Latest Records
Newest first across public DOJ and U.S. Attorney press releases.
26 February 2020
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.
— END —
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.
#####
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.
***
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
###
Additional news available on our website.
Follow us on Twitter and Facebook.
United States Attorney’s Office, District of Minnesota: (612) 664-5600
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.
###
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.
Follow us on Twitter @USAO_NDIA.
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.
###
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.pdfArrests in Four States of Racially Motivated Violent Extremists Targeting Journalists and ActivistsRead the Press Release
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, the Department of Justice announced. 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 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.”
“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.”
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, and
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 Cole and 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 we appreciate their collective efforts.”
“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.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Thomas Woods with assistance from U.S. Attorneys Offices in the Middle District of Florida, Southern District of Texas, District of Arizona, and Central District of California.
Appleton City Man Sentenced for Child PornographyRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, Mo. – An Appleton City, Missouri, man was sentenced in federal court today for sending images of child pornography to an undercover law enforcement officer.
Anthony Dale Smith, 38, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Stephen R. Bough to 13 years in federal prison without parole. The court also sentenced Smith to 15 years of supervised release following incarceration. Smith 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 Oct. 21, 2018, Smith pleaded guilty to attempting to distribute child pornography over the internet. Smith admitted that he sent images of child pornography to an undercover law enforcement officer.
Officers executed a search warrant at Smith’s residence on May 24, 2018, and seized computers and other electronic media.
This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Catherine A. Connelly. It was investigated by the FBI and the Kansas City, 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."Anchorage Man Sentenced for Possession of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
Anchorage, Alaska – U.S. Attorney Bryan Schroder announced that Troy MacDermott, 36, of Anchorage, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Ralph R. Beistline to serve seven years and three months in federal prison, to be followed by a 40-year term of supervised release, for possession of child pornography. MacDermott was also ordered to pay $42,000 in restitution to the victims.
According to court documents, in December 2018, law enforcement identified MacDermott’s IP address on a photo-sharing and instant messaging mobile application, which was linked to the user “chrissmith790” and “chrisschmidt159.” The investigation revealed that MacDermott utilized these monikers to upload visual depictions of minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct.
A search of MacDermott’s computer and phone revealed approximately 33,325 pictures and 802 videos of child pornography that he had downloaded through the internet. One of the videos found on his phone was three minutes and 45 seconds long and included a compilation video of sexually explicit video clips involving real minors under the age of 12.
At the sentencing hearing, Judge Beistline noted the harm that MacDermott’s “repugnant” conduct had on the children shown in the images he possessed, and that MacDermott’s conduct was “clearly pre-meditated.” He admonished that it might help MacDermott in overcoming his addiction if he “think[s] about how [he’d] feel if someone did the same things [he gained so much pleasure in watching] to his children.”
Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) conducted the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of this case. This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Carole Holley.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorney’s Offices nationwide and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, 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.projectsafechildhood.gov.
Alabama man sentenced for stealing 900 laptops worth nearly $250,000 from tractor-trailerRead the Press Release
ATLANTA - Gevorg Kevliyan has been sentenced for stealing 900 ACER Chromebook laptops from a tractor-trailer.
“The defendant’s cargo theft highlights how much these crimes financially impact local economies,” said U.S. Attorney Byung J. “BJay” Pak. “These crimes also affect potential customers who buy these products, as well as employees and communities where these companies operate.”
“This conviction demonstrates the great work of law enforcement at all levels to investigate and prosecute major cargo theft affecting Georgia and our surrounding states. The GBI remains committed to working with our local and federal partners to address these types of crimes,” said Vic Reynolds, Director, Georgia Bureau of Investigation.
According to U.S. Attorney Pak, the charges, and other information presented in court: On June 21, 2017, Acer Incorporated contracted with a trucking company to deliver 15 pallets of 900 Acer Chromebook laptops valued at $245,000 from a packaging facility in California to a Costco distribution center in College Park, Georgia. Due to problems with the purchase order paperwork, Costco rejected the shipment once it arrived. Gevorg Kevliyan was then hired to drive the tractor-trailer containing the laptops back to California. Once Kevilyan took control of the truck, however, he reported it to be empty. He later claimed to have traveled to Chicago, Illinois, to pick up another load of cargo before returning to California.
Contrary to Kevilyan’s statement, GBI agents obtained records from a weigh-station in Ringgold, Georgia, where Kevliyan stopped on his way to Chicago. The records indicated that Kevliyan’s truck weighed several thousand pounds more than would be expected for an empty tractor-trailer, consistent with a load of 900 laptops.
