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26 February 2020
Marion County man admits to fleeing from law enforcementRead the Press Release
CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Oneil Wayne South, of Fairmont, West Virginia, has admitted to fleeing from law enforcement, U.S. Attorney Bill Powell announced.
South, age 45, pled guilty to one count of “Reckless Flight from a Law Enforcement Officer.” South admitted to fleeing from law enforcement after being asked to stop when on the property of the FBI Criminal Justice Information Services Division in Harrison County in March 2019.
South faces up to five years incarceration and a fine of up to $2,000. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed will be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Andrew R. Cogar is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, the FBI, and the Fairmont Police Department investigated.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael John Aloi presided.Man from Tucson, Arizona convicted of federal alien transporting charge in New MexicoRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – A federal jury in Las Cruces, New Mexico returned a guilty verdict yesterday against Francisco Armando Martinez, 39, of Tucson, Arizona on one count of transporting illegal aliens.
The evidence at trial showed that a group of illegal aliens from Mexico paid smugglers to help them cross the border into the United States illegally. They gathered at a guest house in Agua Prieta, Sonora, Mexico. They paid for backpacks containing food and water for the trip and took a taxi to the border where a guide led them into the United States through the desert on foot. Martinez picked up the illegal aliens on the side of the road to transport them. He told them to wear their seat belts and be quiet. Martinez later drove to a gas station where border patrol agents questioned him about the people inside his vehicle and discovered Martinez was transporting illegal aliens.
The jury acquitted Martinez of a charge of conspiracy to transport aliens. He is currently out of custody awaiting sentencing. Martinez faces up to 5 years in prison.
U.S. Border Patrol investigated this case with assistance from Homeland Security Investigations. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Luis Martinez and Taylor Hartstein of the Las Cruces Branch Office are prosecuting the case.
Man Pleads Guilty to Traveling to U.K. to Sexually Abuse MinorRead the Press Release
NORFOLK, Va. – A Franklin man pleaded guilty today to charges related to his travel to the United Kingdom in May 2019 to sexually abuse a minor victim.
According to court documents, in May 2018, Joshua R. Hatfield, 23, began an online relationship with Jane Doe, a 14 year-old living in the United Kingdom. After the two discussed engaging in sexual intercourse, Hatfield, traveled to the minor victim’s home in May 2019 and stayed there for several days. Despite knowing the victim was a minor, Hatfield engaged in sexual acts with her. After returning home, Hatfield informed the minor victim that he had contracted a sexually transmitted infection, although he had in fact traveled to the United Kingdom already knowing that he had this untreated infection.
Hatfield pleaded guilty to travel with intent to engage in illicit sexual conduct. He faces a maximum penalty of 30 years in prison when sentenced on July 24. 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.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by U.S. Attorney’s Offices and the Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
G. Zachary Terwilliger, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, and Raymond Villanueva, Special Agent in Charge of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Washington, D.C., made the announcement after U.S. Magistrate Judge Douglas E. Miller accepted the plea. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Elizabeth M. Yusi and E. Rebecca Gantt are prosecuting the case.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. Related court documents and information are located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 2:19-cr-186.
Madisonville Pharmacist Charged with Conspiracy to Commit Health Care FraudRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS - The United States Attorney’s Office, Eastern District of Louisiana announced that DARREN M. MARTIN, age 44, a resident of Madisonville, Louisiana, was charged on February 20, 2020 with one count of conspiracy to commit health care fraud.
According to the Indictment, MARTIN was a licensed pharmacist in the State of Louisiana who owned Willow Pharmacy, Inc. (“Willow), which was located in Madisonville, Louisiana. Between 2012 and 2015, Willow operated as a closed-door pharmacy that was in the business of mixing and filling prescriptions for compounded medications that were reimbursed by health care benefit programs, including Blue Cross & Blue Shield (“Blue Cross”). In 2012, MARTIN, on behalf of Willow, executed a provider agreement with CVS Caremark (“CVS”), a pharmacy benefit manager for Blue Cross. Under the terms of the agreement, Willow agreed to collect copayments from Blue Cross-covered patients and further agreed that it would not waive a copayment unless authorized by CVS to do so.
According to the Indictment, in or around June 2014, CVS notified Willow that Willow was the subject of an audit. At around the same time, to conceal the fact that Willow had not collected copayments for the claims at issue in the audit, Willow, through MARTIN, contracted with Joseph L. Wiley, II (“Wiley”) of Monroe, Louisiana and his company Affordable Medication Solutions, LLC (“AMS”). The purpose of the contract was to make it appear that Willow collected the copayments at issue in the CVS audit through AMS, a purported secondary payer. Between 2014 and 2015, as it conducted its audit, CVS requested information from Willow substantiating that AMS collected copayments on behalf of Willow for $567,710.39 worth of claims at issue in the CVS audit.
In actuality, according to the Indictment, AMS never collected copayments for Willow. Had CVS known that Willow had not collected copayments from Blue Cross-covered patients, it would have terminated Willow’s provider agreement. To conceal the fact that Willow had not collected copayments, Wiley created false documents, including copies of backdated checks and remittance advices, for certain of the claims at issue purporting to show that AMS collected copayments for Willow and sent those documents to MARTIN. Despite knowing that AMS had not collected copayments for Willow, MARTIN caused false statements to be made to CVS indicating that AMS had collected copayments for the claims at issue in the CVS audit for Willow.
If convicted, MARTIN faces a possible maximum sentence of 10 years’ imprisonment, up to three years of supervised release, a $250,000 fine, and a mandatory $100 special assessment.
The case is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Defense Criminal Investigative Service. The United States Attorney’s Office, Eastern District of Louisiana stated that the Indictment is merely a charge and that the guilt of the defendant must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt.
The prosecution of the case is being handled by Jared Hasten of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Kathryn McHugh.
MS-13 Members Plead Guilty to Violent 2018 AttackRead the Press Release
ALEXANDRIA, Va. – Two MS-13 members pleaded guilty today to their respective roles in a December 2018 shooting and stabbing that occurred in Four Mile Run Park on the border of Alexandria and Arlington.
According to court documents, Juan Francisco Rivera-Pineda, 25, and Jefferson Noe Amaya, 24, both Alexandria residents, are members of the Pinos Locos Salvatrucha (PLS) clique of MS-13, which operates in the northern Virginia area of Arlington County and Alexandria City known as Chirilagua.
On Dec. 30, 2018, Rivera-Pineda and Amaya shot and stabbed a 40-year-old victim while the victim and his two friends were in Four Mile Run Park. The victim’s nephew had been warned by PLS not to sell drugs in PLS territory without paying rent. On the night of the shooting, Rivera-Pineda, Amaya, and a third unidentified suspect confronted the victim in the park, shooting him in the throat and arm, and stabbing him in the back. The victim was transported to the hospital where he underwent surgery and survived.
Rivera-Pineda and Amaya each pleaded guilty to assault with a dangerous weapon in aid of racketeering activity and discharging a firearm during a crime of violence and face a mandatory minimum penalty of 10 years and a maximum penalty of life in prison when sentenced on April 24. 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.
G. Zachary Terwilliger, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia; Timothy M. Dunham, Special Agent in Charge, Criminal Division, FBI Washington Field Office; and M. Jay Farr, Arlington County Chief of Police, made the announcement after Senior U.S. District Judge Claude M. Hilton accepted the plea. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Morris Parker and Natasha Smalky are prosecuting the case.
This matter was investigated by the FBI Washington Field Office’s Safe Streets/HIDTA Task Force – Northern Virginia, which is composed of FBI Agents, along with Detectives from the Fairfax County Police, Alexandria City Police, Prince William County Police, Arlington County Police, Alexandria Police Department, Alexandria Sheriff’s Office, Vienna Police Department, Herndon Police Department, along with Agents from the Department of Homeland Security Enforcement Removal Operations, the USMS, and the Northern Virginia Gang Task Force. The task force is charged with investigating, disrupting and dismantling the most egregious and violent gangs operating in Northern Virginia to include MS-13.
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-225.
Leader of Coles County Meth Trafficking Network Sentenced to 30 Years in PrisonRead the Press Release
URBANA, Ill. – A Mattoon, Ill., man, Travis Tuggle, 38, has been sentenced to 30 years in federal prison for his leadership role in a network that trafficked highly pure ‘ice’ methamphetamine in East Central Illinois. On Feb. 18, 2020, U.S. District Judge James E. Shadid sentenced Tuggle to the government’s recommended sentence, 360 months, to be followed by 10 years of supervised release upon completion of the prison term.
According to court documents and court findings, by conservative estimates, Tuggle, who pleaded guilty on Sept. 20, 2019, is responsible for the distribution of more than 45 pounds of highly pure ‘ice’ methamphetamine, valued at more than $1 million dollars at the time, to drug users in Coles County from late 2013 through early 2016. In 2013, when Tuggle began introducing ‘ice’ to this rural market, the meth available to most rural East Central Illinois users was typically impure locally manufactured methamphetamine.
Tuggle initiated his drug trafficking conspiracy while incarcerated in the Illinois Department of Corrections in 2012. Once released on parole, in April 2013, he began recruiting accomplices, several of whom had a history with manufacturing methamphetamine and knew local users in and around Coles County. Tuggle imported the methamphetamine to his Mattoon residence via drug couriers from Chicago. The couriers transported the methamphetamine from Chicago to Mattoon in spare tires and trap compartments, among other concealment methods.
While his conspirators dealt methamphetamine at the wholesale and retail levels, Tuggle handled the money and dealt with his supplier and couriers. During the operation, Tuggle hired a woman to assist him in counting money from the drug sales. On at least 50 separate occasions, she counted between $6000 and $18,000 for Tuggle.
While Tuggle was the conspiracy’s central figure, several others assisted him in distributing the methamphetamine in Coles County. Those individuals, including Joshua Vaultonburg, Ryan Gaines, Casey Hughes, Brian Fuller, Anthony Gordon, Douglas Hatten, Timothy Whitmore, Clifford Colbert, and Juan Manuel Meza-Nunez, were charged and convicted in the U.S. District Court for the Central District of Illinois for their roles in assisting Tuggle in this drug trafficking conspiracy.
These cases are the result of a Department of Justice task force investigation dubbed “Operation Frozen Tundra,” conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation; the East Central Illinois Task Force; the Drug Enforcement Administration; the Illinois State Police; U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Homeland Security Investigations; the Coles County Sheriff’s Office; the Mattoon Police Department; and the Charleston Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Bryan Freres and Paul Morris represented the government in the case prosecutions.
The Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) is a Department of Justice program that brings together the combined expertise and unique abilities of federal, state, and local enforcement agencies. The principal mission of the OCDETF program is to identify, disrupt, dismantle and prosecute high level members of drug trafficking, weapons trafficking, and money laundering organizations and enterprises.
Last of Four Defendants in Conspiracy Trafficking Methamphetamine Sentenced to 15 Years on PrisonRead the Press Release
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – A federal judge today imposed a 15-year sentence on the last of four defendants in a North Alabama conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine, announced U.S. Attorney Jay E. Town, DEA Assistant Special Agent in Charge Clay Morris and Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco and Firearms Special Agent in Charge Marcus Watson.
U.S. District Judge Madeline H. Haikala sentenced, Marcus Leo Kyle to 180 months in prison for his role in a North Alabama drug conspiracy. Kyle pled guilty in April 2019 to conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine between January 2016 and February 2018. Kyle also pled guilty to possession with the intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine in March 2018 and to possessing a Taurus 709 Slim 9mm semi-automatic pistol in furtherance of a drug-trafficking crime and being a felon in possession of a firearm.
“This defendant organized and delivered large amounts of methamphetamine into the Northern District of Alabama and now he will spend the next 15 years in prison,” Town said. “Thanks to the work by the DEA, ATF and other law enforcement partners, we have dismantled yet another drug conspiracy, closing the pipeline of deadly drugs into our communities and sending four drug traffickers to prison.”
“Just like so many other drug dealers, Kyle will spend the next 15 years in federal prison,” Morris said. DEA, ATF and the United States Attorney’s Office is committed to the relentless pursuit of those who destroy our communities and ruin lives. Highly addictive methamphetamine is flooding into Alabama at historic levels. We will not stop in our combined efforts to identify, investigate and put drug dealers in federal prison.
“ATF’s Crime Gun Intelligence partnerships effective in removing the criminal element that endangers our communities,” Watson said.
In January, Judge Haikala sentenced Melvin “Froggy” Rolin, the leader of the North Alabama drug conspiracy to 24 years and 7 months in prison and Barry Williams to 12 ½ years in prison.
In December 2019, Judge Haikala sentenced Britney Michelle Black to 78 months in prison for possession with the intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine in March 2018. Black pled guilty to the charge last year.
The DEA and ATF investigated the case, along with the Madison County Sheriff’s Office, Morgan County Sheriff’s Office, and Cullman County Sherriff’s Office investigated the case, which Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert J. Becher, Sr. prosecuted.
The year 2020 marks the 150th anniversary of the Department of Justice. Learn more about the history of our agency at www.Justice.gov/Celebrating150Years.
Lasara man sent to prison on child pornography chargeRead the Press Release
BROWNSVILLE, Texas - A 37-year old South Texas man has been ordered to federal prison following his conviction of possessing child pornography, announced U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Patrick.
Rodolfo Mireles Jr. pleaded guilty May 15, 2019.
