and infection control, fail to provide their residents with enough food to eat so that they become emaciated and weak, withhold pain medication, or use physical or chemical restraints to restrain or otherwise sedate their residents. These care failures cause residents to suffer in pain and to be exposed to the great indignities. Care failures cause residents to develop pressure sores down to the bone, to lie in their own waste for hours, to starve because they cannot reach the food on their trays and to remain unwashed for weeks at a time. Nursing homes that provide grossly substandard care also force vulnerable elderly residents who cannot leave the facilities to live in filthy and dangerous conditions where there are leaks in the roofs, mold is found growing and rodents found living in residents’ rooms. These are some of the actions and the inactions that the department intends to pursue.
"The Department of Justice has a long history of holding nursing homes and long-term care providers accountable when they fail to provide their Medicare and Medicaid residents with even the most basic nursing services," said Assistant Attorney General Jody Hunt for the Civil Division. "Through this National Initiative, we will more effectively and quickly pursue nursing homes that are jeopardizing the health and well-being of their residents."
"The Administration for Community Living was created to help ensure that older adults and people with disabilities are able to live the lives they want, with the people they choose, fully participating in their communities," said Administrator Lance Robertson for the Administration for Community Living, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. "Our mission includes supporting their basic right to live with dignity, free from abuse. We appreciate the Department of Justice’s leadership on this important Initiative, and we are proud to work side by side with DOJ and all of our partners in the Elder Justice Coordinating Council to prevent elder abuse in all forms."
"The HHS Office of Inspector General (OIG) continues to pursue nursing home operators who provide potentially harmful care to residents who are often unable to protect themselves," said Chief Counsel to the Inspector General Gregory Demske of HHS. "Creating this Initiative sends a message to those in charge of caring for these beneficiaries that grossly substandard care will not be tolerated."
The National Nursing Home Initiative reflects the department’s larger strategy and commitment to protecting our nation’s seniors, coordinated by the department’s Elder Justice Initiative in conjunction with the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices. The Elder Justice Initiative and the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices are essential to the department’s investigative and enforcement efforts against nursing homes and other long-term care entities that deliver grossly substandard care to Medicare and Medicaid beneficiaries. The Initiative and the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices also support the efforts of state and local prosecutors, law enforcement, and other elder justice professionals to combat elder abuse, neglect and financial exploitation, with the development of training, resources, and information. Learn more about the Justice Department’s Elder Justice Initiative at http://www.justice.gov/elderjustice.
The year 2020 marks the 150th anniversary of the Department of Justice. Learn more about the history of our agency at www.Justice.gov/Celebrating150Years.
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Department of Justice Launches a National Nursing Home InitiativeRead the Press Release
Spokane, Washington – William D. Hyslop, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Washington, Attorney General William P. Barr in announcing today the Department of Justice’s National Nursing Home Initiative, which will coordinate and enhance civil and criminal efforts to pursue nursing homes that provide grossly substandard care to their residents.
This initiative is focusing on some of the worst nursing homes around the country and the Department has already initiated investigations into approximately thirty individual nursing facilities in nine states as part of this effort.
“Millions of seniors count on nursing homes to provide them with quality care, and to treat them with dignity and respect when they are most vulnerable,” said Attorney General William P. Barr. “Yet, all too often, we have found nursing home owners or operators who put profits over patients, leading to instances of gross abuse and neglect. This national initiative will bring to justice those owners and operators who have profited at the expense of their residents, and help to ensure residents receive the care to which they are entitled.”
United States Attorney Hyslop said, “The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Washington will work closely and tirelessly with our federal, state, local and tribal law enforcement partners to prosecute aggressively those nursing home owners and operators who abandon the long-standing principle to ‘do no harm’ in caring for our senior citizens.”
The department considers a number of factors in identifying the most problematic nursing homes. For example, the department looks for nursing homes that consistently fail to provide adequate nursing staff to care for their residents, fail to adhere to basic protocols of hygiene and infection control, fail to provide their residents with enough food to eat so that they become emaciated and weak, withhold pain medication, or use physical or chemical restraints to restrain or otherwise sedate their residents. These care failures cause residents to suffer in pain and to be exposed to the great indignities. Care failures cause residents to develop pressure sores down to the bone, to lie in their own waste for hours, to starve because they cannot reach the food on their trays and to remain unwashed for weeks at a time. Nursing homes that provide grossly substandard care also force vulnerable elderly residents who cannot leave the facilities to live in filthy and dangerous conditions where there are leaks in the roofs, mold is found growing and rodents found living in residents’ rooms. These are some of the actions and the inactions that the department intends to pursue.
The National Nursing Home Initiative reflects the department’s larger strategy and commitment to protecting our nation’s seniors, coordinated by the department’s Elder Justice Initiative in conjunction with the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices. The Elder Justice Initiative and the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices are essential to the department’s investigative and enforcement efforts against nursing homes and other long-term care entities that deliver grossly substandard care to Medicare and Medicaid beneficiaries. The Initiative and the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices also support the efforts of state and local prosecutors, law enforcement, and other elder justice professionals to combat elder abuse, neglect and financial exploitation, with the development of training, resources, and information. Learn more about the Justice Department’s Elder Justice Initiative at http://www.justice.gov/elderjustice/.
Department of Justice Launches National Nursing Home InitiativeRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – John R. Lausch, Jr., United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois, today joined Attorney General William P. Barr in announcing the Department of Justice’s National Nursing Home Initiative, which will coordinate and enhance civil and criminal efforts to pursue nursing homes that provide grossly substandard care to their residents.
This initiative is focusing on some of the worst nursing homes around the country and the Department has already initiated investigations into approximately thirty individual nursing facilities in nine states as part of this effort.
“Millions of seniors count on nursing homes to provide them with quality care, and to treat them with dignity and respect when they are most vulnerable,” said Attorney General William P. Barr. “Yet, all too often, we have found nursing home owners or operators who put profits over patients, leading to instances of gross abuse and neglect. This national initiative will bring to justice those owners and operators who have profited at the expense of their residents, and help to ensure residents receive the care to which they are entitled.”
“Protecting older Americans in nursing facilities is a top priority for the Department of Justice,” said U.S. Attorney Lausch. “We are committed to defending our vulnerable seniors from those who abuse or neglect them.”
The department considers a number of factors in identifying the most problematic nursing homes. For example, the department looks for nursing homes that consistently fail to provide adequate nursing staff to care for their residents, fail to adhere to basic protocols of hygiene and infection control, fail to provide their residents with enough food to eat so that they become emaciated and weak, withhold pain medication, or use physical or chemical restraints to restrain or otherwise sedate their residents. These care failures cause residents to suffer in pain and to be exposed to the great indignities. Care failures cause residents to develop pressure sores down to the bone, to lie in their own waste for hours, to starve because they cannot reach the food on their trays and to remain unwashed for weeks at a time. Nursing homes that provide grossly substandard care also force vulnerable elderly residents who cannot leave the facilities to live in filthy and dangerous conditions where there are leaks in the roofs, mold is found growing and rodents found living in residents’ rooms. These are some of the actions and the inactions that the department intends to pursue.
The National Nursing Home Initiative reflects the department’s larger strategy and commitment to protecting our nation’s seniors, coordinated by the department’s Elder Justice Initiative in conjunction with U.S. Attorneys’ Offices across the country. The Elder Justice Initiative and the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices are essential to the department’s investigative and enforcement efforts against nursing homes and other long-term care entities that deliver grossly substandard care to Medicare and Medicaid beneficiaries. The Initiative and the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices also support the efforts of state and local prosecutors, law enforcement, and other elder justice professionals to combat elder abuse, neglect and financial exploitation, with the development of training, resources, and information. Learn more about the Justice Department’s Elder Justice Initiative at http://www.justice.gov/elderjustice/.
Department of Justice Launches National Nursing Home InitiativeRead the Press Release
PROVIDENCE – United States Attorney Aaron L. Weisman joined Attorney General William P. Barr in announcing today the Department of Justice’s National Nursing Home Initiative, which will coordinate and enhance civil and criminal efforts to pursue nursing homes that provide grossly substandard care to their residents.
This initiative is focusing on some of the worst nursing homes around the country, and the Department has already initiated investigations into approximately thirty individual nursing facilities in nine states as part of this effort.
“Millions of seniors count on nursing homes to provide them with quality care, and to treat them with dignity and respect when they are most vulnerable,” said Attorney General William P. Barr. “Yet, all too often, we have found nursing home owners or operators who put profits over patients, leading to instances of gross abuse and neglect. This national initiative will bring to justice those owners and operators who have profited at the expense of their residents, and help to ensure residents receive the care to which they are entitled.”
United States Attorney Aaron L. Weisman added, “When a loved one requires nursing home care, their families, and our communities, should have no apprehension that the care provided might be grossly substandard. The Attorney General’s National Nursing Home Initiative, aimed at identifying and remedying substandard nursing home care, is yet another manifestation of the Department of Justice’s commitment to ensuring the welfare of our senior citizens.”
“Fear of the unknown and the worst that could happen add to the already difficult decision families face when putting a loved one in a nursing home,” said Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Boston Division. “Rest assured, the FBI and our law enforcement partners will work hard to hold accountable owners and operators of these facilities who fail to reinvest profits in the dignified care of vulnerable patients, and ensure their golden years are just that.”
The Department considers a number of factors in identifying the most problematic nursing homes. For example, the department looks for nursing homes that consistently fail to provide adequate nursing staff to care for their residents, fail to adhere to basic protocols of hygiene and infection control, fail to provide their residents with enough food to eat so that they become emaciated and weak, withhold pain medication, or use physical or chemical restraints to restrain or otherwise sedate their residents. These care failures cause residents to suffer in pain and to be exposed to great indignities. Care failures cause residents to develop pressure sores down to the bone, to lie in their own waste for hours, to starve because they cannot reach the food on their trays and to remain unwashed for weeks at a time. Nursing homes that provide grossly substandard care also force vulnerable elderly residents who cannot leave the facilities to live in filthy and dangerous conditions where there are leaks in the roofs, mold is found growing and rodents found living in residents’ rooms. These are some of the actions and the inactions that the department intends to pursue.
The National Nursing Home Initiative reflects the department’s larger strategy and commitment to protecting our nation’s seniors, coordinated by the department’s Elder Justice Initiative in conjunction with the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices. The Elder Justice Initiative and the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices are essential to the department’s investigative and enforcement efforts against nursing homes and other long-term care entities that deliver grossly substandard care to Medicare and Medicaid beneficiaries. The Initiative and the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices also support the efforts of state and local prosecutors, law enforcement, and other elder justice professionals to combat elder abuse, neglect and financial exploitation, with the development of training, resources, and information. Learn more about the Justice Department’s Elder Justice Initiative at http://www.justice.gov/elderjustice/
If you are a victim or know a victim of elder fraud, you can call 1-877-FTC-HELP or go to ftc.gov/complaint. For downloadable Elder Abuse Prevention resources and for information about community outreach programs in Rhode Island, visit the United States Attorney’s Office’s Elder Justice Initiative web page at https://www.justice.gov/usao-ri/elder-justice
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Department of Justice Launches A National Nursing Home InitiativeRead the Press Release
LAS VEGAS, Nev. – U.S. Attorney Nicholas A. Trutanich for the District of Nevada joined Attorney General William P. Barr in announcing today the Department of Justice’s National Nursing Home Initiative, which will coordinate and enhance civil and criminal efforts to pursue nursing homes that provide grossly substandard care to their residents.
This initiative is focusing on some of the worst nursing homes around the country and the Department has already initiated investigations into approximately thirty individual nursing facilities in nine states as part of this effort.
“Millions of seniors count on nursing homes to provide them with quality care, and to treat them with dignity and respect when they are most vulnerable,” said Attorney General William P. Barr. “Yet, all too often, we have found nursing home owners or operators who put profits over patients, leading to instances of gross abuse and neglect. This national initiative will bring to justice those owners and operators who have profited at the expense of their residents, and help to ensure residents receive the care to which they are entitled.”
U.S. Attorney Trutanich stated: “Gross abuse and neglect of nursing home patients are obviously unacceptable in our communities, whether in Nevada or elsewhere across the country. Working with our law enforcement partners, our office will continue prioritizing the health and safety of vulnerable seniors.”
The department considers a number of factors in identifying the most problematic nursing homes. For example, the department looks for nursing homes that consistently fail to provide adequate nursing staff to care for their residents, fail to adhere to basic protocols of hygiene and infection control, fail to provide their residents with enough food to eat so that they become emaciated and weak, withhold pain medication, or use physical or chemical restraints to restrain or otherwise sedate their residents. These care failures cause residents to suffer in pain and to be exposed to the great indignities. Care failures cause residents to develop pressure sores down to the bone, to lie in their own waste for hours, to starve because they cannot reach the food on their trays and to remain unwashed for weeks at a time. Nursing homes that provide grossly substandard care also force vulnerable elderly residents who cannot leave the facilities to live in filthy and dangerous conditions where there are leaks in the roofs, mold is found growing and rodents found living in residents’ rooms. These are some of the actions and the inactions that the department intends to pursue.
The National Nursing Home Initiative reflects the department’s larger strategy and commitment to protecting our nation’s seniors, coordinated by the department’s Elder Justice Initiative in conjunction with the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices. The Elder Justice Initiative and the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices are essential to the department’s investigative and enforcement efforts against nursing homes and other long-term care entities that deliver grossly substandard care to Medicare and Medicaid beneficiaries. The Initiative and the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices also support the efforts of state and local prosecutors, law enforcement, and other elder justice professionals to combat elder abuse, neglect and financial exploitation, with the development of training, resources, and information. Learn more about the Justice Department’s Elder Justice Initiative at http://www.justice.gov/elderjustice/.
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Department of Justice Charges Unprecedented Number of Elder Fraud Defendants and Launches HotlineRead the Press Release
PROVIDENCE – United States Attorney Aaron L. Weisman joined Attorney General William P. Barr, FBI Director Christopher A. Wray, and Chief Postal Inspector Gary R. Barksdale today in announcing the largest coordinated sweep of elder fraud cases in history. This year, prosecutors charged more than 400 defendants, far surpassing the 260 defendants charged in cases as part of last year’s sweep. In each case, offenders allegedly engaged in financial schemes that targeted or largely affected seniors. In total, the charged elder fraud schemes caused alleged losses of over a billion dollars.
Among the individuals prosecuted in the District of Rhode Island in the past year is Julio Feliciano, 32, of Boston. Feliciano pleaded guilty in January of this year, admitting that he bilked seniors in at least four states. Feliciano admitted that he contacted individuals and told them that cash payments ranging from $7,000 to $9,500 were required to secure the release of a relative, typically a grandson or nephew, from jail. The claims were not true. Feliciano is scheduled to be sentenced next month.
In a separate case, five individuals living in Georgia and Texas were charged in the District of Rhode Island in November 2019, with allegedly participating in a conspiracy that targeted seniors online, bilking more than two dozen people out of more than two million dollars. It is alleged in court documents that beginning in May 2015, victims were contacted by scammers via online dating sites such as Plenty of Fish, Christian Mingle, and Our Time, and through social media platforms such as Words with Friends, often times feigning romantic intentions. To date, 28 individuals in more than a dozen states have been identified as falling victim to the scams allegedly employed by the five individuals named in the charged conspiracy.
In another matter, Shawn Whitfield 49, of Pawtucket, admitted to receiving more than $109,000 in upfront payments from victims, mostly elderly, who were led to believe they had won cash or prizes in a lottery or sweepstakes. Some victims were told they had won as much as $82 million. Others were told they were in line to receive $5,000 a week for life. Mercedes Benz vehicles were among the valuable prizes some of the victims were told they had won. In each instance, the victims were told their winnings would not be released to them without upfront payment of taxes or fees. The majority of funds collected by Whitfield were transferred electronically to co-conspirators and others, most often to individuals in Jamaica.
“Americans are fed up with the constant barrage of scams that maliciously target the elderly and other vulnerable citizens,” said Attorney General William P. Barr. “This year, the Department of Justice prosecuted more than 400 defendants, whose schemes totaled more than a billion dollars. I want to thank the men and women of the Department’s Consumer Protection Branch, which coordinated this effort, and all those in the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and Criminal Division who worked tirelessly to bring these cases. The Department is committed to stopping the full range of criminal activities that exploit America’s seniors.”
United States Attorney Aaron L. Weisman added, “This office has zero tolerance for those scammers who would target our senior or other vulnerable citizens for financial exploitation. As demonstrated by this Office’s zealous prosecution of such scammers, defrauding our seniors of their hard earned savings is a sure way to being subject to federal prosecution and, if convicted, incarceration.”
“Scammers targeting seniors are a growing concern here in Rhode Island. Last year alone, more than $4.7 million in losses were reported to us by elderly victims, and we know for a fact these crimes are grossly underreported because of shame and embarrassment,” said Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Boston Division. “We need to work together to put these predators out of business for good. Educating ourselves, as well as our aging family members and friends, is crucial to avoid becoming a victim.”
This interactive map provides information on the elder fraud cases highlighted by today’s sweep announcement.
Elder Fraud Hotline
Attorney General Barr also announced the launch of a National Elder Fraud Hotline, which will provide services to seniors who may be victims of financial fraud. The Hotline will be staffed by experienced case managers who can provide personalized support to callers. Case managers will assist callers with reporting the suspected fraud to relevant agencies and by providing resources and referrals to other appropriate services as needed. When applicable, case managers will complete a complaint form with the Federal Bureau of Investigation Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) for Internet-facilitated crimes and submit a consumer complaint to the Federal Trade Commission on behalf of the caller. The Hotline’s toll free number is 833-FRAUD-11 (833-372-8311).