GBI agents traveled to Chicago, where they used GPS information from the truck to locate surveillance footage from a Chicago warehouse. The video showed a tractor trailer matching Kevliyan’s arriving on the evening of July 5, 2017. Approximately 15 pallets were then unloaded by the on-site janitor and several other unknown men. The pallets matched the appearance of the Acer laptops. When later located and interviewed, the janitor described being contacted by the owner of a nearby business to unload the truck for $250. On July 18, 2017, he later loaded the same pallets onto another truck with a different driver for an additional $250.
Agents also obtained gambling records from the Virgin River Hotel and Casino in Mesquite, Nevada, which showed that Kevliyan gambled with over $11,000 in cash after arriving at the casino from Chicago.
Gevorg Kevliyan, 51, of Decatur, Alabama, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge J.P. Boulee, to one year in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release. He was also ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $245,000.
The Georgia Bureau of Investigation’s Major Theft Unit investigated this case, with assistance from the Chicago Police Department, the National Information Crime Bureau (NICB), CargoNet.com, and the Southeast Transportation Security Coalition (SETSC).
The Major Theft Unit is responsible for investigating instances of cargo theft throughout the State of Georgia and is a collaboration between the GBI and the Georgia Department of Public Safety’s Motor Carrier Compliance Division.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Scott McAfee prosecuted 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.
ATF Operation Leads to Multiple Arrests, Recovery of 82 FirearmsRead the Press Release
Anchorage, Alaska – U.S. Attorney Bryan Schroder announced that, on Tues., Feb. 25, 2020, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) executed a series of search warrants as part of “Operation Cold Snap,” resulting in federal charges against 16 individuals for federal firearm and drug trafficking crimes. The operation further resulted in the recovery of 82 illegal firearms, some of which were stolen; approximately seven pounds of methamphetamine, and approximately 300 grams of heroin.
Over the last several months, the ATF Anchorage Field Office initiated multiple investigations into firearms and narcotics traffickers operating in the Municipality of Anchorage and the surrounding areas. As a result of this operation, the following individuals are now facing charges alleged in ten separate federal indictments:
- Clay Millhouse, a/k/a “Bear,” 34, and Shad Rider-Sorden, a/k/a “Shadow,” 28, both of Anchorage, are charged with conspiracy to possess and sell stolen firearms, and possession of stolen firearms. Millhouse is also charged with being a felon in possession of firearms;
- Michael Proctor, 34, of Anchorage, is charged with distribution of methamphetamine, carrying a firearm during a drug trafficking crime, and being a felon in possession of firearms and ammunition;
- Nathaniel Sofianos, 30, and Korina Thompson, 32, both of Wasilla, have been charged with distribution of controlled substances, possession of firearms in furtherance of drug trafficking, and being felons in possession of firearms.
- Xenophon Xayamonty, a/k/a “Rexy,” a/k/a, “X,” 31, of Anchorage, is charged with distribution of methamphetamine, and carrying a firearm during a drug trafficking crime;
- Realann Odsigue, 27, and Rene Laxa, 26, both of Anchorage, are both charged with conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine, and distribution of methamphetamine;
- Dorian Topps, 26, Isaiah Cross, 27, and Kevin Glover, 37, all of Anchorage, are charged with distribution of methamphetamine;
- Christopher Poindexter, 34, and Roxanne Reed, 37, both of Anchorage, are charged with distribution of a controlled substance. Poindexter is also charged with carrying a firearm during a drug trafficking crime, and Reed is also charged with being a felon in possession;
- Dana Dwyer, 43, of Wasilla, is charged with being a felon in possession of firearms;
- Marcus Jones, 48, of Anchorage, is charged with being a felon in possession of a firearm; and
- Lanyegia Davis, 29, of Anchorage, is charged with distribution of heroin.
The charges in the indictments are merely allegations, and the defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Operation Cold Snap is the product of an investigation led by the ATF Anchorage Field Office, with substantial assistance provided by the Anchorage Police Department (APD), the Alaska State Troopers (AST), the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the U.S. Marshals Service (USMS), the Anchorage Airport Police, and the Coast Guard Investigative Service (CGIS). These cases are being prosecuted out of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Alaska by Assistant U.S. Attorneys James Klugman, Allison O’Leary, Kelly Cavanaugh, William Taylor, Carole Holley, Stephan Collins; and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Jennifer Ivers.
During the course of the investigation, several leads were generated from ATF’s National Integrated Ballistic Information Network (NIBIN). NIBIN is the only national network that allows for the capture and comparison of ballistic evidence to aid in solving and preventing violent crime involving firearms. NIBIN is a proven investigative and intelligence tool that can link firearms from multiple crime scenes, allowing law enforcement to quickly disrupt shooting cycles. For more information on NIBIN, visit https://www.atf.gov/firearms/national-integrated-ballistic-information-network-nibin.
