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2 March 2020
Former Groton Postmaster Pleads Guilty to Stealing Government FundsRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A USPS employee pleaded guilty today in federal court in Boston to stealing approximately $7,000 in government money.
Adam Lavertue, 37, of Dracut, pleaded guilty to one count of embezzlement and theft of public money, property or records. U.S. District Court Judge Richard G. Stearns scheduled sentencing for June 2, 2020. In September 2019, Lavertue was arrested and charged by indictment.
Lavertue began working the United States Postal Service (USPS) in April 2008 and became Postmaster of the Groton Post Office in June 2015. In this role, Lavertue performed a variety of managerial and administrative tasks to facilitate the daily operations of the Post Office, including maintaining the facility’s operational functions, handling customer transactions and managing mail clerks and delivery staff. In February 2017, Lavertue began using the purchase charge card issued to the Groton Post Office to make over $500 in personal purchases, including food, beverages and tobacco products. Additionally, Lavertue used Post Office Voyager cards, which are used by USPS mail couriers to fuel the official USPS delivery vehicles, to fuel his personally owned vehicle, charging over $5,000 in fuel. Lavertue also stole over $1,000 in cash from his assigned cash register drawer and reserve at the Groton Post Office. Lavertue’s scheme cost the USPS approximately $7,000.
The charging statute provides a sentence of up to 10 years in prison, three years supervised release and a $250,000 fine. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
United States Attorney Andrew E. Lelling; Matthew Modafferi, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Postal Service Inspector General; and Joseph W. Cronin, Inspector in Charge of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Eugenia M. Carris of Lelling’s Public Corruption & Special Prosecutions Unit is prosecuting the case.
Former Adult Day Care Activity Center Owner in San Antonio Pleads Guilty to Health Care Fraud Scheme and Theft of Social Security BenefitsRead the Press Release
In San Antonio today, 52-year-old Scherry Lynn Moses pleaded guilty federal charges in connection with a scheme that fraudulently billed Medicaid for services not rendered and for stealing benefits from Social Security recipients, announced U.S. Attorney John F. Bash.
Appearing before Senior U.S. District Judge Royce C. Lamberth, Moses pleaded guilty to one count of Health Care Fraud, one count of wire fraud and one count of theft of government funds. By pleading guilty, Moses admitted that while operating two Scherry’s Adult Day Activity Centers in San Antonio, she fraudulently billed the Medicaid Managed Care Organizations known as Amerigroup of Texas, Inc., Molina Healthcare of Texas, Inc. and Superior Health Plan, Inc., for adult day care services that were never rendered to Medicaid recipients.
Moses also admitted that as a designated representative payee for Social Security benefits, she failed to use the funds for the benefit of the Social Security recipients but instead, used the monies for her own personal benefit.
The exact amount of money she collected as a result of her fraudulent scheme has yet to be determined. According to the indictment, her scheme occurred between 2008 and 2016. Moses admitted that she sent false and fraudulent bills in addition to those in the two fraud counts to which she pleaded guilty. Moses has agreed to provide full restitution on all of the charges against her in the indictment. A request was made for the Court to set a separate hearing at a late date to determine the total amount of the fraud and losses caused by Moses.
Moses faces up to ten years in federal prison for Health Care Fraud; up to 20 years in federal prison for wire fraud; and, up to ten years in federal prison for theft of government funds. Sentencing is scheduled for 4:00pm on May 4, 2020, before Judge Lamberth.
The Social Security Administration Office of Inspector General and the Texas Attorneys General’s Office Medicaid Fraud Control Unit investigated this case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Fidel Esparza, III, and Rex Beasley are prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
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The year 2020 marks the 150th anniversary of the Department of Justice. Learn more about the history of our agency at www.Justice.gov/Celebrating150Years.
Final Defendant Sentenced to Federal Prison for Role in Interstate Bank Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
PORTLAND, Ore.—Lozaro Sopo Lopez, 26, of Miami, Florida, was sentenced today to 40 months in federal prison and three years’ supervised release for his role in a large scheme to defraud banks located in Oregon and elsewhere of more than $900,000.
Sopo Lopez is the seventh defendant sentenced for crimes associated with the scheme beginning in at least January 2017 and continuing until January 2018. Two other co-conspirators have been indicted in the District of Oregon for related criminal conduct, but remain at large.
According to court documents, Sopo Lopez and his co-conspirators recruited individuals to deposit fraudulent checks at various banks. These individuals—referred to as “mules”—were given checks with their names typed or written on them and driven to banks to attempt deposits. Sopo Lopez and his co-conspirators instructed the individuals to use coded messages to communicate their success or failure at the banks.
When the co-conspirators received proceeds from the fraudulent deposits, they would make cash deposits into Florida-based bank accounts. These deposits were structured to avoid detection by law enforcement. Shortly thereafter, other co-conspirators withdrew the cash in Florida. In total, the scheme resulted in an estimated loss of at least $911,444 to various banks and credit unions in Oregon and Washington.
Sentenced defendants include:
- Arley Gonzalez, 34, of Miami, Florida—57 months in prison, three years’ supervised release, and a $64,460 forfeiture money judgement
- Antonio Conde Cabrera, 35, of Miami, Florida—41 months in prison, five years’ supervised release, and a $151,810 forfeiture money judgement
- Miguel Betancourt, 39, of Miami, Florida—33 months in prison, three years’ supervised release, and a $40,820 forfeiture money judgement
- Luis Chavez, 47, of Miami, Florida—39 months in prison, three years’ supervised release, and a $45,735 forfeiture money judgement
- Yusniel Paez Rodriguez, 36, of Miami, Florida—50 months in prison, three years’ supervised release, and a $31,222 forfeiture money judgement
- Ronny Vazquez, 33, of Miami, Florida—37 months in prison, three years’ supervised release, and a $17,698 forfeiture money judgement
During sentencing, U.S. District Court Judge Marco A. Hernandez ordered Sopo Lopez to pay $652,926 in restitution and $22,888 to satisfy a forfeiture money judgement. All sentenced defendants were jointly and severally ordered to pay $652,926 in restitution.
This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), Vancouver Police Department, and Portland Police Bureau and prosecuted by Julia E. Jarrett and Seth D. Uram, Assistant U.S. Attorneys for the District of Oregon.
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.
Federal Prisoner Sentenced to 8 More Months in Prison for Illegally Possessing Controlled DrugRead the Press Release
JOHNSTOWN, Pa. – An inmate at the Federal Correctional Center in Loretto, Pa., pleaded guilty in federal court in Johnstown to a charge of possession of a prohibited object in prison, and immediately following, was sentenced to eight months in prison and three years’ supervised release, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.
Viboll Mark, 31, pleaded guilty to the indictment before United States District Judge Kim R. Gibson.
In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that on March 13, 2018, Mark possessed a quantity of Buprenorphine.
Assistant United States AttorneyMaureen Sheehan-Balchon prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
Mr. Brady commended the Laurel Highlands Resident Agency of the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Federal Correctional Institution, Special Investigative Staff, for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Mark.
Federal Jury Convicts Chinese National of Laundering Drug Proceeds on Behalf of Traffickers in MexicoRead the Press Release
CHICAGO — A federal jury in Chicago has convicted a Chinese national of laundering illegal narcotics proceeds on behalf of drug traffickers in Mexico.
On three occasions in 2018, XIANBING GAN schemed to have narcotics proceeds totaling approximately $534,206 picked up in Chicago and transferred to various bank accounts in China, in order for the money to ultimately be remitted to drug traffickers in Mexico. Gan is a Chinese national who facilitated the money transfers while residing in Guadalajara, Mexico. Unbeknownst to Gan, a purported money courier who picked up the drug proceeds in Chicago was actually an undercover law enforcement agent.
U.S. authorities arrested Gan in November 2018 at Los Angeles International Airport during a brief layover on a flight from Hong Kong to Mexico. He has remained in U.S. custody since then.
After a nearly two-week trial, a federal jury in Chicago on Thursday convicted Gan, 49, on three counts of money laundering and one count of operating an unlicensed money transmitting business. The jury acquitted Gan on one count of conspiracy to commit money laundering.
Each money laundering count is punishable by up to 20 years in federal prison, while the maximum sentence for the money transmission crime is five years. U.S. District Judge Thomas M. Durkin set sentencing for May 21, 2020.
The conviction was announced by John R. Lausch, Jr., United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois; James M. Gibbons, Special Agent-in-Charge of the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations in Chicago; and Kathy A. Enstrom, Special Agent-in-Charge of the IRS Criminal Investigation Division in Chicago. The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Richard M. Rothblatt and Sean J.B. Franzblau.
Federal Inmate Sentenced on Escape ChargeRead the Press Release
BECKLEY, W.Va.—A federal inmate was sentenced to four months in prison for escape, announced United States Attorney Mike Stuart. Linda Avila, 55, previously admitted that on January 29, 2019, she walked away from the Federal Prison Camp (FPC) at Alderson, a minimum security prison for female inmates. She was immediately captured a short distance from the prison grounds. Avila was serving a twelve-year sentence for conspiracy to defraud the government and mail fraud. Her sentence for escape will run consecutively to her prior sentence.
“The only thing Avila accomplished by trying to escape, is extending her already lengthy stay at FPC Alderson,” said United States Attorney Mike Stuart.
The Federal Bureau of Prisons conducted the investigation. United States District Judge Frank Volk presided over the hearing. Assistant United States Attorney John File handled the prosecution.
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Ex-Gardena Police Officer Sentenced to Nearly 3 Years in Prison for Unlicensed Firearms Business, Selling Weapons to Convicted FelonsRead the Press Release
LOS ANGELES – A former Gardena Police officer was sentenced today to 33 months in federal prison for scheming to purchase “off-roster” firearms not available to the general public and then illegally reselling the firearms for profit.
Carlos Miguel Fernandez, 44, of Norwalk, was sentenced by United States District Judge S. James Otero, who stated that Fernandez’s conduct was “egregious” and “shocking.”
At a six-day trial in November 2019, a jury found Fernandez guilty of conspiracy to engage in the business of dealing firearms without a license and of substantive counts of engaging in an unlicensed firearms business. Fernandez also was found guilty of an additional conspiracy count, selling firearms to a convicted felon, and of making false statements about the sales on federal firearms licensing paperwork. Following the guilty verdict, the Gardena Police Department terminated Fernandez’s employment.
Fernandez, whose Instagram handle was “the38superman,” advertised firearms for sale – guns being offered by both himself and others – on his Instagram account. The vast majority of posts on the account contained images of firearms. Fernandez marketed firearms at gun shows. He was not licensed to engage in the business of dealing in firearms.
Fernandez exploited his position as a police officer to ensure the success of his illegal gun selling business. Specifically, Fernandez purchased “off-roster” firearms – mostly Colt .38-caliber handguns that were not available to the general public, but which could be legally purchased by law enforcement officers – and sold dozens of these weapons through private-party transfers. Through messages on Instagram and other means, Fernandez negotiated the prices and terms of firearm sales, and he accepted payment for the guns once the firearms were delivered.
Between May 2016 and December 2017, Fernandez negotiated and arranged the sale of 10 firearms to a convicted felon, Oscar Maravilla Camacho Jr., 36, of Salinas. With respect to every sale, Fernandez communicated directly with Camacho Jr. about the firearms purchases and understood that Camacho Jr., as a felon, could not legally buy the weapons. Nevertheless, Fernandez transferred the weapons to Camacho Jr. in violation of federal law. Camacho Jr. is serving a six-year federal prison sentence in this case after he pleaded guilty in November 2019 to conspiracy and cocaine distribution charges.