For the second year, the Department of Justice and its law enforcement partners also took comprehensive action against the money mule networks that facilitate foreign-based elder fraud. Generally, perpetrators use a “money mule” to transfer fraud proceeds from a victim to ringleaders of fraud schemes who often reside in other countries. Some of these money mules act unwittingly, and intervention can effectively end their involvement in the fraud. The FBI and the Postal Inspection Service took action against over 600 alleged money mules nationwide by conducting interviews, issuing warning letters, and bringing civil and criminal cases. Agents and prosecutors in more than 85 federal district participated in this effort to halt the money flow from victim to fraudster. These actions against money mules were in addition to the criminal and civil cases announced as part of this year’s elder fraud sweep.
These outreach efforts have helped to prevent seniors from falling prey to scams and have frustrated offenders’ efforts to obtain even more money from vulnerable elders.
The charges announced today are allegations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Combatting elder abuse and financial fraud targeted at seniors is a key priority of the Department of Justice. If you are a victim or know a victim of elder fraud, you can call 1-877-FTC-HELP or go to ftc.gov/complaint. For downloadable Elder Abuse Prevention resources and for information about community outreach programs in Rhode Island, visit the United States Attorney’s Office’s Elder Justice Initiative web page at https://www.justice.gov/usao-ri/elder-justice
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Department of Justice Charges Unprecedented Number of Elder Fraud Defendants Nationwide and Launches HotlineRead the Press Release
Attorney General William P. Barr, FBI Director Christopher A. Wray, and Chief Postal Inspector Gary R. Barksdale today announced the largest coordinated sweep of elder fraud cases in history. This year, prosecutors charged more than 400 defendants, far surpassing the 260 defendants charged in cases as part of last year’s sweep. In each case, offenders allegedly engaged in financial schemes that targeted or largely affected seniors. In total, the charged elder fraud schemes caused alleged losses of over a billion dollars.
Attorney General Barr made the announcement at an event in Florida entitled “Keeping Seniors Safe,” which outlined his vision for protecting older Americans from financial harm. The event focused special attention on the threat posed by foreign-based fraud schemes that victimize seniors in large numbers. During the event, the Attorney General declared “Prevention and Disruption of Transnational Elder Fraud” to be an Agency Priority Goal, making it one of the Department’s four top priorities.
“Americans are fed up with the constant barrage of scams that maliciously target the elderly and other vulnerable citizens,” said Attorney General William P. Barr. “This year, the Department of Justice prosecuted more than 400 defendants, whose schemes totaled more than a billion dollars. I want to thank the men and women of the department’s Consumer Protection Branch, which coordinated this effort, and all those in the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and Criminal Division who worked tirelessly to bring these cases. The department is committed to stopping the full range of criminal activities that exploit America’s seniors.”
“The charges announced today demonstrate the great success of the Transnational Elder Fraud Strike Force to identify and stop those who are targeting our senior communities from overseas,” said FBI Director Christopher Wray. “We’re committed to continuing our efforts to keep our elderly citizens safe, whether they’re being targeted door-to-door, over the phone, or online.”
“Every day, American consumers, particularly older Americans, receive offers that sound just too good to be true,” said Chief Postal Inspector Gary Barksdale. “Some come through the mail; others by telephone or the Internet. These offers have one objective – to rob you of your hard-earned money. Fraud costs Americans millions of dollars each year. The good news is most frauds can be prevented. It’s one of the few crimes in which potential victims can just say “No!” So hold on to your money and report scams to Postal Inspectors.”
This interactive map provides state by state information on the elder fraud cases and education and prevention community outreach efforts highlighted by today’s sweep announcement.
Elder Fraud Hotline
Attorney General Barr also announced the launch of a National Elder Fraud Hotline, which will provide services to seniors who may be victims of financial fraud. The Hotline will be staffed by experienced case managers who can provide personalized support to callers. Case managers will assist callers with reporting the suspected fraud to relevant agencies and by providing resources and referrals to other appropriate services as needed. When applicable, case managers will complete a complaint form with the Federal Bureau of Investigation Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) for Internet-facilitated crimes and submit a consumer complaint to the Federal Trade Commission on behalf of the caller. The Hotline’s toll free number is 833-FRAUD-11 (833-372-8311).
Transnational Elder Fraud Strike Force
The Transnational Elder Fraud Strike Force prosecuted more than one quarter of the defendants charged as part of the announced sweep. Established in June 2019, the Strike Force is composed of the department’s Consumer Protection Branch and six U.S. Attorneys’ Offices (Central District of California, Middle and Southern Districts of Florida, Northern District of Georgia, Eastern District of New York, Southern District of Texas), along with FBI special agents, Postal Inspectors, and numerous other law enforcement personnel. Prosecutors in Strike Force districts brought cases against more than 140 sweep defendants. FBI and the Postal Inspection Service served as lead agencies in the Strike Force and committed substantial investigative resources to pursuing elder fraud cases as part of Strike Force efforts. The Strike Force has held dozens of meetings with industry, victim groups, and law enforcement at the federal, state, and local levels to identify the most harmful schemes victimizing American seniors and to bolster preventive measures against further losses.
Law Enforcement Actions Swept from Coast to Coast
U.S. Attorneys’ Offices in every federal district took part in the Elder Fraud Sweep announced today. Many federal prosecuting offices filed cases against perpetrators and/or facilitators of elder fraud. Others conducted outreach to law enforcement, community groups, seniors, or private industry. Other U.S. Attorneys’ Offices demonstrated exceptional devotion to the cause of elder justice by both filing cases and conducting outreach.
For the second year, the Department of Justice and its law enforcement partners also took comprehensive action against the money mule network that facilitates foreign-based elder fraud. Generally, perpetrators use a “money mule” to transfer fraud proceeds from a victim to ringleaders of fraud schemes who often reside in other countries. Some of these money mules act unwittingly, and intervention can effectively end their involvement in the fraud. The FBI and the Postal Inspection Service took action against over 600 alleged money mules nationwide by conducting interviews, issuing warning letters, and bringing civil and criminal cases. Agents and prosecutors in more than 85 federal district participated in this effort to halt the money flow from victim to fraudster. These actions against money mules were in addition to the criminal and civil cases announced as part of this year’s elder fraud sweep.
In addition to announcing the sweep cases, Attorney General Barr and others at the Keeping Seniors Safe event also thanked department personnel — especially the Elder Justice Coordinators appointed in each U.S. Attorney’s Office — for conducting dozens of outreach events across the nation to warn seniors of fraud schemes and to engage with industry representatives and state and local authorities on fraud-prevention measures. These outreach efforts have helped to prevent seniors from falling prey to scams and have frustrated offenders’ efforts to obtain even more money from vulnerable elders.
The charges announced today are allegations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
The year 2020 marks the 150th anniversary of the Department of Justice. Learn more about the history of our agency at www.Justice.gov/Celebrating150Years.
Department of Justice Charges Unprecedented Number of Elder Fraud Defendants Nationwide and Launches HotlineRead the Press Release
The U.S. Department of Justice issued this press release today to announce a number of elder fraud cases nationwide. The Eastern District of California has supported this sweep by conducting outreach to law enforcement and community groups. This press release contains important information to protect older Americans from financial harm. This interactive map provides state by state information on today’s sweep announcement. Also of note is the newly launched National Elder Fraud Hotline. For more information please use the links and contacts in the message below.
WASHINGTON – Attorney General William P. Barr, FBI Director Christopher A. Wray, and Chief Postal Inspector Gary R. Barksdale today announced the largest coordinated sweep of elder fraud cases in history. This year, prosecutors charged more than 400 defendants, far surpassing the 260 defendants charged in cases as part of last year’s sweep. In each case, offenders allegedly engaged in financial schemes that targeted or largely affected seniors. In total, the charged elder fraud schemes caused alleged losses of over a billion dollars.
Attorney General Barr made the announcement at an event in Florida entitled “Keeping Seniors Safe,” which outlined his vision for protecting older Americans from financial harm. The event focused special attention on the threat posed by foreign-based fraud schemes that victimize seniors in large numbers. During the event, the Attorney General declared “Prevention and Disruption of Transnational Elder Fraud” to be an Agency Priority Goal, making it one of the Department’s four top priorities.
“Americans are fed up with the constant barrage of scams that maliciously target the elderly and other vulnerable citizens,” said Attorney General William P. Barr. “This year, the Department of Justice prosecuted more than 400 defendants, whose schemes totaled more than a billion dollars. I want to thank the men and women of the department’s Consumer Protection Branch, which coordinated this effort, and all those in the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and Criminal Division who worked tirelessly to bring these cases. The department is committed to stopping the full range of criminal activities that exploit America’s seniors.”
“The charges announced today demonstrate the great success of the Transnational Elder Fraud Strike Force to identify and stop those who are targeting our senior communities from overseas,” said FBI Director Christopher Wray. “We’re committed to continuing our efforts to keep our elderly citizens safe, whether they’re being targeted door-to-door, over the phone, or online.”
“Every day, American consumers, particularly older Americans, receive offers that sound just too good to be true,” said Chief Postal Inspector Gary Barksdale. “Some come through the mail; others by telephone or the Internet. These offers have one objective – to rob you of your hard-earned money. Fraud costs Americans millions of dollars each year. The good news is most frauds can be prevented. It’s one of the few crimes in which potential victims can just say “No!” So hold on to your money and report scams to Postal Inspectors.”
This interactive map provides state by state information on the elder fraud cases and education and prevention community outreach efforts highlighted by today’s sweep announcement.
Elder Fraud Hotline
Attorney General Barr also announced the launch of a National Elder Fraud Hotline, which will provide services to seniors who may be victims of financial fraud. The Hotline will be staffed by experienced case managers who can provide personalized support to callers. Case managers will assist callers with reporting the suspected fraud to relevant agencies and by providing resources and referrals to other appropriate services as needed. When applicable, case managers will complete a complaint form with the Federal Bureau of Investigation Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) for Internet-facilitated crimes and submit a consumer complaint to the Federal Trade Commission on behalf of the caller. The Hotline’s toll free number is 833-FRAUD-11 (833-372-8311).
Transnational Elder Fraud Strike Force
The Transnational Elder Fraud Strike Force prosecuted more than one quarter of the defendants charged as part of the announced sweep. Established in June 2019, the Strike Force is composed of the department’s Consumer Protection Branch and six U.S. Attorneys’ Offices (Central District of California, Middle and Southern Districts of Florida, Northern District of Georgia, Eastern District of New York, Southern District of Texas), along with FBI special agents, Postal Inspectors, and numerous other law enforcement personnel. Prosecutors in Strike Force districts brought cases against more than 140 sweep defendants. FBI and the Postal Inspection Service served as lead agencies in the Strike Force and committed substantial investigative resources to pursuing elder fraud cases as part of Strike Force efforts. The Strike Force has held dozens of meetings with industry, victim groups, and law enforcement at the federal, state, and local levels to identify the most harmful schemes victimizing American seniors and to bolster preventive measures against further losses.
Law Enforcement Actions Swept from Coast to Coast
U.S. Attorneys’ Offices in every federal district took part in the Elder Fraud Sweep announced today. Many federal prosecuting offices filed cases against perpetrators and/or facilitators of elder fraud. Others conducted outreach to law enforcement, community groups, seniors, or private industry. Other U.S. Attorneys’ Offices demonstrated exceptional devotion to the cause of elder justice by both filing cases and conducting outreach.
For the second year, the Department of Justice and its law enforcement partners also took comprehensive action against the money mule network that facilitates foreign-based elder fraud. Generally, perpetrators use a “money mule” to transfer fraud proceeds from a victim to ringleaders of fraud schemes who often reside in other countries. Some of these money mules act unwittingly, and intervention can effectively end their involvement in the fraud. The FBI and the Postal Inspection Service took action against over 600 alleged money mules nationwide by conducting interviews, issuing warning letters, and bringing civil and criminal cases. Agents and prosecutors in more than 85 federal district participated in this effort to halt the money flow from victim to fraudster. These actions against money mules were in addition to the criminal and civil cases announced as part of this year’s elder fraud sweep.
In addition to announcing the sweep cases, Attorney General Barr and others at the Keeping Seniors Safe event also thanked department personnel — especially the Elder Justice Coordinators appointed in each U.S. Attorney’s Office — for conducting dozens of outreach events across the nation to warn seniors of fraud schemes and to engage with industry representatives and state and local authorities on fraud-prevention measures. These outreach efforts have helped to prevent seniors from falling prey to scams and have frustrated offenders’ efforts to obtain even more money from vulnerable elders.
The charges announced today are allegations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
The year 2020 marks the 150th anniversary of the Department of Justice. Learn more about the history of our agency at www.Justice.gov/Celebrating150Years.
Department of Justice Charges Unprecedented Number of Elder Fraud Defendants Nationwide and Launches HotlineRead the Press Release
New Haven, Conn. – United States Attorney John H. Durham joined Attorney General William P. Barr, FBI Director Christopher A. Wray, and Chief Postal Inspector Gary R. Barksdale today in announcing the largest coordinated sweep of elder fraud cases in history. This year, prosecutors charged more than 400 defendants, far surpassing the 260 defendants charged in cases as part of last year’s sweep. In each case, offenders allegedly engaged in financial schemes that targeted or largely affected seniors. In total, the charged elder fraud schemes caused alleged losses of over a billion dollars.
“Americans are fed up with the constant barrage of scams that maliciously target the elderly and other vulnerable citizens,” said Attorney General William P. Barr. “This year, the Department of Justice prosecuted more than 400 defendants, whose schemes totaled more than a billion dollars. I want to thank the men and women of the Department’s Consumer Protection Branch, which coordinated this effort, and all those in the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and Criminal Division who worked tirelessly to bring these cases. The Department is committed to stopping the full range of criminal activities that exploit America’s seniors.”
This interactive map provides information on the elder fraud cases highlighted by today’s sweep announcement. Three defendants were charged in the District of Connecticut.
Elder Fraud Hotline
Attorney General Barr also announced the launch of a National Elder Fraud Hotline, which will provide services to seniors who may be victims of financial fraud. The Hotline will be staffed by experienced case managers who can provide personalized support to callers. Case managers will assist callers with reporting the suspected fraud to relevant agencies and by providing resources and referrals to other appropriate services as needed. When applicable, case managers will complete a complaint form with the Federal Bureau of Investigation Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) for Internet-facilitated crimes and submit a consumer complaint to the Federal Trade Commission on behalf of the caller. The Hotline’s toll free number is 833-FRAUD-11 (833-372-8311).
Transnational Elder Fraud Strike Force
The Transnational Elder Fraud Strike Force prosecuted more than one quarter of the defendants charged as part of the announced sweep. Established in June 2019, the Strike Force is composed of the Department’s Consumer Protection Branch and six U.S. Attorneys’ Offices (Central District of California, Middle and Southern Districts of Florida, Northern District of Georgia, Eastern District of New York, Southern District of Texas), along with FBI special agents, Postal Inspectors, and numerous other law enforcement personnel. Prosecutors in Strike Force districts brought cases against more than 140 sweep defendants. FBI and the Postal Inspection Service served as lead agencies in the Strike Force and committed substantial investigative resources to pursuing elder fraud cases as part of Strike Force efforts. The Strike Force has held dozens of meetings with industry, victim groups, and law enforcement at the federal, state, and local levels to identify the most harmful schemes victimizing American seniors and to bolster preventive measures against further losses.
For the second year, the Department of Justice and its law enforcement partners also took comprehensive action against the money mule network that facilitates foreign-based elder fraud. Generally, perpetrators use a “money mule” to transfer fraud proceeds from a victim to ringleaders of fraud schemes who often reside in other countries. Some of these money mules act unwittingly, and intervention can effectively end their involvement in the fraud. The FBI and the Postal Inspection Service took action against over 600 alleged money mules nationwide by conducting interviews, issuing warning letters, and bringing civil and criminal cases. Agents and prosecutors in more than 85 federal district participated in this effort to halt the money flow from victim to fraudster. These actions against money mules were in addition to the criminal and civil cases announced as part of this year’s elder fraud sweep.
These outreach efforts have helped to prevent seniors from falling prey to scams and have frustrated offenders’ efforts to obtain even more money from vulnerable elders.
The charges announced today are allegations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Department of Justice Charges Unprecedented Number of Elder Fraud Defendants Nationwide and Launches HotlineRead the Press Release
CEDAR RAPIDS, IOWA – Peter E. Deegan, United States Attorney in the Northern District of Iowa, joined Attorney General William P. Barr, FBI Director Christopher A. Wray, and Chief Postal Inspector Gary R. Barksdale today in announcing the largest coordinated sweep of elder fraud cases in history. This year, prosecutors charged more than 400 defendants, far surpassing the 260 defendants charged in cases as part of last year’s sweep. In each case, offenders allegedly engaged in financial schemes that targeted or largely affected seniors. In total, the charged elder fraud schemes caused alleged losses of over a billion dollars.
In the Northern District of Iowa, three defendants were charged with elder financial abuse crimes in 2019:
- In United States v. Garrett, the defendant pled guilty to using various financial accounts belonging to his grandmother to pay for his own business and personal expenses. Garrett took over $100,000 from his grandmother. He is awaiting sentencing.
- In United States v. Derby, H. David Derby and Patti Lynn Derby each pled guilty to one count of wire fraud arising out of a scheme to defraud H. David Derby’s elderly mother. They admitted using a financial power of attorney to benefit themselves, obtaining no less than $40,000 from the victim’s bank account. Both are awaiting sentencing.