Today, U.S. District Judge Rolando Olvera Jr. ordered him to serve 78 months in federal prison. Mireles was further ordered to pay $30,000 in restitution to several known victims and will serve 30 years on supervised released following completion of his prison term, during which he will have to comply with numerous requirements designed to restrict his access to children and the internet. He has also been ordered to register as a sex offender.
On or about Dec. 21, 2017, authorities were conducting undercover operations of ongoing child exploitative crimes on the internet through the use of peer-to-peer software. The investigation led them to an internet protocol address making child pornography available for sharing.
A search warrant at the residence of Mireles resulted in the seizure of various digital devices containing child pornography. A forensic analysis revealed he possessed 343 images and 1,646 videos of child pornography.
Mireles has been and will remain in custody pending transfer to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future.
Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations - Rio Grande Valley Child Exploitation Task Force conducted the investigation
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Ana Cano and Jason Corley prosecuted the case, which was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood (PSC), a nationwide initiative the Department of Justice (DOJ) launched in May 2006 to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. U.S. Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section leads PSC, which marshals federal, state and local resources to locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children and identifies and rescues victims. For more information about PSC, please visit DOJ’s PSC page. For more information about internet safety education, please visit the resources tab on that page
Lackawanna Man Pleads Guilty to Possessing Fentanyl While on Supervised ReleaseRead 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 Larry D. Brodie, Jr., 38, of Lackawanna, NY, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Richard J. Arcara to possession with intent to distribute butyryl fentanyl. The charge carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a fine of $1,000,000.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Justin L. Bish, who handled the case, stated that on April 4, 2019, a Lackawanna Police undercover officer contacted the defendant to arrange for a controlled purchase of heroin. Brodie then met with and sold the undercover officer approximately $100 of suspected heroin and $40 worth of crack cocaine.
At the time of his arrest, the defendant was on supervised release for a 2001 federal drug conviction.
The sentencing is the result of an investigation by the Lackawanna Police Department, under the direction of Chief James Michel, and the Drug Enforcement Administration, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Ray Donovan.
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Jury convicts local man in multiple robberiesRead the Press Release
HOUSTON – A federal jury sitting in Houston has convicted a 30-year-old Houston man on 12 counts related to the robbery or attempted robbery of six local banks, announced U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Patrick.
The jury deliberated for two hours before convicting Eric Beverly following a one and a half day trial. He was convicted of five counts of aiding and abetting the robbery of local banks and aiding and abetting the attempted robbery of another as well as six counts of aiding and abetting the brandishing of a firearm during the commission of the robberies.
During trial, the jury heard Beverly and other members of his crew committed six armed bank robberies and had robbed three of the banks more than once. The take-over style robberies occurred between Aug. 25, 2014, and May 2, 2015. During the crimes, two or more men wore masks and entered the banks while at least one of them brandished a firearm and put people’s lives in jeopardy. While in the banks, one or more of the men demanded money from employees at gunpoint, jumped over teller counters and grabbed money from teller drawers.
Jurors also heard testimony that Beverly participated in an attempted robbery. He did not get any money due to the bank’s bullet-proof bandit barriers.
At trial, the jury saw videos and photos from each of the robberies and heard testimony from five bank tellers explaining how the armed robbers wore masks and gloves. The jury also considered phone records showing how the robbers used their cell phones to communicate with each other. A cell phone registered to Beverly was used at or near the times of several of the robberies while in the vicinity of the banks.
Two co-conspirators also identified Beverly in all of the robberies.
U.S. District Judge Lynn N. Hughes presided over the trial and set sentencing for June 1. At that time, Beverly faces up to 20 years in federal prison on each of the bank robbery and attempted bank robbery convictions. He also faces seven years for each conviction for aiding and abetting the brandishing of a firearm to run consecutively to each other and any other sentence imposed.
He has been and will remain in custody pending that hearing.
The FBI Violent Crime Task Force, Harris County Sheriff’s Office and Houston Police Department conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Carrie Wirsing and Jill Stotts are prosecuting the case.
Jamestown Man Pleads Guilty to Methamphetamine and Gun ChargesRead 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 Kyle Kamholtz, 33, of Jamestown, NY, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Richard J. Arcara to possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. The charges carry a mandatory minimum penalty of five years in prison, a maximum of life in prison, and a $1,000,000 fine.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Seth T. Molisani, who is handling the case, stated that the defendant was identified as a methamphetamine distributor in the Jamestown, NY, area during an investigation that began in November 2017 by the Jamestown Police Department.
The investigation included a series of controlled purchases of methamphetamine from the defendant, several vehicle and traffic stops that resulted in Kamholtz’s arrest for possession of methamphetamine and a firearm, and the execution of two search warrants at the defendant’s McKinley Avenue residence. Investigators seized a firearm, methamphetamine, scales, packaging, and other drug distribution paraphernalia.
The plea is the result of an investigation by the Jamestown Police Department, under the direction of Chief Harry Snellings, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge John B. Deviot, New York Field Division.
Sentencing is scheduled for June 4, 2020, before Judge Arcara.
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Jackson Man Arrested Locally for Murder and Released on Bond Pleads Guilty under Project EJECT to Illegally Possessing a GunRead the Press Release
Jackson, Miss. – Cedric Taylor, 45, of Jackson, who was arrested by Jackson Police officers in March for murder and released on bond by a local judge, pled guilty yesterday before Senior U.S. District Judge David C. Bramlette III to being a felon in possession of a firearm, announced U.S. Attorney Mike Hurst and Special Agent in Charge Michelle Sutphin with the Federal Bureau of Investigation in Mississippi.
On March 5, 2019, officers with the Jackson Police Department executed a search warrant on Taylor’s residence in Jackson while investigating the murder of Dewan Fortner. Investigators recovered a firearm at the residence, which Taylor later confessed to knowingly possessing. While Taylor was arrested for murder in March 2019, he was thereafter released on a $125,000 bond, even though, according to the victim’s family, Taylor admitted in court that he had hidden Fortner’s body behind a building in Byram. This bond was granted despite the fact that Taylor had previous convictions for aggravated assault in Hinds County, Mississippi, and felon in possession of a firearm in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Mississippi.
After being release on a local bond, Taylor was arrested on federal charges on March 29, 2019, for being a felon in possession of a firearm, and has been detained by U.S. Marshals without bond ever since.
Taylor will be sentenced by Judge Bramlette on June 2, 2020. He faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Lynn Murray.
This case is part of Project EJECT, an initiative by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Mississippi under the U.S. Department of Justice’s Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) and Project Guardian. EJECT is a holistic, multi-disciplinary approach to fighting and reducing violent crime through prosecution, prevention, re-entry and awareness. EJECT stands for “Empower Justice Expel Crime Together.” PSN is bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. 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.
Indictment: Honduran Citizen Attacked Immigration OfficersRead the Press Release
WICHITA, KAN. – A citizen of Honduras was indicted today on charges of unlawfully re-entering the United States and attacking immigration officers when they took him into custody in Kansas, U.S. Attorney Stephen McAllister said.
Gerson Ayala-Alfaro, 27, is charged with one count of unlawfully re-entering the United States after being deported and two counts of assaulting and injuring employees of Immigration and Customs Enforcement. The crimes are alleged to have occurred Jan. 17, 2020, in Sumner County, Kan.
If convicted, he faces up to two years in federal prison and a fine up to $250,000 on the re-entry charge and up to 20 years and a fine up to $250,000 on the assault counts. ICE’s Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorney Lanny Welch is prosecuting.
OTHER INDICTMENTS
Kyle Ellery, 19, Wichita, Kan., is charged with one count of transporting a minor across state lines for the purpose of engaging in sexual conduct, and one count of traveling across state lines for the purpose of engaging in sexual conduct with a minor.
The indictment alleges that on Jan. 10, 2020, Ellery traveled from Kansas to Missouri for the purpose of engaging in sex with a 14-year-old victim. Then, on Jan. 11, 2020, he transported the 14-year-old victim from Missouri to Kansas for the purpose of engaging in sex.
If convicted, he could face not less than 10 years in federal prison and a fine up to $250,000 on the transportation charge, and up to 30 years and a fine up to $250,000 on the traveling charge. The FBI investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jason Hart is prosecuting.
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Five men in Kansas are charged in a superseding indictment with trafficking methamphetamine.
The defendants include:
Alvaro Dieguez Jr., 29, Wichita, Kan., possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine (count 2).
Keith A. Goodman, 47, Arkansas City, Kan., possession of methamphetamine (count 3).
Felipe D. Luna, 26, Wichita, Kan., possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine (counts 1 and 6), distribution of methamphetamine (count 5), unlawful possession of a firearm by a user of controlled substances (count 7), unlawful possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking (count 8), using a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking (count 9).
Jeremy J. Snyder, 38, Dighton, Kan., possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine (count 4).
Obed A. Paz-Moreno, 23, Garden City, Kan., possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine (count 4).
Upon conviction, the crimes carry the following penalties:
Counts 1, 2, 4, 5 and 6: Not less than 10 years in federal prison and a fine up to $10 million.
Count 3: Up to a year in prison and a fine of not less than $1,000.
Count 7: Up to 10 years and a fine up to $250,000.
Counts 8 and 9: Not less than five years and a fine up to $250,000.
The FBI Safe Streets Task Force and the Wichita Police Department investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorney Debra Barnett is prosecuting.
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Marco A. Claros-Guzman, 36, Wichita, Kan., is charged with one count of possession with intent to distribute cocaine. The crime is alleged to have occurred Dec. 5, 2019, in Sedgwick County, Kan.
If convicted, he could face not less than five years and not more than 40 years in federal prison and a fine up to $5 million.
The Drug Enforcement Administration investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorney Alan Metzger is prosecuting.
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Vontrel Vaughn, 25, Wichita, Kan., is charged with unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon. The crime is alleged to have occurred Aug. 21, 2019, in Sedgwick County, Kan.
If convicted, he could face up to 10 years in federal prison and a fine up to $250,000. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearm and Explosives investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorney Alan Metzger is prosecuting.
In all cases, defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty. The indictments merely contain allegations of criminal conduct.
Illegal Immigrant Sentenced to Ten Years for Conspiracy to Distribute Heroin and FentanylRead the Press Release
Matthew D. Krueger, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Wisconsin, announced today the conclusion of the prosecution of Ivan Alexis Nunez and his co-conspirators. Ivan Alexis Nunez (age: 45) of Milwaukee, WI was sentenced by the Honorable J.P. Stadtmueller to 120 months in federal prison for leading a conspiracy to distribute heroin and fentanyl. Nunez previously pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute at least 1 kilogram of heroin and at least 400 grams of fentanyl. Nunez’s co-conspirators Ananda Mujica (age: 37), and Jovonte Winston (age: 30), of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, also have pleaded guilty.
Nunez and Mujica were previously convicted in 2006 of conspiracy to distribute one kilogram or more of heroin, in the Eastern District of Wisconsin in Case Number 05-CR-295. Nunez is an illegal immigrant with citizenship in the Dominican Republic who previously was removed from the United States after serving the federal prison sentence for his 2006 conviction.
“The fentanyl, heroin, and other opioids that destroy lives are being trafficked by serious criminals like Nunez and his co-conspirators,” said United States Attorney Krueger. “Despite an earlier stint in federal prison, and despite being removed from the U.S., Nunez reentered illegally and went right back to selling dangerous drugs. Now he faces years in federal prison.”
The investigation of this case was conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration, a High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) task force, which includes task force officers from the Waukesha County Sherriff’s Department and the Milwaukee Police Department, and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Adam Ptashkin.
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Public Information Officer Kenneth Gales 414-297-1700
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Huntington Woman Indicted as Part of International Nigerian Fraud Scheme for Laundering FundsRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. -- United States Attorney Mike Stuart announced that a federal grand jury has indicted a Huntington woman in connection with laundering funds from an international fraud scheme that scammed money from individuals, many of whom were elderly, in several states and foreign countries.
A twelve count indictment was returned against Patricia Dudding, 68, of Huntington, charging her with conspiracy to commit money laundering, bank fraud and unlawful money transactions. The indictment alleges that Dudding acted as a money mule for a Nigerian scammer. According to the indictment, Dudding met “Lucas” online in the early spring of 2018, and although they never actually met in person, Dudding and Lucas communicated frequently by email and text messages. The indictment alleges that Dudding set up numerous bank accounts in her name at over 10 different banks and that she would use these bank accounts to wire and receive fraudulent funds. Dudding received numerous deposits in those bank accounts from more than two dozen individuals located in the United States and abroad. She, and unnamed co-conspirators, would then transfer these funds to bank accounts located in Nigeria. To further the scheme, Dudding admittedly would make false and fraudulent representations to the financial institutions to make it appear that the wire transfers were being sent for legitimate purposes.
“Egregious. This is the largest elder fraud scheme ever prosecuted in the history of West Virginia and our work continues. This case is significant on a national and international level,” said United States Attorney Mike Stuart. “Elder fraud is an important priority for Attorney General Barr and me. Elder fraud is a diabolical crime that preys on the vulnerabilities of some of the most vulnerable among us. By all outward appearances, Mrs. Dudding was just an ordinary neighbor but, instead, the indictment alleges she was what we call a “money mule” actively engaged in facilitating a money laundering scheme that left many, many victims in its wake. The stories of the victims are tragic. Our goal is to hold those responsible accountable and to do our best to make victims of these despicable crimes whole. This investigation is on-going.”