“(Fernandez) ignored the dangerous nature of his conduct, in flagrant disregard of his duties and oath as a law enforcement officer, and did so because he was motivated to make money,” prosecutors wrote in their sentencing memorandum.
Judge Otero today also ordered a new trial for Edward Yasushiro Arao, 49, of Eastvale, who was found guilty by the same jury that convicted Fernandez. Judge Otero ruled that his previous decision that Arao and Fernandez be tried together was erroneous. A March 18 status conference has been set to discuss a new trial date for Arao.
Six other defendants in this case have pleaded guilty to federal criminal charges for distribution of cocaine, conspiracy to dispose of firearms to a felon, and making false statements that led to the straw purchase of several firearms.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated this case. The Gardena Police Department provided its full cooperation during the investigation.
This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Katherine A. Rykken of the Major Frauds Section and Veronica Dragalin of the Public Corruption and Civil Rights Section.
Enfield Man Admits Putting Dozens of Guns on the Street to Feed Drug AddictionRead the Press Release
John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, and Brian C. Turner, Special Agent in Charge of the New Haven Division of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, announced that NORMAN KLOSEK, also known as Rich Klosek, 35, of Enfield, pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Judge Janet Bond Arterton in New Haven to offenses related to his illegal sale of numerous firearms.
According to court documents and statements made in court, in the spring of 2019, the FBI’s Northern Connecticut Violent Crimes Gang Task Force initiated court-authorized wiretaps on a member of the Los Solidos street gang who was distributing fentanyl and cocaine in and around Hartford. Intercepted communications revealed that Klosek, who had a valid state pistol permit, was acting as a “straw purchaser” of firearms for a target of the investigation who, based on his criminal history, cannot lawfully purchase or possess firearms.
On April 22, 2019, the target picked up Klosek in Enfield and drove to the Newington Gun Exchange, a licensed gun dealer in Newington, where Klosek purchased two handguns. During the purchase, Klosek completed and signed an ATF Form 4473 form in which he falsely represented that he was the actual purchaser of the firearms and was not acquiring the firearms for another person. He also represented that he was not an unlawful user, or addicted to, any controlled substances. Klosek provided the guns to the target after the purchase. Later that day, investigators conducted a traffic stop of the target’s vehicle and recovered the two firearms.
The investigation revealed that Klosek, who had an escalating drug addiction, first purchased and registered a firearm with the State of Connecticut on November 6, 2018. Since that date, Klosek purchased 45 handguns in addition to the two guns he had purchased on April 22, 2019. Twenty-five of the guns had been purchased between March 8 and April 22, 2019.
On April 24, 2019, a search of Klosek’s residence revealed empty gun boxes and receipts for firearm purchases, but no firearms. Klosek was arrested the following day in Hartford. He possessed fentanyl/heroin at the time of his arrest. Klosek admitted that he was addicted to drugs and that he had sold or “loaned” the guns he had purchased.
To date, approximately 10 of the 47 handguns purchased by Klosek have been recovered by law enforcement. One gun was recovered after it was used in a shooting in Hartford on August 22, 2019.
Klosek pleaded guilty to one count of dealing firearms without a license, which carries a maximum term of imprisonment of five years, and one count of making a false statement during the acquisition of a firearm, which carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years. Judge Arterton scheduled sentencing for May 26, 2020.
Klosek is released on a $50,000 bond pending sentencing.
On June 27, 2019, a grand jury Hartford returned a 32-count indictment charging 15 members and associates of Los Solidos with various narcotics trafficking and firearm possession offenses. As to these defendants, U.S. Attorney Durham stressed that an indictment is not evidence of guilt. Charges are only allegations, and each defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
The FBI’s Northern Connecticut Violent Crimes Gang Task Force includes members of the Hartford Police Department, East Hartford Police Department, Connecticut State Police and Connecticut Department of Correction. The Hartford Police Department’s Vice and Narcotics Division and the New Britain Police Department have provided valuable assistance to the investigation. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Brian P. Leaming.
Convicted Felon Sentenced to More than Ten Years in Prison for Illegaly Possessing Ammunition Used in A Lansing ShootingRead the Press Release
GRAND RAPIDS, MICHIGAN – United States Attorney Andrew Birge announced today that Narrion Lamont Caston, 23, of Lansing, Michigan, was sentenced to serve 120 months in the Federal Bureau of Prisons for illegal possession of ammunition, and 14 months for violations of his Federal supervised release. He will serve the terms consecutively. In sentencing Caston, U.S. District Court Judge Janet T. Neff noted that Caston’s undeterred penchant for firearms and ammunition posed a serious danger to the community.
Caston pled guilty to being a felon in possession of ammunition last November. Caston is prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition due to multiple prior felony convictions. At the time Caston illegally possessed the ammunition, he was only one month into a three-year term of federal supervision for a previous conviction for being a felon in possession of a firearm. At the sentencing hearing, a detective from the Lansing Police Department testified that the ammunition Caston illegally possessed was found in a car after Caston shot into another vehicle, hitting a Lansing area resident in the leg.
This case was prosecuted as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. 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.
"I express my appreciation to our federal and state law enforcement agencies for their partnership with this investigation," said Daryl Green, Chief of the Lansing Police. "Caston recklessly endangered the lives of many in our community and this investigation is a testament of collaboration between law enforcement and community members, all working to create safer communities." In announcing the sentence, U.S. Attorney Birge stated, "holding dangerous convicted felons accountable through federal prosecution is essential to our message of deterrence."
This case was investigated by the Lansing Police Department Detective and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF). Assistant United States Attorney Erin Lane prosecuted the case.
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Convicted Felon Charged with Illegal Firearms PossessionRead the Press Release
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – A federal grand jury on Thursday indicted an Addison man for being a felon in possession of a firearm, announced U.S. Attorney Jay E. Town and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives Special Agent in Charge Marcus Watson.
A three-count indictment filed in U.S. District Court charges Preston Cheyenne Johnson, 37, of Addison, with being a felon in possession of a firearm.
According to the indictment, Johnson, who is prohibited from having a firearm because of prior felony convictions, is accused of unlawfully possessing an Anderson AM-15 5.56mm rifle on October 31, 2019, a Norcino Mak90 7.62mm rifle on February 4, 2020, and a Glock Model 19 9mm pistol on February 5, 2020.
“Violent convicted felons with firearms will answer to federal charges in the Northern District of Alabama,” Town said. “We are indebted to the brave law enforcement officers who put themselves in harm’s way to ensure that this violent criminal was brought to justice.”
“ATF’s focus on removing illegally possessed firearms from prohibited individual’s aids in reducing the potential for violent crime,” Watson said.
This case is part of Project Guardian, the Department of Justice’s signature initiative to reduce gun violence and enforce federal firearms laws. Initiated by the Attorney General in the fall of 2019, Project Guardian draws upon the Department’s past successful programs to reduce gun violence; enhances coordination of federal, state, local, and tribal authorities in investigating and prosecuting gun crimes; improves information-sharing by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives when a prohibited individual attempts to purchase a firearm and is denied by the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS), to include taking appropriate actions when a prospective purchaser is denied by the NICS for mental health reasons; and ensures that federal resources are directed at the criminals posing the greatest threat to our communities. The United States Attorney’s Office has prosecuted this case with support from the following Project Guardian partners: Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Explosives and Firearms. For more information about Project Guardian, please see: https://www.justice.gov/projectguardian.
The maximum penalty for being a felon in possession of a firearm is 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
ATF investigated the case along with Alabama Law Enforcement Agency and several other local law enforcement agencies, which Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert J. Becher, Sr. is prosecuting.
An indictment is merely an allegation and the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
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.
Colorado Man Sentenced to 83 Months in Prison for Role in $7.2 Million Biodiesel Tax Credit SchemeRead the Press Release
A Colorado resident was sentenced to 83 months in prison on Friday for his role in a biodiesel tax credit fraud scheme, announced Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Richard E. Zuckerman of the Justice Department’s Tax Division.
According to court documents and statements made in court, Matthew Taylor and his coconspirators defrauded the United States by filing false claims for tax credits under a federal program that encourages production and use of renewable fuels. They created a fake company, Shintan Inc. (Shintan), that purported to be in the business of creating renewable fuels. From 2010 to 2013, the coconspirators then sought and obtained from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) over $7.2 million in tax credits for renewable fuel produced, of which Taylor personally received $4.5 million. In fact, Shintan produced no qualifying renewable fuel. To avoid detection, Taylor and coconspirators transferred the fraudulently obtained funds through a series of bank accounts belonging to Shintan and other shell companies.
“Filing false renewable fuel tax credit claims is not just a crime against the IRS but a crime against all taxpaying citizens," said Andy Tsui, IRS--Criminal Investigation Special Agent in Charge. "Those engaged in this fraud should stop in their tracks and look at the consequences which include being sent to prison as a convicted felon and paying back all the taxes owed plus steep penalties and interest.”
“Friday’s sentencing shows the severe consequences for those who try to profit by defrauding renewable fuels programs,” said Lance Ehrig, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the EPA’s criminal enforcement program in Colorado. “EPA and our law enforcement partners are committed to holding accountable those who seek to defraud taxpayers for personal profit.”
On Feb. 27, 2019, Taylor pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to defraud the United States, one count of conspiracy to commit money laundering, and one count of money laundering.
In addition to the term of imprisonment imposed, U.S. District Chief Judge Philip A. Brimmer ordered Taylor to serve four years of supervised release and to pay approximately $7.2 million in restitution to the United States.
Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Zuckerman thanked special agents of IRS-Criminal Investigation and Environmental Protection Agency-Criminal Investigation, who conducted the investigation, and Trial Attorneys Sarah A. Kiewlicz and Stephen K. Moulton of the Tax Division, who prosecuted the case.
Additional information about the Tax Division and its enforcement efforts may be found on the Division’s website.
Citizen of Trinidad and Tobago Previously Barred for Life Pleads Guilty to Reentry of a Removed AlienRead the Press Release
St. Croix, USVI – On Monday, March 2, 2020, Christopher Alfred, 45, of St. Croix, Virgin Islands, pleaded guilty before U.S. Magistrate Judge George Cannon, Jr., to reentry of removed alien, United States Attorney Gretchen C.F. Shappert announced.
According to the plea agreement filed with the court, on or about June 2014, the defendant, an alien and citizen of Trinidad and Tobago, was deported from Miami after he was convicted for money laundering. Due to his prior conviction, he was barred for life from entering the United States. On or about January 11, 2018, the defendant was located in Frederiksted. Before he was found in the United States, the defendant did not seek permission from the Attorney General to reapply for admission to the United States.
Alfred faces a maximum sentence of 20 years and a $250,000 fine. A sentencing date has been set for July 1, 2020.
The case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Rhonda Williams-Henry.
Chichester Car Dealer Sentenced to Six Months in Prison for Financial CrimesRead the Press Release
CONCORD - Michael A. Albert, 52, of Chichester, was sentenced to six months in federal prison for structuring cash deposits from his business, Mike’s Affordable Auto, LLC, for the purpose of evading bank reporting requirements, money laundering, and evading reporting requirements with respect to cash transactions in excess of $10,000, United States Attorney Scott W. Murray announced.