“Americans are fed up with the constant barrage of scams that maliciously target the elderly and other vulnerable citizens,” said Attorney General William P. Barr. “This year, the Department of Justice prosecuted more than 400 defendants, whose schemes totaled more than a billion dollars. I want to thank the men and women of the Department’s Consumer Protection Branch, which coordinated this effort, and all those in the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and Criminal Division who worked tirelessly to bring these cases. The Department is committed to stopping the full range of criminal activities that exploit America’s seniors.”
“Those who shamelessly target the elderly in our society are reprehensible,” said United States Attorney Peter E. Deegan, Jr. “My office is dedicated to prosecuting these criminals, preventing them from continuing to exploit others, and returning as much money as possible to their victims.”
This https://www.justice.gov/civil/elder-fraud-sweeps-2020 interactive map provides information on the elder fraud cases highlighted by today’s sweep announcement.
Elder Fraud Hotline
Attorney General Barr also announced the launch of a National Elder Fraud Hotline, which will provide services to seniors who may be victims of financial fraud. The Hotline will be staffed by experienced case managers who can provide personalized support to callers. Case managers will assist callers with reporting the suspected fraud to relevant agencies and by providing resources and referrals to other appropriate services as needed. When applicable, case managers will complete a complaint form with the Federal Bureau of Investigation Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) for Internet-facilitated crimes and submit a consumer complaint to the Federal Trade Commission on behalf of the caller. The Hotline’s toll free number is 833-FRAUD-11 (833-372-8311).
For the second year, the Department of Justice and its law enforcement partners also took comprehensive action against the money mule network that facilitates foreign-based elder fraud. Generally, perpetrators use a “money mule” to transfer fraud proceeds from a victim to ringleaders of fraud schemes who often reside in other countries. Some of these money mules act unwittingly, and intervention can effectively end their involvement in the fraud. The FBI and the Postal Inspection Service took action against over 600 alleged money mules nationwide by conducting interviews, issuing warning letters, and bringing civil and criminal cases. Agents and prosecutors in more than 85 federal district participated in this effort to halt the money flow from victim to fraudster. These actions against money mules were in addition to the criminal and civil cases announced as part of this year’s elder fraud sweep.
These outreach efforts have helped to prevent seniors from falling prey to scams and have frustrated offenders’ efforts to obtain even more money from vulnerable elders.
The charges announced today are allegations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
- In United States v. Garrett, the defendant pled guilty to using various financial accounts belonging to his grandmother to pay for his own business and personal expenses. Garrett took over $100,000 from his grandmother. He is awaiting sentencing.
Department of Justice Charges Unprecedented Number of Elder Fraud Defendants Nationwide and Launches HotlineRead the Press Release
LEXINGTON, Ky.– U.S. Attorney Robert M. Duncan Jr., for the Eastern District of Kentucky, joined Attorney General William P. Barr, FBI Director Christopher A. Wray, and Chief Postal Inspector Gary R. Barksdale today in announcing the largest coordinated sweep of elder fraud cases in history. This year, prosecutors charged more than 400 defendants, far surpassing the 260 defendants charged in cases as part of last year’s sweep. In each case, offenders allegedly engaged in financial schemes that targeted or largely affected seniors. In total, the charged elder fraud schemes caused alleged losses of over a billion dollars.
The Eastern District of Kentucky has charged six defendants in cases of elder fraud schemes. The ongoing Elder Justice cases for our District are as follows:
- United States v. Artrip, Case No. 0:19-CR-10
- United States v. Fafunmi, Case No. 5:19-CR-169
- United States v. Inkoom, Case No. 5:19-CR-139
- United States v. Peavler, Case No. 5:19-CR-165
- United States v. Phelps, Case No. 0:19-CR-75
- United States v. Sears, Case No. 6:19-CR-25
With cooperation from local, state, and federal partners, the District is prioritizing combatting elder financial exploitation. An example of cooperation among law enforcement agencies is the Kentucky Elder Justice Task Force, which brings together the resources of federal, state, and local agencies involved in protecting the elderly. For more information on the Kentucky Elder Justice Task Force, including how to report abuses, please visit: https://www.justice.gov/usao-edky/elder-justice-task-force.
“Americans are fed up with the constant barrage of scams that maliciously target the elderly and other vulnerable citizens,” said Attorney General William P. Barr. “This year, the Department of Justice prosecuted more than 400 defendants, whose schemes totaled more than a billion dollars. I want to thank the men and women of the Department’s Consumer Protection Branch, which coordinated this effort, and all those in the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and Criminal Division who worked tirelessly to bring these cases. The Department is committed to stopping the full range of criminal activities that exploit America’s seniors.”
“The explicit targeting of elderly and vulnerable populations through various schemes has become rampant and is truly disgraceful,” said Robert M. Duncan, Jr., United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky. “We have made combatting it a top priority in our Office. We are committed to standing with our federal, state, and local law enforcement partners and we will continue to prosecute criminals who shamelessly try to cheat seniors out of their money, security, and peace of mind.”
"Oftentimes elderly are seen as opportunistic targets to criminals. They tend to be trusting people with money. We see seniors as the bedrock of our nation having sacrificed for their families and for our country. The FBI vows to bring those who attempt to defraud our seniors to justice, and today’s events are just one example of how local, state, and federal partners are working together to address this problem." Special Agent in Charge Robert Brown, FBI Louisville Field Office
This interactive map provides information on the elder fraud cases highlighted by today’s sweep announcement.
Elder Fraud Hotline
Attorney General Barr also announced the launch of a National Elder Fraud Hotline, which will provide services to seniors who may be victims of financial fraud. The Hotline will be staffed by experienced case managers who can provide personalized support to callers. Case managers will assist callers with reporting the suspected fraud to relevant agencies and by providing resources and referrals to other appropriate services as needed. When applicable, case managers will complete a complaint form with the Federal Bureau of Investigation Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) for Internet-facilitated crimes and submit a consumer complaint to the Federal Trade Commission on behalf of the caller. The Hotline’s toll free number is 833-FRAUD-11 (833-372-8311).
For the second year, the Department of Justice and its law enforcement partners also took comprehensive action against the money mule network that facilitates foreign-based elder fraud. Generally, perpetrators use a “money mule” to transfer fraud proceeds from a victim to ringleaders of fraud schemes who often reside in other countries. Some of these money mules act unwittingly, and intervention can effectively end their involvement in the fraud. The FBI and the Postal Inspection Service took action against over 600 alleged money mules nationwide by conducting interviews, issuing warning letters, and bringing civil and criminal cases. Agents and prosecutors in more than 85 federal district participated in this effort to halt the money flow from victim to fraudster. These actions against money mules were in addition to the criminal and civil cases announced as part of this year’s elder fraud sweep.
These outreach efforts have helped to prevent seniors from falling prey to scams and have frustrated offenders’ efforts to obtain even more money from vulnerable elders.
The charges announced today are allegations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
# # #
Department of Justice Charges Unprecedented Number of Elder Fraud Defendants Nationwide and Launches HotlineRead the Press Release
Baltimore, Maryland – Maryland U.S. Attorney Robert K. Hur joined Attorney General William P. Barr, FBI Director Christopher A. Wray, and Chief Postal Inspector Gary R. Barksdale today in announcing the largest coordinated sweep of elder fraud cases in history. This year, prosecutors charged more than 400 defendants, far surpassing the 260 defendants charged in cases as part of last year’s sweep. In each case, offenders allegedly engaged in financial schemes that targeted or largely affected seniors. In total, the charged elder fraud schemes caused alleged losses of over a billion dollars.
In two separate cases in Maryland, three defendants were charged with mail fraud related to schemes targeting elderly victims. In each case, the defendants allegedly obtained more than $1 million from the fraud. Specifically, Osakwe Ismael Osagbue, age 32, of Los Angeles, California was sentenced in January 2020, to four years in federal prison for mail fraud and aggravated identity theft in connection with a scheme to obtain and use fraudulent credit cards resulting in a loss of at least $1,365,746.24. In the second case, two Florida men, David James Green, age 24, of Miami Gardens and McArnold Charlemagne, age 32, of Miramar, are charged with mail fraud and conspiracy to commit mail fraud by allegedly defrauding more than 65 elderly victims of at least $1.5 million. The indictment alleges that the defendants falsely told the victims that a relative, typically a grandchild, needed money for bail, legal fees, or other expenses.
“Americans are fed up with the constant barrage of scams that maliciously target the elderly and other vulnerable citizens,” said Attorney General William P. Barr. “This year, the Department of Justice prosecuted more than 400 defendants, whose schemes totaled more than a billion dollars. I want to thank the men and women of the Department’s Consumer Protection Branch, which coordinated this effort, and all those in the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and Criminal Division who worked tirelessly to bring these cases. The Department is committed to stopping the full range of criminal activities that exploit America’s seniors.”
U.S. Attorney Robert K. Hur stated, “The Department of Justice is committed to bringing fraudsters who prey upon the elderly to justice. We will continue our outreach efforts to make the public aware of scams and frauds targeting elderly victims and encourage anyone who believes they may be a victim to contact the newly launched Elder Fraud Hotline at 833-FRAUD-11 (833-372-8311).”
This interactive map provides information on the elder fraud cases highlighted by today’s sweep announcement.
Elder Fraud Hotline
Attorney General Barr also announced the launch of a National Elder Fraud Hotline, which will provide services to seniors who may be victims of financial fraud. The Hotline will be staffed by experienced case managers who can provide personalized support to callers. Case managers will assist callers with reporting the suspected fraud to relevant agencies and by providing resources and referrals to other appropriate services as needed. When applicable, case managers will complete a complaint form with the Federal Bureau of Investigation Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) for Internet-facilitated crimes and submit a consumer complaint to the Federal Trade Commission on behalf of the caller. The Hotline’s toll free number is 833-FRAUD-11 (833-372-8311).
For the second year, the Department of Justice and its law enforcement partners also took comprehensive action against the money mule network that facilitates foreign-based elder fraud. Generally, perpetrators use a “money mule” to transfer fraud proceeds from a victim to ringleaders of fraud schemes who often reside in other countries. Some of these money mules act unwittingly, and intervention can effectively end their involvement in the fraud. The FBI and the Postal Inspection Service took action against over 600 alleged money mules nationwide by conducting interviews, issuing warning letters, and bringing civil and criminal cases. Agents and prosecutors in more than 85 federal district participated in this effort to halt the money flow from victim to fraudster. These actions against money mules were in addition to the criminal and civil cases announced as part of this year’s elder fraud sweep.
Maryland Outreach
The District of Maryland became one of only ten districts throughout the country to form an Elder Justice Task Force in 2016. The Elder Justice Task Force joins state, local, and federal law enforcement partners, the Maryland Department of Aging, the Maryland Office of Health Care Quality, the Medicaid Fraud Control Unit, and other private sector stakeholders and free legal service providers to collaborate on cases and outreach programs to combat elder abuse, neglect, and exploitation.
In one recent outreach event, the U.S. Attorney’s Office partnered with Maryland AARP, the Social Security Administration, and the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration to present tips on how seniors can protect themselves from government imposter scams. Every day thousands of Marylanders receive calls from identity thieves pretending to represent the Internal Revenue Service, the Social Security Administration, and other government agencies, in an effort to steal personal information or coerce the victim to make cash or gift card payments to avoid arrest over an “irregularity with their account.” Participants from every county in the State attended the call, from Western Maryland to the Eastern Shore.
These outreach efforts have helped to prevent seniors from falling prey to scams and have frustrated offenders’ efforts to obtain even more money from vulnerable elders.
The charges announced today are allegations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
# # #
Department of Justice Charges Unprecedented Number of Elder Fraud Defendants Nationwide and Launches HotlineRead the Press Release
St. Louis – U.S. Attorney Jeff Jensen of Eastern District of Missouri joined Attorney General William P. Barr, FBI Director Christopher A. Wray, and Chief Postal Inspector Gary R. Barksdale today in announcing the largest coordinated sweep of elder fraud cases in history. This year, prosecutors charged more than 400 defendants, far surpassing the 260 defendants charged in cases as part of last year’s sweep. In each case, offenders allegedly engaged in financial schemes that targeted or largely affected seniors. In total, the charged elder fraud schemes caused alleged losses of over a billion dollars.
“Americans are fed up with the constant barrage of scams that maliciously target the elderly and other vulnerable citizens,” said Attorney General William P. Barr. “This year, the Department of Justice prosecuted more than 400 defendants, whose schemes totaled more than a billion dollars. I want to thank the men and women of the Department’s Consumer Protection Branch, which coordinated this effort, and all those in the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and Criminal Division who worked tirelessly to bring these cases. The Department is committed to stopping the full range of criminal activities that exploit America’s seniors.”
This https://www.justice.gov/civil/elder-fraud-sweeps-2020 interactive map provides information on the elder fraud cases highlighted by today’s sweep announcement.
Elder Fraud Hotline
Attorney General Barr also announced the launch of a National Elder Fraud Hotline, which will provide services to seniors who may be victims of financial fraud. The Hotline will be staffed by experienced case managers who can provide personalized support to callers. Case managers will assist callers with reporting the suspected fraud to relevant agencies and by providing resources and referrals to other appropriate services as needed. When applicable, case managers will complete a complaint form with the Federal Bureau of Investigation Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) for Internet-facilitated crimes and submit a consumer complaint to the Federal Trade Commission on behalf of the caller. The Hotline’s toll free number is 833-FRAUD-11 (833-372-8311).
For the second year, the Department of Justice and its law enforcement partners also took comprehensive action against the money mule network that facilitates foreign-based elder fraud. Generally, perpetrators use a “money mule” to transfer fraud proceeds from a victim to ringleaders of fraud schemes who often reside in other countries. Some of these money mules act unwittingly, and intervention can effectively end their involvement in the fraud. The FBI and the Postal Inspection Service took action against over 600 alleged money mules nationwide by conducting interviews, issuing warning letters, and bringing civil and criminal cases. Agents and prosecutors in more than 85 federal district participated in this effort to halt the money flow from victim to fraudster. These actions against money mules were in addition to the criminal and civil cases announced as part of this year’s elder fraud sweep.
These outreach efforts have helped to prevent seniors from falling prey to scams and have frustrated offenders’ efforts to obtain even more money from vulnerable elders.
The charges announced today are allegations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Department of Justice Charges Unprecedented Number of Elder Fraud Defendants Nationwide and Launches HotlineRead the Press Release
Greensboro, N.C. – U.S. Attorney Matthew G.T. Martin of the Middle District of North Carolina joined Attorney General William P. Barr, FBI Director Christopher A. Wray, and Chief Postal Inspector Gary R. Barksdale today in announcing the largest coordinated sweep of elder fraud cases in history. This year, prosecutors charged more than 400 defendants, far surpassing the 260 defendants charged in cases as part of last year’s sweep. In each case, offenders allegedly engaged in financial schemes that targeted or largely affected seniors. In total, the charged elder fraud schemes caused alleged losses of over a billion dollars.
“Americans are fed up with the constant barrage of scams that maliciously target the elderly and other vulnerable citizens,” said Attorney General William P. Barr. “This year, the Department of Justice prosecuted more than 400 defendants, whose schemes totaled more than a billion dollars. I want to thank the men and women of the Department’s Consumer Protection Branch, which coordinated this effort, and all those in the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and Criminal Division who worked tirelessly to bring these cases. The Department is committed to stopping the full range of criminal activities that exploit America’s seniors.”
“Prosecuting elder fraud is one of our top priorities,” said U.S. Attorney Martin. “Defrauding older people is reprehensible conduct and we will use all the federal resources available to us to make sure defendants who commit these vile crimes are held accountable.”
This interactive map provides information on the elder fraud cases highlighted by today’s sweep announcement.
United States v. Kramer
U.S. Attorney Martin also announced that a woman whose case was included in the sweep totals was sentenced February 26, 2020, in federal court in Winston-Salem for wire fraud and money laundering.
ROZALIA ANN KRAMER, age 51, was sentenced to a total term of imprisonment of 24 months by United States District Judge Loretta C. Biggs. In addition to prison time, KRAMER was ordered to serve three years of supervised release and to pay restitution in the amount of $90,000 and a special assessment of $100.00. A forfeiture money judgment in the amount of $102,000 was also imposed. KRAMER pleaded guilty on October 8, 2019.
According to documents filed with the Court, KRAMER met elderly World War II veteran J.V.M. while in line at the K&W Cafeteria at Friendly Center shopping center in Greensboro. After speaking in line with J.V.M., KRAMER dined with him. She then began to socialize with the elderly widower regularly eating with him and meeting him on social occasions, J.V.M. owned a residence on Forest Hill Drive in Greensboro, free of any liens or mortgages. He had lived in the house since the 1950s and raised his family there. However, in 2015 J.V.M. began to reach the bottom of his retirement savings. He approached at least one bank and attempted to arrange a reverse mortgage. He then approached his friend KRAMER who had told him that she was a wealthy real estate investor. KRAMER represented that she could provide J.V.M. with a reverse mortgage and would provide him a life estate that would allow him to live in the Forest Hill Drive property for the rest of his life. J.V.M. agreed and gave KRAMER a deed to the property. However, KRAMER included the Forest Hill Drive property as part of a group of properties used to induce a loan from B2R Finance. J.V.M. was unaware that B2R Finance gained a first security interest in the Forest Hill Drive property. At the closing of the loan from B2R Finance, KRAMER directed that $146,000 of the proceeds be wired to J.V.M.’s bank account representing the money to be from the purported reverse mortgage. KRAMER provided J.V.M. with a life estate in the Forest Hill Drive property, but the life estate was subordinate to the first deed of trust. KRAMER then induced J.V.M. to part with half of the proceeds of the purported “reverse mortgage.” She induced him to loan $75,000.00 to a corporation she controlled and gave J.V.M. a promissory note due in one year. These funds were converted to KRAMER’s use and never repaid to the victim. Instead, KRAMER moved to Colorado and broke off all contact with J.V.M. She made no payments to B2R Finance on the loan, and B2R foreclosed. J.V.M. continued to live in the Forest Hill Drive property secure in his belief that he had a life estate in the property. However, the life estate was extinguished when B2R Finance foreclosed, and J.V.M. was evicted.