These cases were investigated as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), the Department of Justice’s 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. In November 2019, DOJ also announced the launch of Project Guardian, a nationwide strategic plan to reduce gun violence, which serves as a complementary effort to the success of PSN, and emphasizes the importance of using all modern technologies available to law enforcement to promote gun crime intelligence.
- Clay Millhouse, a/k/a “Bear,” 34, and Shad Rider-Sorden, a/k/a “Shadow,” 28, both of Anchorage, are charged with conspiracy to possess and sell stolen firearms, and possession of stolen firearms. Millhouse is also charged with being a felon in possession of firearms;
3 Members of a Tipton County Drug Trafficking Operation are Sentenced to a Total of 20 Years in Federal Prison for Meth ConspiracyRead the Press Release
Memphis, TN – Jeffery P. Meadows, 37, along with co-defendants, Rita Sandoval, 49 and Christopher Orozco, 32, have been sentenced to a total of 246 months in federal prison for conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute and distribution of methamphetamine. U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant announced the sentences today.
According to information presented in court, on August 30, 2018, a seven-count federal indictment charged Meadows and two co-defendants, Sandoval and Orozco with conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute and distribution of methamphetamine. All 3 defendants ultimately pled guilty to conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute and distribution of methamphetamine.
On February 7, 2017, Sandoval met and sold 4.23 grams of meth while Meadows waited in his vehicle. Sandoval referred to Meadows as the "main man." On February 8, 2017, Orozco sold 1.30 grams of meth to undercover agents. Later, at the same location, Orozco met Meadows where there was short conversation before Meadows handed Orzoco the narcotics. Orozco sold 4.3 grams of meth to undercover agents on March 12, 2017.
On March 14, 2017, a Tipton County deputy conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle operated by Meadows. Because Meadows refused consent to search the vehicle, law enforcement requested the assistance of the canine unit. The canine gave a positive alert, and a plastic bag containing 26.56 grams of meth, a glass pipe, and digital scale were seized. Meadows advised that he used the glass pipe to smoke meth. He was taken into custody on several outstanding warrants.
On January 28, 2020, U.S. District Court Judge Thomas L. Parker sentenced Meadows to 144 months in federal prison followed by 5 years supervised release.
On January 29, 2020, U.S. District Court Judge Thomas L. Parker sentenced Sandoval to 72 months in federal prison followed by 5 years supervised release. On the same day, U.S. District Court Judge Thomas L. Parker sentenced Orozco to 30 months in federal prison followed by 5 years supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system.
U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant said, "Distribution of illegal narcotics is NOT a victimless crime. Methamphetamine that is trafficked in and through West Tennessee is increasing in dangerous purity, and continues to destroy individuals, families, and communities. Drug dealers who profit from the pain, addiction, violence, and death caused by these dangerous substances deserve proper punishment, and these sentences do just that. Thanks to the great investigative work by our local law enforcement partners at the Tipton County Sheriff’s Office, these drug dealers have been held accountable and will be removed from the community."
The Tipton County Sheriff’s Office investigated this case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Bayonle Osundare and Special Assistant Sean G. Hord prosecuted this case on behalf of the government. SAUSA Hord is currently assigned from the 25th Judicial District Attorney General’s Office
###
2 imprisoned for drug conspiracy involving high speed chaseRead the Press Release
LAREDO, Texas – Two Laredo men have been ordered to federal prison after their involvement in a drug trafficking event, announced U.S. Attorney Ryan Patrick.
Raul Gomez, 36, and Enrique Gonzalez, 39, pleaded guilty Aug. 6, 2019.
Today, U.S. District Judge Marina Garcia Marmolejo ordered Gomez to serve 87 months in federal prison. At the hearing, the court noted he had prior convictions for burglary, assault, possession of a controlled substance and being a felon in possession of a firearm. In handing down the sentence, Judge Marmolejo explained that during the commission of the instant offense, Gomez could have killed someone during the high speed chase or been killed himself.
Gonzalez was previously ordered to serve 12 months and one day in prison. Gomez and Gonzalez will serve five and four years of supervised release following their prison terms, respectively.
The investigation revealed a drug trafficking organization would be attempting to transport marijuana. On May 29, 2019, authorities established surveillance in the vicinity of Sereno Drive in Laredo, during which time they observed two vehicles leaving a residence in tandem.
Gomez was driving one of them - a red SUV - which appeared to be weighed down in the rear with items stacked high in the rear seat. Law enforcement attempted to conduct a traffic stop, but he fled at a high rate of speed. The chase continued through Bob Bullock Loop and Mines Road, eventually resulting in a crash. Gomez attempted to flee on foot, but authorities were able to soon apprehend him.