According to court documents and statements made in court, Albert, who ran a used car business at locations in Concord and Chichester, knew that if he deposited cash in amounts more than $10,000, the bank was required to file reports of those transactions with the IRS. Albert structured cash deposits from his business in order to evade the reporting requirements imposed on the bank. Additionally, Albert accepted cash in amounts greater than $10,000 for the purchase of vehicles from a person who represented that the cash was proceeds of illegal drug trafficking. Albert also failed to file required forms with the IRS identifying cash receipts in his business in excess of $10,000.
Albert previously pleaded guilty on September 10, 2019. In addition to his sentence, Albert agreed to forfeit $434,201 in a related civil forfeiture proceeding.
“Federal bank reporting laws help to protect against money laundering and other financial crimes,” said U.S. Attorney Murray. “The defendant’s criminal activities, including laundering money that he believed to be drug proceeds, were serious offenses. Today’s sentence sends a message that those who commit financial crimes will face substantial consequences for their actions.”
“Federal laws that regulate the reporting of financial transactions are in place to detect and stop illegal activities. Michel Albert conducted transactions that were by design, intended to avoid such reporting requirements,” said IRS Special Agent In Charge Kristina O’Connell. “IRS Criminal Investigation is committed to enforcing these laws and will continue working collaboratively with our law enforcement partners to investigate this type of criminal behavior.”
This matter was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation, with assistance from Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations and the Manchester Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Arnold Huftalen. The civil forfeiture matter is being handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert Rabuck.
This case was supported by the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF). The OCDETF program is a federal multi-agency, multi-jurisdictional task force that supplies supplemental federal funding to federal and state agencies involved in the identification, investigation, and prosecution of major drug trafficking organizations.
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Cedar Rapids Woman Pleads Guilty to Lying to a Federal Grand JuryRead the Press Release
A woman who made false statements before a federal grand jury pled guilty today in federal court in Cedar Rapids.
Paula Cole, age 30, from Cedar Rapids, Iowa, was convicted of one count of making a false declaration before a grand jury.
In a plea agreement, Cole admitted that she testified before a federal grand jury in September 2018 regarding an investigation of her boyfriend for a firearms charge. During her grand jury testimony, Cole testified that she did not know whether her boyfriend was a marijuana user, and that there was nothing that ever indicated to her that he used marijuana. Cole admitted in her plea agreement that her grand jury testimony was false, and that she knew that her boyfriend was a marijuana user because she had previously seen him use marijuana.
Sentencing before United States District Court Judge C.J. Williams will be set after a presentence report is prepared. Cole remains free on bond previously set pending sentencing. Cole faces a possible maximum sentence of 5 years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, and 3 years of supervised release following any imprisonment.
The case was investigated by the Cedar Rapids Safe Streets Task Force. The task force is composed of representatives from the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Cedar Rapids Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Dan Chatham.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 19-CR‑00107‑CJW‑MAR.
Follow us on Twitter @USAO_NDIA.
California Man Admits Plot to Distribute over 30 Pounds of Crystal Methamphetamine and Five Kilos of Fentanyl in New JerseyRead the Press Release
CAMDEN, N.J. – A California man today admitted shipping approximately 30 pounds of crystal methamphetamine and conspiring to send an additional five kilograms of fentanyl into New Jersey, U.S. Attorney Craig Carpenito announced.
Isabel Otanez-Sanchez, 26, of San Jacinto, California, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Noel Hillman in Camden federal court to an information charging him with one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine and a quantity of fentanyl.
According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:
In September 2018, law enforcement officers received information that an individual known as “Pancho,” later identified as Otanez-Sanchez, was shipping large quantities of narcotics to New Jersey from California. On Jan. 28, 2019, Sanchez agreed to send 30 pounds of methamphetamine to a law enforcement confidential source (CS) in Atlantic City, New Jersey. Otanez-Sanchez, along with conspirator Jesus Zavala-Torres, hid 28 packages of methamphetamine inside a salvaged vehicle that was shipped to New Jersey from California. Agents recovered the 28 packages, totaling approximately 30 pounds, from the car’s gas tank. On Feb. 12, 2019, the CS met with Sanchez and Torres in Riverside, California. At this meeting, Otanez-Sanchez and Torres also agreed to sell an additional five kilograms of fentanyl that would be shipped to the CS in New Jersey in the same manner as the methamphetamine. Following this meeting, Otanez-Sanchez and Torres were arrested by law enforcement and the fentanyl they intended to ship to New Jersey was recovered. Zavala-Torres previously pleaded guilty to his role in the conspiracy.
The conspiracy charge carries a mandatory minimum penalty of 10 years in prison, a maximum potential penalty of life in prison, and a $10 million fine.
U.S. Attorney Carpenito credited special agents of the Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), Cherry Hill, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Brian Michael in Newark, with the investigation leading to today’s guilty plea. He also thanked HSI in Riverside, California; the New Jersey State Police; the Hemet, California, Police Department; and the Atlantic City Task Force for their assistance.
The government is represented by Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Meriah Russell of the U.S. Attorney's Office Criminal Division in Camden.
Buffalo Man Pleads Guilty to Selling CocaineRead the Press Release
CONTACT: Barbara Burns
PHONE: (716) 843-5817
FAX #: (716) 551-3051BUFFALO, N.Y. - U.S. Attorney James P. Kennedy, Jr. announced today that Jose Bruno, 36, of Buffalo, NY, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Richard J. Arcara to possession with intent to distribute, and distribution of, cocaine. The charge carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison, and a fine of $1,000,000.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Misha A. Coulson, who is handling the case, stated that on September 24 and October 25, 2018, investigators conducted two controlled purchases of cocaine from Bruno at his Jewett Avenue residence. On November 8, 2018, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service executed a federal search warrant on a suspicious postal package addressed to a “Maria Ramos” at the defendant’s residence. Testing confirmed that the parcel contained cocaine. Although this package was not intended for Bruno, he intended to deliver it to someone else.
The plea is the result of an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Ray Donovan, and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, under the direction of Inspector-in-Charge Joseph W. Cronin of the Boston Division.
Sentencing is scheduled for June 4, 2020, at 1:00 p.m. before Judge Arcara.
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Broken Arrow Woman Convicted for Stealing $654,579 from her EmployerRead the Press Release
A Broken Arrow woman pleaded guilty Monday in federal court to charges related to the embezzlement of $654,579 while she was employed with the Tulsa County Public Facilities Authority (TCPFA).
Brandy Okey, 40, pleaded guilty to wire fraud and to signing a false tax return. In her written plea agreement, Okey admitted that from December 2015 to September 2018, she carried out a scheme in which she embezzled funds while employed with the TCPFA then later failed to report illegally obtained funds on a tax return.
“Greedy Brandy Okey embezzled from the Tulsa County Public Facilities Authority box office sales at Expo Square. Her scheme wasn’t particularly complex, but she used her position of trust to gain access to the funds and cover it up,” said U.S. Attorney Trent Shores. “Along with Assistant U.S. Attorney Ryan Roberts, the credit for holding Ms. Okey accountable goes to the Federal Bureau of Investigation and Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation Division. I’m thankful the TCPFA reached out to let us know something was amiss. I hope other public authorities or corporate boards see this as an example of how federal justice officials can help them recover stolen money, hold accountable wrongdoers, and deter white collar crime.”
In her position with TCPFA, Okey was responsible for accounting and financial management. Okey admitted that she used her access to the Expo Square box office cash collections to take cash funds. She then deposited a portion of the embezzled cash funds into personal bank accounts for her own use. Okey further used a portion of the cash funds to directly pay for personal expenses without depositing the funds. In order to conceal her scheme, Okey shredded the original deposit slips or prepared new slips showing a lower deposit amount. To further hide her scheme, Okey admitted that she did not accurately record box office collections on TCPFA financial statements. The fraudulent statements were emailed to the company’s Board of Directors.
Okey also admitted that she made and signed a false tax return for the year 2017 when she knowingly failed to report approximately $294,450 of income acquired through the scheme that year.
Chief U.S. District Judge John E. Dowdell scheduled Okey’s sentencing for June 8, 2020.
The FBI and IRS-Criminal Investigation conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Ryan Roberts is prosecuting the case.
Brewton Man Sentenced in Federal Gun CaseRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Richard W. Moore of the Southern District of Alabama announced that Eric Scott Risley, 40, of Brewton, Alabama was sentenced on February 27, 2020, for being a felon in possession of firearms. He entered a guilty plea to the charge in November of 2019.
United States District Court Judge Terry F. Moorer imposed a sentence of 57 months imprisonment, to be followed by a supervised release term of three years. During that period of supervision, Risley will undergo testing and treatment for drug abuse. Risley was also ordered to pay $100 in special assessments, but no fine was imposed. In addition, the firearms Risley illegally possessed were ordered forfeited to the United States.
The case was investigated by the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. It was prosecuted in the United States Attorney’s Office by Assistant United States Attorney Gloria Bedwell.
Baltimore Felon Pleads Guilty to Federal Charge for Illegal Possession of a FirearmRead the Press Release
Baltimore, Maryland – Linwood Davis, age 25, of Baltimore, Maryland, pleaded guilty today to a federal charge for being a felon in possession of a firearm. Davis was charged federally last year for his alleged participation in a drug distribution conspiracy operating in Northwest Baltimore near the intersection of Liberty Heights Avenue and Garrison Boulevard, and for illegally possessing a firearm.
The guilty plea was announced by United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Robert K. Hur; Assistant Special Agent in Charge Orville O. Greene of the Drug Enforcement Administration, Baltimore District Office; and Commissioner Michael Harrison of the Baltimore Police Department.
“Gang members settling disputes with gunfire are plaguing our streets with violence and murder. The cycle of retributive violence has to stop,” said U.S. Attorney Robert K. Hur. “We in federal law enforcement are determined to make our streets safer, working with our local and state partners. We’re committed to identifying and prosecuting armed criminals to remove them from our communities. To those who would do as this defendant did, I say, please put down the gun. You will save a life—maybe even your own.”
According to his guilty plea, in February 19, 2019, Davis was shot in Baltimore. Shortly after his release from the hospital, Davis posted on social media that he would seek vengeance against those who shot him. On March 21, 2019, Davis again posted on social media that he was looking for revenge for the death of his “brother.” Later that day, DEA investigators conducing a court-authorized wiretap on Davis’ phone overheard Davis telling an associate to bring him the “whatchamacallit,” and DEA agents began surveilling Davis. That night Davis left a residence on Mount Holly Street in Baltimore and got into a minivan. Investigators followed the van to the 1600 block of West North Avenue in Baltimore, where the vehicle abruptly stopped and the passenger-side door opened. Agents went up to the van, which was being driven by a livery driver.
In the back of the minivan were Davis and two co-conspirators. Agents searched the co-conspirators and recovered two loaded firearms from each co-conspirator. Davis admitted that he knew the co-conspirators had four guns and that he therefore jointly possessed the firearms with the co-conspirators. Davis had a previous felony conviction and was prohibited from possessing firearms and ammunition.
Davis faces a maximum sentence of 10 years in federal prison for being a felon in possession of a firearm. 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 George L. Russell, III has scheduled sentencing for May 28, 2020 at 9:30 a.m.