“The exploitation of both a vulnerable population as well as our financial systems is a particular evil,” said U.S. Secret Service Charleston Resident Agent in Charge Wade Fleming. “These criminals may not hide behind false identities and fraudulent accounts, and our skilled investigators will continue to pursue and bring these malicious actors before our justice system.”
Money mules play critical roles in the commission and facilitation of fraudulent schemes including elder fraud. A money mule is someone who transfers illegally acquired money on behalf of or at the direction of another party. Criminal enterprises recruit what is referred to as a “mule” to move money electronically through bank accounts, move physical currency, or assist in the movement of money through a variety of other methods. Money mules are inherently dangerous, as they add layers to the money trail from a victim to a criminal and launder money illegally to aid a criminal actor.
The indictment alleges that Dudding used over $100,000 of victim funds for her personal benefit over the course of the scheme. Dudding used those funds to pay her utility bills, satellite television service, groceries, drug store purchases, gasoline purchases, department store purchases, restaurants and took numerous cash withdrawals. Her total cash withdrawals amounted to nearly $42,000. The total loss contributed to the fraudulent scheme is $3.2 million. Over $3 million was transferred or deposited into Dudding’s accounts during the scheme and she attempted to transfer over $1.6 million to Nigeria during this period.
During the course of the investigation, warrants were issued for the seizure of nearly $1.9 million related to the alleged scheme. The indictment seeks forfeiture of those funds.
The victims in this case that have been identified are from six (6) countries including the United States, Australia, Canada, Nevis, Poland, and Sweden as well as twenty (20) states including Alaska, Arkansas, California, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Indiana, Kansas, Louisiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, New Jersey, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Texas, and Washington.
The investigation was conducted by the United States Secret Service, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) – Office of Inspector General and the South Charleston Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Kathleen Robeson is handling the matter.
“Elder fraud and financial fraud are complex frauds. I want to commend the excellent, detailed work of the Secret Service, the FDIC-OIG and the South Charleston Police Department, and my team, including AUSA Robeson and my remarkable investigators, Steve Rowley and Tony Hussion. This was a team effort and I’m proud of their work,” continued Stuart.
If convicted on all counts, Dudding faces up to 20 years in prison. The investigation is ongoing and could result in additional federal and state charges in the future.
Since President Trump signed the bipartisan Elder Abuse Prevention and Prosecution Act (EAPPA) into law, the Department of Justice has participated in hundreds of enforcement actions in criminal and civil cases that targeted or disproportionately affected seniors. In particular, in March 2019, the department announced the largest elder fraud enforcement action in American history, charging more than 260 defendants in a nationwide elder fraud sweep. The department has likewise conducted hundreds of trainings and outreach sessions across the country since the passage of the Act.
More information about the department’s efforts to help American seniors is available at its Elder Justice Initiative webpage. Elder fraud complaints may be filed with the FTC at www.ftccomplaintassistant.gov or at 877-FTC-HELP. The Department of Justice provides a variety of resources relating to elder fraud victimization through its Office for Victims of Crime, which can be reached at https://www.ovc.gov.
Please Note: An indictment is merely an allegation and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
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Holyoke Resident Pleads Guilty to Heroin DistributionRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Holyoke woman pleaded guilty today in federal court in Springfield to distributing heroin.
Milagros Gaetan, 50, pleaded guilty to an indictment charging her with distributing and possessing with intent to distribute heroin. U.S. District Court Judge Mark G. Mastroianni scheduled sentencing for June 26, 2020.
On Oct. 1, 2019, an undercover officer made a controlled drug purchase in an area known for the availability of heroin, cocaine and cocaine base on Appleton Street in Holyoke. The officer walked down the street and encountered an individual later identified at Gaetan. Gaetan asked the officer what he was looking for and he responded one bundle (10 bags) of heroin. Gaetan told the officer to wait, and then returned a short time later with one bundle of heroin, which she gave to the officer in return for cash.
On Oct. 7, 2019, the undercover officer returned to the area and purchased one bundle of heroin and cocaine from Gaetan in return for cash. On Oct. 25, 2019, Gaetan was arrested and charged by criminal complaint.
The charging statute provides for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, at least three years of supervised release and fine of $1 million. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based on the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
United States Attorney Andrew E. Lelling; 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; and Holyoke Police Chief Manny Febo made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Todd E. Newhouse of Lelling’s Springfield Branch Office is prosecuting the case.
Heroin and Firearm Convictions Get Franklin County Man More Than 13 Years in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
NEW BERN – United States Attorney Robert J. Higdon, Jr. announced that today in federal court, United States District Judge Louise W. Flanagan sentenced MICHAEL JERMAINE JACKSON, 35, of Spring Hope to 160 months imprisonment, followed by 5 years of supervised release.
JACKSON was named in a four-count Indictment filed on April 4, 2019, charging him with possession with intent to distribute heroin, fentanyl, cocaine base (crack), cocaine, and marijuana, possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, maintaining a dwelling for the purpose of distributing a controlled substance, and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. On October 15, 2019, JACKSON pled guilty to that charge.
According to the investigation, in September 2018, the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office (FCSO) began an investigation into the drug trafficking activities of JACKSON. A confidential informant provided information that JACKSON was selling narcotics, including heroin, from his residence on Wiley Road in Spring Hope, North Carolina. After a series of controlled purchases of heroin and crack cocaine from JACKSON at his residence, FCSO executed a search warrant of JACKSON’S residence where they found quantities of heroin containing fentanyl, crack cocaine, cocaine, marijuana, drug distribution paraphernalia, a firearm, and ammunition. JACKSON had just been released from a state prison sentence six months prior to the execution of the search warrant.
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. Since 2017 the United States Department of Justice has reinvigorated the PSN program and has targeted violent criminals, directing all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to work in partnership with federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement and the local community to develop effective, locally-based strategies to reduce violent crime.
This case is also part of the Take Back North Carolina Initiative of the United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of North Carolina. This initiative emphasizes the regional assignment of federal prosecutors to work with law enforcement and District Attorney’s Offices on a sustained basis in those communities to reduce the violence crime rate, drug trafficking, and crimes against law enforcement.
The investigation of this matter was conducted jointly by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) and the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant United States Attorney Robert J. Dodson prosecuted the case for 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.
Herkimer County Woman Pleads Guilty to Stealing Social Security FundsRead the Press Release
SYRACUSE, NEW YORK – TammyLynn Sterling Barthelmess, age 62, of Little Falls, New York, pled guilty today to Conspiracy to Steal Government Funds and three Counts of Bank Fraud, announced United States Attorney Grant C. Jaquith and Special Agent in Charge John Grasso, Social Security Administration-Office of the Inspector General (“SSA-OIG”), New York Field Division.
As a part of her guilty plea today, Barthelmess admitted that she concealed the death of D.W., a tenant of hers in Little Falls, New York, who died in her home in 2006. Barthelmess and others caused the body of D.W. to remain hidden until it was discovered in Little Falls on May 1, 2013, in an advanced state of decomposition inside a dog-crate behind an unoccupied house owned by the defendant. Following the death of D.W., TammyLynn Sterling Barthelmess and her daughter, Shannon Hardy Sekel, used the checking account of D.W. to steal Social Security retirement benefits that were deposited in the account each month. The defendant wrote checks from D.W.’s checking account until the payments stopped in May 2013 following the discovery of D.W.’s remains. As a further part of her guilty plea today, Barthelmess admitted to making false statements to New York State Police Investigators who interviewed her following the discovery of D.W.s body.
Shannon Hardy Sekel previously pled guilty to Conspiracy to Steal Government Money and Bank Fraud. Her sentencing is not yet scheduled.
At sentencing on June 24, 2020, in Binghamton, New York, TammyLynn Sterling Barthelmess faces a sentence of up to 5 years imprisonment and a fine of up to $250,00.00 for Conspiracy to Steal Government Money. For her convictions for bank fraud, she faces a sentence of up to 30 years in prison and a fine of up to $1,000,000.00 for each of the three counts. The defendant may also be sentenced to serve up to 5 years of supervised release following any term of imprisonment. As part of her guilty plea today, Barthelmess agreed to pay $ 110,948.00 in restitution to the Social Security Administration.
This case was investigated by the United States Social Security Administration-Office of Inspector General (“SSA-OIG”), the New York State Police, and the City of Little Falls Police Department, and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Tamara B. Thomson and Richard R. Southwick.
Harvey Psychiatrist Sentenced in Scheme to Defraud Medicare by Soliciting and Receiving Kickback Payments for Medically Unnecessary Home Health ReferralsRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS - U.S. Attorney Peter G. Strasser announced that MUHAMMAD ARSHAD, age 64, a resident of Harvey, Louisiana, was sentenced on February 20, 2020 by U.S. District Judge Barry W. Ashe to three years’ probation, which includes 250 hours of community service, in connection with his guilty plea to conspiracy to commit health care fraud. In addition, ARSHAD was fined $23,500 and agreed to pay restitution to the Medicare program.
According to court records, ARSHAD admitted that, between November 2011 and March 2013, in return for accepting illegal health care kickbacks, he referred beneficiaries who he treated at a Louisiana-based psychiatric facility for medically unnecessary home health services and further fraudulently certified that the beneficiaries were eligible to receive such services. ARSHAD admitted that he accepted $1,500 a month from Progressive Home Health Care, Inc. (“Progressive”), which were disguised kickback payments for the referrals. Progressive then submitted the fraudulent claims to Medicare. Progressive was reimbursed approximately $225,211 by Medicare for the medically unnecessary home health services.
U.S. Attorney Strasser praised the work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Department of Health and Human Services for their work investigating the case. The prosecution of the case is being handled by Jared Hasten, Katherine Payerle, and Claire Yan of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section.
Hartford Man Pleads Guilty to Fentanyl and Crack Distribution OffensesRead the Press Release
John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that NATHANIEL DeJESUS, 20, of Hartford, pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Judge Kari A. Dooley in Bridgeport to fentanyl and crack cocaine distribution offenses.
According to court documents and statements made in court, in July 2019, after a spate of gun violence in Hartford, the FBI’s Northern Connecticut Violent Crimes Gang Task Force, DEA, Hartford Police Department and other law enforcement agencies initiated an investigation targeting gang-related drug distribution and associated violence in north Hartford. During the investigation, law enforcement made controlled purchases of crack cocaine and fentanyl from DeJesus.
DeJesus was arrested on state charges on August 28, 2019. At the time of his arrest he possessed fentanyl and crack packaged for distribution.
On September 13, 2019, DeJesus was arrested on federal narcotics distribution charges. On that date, a search of his Andover Street residence revealed approximately 73 grams of fentanyl, more than two grams of crack, and items used to process and package narcotics for street sale.
DeJesus pleaded guilty to one count of possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and cocaine base (“crack”). Judge Dooley scheduled sentencing for May 22, 2020, at which time DeJesus faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years.
DeJesus has been detained since September 13, 2019.
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.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney John T. Pierpont, Jr.
Gulfport Woman Sentenced for making a False Statement when Purchasing a FirearmRead the Press Release
Gulfport, Miss. – Gladys Marie Fairley, 62, of Gulfport, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Louis Guirola, Jr., to 15 months in federal prison, followed by two years of supervised release, for making a false statement when purchasing a firearm, announced U.S. Attorney Mike Hurst and Special Agent in Charge Kurt Thielhorn with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (“ATF”). Fairley was also ordered to pay a $2,000 fine.
While purchasing a firearm at a Gulfport pawn shop on September 22, 2018, Gladys Marie Fairley made a false statement to a federal firearms licensee. When Fairley filled out an ATF Form 4473, she falsely stated to the licensee on the form that she had no prior felonies. However, Fairley had been convicted of a felony in 2011 for abuse of a vulnerable adult in the Circuit Court of Harrison County.
Fairley was indicted on September 25, 2019, and pled guilty before Judge Guirola on November 13, 2019.
This case was investigated by The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. It was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Andrea Jones.
Grovetown man faces prison after admitting illegally possessing firearm as convicted felonRead the Press Release
AUGUSTA, GA: A Grovetown man with a felony criminal record has admitted carrying a firearm found in his car during a Richmond County traffic stop.
Antonio Dondrell Bell, 29, pled guilty to Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon during a hearing before U.S. District Court Chief Judge J. Randal Hall, said Bobby L. Christine, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Georgia. The charge carries a penalty of up to 10 years in prison, substantial fines and up to three years of supervised release after completion of the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system.
“Despite a criminal history that makes it very clear he is prohibited from carrying firearms, Bell persisted in not only possessing a weapon but in brandishing firearms and glorifying a criminal lifestyle in videos posted online,” said U.S. Attorney Christine. “His audience will be substantially smaller inside a federal prison.”
According to court documents and testimony, Bell was arrested in Dec.7, 2018, after a traffic stop in Augusta by Richmond County sheriff’s deputies who found a loaded Ruger 9mm handgun with an extended magazine under the driver’s seat of Bell’s 2015 Chevrolet Corvette.
In online videos in which he performs under the name “Yayo,” Bell is seen holding a firearm while also flashing large stacks of cash. He claimed the videos were staged for his budding music career, while also admitting that he was a member of the 5-9 Brims, a subset of the violent Bloods criminal street gang. Bell faces additional state charges, including indictments on multiple counts of the Georgia Street Gang Terrorism and Prevention Act.