At the time of his arrest, law enforcement discovered d a total of 347 kilograms of marijuana in the back of his vehicle.
Simultaneously, other authorities had conducted a traffic stop on the other vehicle that left the residence on Sereno Drive. They arrested Gonzalez – the driver – who later admitted he had been paid to store the drugs at his home.
Gomez will remain in custody pending transfer to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons (BOP) facility to be determined in the near future. Gonzalez was permitted to remain on bond and voluntarily surrender to a BOP facility to be determined in the near future.
The Drug Enforcement Administration conducted the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force investigation dubbed Operation The World Is Yours. Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher Dos Santos prosecuted the case.
25 February 2020
Worcester Man Sentenced on Fentanyl and Heroin ChargesRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Worcester man was sentenced today in connection with drug trafficking charges.
Freiber Betancourth, 30, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Timothy S. Hillman to 12 months and a day in prison and three years of supervised release. In June 2019, Betancourth pleaded guilty to one count of conspiring to distribute fentanyl and heroin and one count of distributing fentanyl and heroin.
Betancourth worked for a Massachusetts Department of Transportation / EZ Pass contractor in Auburn, Mass. Between June and September 2018, Betancourth distributed heroin and fentanyl on multiple occasions, including in the parking lot outside of his workplace. In addition, he stored drugs in his office. Betancourth obtained these drugs from Albeiro Gomez, sold the drugs to a particular customer, and then provided most of the cash proceeds to Gomez.
Gomez pleaded guilty on Nov. 25, 2019 to various drug charges including distributing fentanyl and heroin and possessing cocaine with intent to distribute. He is scheduled to be sentenced on March 5, 2020.
United States Attorney Andrew E. Lelling and Brian D. Boyle, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration, New England Field Division, made the announcement today. The Massachusetts Attorney General’s Office and the Massachusetts State Police provided assistance with the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Bill Abely and John Mulcahy of Lelling’s Criminal Division prosecuted the case.
Woman sentenced after trying to move $1M in methRead the Press Release
LAREDO, Texas – A 40-year-old U.S. citizen and resident of San Nicolas, Nuevo Leon, Mexico, has been ordered to prison after admitting she trafficked a large amount of “ice” meth into the country, announced U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Patrick.
Carolina Alvarez-Lopez pleaded guilty Nov. 1, 2019, to conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute meth
Today, U.S. District Judge Marina Garcia Marmolejo ordered her to serve a 72-month sentence followed by three years of supervised release. At the hearing, the court heard additional evidence about how she brought the narcotics into the United States from Mexico and the steps she took to avoid detection from law enforcement. In handing down the sentence, the court noted the defendant’s lack of criminal history but stated a significant prison sentence was still warranted.
On March 31, 2019, Alvarez-Lopez entered the Border Patrol checkpoint at mile marker 29 on Interstate 35 north of Laredo driving a 2003 Honda Accord. During primary inspection, a K-9 alerted to the vehicle, after which law enforcement referred her to a secondary inspection. During the search of her vehicle, agents located 35 bundles of “ice” concealed inside its the seats.
The drugs weighed a total of approximately 17.5 kilograms with an estimated street value of more than $1.24 million.
Alvarez-Lopez admitted she knew there were narcotics in her vehicle and expected to be paid $2,000 for transporting them.
She has been and will remain in custody pending transfer to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future.
Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations conducted the investigation with assistance from Border Patrol. Assistant U.S. Attorney Anthony J. Evans prosecuted the case.
Woman Sentenced to 22 Years in Federal Prison for Conspiracy to Produce Child Pornography and Distribution of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
Spokane – William D. Hyslop, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Washington, announced that Katrina Michelle Maradee Adams, age 27, a resident of Walla Walla, Washington was sentenced today after having pleaded guilty on January 29, 2019, to one count of conspiracy to produce child pornography and one count of distribution of child pornography. Senior United States District Judge Wm. Fremming Nielsen sentenced Adams to a 22-year term of imprisonment, to be followed by a lifetime term of court supervision after she is released from federal prison.
According to information disclosed during court proceedings, Adams’ co-conspirator Mikhail Yuriy Ageyev came to law enforcement attention through a series of CyberTips from Twitter and the Microsoft Corporation about suspected child pornography uploaded by Ageyev over the internet. CyberTips are reports to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) of illegal actions taken against children. In this case, as in many cases, the CyberTip pertained to child pornography. NCMEC receives the CyberTip and determines which law enforcement group (geographically) is best suited to respond to the tip. After NCMEC’s review is completed, the information in a CyberTip report is made available to that law enforcement group.