United States Attorney Robert K. Hur commended the DEA and the Baltimore Police Department for their work in the investigation. 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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Baldwin County Man Sentenced in Firearms CaseRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Richard W. Moore of the Southern District of Alabama announced that Harvey Lyn Tillman, 38, of Perdido, Alabama, was sentenced on February 26, 2020, for being a felon in possession of firearms. He entered a guilty plea to the charge in November of 2019.
United States District Court Judge Jeffery U. Beaverstock imposed a sentence of 37 months imprisonment, to be followed by a supervised release term of three years. During that period of supervision, Tillman will undergo testing and treatment for drug abuse. Tillman was also ordered to pay $100 in special assessments, but no fine was imposed.
The case was investigated by the Baldwin County Sheriff’s Office, the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. It was prosecuted in the United States Attorney’s Office by Assistant United States Attorney Gloria Bedwell.
Attorney Sentenced to 46 Months for Enticement and Coercion to Engage in ProstitutionRead the Press Release
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jaclyn Stahl (619) 546-8456 and Fred Sheppard (619) 546-8237
NEWS RELEASE SUMMARY – March 2, 2020
SAN DIEGO – United States District Judge Anthony J. Battaglia sentenced local attorney William David Turley to 46 months in custody for enticing a female to engage in prostitution. Judge Battaglia also ordered Turley to pay $50,000 in restitution to a minor victim involved in the case.
According to his plea agreement, on or about April 30, 2018, Turley began communicating with an adult female victim whom he met on the website sugardaddymeet.com. On or about May 3, 2018, Turley persuaded, induced, and enticed the victim to take a flight from a city in California to Las Vegas, Nevada to meet with him. Turley paid for the victim’s flight and other travel expenses. At the time the victim boarded the flight in California, she understood that she was traveling to Las Vegas to engage in sexual acts with Turley in exchange for monetary compensation. In Las Vegas, Turley provided the victim with between $1,500 and $1,800 in cash in exchange for sexual intercourse.
The plea agreement also states that on or about May 12, 2018, Turley began communicating with the minor female victim via sugardaddymeet.com. In conversations with the minor victim, they discussed that she was 18 years old. But he was aware that she was a high school student, that she could not meet on weekends because she was grounded, and that her parents had taken her cellphone away due to poor performance in school. Turley met with the minor victim on or about May 15, 2018, at a public library near her high school.
According to the plea agreement, on or about May 16, 2018, Turley again met the minor victim at the library after school and drove her to a store where Turley purchased the minor victim a cellphone. Turley then drove the minor victim a short distance, parked the car, and engaged in a sex act with the minor. The victim told Turley she wanted to stop and needed to get home. Turley gave the minor victim $300.
U.S. Attorney Robert Brewer praised the FBI, the San Diego Human Trafficking Task Force and prosecutors Jaclyn Stahl and Fred Sheppard for ensuring that Turley’s victims had a voice and saw justice done. “We are committed to enforcing the laws of the United States and will prosecute individuals who break the law regardless of their wealth, job title, or status,” Brewer said.
“Human trafficking and sex crimes involving our children cannot be tolerated,” said FBI Special Agent in Charge Scott Brunner. “The FBI will continue to work tirelessly to reveal these horrible crimes and bring safety and closure for the victims and our communities.”
DEFENDANT Case No. 18-CR-4574-AJB
William David Turley Age: 61 San Diego, CA
SUMMARY OF CHARGES
Enticing and Coercing a Female to Engage in Prostitution, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 2422(a).
Maximum Penalty: Twenty years in prison, $250,000 fine.
INVESTIGATING AGENCIES
Federal Bureau of Investigation
San Diego Human Trafficking Task Force
Armed Drug Dealer Sentenced in Federal CourtRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Richard W. Moore of the Southern District of Alabama announced that David Neal Halvorson, 50, of Gulf Shores, Alabama, was sentenced in federal court. In February of 2018, Halvorson pled guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking felony.
United States District Court Judge Kristi K. Dubose imposed a total sentence of 126 months imprisonment, consisting of 66 months on the drug charge to run consecutive to 60 months on the gun charge. The judge ordered that Halvorson would receive credit for 46 months he has already served on a related state charge. Halvorson will serve a supervised release term of seven years when he is released from prison, during which time he will undergo testing and treatment for drug and alcohol abuse. The judge did not impose a fine, but she ordered that he pay $200 in special mandatory assessments.
The case was investigated by the Baldwin County Drug Task Force, the Baldwin County Sheriff’s Office and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. It was prosecuted in the United States Attorney’s Office by Assistant United States Attorney Gloria Bedwell.
11 Members of Money Laundering Ring ChargedRead the Press Release
Geoffrey S. Berman, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, Patrick Freaney, Deputy Special Agent in Charge of the New York Field Office of the United States Secret Service (“Secret Service”), Troy Miller, Director of New York Field Operations for United States Customs and Border Protection (“CBP”), and William F. Sweeney Jr., Assistant Director-in-Charge of the New York Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (“FBI”), announced today the arrests of JACOB SAGIAO, MARYLYNN PENEUETA, BRITT JACKSON, JOSHUA FITTEN, DONTAE COTTRELL, ARINZE OBIKA, HERMAN BASS, DAVID URO, and PRINCE UKO for money laundering and wire fraud schemes. Eight of the defendants were presented before United States Magistrate Judges in three federal judicial districts on February 27 and 28. UKO will be presented before a United States Magistrate Judge in the Northern District of Georgia later today. Two other defendants, VICTOR AHAIWE and NDUKWE ANYAOGU, remain at large.
U.S. Attorney Geoffrey S. Berman said: “As alleged, the defendants conspired to launder the proceeds of online fraud schemes that deceived victims into sending the defendants more than $5 million. Thanks to the Secret Service and CBP, nine of the defendants are in custody, and all 11 face serious federal charges.”
Secret Service Deputy Special Agent in Charge Patrick Freaney said: “The U.S. Secret Service is dedicated to the pursuit and investigation of those responsible for committing cyber-enabled fraud. The success of this investigation is the result of a collaborative effort between the New York Field Office of the Secret Service and the U.S. Attorney’s Office of the Southern District of New York. Additionally, I would like to recognize the efforts of the Atlanta Field Office and Los Angeles Field Office of the Secret Service for their invaluable assistance that have made this investigation a success.”
CBP Director of New York Field Operations Troy Miller said: “This case exemplifies the collaborative law enforcement efforts to combat transnational criminal organizations. U.S. Customs and Border Protection is proud to have collaborated with our fellow law enforcement partners during this investigation leading to today’s arrests.”
FBI Assistant Director William F. Sweeney Jr. said: “The threat of cyber-enabled fraud has long been publicized, and many people assume they know enough to avoid being victimized by this type of crime. The truth is, however, fraudsters are often very skilled at targeting their victims and masking their behavior in a way that often goes undetected until it’s too late. Today’s charges are yet another reminder to the public to exercise due diligence in both personal and professional online settings as we work together to defeat cybercrime worldwide.”
According to the allegations in the two Complaints charging the defendants:
From at least in or about July 2018 up to and including at least in or about November 2019, SAGIAO, PENEUETA, JACKSON, FITTEN, COTTRELL, OBIKA, BASS, URO, AHAIWE, ANYAOGU, and UKO received and laundered the proceeds of three business email compromise schemes, in which the corporate and organizational victims were fraudulently induced to send nearly $5 million to bank accounts controlled by SAGIAO, OBIKA, and others.
From at least in or about June 2019 up to and including the present, JACKSON participated in and received proceeds from an online romance fraud scheme, in which the victim was fraudulently induced to send over $130,000 to JACKSON and others.
In or about October 2018, ANYAOGU participated in and received proceeds from an email compromise scheme, in which a foreign law firm was fraudulently induced to transfer approximately $380,000, intended for another person, to a bank account ANYAOGU controlled.
In or about February 2020, UKO made the false statements to federal law enforcement officers that he had never exchanged text messages with a co-conspirator and that certain transactions were for a textile business rather than to launder the proceeds of criminal activity.
* * *
SAGIAO, PENEUETA, JACKSON, FITTEN, COTTRELL, OBIKA, BASS, URO, AHAIWE, and ANYAOGU are charged with: (1) conspiracy to commit bank fraud, and (2) conspiracy to commit money laundering. AHAIWE is also charged with aggravated identity theft, and JACKSON and ANYAOGU are also charged with wire fraud. UKO is charged with conspiracy to commit money laundering and making false statements in a matter within the jurisdiction of the executive branch of the Government of the United States. Conspiracy to commit bank fraud, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 1349, carries a maximum term of 30 years in prison. Conspiracy to commit money laundering, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 1956(h), carries a maximum term of 20 years in prison. Aggravated identity theft, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 1028A, carries a mandatory consecutive term of two years in prison. Wire fraud, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 1343, carries a maximum term of 20 years in prison. Making a false statement in a matter within the jurisdiction of the executive branch of the Government of the United States, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 1001, carries maximum term of five years in prison. The maximum potential sentences and the mandatory minimum sentences are prescribed by Congress and are provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendants would be determined by the judge.
Mr. Berman praised the outstanding investigative work of the Secret Service, and, in particular, the Secret Service’s Electronic Crimes Task Force, CBP, the FBI, and special agents of the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York. The prosecution of this case is being handled by the Office’s General Crimes Unit. Assistant United States Attorneys Jun Xiang and Kevin Mead are in charge of the prosecution.
The charges contained in the Complaints are merely accusations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Defendant
Age
Hometown
Charges
JACOB SAGIAO
47
Oxnard, CA
Bank fraud conspiracy; money laundering conspiracy
MARYLYNN PENEUETA
46
Oxnard, CA
Bank fraud conspiracy; money laundering conspiracy
BRITT JACKSON
43
Columbus, GA
Bank fraud conspiracy; money laundering conspiracy; wire fraud
JOSHUA FITTEN
25
Hacienda Heights, CA
Bank fraud conspiracy; money laundering conspiracy
DONTAE COTTRELL
36
Whittier, CA
Bank fraud conspiracy; money laundering conspiracy
ARINZE OBIKA
33
Queens, NY
Bank fraud conspiracy; money laundering conspiracy
NDUKWE ANYAOGU
43
Marietta, GA
Bank fraud conspiracy; money laundering conspiracy; wire fraud
HERMAN BASS
37
Hawthorne, CA
Bank fraud conspiracy; money laundering conspiracy
DAVID URO
28
Brooklyn, NY
Bank fraud conspiracy; money laundering conspiracy
VICTOR AHAIWE
54
Rancho Cucamonga, CA
Bank fraud conspiracy; money laundering conspiracy; aggravated identity theft
PRINCE UKO
46
Jonesboro, GA
Money laundering conspiracy; false statements
As the introductory phrase signifies, the entirety of the text of the Complaints and the descriptions of the Complaints set forth herein constitute only allegations and every fact described should be treated as an allegation.
29 February 2020
Washington Man Charged with Prohibited Person in Possession of a FirearmRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a Bridgeport, Washington, man has been indicted by a federal grand jury for Prohibited Person in Possession of a Firearm.
Johnathan Bravo Barrera, age 25, was indicted on February 11, 2020. He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge William D. Gerdes on February 21, 2020, and pled not guilty to the Indictment.
The maximum penalty upon conviction is up to 10 years in federal prison and a $250,000 fine, three years of supervised release, $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund, and restitution.