Bell has previous convictions for felonies, which make it illegal for him to possess a firearm.
The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Richmond County Sheriff’s Office, and prosecuted for the United States by Assistant U.S. Attorney Alejandro V. Pascual IV.
Georgia woman pleads guilty to social security fraudRead the Press Release
ATLANTA - Valencia D. Williams has pleaded guilty to Social Security fraud. Williams received Supplemental Security Income (SSI) from the Social Security Administration because she claimed that she was so disabled by anxiety and depression that she spent most of her time in her room and could not work. In fact, she was working as an exotic dancer at a local adult entertainment club under the name “Chrissy the Doll.” SSI is a needs-based disability benefits program. Individuals who are over a certain income threshold or are not disabled cannot collect SSI.
“The Social Security Administration's SSI program is intended for individuals whose income is below the federal poverty guidelines, who are truly disabled, and cannot engage in work activity,” said U.S. Attorney Byung J. “BJay” Pak. “Williams was able to work and therefore she was not disabled. Moreover, the income she received by working would have likely rendered her ineligible for SSI. By getting SSI, when she did not qualify, she stole money from the most needy members of our communities: the poor and the disabled.”
“This plea serves as a warning to anyone who would conceal earnings or medical improvement from the Social Security Administration so they can continue receiving payments,” Special Agent in Charge Rodregas Owens, Social Security Administration Office of the Inspector General, Atlanta Field Division. “My office is committed to ensuring the integrity of Social Security’s benefit programs, which are a lifeline for so many truly disabled people in this country.”
“When individuals are approved for certain Social Security benefits, they automatically become entitled to Medicare and Medicaid,” said Derrick L. Jackson, Special Agent in Charge at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General in Atlanta. “This case represents how federal agencies can leverage precious resources to protect vital taxpayer-funded programs.”
According to U.S. Attorney Pak, the charges and other information presented in court: In or about July 2010, Williams applied for and began receiving SSI benefits based on her assertion that she was disabled by major depressive disorder and panic disorder. When she began receiving SSI, she was informed that she had to report any work activity to the SSA. As early as September 2014, she began working as an exotic dancer, using the stage name “Chrissy the Doll,” at Stoker's Adult Entertainment Club in DeKalb County. In fact, she obtained adult entertainer permits from DeKalb County in 2014, 2015, 2017, and 2018.
In 2018, as part of a review to determine if Williams continued to be disabled, Defendant told the SSA that she stayed in her room 99 percent of the time and swore that she had not worked in years. Later, in March 2019, she reported to the SSA that she was bedridden and only went outside three times per week. In fact, none of this was true. She regularly danced at Stroker's, during the night shift, often until 4:00 am. Williams received over $60,000 in federal funds that she was not entitled to receive.
Sentencing for Valencia D. Williams, 31, of Lithonia, Georgia, is scheduled for May 26, 2020, at 10:00 a.m., before U.S. District Court Judge Timothy C. Batten
The Social Security Administration - Office of the Inspector General investigated this case.
Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Diane C. Schulman is prosecuting the case.
For further information please contact the U.S. Attorney’s Public Affairs Office at [email protected] or (404) 581-6016. The Internet address for the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Georgia is http://www.justice.gov/usao-ndga.
Gang Member Sentenced to More Than 7 Years in Federal Prison for Fentanyl and Crack OffensesRead the Press Release
John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that NELSON FERRY, also known as “300,” 29, of East Hartford, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Vanessa L. Bryant in Hartford to 87 months of imprisonment, followed by five years of supervised release, for distributing fentanyl and crack cocaine.
According to court documents and statements made in court, this matter stems from an investigation conducted by the FBI’s Northern Connecticut Violent Crimes Gang Task Force and Hartford Police Department’s Vice and Narcotics Division into the trafficking of narcotics and associated violence in Hartford’s South End by members and associates of the Almighty Latin Kings Nation (“Latin Kings”). The investigation, which included court-authorized wiretaps, physical surveillance and controlled purchases of narcotics, revealed that two members of the Latin Kings operated separate drug trafficking organizations that distributed fentanyl, heroin, cocaine and crack cocaine. The organizations used multiple locations to process, package, store and distribute narcotics, and possessed firearms in furtherance of their drug trafficking activities.
Ferry led one of the drug trafficking organizations and operated a “trap house” at 149 Wethersfield Avenue in Hartford as a distribution point for drug customers. Between February and April 2018, investigators made several controlled purchases of fentanyl and crack cocaine from Ferry’s associate at or near the trap house. On May 22, 2018, Ferry’s associate was shot and seriously wounded in an apparent robbery of the trap house. After the shooting, intercepted communications revealed that Ferry solicited his brother-in-law, Dannie Darling, to locate and likely harm the shooter. In order to prevent violence, investigators followed Ferry, sent uniformed police officers into targeted areas, and stopped Darling in his vehicle to identify him.
Ferry has been detained since his arrest on June 19, 2018. A search of his residence on that date revealed approximately 50 grams of fentanyl, assorted drug paraphernalia and more than $2700 in cash.
On August 12, 2019, Ferry pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute, and distribution of, 40 grams or more of fentanyl and 28 grams or more of cocaine base (“crack”).
Darling pleaded guilty to related charges and, on January 22, 2020, was sentenced to 51 months of imprisonment.
On January 27, 2020, Randy Parkman, 43, of Hartford, pleaded guilty to federal robbery and firearm offenses related to the May 22, 2018, shooting at the Wethersfield Avenue trap house. He awaits sentencing.
This matter is being investigated by the FBI’s Northern Connecticut Violent Crimes Gang Task Force and the Hartford Police Department. The 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 Shooting Task Force have provided valuable assistance to the investigation.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Brian P. Leaming.
Frankfort Man Sentenced to 70 Months for Receiving Child Pornography and Wage and Hour OffensesRead the Press Release
FRANKFORT, Ky. - A Frankfort man, Fei Guo Tang, 49, was sentenced to 70 months in federal prison on Wednesday, by U.S. District Court Judge Gregory VanTatenhove, for knowingly receiving child pornography and knowingly failing to pay workers minimum and time-and-a-half overtime wages.
According to his plea agreement, a forensic examination of Fei Guo Tang’s telephone revealed five videos containing depictions of minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct. Additionally, he failed to pay more than $60,000 in required overtime and minimum wages, to five of his employees. As part of his sentence, Tang will be required to pay that amount in restitution. The Defendant was also ordered to pay $84,151.00, in lieu of forfeiture of property. Finally, Tang will pay a $20,000 civil penalty to the U.S. Department of Labor Wage and Hour Division.
Under federal law, Tang must serve 85 percent of his prison sentence and will be under the supervision of the U.S. Probation Office for ten years.
Robert M. Duncan, Jr., United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky; Jason Crosby, U.S. Department of State, Diplomatic Security Service, Supervisory Special Agent, Criminal Division; Matthew Utley, Assistant District Director, Department of Labor Wage and Hour Division; Rafiq Ahmad Special Agent in Charge, DOL Office of Inspector General; Rod Owens, Special Agent in Charge, Social Security Administration, Office of Inspector General; and Kentucky Attorney General Daniel Cameron, jointly made the announcement.
The investigation was conducted by the Department of State, Department of Labor, Social Security Administration, Office of Inspector General, and the Kentucky Office of the Attorney General. The United States was represented by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Hydee Hawkins, David Marye, and Dmitriy Slavin.
The year 2020 marks the 150th anniversary of the Department of Justice. Learn more about the history of our agency at www.Justice.gov/Celebrating150Years.
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Former Veterans Affairs Official Sentenced to 18 Months in Federal Prison for Role in Bribery Scheme to Rig Federal ContractsRead the Press Release
DENVER – United States Attorney Jason R. Dunn announced that former U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs official Dwane Nevins, age 55, was sentenced to serve 18 months in federal prison followed by 3 years of supervised release for corruption offenses. The FBI’s Denver Field Office and the Veterans Affairs Office of Inspector General, Criminal Investigations Division, Central Field Office, joined in today’s announcement.
According to Court records, Dwane Nevins — a small business specialist at the VA’s Network Contracting Office in Colorado — agreed to take bribes offered by co-defendants Robert Revis, Anthony Bueno and an undercover FBI agent to help them manipulate the process for bidding on federal contracts with the VA. Revis and Bueno, working with Nevins, agreed to submit fraudulent bids from service-disabled-veteran-owned small businesses under contract with their consulting company so that federal contracts would be set aside for only those companies. As Bueno put it, the conspirators would then “own all the dogs on the track.” Nevins, Bueno and Revis worked to conceal the nature of the bribe payments by either kicking back to Nevins a portion of the payments made to their consulting company, or by asking their consulting company’s clients to pay Nevins for sham training classes related to federal contracting. At one of those sham trainings in Las Vegas, Nevada, Nevins accepted a $4,500 cash bribe from the undercover FBI agent.
After complaining about not being paid by Revis and Bueno for his participation in the scheme, Nevins used his official position at the VA to extort approximately $10,000 from an undercover FBI agent, telling the agent that “the train don’t go without me. You know what I mean? I’m the engine. I’m the caboose. I’m the engine room.” Nevins also told the undercover FBI agent “this is a business and businessmen need to get paid . . . . so I can have my Christmas, you know what I’m saying?”
Anthony Bueno was previously sentenced in this case to 30 months imprisonment. He was also sentenced to 63 months imprisonment for his role in a separately indicted wire fraud scheme in which he used false representations about investment opportunities to take over a million dollars from several victims.
Robert Revis pleaded guilty in April 2019 to an Information charging him with a single count of supplementing the salary of a federal official. His sentencing hearing is scheduled for March 2, 2020.
“Public corruption is one of my office’s top priorities,” said U.S. Attorney Jason Dunn. “And when it comes at the expense of our veterans by someone that is supposed to be helping them, we will vigorously prosecute those corrupt actors.”
“Dwane Nevins abused his position of power as a U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Small Business Advisor in order to personally benefit,” said FBI Denver Special Agent in Charge Dean Phillips. “The FBI is grateful for its partnerships with OIG - U.S. Veterans Administration, OIG – U.S. Small Business Administration, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office which allowed the government to hold Mr. Nevins responsible for his actions.”
“This sentence should deter any government employee who hopes to unlawfully profit from their position of public trust,” said Gregg Hirstein, Special Agent in Charge, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Office of Inspector General. “Individuals and companies involved in corrupting the VA’s business practices will be held accountable.”
The case was jointly investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Office of Inspector General, with substantial assistance from U.S. Small Business Administration Office of Inspector General.
The defendant was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge R. Brooke Jackson and was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Bryan D. Fields and Hetal J. Doshi.
Former SCDC Corrections Officer Sentenced to Federal Prison for Stabbing InmateRead the Press Release
Columbia, South Carolina ---- Acting United States Attorney A. Lance Crick announced today that Jarrell Boyan, 29, of Columbia, was sentenced to 7 years in federal prison after pleading guilty to deprivation of rights under color of law.
The facts presented to the court showed that on October 6, 2016, Boyan was working as a Lieutenant with the South Carolina Department of Corrections (SCDC) at Kirkland Correctional Institute in Columbia. While he was on duty, an inmate, identified in the Indictment by the initials K.S., damaged the light fixture inside of his cell. In response, then-Lieutenant Boyan, the ranking officer on scene, directed several officers to assist him in inspecting the cell. Boyan devised a plan to apply restraints to K.S. and remove him from his cell. Surveillance video captured the events unfolding in the wing where K.S.’s cell was located; however, there was no camera trained on the inside of the cell. On the surveillance video, Boyan and two other officers can be seen walking down the wing and entering the victim’s cell. Once inside the cell, the victim gave some resistance and the officers used force to secure the victim in handcuffs.
The officers soon removed the victim from his cell and safely restrained him in handcuffs in the hallway. Boyan and his subordinates conducted a search of the victim’s person and located a homemade metal knife, commonly referred to as a shank. The officers removed the shank from the victim’s person and secured it at a safe distance away from the cell and off of the wing. However, several minutes later, Boyan directed the restrained victim back inside the cell, where Boyan and two subordinate officers applied additional force to K.S. Moments later, Boyan is seen exiting the cell and walking off of the wing and out of view of the camera, where he retrieved the shank. Boyan then placed the shank in his pocket, returned to the wing, and went back into the victim’s cell.
Inside the victim’s cell, shielded from camera view, Boyan exposed the shank and began stabbing the victim several times. The subordinate officers looked on and continued to physically restrain the victim as Boyan repeatedly caused injury to the victim. The victim sustained several injuries, including four stab wounds to his abdomen and punctures to his kidney and liver. The victim received immediate medical attention, but he has required additional surgeries. In the hours following the stabbing, Boyan authored a false report of the incident and directed his subordinate deputies to do the same.
SCDC immediately responded to this incident, conducting an internal investigation and partnering with agents from the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
“The U.S. Attorney’s Office will continue fighting alongside our federal, state, and local partners to ensure those in positions of public trust are held accountable when they abuse that trust,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Crick. “We are grateful to SCDC and the FBI for their work in bringing this defendant to justice.”