In this case, the first CyberTip was received by the Moses Lake Police Department on October 30, 2017. The Moses Lake Police Department quickly conducted additional investigation to include executing search warrants for various online accounts maintained by Ageyev. The CyberTips and search warrants revealed that Ageyev maintained an online presence where he professed an interest in incest and child pornography and where he traded child pornography images with others online.
On November 18, 2017, the Moses Lake Police Department executed search warrants at Ageyev’s residence in Moses Lake. During a subsequent interview at the Moses Lake Police Department, Ageyev admitted to law enforcement that he had child pornography files on his mobile phone. Ageyev also admitted that he exchanged links, images, and videos of child pornography with others using various methods over the internet. Ageyev also admitted that he produced child pornography by using his mobile phone to take sexually explicit video and still images of his girlfriend’s two-year old daughter. Ageyev was taken into custody the same day.
A subsequent forensic examination of Ageyev’s electronic devices, in particular his mobile phone, revealed child pornography images and videos that he had produced. It also revealed child pornography images and videos Ageyev had downloaded from the internet or received directly from other people over the internet.
A review of several of the child pornography videos found on Ageyev’s device demonstrated that Ageyev’s girlfriend, Katrina Michelle Maradee Adams, was also involved in the production of child pornography involving Adams’ two-year old daughter along with Ageyev. Search warrants were then obtained for electronic devices possessed by Adams and various online accounts maintained by Adams. These search warrants revealed discussions between Ageyev and Adams concerning the sexual abuse of Adams’ two-year old daughter which included Ageyev discussing future plans to sexually abuse and impregnate the child. Law enforcement also located video and still images depicting the sexual abuse of the two-year old victim.
On February 21, 2018, a federal Grand Jury in Spokane returned a multi-count indictment against Ageyev and Adams charging conspiracy to produce child pornography, production of child pornography, distribution of child pornography, receipt of child pornography, and possession of child pornography. On January 29, 2019, Adams pleaded guilty to conspiracy to produce child and distribution of child pornography. Ageyev was sentenced on January 28, 2020 to 50 years of imprisonment for conspiracy to produce child pornography, production of child pornography, and possession of child pornography.
United States Attorney Hyslop said, “The victim in this case has had her life forever altered as a result of the actions of her mother both in abusing her and in permitting another to abuse her. The sentence imposed is necessary to protect her and the public. The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Washington will remain steadfast in its unwavering commitment to work closely with its federal, state, local and tribal law enforcement partners to prosecute aggressively those individuals who may commit such crimes.”
“This young child was victimized by the very people who should have been protecting her from harm.” said Eben Roberts, acting special agent in charge of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Seattle. “Anyone who can prey upon, or allow someone to prey upon, a two year old child represents the worst of the worst in our community. Let this be a warning to those who exploit children, just as in this case, HSI and our partners are committed to seeking, apprehending and bringing you to justice.”.
This case was pursued as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the United States 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. The Project Safe Childhood Initiative (“PSC”) has five major components:
· Integrated federal, state, and local efforts to investigate and prosecute child exploitation cases, and to identify and rescue children;
· Participation of PSC partners in coordinated national initiatives;
· Increased federal enforcement in child pornography and enticement cases;
· Training of federal, state, and local law enforcement agents; and
· Community awareness and educational programs.
For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc. For information about internet safety education, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc and click on the tab "resources."
This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations, the Moses Lake Police Department, and the Southeast Regional Internet Crimes against Children Task Force (ICAC). This case was prosecuted by Alison L. Gregoire and James A. Goeke, Assistant United States Attorneys for the Eastern District of Washington.
Woman Pleads Guilty to False Statement Regarding Sexual AssaultRead the Press Release
NORFOLK, Va. – A Chesapeake woman pleaded guilty today to lying to Naval Criminal Investigative Service (NCIS) investigators about an alleged sexual assault that occurred aboard Naval Station Norfolk.
According to court documents, in July 2018 Miranda H. Overton, 21, made a report to NCIS alleging that an active duty Navy sailor sexually assaulted her. After opening an investigation into the alleged assault, the alleged perpetrator was interviewed, and he explained that he had consensual sex with Overton after they met on an online dating application. Investigators then obtained surveillance video from the day of the alleged assault revealing that Overton and the sailor kissed in the elevator immediately prior to the alleged assault. Furthermore, investigators obtained Overton’s statement during her sexual assault forensic examination where she admitted that prior to meeting with alleged perpetrator they agreed to have sexual intercourse. Investigators subsequently interviewed Overton a second time during which she admitted her allegation was false and had made another false allegation in the past. Overton admitted that she fabricated the allegation out of fear that her significant other would end their relationship if the significant other became aware that Overton had sex with the sailor.