The Indictment alleges that on October 23, 2019, in Corson County, Bravo while knowingly being an unlawful user of and addicted to marijuana knowingly possessed two firearms, which had been shipped and transported in interstate commerce and foreign commerce.
The charge is merely an accusation and Bravo is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. The Department of Justice reinvigorated PSN in 2017 as part of its renewed focus on targeting violent criminals, directing all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to work in partnership with federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement and local communities to develop effective, locally-based strategies to reduce violent crime.
This case is also part of Project Guardian, the Department of Justice’s signature initiative to reduce gun violence and enforce federal firearms laws. Initiated by the Attorney General in the fall of 2019, Project Guardian draws upon the Department’s past successful programs to reduce gun violence; enhances coordination of federal, state, local, and tribal authorities in investigating and prosecuting gun crimes; improves information-sharing by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives when a prohibited individual attempts to purchase a firearm and is denied by the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS), to include taking appropriate actions when a prospective purchaser is denied by the NICS for mental health reasons; and ensures that federal resources are directed at the criminals posing the greatest threat to our communities. For more information about Project Guardian, please see: https://www.justice.gov/projectguardian.
The investigation is being conducted by Northern Plains Safe Trails Drug Enforcement Task Force and the Corson County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kirsten Jasper is prosecuting the case.
Bravo was released on bond. A trial date has not been set.
Rosebud Woman Indicted for Assault of and Threatening a Federal OfficerRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a Rosebud, South Dakota, woman has been indicted by a federal grand jury for Assaulting, Resisting, and Impeding a Federal Officer and Influencing a Federal Officer by Threat.
Jamie E. Oliver, a/k/a Jamie E. Decory, age 34, was indicted on February 11, 2020. She appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno on February 26, 2020, and pled not guilty to the Indictment.
The maximum penalty upon conviction is up to 10 years in federal prison and/or a $250,000 fine, 3 years of supervised release, and $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Restitution may also be ordered.
The Indictment alleges that on October 6, 2019, Oliver did forcibly assault, oppose, impede, intimidate, and interfere with and threaten to murder a law enforcement officer who was employed by the Rosebud Sioux Tribe.
The charges are merely accusations and Oliver is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
The investigation is being conducted by the Rosebud Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services. Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael J. Elmore is prosecuting the case.
Oliver was released on bond pending trial. A trial date has not been set.
Rapid City Woman Sentenced for Methamphetamine TraffickingRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a Rapid City, South Dakota, woman convicted of Conspiracy to Distribute Methamphetamine was sentenced on February 24, 2020, by Chief Judge Roberto A. Lange, U.S. District Court.
Terri Paulhamus, age 39, was sentenced to 60 months in federal prison, followed by 4 years of supervised release, a $1,000 fine, and a special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund in the amount of $100.
Paulhamus was indicted by a federal grand jury on August 14, 2018. She pled guilty on December 5, 2019.
The conviction stemmed from a conspiracy that occurred between 2016 and 2017, in which Paulhamus, knowingly and intentionally, conspired and agreed with others to knowingly and intentionally distribute and possess with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine on the Rosebud Sioux Indian Reservation.
This case was investigated by the Rosebud Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services and the Northern Plains Safe Trails Drug Enforcement Task Force. Assistant U.S. Attorney Cameron J. Cook prosecuted the case.
Paulhamus was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Rapid City Man Sentenced for Illegal Possession of FirearmRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a Rapid City, South Dakota, man convicted of Possession of an Unregistered Firearm was sentenced by Jeffrey L. Viken, U.S. District Judge.
Warren Hotchkiss, age 39, was sentenced on February 25, 2020, to time served, 2 years of supervised release, and was ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.
The charge related to Hotchkiss unlawfully possessing a short-barrel Weatherby, model PA 08 TR, 12 gauge pump action shotgun in March 2019 at Rapid City, which was found after law enforcement executed a search warrant on Hotchkiss’ residence.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. The Department of Justice reinvigorated PSN in 2017 as part of its renewed focus on targeting violent criminals, directing all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to work in partnership with federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement and local communities to develop effective, locally-based strategies to reduce violent crime.
This case is also part of Project Guardian, the Department of Justice’s signature initiative to reduce gun violence and enforce federal firearms laws. Initiated by the Attorney General in the fall of 2019, Project Guardian draws upon the Department’s past successful programs to reduce gun violence; enhances coordination of federal, state, local, and tribal authorities in investigating and prosecuting gun crimes; improves information-sharing by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives when a prohibited individual attempts to purchase a firearm and is denied by the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS), to include taking appropriate actions when a prospective purchaser is denied by the NICS for mental health reasons; and ensures that federal resources are directed at the criminals posing the greatest threat to our communities. For more information about Project Guardian, please see: https://www.justice.gov/projectguardian.
The investigation was conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, and the Rapid City Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Benjamin Patterson prosecuted the case.
Rapid City Man Sentenced for Fourth Failure to Register as a Sex OffenderRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a Rapid City, South Dakota, man convicted of Failure to Register as a Sex Offender was sentenced on February 24, 2020, by Chief Judge Roberto A. Lange, U.S. District Court.
Bradley Makes Room For Them, age 35, was sentenced to 33 months in federal prison, followed by 5 years of supervised release, and a special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund in the amount of $100.
Makes Room For Them was indicted by a federal grand jury on October 17, 2019. He pled guilty on December 17, 2019.
Makes Room For Them was convicted of Aggravated Sexual Abuse in September 2003. As a result of this conviction, he is required to register under the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act. Makes Room For Them was convicted of Failure to Register as a Sex Offender in 2014, 2016, and 2018. In September 2019, Makes Room For Them was released from prison and began a period of supervised release, but failed to update his sex offender registration. An arrest warrant was subsequently issued and on September 29, 2019, Makes Room For Them was arrested in Rapid City.
This case was investigated by the U.S. Marshals Service. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kirk Albertson prosecuted the case.
Makes Room For Them was immediately turned over to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Pukwana Woman Sentenced for Theft of Mail by Postal Service EmployeeRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a Pukwana, South Dakota, woman convicted of Theft of Mail by Postal Service Employee was sentenced on February 24, 2020, by U.S. District Judge Karen E. Schreier.
Kayla Ottmo, age 36, was sentenced to 2 years of probation, $315 in restitution, and a special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund in the amount of $100.
Ottmo was indicted by a federal grand jury on July 9, 2019. She pled guilty on November 26, 2019.
The conviction stemmed from incidents between on or about September 2018, and November 2, 2018, when Ottmo stole letters, packages, bags, and mail that were not addressed to her. These items had been placed in the custody and control of the U.S. Postal Service and were intended to be conveyed by mail. Ottmo stole the contents of the letters, packages, bags, and mail, namely gift cards and other items of value, and converted them to her own use. At the time, Ottmo was employed by the U.S. Postal Service in Pukwana as a rural carrier associate.
This case was investigated by the Office of Inspector General, U.S. Postal Service. Assistant U.S. Attorney Ann M. Hoffman prosecuted the case.
Pine Ridge Woman Acquitted of Second Degree MurderRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a Pine Ridge, South Dakota, woman was acquitted of Second Degree Murder as a result of a federal jury trial in Rapid City, South Dakota, on February 21, 2020.
Doreen Brown, age 44, was indicted by a federal grand jury on July 9, 2019.
The charges related to the stabbing death of Brown’s boyfriend at Pine Ridge on June 27, 2019.
The investigation was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Oglala Sioux Tribe Department of Public Safety. The U.S. Attorney's Office prosecuted the case.
Pine Ridge Man Sentenced for BurglaryRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a Pine Ridge, South Dakota, man convicted of Third Degree Burglary was sentenced by Jeffrey L. Viken, U.S. District Judge.
Nicholas Otter Robe, age 20, was sentenced on February 25, 2020, to 5 years of probation, ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund, and $40,700 in restitution.
Otter Robe was indicted by a federal grand jury in August 2018. The charge related to Otter Robe causing extensive damage to a Chevrolet Impala and Chevrolet Suburban on June 2, 2018, at the Pine Ridge School. Otter Robe then broke a window to gain entrance to the school and entered various offices and multiple classrooms, leaving a path of destruction to federal and school property in his wake. Otter Robe caused in excess of $40,700 damage to the vehicles and federal and/or Pine Ridge School property.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Indian Affairs - Office of Justice Services, and the Oglala Sioux Tribe Department of Public Safety. Assistant U.S. Attorney Eric Kelderman prosecuted the case.
Mount Vernon Man Sentenced for Distribution and Receipt of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a Mount Vernon, South Dakota, man convicted of Distribution and Receipt of Child Pornography was sentenced on February 24, 2020, by U.S. District Judge Karen E. Schreier.
Richard Charles Tellinghuisen, age 29, was sentenced to 121 months in federal prison, followed by 5 years of supervised release, and a special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund in the amount of $100.
Tellinghuisen was indicted by a federal grand jury on July 9, 2019. He pled guilty on November 26, 2019.
The conviction stemmed from incidents on or about September 11, 2017, and September 12, 2017, when Tellinghuisen entered a chat room on the internet hosted by KIK where he chatted with an undercover agent. Tellinghuisen distributed several videos containing child pornography to the undercover agent.
Tellinghuisen knew the files contained child pornography and he admitted to knowingly distributing files containing child pornography that had been mailed, shipped, and transported in or affecting interstate or foreign commerce by any means, including by computer.
This case was investigated by the Department of Homeland Security. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeffrey C. Clapper prosecuted the case.
Tellinghuisen was immediately turned over to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
McLaughlin Man Charged with Abusive Sexual Contact with a ChildRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a McLaughlin, South Dakota, man has been indicted by a federal grand jury for Abusive Sexual Contact of a Child and Sexual Contact.
Joseph Dallas Spotted Horse, age 61, was indicted on February 11, 2020. He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge William D. Gerdes on February 21, 2020, and pled not guilty to the Indictment.
The maximum penalty upon conviction is up to life in federal prison and/or a $250,000 fine, five years of supervised release, $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund, and restitution.
The Indictment alleges that in August of 2015, Spotted Horse knowingly engaged in sexual contact with a child who had not attained the age of 12 years. The Indictment further alleges that Spotted Horse engaged in sexual contact with an individual who at the time was incapable of appraising the nature of the conduct and was physically incapable of declining participation in and communicating an unwillingness to engage in the abusive sexual contact.
The charges are merely accusations and Spotted Horse is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
The investigation is being conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kirsten Jasper is prosecuting the case.
Spotted Horse was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service pending trial. A trial date has not been set.
Fort Pierre Man Sentenced for Methamphetamine TraffickingRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a Fort Pierre, South Dakota, man convicted of Conspiracy to Distribute Methamphetamine was sentenced on February 25, 2020, by Chief Judge Roberto A. Lange, U.S. District Court.
Frank Loring Miller, Jr., age 61, was sentenced to 57 months in federal prison, followed by 3 years of supervised release, a $1,000 fine, and a special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund in the amount of $100.
Miller was indicted by a federal grand jury on July 16, 2019. He pled guilty on December 12, 2019.
The conviction stemmed from a conspiracy that occurred between February 1, 2019, and July 16, 2019, in which Miller, knowingly and intentionally, conspired and agreed with others to knowingly and intentionally distribute and possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine in and around the Pierre and Ft. Pierre communities. As part of the conspiracy, Miller and his co-defendants traveled to Denver, Colorado to pick up methamphetamine. On June 23, 2019, law enforcement conducted a traffic stop of Miller’s vehicle wherein 236 grams of methamphetamine, a scale, pipes and other items of distribution were found.