“When a corrections officer breaks the public trust, they must be held accountable for their actions,” said Bryan Stirling, Director of the South Carolina Department of Corrections. “The FBI and the U.S. Attorney’s office working alongside the SCDC Police Services Division did a great job bringing this case to justice.”
Jody Norris, FBI Special Agent in Charge, stated, “Citizens should trust their law enforcement officers, including correctional officers, to act in accordance with the Constitution. When that trust is betrayed the FBI will continue to work with our partners, such as the South Carolina Department of Corrections, to ensure justice is served. This case demonstrates the steadfastness of our commitment.”
Assistant United States Attorney Alyssa Leigh Richardson of the Columbia office prosecuted the case.
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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.
Former Police Officer Sentenced to 15 Years for Child PornographyRead the Press Release
SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – A Joplin, Missouri, man who was formerly a police officer was sentenced in federal court today for receiving and distributing child pornography.
Gary McKinney, 44, was sentenced by U.S. Chief District Judge Beth Phillips to 15 years in federal prison without parole. The court also sentenced McKinney to spend the rest of his life on supervised release following incarceration. McKinney will be required to register as a sex offender upon his release from prison and will be subject to federal and state sex offender registration requirements, which may apply throughout his life.
McKinney, who pleaded guilty on Aug. 12, 2019, was an officer with the Joplin Police Department for about seven years until May 20, 2006. He also worked for a short time as a police officer in Webb City, Missouri, and Duquesne, Missouri. He owned and operated Gary McKinney Plumbing Services at the time of his arrest.
The investigation began on Sept. 17, 2018, when a federal agent received a CyberTip from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. Facebook reported that a user had uploaded a video file of the sexual assault of a 4-year-old victim. Law enforcement officers contacted the Facebook user, who at that time was conversing with McKinney using the KIK messaging application.
Law enforcement officers executed a search warrant at McKinney’s residence on Oct. 3, 2018, and seized his cell phone. Investigators located 506 images and 148 videos that contained child pornography on McKinney’s cell phone. The examination showed that McKinney used both the Telegram and KIK applications to converse with others and exchange child pornography.
This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Ami Harshad Miller. It was investigated by Immigration and Customs Enforcement's (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), the Southwest Missouri Cyber Crimes Task Force, and the Joplin, Mo., Police Department.
Project Safe Childhood
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc . For more information about Internet safety education, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc and click on the tab "resources."Former Labor Union Officer Sentenced for Embezzlement of Union AssetsRead the Press Release
RALEIGH – United States Attorney Robert J. Higdon, Jr. announced that today in federal court, Chief United States District Judge Terrence W. Boyle sentenced TERRY SLAUGHTER, 46, of Fayetteville, North Carolina to six months imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release. On February 19, 2019, SLAUGHTER pled guilty to Embezzlement of Labor Union Assets. On January 28, 2020, Keith Ludlum pled guilty to Conspiracy and Embezzlement of Labor Union Assets. Ludlum is scheduled to be sentenced in April.
From 2011 to 2015, SLAUGHTER served as Secretary-Treasurer of United Food and Commercial Workers (“UFCW”), Local 1208 (“Local 1208”). Ludlum served as President. Local 1208 encompasses North and South Carolina and has approximately 3600 active members.
In 2014, the UFCW initiated an audit of the Local after receiving complaints from union members regarding the theft and misuse of union funds by Ludlum and SLAUGHTER. The audit and a subsequent criminal investigation revealed that between January 2012 and March 2015, SLAUGHTER and Ludlum embezzled and misused more than $200,000 in union funds by issuing unauthorized checks to themselves and others, and by making unauthorized purchases with their union debit cards.
Mr. Higdon stated: “This defendant was entrusted to act in the best interests of thousands of Smithfield Foods plant employees who contributed a portion of their hard-earned wages as union dues. Instead, he betrayed their trust by converting union funds to his own personal use. We will continue to investigate these crimes and aggressively pursue the appropriate legal remedies on behalf of Eastern North Carolina workers.”
“Safeguarding financial integrity and combatting financial malfeasance in labor unions is a very high priority for OLMS. The financial malfeasance was discovered by the local union and report to OLMS. OLMS and the U. S. Attorney’s Office were able to fully investigate and bring about justice. This sentencing sends a clear message that OLMS and the U. S. Attorney’s Office will fully investigate and seek justice when anyone attempts to use their union position for personal financial gain at the expense of union members.” Joel Belinc Del-Gregorio, Criminal Investigator, OLMS.
SLAUGHTER was ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $63,315.18.
The United States Department of Labor, Office of Labor Management Standards conducted the investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Toby Lathan represented 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.
Former Executive Director of Nonprofit Sentenced for Illegally Diverting Charity Funds to Unnamed State Senator and Convicted LobbyistRead the Press Release
A former executive director of South Arkansas Youth Services (SAYS), an Arkansas-based nonprofit, was sentenced today to 30 months in prison followed by three years of supervised release for conspiring to unlawfully divert over $380,000 from the charity to an Arkansas state senator and the lobbying firm of a convicted lobbyist.
Assistant Attorney General Brian A. Benczkowski of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division and Acting U.S. Attorney David Clay Fowlkes for the Western District of Arkansas made the announcement.
U.S. District Judge Susan O. Hickey sentenced Jerry Walsh, 72, of Magnolia, Arkansas, who previously pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to misapply the nonprofit’s funds without authority from the board of directors. Judge Hickey also ordered Walsh to pay $515,631.56 in restitution.
As part of his plea, Walsh admitted that beginning in 2013, while serving as executive director for SAYS, he agreed to divert SAYS funds to convicted lobbyist Milton “Rusty” Cranford and an unnamed Arkansas state senator in exchange for the state senator’s influence in protecting the nonprofit’s state contracts with the Arkansas Department Health Services (DHS) and DHS’ Division of Youth Services (DYS). As part of that agreement, Walsh was to provide a monthly “legal retainer” to the Arkansas state senator without the expectation that the senator ever provide any legal work. Instead, the purpose of the payments was to obtain the senator’s assistance in preserving the contracts by influencing DHS and DYS officials. According to the plea, Cranford negotiated the amount paid to the senator, which amounted to over $120,000.
Additionally, as part of the conspiracy, Walsh admitted to paying Cranford’s lobbying firms above-market prices and employed a relative of Cranford who had a “no-show” job with SAYS. In total, Walsh illegally diverted approximately $262,000 in charity funds to Cranford’s lobbying firm and relative.
The FBI investigated this case along with the assistance of the Magnolia Police Department and the 13th Judicial District of Arkansas Prosecuting Attorney’s Office. Senior Litigation Counsel Marco A. Palmieri of the Criminal Division’s Public Integrity Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Ben Wulff of the Western District of Arkansas are prosecuting the case with the assistance of Deputy Prosecutor Ryan Phillips with the 13th Judicial District Prosecuting Attorney’s Office. This is a combined investigation with the Public Integrity Section, the Eastern District of Arkansas, the Western District of Arkansas and the Western District of Missouri.
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.
Former Executive Director of Non-profit is Sentenced for Illegally Diverting Charity Funds to Unnamed State Senator and Convicted LobbyistRead the Press Release
El Dorado, AR – A former executive director of South Arkansas Youth Services (SAYS), an Arkansas-based nonprofit, was sentenced today to 30 months in prison followed by three years of supervised release for conspiring to unlawfully divert over $380,000 from the charity to an Arkansas state senator and the lobbying firm of a convicted lobbyist.
Acting U.S. Attorney David Clay Fowlkes for the Western District of Arkansas and Assistant Attorney General Brian A. Benczkowski of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division made the announcement.
Chief U.S. District Judge Susan O. Hickey sentenced Jerry Walsh, 72, of Magnolia, Arkansas, who previously pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to misapply the nonprofit’s funds without authority from the board of directors. Judge Hickey also ordered Walsh to pay $515,631.56 in restitution.
As part of his plea, Walsh admitted that beginning in 2013, while serving as executive director for SAYS, he agreed to divert SAYS funds to convicted lobbyist Milton “Rusty” Cranford and an unnamed Arkansas state senator in exchange for the state senator’s influence in protecting the non-profit’s state contracts with the Arkansas Department Health Services (DHS) and DHS’ Division of Youth Services (DYS). As part of that agreement, Walsh was to provide a monthly “legal retainer” to the Arkansas state senator without the expectation that the senator ever provide any legal work. Instead, the purpose of the payments was to obtain the senator’s assistance in preserving the contracts by influencing DHS and DYS officials. According to the plea, Cranford negotiated the amount paid to the senator, which amounted to over $120,000.
Additionally, as part of the conspiracy, Walsh admitted to paying Cranford’s lobbying firms above-market prices and employed a relative of Cranford who had a “no-show” job with SAYS. In total, Walsh illegally diverted approximately $262,000 in charity funds to Cranford’s lobbying firm and relative.
The FBI investigated this case along with the assistance of the Magnolia Police Department and the 13th Judicial District of Arkansas Prosecuting Attorney’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Ben Wulff of the Western District of Arkansas and Senior Litigation Counsel Marco A. Palmieri of the Criminal Division’s Public Integrity Section are prosecuting the case with the assistance of Deputy Prosecutor Ryan Phillips with the 13th Judicial District Prosecuting Attorney’s Office. This is a combined investigation with the Public Integrity Section the Eastern District of Arkansas, Western District of Arkansas, and the Western District of Missouri.
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.
Former Employee of Twin Cities Nonprofit Pleads Guilty to Charity Fraud ConspiracyRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Erica H. MacDonald today announced the guilty plea of AISHIA RENEE BELL, 49, to one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud. BELL, who was charged by felony information on January 29, 2020, entered her guilty plea today before Senior Judge David S. Doty in U.S. District Court in Minneapolis, Minnesota. A total of 12 defendants have pleaded guilty for their roles in the conspiracy.
According to the defendant’s guilty plea and documents filed in court, from November 2014 through February 2019, BELL, a former employee of a Twin Cities non-profit organization that provides housing and related services to the homeless, devised and participated in a scheme to defraud the organization of charitable funds intended to help the homeless. As part of the scheme, BELL recruited an individual to pose as a vendor providing services to fictitious homeless clients, and then directed the individual to submit to the organization fraudulent IRS Forms W-9, lease agreements, and check requests that falsely claimed to provide housing to homeless clients. BELL and a co-conspirator submitted the fraudulent check requests and supporting documentation to the organization’s accounts payable department in order to facilitate the issuance of checks. Between November 2014 and June 2017, BELL caused the transmission of approximately 69 fraudulent check requests from the organization to its bank for checks totaling approximately $166,785.
During the course of the investigation, BELL attempted to conceal the full scope of the conspiracy by making false statements to law enforcement and by attempting to dissuade a co-conspirator from cooperating with law enforcement.
This case is the result of an investigation conducted by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, Office of Inspector General (HUD-OIG), the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), and the United States Postal Inspection Service (USPIS).
Assistant United States Attorney Miranda E. Dugi is prosecuting the case.
Defendant Information:
AISHIA RENEE BELL, 49
Minneapolis, Minn.
Convicted:
- Conspiracy to commit wire fraud, 1 count
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Former Atomwaffen Division Leader Arrested for Swatting ConspiracyRead the Press Release
ALEXANDRIA, Va. – A former leader of the white supremacist group Atomwaffen Division was arrested today on charges related to his alleged role in a conspiracy that conducted multiple swatting events that occurred here in the Eastern District of Virginia.
John Cameron Denton, 26, of Montgomery, Texas, is allegedly a former leader of the Atomwaffen Division in Texas. Denton was arrested this morning in Montgomery and will make his initial appearance at 2 p.m. CST before U.S. Magistrate Judge Nancy K. Johnson at the federal courthouse in Houston.
According to court documents, from November 2018 to at least April 2019, Denton and several co-conspirators, including John William Kirby Kelley, allegedly conspired together to conduct “swatting” calls. Swatting is a harassment tactic that involves deceiving dispatchers into believing that a person or persons are in imminent danger of death or bodily harm and causing the dispatchers to send police and emergency services to an unwitting third party’s address.
According to court documents, Denton allegedly participated in a conspiracy that conducted three swatting calls that occurred here in the Eastern District of Virginia: a Cabinet official living in Northern Virginia on Jan. 27, 2019; Old Dominion University on Nov. 29, 2018; and Alfred Street Baptist Church on Nov. 3, 2018.
Additionally, Denton allegedly chose at least two other targets to “swat”: the New York City office of ProPublica, a non-profit newsroom that produces investigative journalism; and an investigative journalist that produced materials for ProPublica. Denton allegedly chose the two targets because he was furious with ProPublica and the investigative journalist for publishing his true identity and discussing his role in Atomwaffen Division.
During the investigation, Denton unknowingly met with an undercover law enforcement officer and allegedly told the undercover officer about his role in the swatting conspiracy. Denton allegedly stated that he used a voice changer when he made swatting calls, and allegedly admitted that he swatted the offices of ProPublica and the investigative journalist. He also allegedly stated that it would be good if he was “raided” for the swatting because it would be viewed as a top tier crime, and he felt that his arrest could benefit Atomwaffen Division.
Denton is charged with conspiracy to commit an offense against the United States, interstate threats to injure. If convicted, he and faces a maximum sentence of five years in prison. Actual sentences for federal crimes are typically less than the maximum penalties. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after taking into account the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
G. Zachary Terwilliger, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, and Timothy M. Dunham, Special Agent in Charge, Criminal Division, FBI Washington Field Office, made the announcement. Assistant U.S. Attorney Carina A. Cuellar is prosecuting 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. 1:20-mj-84.