From Colorado, KRAMER moved to Wyoming in an attempt to avoid victims of her frauds who were seeking repayment. She ultimately took a job working on an isolated hunting ranch 15 miles outside Wheatland, Wyoming. She lived in housing owned by the ranch and drove a vehicle registered under a corporate name. Despite these attempts to avoid justice, Postal Inspectors from Greensboro, North Carolina, and Laramie, Wyoming, located KRAMER, and arrested her at the ranch.
The victim died in 2019. At sentencing, his daughter testified that the eviction had a devastating impact on her father. KRAMER was taken into custody at the conclusion of the sentencing hearing.
The case was investigated by the United States Postal Inspection Service in North Carolina, Colorado, and Wyoming. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Frank J. Chut, Jr.
Elder Fraud Hotline
Attorney General Barr also announced the launch of a National Elder Fraud Hotline, which will provide services to seniors who may be victims of financial fraud. The Hotline will be staffed by experienced case managers who can provide personalized support to callers. Case managers will assist callers with reporting the suspected fraud to relevant agencies and by providing resources and referrals to other appropriate services as needed. When applicable, case managers will complete a complaint form with the Federal Bureau of Investigation Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) for Internet-facilitated crimes and submit a consumer complaint to the Federal Trade Commission on behalf of the caller. The Hotline’s toll free number is 833-FRAUD-11 (833-372-8311).
For the second year, the Department of Justice and its law enforcement partners also took comprehensive action against the money mule network that facilitates foreign-based elder fraud. Generally, perpetrators use a “money mule” to transfer fraud proceeds from a victim to ringleaders of fraud schemes who often reside in other countries. Some of these money mules act unwittingly, and intervention can effectively end their involvement in the fraud. The FBI and the Postal Inspection Service took action against over 600 alleged money mules nationwide by conducting interviews, issuing warning letters, and bringing civil and criminal cases. Agents and prosecutors in more than 85 federal district participated in this effort to halt the money flow from victim to fraudster. These actions against money mules were in addition to the criminal and civil cases announced as part of this year’s elder fraud sweep.
These outreach efforts have helped to prevent seniors from falling prey to scams and have frustrated offenders’ efforts to obtain even more money from vulnerable elders.
The charges announced today are allegations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
# # #
Department of Justice Charges Unprecedented Number of Elder Fraud Defendants Nationwide and Launches HotlineRead the Press Release
U.S. Attorney Trent Shores joined Attorney General William P. Barr, FBI Director Christopher A. Wray, and Chief Postal Inspector Gary R. Barksdale today in announcing the largest coordinated sweep of elder fraud cases in history. This year, prosecutors charged more than 400 defendants, far surpassing the 260 defendants charged in cases as part of last year’s sweep. In each case, offenders allegedly engaged in financial schemes that targeted or largely affected seniors. In total, the charged elder fraud schemes caused alleged losses of over a billion dollars.
“Americans are fed up with the constant barrage of scams that maliciously target the elderly and other vulnerable citizens,” said Attorney General William P. Barr. “This year, the Department of Justice prosecuted more than 400 defendants, whose schemes totaled more than a billion dollars. I want to thank the men and women of the Department’s Consumer Protection Branch, which coordinated this effort, and all those in the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and Criminal Division who worked tirelessly to bring these cases. The Department is committed to stopping the full range of criminal activities that exploit America’s seniors.”
“Millions of dollars are stolen or defrauded from senior citizens every year. Just last November, my office charged ten men with laundering proceeds acquired through online romance scams operated from Nigeria. In total, three elder Americans, including one from Oklahoma, lost $1.5 million to the fraudsters,” said U.S. Attorney Trent Shores. “My team of dedicated prosecutors will continue to fight for justice and shut down illicit operations targeting elder Americans.”
In addition to the defendants charged as part of the Nigerian fraud scheme, the U.S. Attorney’s Office charged Hillary Victoria Ginn in October with theft of mail which resulted in financial losses for senior citizens. Also in 2019, Crystal Lynn Clark was charged with aggravated identity theft. Clark allegedly used credit card information from multiple senior victims to purchase gift cards. She then provided her associates with the gift card information. Clark also allegedly used the victims’ credit cards to make numerous personal purchases.
In partnership with the U.S. Attorney’s Office, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service has helped lead the fight against crimes targeting seniors. The Inspection Service is the law enforcement and crime prevention branch of the Postal Service. Postal Inspectors enforce more than 200 federal laws to protect the nation’s mail and its customers.
“Scams targeting seniors are always evolving and only limited by the imagination of the suspect,” said Thomas Noyes, Inspector in Charge of the Fort Worth Division. “The Inspection Service would encourage seniors, as well as their friends and family, to visit USPIS.GOV to see examples of scams, equip themselves with prevention techniques, and report a crime. You’re not in this fight alone; we are here to help.”
This interactive map provides information on the elder fraud cases highlighted by today’s sweep announcement.
Elder Fraud Hotline
Attorney General Barr also announced the launch of a National Elder Fraud Hotline, which will provide services to seniors who may be victims of financial fraud. The Hotline will be staffed by experienced case managers who can provide personalized support to callers. Case managers will assist callers with reporting the suspected fraud to relevant agencies and by providing resources and referrals to other appropriate services as needed. When applicable, case managers will complete a complaint form with the Federal Bureau of Investigation Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) for Internet-facilitated crimes and submit a consumer complaint to the Federal Trade Commission on behalf of the caller. The Hotline’s toll free number is 833-FRAUD-11 (833-372-8311).
For the second year, the Department of Justice and its law enforcement partners also took comprehensive action against the money mule network that facilitates foreign-based elder fraud. Generally, perpetrators use a “money mule” to transfer fraud proceeds from a victim to ringleaders of fraud schemes who often reside in other countries. Some of these money mules act unwittingly, and intervention can effectively end their involvement in the fraud. The FBI and the Postal Inspection Service took action against over 600 alleged money mules nationwide by conducting interviews, issuing warning letters, and bringing civil and criminal cases. Agents and prosecutors in more than 85 federal district participated in this effort to halt the money flow from victim to fraudster. These actions against money mules were in addition to the criminal and civil cases announced as part of this year’s elder fraud sweep.
Also in 2019, the Oak Ridge Boys, Department of Justice, AARP’s Fraud Watch Network, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Oklahoma teamed up to fight elder fraud. You can see the Oak Ridge Boys in a public service announcement here.
These outreach efforts have helped to prevent seniors from falling prey to scams and have frustrated offenders’ efforts to obtain even more money from vulnerable elders.
The charges announced today are allegations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Department of Justice Charges Unprecedented Number of Elder Fraud Defendants Nationwide and Launches HotlineRead the Press Release
PORTLAND—U.S. Attorney Billy J. Williams joined Attorney General William P. Barr, FBI Director Christopher A. Wray, and Chief Postal Inspector Gary R. Barksdale today in announcing the largest coordinated sweep of elder fraud cases in history. This year, prosecutors charged more than 400 defendants, far surpassing the 260 defendants charged in cases as part of last year’s sweep. In each case, offenders allegedly engaged in financial schemes that targeted or largely affected seniors. In total, the charged elder fraud schemes caused alleged losses of over a billion dollars.
Elder abuse is a serious crime against some of our nation’s most vulnerable citizens, affecting nearly 10% of older Americans every year. Together with our federal, state, local, and tribal partners, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Oregon is steadfastly committed to combatting all forms of elder abuse and financial exploitation through enforcement actions, training and resources, victim services, and public awareness.
“Americans are fed up with the constant barrage of scams that maliciously target the elderly and other vulnerable citizens,” said Attorney General William P. Barr. “This year, the Department of Justice prosecuted more than 400 defendants, whose schemes totaled more than a billion dollars. I want to thank the men and women of the Department’s Consumer Protection Branch, which coordinated this effort, and all those in the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and Criminal Division who worked tirelessly to bring these cases. The Department is committed to stopping the full range of criminal activities that exploit America’s seniors.”
“Victims of all ages lose billions of dollars annually to fraud schemes and the elderly fall victim to these schemes at far greater rates than the rest of the population. We all need to be vigilant in protecting our own finances, but we also need to watch out for our elderly friends and love ones. Intercede when you learn that a friend or family member is contemplating sending money to someone who has contacted them by telephone or online. Your vigilance will make a difference,” said U.S. Attorney Williams. “Federal law enforcement will continue to do everything we can to stop these bad actors before they can victimize more Americans.”
This interactive map provides information on the elder fraud cases highlighted by today’s sweep announcement.
Attorney General Barr also announced the launch of a National Elder Fraud Hotline, which will provide services to seniors who may be victims of financial fraud. The Hotline will be staffed by experienced case managers who can provide personalized support to callers. Case managers will assist callers with reporting the suspected fraud to relevant agencies and by providing resources and referrals to other appropriate services as needed. When applicable, case managers will complete a complaint form with the Federal Bureau of Investigation Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) for Internet-facilitated crimes and submit a consumer complaint to the Federal Trade Commission on behalf of the caller. The Hotline’s toll free number is 833-FRAUD-11 (833-372-8311).
For the second year, the Department of Justice and its law enforcement partners also took comprehensive action against the money mule network that facilitates foreign-based elder fraud. Generally, perpetrators use a “money mule” to transfer fraud proceeds from a victim to ringleaders of fraud schemes who often reside in other countries. Some of these money mules act unwittingly, and intervention can effectively end their involvement in the fraud. The FBI and the Postal Inspection Service took action against over 600 alleged money mules nationwide by conducting interviews, issuing warning letters, and bringing civil and criminal cases. Agents and prosecutors in more than 85 federal district participated in this effort to halt the money flow from victim to fraudster. These actions against money mules were in addition to the criminal and civil cases announced as part of this year’s elder fraud sweep.
These outreach efforts have helped to prevent seniors from falling prey to scams and have frustrated offenders’ efforts to obtain even more money from vulnerable elders.
The charges announced today are allegations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Department of Justice Charges Unprecedented Number of Elder Fraud Defendants Nationwide and Launches HotlineRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH – United States Attorney Scott W. Brady of the Western District of Pennsylvania joined Attorney General William P. Barr, FBI Director Christopher A. Wray, and Chief Postal Inspector Gary R. Barksdale today in announcing the largest coordinated sweep of elder fraud cases in history. This year, prosecutors charged more than 400 defendants, far surpassing the 260 defendants charged in cases as part of last year’s sweep. In each case, offenders allegedly engaged in financial schemes that targeted or largely affected seniors. In total, the charged elder fraud schemes caused alleged losses of over a billion dollars.
Four defendants were charged in western Pennsylvania as part of the nationwide elder fraud sweep. Sue O’Neill of Sewickley, Pa., waived indictment and pleaded guilty in November to charges of wire fraud and filing false income tax returns. O’Neill, while employed as the Controller for Marco Contractors, Inc., embezzled approximately $8.7 million. Marco Contractor’s Inc. is owned by an individual over the age of 60. In January, Ronnell Taylor, Jr. of Jeannette, Pa.; Barry Nealer of Pittsburgh, Pa.; and Michael Galanis of Export, Pa., were indicted for wire fraud conspiracy. The indictment alleges that between March 2016, and August 2017, the defendants knowingly and willfully conspired to commit wire fraud, including, among other alleged conduct, by activating and programming cell phone numbers later used by individuals impersonating employees of the United States Internal Revenue Service to defraud victims in the United States. Many of the victims of this IRS imposter scheme were seniors.
"Americans are fed up with the constant barrage of scams that maliciously target the elderly and other vulnerable citizens," said Attorney General William P. Barr. "This year, the Department of Justice prosecuted more than 400 defendants, whose schemes totaled more than a billion dollars. I want to thank the men and women of the Department’s Consumer Protection Branch, which coordinated this effort, and all those in the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and Criminal Division who worked tirelessly to bring these cases. The Department is committed to stopping the full range of criminal activities that exploit America’s seniors."
U.S. Attorney Brady said, "Our seniors lived through the Depression, defeated the Axis and the Soviet Union, and built the America we know today. They worked hard and played by the rules their entire lives, and they deserve our respect, thanks and now, our protection. We’re going to do everything in our power to keep our seniors safe in their retirement from fraudsters."
This https://www.justice.gov/civil/elder-fraud-sweeps-2020 interactive map provides information on the elder fraud cases highlighted by today’s sweep announcement.
Elder Fraud Hotline
Attorney General Barr also announced the launch of a National Elder Fraud Hotline, which will provide services to seniors who may be victims of financial fraud. The Hotline will be staffed by experienced case managers who can provide personalized support to callers. Case managers will assist callers with reporting the suspected fraud to relevant agencies and by providing resources and referrals to other appropriate services as needed. When applicable, case managers will complete a complaint form with the Federal Bureau of Investigation Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) for Internet-facilitated crimes and submit a consumer complaint to the Federal Trade Commission on behalf of the caller. The Hotline’s toll free number is 833-FRAUD-11 (833-372-8311).
For the second year, the Department of Justice and its law enforcement partners also took comprehensive action against the money mule network that facilitates foreign-based elder fraud. Generally, perpetrators use a "money mule" to transfer fraud proceeds from a victim to ringleaders of fraud schemes who often reside in other countries. Some of these money mules act unwittingly, and intervention can effectively end their involvement in the fraud. The FBI and the Postal Inspection Service took action against over 600 alleged money mules nationwide by conducting interviews, issuing warning letters, and bringing civil and criminal cases. Agents and prosecutors in more than 85 federal districts participated in this effort to halt the money flow from victim to fraudster. These actions against money mules were in addition to the criminal and civil cases announced as part of this year’s elder fraud sweep.
These outreach efforts have helped to prevent seniors from falling prey to scams and have frustrated offenders’ efforts to obtain even more money from vulnerable elders.
The charges announced today are allegations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Department of Justice Charges Unprecedented Number of Elder Fraud Defendants Nationwide and Launches HotlineRead the Press Release
San Juan, Puerto Rico – U.S. Attorney W. Stephen Muldrow of District of Puerto Rico joined Attorney General William P. Barr, FBI Director Christopher A. Wray, and Chief Postal Inspector Gary R. Barksdale today in announcing the largest coordinated sweep of elder fraud cases in history. This year, prosecutors charged more than 400 defendants, far surpassing the 260 defendants charged in cases as part of last year’s sweep. In each case, offenders allegedly engaged in financial schemes that targeted or largely affected seniors. In total, the charged elder fraud schemes caused alleged losses of over a billion dollars.
Six defendants were charged in the District of Puerto Rico as part of the nationwide elder fraud sweep. In a 35-count indictment defendants Luz M. Santiago-Torres, Jimmy E. Santiago-Burgos, Félix Rosa-Rosa, José Rivera-Esparra, and Ulises Feliciano-Caraballo were charged with conspiracy to commit wire and mail fraud, 10 counts of mail fraud, 11 counts of wire fraud, six counts of aggravated identity theft, and seven counts of money laundering. Twelve of the victims of this scheme were seniors. In a separate three-count indictment, Johana Torres-Figueroa was charged with fraud in connection with a major disaster or emergency benefits, making false statements to an agency of the United States, and aggravated identity theft of an unsuspected elder victim. Both cases are ongoing.
“Americans are fed up with the constant barrage of scams that maliciously target the elderly and other vulnerable citizens,” said Attorney General William P. Barr. “This year, the Department of Justice prosecuted more than 400 defendants, whose schemes totaled more than a billion dollars. I want to thank the men and women of the Department’s Consumer Protection Branch, which coordinated this effort, and all those in the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and Criminal Division who worked tirelessly to bring these cases. The Department is committed to stopping the full range of criminal activities that exploit America’s seniors.”
U.S. Attorney W. Stephen Muldrow stated: “Our office will not stand by as criminals attempt to fleece a very vulnerable group of our community, our senior citizens. These criminals disrupt their lives by stealing their life savings and destroying their credit through calculated and pervasive fraud schemes. Our prosecutors are coordinating with both federal and state law enforcement partners and to stop these criminals from exploiting and abusing our seniors.”
This interactive map provides information on the elder fraud cases highlighted by today’s sweep announcement.
Elder Fraud Hotline
Attorney General Barr also announced the launch of a National Elder Fraud Hotline, which will provide services to seniors who may be victims of financial fraud. The Hotline will be staffed by experienced case managers who can provide personalized support to callers. Case managers will assist callers with reporting the suspected fraud to relevant agencies and by providing resources and referrals to other appropriate services as needed. When applicable, case managers will complete a complaint form with the Federal Bureau of Investigation Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) for Internet-facilitated crimes and submit a consumer complaint to the Federal Trade Commission on behalf of the caller. The Hotline’s toll free number is 833-FRAUD-11 (833-372-8311).