This case was investigated by the Northern Plains Safe Trails Drug Enforcement Task Force, the Pierre Police Department, and the South Dakota Highway Patrol. Assistant U.S. Attorney Meghan N. Dilges prosecuted the case.
Miller will self-report on March 10th to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Former Watertown Woman Charged with Theft of Government FundsRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a former Watertown, South Dakota, woman has been indicted by a federal grand jury for Theft of Government Funds, False Statement, Concealment of Information from SSI Program, and Misuse by a Representative Payee.
Marilyn Ruth Holley, age 40, was indicted on January 7, 2020. She appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge William D. Gerdes on February 25, 2020, and pled not guilty to the Indictment.
The maximum penalty upon conviction is up to 10 years in federal prison and/or a $250,000 fine, 3 years of supervised release, and up to $400 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Restitution may also be ordered.
The first count of the Indictment alleges that between November 19, 2015, and April 1, 2019, Holley willfully and knowingly embezzled, stole, and purloined money from Title XVI program benefits payments made to a minor child from whom Holley was a representative payee. Title XVI is administered by the Social Security Administration.
The second count of the Indictment also alleges that on or about April 5, 2016, Holley knowingly made false statements and representations in a Social Security Administration non-medical review, that is she falsely reported that a minor child was living in her home, when he was not.
The third count of the Indictment alleges that between November 19, 2015, and April 1, 2019, Holley failed to disclose that a minor child had ceased to live in her home, in order to continue to receive and spend SSI benefits payments made by the Social Security Administration to her.
Finally, the fourth count of the Indictment alleges that between November 19, 2015, and April 1, 2019, Holley knowingly and willfully converted the minor child’s benefits to her own use.
The charges are merely accusations and Holley is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
The investigation is being conducted by the Social Security Administration, Cooperative Disability Investigation Unit. Assistant U.S. Attorney Ann M. Hoffman is prosecuting the case.
Holley was released on bond pending trial. A trial date has not been set.
28 February 2020
Woman Sentenced for Cocaine Conspiracy and Multiple Fraud SchemesRead the Press Release
ALEXANDRIA, Va. – A Nigerian woman was sentenced today to 10 years in prison and ordered to pay over $377,000 in restitution for leading a conspiracy to import more than five kilograms of cocaine into the United States, as well as to her role in a separate bank fraud scheme, and to making false statements relating to fraudulent claims submitted to Medicaid for reimbursement.
“Temitope Ayoni Olaiya, aka “Tammy”, engaged in multiple schemes carried out against the United States, implicating our healthcare system, financial system, our borders, and drug enforcement regime,” said G. Zachary Terwilliger, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia. “Despite coming to this country legally more than a decade ago and living on a green card, Olaiya chose to flout the law in pursuit of a diverse portfolio of criminal activities.”
According to court documents, Olaiya, 41, who resided in Hyattsville, Maryland, and is a legal permanent resident, recruited men from the greater Washington, D.C. area to act as drug couriers; i.e., to travel to foreign countries to obtain drugs to bring back into the United States. Olaiya opened bank accounts in the couriers’ names, assisted them in obtaining passports and visas, and booked their travel arrangements. The couriers that Olaiya recruited traveled primarily to São Paulo, Brazil, where they picked up kilogram quantities of cocaine hidden in the lining of soft-sided briefcases or attaché cases. Altogether, law enforcement seized nearly seven kilograms of cocaine at three different United States airports from three separate couriers recruited by Olaiya.
In addition to the cocaine importation scheme, Olaiya also submitted falsified and fraudulent claims to the D.C. Department of Health Care Finance (DHCF), a health care benefit program funded by Medicaid. Olaiya worked as a personal care aide for various home health agencies in the Washington D.C. area, and in order to receive payment for services rendered, Olaiya was required to submit timesheets signed by her clients documenting the services rendered. Instead of submitting time sheets for time actually worked providing health care services, Olaiya recruited Medicaid recipients to act as her “patients” and to sign her falsified timesheets in return for a small amount of money as a kickback. On multiple occasions, Olaiya billed DHCF for home health services she claimed to have provided while she was out of the country.
Separate and apart from the cocaine importation and the home health services scheme, Olaiya also used her African goods business in Maryland to carry out a bank fraud. Olaiya used accounts with payment platforms Square and Stripe to make fraudulent charges on stolen credit card numbers. Between June and December 2017, Olaiya submitted, or caused to be submitted, $381,500 in fraudulent credit card charges to the Stripe account. Thereafter, Olaiya switched over to Square, and in the course of about two months, racked up more than $100,000 in fraudulent charges. When Square informed Olaiya that the true account holder had challenged the transaction, Olaiya created handwritten, falsified invoices documenting items purportedly purchased by the account holder, and provided the fake invoices to Square.
This case was prosecuted as part of Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) Operation Girl From Ipanema. The OCDETF program is a federal multi-agency, multi-jurisdictional task force that supplies supplemental federal funding to federal and state agencies involved in the identification, investigation, and prosecution of major drug trafficking organizations. The principal mission of the OCDETF program is to identify, disrupt, and dismantle the most serious drug trafficking, weapons trafficking, and money laundering organizations, and those primarily responsible for the nation’s illegal drug supply.
G. Zachary Terwilliger, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia; Raymond Villanueva, Special Agent in Charge of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Washington, D.C.; and Maureen R. Dixon, Special Agent in Charge of the Office of Inspector General for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), made the announcement after sentencing by U.S. District Judge Liam O'Grady. Assistant U.S. Attorney Katherine E. Rumbaugh prosecuted the case.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. Related court documents and information are located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 1:19-cr-294 and 1:19-cr-323.
Waukesha Bar Owner Found Guilty of Arson of Commercial Building and Related ChargesRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Matthew D. Krueger announced that on February 27, 2020, a jury found Brian Whitton of Waukesha, Wisconsin, guilty of arson of a commercial business, mail fraud, use of fire to commit another felony offense, and making a false statement to federal law enforcement agent. After a four-day trial before the Honorable William C. Griesbach, Whitton was found guilty of intentionally setting fire to his business, a bar called “The Stage Off Main,” on March 25, 2017. The bar was located at 854 Martin Street in Waukesha, Wisconsin.
At the time of the fire, the building housed both Whitton’s bar and an occupied rental unit. Whitton was also convicted of executing a mail fraud scheme premised upon his submission of a fraudulent, sworn proof of loss claim to his insurance carrier, United States Liability Insurance Company, LLC, in which falsely claimed that the fire was the result of an accident. Finally, the jury found Whitton guilty of lying to an agent of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (“ATF”) during the course of the investigation.
The United States Attorney commented, “Arson is an extremely dangerous crime that puts the lives of the public and first responders in danger. This conviction is a testament to the strong partnership between ATF, the Waukesha Police and Fire Departments, and the United States Attorney’s Office. Together with our law enforcement partners, the United States Attorney’s Office is committed to utilizing all available resources to bring dangerous arsonists like Brian Whitton to justice.”
Whitton is scheduled to be sentenced on May 8, 2020. He faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 5 years’ imprisonment for the arson conviction, to be followed by a consecutive, mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years’ imprisonment for the use of fire to commit another felony conviction. The maximum penalty for the mail fraud conviction is 20 years in prison, a $250,000 fine, and a term of supervised release. Whitton also faces up to 5 years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, and a term of supervised release for the false statement conviction.
The successful prosecution of Whitton was the direct result of a lengthy investigation conducted by ATF, the Waukesha Police Department and the Waukesha Fire Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Kelly B. Watzka and Timothy W. Funnell.
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Waterbury Resident Admits Violating Sex Offender Registration LawRead the Press Release
John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that KURTIS GASKINS, 46, of Waterbury, pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Judge Janet Bond Arterton in New Haven to violating the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act (SORNA).
According to court documents and statements made in court, in 1992, Gaskins was convicted in Massachusetts of sexual assault offenses. Gaskins failed to register as a sex offender in Connecticut when he moved to Connecticut in November 2018, and failed to update his sex offender registration in Massachusetts.
On October 9, 2019, the U.S Marshals Service located and arrested Gaskins in Waterbury.
Judge Arterton scheduled sentencing for May 18, 2020, at which time Gaskins faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years. Gaskins is released on a $10,000 bond pending sentencing.
This matter is being investigated by the U.S. Marshals Service and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Nathaniel J. Gentile.
Waterbury Man Who Stole Social Security Benefits is SentencedRead the Press Release
John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that ZIMER KALICI, 56, of Waterbury, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Jeffrey A. Meyer in New Haven to two years of probation, the first three months of which Kalici must serve in home confinement, for theft of Social Security benefits.
According to court documents and statements made in court, individuals are not eligible for Social Security benefits when they permanently relocate to live outside of the U.S., and eligibility for Social Security benefits terminates upon death. An investigation by the Social Security Administration Office of Inspector General (“SSA OIG”) revealed that Kalici’s father, a Social Security benefits recipient, relocated from the U.S. to Macedonia in 2009, and died in January 2010. Kalici did not report his father’s death to the Social Security Administration and, between 2009 and 2018, deposited approximately $52,417.84 worth of Social Security checks intended for his father into his own personal bank account.
In November 2018, during an interview with SSA OIG investigators, Kalici stated that his father was still alive and had left the U.S. for Macedonia in May 2018. Kalici subsequently provided SSA OIG with a false funeral internment certificate that represented his father had died on November 26, 2018.
Judge Meyer ordered Kalici to pay full restitution.
On September 23, 2019, Kalici pleaded guilty to one count of theft of public money.
Kalici also must perform 250 hours of community service while on probation.
This case was investigated by the Social Security Administration Office of Inspector General and was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Margaret M. Donovan.
Ware Man Sentenced to 15 Years in Prison for Sex Trafficking and Sexual Exploitation of a MinorRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Ware man was sentenced today in federal court in Springfield on sex trafficking and sexual exploitation charges.
Walter Brown, 74, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Mark G. Mastroianni to 15 years in prison and five years of supervised release. In October 2019, Brown pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit sexual exploitation of a child, two counts of sexual exploitation of a child, one count of conspiracy to commit sex trafficking and two counts of sex trafficking. Brown was arrested on July 14, 2017 and has been detained since that time.
On Oct 11, 2019, co-defendant Claire Poole was sentenced to 125 months in prison after pleading guilty to conspiracy to commit sex trafficking and two counts of sex trafficking.
Poole moved to the Springfield area in early 2017 and later helped Brown have sex with a teenage girl. Brown induced the girl to provide pornographic videos and to have sex with him on two occasions by paying her money. Poole acted as a go-between, first by conveying Brown’s initial offer to the girl and then by relaying Brown’s messages to the victim, which included negotiations about what Brown would pay. Poole also provided a cell phone to produce the pornographic videos, and Poole transported the minor to Brown’s house in Ware for sex on two occasions.
United States Andrew E. Lelling; Hampden County District Attorney Anthony D. Gulluni; Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Field Division; Colonel Christopher Mason, Superintendent of the Massachusetts State Police; Ware Police Chief Shawn Crevier; Monson Police Chief Stephen Kozloski; and Amherst Police Chief Scott Livingstone made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Alex J. Grant of Lelling’s Springfield Branch Office prosecuted the case.