Fitchburg Woman Sentenced to 60 Months for Drug TraffickingRead the Press Release
CONCORD - Mallory Nooks, 31, of Fitchburg, was sentenced yesterday in federal court to 60 months for possession with intent to distribute crack cocaine, United States Attorney Scott W. Murray announced.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on April 14, 2018, Nooks possessed 14 baggies of crack cocaine that she intended to distribute, after she had already distributed crack cocaine to another individual. She also possessed a loaded Ruger LCR 38 Special, .38 caliber pistol in her purse.
Nooks previously pleaded guilty on November 20, 2019.
“Traffickers in crack cocaine endanger the lives and safety of their customers as well as the general public,” said U.S. Attorney Murray. “The threat is enhanced when the trafficker is armed with a gun. The 5 year sentence imposed on this defendant should serve as a caution to others who would choose to sell dangerous drugs while armed.”
“Mallory Nooks thought she was above the law and could traffic cocaine without any consequences. But clearly, she was wrong. Today’s sentence should be a warning to others that there is zero tolerance for those who deal drugs and fuel violent crime in our communities because the safety of our neighborhoods is not negotiable,” said Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Boston Division.
This matter was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Nashua Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Georgiana Konesky and Anna Krasinski.
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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Federal Jury Convicts Roanoke Drug Kingpin on all CountsRead the Press Release
Roanoke, VIRGINIA – A Roanoke man, who was subject to one of the largest Fentanyl seizures in Virginia at the time, was convicted last night at the conclusion of a six-day jury trial on federal charges relating to a poly-drug conspiracy, United State Attorney Thomas T. Cullen announced today.
Monta Orlando Jordan, 44, a.k.a. “Ghost” and “Tae,” was convicted of one count of conspiring to distribute heroin, Fentanyl, methamphetamine, and cocaine; one count of possession with the intent to distribute Fentanyl; one count of attempting to possess with the intent to distribute cocaine; one count of attempting to possess with the intent to distribute heroin; and possession of one or more firearms in furtherance of the overall drug conspiracy.
“Until his arrest in August 2017, Monta Jordan oversaw a drug distribution network responsible for dealing huge quantities of heroin, Fentanyl, methamphetamine, and cocaine throughout the Roanoke Valley,” U.S. Attorney Cullen stated today. “Thanks to the hard work of the DEA, the Virginia State Police, the Roanoke Valley Regional Drug Initiative, the Roanoke City and County Police Departments, and supporting agencies, one of the biggest and most prolific drug dealers in recent memory now faces decades behind bars.”
Evidence presented at trial established that Jordan ran an extensive drug operation that began no later than the summer of 2016 and extended even beyond his arrest on federal charges in August 2017. Witness testimony established that, following his arrest on August 10, 2017, Jordan successfully smuggled one or more cell phones into his cell at a local jail and used the phones to coordinate the delivery and distribution of narcotics. A known girlfriend and associate of Jordan’s, Amany Mohamed Raya, was convicted last month of attempting to smuggle one of the phones to Jordan in the spine of a fake binder of documents, designed to look like confidential legal mail. In a coordinated effort by the United States Postal Inspection Service, the Roanoke City Sheriff’s Department, the United States Marshals Service, and the Drug Enforcement Administration [DEA], authorities caught Jordan in possession of one of the contraband phones and successfully intercepted Raya’s fake legal mail before it could be delivered to Jordan.
Evidence at trial also established that prior to his arrest in August 2017, Jordan trafficked large quantities of narcotics into the Roanoke-area through the mail and couriers, who were compensated for their willingness to transport narcotics by car from places such as New York, North Carolina, Tennessee, and Ohio. Further evidence established that Jordan received narcotics by FedEx from Arizona and in turn mailed large quantities of United States currency to designated recipients in those states. In July 2017, for example, the United States Postal Inspection Service intercepted two packages mailed by Jordan and his associates containing collectively just under $100,000 in cash. Jordan put one of his home addresses on the first package, as established by photographs and eyewitness testimony. Inside that package, agents found a basketball wrapped in carbon paper and surrounded by miscellaneous chair cushions. The basketball itself had been cut and contained $49,950 in rubber-banded currency.
Jurors also heard evidence regarding Jordan’s methods of transporting narcotics into the area by car. Among other vehicles, Jordan owned a burgundy Ford Fusion, which he identified in his own text messages as the “Batmobile.” On August 5, 2017, surveillance officers conducted a traffic stop of the “Batmobile” during a return trip by Jordan and his associates from New York. In the course of a subsequent search of that vehicle, specially trained interdiction officers with the Virginia State Police discovered a secret compartment, or trap, underneath the factory-installed carpet in the trunk of the car. Inside the trap, VSP agents located approximately 4.5 pounds of Fentanyl, one of the largest seizures of its kind at that time. The Fentanyl was contained in plastic bags and covered in an oily masking agent, designed to defeat the scenting capabilities of K-9 drug dogs.
In addition to transporting his own drugs, Jordan received narcotics delivered to him from outside the area. Evidence established that between January and August 2017, Jordan received at least 36 kilograms of cocaine and a kilogram of heroin in Roanoke, at prices of $35,000 and $60,000 per kilogram, respectively. Jordan retrieved these deliveries at various locations around the Valley View Mall and made cash payments toward his purchases of as much as $320,000 during scheduled meetings.
Jordan was apprehended by authorities in August 2017. On August 10, 2017, authorities received information regarding a suspicious FedEx package designated for an address associated with Jordan. Following receipt of a federal search warrant, agents opened the package and found approximately one pound each of packaged cocaine and heroin inside.
Agents replaced the narcotics with sham, or fake, drugs designed to match the appearance and weight of the seized contraband, and made a controlled delivery of the FedEx package to its designated location. Jurors saw aerial surveillance footage of Jordan retrieving the package from the target residence and proceeding toward Highway 122 in Bedford County.
Jordan was intercepted by Virginia State Police and undercover surveillance units near the intersection of Highway 122 and Morgans Church Road, in Bedford. In video footage of the ensuing police pursuit, Jordan could be seen throwing the sham drugs out the window of his vehicle and over a bridge, attempting to dispose of what he believed were genuine narcotics in his possession. He was taken into custody shortly after the sham packages entered the creek below, and has remained incarcerated since that time.
The investigation of this case led by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Virginia State Police, the Roanoke City and Roanoke County Police Departments, the United States Postal Inspection Service, and members of the High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Task Force (HIDTA), with invaluable assistance and support from the Air National Guard; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosive, the Department of Homeland Security, the United States Marshals Service, the Salem Police Department, the Roanoke Sheriff’s Office, and the Criminal Investigations Division of the Department of Motor Vehicles.
Assistant United States Attorneys Kari Munro and Anthony Giorno prosecuted the case for the United States.
Farmer pleads guilty to killing bald eagleRead the Press Release
CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas – A 35-year-old resident of Bay City made an appearance in federal court today and admitted he was responsible for killing a protected species, announced U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Patrick.
Leonard Cornelius, 35, of Bay City, Texas, pleaded guilty to killing a Bald Eagle, no longer an endangered species, but still protected under the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act. This law makes it a crime to kill, possess, sell, transport, export or import, any bald or golden eagle, alive or dead, including any part, nest, or egg, unless specifically allowed by permit.
Today, U.S. Magistrate Judge Jason B. Libby accepted the plea and ordered Cornelius to serve one year of probation and pay 11,907.50 in restitution to the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD). The court found he killed the animal knowingly and with wanton disregard for the consequences of his actions.
“We work with our state law enforcement partners on information sharing and investigations to effectively protect our nation's wildlife resources,” said Special Agent in Charge Phillip Land of the Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) - Office of Law Enforcement. “Through the effective enforcement of state and federal laws, we can conserve those trust species in the State of Texas and across the nation for future generations. We would like to thank the Texas Department of Parks and Wildlife and the U.S. Attorney's Office for their assistance in this case."
On March 22, 2018, authorities located a dead bald eagle and a number of other dead animals that appeared to have been poisoned near a field located southeast of Bay City. They began looking for the source of the poison and encountered Cornelius inspecting nearby farm fields.
He soon admitted he had placed the poison in his farm fields in order to kill birds that had been damaging his crops. Cornelius admitted he coated approximately 30 pounds of corn with poison. He then spread the corn on several of his fields in order to kill the birds.
He acknowledged seeing dead birds and several dead hogs in the area after he spread the poison.
Laboratory analysis later confirmed poisoned corn caused the bald eagle’s death.
FWS conducted the investigation with assistance of TPWD. Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert D. Thorpe Jr. is prosecuting the case.
Dubuque Man Charged with Being a Prohibited Person in Possession of a FirearmRead the Press Release
Tobias Sarazin, age 34, of Dubuque, Iowa, has been charged with being a prohibited person in possession of a firearm. The charge is contained in an Indictment unsealed on February 25, 2020, in United States District Court in Cedar Rapids.
The Indictment alleges that, in December 2019, Sarazin possessed a pistol while being a prohibited person. The Indictment alleges that Sarazin previously had been convicted of three crimes of domestic violence, that he was subject to a no contact order, and that he was an unlawful user of marijuana and methamphetamine.
If convicted, Sarazin faces a possible maximum sentence of 10 years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, and 3 years on supervised release following any imprisonment.
Sarazin appeared today in federal court in Cedar Rapids and was held without bond. Sarazin’s next appearance for trial is set for April 27, 2020.
As with any criminal case, a charge is merely an accusation and a defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN). PSN is the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
This case is also part of Project Guardian, the Department of Justice’s signature initiative to reduce gun violence and enforce federal firearms laws. Initiated by the Attorney General in the fall of 2019, Project Guardian draws upon the Department’s past successful programs to reduce gun violence; enhances coordination of federal, state, local, and tribal authorities in investigating and prosecuting gun crimes; improves information-sharing by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives when a prohibited individual attempts to purchase a firearm and is denied by the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS), to include taking appropriate actions when a prospective purchaser is denied by the NICS for mental health reasons; and ensures that federal resources are directed at the criminals posing the greatest threat to our communities. For more information about Project Guardian, please see /media/1122011/dl?inline.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Mark Tremmel and is being investigated by the Dubuque Police Department, the Dubuque County Sheriff’s Office, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
Court file information is available at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is CR 20-1005.
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Diamond Man Sentenced for Child PornographyRead the Press Release
SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – A Diamond, Missouri, man was sentenced in federal court today for receiving child pornography.
Larry James Lyle, 70, was sentenced by U.S. Chief District Judge Beth Phillips to 11 years in federal prison without parole. Lyle will be required to register as a sex offender upon his release from prison and will be subject to federal and state sex offender registration requirements, which may apply throughout his life.
On Sept. 6, 2019, Lyle pleaded guilty to receiving child pornography. Images and videos of child pornography were found on his laptop computer. Lyle admitted he used the internet to receive child pornography.
According to court documents, Lyle was identified by law enforcement agents during an investigation into the enticement of a 14-year-old victim in Ohio, whom Lyle met through an online game. The victim’s parents located messages, which were sexual in nature, between her and Lyle within the messaging app of the game and within the victim’s emails.
Lyle admitted to investigators that he communicated with underage minor females, and that many of those conversations were sexual in nature. He also admitted that he received nude images of minors.
This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Ami Harshad Miller. It was investigated by the FBI and the Southwest Missouri Cybercrimes Task Force.
Project Safe Childhood
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc . For more information about Internet safety education, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc and click on the tab "resources."Davenport Man Sentenced to More than 16 Years in Prison for Illegal Possession of AmmunitionRead the Press Release
DAVENPORT, IA – On Wednesday, February 26, 2020, Zacharia Allen Clark, age 30, of Davenport, was sentenced by United States District Court Chief Judge John A. Jarvey to more than 16 years in prison (200 months) after pleading guilty to being a Felon in Possession of Ammunition, announced United States Attorney Marc Krickbaum. Clark was ordered to serve a five-year term of supervised release to follow his release from prison and to pay a $100 special assessment payable to the Crime Victims’ Fund.
Clark pleaded guilty to the charge on October 1, 2019. On September 23, 2018, Davenport Police Officers responded to a nightclub in reference to shots fired. Subsequent investigation revealed that Clark pulled a pistol from his waistband and fired shots at another individual, who was only a few feet away, during a dispute in the parking lot. A nightclub employee was also present and near the shots fired. That same morning, Clark was arrested after officers conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle in which Clark, a Lowrider Street gang member, was a passenger, along with three other known Lowrider Street gang members. When Clark was booked into the Scott County Jail a round of ammunition was located in his pocket. Clark is prohibited under federal law from possessing ammunition due to multiple prior felony convictions.
At sentencing, the Court found that Clark was an Armed Career Criminal, meaning he had at least three prior convictions of violent felonies as defined by 18 U.S.C. § 924(e). This designation subjected Clark to a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years and a maximum sentence of life imprisonment.
“Zacharia Clark was caught with a single bullet, but because of his numerous acts of violence and long criminal record, he will serve more than sixteen years in federal prison,” said U.S. Attorney Krickbaum. Krickbaum continued, “Gang members in the Quad Cities need to pay attention. If we catch you with a gun or ammunition on the street, we will send you to federal prison.”This matter was investigated by the Davenport Police Department. This case was prosecuted by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Iowa.