Overton pleaded guilty to making a false statement or representation made to a department or agency of the United States and faces a maximum penalty of five years in prison when sentenced on June 3. 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 Cliff Everton, Special Agent in Charge of the Naval Criminal Investigative Service (NCIS) Norfolk Field Office, made the announcement after U.S. Magistrate Judge Douglas E. Miller accepted the plea. Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew J. Heck 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. 2:20-cr-004.
Wheeling man sentenced for role in cocaine and heroin distribution operationRead the Press Release
WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Andre Hager, of Wheeling, West Virginia, was sentenced today to 51 months incarceration for his role in a cocaine and heroin distribution operation, U.S. Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Hager, also known as “Andyman,” pled guilty to one count of “Conspiracy to Distribute Cocaine Base and Heroin” in June 2019. Hager, age 48, admitted to distributing cocaine and heroin, in Ohio County from April 2018 to September 2018.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephen L. Vogrin prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The investigation was led by the Ohio County Drug & Violent Crimes Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative. The task force is comprised of the Drug Enforcement Administration, West Virginia State Police, the Ohio County Sheriff’s Office, and the Wheeling Police Department. Those assisting in the arrests are the United States Marshal Service; Marshall County Drug & Violent Crimes Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative; the Hancock-Brooke-Weirton Drug & Violent Crimes Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative; the Martins Ferry, Ohio Police Department; and the Columbus, Ohio Police Department.
U.S. District Judge John Preston Bailey presided.
Westbrook Man Pleads Guilty to Child Sexual Exploitation OffenseRead the Press Release
Portland, Maine: A Westbrook man pleaded guilty today in federal court in Portland to distributing images of child exploitation, U.S. Attorney Halsey B. Frank announced.
According to court records, in July 2018, Tyler Garnett, 22, used the social media application Kik Messenger to chat over the internet with another Kik user. During the chat, Garnett sent several images that depicted minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct.
Later in 2018, the Westbrook Police Department investigated a CyberTip provided by the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children regarding child pornography that had been uploaded to another social networking service. The IP address used to upload the child pornography was assigned to Garnett’s residence in Westbrook. Detectives interviewed Garnett in December 2018. He admitted uploading the images that were the subject of the CyberTip and using Kik Messenger to find child pornography. He consented to a search of his mobile telephone, which contained numerous images and videos depicting minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct. The phone also contained evidence of Kik chats in which Garnett distributed child pornography images.
Garnett faces a sentence of no less than five years and up to 20 years in prison. He also faces a $250,000 fine and from five years to a lifetime of supervised release. He will be sentenced after the completion of a presentence investigation report by the U.S. Probation Office.
The Westbrook Police Department, the Maine State Police Computer Crimes Unit and the FBI investigated this case. The case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. 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.
Vicksburg Man Pleads Guilty to Bank RobberyRead the Press Release
Jackson, Miss – David Michael Gammill, 44, of Vicksburg, pled guilty yesterday before Chief U.S. District Court Judge Daniel P. Jordan III to bank robbery, announced U.S. Attorney Mike Hurst and Michelle A. Sutphin, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation in Mississippi.
On August 1, 2018, Gammill entered Trustmark National Bank located on North Frontage Road in Vicksburg, approached a teller, and said the bank was being robbed. Gammill passed a plastic bag to the teller and demanded money. Gammill told the teller that he possessed a firearm in his coat pocket and according to bank employees, it appeared as if he did. Gammill’s intimidating behavior caused the teller to hand over money out of fear of bodily injury. Gammill then fled the bank.
Vicksburg Police officers responded to Trustmark Bank and learned the robber fled in a gray Chrysler van. Due to swift and solid police work, Gammill was captured later that day by the Vicksburg Police Department and Federal Bureau of Investigation.
On November 6, 2018, Gammill was charged in a federal criminal indictment with bank robbery.
Gammill will be sentenced on June 5, 2020 at 9:00 a.m. by Judge Jordan. He faces a statutory penalty of up to 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
The case was investigated by the Vicksburg Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Bert Carraway.
U.S. Department of Justice to Appeal District Court Ruling Regarding Drug Injection SitesRead the Press Release
PHILADELPHIA – A federal judge ruled today that a nonprofit seeking to open a facility in Philadelphia for the injection of illegal drugs would not violate a federal drug law known commonly as the federal “crack house statute.” The decision by United States District Court Judge Gerald A. McHugh in favor of nonprofit Safehouse makes final a prior ruling and paves the way for a showdown on appeal.
“We respectfully disagree with the District Court’s ruling and plan to appeal immediately,” said United States Attorney William M. McSwain. “What Safehouse proposes is a radical experiment that would invite thousands of people onto its property for the purpose of injecting illegal drugs. In our view, this would plainly violate the law and we look forward to presenting our case to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit.”