This case is the result of the efforts of the Western Massachusetts Human Trafficking Working Group which was established in August 2015 to investigate and prosecute crimes involving commercial sex trafficking.
Utility Workers Union of America, Local 369, Reruns Election Under Department of Labor SupervisionRead the Press Release
BOSTON – Utility Workers Union of America, Local 369 has rerun its 2017 election of officers under the supervision of the Department of Labor as part as a settlement resolving allegations that Local 369 failed to guarantee its members the right to vote.
The allegations of election violations were filed in April 2018, by the U.S. Attorney’s Office on behalf of the Department of Labor. The Labor-Management Reporting and Disclosure Act, which regulates labor unions, imposes certain requirements on unions in conducting their officers’ elections, including that every member has the right to vote and requiring that the union employ adequate safeguards to ensure a fair election. The Secretary alleged that Local 369 did not employ adequate safeguards and denied some members the right to vote in its 2017 officers’ election.
Local 369 and the United States Department of Labor reached a settlement agreement in September 2019. As a result of the settlement agreement, Local 369 reran one of the races from the 2017 election under the supervision of the Department of Labor. On Jan. 16, 2020, the Secretary of Labor certified the results of the election to the court as required by the settlement agreement. Last week, the court entered a final judgment in the matter, recognizing the certified results.
“The government takes these violations seriously and will hold unions accountable for ensuring that all members’ voices are heard during elections,” said United States Attorney Andrew E. Lelling.
U.S. Attorney Lelling made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Alexandra Brazier and Evan Panich of Lelling’s Affirmative Litigation Unit handled the matter.
U.S. Accountant Pleads Guilty in Panama Papers InvestigationRead the Press Release
A Massachusetts-based accountant who was charged along with three others in connection with a decades-long criminal scheme perpetrated by Mossack Fonseca & Co. (Mossack Fonseca), a Panamanian-based global law firm, and its related entities, pleaded guilty today to wire and tax fraud, money laundering, aggravated identity theft and other charges.
Richard Gaffey, aka “Dick Gaffey,” 75, of Medfield, Massachusetts, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit tax evasion and to defraud the United States, one count of wire fraud, one count of money laundering conspiracy, four counts of willful failure to file Reports of Foreign Bank and Financial Accounts (Financial Crimes Enforcement Network Reports 114), and one count of aggravated identity theft.
“This defendant worked with the Mossack Fonseca law firm and exploited his role as an accountant to create fraudulent shell companies and defraud the United States of millions of dollars over decades,” said Assistant Attorney General Brian A. Benczkowski of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “Today’s guilty plea reflects the Department’s commitment to prosecute financial professionals and other gatekeepers to the U.S. financial system who abuse the public’s trust.”
“Richard Gaffey went to extraordinary lengths to circumvent U.S. tax laws in order to maintain Harald Joachim von der Goltz’s wealth and hide it from the IRS,” said U.S. Attorney Geoffrey S. Berman of the Southern District of New York. “Using the specialized criminal services of global law firm Mossack Fonseca, Gaffey assisted others in violating U.S. tax laws for decades.”
According to the allegations contained in the indictments , other filings in this case, and statements during court proceedings, including Gaffey’s guilty plea hearing, since at least 2000 through 2018, Gaffey conspired with others to defraud the United States by concealing his clients’ assets and investments, and the income generated by those assets and investments, from the IRS through fraudulent, deceitful, and dishonest means.
During all relevant times, while acting as an accountant, Gaffey assisted U.S. taxpayers who were required to report and pay income tax on worldwide income, including income and capital gains generated in domestic and foreign bank accounts. Gaffey helped those U.S. taxpayers evade their tax reporting obligations in a variety of ways, including by hiding the beneficial ownership of his clients’ offshore shell companies and by setting up bank accounts for those shell companies. These shell companies and bank accounts made and held investments totaling tens of millions of dollars. For one U.S. taxpayer, Gaffey advised the taxpayer how to covertly repatriate approximately $3 million to the United States by reporting to the IRS a fictitious company sale to thereby evade paying the full U.S. tax amount. Gaffey was assisted in this scheme through the use of Mossack Fonseca law firm, including Ramses Owens, a Panamanian lawyer who previously worked at the Mossack Fonseca.
Gaffey was the U.S. accountant for co-defendant Harald Joachim von der Goltz. From 2000 until 2017, von der Goltz was a U.S. resident and was subject to U.S. tax laws, which required him to report and pay income tax on worldwide income. In furtherance of von der Goltz’s efforts to conceal his assets and income from the IRS, Gaffey falsely claimed that von der Goltz’s elderly mother was the sole beneficial owner of the shell companies and bank accounts at issue because, at all relevant times, she was a Guatemalan citizen and resident, and – unlike von der Goltz – was not a U.S. taxpayer. In support of this fraudulent scheme, Gaffey submitted the name, date of birth, government passport number, address, and other means of identification of von der Goltz’s elderly mother to a U.S. bank in Manhattan.
Gaffey is scheduled to be sentenced by Judge Berman on June 29, 2020. Von der Goltz, who pleaded guilty on Feb. 18, 2020, is scheduled to be sentenced by Judge Berman on June 24, 2020.
An indictment is merely an allegation and any charged defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Assistant Attorney General Benczkowski praised the outstanding investigative work of IRS-Criminal Investigation and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations, and thanked the Justice Department’s Tax Division and the FBI for their significant assistance in the investigation. Assistant Attorney General Benczkowski also thanked the Criminal Division’s Office of International Affairs as well as law enforcement partners in France, the United Kingdom and Germany for their assistance in the case.
The Criminal Division’s Money Laundering and Asset Recovery Section (MLARS), working in partnership with the Southern District of New York’s Complex Frauds and Cybercrime Unit and Money Laundering and Transnational Criminal Enterprises Unit are handling this case. MLARS Trial Attorneys Michael Parker and Parker Tobin, along with Assistant U.S. Attorneys Eun Young Choi and Thane Rehn, are in charge of the prosecution.
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.
U.s. Attorney Klaassen Supports Goals of the Northern ArapahoRead the Press Release
U.S. Attorney Mark A. Klaassen issued a statement today on the Northern Arapaho Tribe’s Resolution Declaring a State of Emergency of Methamphetamine Usage on the Wind River Reservation.
“Methamphetamine distribution and abuse has been a problem in Wyoming and on the Wind River Reservation for a long time, and I understand the frustration, the concern, and the sense of urgency on this issue,” said U.S. Attorney Klaassen. “Here in Wyoming, methamphetamine is by far our most significant drug issue. The production and trafficking of ever-purer forms of the drug from Mexico have lowered prices and made this addictive substance even more prevalent in our communities – with devastating consequences. We are not alone in this fight, as many western states have seen a re-emergence of methamphetamine as a drug of particular concern.”
Northern Arapaho Tribal leaders and elders announced yesterday a resolution and formation of a tribal task force to combat the distribution and abuse of methamphetamine on the Reservation. Members of the Tribe’s Business Council, elders, judges, social services and law enforcement all described the ravages caused by methamphetamine abuse on the Reservation community and voiced their joint support for the tribal task force.
“The reality is there are no quick and easy answers, and the methamphetamine problem will not be solved through law enforcement alone,” said U.S. Attorney Klaassen. “So many factors contribute to drug abuse and the demand it creates for these substances. We must address the problem from all sides and understand the root causes. All of us must work to create strong families, communities, schools and other social structures that provide positive environments – places that encourage drug resistance and provide paths to economic opportunity. We also need effective social services, mental health, and addiction recovery programs to help those who seek a path out of addiction toward a more productive life. I appreciate that the tribal resolution recognizes the need for this multi-faceted approach.”
The U.S. Attorney’s office is responsible for prosecuting drug trafficking across the State of Wyoming and on the Wind River Reservation, in conjunction with federal, state and tribal law enforcement. Working with a multi-agency and multi-jurisdictional investigative task force that is responsible for the investigation of drug traffickers, both on and off the Reservation, the U.S. Attorney’s office aggressively prosecutes all drug crime with the overarching goal of shutting down and disrupting the supply, distribution, use and abuse of controlled substances, including methamphetamine.
Recent successful felony prosecutions involving the Wind River Indian Reservation have resulted in the prosecution of ten drug-trafficking defendants. These prosecutions include defendants operating off-reservation who supplied persons on the Reservation involved in distributing user quantities of methamphetamine to addicted persons residing on tribal lands.
“We have had some recent success, but there is always more that can be done,” said U.S. Attorney Klaassen. “My office is committed to doing our part and working with the Tribes to improve our collective efforts to combat drug crime, particularly methamphetamine, on the Wind River Indian Reservation and across the state. We look forward to working with the Northern Arapaho Task Force as an opportunity to re-evaluate our efforts and make sure we are dedicating the federal resources necessary and taking the right approach to the fight against methamphetamine.”
Two defendants who sold significant amounts of heroin in tribal community plead guiltyRead the Press Release
Seattle – A couple who resided on the Upper Skagit Indian Reservation pleaded guilty today and yesterday to conspiracy to distribute heroin, announced U.S. Attorney Brian T. Moran. RYAN ERIC FLETCHER, 30, pleaded guilty on February 27, 2020, and Upper Skagit member LINNETTE TORRES, 29, pleaded guilty today in U.S. District Court in Seattle. Both face up to twenty years in prison when sentenced by U.S. District Judge Robert S. Lasnik on May 15, 2020.
“The FBI and Upper Skagit Police Department worked closely and collaboratively on this case to remove a chronic source of heroin from the Upper Skagit community,” said U.S. Attorney Brian T. Moran. “I am committed to working with our Tribal partners to combat the scourge of drug addiction in our communities.”
According to records filed in the case, FLETCHER was known to law enforcement in the Upper Skagit and had been ordered excluded from the reservation. Nevertheless, he violated that exclusion order and with TORRES conspired to sell heroin in the community. Last summer a person working with law enforcement purchased heroin from both FLETCHER and TORRES. On August 21, 2019, law enforcement served a court-authorized search warrant on the couple’s home and on a storage unit they controlled. In the home, they found heroin, a loaded Glock pistol, a rifle, and various types of ammunition. In the storage unit, they found an AR-15 style firearm, another Glock, and a variety of pills, as well as other drug dealing paraphernalia.
The case was investigated by the FBI and the Upper Skagit Police Department.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Chantelle Dial and J. Tate London.
Two RGV woman convicted in meth conspiracyRead the Press Release
McALLEN, Texas – Two local women have admitted to conspiring with each other to import approximately 50 kilograms of 99% pure meth from Mexico, announced U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Patrick.
Helen Garza, 43, Rio Grande City, and Herminia Cantu-Garcia, 43, Roma pleaded guilty today and Feb. 26, respectively.
The woman planned to import the narcotics Dec. 4, 2019. On that date, Garza drove a car from Mexico and attempted to enter the United States through the Roma Port of Entry. Authorities inspected the vehicle and found hidden compartments within its tires. Upon further examination, they ultimately found multiple bundles containing 50 kilograms of meth with a value of approximately $170,000.
Garza admitted she knew there were drugs in the car.
Further investigation revealed Cantu-Garcia had coordinated the drug trafficking with Garza and other individuals.
U.S. District Judge Randy Crane accepted the pleas and has set sentencing for May 4 and 12 for Cantu-Garcia and Garza, respectively. At that time, both women face up to life in federal prison and a possible $10 million fine.