Council Bluffs Man Sentenced for Prohibited Person in Possession of Firearms and AmmunitionRead the Press Release
COUNCIL BLUFFS, Iowa - United States Attorney Marc Krickbaum announced on February 24, 2020, Jacob Allen Washburn, age 29, of Council Bluffs, was sentenced by United States District Court Judge Rebecca Goodgame Ebinger for Prohibited Person in Possession of Firearms and Ammunition. Washburn was sentenced to 48 months in prison to be followed by a term of supervised release of three years.
On July 3, 2019, the Cass County Sheriff’s Office received a complaint that the Defendant was sitting in a vehicle parked in a homeowner’s driveway. When law enforcement responded, Washburn produced a valid Iowa Driver’s License and identified himself, however, he did not have any registration or ownership paperwork for the vehicle. The Defendant appeared to be disoriented and did not know where he was when questioned. While investigating, deputies saw a digital scale in the vehicle and the Defendant was detained. A pistol was found in Washburn’s left front pocket. The vehicle also contained a Remington Model 870 Express 12-gauge shotgun, and a Marlin Model 60 .22 LR semiautomatic rifle. Additionally, a bag containing 5.3 grams of methamphetamine was found in Defendant’s pocket and a bag containing 17.4 grams of methamphetamine was located in the vehicle. The Defendant admitted that he had a prior felony conviction.
This case was investigated by the Iowa Division of Narcotic Enforcement and the Cass County Sheriff’s Department. The case was prosecuted by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Iowa.
Convicted Murderer of VSP Special Agent Pleads GuiltyRead the Press Release
RICHMOND, Va. – A Lancaster County man who was convicted of the murder of a Virginia State Police Special Agent pleaded guilty today to possession of a firearm as a convicted felon.
According to court documents, on May 26, 2017, Virginia State Police Special Agent Michael Walter and Richmond Police Department Officer Christopher Duane encountered Travis Aaron Ball aka “Wiz”, 30, and another individual in a vehicle on the 1900 block of Redd Street in the Mosby Court public housing community.
During that encounter, the law enforcement officers learned that Ball and the driver were not residents of the Mosby Court public community. Believing that Ball and the driver were violating the public housing trespassing policies, the officers asked both individuals to step out of the vehicle. As Ball stepped out of the vehicle, he possessed a .25 caliber semi-automatic pistol.
It was later determined that Ball knew he was a convicted felon at the time of his possession of the firearm, as he had previously been convicted of a crime punishable by imprisonment for a term exceeding one year.
In October 2018, Ball was sentenced in Richmond Circuit Court to 36 years in prison for the capital murder of Virginia State Police Special Agent Michael Walter.
Ball pleaded guilty to possession of a firearm as a convicted felon and faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison when sentenced on May 21. 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.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), which is the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
G. Zachary Terwilliger, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia; Ashan M. Benedict, Special Agent in Charge of the ATF’s Washington Field Division; Colonel Gary T. Settle, Virginia State Police Superintendent; and William Smith, Chief of Richmond Police, made the announcement after Senior U.S. District Judge Henry E. Hudson accepted the plea. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Erik S. Siebert and Stephen E Anthony are prosecuting 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. 3:19-cr-128.
Columbia Gas Agrees to Plead Guilty in Connection with September 2018 Gas Explosions in Merrimack ValleyRead the Press Release
BOSTON – Columbia Gas of Massachusetts (CMA) has agreed to accept responsibility for the gas explosions on Sept. 13, 2018, in Lawrence, Andover and North Andover that killed one individual, injured 22, and damaged homes and businesses.
Bay State Gas Company, d/b/a Columbia Gas of Massachusetts, has agreed to plead guilty to violating a minimum safety standard of the Natural Gas Pipeline Safety Act relating to the failure to implement procedures to prevent the over-pressurization of its low-pressure gas distribution system in South Lawrence during a pipe replacement project known as the South Union Project. A plea hearing has not yet been scheduled.
According to the terms of the plea agreement, CMA will pay a criminal fine of $53,030,116 which represents twice the amount of profits that CMA earned between 2015 and 2018 from a pipeline infrastructure program called the Gas System Enhancement Plan (GSEP). In addition to a fine, CMA’s operations will be subject to monitoring during a three year period of probation to ensure CMA’s compliance with federal and state safety regulations.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office has also entered into a Deferred Prosecution Agreement (DPA) with CMA’s parent company, NiSource, Inc. based in Indiana. As part of the DPA, NiSource has agreed to undertake their best reasonable best efforts to sell CMA after which NiSource and CMA would stop all gas pipeline operations in Massachusetts. In exchange for the U.S. Attorney’s Office’s agreement to defer prosecution of NiSource as a result of CMA’s conduct, NiSource has also agreed to forfeit any profit it may earn from the sale of CMA and implement each of the safety recommendations from the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) resulting from the Sept. 13, 2018 incident.
According the charging documents, during the afternoon of Sept. 13, 2018, the over-pressurization of a low pressure gas distribution system in South Lawrence caused multiple fires and explosions in the communities of Lawrence, Andover, and North Andover. As a result, one individual in Lawrence was killed and another severely disabled, 22 people were injured, and approximately 131 residential homes and commercial buildings were damaged.
The charges filed against CMA allege that the company recklessly disregarded a known safety risk related to regulator control lines – sections of pipe connected to regulator stations that helped monitor and control downstream gas pressure. By at least 2015, according to an internal company notice, CMA knew that the failure to properly account for control lines in construction projects could lead a “catastrophic event,” including fires and explosions. Aging cast iron pipes were being replaced, but the failure to remove or relocate control line pipes that were later abandoned would automatically cause regulator stations to continually increase pressure to the point of dangerous over-pressurization.
The failure to account for control lines that led to the Sept. 13, 2018 event took place during a pipe replacement project known as the South Union Street Project that began in Lawrence in 2016. Throughout the project, CMA disregarded the known safety risks related to control lines, and instead focused on the timely completion of construction projects to maximize earnings under the company’s GSEP. The charging document alleges that the company, through the actions of its employees in Engineering, Construction and Operations and a pattern of flagrant organization indifference, failed to implement and follow any plan or action to ensure against over-pressurization and that failure led to the eventual fires and explosions in the Merrimack Valley on Sept. 13, 2018.
The DPA with NiSource acknowledges the fact that NiSource has previously made substantial voluntary restitution payments to the victims of the September 2018 incident, and has agreed to seek to resolve all pending civil claims. Most of the $53 million fine will be directed to the Justice Department’s Crime Victims Fund, which is a major funding source for victim services throughout the United States.
For more information regarding the case, please visit: https://www.justice.gov/usao-ma/victim-and-witness-assistance-program/united-states-v-bay-state-gas-company-dba-columbia-gas-massachusetts
United States Attorney Andrew E. Lelling; Douglas Shoemaker, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Department of Transportation, Office of Inspector General, Office of Investigations; and Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Field Division made the announcement today. Critical assistance was provided by the Massachusetts State Police and Lawrence Fire Department. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Neil J. Gallagher, Jr. and Evan Gotlob of Lelling’s Public Corruption and Special Prosecutions Unit are prosecuting the case.
Canadian Man Sentenced to 15 Months for Conspiracy to Commit Bank FraudRead the Press Release
CONCORD –Ajitharan Raveendran, 29, of Toronto, Ontario, was sentenced to 15 months in federal prison for participating in a conspiracy to commit bank fraud, United States Attorney Scott W. Murray announced today. Raveendran faces likely removal to Canada after the completion of his prison sentence.
According to court documents and statements made in court, in April 2019, Tharushan Nirmalachandran, Syed Hoque, and Raveendran, conspired with others to withdraw money from other persons’ bank accounts by using cloned debit cards at ATMs. A “cloned” debit card is a gift card or other type of card that has been re-encoded to contain other persons’ debit card information. Blank credit and debit or gift cards can be encoded with stolen credit and debit card information using an “MSR” or “Magnetic Stripe Reader” machine. An MSR machine can read and write the information stored in the magnetic stripe on the back of credit and debit cards.
On Friday, April 26, 2019, a witness reported to the Hudson Police Department that a man later identified as Hoque drove his car through an ATM in Hudson, New Hampshire, several times to make withdrawals. The Hudson Police responded and found Hoque in his car at the ATM. The officer saw that Hoque was holding a cell phone that was displaying several sets of numbers on the screen and saw a large amount of cash on the front passenger seat of his car and several ATM or credit cards on the center console.
A search of Hoque’s phone revealed text messages in an application called “WhatsApp” from the weekend of April 24 through 26, 2019. One group message chain from April 26, 2019, showed members of the conspiracy coordinating their activities as they withdrew money from ATMs with the cloned debit cards.
The trio was operating out of a hotel room in Methuen, Massachusetts. Hotel surveillance video showed that, early in the morning on April 27, 2019, Nirmalachandran and Raveendran carried large duffle bags out of their hotel room. Investigators later found duffle bags during a search of Nirmalachandran’s car that contained (i) a portable MSR machine; (ii) 103 Visa, American Express, and MasterCard gift cards, 96 of which contained cloned debit card information; (iii) over $51,000 United States currency; and (iv) a Hewlett Packard laptop computer. A later search of the computer revealed text files that contained over 170 debit card numbers.
In total, from April 25, 2019, through April 27, 2019, members of the conspiracy successfully withdrew at least $43,980.00 and attempted to withdraw an additional $69,900.00 from other people’s bank accounts using cloned debit cards.
Raveendran pleaded guilty on November 14, 2019.
Nirmalachandran previously pleaded guilty on November 4, 2019, and, on February 14, 2020, was sentenced to 15 months’ imprisonment.
In addition to their prison sentences, Raveendran and Nirmalachandran were ordered to pay $43,980 in restitution and have been ordered to forfeit over $61,000.
Hoque pleaded guilty December 13, 2019 and is scheduled to be sentenced on April 1, 2020.
“Bank fraud causes serious financial losses and inconvenience to victims, drives up business costs and undermines confidence in our banking system,” said U.S. Attorney Murray. “Fraudsters who steal hard-earned money from innocent victims should expect to be caught, prosecuted and incarcerated. I am grateful to the law enforcement officers whose excellent work led to this successful prosecution.”
This matter was investigated by the United States Secret Service, with assistance from the Hudson and Methuen Police Departments. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew Hunter.
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California Man Sentenced for Smuggling Heroin and Meth to Kansas CityRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, KAN. – A California man was sentenced today to 78 months in federal prison for smuggling heroin and methamphetamine to Kansas, U.S. Attorney Stephen McAllister said.
Allan Bryan DeJesus, 40, Bakersfield, Calif., pleaded guilty to one count of possession with intent to distribute heroin. In his plea, he admitted he was on his way to Kansas City on Jan. 5, 2019, when the Kansas Highway Patrol pulled him over on I-70 in Thomas County. In DeJesus’ vehicle, a trooper found two pounds of heroin and 20 pounds of crystal methamphetamine.
McAllister commended the Kansas Highway Patrol, the Drug Enforcement Administration and Assistant U.S. Attorney David Lind for their work on the case.
Brooklyn Man Arrested for Making Race-Based Threats of ViolenceRead the Press Release
Geoffrey S. Berman, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, William F. Sweeney Jr., the Assistant Director in Charge of the New York Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (“FBI”), and Dermot Shea, Commissioner of the New York City Police Department (“NYPD”), announced the arrest of ALLAMBERGEN KUDAYBERGENOV, a/k/a “Allambergen Kuday Bergenov,” for allegedly sending over the internet numerous race-related threats of violence and murder to a former employer at a restaurant in New York, New York. KUDAYBERGENOV is charged in a criminal Complaint, unsealed yesterday, with one count of making interstate threats, one count of using false immigration documents, and one count of aggravated identity theft. KUDAYBERGENOV was presented yesterday in Manhattan federal court before U.S. Magistrate Judge Sarah L. Cave and detained.
U.S. Attorney Geoffrey S. Berman said: “The arrest of Allambergen Kudaybergenov makes clear that we will not tolerate threats of violence, especially those directed at individuals based on their race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, or religious beliefs. Thanks to the work of the FBI-NYPD Joint Terrorism Task Force, the defendant will have to answer for his alleged threatening actions.”
FBI Assistant Director William F. Sweeney Jr. said: “The alarming messages Kudaybergenov sent to his intended victims explicitly spelled out what his alleged intentions were. Threatening violence against someone is disturbing in and of itself. When the language of the threat includes racist and homophobic sentiments, however, this raises the bar – but it won’t be tolerated here.”
Police Commissioner Dermot Shea said: “There is no place for hate or intolerance in New York City, or anywhere. I commend the effort of the NYPD investigators and our federal partners whose hard work resulted in this arrest and charges.”