The application of the law in question, which prohibits any person from maintaining a place for the purpose of illegal drug use, is hotly contested. Safehouse contends that allowing illegal drug use on its property is necessary to prevent overdoses. The so-called “supervised injection site” proposed by Safehouse would be the first of its kind in the United States.
This effort is staunchly opposed by a growing number of federal authorities, including the U.S. Department of Justice and the U.S. Surgeon General. In anticipation of this ruling, U.S. Deputy Attorney General Jeffrey A. Rosen published an editorial in the Philadelphia Inquirer earlier this month, condemning Safehouse’s plan and committing to an appeal. Last month, U.S. Surgeon General Jerome M. Adams cautioned, “I have looked at the data,” and “we want to optimize the things that we know work before we start having conversations about more controversial interventions.”
Community groups in neighborhoods where Safehouse is rumored to be considering opening an injection site have also objected. “We believe that Safehouse’s proposed activity threatens to institutionalize the scourge of illegal drug use – and all the problems that come with it – in Philadelphia neighborhoods,” said U.S. Attorney McSwain. “In light of these concerns, Safehouse should act prudently and not rush to open while the appeal is pending. But if it does rush forward, my Office will evaluate all options available under the law.”
While no timeline has yet been set for the appeal, the United States will seek an expedited ruling from the Third Circuit.
U.S. Attorney Russell Coleman Appointed to Working Group of Presidential Commission on Law EnforcementRead the Press Release
LOUISVILLE, Ky. – United States Attorney Russell Coleman will serve on President Donald Trump’s Commission on Law Enforcement and the Administration of Justice Law Enforcement Recruitment and Training Working Group. The Working Group will hear from experts and practitioners with firsthand experience within law enforcement about best practices, challenges, and innovative strategies to address and enhance law enforcement operations and processes, including the recruitment and training of law enforcement.
“Our very finest in Kentucky and the nation wear a badge,” said U.S. Attorney Russell Coleman. “I am honored to support the President’s Law Enforcement Commission through service on this effort to explore the critically important challenges of recruitment, retention, and training of our law enforcement colleagues.”
The Working Group meeting will focus on the issues affecting officer recruitment, retention, and training. The group will evaluate how to improve and increase the enlistment, retention, and training of police officers across the country and develop recommendations to submit to the Commission. The Commission meeting will include topic-specific panel presentations, during which the President’s Law Enforcement Commission will hear from a number of witnesses, participating in topic-specific panel discussions, who will share information about officer safety, health, and wellness needs, challenges, lessons learned, best practices, successful programs, and other information that directly address the police officer safety, health, and wellness focus area.
On October 28, 2019, President Donald J. Trump signed Executive Order No. 13896, authorizing and designating the Attorney General to create such a Commission that would explore modern issues affecting law enforcement that most impact the ability of American policing to reduce crime. Attorney General William P. Barr announced the establishment of the Commission on January 22, 2020.
The Executive Order instructs the Commission to conduct its study by focusing on the law enforcement officers who are tasked with reducing crime on a daily basis. It also directs the Commission to research “important current issues facing law enforcement and the criminal justice system,” and recommends a variety of subjects for study, such as, but not limited to:
- The challenges to law enforcement associated with mental illness, homelessness, substance abuse, and other social factors that influence crime and strain criminal justice resources;
- The recruitment, hiring, training, and retention of law enforcement officers, including in rural and tribal communities;
- Refusals by State and local prosecutors to enforce laws or prosecute categories of crimes;
- The need to promote public confidence and respect for the law and law enforcement officers; and
- The effects of technological innovations on law enforcement and the criminal justice system, including the challenges and opportunities presented by such innovations
In forming the Commission, the Department of Justice has marshaled together the expertise and experiences of all sectors of the law enforcement community—urban police departments, county sheriffs, state attorneys general and prosecutors, elected officials, United States Attorneys, and federal law enforcement agencies. They come from distinct states, cities, counties, and towns across the country but share a common mission of safeguarding their respective communities from a variety of threats.
######
Two Men Sentenced to Federal Prison for Multiple Armed RobberiesRead the Press Release
Montgomery, Alabama – Two men were recently sentenced to federal prison for committing multiple armed robberies across central Alabama, announced U.S. Attorney Louis V. Franklin, Sr.
On January 29, 2020, Marcus Greathouse, 41, a resident of Opelika, Alabama, was sentenced to 72 months in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release. Then, on February 20, 2020, Branden Tyrone Matthews, 32, a resident of Camp Hill, Alabama, was sentenced to 92 months imprisonment and will serve three years of supervised release as well. Matthews was also ordered to pay $11,206.29 in restitution. The restitution amount for Greathouse will be determined later. There is no parole in the federal system.