They both have been and will remain in custody pending that hearing.
Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations conducted the investigation with assistance from Border Patrol and Customs and Border Protection. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kristina Pekkala is prosecuting the case.
Two Plead Guilty to Running a Large Cross-Country Drug Trafficking OrganizationRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH – Two defendants accused of running a large-scale cross-country drug trafficking organization have pleaded guilty to federal narcotics and firearm charges, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.
Don Juan Mendoza, 42, formerly of Atlanta, GA, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute and distribute 5 kilograms or more of cocaine, possession with the intent to distribute 5 kilogram or more of cocaine, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. Pedro Blanco, 38, a former resident of Jacksonville, FL, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute and distribute 5 kilograms or more of cocaine, possession with the intent to distribute 5 kilogram or more of cocaine, and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.
Both defendants pleaded guilty before Chief United States District Judge Mark R. Hornak. In all, both defendants accepted responsibility for between 50 kilograms and 150 kilograms of cocaine. Judge Hornak scheduled Blanco’s sentencing for June 16, 2020. Mendoza’s sentencing is scheduled for June 17, 2020. Both defendants have been detained since their initial appearances and will remain detained pending sentencing.
According to information presented to the court, from April 2017 to November 5, 2017, both defendants conspired with others to import large quantities of cocaine and marijuana into Western Pennsylvania. Today, both defendants admitted that they personally sourced the cocaine and marijuana from out of state sources, including Los Angeles on at least one occasion. Mendoza and Blanco would arrange for the narcotics to be driven to 146 Harvest Drive, the home of co-defendant Jamie Lightfoot, Jr., from out of state in a Mercedes Sprinter ‘Sno Cold’ Van, with a picture of Don Juan Mendoza’s wife covering the outside, and eventually a large RV. On different occasions, Blanco would actually travel in the van or the RV. Once the drugs came into Western Pennsylvania, other co-conspirators would use the Harvest Drive residence and other locations to break down, repackage, and distribute the drugs. The drugs would then be distributed to co-conspirators in almost every region of Western Pennsylvania.
Later on November 5, 2017, an FBI and Pennsylvania State Police Task Force executed a search warrant at 146 Harvest Drive after the RV arrived at the location with Blanco inside the RV. The search netted 52 kilograms of cocaine and heroin, 85 pounds of marijuana, illegal steroids, three firearms, and nearly one million dollars in cash. Mendoza arrived at the scene in another vehicle and was also taken into custody at the time.
Later on November 19, 2017, FBI executed a search warrant at Don Juan Mendoza’s home in Atlanta, GA and recovered hundreds of thousands of dollars in cash, a hydraulic kilogram press, and other drug paraphernalia and drug packaging material. As part of his plea, Mendoza agreed to forfeit all of these items.
The law provides for a maximum sentence of not less more than 20 years in prison and/or a fine of not more than $10,000,000. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendants.
Assistant United States Attorneys Timothy M. Lanni and Shaun Sweeney are prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Pennsylvania State Police, with assistance from the South Strabane Police Department, the Elizabeth Borough Police Department, the Penn Hills Police Department and the Perryopolis Police Department, conducted the investigation that led to the Indictment in this case.
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.
Two New York Men, Members of Counterfeiting Ring, Sentenced to Years in Prison for Trafficking Fake Super Bowl and Other Game and Concert TicketsRead the Press Release
PHILADELPHIA – United States Attorney William M. McSwain announced that Damon Daniels, 49, of Bronx, New York, was sentenced today to 24 months’ imprisonment and three years’ supervised release by the United States District Court Judge R. Barclay Surrick for his participation in a conspiracy to produce and sell counterfeit tickets to sporting events and concerts. One of his co-defendants, Rahiem Watts, 31, also of Bronx, New York, was sentenced last week to 41 months’ imprisonment and three years’ supervised release, also by Judge Surrick for his role in the same scheme.
Daniels pleaded guilty in September 2019 to charges including conspiracy to commit wire fraud, wire fraud, and conspiracy to traffic in counterfeit goods, and Watts pleaded guilty to similar charges in November 2019. The charges stem from both defendants’ participation in a scheme with others to create counterfeit tickets to sporting events and concerts held in Philadelphia and throughout the country. The counterfeit tickets bore the authentic trademarks of the respective organization or agency that was registered with the United States Patent and Trademark Office.
Specifically, Daniels and Watts printed counterfeit tickets for events, sold the counterfeit tickets at various venues, and also distributed the counterfeit tickets to other sellers nationwide for resale to victims. The defendants and their associates advertised the fake tickets on websites like Craigslist, tricking unsuspecting fans into paying hundreds of dollars with nothing to show for it.
High-profile games for which the group created counterfeit tickets include Super Bowl LI (51) in Houston, Texas between the Patriots and the Falcons; the September 2017 Eagles v. Giants NFL game in Philadelphia; and the March 2017 NCAA Men’s Basketball ACC Conference Championship game between Duke and Notre Dame at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York.
High-profile concerts for which the group created counterfeit tickets include the September 2016 Adele show at Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, and the June 2017 U2 “The Joshua Tree Tour” at Lincoln Financial Field, also in Philadelphia.
“Big games and concerts obviously draw the interest of fans, but unfortunately, they also draw the interest of scammers,” said U.S. Attorney McSwain. “These criminals try to use these events to make a quick buck at the expense of unsuspecting fans. In order to protect against fraud, I encourage event-goers to purchase tickets through authorized vendors and to be skeptical when it comes to ticket deals that seem too good to be true.”
“Watts and Daniels peddled their fake tickets for real profit and burned a lot of innocent people in the process,” said Tara A. McMahon, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Philadelphia Division. “Victims lost not only their money, but their shot to attend some very special events. Know that the FBI will keep cracking down on counterfeiters trying to sell the public a false bill of goods.”
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, with the assistance of the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office, the New York City Police Department, and the Duluth, Georgia Police Department. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Joan E. Burnes and Anita Eve.
Two Aliens Indicted on Illegal Reentry ChargesRead the Press Release
Robert J. Higdon, Jr., United States Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina, announces that a federal grand jury in Wilmington has returned indictments charging OMAR LABRA-TREJO, age 50, of Mexico, and JOSE GUILLERMO LEIVA-GALVAN, age 34, of Honduras, with Illegal Reentry of a Deported Alien.
If convicted of illegal reentry, LABRA-TREJO, previously deported twice and found in Warren County, would face maximum penalties of two years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, and a term of supervised release following any term of imprisonment.
LEIVA-GALVAN, previously deported and found in New Hanover County, is alleged to have been previously removed subsequent to an aggravated felony conviction (felony larceny). Therefore, if convicted, he would face a maximum imprisonment term of 20 years, a $250,000 fine, and a term of supervised release following any term of imprisonment.
The charges and allegations contained in the indictments are merely accusations. The defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
The cases are being investigated by ICE’s Enforcement and Removal Operations and Homeland Security Investigations.
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The year 2020 marks the 150th anniversary of the Department of Justice. Learn more about the history of our agency at www.Justice.gov/Celebrating150Years.
Twice Deported Mexican Resident Charged with Assaulting Departation OfficersRead the Press Release
CONTACT: Barbara Burns
PHONE: (716) 843-5817
FAX #: (716) 551-3051BUFFALO, N.Y. - U.S. Attorney James P. Kennedy, Jr. announced today that Luis Estrada-Alvarez, 31, a citizen and native of Mexico, was arrested and charged by criminal complaint with illegal re-entry after deportation and forcibly assaulting and resisting Deportation Officers causing bodily injury. The charges carry a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Meghan K. McGuire, who is handling the case, stated that according to the complaint, on February 19, 2020, Deportation Officers with Enforcement and Removal Operations attempted to arrest the defendant following a traffic stop in front of the North Rose Fire Hall on North Huron Street in Rochester. Officers had been surveilling Estrada-Alvarez after receiving information that the defendant was back in the United States despite two previous deportations.
As Estrada-Alvarez exited the vehicle, he immediately attempted to run. In evading arrest, the defendant forcefully pulled his arms away from the officers and thrust his head backwards in an attempt to head-butt one of them. Estrada-Alvarez refused to stop fighting, and eventually had to be taken to the ground and handcuffed. Thereafter, he was transported to the Buffalo Federal Detention Facility in Batavia, NY.
In the course of this encounter, Estrada-Alvarez caused bodily injury to two of the Deportation Officers. One of the Officers suffered injuries to his left arm and right knee, while the other suffered injuries to his right shoulder, elbow, and wrist.
The complaint is the result of an investigation by the Department of Homeland Security—Enforcement and Removal Operations, under the direction of Thomas E. Feeley, Director, Buffalo Field Office.
The fact that a defendant has been charged with a crime is merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
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Three Men Plead Guilty to Fraud in Hurricane Michael Repair ScamRead the Press Release
PANAMA CITY, FLORIDA – Three Tampa Bay-area men entered guilty pleas yesterday to defrauding elderly Northwest Florida homeowners whose homes suffered damage from Hurricane Michael. The
Florida men – Edward Newton, 45, of Lutz, Christopher Mayes, 29, of Tarpon Springs, and Christian
Pantazonis, 31, of Largo – pled guilty to charges of fraudulently contracting to make home repairs in the Panama City area but instead, stole approximately $319,000 in down payments. The guilty pleas were announced by Lawrence Keefe, United States Attorney for the Northern District of FloridaThe Indictment charged that a Tampa Bay-area company owned by Newton hired Mayes and Pantazonis in November 2018 to go door to door in Bay County soliciting home repair contracts. They promised that the repair work would begin immediately, telling homeowners they required a down payment to obtain building materials and permits or to “place the homeowner at the front of the line” for repairs. As part of the fraud, they occasionally sent workers to complete small projects, such as removing damaged drywall or replacing shingles, in order to lead the homeowners to believe the major repairs were underway. When homeowners began to complain about the lack of work, Newton told them in writing or by phone that he would return the money he collected for the work never performed.
However, on May 25, 2019, he sent each homeowner a letter stating that he did not intend to complete any of the contracted work and would not return any money.“To anyone who endured the devastation of Hurricane Michael, it is almost inconceivable that anyone could stoop so low as to prey on the storm’s victims in such a craven way,” U.S. Attorney Keefe said. “These men took advantage of trusting people in their time of greatest need, and I am pleased that our office has brought these thieves to justice.”
Each defendant pled guilty to wire fraud and conspiracy to commit wire fraud and faces a maximum of
20 years’ imprisonment and a $250,000 fine. Sentencing hearings are scheduled for July 2, 2020, at
1:00pm at the United States Courthouse in Tallahassee.The case resulted from an investigation by a partnership of law enforcement agencies and prosecutors at all levels of government, including the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Panama
City Police Department and the Bay County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant United States Attorney Aine
Ahmed is prosecuting the case.The prosecution is part of the Office’s wider efforts to combat crimes against seniors. The initiative has enabled the U.S. Attorney’s Office to develop and coordinate further its prosecution of these cases and enhance its overall support of older or vulnerable victims.
The United States Attorney's Office for the Northern District of Florida is one of 94 offices that serve as the nation’s principal litigators under the direction of the Attorney General. To access public court documents online, please visit the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of
Florida website. For more information about the United States Attorney’s Office, Northern District of Florida, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/fln/index.html.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.