For the second year, the Department of Justice and its law enforcement partners also took comprehensive action against the money mule network that facilitates foreign-based elder fraud. Generally, perpetrators use a “money mule” to transfer fraud proceeds from a victim to ringleaders of fraud schemes who often reside in other countries. Some of these money mules act unwittingly, and intervention can effectively end their involvement in the fraud. The FBI and the Postal Inspection Service took action against over 600 alleged money mules nationwide by conducting interviews, issuing warning letters, and bringing civil and criminal cases. Agents and prosecutors in more than 85 federal district participated in this effort to halt the money flow from victim to fraudster. These actions against money mules were in addition to the criminal and civil cases announced as part of this year’s elder fraud sweep.
These outreach efforts have helped to prevent seniors from falling prey to scams and have frustrated offenders’ efforts to obtain even more money from vulnerable elders.
The charges announced today are allegations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
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Department of Justice Charges Unprecedented Number of Elder Fraud Defendants Nationwide and Launches HotlineRead the Press Release
MEMPHIS - Attorney General William P. Barr, FBI Director Christopher A. Wray, and Chief Postal Inspector Gary R. Barksdale today announced the largest coordinated sweep of elder fraud cases in history. This year, prosecutors charged more than 400 defendants, far surpassing the 260 defendants charged in cases as part of last year’s sweep. In each case, offenders allegedly engaged in financial schemes that targeted or largely affected seniors. In total, the charged elder fraud schemes caused alleged losses of over a billion dollars.
Two cases from the Western District of Tennessee were included as part of the sweep:
• Keith L. Dobbs, 39, disbarred Memphis attorney, has been charged with sixty-seven federal felony violations. Dobbs misappropriated funds from 26 victims who received veteran’s benefits and nine Social Security recipients.
• Stephen Douglas Fry, 72, a financial advisor who stole and embezzled approximately $1.3 million from a client who had given him power of attorney to prepare tax returns and manage and invest monies following the death of her husband.
Attorney General Barr made the announcement at an event in Florida entitled "Keeping Seniors Safe," which outlined his vision for protecting older Americans from financial harm. The event focused special attention on the threat posed by foreign-based fraud schemes that victimize seniors in large numbers. During the event, the Attorney General declared "Prevention and Disruption of Transnational Elder Fraud" to be an Agency Priority Goal, making it one of the Department’s four top priorities.
"Americans are fed up with the constant barrage of scams that maliciously target the elderly and other vulnerable citizens," said Attorney General William P. Barr. "This year, the Department of Justice prosecuted more than 400 defendants, whose schemes totaled more than a billion dollars. I want to thank the men and women of the department’s Consumer Protection Branch, which coordinated this effort, and all those in the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and Criminal Division who worked tirelessly to bring these cases. The department is committed to stopping the full range of criminal activities that exploit America’s seniors."
U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant said: "It is an important priority for this office to protect our senior population across the district. To halt the scourge of abuse, exploitation and financial fraud against older citizens, we are pleased to join with the Attorney General in our firm commitment to investigate, prosecute, punish and deter crimes against our vulnerable seniors. Those who target the elderly will receive the full attention of our office and law enforcement officials in West Tennessee."
"The charges announced today demonstrate the great success of the Transnational Elder Fraud Strike Force to identify and stop those who are targeting our senior communities from overseas," said FBI Director Christopher Wray. "We’re committed to continuing our efforts to keep our elderly citizens safe, whether they’re being targeted door-to-door, over the phone, or online."
"Every day, American consumers, particularly older Americans, receive offers that sound just too good to be true," said Chief Postal Inspector Gary Barksdale. "Some come through the mail; others by telephone or the Internet. These offers have one objective – to rob you of your hard-earned money. Fraud costs Americans millions of dollars each year. The good news is most frauds can be prevented. It’s one of the few crimes in which potential victims can just say "No!" So hold on to your money and report scams to Postal Inspectors."
This interactive map provides state by state information on the elder fraud cases and education and prevention community outreach efforts highlighted by today’s sweep announcement.
Elder Fraud Hotline
Attorney General Barr also announced the launch of a National Elder Fraud Hotline, which will provide services to seniors who may be victims of financial fraud. The Hotline will be staffed by experienced case managers who can provide personalized support to callers. Case managers will assist callers with reporting the suspected fraud to relevant agencies and by providing resources and referrals to other appropriate services as needed. When applicable, case managers will complete a complaint form with the Federal Bureau of Investigation Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) for Internet-facilitated crimes and submit a consumer complaint to the Federal Trade Commission on behalf of the caller. The Hotline’s toll free number is 833-FRAUD-11 (833-372-8311).
Transnational Elder Fraud Strike Force
The Transnational Elder Fraud Strike Force prosecuted more than one quarter of the defendants charged as part of the announced sweep. Established in June 2019, the Strike Force is composed of the department’s Consumer Protection Branch and six U.S. Attorneys’ Offices (Central District of California, Middle and Southern Districts of Florida, Northern District of Georgia, Eastern District of New York, Southern District of Texas), along with FBI special agents, Postal Inspectors, and numerous other law enforcement personnel. Prosecutors in Strike Force districts brought cases against more than 140 sweep defendants. FBI and the Postal Inspection Service served as lead agencies in the Strike Force and committed substantial investigative resources to pursuing elder fraud cases as part of Strike Force efforts. The Strike Force has held dozens of meetings with industry, victim groups, and law enforcement at the federal, state, and local levels to identify the most harmful schemes victimizing American seniors and to bolster preventive measures against further losses.
Law Enforcement Actions Swept from Coast to Coast
U.S. Attorneys’ Offices in every federal district took part in the Elder Fraud Sweep announced today. Many federal prosecuting offices filed cases against perpetrators and/or facilitators of elder fraud. Others conducted outreach to law enforcement, community groups, seniors, or private industry. Other U.S. Attorneys’ Offices demonstrated exceptional devotion to the cause of elder justice by both filing cases and conducting outreach.
For the second year, the Department of Justice and its law enforcement partners also took comprehensive action against the money mule network that facilitates foreign-based elder fraud. Generally, perpetrators use a "money mule" to transfer fraud proceeds from a victim to ringleaders of fraud schemes who often reside in other countries. Some of these money mules act unwittingly, and intervention can effectively end their involvement in the fraud. The FBI and the Postal Inspection Service took action against over 600 alleged money mules nationwide by conducting interviews, issuing warning letters, and bringing civil and criminal cases. Agents and prosecutors in more than 85 federal district participated in this effort to halt the money flow from victim to fraudster. These actions against money mules were in addition to the criminal and civil cases announced as part of this year’s elder fraud sweep.
In addition to announcing the sweep cases, Attorney General Barr and others at the Keeping Seniors Safe event also thanked department personnel — especially the Elder Justice Coordinators appointed in each U.S. Attorney’s Office — for conducting dozens of outreach events across the nation to warn seniors of fraud schemes and to engage with industry representatives and state and local authorities on fraud-prevention measures. These outreach efforts have helped to prevent seniors from falling prey to scams and have frustrated offenders’ efforts to obtain even more money from vulnerable elders.
The charges announced today are allegations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
The year 2020 marks the 150th anniversary of the Department of Justice. Learn more about the history of our agency at www.Justice.gov/Celebrating150Years.
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Department of Justice Charges Unprecedented Number of Elder Fraud Defendants Nationwide and Launches HotlineRead the Press Release
SALT LAKE CITY – U.S. Attorney John W. Huber of Utah joined Attorney General William P. Barr, FBI Director Christopher A. Wray, and Chief Postal Inspector Gary R. Barksdale today in announcing the largest coordinated sweep of elder fraud cases in history. This year, prosecutors charged more than 400 defendants, far surpassing the 260 defendants charged in cases as part of last year’s sweep. In each case, offenders allegedly engaged in financial schemes that targeted or largely affected seniors. In total, the charged elder fraud schemes caused alleged losses of more than $1 billion dollars.
Four Utah cases (20 total defendants) are included in the coordinated sweep.
- U.S. v Fairbanks: Thomas Fairbanks of Logan is charged with wire fraud, securities fraud and money laundering in what the indictment alleges was a fraudulent investment scheme. As a part of the scheme, the indictment alleges Fairbanks gained the trust of a vulnerable adult and diverted at least $462,000 of her money for personal use. Trial is set for June 8, 2020, in the case.
- U.S. v Anyanwu: Eight individuals are charged in connection with a fraud scheme primarily targeting widowed women over 65 years old. The indictment alleges that over approximately two years, the defendants defrauded dozens of victims out of more than $6 million. The defendants and coconspirators used social media and social gaming applications to target widows. The indictment alleges they created false identities to befriend potential victims, feigned romantic interest, and eventually pressured them to send money to the defendants. Trial is set for May in the case.
- U.S. v Powell: Eight individuals are charged in connection with an alleged fraud scheme to obtain money and assets from a 90-year-old widow in Washington, Utah. The charges allege the defendants, who have family relationships, conspired to obtain money and assets from the victim in exchange for false promises to perform work on her property. To further advance the scheme, one of the defendants engaged in romance fraud by enticing the victim to enter into a romantic relationship. The charges alleges he used the romantic relationship to manipulate the victim into giving him money and assets. An April trial has been set in the case.
- U.S. v Rust: For a period of at least 20 years, Gaylen Rust and others offered and sold investments to at least 500 investors located throughout the United States. Within the past five-year period alone, these co-conspirators collected an estimated $193 million dollars in connection with these investments. They promised investors secured high interest returns through buying, selling and trading silver, according to the indictment. In reality, besides making about $150 million in Ponzi payments, investor funds were used to support the Rust’s lifestyle.
Investors were encouraged to pull funds from their home equity, IRA, 401K or other retirement savings accounts or otherwise liquidate from other securities to invest as much as they could for optimum success, charges allege. Approximately 45 percent of the investors are retirees who used retirement funds to invest with Rust. The average age of investors is 60. The oldest investor 94. The case is set for trial in May.
“Americans are fed up with the constant barrage of scams that maliciously target the elderly and other vulnerable citizens,” said Attorney General William P. Barr. “This year, the Department of Justice prosecuted more than 400 defendants, whose schemes totaled more than a billion dollars. I want to thank the men and women of the Department’s Consumer Protection Branch, which coordinated this effort, and all those in the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and Criminal Division who worked tirelessly to bring these cases. The Department is committed to stopping the full range of criminal activities that exploit America’s seniors.”
“We brought four significant cases to federal court as a part of this initiative, lodging allegations against 20 individual defendants. Protecting elderly and vulnerable members in Utah communities is one of our highest priorities. Those who target and take advantage of them should know that we will hold them accountable,” U.S. Attorney John W. Huber said today. “As I have stated many times, we don’t defraud our elders. We revere them.”
Huber also expressed appreciation to the many law enforcement partners and other agencies who investigate or assist with the prosecution of elder fraud and abuse cases, including the FBI, U.S. Postal Inspectors, the Security Exchange Commission, the IRS, the Utah Division of Securities, the Commodity Futures Trading Commission, the Utah Attorney General’s Office, and Utah Adult Probation and Parole.
Elder Fraud Hotline
Attorney General Barr also announced the launch of a National Elder Fraud Hotline, which will provide services to seniors who may be victims of financial fraud. The Hotline will be staffed by experienced case managers who can provide personalized support to callers. Case managers will assist callers with reporting the suspected fraud to relevant agencies and by providing resources and referrals to other appropriate services as needed. When applicable, case managers will complete a complaint form with the Federal Bureau of Investigation Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) for Internet-facilitated crimes and submit a consumer complaint to the Federal Trade Commission on behalf of the caller. The Hotline’s toll free number is 833-FRAUD-11
For the second year, the Department of Justice and its law enforcement partners also took comprehensive action against the money mule network that facilitates foreign-based elder fraud. Generally, perpetrators use a “money mule” to transfer fraud proceeds from a victim to ringleaders of fraud schemes who often reside in other countries. Some of these money mules act unwittingly, and intervention can effectively end their involvement in the fraud. The FBI and the Postal Inspection Service took action against more than 600 alleged money mules nationwide by conducting interviews, issuing warning letters, and bringing civil and criminal cases. Agents and prosecutors in more than 85 federal district participated in this effort to halt the money flow from victim to fraudster. These actions against money mules were in addition to the criminal and civil cases announced as part of this year’s elder fraud sweep.
These outreach efforts have helped to prevent seniors from falling prey to scams and have frustrated offenders’ efforts to obtain even more money from vulnerable elders.
The charges announced today are allegations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Department of Justice Charges Unprecedented Number of Elder Fraud Defendants Nationwide and Launches HotlineRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.VA. – United States Attorney Mike Stuart joined Attorney General William P. Barr, FBI Director Christopher A. Wray, and Chief Postal Inspector Gary R. Barksdale today in announcing the largest coordinated sweep of elder fraud cases in history. This year, prosecutors charged more than 400 defendants, far surpassing the 260 defendants charged in cases as part of last year’s sweep. In each case, offenders allegedly engaged in financial schemes that targeted or largely affected seniors. In total, the charged elder fraud schemes caused alleged losses of over a billion dollars.
Just last week, Patricia Dudding, 68, of Huntington, West Virginia, was indicted for her role in an international Nigerian fraud scheme. It is the largest elder fraud scheme ever prosecuted in West Virginia history. The indictment charges Dudding with conspiracy to commit money laundering, bank fraud and unlawful money transactions. The indictment alleges that Dudding acted as a money mule for a Nigerian scammer and that over $3 million was transferred or deposited into her accounts during the course of the scheme. The indictment also seeks forfeiture of nearly $1.9 million related to the alleged scheme.
“Americans are fed up with the constant barrage of scams that maliciously target the elderly and other vulnerable citizens,” said Attorney General William P. Barr. “This year, the Department of Justice prosecuted more than 400 defendants, whose schemes totaled more than a billion dollars. I want to thank the men and women of the Department’s Consumer Protection Branch, which coordinated this effort, and all those in the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and Criminal Division who worked tirelessly to bring these cases. The Department is committed to stopping the full range of criminal activities that exploit America’s seniors.”
“Elder fraud is a diabolical crime that preys on the vulnerabilities of some of the most vulnerable among us,” said United States Attorney Mike Stuart. These crimes are devastating to victims who often lose their life savings. We are using both criminal and civil enforcement tools to hold fraudsters accountable and seek justice for the victims.”
“The exploitation of a vulnerable population is a particular evil,” said United States Secret Service Resident Agent in Charge Wade Fleming. “We will continue to work with our federal, state and local law enforcement partners to bring offenders to justice and recover money for the victims.”
This interactive map (https://www.justice.gov/civil/elder-fraud-sweeps-2020) provides information on the elder fraud cases highlighted by today’s sweep announcement.
Elder Fraud Hotline
Attorney General Barr also announced the launch of a National Elder Fraud Hotline, which will provide services to seniors who may be victims of financial fraud. The Hotline will be staffed by experienced case managers who can provide personalized support to callers. Case managers will assist callers with reporting the suspected fraud to relevant agencies and by providing resources and referrals to other appropriate services as needed. When applicable, case managers will complete a complaint form with the Federal Bureau of Investigation Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) for Internet-facilitated crimes and submit a complaint to the Federal Trade Commission on behalf of the caller. The Hotline’s toll free number is 833-FRAUD-11 (833-372-8311).
For the second year, the Department of Justice and its law enforcement partners also took comprehensive action against the money mule network that facilitates foreign-based elder fraud. Generally, perpetrators use a “money mule” to transfer fraud proceeds from a victim to ringleaders of fraud schemes who often reside in other countries. Some of these money mules act unwittingly, and intervention can effectively end their involvement in the fraud. The FBI and the Postal Inspection Service took action against over 600 alleged money mules nationwide by conducting interviews, issuing warning letters, and bringing civil and criminal cases. Agents and prosecutors in more than 85 federal district participated in this effort to halt the money flow from victim to fraudster. These actions against money mules were in addition to the criminal and civil cases announced as part of this year’s elder fraud sweep.
These outreach efforts have helped to prevent seniors from falling prey to scams and have frustrated offenders’ efforts to obtain even more money from vulnerable elders.
The charges announced today are allegations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
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Department of Justice Charges Unprecedented Number of Elder Fraud Defendants Nationwide and Launches Hotline to Assist Seniors Who May Be Victims of Financial FraudRead the Press Release
LAS VEGAS, Nev. – U.S. Attorney Nicholas A. Trutanich for the District of Nevada joined Attorney General William P. Barr, FBI Director Christopher A. Wray, and Chief Postal Inspector Gary R. Barksdale today in announcing the largest coordinated sweep of elder fraud cases in history. Over the past year, prosecutors charged more than 400 defendants, far surpassing the 260 defendants charged in cases as part of last year’s sweep. In each case, offenders allegedly engaged in financial schemes that targeted or largely affected seniors. In total, the charged elder fraud schemes caused alleged losses of over a billion dollars.
Among the individuals prosecuted in the District of Nevada over the past year:
- U.S. v. Castro et al: Mario Castro, Jose Salud Castro, Salvador Castro, Miguel Castro, Jose Luis Mendez, and Andrea Burrow were charged with running a fraudulent mass-mailing scheme that defrauded hundreds of thousands of consumers into paying more than $10 million in fees for falsely promised cash prizes.
- U.S. v. Day et al: Rosanne Day, Robert Paul Davis, Genevieve Renee Frappier, and Miles Kelly, all of whom were executives at PacNet Services Ltd, a payment processing company based in Vancouver, Canada, were charged with engaging in a massive fraud scheme in which PacNet processed payments for companies that mailed fraudulent notifications to consumers in the United States and worldwide.