According to court documents, Matthews went on a robbery spree in 2018 that spanned eight Alabama counties over an eight-month period. The following ten robberies were committed, with Greathouse participating in three.
- January 26, 2018- O’Reilly Auto Parts, Auburn, Alabama;
- June 20, 2018- Auto Zone, Alexander City, Alabama;
- July 13, 2018- Auto Zone, Opelika, Alabama;
- July 25, 2018- Auto Zone, Eufaula, Alabama;
- July 28,2018- O’Reilly Auto Parts, Tallassee, Alabama;
- July 30, 2018- Dollar General, Hurtsboro, Alabama;
- August 4, 2018- Dollar General, Roanoke, Alabama;
- August 5, 2018- Dollar General, Montgomery, Alabama;
- August 12, 2018- O’Reilly Auto Parts, Tallassee, Alabama; and
- August 16, 2018- Dollar General, Greenville, Alabama.
Greathouse participated in the Hurtsboro, Greenville, and the Tallassee robbery that occurred in August. Court records indicate that a pellet gun resembling a pistol was used in the robberies. However, the victims would not have known the type of weapon during the crimes.U.S. Attorney Franklin would like to thank the numerous law enforcement agencies involved in bringing Matthews and Greathouse to justice. The investigating agencies include the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the Alexander City Police Department, the Auburn Police Division, the Butler County Sheriff’s Office, the Eufaula Police Department, the Hurtsboro Police Department, the Montgomery Police Department, the Opelika Police Department, the Roanoke Police Department, the Russell County Sheriff’s Office, and the Tallassee Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Kevin Davidson prosecuted the case.
Two Former SunTrust Bank Employees Plead Guilty to Financial Exploitation of an Elderly PersonRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Rashad Liverpool, 27, and Robert Tillery, 44, pleaded guilty today of one count of Financial Exploitation of an Elderly Person or Vulnerable Adult. The two former SunTrust Bank employees defrauded a 72-year old widow with diminished capacity of over $80,000, announced U.S. Attorney Timothy J. Shea. Both defendants agreed to pay restitution as part of their plea and will be sentenced on April 28, 2020.
According to the government’s evidence, during the summer of 2018, Liverpool and Tillery would frequently visit the victim – a client of SunTrust Bank – after normal business hours and against bank policy. They identified funds that she held at Bank of America and took advantage of her diminished capacity in order to move these funds into accounts that they controlled. Liverpool moved $51,900 into a joint account that he created in his and the victim’s name at Capital One Bank. He used all of the funds for his own benefit including two trips to California and one trip to Miami. During the trip to Miami, Liverpool used the victim’s funds to stay at a beach front hotel, rent a red Ford Mustang, and purchase items from the mini bar. Meanwhile, Tillery withdrew $3,000 in cash from one of the victim’s accounts and wrote himself a check for $25,700 from another. He used these funds to make purchases at various outlet stores and move to Chicago. The scheme ended when the victim was hospitalized and a newly appointed Attorney-in-Fact discovered that the funds were missing.
In announcing the plea, U.S. Attorney Shea commended the work of the Metropolitan Police Department, specifically Detective Phillipe Moore from the Financial and Cyber Crimes Unit, as well as Investigator Jonathan Rich from the Office of the Attorney General for the District of Columbia, who investigated the case together. He also acknowledged the work of those who handled the case at the U.S. Attorney’s Office, including Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Jennifer Mika, who is detailed from the Office of the Attorney General for the District of Columbia to handle financial crime cases involving elderly victims; Assistant U.S. Attorney Chimnomnso Kalu; former Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael Romano; and Supervisory Victim Witness Advocate Jennifer Clark.
This prosecution is part of the Office’s wider efforts to combat crimes against seniors. In 2018, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia and the Office of the Attorney General for the District of Columbia simultaneously launched initiatives to address the abuse and exploitation of older adults. The Elder Abuse and Financial Exploitation Initiative at the U.S. Attorney’s Office expanded its response to criminal and civil violations targeting older adults. The initiative has enabled the U.S. Attorney’s Office to develop and coordinate further its prosecution of these cases and enhance its overall support of older or vulnerable victims. The team consists of experienced prosecutors and victim advocates from across the Office, to include the Superior Court, Criminal, and Civil Divisions, as well as the Victim Witness Assistance Unit. In 2019, the Office of the Attorney General for the District of Columbia also established an Elder Justice Section to better protect the District’s elders and vulnerable adults from financial exploitation through civil enforcement of the District’s financial exploitation law. This is the second outcome this month in a case involving elder financial exploitation that was handled jointly by the U.S. Attorney’s Office and the Office of the Attorney General.