According to the allegations in the Complaint unsealed in Manhattan federal court:[1]
In approximately April 2019, KUDAYBERGENOV used false identity documents, which included stolen personal identifying information belonging to others, as part of his application for employment at a restaurant (the “Victim Business”) in Manhattan. Soon after KUDAYBERGENOV was hired, he sent a series of communications via a web-based email service to the Victim Business. In those messages, KUDAYBERGENOV threatened violence against other employees of the Victim Business. In one such message, KUDAYBERGENOV wrote, in part, that an employee (“Victim-2”) of the Victim Business was a “jjew [sic] waiting for war.” Following a dispute at the Victim Business, KUDAYBERGENOV ceased working at the Victim Business, but continued sending threatening messages. In one of those messages, dated December 26, 2019, KUDAYBERGENOV referenced two more employees of the Victim Business (“Victim-1” and “Victim-3”), writing, in part, “Happy new year [Victim-1]. Soon I kill homosexual dog [Victim-3].” Later, on January 26, 2020, KUDAYBERGENOV sent a message to the Victim Business and referenced two more employees of the Victim Business (“Victim-4” and “Victim-5”), writing, in part, “I was working there in [Victim Business] as a busboy. I work there with jews Managers named [Victim-4], [Victim-2] and others. Jew fucking guy (manager) named [Victim-4] asked me do you speak Spanish. I told him I wanna another holocaust killing 60 million jews like [Victim4]. [ . . . ] As long as these jews like [Victim-4], [Victim-2], and [Victim-5] are alive, they are dangerous. [Victim-1], we must kill them.” Additionally, on February 16, 2020, KUDAYBERGENOV sent a message to the Victim Business, writing, in part, “This message is to [Victim-1] . . . once upon a day I said that war started from a jew manager named [Victim-3] who created war, I will finish that war. I will put fire in all [Victim Business] restaurants in Brooklyn in Manhattan. The era of whites (jews) and negros are long gone.”
* * *
KUDAYBERGENOV is charged with one count of making threatening interstate communications and one count of using false immigration identification documents, each of which carries a maximum sentence of five years in prison, and one count of aggravated identity theft, which carries a mandatory sentence of two years in prison, which must be imposed consecutively to any other sentence imposed. The maximum potential sentences in this case are prescribed by Congress and are provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the judge.
Mr. Berman praised the outstanding work of the FBI, and the FBI’s New York Joint Terrorism Task Force, which consists principally of agents from the FBI and detectives from the New York City Police Department.
This case is being handled by the Office’s Terrorism and International Narcotics Unit. Assistant United States Attorney Matthew J.C. Hellman is in charge of the prosecution.
The charges contained in the Complaint are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
[1] As the introductory phrase signifies, the entirety of the text of the Complaint and the description of the Complaint set forth herein constitute only allegations, and every fact described should be treated as an allegation.
Brockton Man Sentenced for Federal Firearm and Drug OffensesRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Brockton man was sentenced today in federal court in Boston for firearm and drug charges.
Kawana Tillman, 48, was sentenced by U.S. Senior District Court Judge Rya W. Zobel to five years in prison and four years of supervised release. In November 2019, Tillman pleaded guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition, one count of possession with intent to distribute cocaine base, and one count of possession with intent to distribute more than 28 grams of cocaine base. Tillman was arrested on April 30, 2019, and has been in custody since.
On March 10, 2018, Tillman was illegally in possession of a Glock, Model 26, 9mm semi-automatic handgun and three rounds of 9mm ammunition. Tillman has prior felony drug conspiracy and firearm convictions, and is therefore prohibited from possessing firearms and ammunition. On March 19, 2018, and April 30, 2019, Tillman was in possession of various amounts of cocaine base.
United States Attorney Andrew E. Lelling; Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Field Division; Kelly D. Brady, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, Boston Field Division; Plymouth County District Attorney Timothy J. Cruz; Suffolk County District Attorney Rachael Rollins; Colonel Christopher Mason, Superintendent of the Massachusetts State Police; and Boston Police Commissioner William Gross made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Nicholas Soivilien of Lelling’s Organized Crime and Gang Unit prosecuted the case.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. The Department of Justice reinvigorated PSN in 2017 as part of the Department’s renewed focus on targeting violent criminals, directing all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to work in partnership with federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement and the local community to develop effective, locally-based strategies to reduce violent crime.
Brockton Man Pleads Guilty to Federal Firearms ChargeRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Brockton man pleaded guilty today in federal court in Boston to a firearms offense.
Tyrell Hampton, 30, pleaded guilty to being a felon in possession of firearms before U.S. District Court Judge Nathaniel M. Gorton, who scheduled sentencing for July 9, 2020.
Hampton sold two .9mm Luger pistols and 21 rounds of .9mm ammunition to an undercover officer in Brockton on June 27, 2019. In phone communications prior to the transaction, Hampton indicated that the buyer should move fast because “they [the firearms offered for sale] go quick but I can always get more.”
According to court records, Hampton has previously been convicted of multiple felony offenses including drug convictions and a prior firearm conviction. As a felon, Hampton is barred under federal law from possessing a firearm.
The charge of possessing a firearm after being convicted of a felony provides for a sentence of up to10 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a $250,000 fine. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based on the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
United States Attorney Andrew E. Lelling and Kelly D. Brady, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, New England Division made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was provided by the Massachusetts State Police and the Brockton Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Bill Abely of Lelling’s Major Crimes Unit is prosecuting the case.
Boulder Man Pleads Guilty to Possession of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
DENVER – United States Attorney Jason R. Dunn announced that Wesley David Gilreath, age 29, of Boulder, pleaded guilty to two counts of possession of child pornography. Gilreath appeared at the change of plea hearing in custody, and was remanded at its conclusion. He is scheduled to be sentenced on June 2, 2020. The Denver office of the FBI joined in today’s announcement.
According to the stipulated facts contained in the plea agreement, on May 31, 2019, Gilreath left his phone on an RTD bus. The phone was recovered by RTD employees in Boulder, who provided it to the Boulder Police Department. The FBI later obtained a warrant to search the phone.
The contents of Gilreath’s phone included 12,000 images and 200 videos depicting child pornography. Gilreath also used the phone to seek out child pornography.
On July 31,2019, the defendant was arrested pursuant to a federal warrant. On August 1, 2019, the FBI searched the defendant’s residence. Agents seized a thumb drive with approximately 22,000 images and 2,400 videos depicting child pornography. Agents also seized a second phone with approximately 4,750 images and 1,400 videos depicting child pornography. The child pornography on the thumb drive and both of the defendant’s phones included images and videos depicting toddlers and infants. In addition, Gilreath used various social media, including three Twitter accounts, to knowingly receive, transport and distribute child pornography.
“The child pornography images and videos the defendant possessed were utterly offensive,” said U.S. Attorney Jason Dunn. “Thanks to the FBI, Boulder Police Department and RTD, we are able to get a serial child pornographer off our streets, protecting our children.”
Gilreath will remain in custody pending sentencing. He was previously ordered detained after a detention hearing that included evidence that he had posted “hunting guides” online targeting Jews, Muslims, and other groups and had been researching locations of local religious institutions, including mosques and synagogues.
This case was investigated by the FBI with support from the Boulder Police Department and RTD. The defendant is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Julia Martinez.
Black Market Marijuana Growers Sent to Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
DENVER – United States Attorney Jason R. Dunn announced that Huanyu Yan, age 54, and wife You Lan Xiang, age 50, both of Aurora, Colorado, were sentenced earlier this week for their role in a large-scale residential black market marijuana grow. Mr. Yan was sentenced to 36 months in federal prison, and his wife, Xiang, was sentenced to 30 months in federal prison. Both were found guilty in December of 2019 of marijuana cultivation following a four-day jury trial. Yan and Xiang appeared at the sentencing hearing in custody, and were remanded at its conclusion. DEA Denver Division Special Agent in Charge Deanne Reuter joined in this announcement.
According to court documents as well as evidence presented at trial, on October 10, 2018, the Drug Enforcement Administration, North Metro Task Force, and the Aurora Police Department executed a federal search warrant at 20050 East Doane Drive, a single family home in a residential neighborhood in Aurora, Colorado. A search of the house revealed a large-scale illicit marijuana grow operation in the basement of the house, with 878 marijuana plants. The basement also contained 9.72 pounds of finished marijuana product. According to testimony at trial, the yield of all the plants in the basement would have been enough to create approximately 150,000 marijuana joints. Both defendants were convicted of 1) conspiracy to manufacture and possess with intent to distribute 100 or more marijuana plants; 2) possessing with intent to distribute 100 or more marijuana plants; and 3) using and maintaining a drug-involved premises.
“These defendants turned their family home into a full-scale drug manufacturing facility,” said U.S. Attorney Jason Dunn. “As the first to be sentenced in this operation, I hope it sends a message to anyone involved in black market marijuana production that we will catch them, prosecute them, and send them to prison.”
“This federal and state joint investigation targeted individuals seeking to profit from the illicit production and distribution of marijuana,” said Special Agent in Charge of the DEA Denver Field Division Deanne Reuter. “This conviction serves as a message to all individuals who are seeking to profit from the illicit sale of marijuana; they can and will be held accountable for their actions.”
These defendants were the first to be sentenced in what was a massive investigation into the production and distribution of black market marijuana. In total, 255 houses were searched with over 80,000 marijuana plants and 4,500 pounds of finished marijuana product seized.
This case was investigated by the DEA, North Metro Task Force and the Aurora Police Department. The defendants were prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Aaron Teitelbaum and Peter McNeilly.
Arrests in four states of racially motivated violent extremists targeting journalists and activistsRead the Press Release
Seattle – Four racially motivated violent extremists from across the U.S. were arrested and charged today in U.S District Court in Seattle with a conspiracy to threaten and intimidate journalists and activists, announced U.S. Attorney Brian T. Moran. Today’s arrests and searches by the FBI and local law enforcement are being coordinated by the Department of Justice’s National Security Division and the U.S. Attorney’s Offices in Seattle, Tampa, Houston, and Phoenix.
“These defendants sought to spread fear and terror with threats delivered to the doorstep of those who are critical of their activities,” said U.S. Attorney Brian T. Moran for the Western District of Washington. “As Attorney General William Barr has made clear, rooting out anti-Semitic hate and threats of violence and vigorously prosecuting those responsible are top priorities for the Department of Justice.”
“The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Florida and FBI-Tampa have been focused on identifying and eradicating the threat posed by the Atomwaffen Division both locally and nationally,” said U.S. Attorney Maria Chapa Lopez for the Middle District of Florida. “Today’s arrests send a powerful message that the Department of Justice will not tolerate criminal conduct based on hateful ideology. We will continue to work with our partners here in the Middle District of Florida, and elsewhere, to devote our resources to investigate and prosecute those who aim to threaten and terrorize our communities.”
“These defendants from across the country allegedly conspired on the internet to intimidate journalists and activists with whom they disagreed,” said Assistant Attorney General for National Security John C. Demers. “This is not how America works. The Department of Justice will not tolerate this type of behavior.”
The defendants charged in the conspiracy include:
Cameron Brandon Shea, 24, of Redmond, Washington
Kaleb Cole, 24, of Montgomery, Texas
Taylor Ashley Parker-Dipeppe, 20, of Spring Hill, Florida
Johnny Roman Garza, 20, of Queen Creek, Arizona
According to the criminal complaint, the defendants conspired via an encrypted online chat group to identify journalists and others they wanted to intimidate. The group focused primarily on those who are Jewish or journalists of color. Defendants Kaleb Cole and Cameron Shea created the posters, which included Nazi symbols, masked figures with guns and Molotov cocktails, and threatening language. The posters were delivered to Atomwaffen members electronically, and the coconspirators printed and delivered or mailed the posters to journalists or activists the group was targeting. In the Seattle area, the posters were mailed to a TV journalist who had reported on Atomwaffen and to two individuals associated with the Anti-Defamation League (ADL). In Tampa, the group targeted a journalist, but delivered the poster to the wrong address. In Phoenix, the poster was delivered to a magazine journalist.
“Today’s announcement serves as a warning to anyone who intends to use violence as intimidation or coercion to further their ideology that the FBI remains steadfast in our commitment to protect Americans from domestic terrorism,” said Assistant Director for Counterterrorism Jill Sanborn. “These nationwide arrests are the result of the robust partnerships among the FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Forces in Tampa, Seattle, Houston, and Phoenix, and with the Seattle Police Department.”
“The FBI recognizes all citizen's First Amendment-protected rights. However the subjects arrested today crossed the line from protected ideas and speech to action in order to intimidate and coerce individuals who they perceived as a threat to their ideology of hate,” said Raymond Duda, Special Agent in Charge, FBI Seattle.
“Today's takedown is proof the FBI in Tampa and our Joint Terrorism Task Force will work tirelessly to ensure communities are rid of hate inspired groups whose goal is to fuel intimidation and violence,” said FBI Tampa Special Agent in Charge Michael McPherson.
Shea will make his initial appearance on the complaint at the federal courthouse in Seattle at 2 p.m. today. Those arrested in other districts will make their appearances in federal court in those districts and will appear in Seattle on a future date.
The charges contained in the complaint are only allegations. A person is presumed innocent unless and until he or she is proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
The case is being investigated by the FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Forces in Seattle, Tampa, Houston, and Phoenix. In Western Washington, these agencies assisted with the case: The U.S. Postal Inspection Service; the Seattle, Edmonds, Arlington, Mercer Island, and Kirkland Police Departments; the King and Snohomish County Sheriff’s Offices; U.S. Customs and Border Protection and Canadian partners RCMP and CBSA; and the King County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Thomas Woods with assistance from DOJ’s National Security Division and the U.S. Attorney’s Offices in the Middle District of Florida, Southern District of Texas, District of Arizona, and Central District of California.
shea_et_al_complaint_0.pdf