- U.S. v. Marcks et al: Gina Marcks, Ladda Boonlert, Charles Hill, Wendi A. Maryniak, and Roger Bond, all of Las Vegas, were charged in a 22-count indictment relating to an India-based telemarketing and email marketing conspiracy that targeted seniors. The defendants allegedly obtained over $2.4 million from victims residing throughout the United States.
“Americans are fed up with the constant barrage of scams that maliciously target the elderly and other vulnerable citizens,” said Attorney General William P. Barr. “This year, the Department of Justice prosecuted more than 400 defendants, whose schemes totaled more than a billion dollars. I want to thank the men and women of the department’s Consumer Protection Branch, which coordinated this effort, and all those in the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and Criminal Division who worked tirelessly to bring these cases. The department is committed to stopping the full range of criminal activities that exploit America’s seniors.”
U.S. Attorney Trutanich stated: “The District of Nevada appreciates the opportunity to contribute to the Department’s Elder Justice Initiative, which has been producing significant results. Going forward, our office will continue aggressively prosecuting criminals who target seniors, as well as conducting outreach sessions to raise awareness and providing guidance to help recognize financial fraud schemes.
This interactive map provides state by state information on the elder fraud cases and education and prevention community outreach efforts highlighted by today’s sweep announcement.
Elder Fraud Hotline
Attorney General Barr also announced the launch of a National Elder Fraud Hotline, which will provide services to seniors who may be victims of financial fraud. The Hotline will be staffed by experienced case managers who can provide personalized support to callers. Case managers will assist callers with reporting the suspected fraud to relevant agencies and by providing resources and referrals to other appropriate services as needed. When applicable, case managers will complete a complaint form with the Federal Bureau of Investigation Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) for Internet-facilitated crimes and submit a consumer complaint to the Federal Trade Commission on behalf of the caller. The Hotline’s toll free number is 833-FRAUD-11 (833-372-8311).
For the second year, the Department of Justice and its law enforcement partners also took comprehensive action against the money mule network that facilitates foreign-based elder fraud. Generally, perpetrators use a “money mule” to transfer fraud proceeds from a victim to ringleaders of fraud schemes who often reside in other countries. Some of these money mules act unwittingly, and intervention can effectively end their involvement in the fraud. The FBI and the Postal Inspection Service took action against over 600 alleged money mules nationwide by conducting interviews, issuing warning letters, and bringing civil and criminal cases. Agents and prosecutors in more than 85 federal district participated in this effort to halt the money flow from victim to fraudster. These actions against money mules were in addition to the criminal and civil cases announced as part of this year’s elder fraud sweep.
These outreach efforts have helped to prevent seniors from falling prey to scams and have frustrated offenders’ efforts to obtain even more money from vulnerable elders.
The charges announced today are allegations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
# # #
Department of Justice Charges Unprecedented Number of Elder Fraud Defendants Nationwide and Launches HotlineRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Erica H. MacDonald joined Attorney General William P. Barr, FBI Director Christopher A. Wray, and Chief Postal Inspector Gary R. Barksdale today in announcing the largest coordinated sweep of elder fraud cases in history. This year, prosecutors charged more than 400 defendants, far surpassing the 260 defendants charged in cases as part of last year’s sweep. In each case, offenders allegedly engaged in financial schemes that targeted or largely affected seniors. In total, the charged elder fraud schemes caused alleged losses of over a billion dollars.
Attorney General Barr made the announcement at an event in Florida entitled “Keeping Seniors Safe,” which outlined his vision for protecting older Americans from financial harm. The event focused special attention on the threat posed by foreign-based fraud schemes that victimize seniors in large numbers. During the event, the Attorney General declared “Prevention and Disruption of Transnational Elder Fraud” to be an Agency Priority Goal, making it one of the Department’s four top priorities.
“Americans are fed up with the constant barrage of scams that maliciously target the elderly and other vulnerable citizens,” said Attorney General William P. Barr. “This year, the Department of Justice prosecuted more than 400 defendants, whose schemes totaled more than a billion dollars. I want to thank the men and women of the Department’s Consumer Protection Branch, which coordinated this effort, and all those in the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and Criminal Division who worked tirelessly to bring these cases. The Department is committed to stopping the full range of criminal activities that exploit America’s seniors.”
“The charges announced today demonstrate the great success of the Transnational Elder Fraud Strike Force to identify and stop those who are targeting our senior communities from overseas,” said FBI Director Christopher Wray. “We’re committed to continuing our efforts to keep our elderly citizens safe, whether they’re being targeted door-to-door, over the phone, or online.”
“Every day, American consumers, particularly older Americans, receive offers that sound just too good to be true,” said Chief Postal Inspector Gary Barksdale. “Some come through the mail; others by telephone or the Internet. These offers have one objective – to rob you of your hard-earned money. Fraud costs Americans millions of dollars each year. The good news is most frauds can be prevented. It’s one of the few crimes in which potential victims can just say “No!” So hold on to your money and report scams to Postal Inspectors.”
“Aggressive phone-based marketing scams, phony investment opportunities, imposter schemes – every day, across the nation, seniors are being bombarded by these types of attacks,” said United States Attorney Erica H. MacDonald. “We are honing our resources and leveraging our law enforcement partnerships to root out these fraudsters who are preying upon vulnerable older Americans.”
This interactive map provides information on the elder fraud cases highlighted by today’s sweep announcement.
Elder Fraud Hotline
Attorney General Barr also announced the launch of a National Elder Fraud Hotline, which will provide services to seniors who may be victims of financial fraud. The Hotline will be staffed by experienced case managers who can provide personalized support to callers. Case managers will assist callers with reporting the suspected fraud to relevant agencies and by providing resources and referrals to other appropriate services as needed. When applicable, case managers will complete a complaint form with the Federal Bureau of Investigation Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) for Internet-facilitated crimes and submit a consumer complaint to the Federal Trade Commission on behalf of the caller. The Hotline’s toll free number is 833-FRAUD-11 (833-372-8311).
For the second year, the Department of Justice and its law enforcement partners also took comprehensive action against the money mule network that facilitates foreign-based elder fraud. Generally, perpetrators use a “money mule” to transfer fraud proceeds from a victim to ringleaders of fraud schemes who often reside in other countries. Some of these money mules act unwittingly, and intervention can effectively end their involvement in the fraud. The FBI and the Postal Inspection Service took action against over 600 alleged money mules nationwide by conducting interviews, issuing warning letters, and bringing civil and criminal cases. Agents and prosecutors in more than 85 federal district participated in this effort to halt the money flow from victim to fraudster. These actions against money mules were in addition to the criminal and civil cases announced as part of this year’s elder fraud sweep.
In addition to announcing the sweep cases, Attorney General Barr and others at the Keeping Seniors Safe event also thanked department personnel — especially the Elder Justice Coordinators appointed in each U.S. Attorney’s Office — for conducting dozens of outreach events across the nation to warn seniors of fraud schemes and to engage with industry representatives and state and local authorities on fraud-prevention measures. These outreach efforts have helped to prevent seniors from falling prey to scams and have frustrated offenders’ efforts to obtain even more money from vulnerable elders.
The charges announced today are allegations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
The year 2020 marks the 150th anniversary of the Department of Justice. Learn more about the history of our agency at www.Justice.gov/Celebrating150Years.
Department of Justice Launches A National Nursing Home InitiativeRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – U.S. Attorney David J Freed joined Attorney General William P. Barr in announcing the Department of Justice’s National Nursing Home Initiative, which will coordinate and enhance civil and criminal efforts to pursue nursing homes that provide grossly substandard care to their residents.
This initiative is focusing on some of the worst nursing homes around the country and the Department has already initiated investigations into approximately thirty individual nursing facilities in nine states as part of this effort.
“Millions of seniors count on nursing homes to provide them with quality care, and to treat them with dignity and respect when they are most vulnerable,” said Attorney General William P. Barr. “Yet, all too often, we have found nursing home owners or operators who put profits over patients, leading to instances of gross abuse and neglect. This national initiative will bring to justice those owners and operators who have profited at the expense of their residents, and help to ensure residents receive the care to which they are entitled.”
“We count on nursing homes throughout the Middle District of Pennsylvania to provide a safe and caring environment for our seniors,” said U.S. Attorney Freed. “When they fail in that duty, or when nursing home operators commit fraud to enrich themselves at the expense of their patients and often government programs, we will be their along with our federal partners to ensure that justice is done and our seniors are protected.”
The department considers a number of factors in identifying the most problematic nursing homes. For example, the department looks for nursing homes that consistently fail to provide adequate nursing staff to care for their residents, fail to adhere to basic protocols of hygiene and infection control, fail to provide their residents with enough food to eat so that they become emaciated and weak, withhold pain medication, or use physical or chemical restraints to restrain or otherwise sedate their residents. These care failures cause residents to suffer in pain and to be exposed to the great indignities. Care failures cause residents to develop pressure sores down to the bone, to lie in their own waste for hours, to starve because they cannot reach the food on their trays and to remain unwashed for weeks at a time. Nursing homes that provide grossly substandard care also force vulnerable elderly residents who cannot leave the facilities to live in filthy and dangerous conditions where there are leaks in the roofs, mold is found growing and rodents found living in residents’ rooms. These are some of the actions and the inactions that the department intends to pursue.
The National Nursing Home Initiative reflects the department’s larger strategy and commitment to protecting our nation’s seniors, coordinated by the department’s Elder Justice Initiative in conjunction with the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices. The Elder Justice Initiative and the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices are essential to the department’s investigative and enforcement efforts against nursing homes and other long-term care entities that deliver grossly substandard care to Medicare and Medicaid beneficiaries. The Initiative and the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices also support the efforts of state and local prosecutors, law enforcement, and other elder justice professionals to combat elder abuse, neglect and financial exploitation, with the development of training, resources, and information. Learn more about the Justice Department’s Elder Justice Initiative at http://www.justice.gov/elderjustice/.
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Department of Justice Launches A National Nursing Home InitiativeRead the Press Release
Knoxville, Tenn. – U.S. Attorney J. Douglas Overbey joined Attorney General William P. Barr in announcing today the Department of Justice’s National Nursing Home Initiative, which will coordinate and enhance civil and criminal efforts to pursue nursing homes that provide grossly substandard care to their residents.
The National Nursing Home Initiative focuses on some of the worst nursing homes around the country and the Department has already initiated investigations into approximately thirty individual nursing facilities in nine states as part of this effort.
“Millions of seniors count on nursing homes to provide them with quality care, and to treat them with dignity and respect when they are most vulnerable,” said Attorney General William P. Barr. “Yet, all too often, we have found nursing home owners or operators who put profits over patients, leading to instances of gross abuse and neglect. This national initiative will bring to justice those owners and operators who have profited at the expense of their residents, and help to ensure residents receive the care to which they are entitled.”
“Protecting seniors is a top priority of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Tennessee”, said U.S. Attorney Overbey. “Many senior citizens experience circumstances that make them particularly vulnerable to fraud and abuse. Victimization of our elderly citizens, by either abuse or financial exploitation, is inexcusable and will result in the prosecution of anyone who commits these crimes. The U.S. Attorney’s office will continue to coordinate with our federal, state, and local law enforcement partners to fight elder fraud and abuse throughout our region.”
The department considers a number of factors in identifying the most problematic nursing homes. For example, the department looks for nursing homes that consistently fail to provide adequate nursing staff to care for their residents, fail to adhere to basic protocols of hygiene and infection control, fail to provide their residents with enough food to eat so that they become emaciated and weak, withhold pain medication, or use physical or chemical restraints to restrain or otherwise sedate their residents.
Care failures victimize residents, causing them to suffer in pain and to be exposed to the great indignities. Care failures cause residents to develop pressure sores down to the bone, to lie in their own waste for hours, to starve because they cannot reach the food on their trays and to remain unwashed for weeks at a time. Nursing homes that provide grossly substandard care also force vulnerable elderly residents who cannot leave the facilities to live in filthy and dangerous conditions where there are leaks in the roofs, mold is found growing in facilities, and rodents are found living in residents’ rooms. These are some of the gross actions and the inactions that the department intends to pursue and prosecute.
The National Nursing Home Initiative reflects the department’s larger strategy and commitment to protecting our nation’s seniors, coordinated by the department’s Elder Justice Initiative in conjunction with the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices. The Elder Justice Initiative and the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices are essential to the department’s investigative and enforcement efforts against nursing homes and other long-term care entities that deliver grossly substandard care to Medicare and Medicaid beneficiaries. The Initiative and the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices also support the efforts of state and local prosecutors, law enforcement, and other elder justice professionals to combat elder abuse, neglect and financial exploitation, with the development of training, resources, and information. Learn more about the Justice Department’s Elder Justice Initiative at http://www.justice.gov/elderjustice/.
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Department of Justice Charges Unprecedented Number of Elder Fraud Defendants Nationwide and Launches HotlineRead the Press Release
Tampa, FL – U.S. Attorney Maria Chapa Lopez of the Middle District of Florida joined Attorney General William P. Barr today in announcing the largest coordinated sweep of elder fraud cases in history. This year, prosecutors charged more than 400 defendants, far surpassing the 260 defendants charged in cases as part of last year’s sweep. In each case, offenders allegedly engaged in financial schemes that targeted or largely affected seniors. In total, the charged elder fraud schemes caused alleged losses of over a billion dollars.
In the Middle District of Florida, 10 individuals were charged with criminal offenses. In addition, 4 civil cases were resolved. All were prosecuted as part of the Department’s Elder Fraud sweep.
“Americans are fed up with the constant barrage of scams that maliciously target the elderly and other vulnerable citizens,” said Attorney General William P. Barr. “This year, the Department of Justice prosecuted more than 400 defendants, whose schemes totaled more than a billion dollars. I want to thank the men and women of the Department’s Consumer Protection Branch, which coordinated this effort, and all those in the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and Criminal Division who worked tirelessly to bring these cases. The Department is committed to stopping the full range of criminal activities that exploit America’s seniors.”
“Florida is home to millions of our nation’s seniors, who are often targeted for fraud through unscrupulous means,” said U.S. Attorney Maria Chapa Lopez, Middle District of Florida. “Along with our partners on the Transnational Elder Fraud Strike Force, we will continue to use every tool in our arsenal to prosecute those who seek to prey upon our vulnerable population. We encourage all of our citizens to report fraud, wherever it is found or suspected.”
This interactive map [https://www.justice.gov/civil/elder-fraud-sweeps-2020] provides information on the elder fraud cases highlighted by today’s sweep announcement.
Elder Fraud Hotline
Attorney General Barr also announced the launch of a National Elder Fraud Hotline, which will provide services to seniors who may be victims of financial fraud. The Hotline will be staffed by experienced case managers who can provide personalized support to callers. Case managers will assist callers with reporting the suspected fraud to relevant agencies and by providing resources and referrals to other appropriate services as needed. When applicable, case managers will complete a complaint form with the Federal Bureau of Investigation Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) for Internet-facilitated crimes and submit a consumer complaint to the Federal Trade Commission on behalf of the caller. The Hotline’s toll free number is 833-FRAUD-11 (833-372-8311).
Transnational Elder Fraud Strike Force
The Transnational Elder Fraud Strike Force prosecuted more than one quarter of the defendants charged as part of the announced sweep. Established in June 2019, the Strike Force is composed of the Department’s Consumer Protection Branch and six U.S. Attorneys’ Offices (Central District of California, Middle and Southern Districts of Florida, Northern District of Georgia, Eastern District of New York, Southern District of Texas), along with FBI special agents, Postal Inspectors, and numerous other law enforcement personnel. Prosecutors in Strike Force districts brought cases against more than 140 sweep defendants. FBI and the Postal Inspection Service served as lead agencies in the Strike Force and committed substantial investigative resources to pursuing elder fraud cases as part of Strike Force efforts. The Strike Force has held dozens of meetings with industry, victim groups, and law enforcement at the federal, state, and local levels to identify the most harmful schemes victimizing American seniors and to bolster preventive measures against further losses.
For the second year, the Department of Justice and its law enforcement partners also took comprehensive action against the money mule network that facilitates foreign-based elder fraud. Generally, perpetrators use a “money mule” to transfer fraud proceeds from a victim to ringleaders of fraud schemes who often reside in other countries. Some of these money mules act unwittingly, and intervention can effectively end their involvement in the fraud. The FBI and the Postal Inspection Service took action against over 600 alleged money mules nationwide by conducting interviews, issuing warning letters, and bringing civil and criminal cases. Agents and prosecutors in more than 85 federal district participated in this effort to halt the money flow from victim to fraudster. These actions against money mules were in addition to the criminal and civil cases announced as part of this year’s elder fraud sweep.
These outreach efforts have helped to prevent seniors from falling prey to scams and have frustrated offenders’ efforts to obtain even more money from vulnerable elders.
The charges announced today are allegations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Department of Justice Charges Unprecedented Number of Elder Fraud Defendants Nationwide and Launches HotlineRead the Press Release
Knoxville, Tenn. – U.S. Attorney J. Douglas Overbey of the Eastern District of Tennessee joined Attorney General William P. Barr, FBI Director Christopher A. Wray, and Chief Postal Inspector Gary R. Barksdale today in announcing the largest coordinated sweep of elder fraud cases in history. This year, prosecutors charged more than 400 defendants, far surpassing the 260 defendants charged in cases as part of last year’s sweep. In each case, offenders allegedly engaged in financial schemes that targeted or affected seniors. In total, the charged elder fraud schemes caused alleged losses of over a billion dollars.
Two cases from the Eastern District of Tennessee:
Joshua Small, 52, was sentenced to 30 years in prison and Joni Amber Johnson, 36, was sentenced to 25 years in prison, for their roles in a conspiracy to assault, kidnap, and rob elderly victims.
Christina Erin Myers, 37, pled guilty to one count of wire fraud and one count of money laundering. The defendant admitted to engaging in a scheme to defraud elderly individuals by diverting funds for the purchase of real estate through marketing of non-existent senior communities and investment opportunities.
Attorney General Barr made the announcement at an event in Florida entitled "Keeping Seniors Safe," which outlined his vision for protecting older Americans from financial harm. The event focused special attention on the threat posed by foreign-based fraud schemes that victimize seniors in large numbers. During the event, the Attorney General declared "Prevention and Disruption of Transnational Elder Fraud" to be an Agency Priority Goal, making it one of the Department’s four top priorities.
“Americans are fed up with the constant barrage of scams that maliciously target the elderly and other vulnerable citizens,” said Attorney General William P. Barr. “This year, the Department of Justice prosecuted over 400 defendants, whose schemes totaled more than a billion dollars. I want to thank the men and women of the Department’s Consumer Protection Branch, which coordinated this effort, and all those in the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and Criminal Division who worked tirelessly to bring these cases. The Department is committed to stopping the full range of criminal activities that exploit America’s seniors.”
“We have made great strides this year towards prosecuting those who seek to victimize some of our nation’s most vulnerable citizens through scams and financial fraud,” said U.S. Attorney Overbey. “I would urge the public to continue bringing instances of elder fraud to the federal government’s attention. Protecting our seniors remains one of the top priorities for the U.S. Attorney’s Office, and we will continue to work with our local, state, and federal law enforcement partners to investigate and prosecute those who seek to cause harm to senior citizens within our district.”
This interactive map provides information on the elder fraud cases highlighted by today’s sweep announcement.
Elder Fraud Hotline
Attorney General Barr also announced the launch of a National Elder Fraud Hotline, which will provide services to seniors who may be victims of financial fraud. The Hotline will be staffed by experienced case managers who can provide personalized support to callers. Case managers will assist callers with reporting the suspected fraud to relevant agencies and by providing resources and referrals to other appropriate services as needed. When applicable, case managers will complete a complaint form with the Federal Bureau of Investigation Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) for Internet-facilitated crimes and submit a consumer complaint to the Federal Trade Commission on behalf of the caller. The Hotline’s toll free number is 833-FRAUD-11 (833-372-8311).
For the second year, the Department of Justice and its law enforcement partners also took comprehensive action against the money mule network that facilitates foreign-based elder fraud. Generally, perpetrators use a “money mule” to transfer fraud proceeds from a victim to ringleaders of fraud schemes who often reside in other countries. Some of these money mules act unwittingly, and intervention can effectively end their involvement in the fraud. The FBI and the Postal Inspection Service took action against over 600 alleged money mules nationwide by conducting interviews, issuing warning letters, and bringing civil and criminal cases. Agents and prosecutors in more than 85 federal district participated in this effort to halt the money flow from victim to fraudster. These actions against money mules were in addition to the criminal and civil cases announced as part of this year’s elder fraud sweep.
These outreach efforts have helped to prevent seniors from falling prey to scams and have frustrated offenders’ efforts to obtain even more money from vulnerable elders.
The charges announced today are allegations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
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Convicted Felon Pleads Guilty to Drug Trafficking and Firearm ViolationsRead the Press Release
LAS VEGAS, Nev. – Brandon Patton, 28, of Minot, North Dakota, pleaded guilty today to possession with intent to distribute marijuana, possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug-trafficking offense, and felon in possession of a firearm, announced U.S. Attorney Nicholas A. Trutanich for the District of Nevada and Assistant Special Agent in Charge Daniel Neill for the DEA.
According to court documents, on May 31, 2019, a Nevada Highway Patrol officer conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle in which Patton was a passenger. At the time of the traffic stop, Patton, a convicted felon, possessed two loaded firearms: a Taurus Millennium 9mm handgun and a Springfield Arms XD .40 handgun. In addition, he possessed 366 grams of marijuana, 149 grams of heroin, and approximately 3,000 grams of methamphetamine, all of which he intended to distribute. Patton has a previous conviction for delivery of a controlled substance in North Dakota.
This case was the product of an investigation by the DEA. Assistant U.S. Attorney Shaheen Torgoley is prosecuting the case.
Patton is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Andrew P. Gordon on June 9, 2020. Patton faces a total maximum sentence of 20 years in prison, with a five year minimum term, a lifetime period of supervised release, and a $750,000 fine. Any sentence, however, would be determined at the discretion of the court after consideration of any applicable statutory factors and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, which take into account a number of variables.
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Compañía de Autobuses de Houston Distribuye más de $90,000 a Trabajadores en este País Según un Acuerdo Conciliatorio con el Departamento de JusticiaRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON, D.C. – El Departamento de Justicia anunció hoy que El Expreso Bus Company (El Expreso), una empresa con sede en Houston, Tejas, ha pagado más de $90,000 a ocho trabajadores en este país según el acuerdo conciliatorio del 29 de mayo de 2019. Este acuerdo resuelve las reclamaciones del Departamento de que El Expreso discriminó a trabajadores en este país al preferir la contratación de trabajadores con visa temporal, en violación de la Ley de Inmigración y Nacionalidad (INA, por sus siglas en inglés). Este acuerdo forma parte de la Iniciativa para la Protección de los Trabajadores en los EE. UU. del Departamento, cuya meta es investigar y tomar medidas para hacer cumplir la ley en casos de empresas que discriminan a trabajadores en este país porque prefieren contratar a trabajadores extranjeros con visa. Desde la incepción de la Iniciativa, los empleadores han acordado pagar o distribuir un total combinado de más de $1.1 millones a trabajadores en este país y multas civiles a los Estados Unidos.
“Los trabajadores de este país son el alma de nuestra economía, y estamos satisfechos de que estos trabajadores hayan sido compensados ahora por la discriminación que sufrieron”, dijo el Fiscal General Adjunto Eric Dreiband de la División de Derechos Civiles. “El Departamento de Justicia no tolerará a empleadores que abusen de programas de visas temporales para denegar oportunidades de trabajo a trabajadores de este país”.
La investigación del Departamento que resultó en el acuerdo determinó que El Expreso no había tenido en cuenta solicitudes de trabajadores cualificados en este país para puestos temporales como conductores de autobús, pero que sí había buscado a trabajadores con visa H-2B para cubrir los puestos, aunque el programa de visas H2-B requiere que los empleadores recluten y contraten a trabajadores cualificados disponibles en este país antes de recibir permiso para contratar a trabajadores extranjeros temporales. La INA prohíbe en general que los empleadores se nieguen a contratar o considerar para sus puestos a trabajadores en este país debido a su condición de ciudadanía.
Según los términos del acuerdo, la División de Derechos Civiles del Departamento identificó a las víctimas discriminadas elegibles para recibir indemnizaciones de pagos retroactivos y determinó la cantidad de dichas indemnizaciones. El Departamento determinó que ocho trabajadores de este país tenían derecho a recibir un total de $91,015,35 en pagos retroactivos.
En virtud de la Iniciativa para la Protección de los Trabajadores en los EE. UU., la División de Derechos Civiles ha iniciado decenas de investigaciones y llegado a acuerdos conciliatorios con siete empleadores para tratar con este tipo de discriminación. La División también ha aumentado su colaboración con otras agencias federales para combatir la discriminación y el abuso por parte de empleadores que usan trabajadores extranjeros con visa.
La Sección de Derechos de Inmigrantes y Empleados (IER, por sus siglas en inglés) de la División es responsable de aplicar la estipulación antidiscriminatoria de la INA. Entre otras cosas, esta ley prohíbe la discriminación por motivos de condición de ciudadanía o nacionalidad de origen en los procesos de contratación, despido o reclutamiento o recomendación por comisión; prácticas documentales injustas; y represalias e intimidación.
Se dispone de información adicional sobre protecciones contra la discriminación ilegal en el empleo haciendo clic aquí. El público también puede llamar a la línea directa de la IER para trabajadores 1‑800‑255-7688 (1‑800-237-2515, TTY para personas con discapacidades auditivas); llamar a la línea directa de la IER para empleadores 1-800-255-8155 (1-800-237-2515, TTY para personas con discapacidades auditivas); enviar un correo electrónico a [email protected]; o visitar los sitios web en inglés y español de la IER. Se invita al público a asistir a un seminario en línea gratuito el 19 de marzo de 2020 para tratar la discriminación ilegal según la estipulación antidiscriminatoria de la INA. Suscríbase a GovDelivery para recibir actualizaciones de la IER,
Aquellos postulantes o empleados que crean haber sido discriminados debido a su ciudadanía, estado de inmigración u origen nacional durante los procesos de contratación, despido o reclutamiento o recomendación por una comisión; discriminación en el proceso de la verificación de la elegibilidad para trabajar (Formulario I-9 e E-Verify) según su nacionalidad de origen, condición de inmigración o ciudadanía; o represalias pueden presentar una denuncia o llamar a la línea directa de la IER para trabajadores con el fin de pedir ayuda.
Commerce Man Pleads Guilty to Distributing MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
TULSA, Okla. – A Commerce man pleaded guilty Monday in federal court to distribution of methamphetamine, possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute, and possession of cocaine with intent to distribute.
Jorge Alberto Moreno, 39, admitted that in March 2019, he distributed 25 grams of methamphetamine in exchange for $400. He further acknowledged that in September 2019 he possessed with the intent to distribute both methamphetamine and cocaine.
“Jorge Moreno was a high volume distributor earning profits from others’ addiction. Along with methamphetamine and cocaine, investigators discovered more than $32,000 in cash hidden in a closet at his home in Commerce,” said U.S. Attorney Trent Shores. “I commend Assistant U.S. Attorney Tom Duncombe and investigators from the Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics, the Drug Enforcement Administration, and the Commerce Police Department for shutting down Moreno’s dangerous drug operation and bringing him to justice.”
Chief U.S. District Judge John E. Dowdell set sentencing for June 2, 2020.
The Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics and Dangerous Drugs, the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Commerce Police Department conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Thomas E. Duncombe is prosecuting the case.
Centerville man sentenced to more than 27 years in prison for creating obscene & sexually abusive videos, images of 5 year oldsRead the Press Release
DAYTON – Marek K. Grigsby, 35, was sentenced this morning in U.S. District Court to 330 months in prison and a lifetime of supervised release for producing child pornography and producing obscene images of the sexual abuse of children.
According to court documents, Grigsby sexually abused one victim, who was five and six years of age during the abuse, and created child pornography depicting the abuse. Between November 2015 and January 2017, Grigsby produced at least 33 videos and 23 images showing his sexual abuse of the victim.
Grigsby also created obscene images of a second five-year-old victim. Between January 2015 and April 2016, Grigsby produced at least 21 videos and 111 images of the second victim, including three images depicting the victim in an obscene way. For example, one of the images depicts the victim engaging in simulated oral intercourse with a penis that is superimposed in the photograph.
Grigsby pleaded guilty in April 2019.
David M. DeVillers, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio; Keith Martin, Special Agent in Charge, Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA); Chris Hoffman, Special Agent in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Yvonne DiCristiforo, Special Agent in Charge, United States Secret Service (USSS); Montgomery County Sheriff Rob Streck; and Keith Faber, Ohio Auditor of State, announced the sentence imposed by U.S. District Judge Walter H. Rice. Deputy Criminal Chief Dominick S. Gerace is representing the United States in this case.
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Brothel Owner Targeted in Sting Operation Sentenced to Nearly 4 Years in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
Brothel owner Helen Kim was sentenced yesterday evening to 46 months in federal prison on a racketeering charge, announced U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Texas Erin Nealy Cox.
Ms. Kim, 59, was apprehended by law enforcement in November, after a sting operation at a Dallas hotel liberated a number of foreign-born commercial sex workers.
She pleaded guilty in August to one count of use of a facility of interstate commerce in aid of a racketeering enterprise involving prostitution.
“I am proud that our law enforcement partners poured significant resources into this sting operation in order to liberate the numerous women that Ms. Kim sold for sex,” U.S. Attorney Nealy Cox said following Ms. Kim’s guilty plea last fall. “We were determined to hold her accountable for her willingness to demean other women for financial gain.”
In plea papers, Ms. Kim – the owner of brothels “Pink One” and “Illusion Spa” – admitted that she agreed to take more than $40,000 in exchange for providing illicit sex services to a group of out of town “businessmen” partying at a local hotel.
Those “businessmen” were in fact undercover law enforcement. More than 50 officers from the Dallas Police Department, the Texas Department of Public Safety, and Homeland Security Investigations participated in the undercover operation, which involved agents posing as businessmen posted at the hotel bar and in rooms upstairs.
According to an indictment returned in November, Ms. Kim and her 36-year-old son had previously negotiated the businessmen’s private sexual liaisons with 20 to 25 women at a rate of $2,000 each, for a total of at least $40,000. The pair promised the “girlfriend experience,” and even allowed an undercover detective to meet several of the women at a local Sushi bar.
“The way this is set up,” her son allegedly told the undercover officer, “it could be considered human trafficking.”
In her plea papers, Ms. Kim admitted that she employed more than 10 commercial sex workers at her two brothels. Many of the women lived at the establishments, in order to cater to customers at all times of the day and night, she acknowledged.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Ryan Raybould and Cara Foos Pierce are prosecuting the case.
Billings man admits conspiracy charges after law enforcement finds 32 pounds of meth in residence, vehicle searchRead the Press Release
BILLINGS–A Billings man admitted conspiracy charges today after agents investigating methamphetamine trafficking found 32 pounds of meth and $11,380 in cash at his residence, U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme said.
Byrne Martin Mestas, 62, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute meth. Mestas faces a minimum mandatory 10 years to life in prison, a $10 million fine and at least five years of supervised release. Mestas is detained.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Timothy J. Cavan presided and recommended that Mestas’ plea be accepted by U.S. District Judge Susan P. Watters, who is hearing the case.
The prosecution said in court records that an investigation into meth trafficking led to Mestas and a co-defendant, Jerry Ray Schuster, of Billings. Schuster pleaded guilty to trafficking crimes in January and is awaiting sentencing.
Law enforcement served a search warrant at Schuster’s and Mestas’ trailer on May 3, 2019. Agents found in the residence a pound of meth, three rifles, drug paraphernalia and receipts corroborating trips to California. A pound of meth is the equivalent of about 3,624 doses. Thirty two pounds of meth is about 115,968 doses.
Agents served a search warrant three days later on four vehicles at the residence. A search of a Suzuki Swift registered to Schuster revealed 30 pounds of meth located in three backpacks, along with $11,380 in cash and receipts documenting travel to California. In the other three vehicles, agents found about a pound of meth, 100 pills, cash and other items.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Julie Patten is prosecuting the case, which was investigated by the FBI task force and the Eastern Montana High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Task Force.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods, a U.S. Department of Justice initiative to reduce violent crime. According to the FBI’s Uniform Crime Reports, violent crime in Montana increased by 36% from 2013 to 2018. Through PSN, federal, tribal, state and local law enforcement partners in Montana focus on violent crime driven by methamphetamine trafficking, armed robbers, firearms offenses and violent offenders with outstanding warrants.
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Belize Man Sentenced to Eighteen Years in Federal Prison for Illegal Reentry and Illegal Possession of a GunRead the Press Release
On February 28, 2020, in the United States District Court in Sioux City, Iowa, an illegal alien with numerous prior deportations, found in the United States illegally and in possession of a loaded handgun and false identification documents, was sentenced to eighteen years in federal prison.
Moses Anthon Francisco, age 53, from the country of Belize, received the prison term after pleading guilty on August 21, 2019, to a one-count indictment charging him with illegal re-entry as a felon. On August 29, 2019, Francisco also pled guilty to a one-count indictment charging him with unlawfully possessing a firearm as a felon and illegal alien. Francisco also admitted violating his supervised release by committing these new criminal offenses while on supervised release for illegal reentry in the Northern District of Illinois.
At the guilty plea hearings and the sentencing, Francisco admitted and evidence was presented that on June 11, 2019, at approximately 12:20 p.m., the Steele County, Minnesota Sheriff’s Office dispatch received reports from drivers on Interstate Highway 35. Those motorists reported that Francisco had been driving erratically and had pointed a silver handgun at another motorist. Law enforcement agents in Minnesota tried to stop Francisco’s car, but he would not pull over. Instead, he sped south on Interstate 35, reaching speeds close to 100 miles per hour. Eventually, Francisco crossed from Minnesota into Iowa, where law enforcement stopped him with the assistance of snowplows blocking the road. After a standoff with police where Francisco refused to get out of his car, law enforcement was able to take him into custody.
Law enforcement found a loaded pistol and a number of passports in the car. Francisco also had additional identification documents on his person.
Francisco was sentenced in Sioux City by United States District Court Chief Judge Leonard T. Strand. Francisco was sentenced to 216 months’ imprisonment. He must also serve a three-year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system.
Francisco 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 Kevin C. Fletcher and investigated by the Iowa Department of Transportation, the Iowa State Patrol, the Minnesota State Patrol, the Worth County Sheriff’s Office, the Mason City Police Department, the Cerro Gordo County Sheriff’s Office, the Steele County, MN, Sheriff’s Office, the Rice County, MN, Sheriff’s Office, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Homeland Security Investigations.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN). PSN is the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
This case is also part of Project Guardian, the Department of Justice’s signature initiative to reduce gun violence and enforce federal firearms laws. Initiated by the Attorney General in the fall of 2019, Project Guardian draws upon the Department’s past successful programs to reduce gun violence; enhances coordination of federal, state, local, and tribal authorities in investigating and prosecuting gun crimes; improves information-sharing by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives when a prohibited individual attempts to purchase a firearm and is denied by the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS), to include taking appropriate actions when a prospective purchaser is denied by the NICS for mental health reasons; and ensures that federal resources are directed at the criminals posing the greatest threat to our communities. For more information about Project Guardian, please see /media/1122011/dl?inline.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file numbers are 19-CR-03027, 19-CR-03039, and 19-CR-04044.
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Baltimore Drug Dealer Pleads Guilty to Federal Drug Distribution ChargeRead the Press Release
Greenbelt, Maryland – Kareem Mack, a/k/a K Mack, age 29, of Baltimore, Maryland, pleaded guilty today to conspiracy to distribute controlled substances related to his participation in a drug trafficking organization that distributed heroin, fentanyl, cocaine, and crack cocaine in Maryland and surrounding states. Robert Williams, age 63, of Baltimore, also pleaded guilty today for providing cutting agents to the drug trafficking organization from his store in the Hollins Market area in Baltimore.
The guilty plea was announced by United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Robert K. Hur; Special Agent in Charge Jennifer C. Boone of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Baltimore Field Office; Assistant Special Agent in Charge Jarod A. Forget of the Drug Enforcement Administration, Washington Division Office; Chief Marcus Jones of the Montgomery County Police Department; and Commissioner Michael Harrison of the Baltimore Police Department.
According to Mack’s guilty plea and other court documents, from October 2018 through April 2019, the FBI intercepted phone communications of the Butler drug trafficking organization (DTO), which operated in and around the Baltimore metropolitan area. Interceptions revealed that the DTO used phones to arrange heroin, cocaine base, and fentanyl sales to drug users and drug redistributors from Maryland, Virginia, West Virginia, and Pennsylvania.
As detailed in Mack’s plea agreement, the DTO operated on a nearly daily basis and sold thousands of dollars in narcotics on a daily basis. Customers of the DTO believed they were purchasing heroin, but the DTO adulterated all heroin it sold with fentanyl. Street-level distributors in the DTO worked in shifts, sharing phones they used to communicate with DTO leadership and customers.
The investigation identified Kareem Mack as a street-level distributor in the DTO from at least November 2018 through his arrest in April 2019. During this period of time, Mack sold heroin, crack cocaine, and fentanyl on behalf of the DTO. A search warrant executed at Mack’s residence on December 7, 2018, by members of the Baltimore City Police Department (“BPD”) recovered over 100 grams of heroin, approximately 26 grams of crack cocaine, and $12,537 in drug proceeds. Officers also recovered a cellular telephone that street-level distributors used to communicate with DTO leadership. Mack was arrested, then released pending trial in state court.
Mack continued to distribute narcotics on behalf of the DTO while on pre-trial release for his state drug trafficking charges. Over the course of his participation in the DTO, Mack admitted that he distributed at least one kilogram of heroin.
In a related case, Robert Williams admitted that from at least September 2018 through June 2019, he supplied the DTO with narcotics cutting agents (i.e., drug paraphernalia). According to Williams’ plea agreement, wiretap interceptions of Williams’ phone revealed that he frequently sold cutting agents used for the processing of heroin and fentanyl in large quantities. Williams communicated by phone and text message about these transactions, but also attempted to disguise the nature of the illegal activity by using FaceTime, an encrypted video/audio application for Apple cellular devices.
In May 2019, the FBI searched Williams’ business in the Hollins Market area of Baltimore and recovered multiple boxes containing large quantities of cutting agents. Interceptions of Williams’ phone had confirmed that he hid the cutting agents inside the store to avoid detection by law enforcement. Williams admitted that he knowingly sold the drug paraphernalia to drug traffickers and knew that it was being used for the distribution of narcotics.
Mack faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years in federal prison and a maximum of life in federal prison for the drug conspiracy. Williams faces a maximum of two years in federal prison. Actual sentences for federal crimes are typically less than the maximum penalties. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after taking into account the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. U.S. District Judge Paul W. Grimm has scheduled sentencing for Mack on August 31, 2020 at 10:00 a.m. Judge Grimm set Williams’ sentencing for August 31, 2020, at 2:00 p.m.
United States Attorney Robert K. Hur commended the FBI, the DEA, the Montgomery County and the Baltimore Police Department for their work in the investigation. Mr. Hur commended the U.S. Postal Inspection Service; the City of Rockville Police Department; the Baltimore County, Howard County, and Montgomery County Police Departments; the Frederick County Sheriff’s Office; the Maryland State Police; the West Virginia State Police; the Virginia State Police; the Warren County (VA) Sheriff’s Department; the Winchester (VA) and Front Royal (VA) Police Departments; and the Frederick County and Howard County State’s Attorney’s Offices. Mr. Hur thanked Assistant U.S. Attorneys Matthew DellaBetta and Michael Goldsticker, who are prosecuting this Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force case.
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Austin Man Pleads Guilty to Computer Hacking and Fraud Scheme to Steal Unreleased Music from Music Industry ProfessionalsRead the Press Release
Geoffrey S. Berman, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, announced today that CHRISTIAN ERAZO pled guilty in Manhattan federal court to conspiring with others to commit wire fraud and computer intrusion. As part of that scheme, ERAZO and others obtained unauthorized access to a music producer’s social networking account to impersonate the producer, in order to solicit and obtain unreleased music from other artists. In addition, ERAZO hacked the online accounts of two music management companies in order to steal unreleased music of numerous music industry professionals. He pled guilty before U.S. Magistrate Judge Kevin N. Fox.
Manhattan U.S. Attorney Geoffrey S. Berman said: “As he admitted today, Christian Erazo hacked the accounts of music producers and management companies in order to steal over 50 gigabytes of content, including then-unreleased music, and leaked it on the internet. This scheme caused financial harm to companies, producers, and artists, and deprived the artists of the ability to release content at their discretion. Now Erazo must face the music.”
According to the Superseding Indictment and statements made at today’s guilty plea:
From at least in or about late 2016 through at least in or about April 2017, CHRISTIAN ERAZO, the defendant, and others known and unknown, unlawfully obtained unauthorized access to Internet cloud storage service accounts of two music management companies and a music producer (“Producer Victim-1”) by, among other things, using the credentials, or usernames and passwords, of individuals with authorized access to those accounts. From those accounts, ERAZO and his co-conspirators stole over approximately 50 gigabytes of music, including music that had not yet been publicly released, from over 20 recording artists, as well as usernames and passwords to other online accounts, among other things. ERAZO and his co-conspirators also leaked on public online forums music that had not yet been publicly released, causing financial and reputational harm to Producer Victim-1 and other recording artists.
In addition, from at least in or about late 2016 through at least in or about late 2017, CHRISTIAN ERAZO, and others known and unknown, unlawfully accessed without authorization a social networking account belonging to Producer Victim-1, from which ERAZO and a co-conspirator (“CC-1”) impersonated Producer Victim-1 and sent private messages to numerous recording artists to solicit music from them that they had not yet released. ERAZO and CC-1 directed these artists to send their music to a fake email account that ERAZO created that incorporated Producer Victim-1’s professional name, which numerous artists did.
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ERAZO, 27, of Austin, Texas, pled guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, which carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison, and one count of conspiracy to commit computer intrusion, which carries a maximum sentence of five years in prison. The statutory maximum potential sentences in this case are prescribed by Congress and are provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the judge. ERAZO is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Lorna G. Schofield on July 7, 2020.
Mr. Berman praised the outstanding investigative work of the New York Field Office of Homeland Security Investigations.
The prosecution of this case is being handled by the Office’s Complex Frauds and Cybercrime Unit. Assistant United States Attorneys Kristy J. Greenberg and Alexandra N. Rothman are in charge of the prosecution.
Armed Gang Member Receives 7 Years in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
WILMINGTON — On February 27, 2020, United States District Judge Louise Flanagan sentenced CORBIN JURAN to 84 months’ imprisonment, followed by 3 years of supervised release. On October 7, 2019, JURAN pled guilty to possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute a quantity of heroin and distribution of a quantity of heroin.
In May 2019, law enforcement began an investigation of JURAN and the gang of which he was a member for the sale of narcotics and the associated violence. The investigation was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation Coastal Carolina Safe Streets Task Force which includes federal task force officers from the Wilmington Police Department and New Hanover County Sheriff’s Office, as well as Gang and Narcotics Detectives from the New Hanover County Sheriff’s Office.
On May 1, 2019, Wilmington Police Department responded to a call at a motel in Wilmington. Officers observed JURAN and a female walking from the dumpster behind the motel. While speaking with JURAN, law enforcement confirmed that he had an active arrest warrant from Onslow County. JURAN fled as officers attempted to pat him down for weapons. Officers recovered a .22 revolver that had been in JURAN’s waistband and a small quantity of methamphetamine, which he had thrown down. JURAN told law enforcement that he was a member of the Folk Nation.
On May 13, 2019, the New Hanover County Sheriff’s Office Gang and Narcotics Units made a controlled purchase of heroin from JURAN near his residence in Wilmington.
On May 24, 2019, the Sheriff’s Office Gang and Narcotics Units received information that JURAN was going to pick up heroin from a source of supply at a mini-mart in Wilmington. Law enforcement conducted surveillance on a car in which JURAN was a passenger. JURAN was observed entering the store and exiting quickly after that. New Hanover County Sheriff’s Detectives performed a traffic stop on the car and JURAN was found in possession of 500 bags containing a mixture of heroin, fentanyl and acetyl fentanyl. JURAN told detectives that he had picked up heroin from this source multiple times over the last couple of months.
This case is part of an FBI-lead Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) operation entitled “Tiny Toon Adventures”. This investigation focused on members of the United Blood Nation gang and the Folk Nation gang in Wilmington, North Carolina and their involvement with the distribution of heroin and fentanyl, and possession of firearms.
This case is also part of the Take Back North Carolina Initiative of the United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of North Carolina, which emphasizes a regional assignment of federal prosecutors to work with law enforcement and District Attorney’s Offices on a sustained basis in those communities to reduce the violent crime rate, drug trafficking, and crimes against law enforcement.
Through the combined effort of an OCDETF operation and the Take Back North Carolina Initiative – FBI Task Force Officers from the Wilmington Police Department were able to identify members of this violent drug gang, and then partner with the FBI and United States Attorney’s Office to develop a strategy for dismantling this organization. Utilizing local intelligence, law enforcement was able to employ a breadth of federal government resources in order to help curb the criminal activity of this gang in Wilmington. The success of this case would not have been possible without these partnerships.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation Coastal Carolina Safe Streets Task Force, the New Hanover County Sheriff’s Office Gang Unit and Narcotics Unit, and the Wilmington Police Department conducted the investigation of this case. Assistant United States Attorney Timothy Severo prosecuted the case on behalf of the government.
6 Defendants Sentenced to over 44 Years Combined for Drug Trafficking in South ArkansasRead the Press Release
El Dorado, Arkansas – David Clay Fowlkes, Acting United States Attorney for the Western District of Arkansas, announced that six (6) people have been sentenced for their roles in a Union County methamphetamine distribution ring. The Honorable Judge Susan O. Hickey presided over the sentencing hearings in the El Dorado Division of the United States District Court.
According to court records, the drug trafficking organization lead by Charles “Marty” Permenter and Donna Williams operated between 2014 and 2016, during which time it pushed large quantities of methamphetamine onto the streets of Union County.
Defendants in this conspiracy received the following sentences:
Charles “Marty” Permenter, age 56, of El Dorado, Arkansas, was sentenced on June 11, 2018, to 180 months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release. Permenter was indicted in June 2016, and plead guilty in March 2017.
Donna Williams, age 64, of El Dorado, Arkansas, was sentenced on February 13, 2019, to 151 months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release. Williams was also ordered to pay $24,480 in restitution to the Social Security Administration, representing disability payments she obtained unlawfully during the course of the drug conspiracy. Williams was indicted in July 2017, and plead guilty in June 2018.
Madia Nicole Parker, age 41, of El Dorado, Arkansas, daughter of Donna Williams, was sentenced on February 15, 2019, to 36 months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release. Parker was indicted in July 2017, and plead guilty in May 2018.
Kasey Doss, age 39, of El Dorado, Arkansas, was sentenced on February 14, 2019, to 84 months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release. Doss was also sentenced to a consecutive 12 months and 1 day in prison for possessing contraband while she was incarcerated. Doss was indicted in July 2017, and plead guilty in May 2018.
Marty Turner, age 45, of Calion, Arkansas, was sentenced on February 27, 2020, to 24 months and 8 days in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release. In accordance with the United States Sentencing Guidelines, the Court lowered Turner’s sentence from 70 months so as to make it retroactively concurrent with a related 216-month state prison sentence he has been serving since 2016. Turner was indicted in July 2017, and plead guilty in February 2019.
Kenny Haynes, age 42, of El Dorado, Arkansas, was also sentenced on February 27, 2020, to 63 months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release. Haynes was indicted in July 2017, and plead guilty in February 2019.
This case was investigated by the Criminal Apprehension Division—a joint law enforcement effort of the Union County Sheriff’s Department, the El Dorado Police Department, and the 13th Judicial District Drug Task Force—along with the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Social Security Administration’s Office of the Inspector General. Assistant United States Attorneys Graham Jones and Benjamin Wulff prosecuted the case for the United States.
2 March 2020
Young Offender Pleads Guilty to Multiple Armed CarjackingsRead the Press Release
Memphis, TN – Isaiah Miller, 19, has pleaded guilty to multiple counts of carjacking and brandishing a firearm during a crime of violence. U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant announced the guilty plea today.
According to information presented in court, on October 10, 2018, at about 9:45 p.m., two victims were walking to their vehicle on South Cooper Street in Memphis, Tennessee, when four very young black males approached them. One suspect pointed a small black handgun and demanded their property. The suspect told them to "lie on the ground facedown." As one of the victims attempted to get down, one of the suspects punched him twice in the left jaw. The suspects took the victims’ wallets, cell phones, and the keys to the victims’ vehicle. They left in the 2013 Mazda headed northbound on Cooper. After notifying law enforcement about the crime, one of the victims positively identified Miller as one of the individuals who carjacked him. The victim said "Miller was the man who hit him in the face and told another man to shoot him."
On October 11, 2018, at around 10:19 p.m., a victim was sitting in her silver Honda Civic charging her phone. She saw a group of five black males approach her, point a gun at her, and demand that she get out of the vehicle. The victim exited the vehicle and one of the men snatched her cell phone from her hand. She asked if she could keep her purse from the car, and one man responded, "Hell naw." The males got into the Honda Civic and were last seen going west on Mynders Avenue. The victim positively identified Miller as the person responsible for the carjacking who brandished the weapon. Fingerprints belonging to Miller were found on the hood and passenger side rear door glass of the recovered vehicle.
On October 13, 2018, a victim was pulling into the driveway of his girlfriend’s house on Venable Avenue when another vehicle blocked in their vehicle. Three black males approached and demanded he exit the vehicle. The two men on the driver’s side of the vehicle both had firearms, one black and one silver. One of the suspects then pistol whipped the victim and pulled him out of the vehicle. The armed male then pointed the gun at the victim’s girlfriend and told her to get out of the vehicle. They took a phone and a gold ring from the victims. They then drove away from the scene in the victim’s Honda Accord. The victim positively identified Miller as the person who pulled her out of the vehicle.
On October 17, 2018, at approximately 5:45 p.m., a victim was walking at Walker Avenue and Tanglewood toward his car after visiting friends. The victim was approached by three black males armed with firearms who demanded that he give them his car keys, wallet, and cash. The victim initially did not comply, so one of the suspects hit him in the face and head with the firearm. The victim then gave the suspects his wallet and ran. The suspects were unable to find victim’s keys in his wallet so they fled from the scene. The victim positively identified Miller from a photo lineup as the suspect who demanded his keys and struck him in the face with the pistol.
On Friday, October 19, 2018, Mt. Moriah task force officers were on enhanced patrol looking for a silver Honda Civic that had been seen driving recklessly through the area of South Perkins and Cottonwood. Law enforcement observed a silver Honda matching the description in the area and attempted to pull it over, but the driver refused to stop. Officers chased the vehicle to the Cedar Mills apartment complex, when all four males jumped out of the car and ran in different directions. Miller was apprehended after jumping from a balcony. Ultimately, Miller gave a statement to the police, admitting to at least one of the carjackings.
Sentencing is scheduled for May 21, 2020, before U.S. District Court Judge Thomas L. Parker. Miller faces up to 15 years in federal prison followed by 3 years supervised release for each of the four carjackings. He faces mandatory minimum consecutive sentences of 7 years and up to life imprisonment for each of the firearm offenses.
U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant said, "In the short period of just one week, this young offender not only injured and terrorized multiple victims, but he also senselessly wasted his own life by committing successive violent gun crimes. There is a heavy price to pay for such violence and lawlessness, and Miller will now pay that price with decades in a federal prison. This case demonstrates our ability and intention to aggressively prosecute violent carjackings, no matter the age of the offender. Hopefully, it will also send a strong deterrent message to others to avoid throwing their lives away by senseless gun violence."
The Memphis Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) investigated this case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Elizabeth Rogers and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Samuel D. Winnig are prosecuting this case on behalf of the government. Winnig is currently assigned from the Shelby County District Attorney’s Office for the purpose of prosecuting violent crimes and firearms offenses in federal court.
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